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Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  d20+12=24 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 8:41:30 PM
As the Commander attempts to leave Bosk flicks his sword in an attempt to disarm the commander.
(You didn't describe him in great detail, can you tell me what he is carrying? I am particularly looking for a holy symbol, bag or or pouch, weapon, shield, or anything in his hand)

AoO Disarm = 24

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 9:07:29 PM
Cyclops 1 notices the comotion caused by the commander and runs toward J-17 to help
Cyclops 2 also runs to join at N-23

Beriothian thinks but can't come up with a useful spell to cast, so he flies to N-20 in preparation for a future attack.

0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize
1 (6)- *Elf Vision, obscuring mist, Faerie Fire, Entangle, cure light wounds x3
2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood x2, Flaming Sphere(x2)
3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm x2, Greater Magic Fang x2, Spike Growth, stone shape
4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, Spike Stones x2, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2
5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth x0 Cure Critical Wounds
Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)

Anrete (Posted by Jeff O) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 9:14:47 PM
Anrete looks around at the carnage around him as the blood-lust continues to course through his veins. He shifts his feet and looks for another foe, not seeing the commander running away through the woods.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:85/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29]  d20+24=40 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+13=26 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 9:27:59 PM
Garret feels the magic course through his already speedy body and decides that he will make the attempt to stop this creature from escaping to wreak havoc wherever it is headed. With the added haste, he finds that he can easily catch up to the fleeing monster. As he reaches it, he reaches out for the monster's leg, hoping to dismount it once again.

OOC:
Let's see how massive this halfling monk really is! He has a move of 50, but with the haste it should be increased to 80. Using 1 ki point adds another 20 for a total of 100. A double move of 200 should get him to the bad guy easily, even considering the edge of the forest and that should take him around the spikes, if 100 isn't enough.

I'm not sure what rolls to make to attempt to dismount a skilled rider. Here's an acrobatics roll: 40. An attack roll is 24. Finally, a CMB is a 26. If he can pull this off... apologies in advance for having to figure out how this works!

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:28:00 PM
DM JT:
Bosk asked: Does Bosk get an AoO as the horse and rider leave the threatened zone?

DM JT: No, sorry. I had calculated the Commander to have the Horse to Withdraw (the horse's move) towards the Dead Tree (row 20) and thus avoid the AoO, and the Commander could then assess the situation. He does have some cover from the trees too. However the horse didn't make it to the dead tree, falling just outside the zone and 25' from Bosk. (He's a smart dude and knows how to calculate your reach, unlike the other undead).

Caius asked: Is JZ3 still alive? You mentioned it was destroyed in your post, but it is still on the map.

DM JT: post overides map. Just forgot to grey it out. It is dead.



New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 10:38:18 PM
DM JT OOC: now that you asked...

I originally described him as a 'nightmarish armor clad humanoid' which is as much as you could see due to the distance and trees.

Once up close though, you notice black freyed robes covers tarnished plate armor, the only visible weapon a longsword. His 'neck' is hidden by the turned up collar of the robes. Black boots, black gauntlets.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:11:57 PM
Thanks. Post coming shortly. Can you tell me if you can "trip" someone riding a mount? Not the mount, but the rider himself. What about bull rushing him off the mount? Grappling him off the mount? Are any of these allowed, or does he need a basic ride check to stay in the saddle to overcome even a high CMB?

Also, if I run after the commander can one of the slower or farther behind players do me the favor of picking up my sword?

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:28:05 PM
DM JT: post coming soon.
Bosk asks: Can you tell me if you can "trip" someone riding a mount? Not the mount, but the rider himself. What about bull rushing him off the mount? Grappling him off the mount? Are any of these allowed, or does he need a basic ride check to stay in the saddle to overcome even a high CMB?

You can't 'trip' someone in the saddle. Someone of large enough size, a minotaur mabye, can attempt a Bull Rush but it is still a Ride Check to stay on. Now Grappling is another matter. If you Grapple a mounted foe and the Rider still makes his Ride check, you can be dragged along for a ride and big bonuses for the Rider to breack the grapple and possible drag/falling damage to the grappler.
If he doesn't make his Ride check, then both would fall off the horse.

I can't find any rules for these circumstances so I'm adjudicating as logically as I can.



New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:36:07 PM
DM JT OOC: Garret can Attack or try to Grapple. Grappling, as stated above, may or may not pull him off the saddle. It will incure an AoO from him, though, unless you have the Improved Grapple.

Note also the size difference. To Grapple the Rider, who is a good 7 or 8' off the ground, an Garret is only 3' tall, you'll have to Jump just to get to him.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:39:41 PM
Can you disarm a saddle? Also, since the rider is stuck in a saddle does he get a penalty to the break grapple check?

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 4th, 2013 11:50:25 PM
DM JT: you can try to cut the straps. It is basically an attack on the horse but targetting the underbelly strap. This is usually a Called Shot, which comes with high penalties to hit.

He's not 'stuck' in the saddle. The Military Saddle is designed to aid the Rider in keeping mounted. He can move freely in the saddle and thus no penalties to break a Grapple. If anything, the Grappler has a much harder time because he has nothing but the Rider to hold on to, not even his feet can help as he's being dragged along, at, say a full gallop? (if the Rider is smart)

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  d20+15=32 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:03:08 AM
As the commander runs away Bosk charges after him, and the trees seem to dodge out of his was was he thunders forward. Fool! the cleric calls out. Every life hangs by a thread. I AM THAT THREAD!!! With a might swing of his 20ft sword the cleric swings at the horse's legs and tries to trip the creature, flipping the beast onto its master.

Actions
------------------
Activate Agile Feet (Su): As a free action, you can gain increased mobility for 1 round. For the next round, you ignore all difficult terrain and do not take any penalties for moving through it.

Charge to 15,16/E,F (I think. I want him to be 15ft from me. This is the nearest I can get to him using this weapon. If he backs away 5ft he is still in my reach.)

Trip horse Cmb Check =32

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:14:50 AM
Also note that anyone within 10ft of me benefits from Magic Circle against Evil.
I believe that may include Garret, further boosting his AC and saves.

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:20:26 AM
DM JT OOC: good questions, all.
Bosk just posted. Still need to know what Garret is going to do, Attack or Grapple. Since Garret ran up first, he goes before Bosk.
Need to know what Sesha is going to do. I presume that Cyniq and Caius will try to finish off the last Juju Zombie.

Can't keep my eyes open much longer. I'll have the post tomorrow one way or the other.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 5th, 2013 12:34:12 AM
ooc: If Garret goes before me and dismounts the rider, please change my action to tripping the commander if he is standing or dropping my sword and grappling the commander if he was knocked prone.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 53/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+7=17 d20+7=26 d20+2=8 d10+1=10
Thursday September 5th, 2013 1:48:20 AM
Cyniq strikes again at the nearest skelly.

hit ac 26, confirm fails, dam 10


Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility]  d20+19=32 ; d100+10=85 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 9:28:05 AM
(Sorry, I usually try to post AFTER the nearest front line guy, in this case Caius, since Anrete will shrug off most spells while raging.)

Sesha watches Garret and Bosk chase further into the woods and begins to feel uneasy. There isn't much that Garret cannot handle, and Bosk is with him, but she still doesn't like them being out of sight. With the battle on this side nearly wrapped up, she turns and glances to the forests edge, then makes up her mind.

She reaches out to band and tap the nearest leyline, and is pleased with it's strength. She lets her body be swallowed with energy, and her form begins to shift. Dark midnight feathers. Sharp Talons. A black beak. She takes the form of the eagle, and prepares to take flight.

[1]Move Action: Bend Leyline 32 vs DC 22. +10 bonus
[2]Cast: Beast Shape, Ley roll 85 vs DC 20. Success, no slot expended
[3]Free Action: Do Math for DM.

Polymorhped AC: 10+3 Dex+1 Size +1 Nat +3 Barkskin +3 Shield of Faith = 21/ 18 Flat /17 Touch

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:85/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29]  d20+34=53 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:57:59 AM
What the heck, Garret's a little crazy -- let's go for the jump and grapple:

Jump (Acrobatics): 53
Grapple: A 26 was rolled last time for the CMB (that's the grapple roll, right?)

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28  d20+18=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=20 ; d10+20=29 ; d10+20=24 ; d10+20=28 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d10=6 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 3:18:02 PM
ooc: I would like to decline the enlarge person spell. It is a bit cramped right now. :)

Caius quickly closes with the headless horseman. "Bundlin' Straw." With a quick series of crossing strikes, the swordsman slashes at the rider.

ooc: I am at work and having difficulty viewing the map. Please place me adjacent north of the rider.

1. Attack 21, Damage 31

ooc: Please ignore all other rolls. I thought I had a full-attack, but forgot about my movement.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) 
Thursday September 5th, 2013 8:06:16 PM
ooc: checking in

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT)  d20+2=10 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+5=12 ; 2d6=8 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+7=26 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2013 10:42:34 PM
Restlin finishes his summoning and a brilliant ball of light and energy appears nearby, a Lantern Archon. The summoner trusts that the new celestial being will recognize any undead and know to attack it.

He then flies over near Bosk and casts Haste again to affect the minotaur and the hafling Garret

Bosk attempts to disarm the Commander but is unable to do so due to the trees. He gets a better look at the Headless Horsman. Although he didn't roll a Perception check, he sees tarnished plate mail underneath tattered black robes. There is no shield but he wields a longsword. He sees no embroidery or other such markings on any item of clothing. No identifyable symbols can be seen.

Beri-cloud commands the two cyclops to abandon the remaining undead and go after the Undead Commander.
He then flies north and positions himself for future attack.

Anrete looks around at the putrid carnage around him and looks for another foe. Not seeing one he holds his action.

Garret's speed, incredible as it is, is now enhanced, and the little guy is feeling bold and brave (at least not Bold and Beautiful). He makes a mad dash towards the fleeing Commander and the haste spell gives him what he needs to reach the Commander and the little monk flings himself at the mounted Commander, trying to grapple it.

Cyniq strikes at JZ2, a good hit, putting another large slash in it's undead hide.

Sesha, broomless, fears that her two friends the minotaur and hafling, will run off after the commander and decides to transmogrify (DM OOC: any one recall 'transmogrify'?) herself into an eagle.

Caius figures that JZ2 will succumb easily with Cyniq and the Hound Archon after it and decides to
join the chase after the Commander.

DM JT: Double Move (Hasted) would be 120feet and put you at P13. (A 21 is a miss anyway).

Bosk, Hasted as well, makes a swift move to try to either trip the horse or trip the commander, whichever works best.

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

The Hound Archon helps Cyniq finish off JZ2 while the last skeletal archer steps out of the woods and fires at Cyniq:
Att d20+2 = 10, miss

The Commande slices down upon Garret as the hafling monk launches himself upwards to Grapple him:
AoO = 18, miss

Garret manages to bypass the sword and is now clinging to the Headless Horseman (barely). Can the little half-weigh bring it off the horse? Well see next round.

Bosk tries to trip the horse. The Commander tries to maneuver his mount to avoid the Trip:
Ride Check d20+7 = 13

The Commander, with a hafling clinging to its robes, is unable to maneuver its mount to avoid the guisarme slash and the fiendish horse stubles, dumping both Commander and Garret.

The Commander tries to avoid being crushed by the horse:
Ride Check d20 +5 DC15 = 12

The Commander is unable to avoid the horse's fall and takes 2d6 dmg = 8

Garret, attached to the Commander, also takes 8 hps damage.

The Commnander comands its mount to attack Garret and the fiendish horse regains its feet and stops at Garret:
Att d20+5 = 19, miss

The Commander then tries to break the Grapple:
CMB = 29, just barely!

He then tries a Fast Mount (or Re-Mount in this case):
Ride Check = 26, he's mounted again!

Map:Lost Caravan 9

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 5th, 2013 11:11:17 PM
ooc: Can the commander mount from prone (he is prone after falling after the horse (mentioned under soft fall under the ride skill for when he fails a ride check to stay on the horse) and after the trip attack)? Does Bosk get an AoO on the horse and commander as they get up? Does Garret also get a bonus because Bosk is flanking the commander with him? Did that help him maintain the grapple? Lastly, if the commander was prone he cannot break the grapple, stand up from prone, and mount the horse all in one round under normal circumstances.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Friday September 6th, 2013 1:36:55 AM
ooc: Actually, he could. Standing up from prone is a move action. Breaking the grapple is a standard action. Fast mount is a free action if you succeed at the check. Flanking bonuses apply to attack rolls, and Garrett isn't making one. I don't see the commander doing anything janky, though unless there is a feat at play Bosk should get his AoO, unless he used it already somewhere else.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Friday September 6th, 2013 1:41:15 AM
Sesha will fly to J 7 at an altitude of 20 ft. (Moving only)

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+13=22 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+2=12 ; d20=1
Friday September 6th, 2013 5:08:34 AM
Seeing the commander trying to escape, Restlin decides to put a stop to it.

He looks through the forest for some place that will allow him to cast Wall of Ice in an unbroken line.

Perception (w/ +1 luck bonus): 22 (please let me know if that's a success, even if that means I succeed in not finding what I'm looking for)

He'll then cast his Wall of Ice in as far an unbroken line as possible to the NW of the escaping foe. Afterwards, he flies due north to J15 (Fly check to move less than half speed: 10)

***

Action: Cast wall of ice. It can be 800 ft-squared & 8 inches thick. Ideally I'd like it from -Y14 to G7 and 15' tall, but the dimensions will be determined more by the available area to cast it in.

Move: J15 (untrained stealth to move quietly: 12)

Sorry for putting that on you to figure out...

Summon Monster (hound): 6 rounds
Summon Monster (Lantern archon): 11 rounds
Black tentacles: 2 rounds
Invisibility: 7 minutes
Fly: 8 minutes
Haste: 9 rounds
Haste: 11 rounds (Bosk & Garrett)
See invisibility: Permanent

AC this round: 12, 11, 10 (Wardd has forsaken me this round, I see...that's ok, luck is fickle)

Anrete (Posted by Jeff O) 
Friday September 6th, 2013 10:40:03 AM
Anrete turns in his rage and spots the activity in the forest. Seeing his friends there, and seeing no other combatants, he turns and runs at full speed towards the action.

OOC:
I think his speed is 40, and running should give him a 160, so that could put him about P12.

Anrete (Posted by Jeff O) 
Friday September 6th, 2013 10:40:59 AM
(Forgot the stuff):

Effects
Bear Endurance: +4 con
Enraged (5/27 rounds): +4 Str/Con, +2 Will, -2 AC, +4 Save vs Spell/Supernatural/Spell-like, +1 DR
Guarded Stance (5/6 rounds) +2 Dodge

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:77/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29]  d20+15=25 ; 4d6+1=12 ; d20+13=16 ; 2d6+1=7 ; d20+13=14 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 11:01:40 AM
Garret grabs the commander's leg and pulls as he dodges the sword as the horse gallops. He is surprised when the horse and rider go tumbling until he sees that Bosk has joined him in the efforts. He is so surprise that he is unable to avoid the horse as it tumbles over him and the commander.

As Garret regains his feet, the horse bites at him, but he quickly steps back out of the way, avoiding the dull teeth of the strange evil creature. When he does so, he loses his grip on the commander. As the commander regains his feet, Garret lowers himself and sweeps a foot towards the commander, attempting to kick him in the knees (Attack hit AC 25, Damage: 12).

When the commander mounts his horse, Garret punches out towards the horse (AOO on the horse? Attack hit AC 16, Damage: 7). He then concentrates a moment and focuses on his ki (+4 dodge AC with ki). When the wall of ice appears, Garret attempts once again to grab the commander (Grapple attempt: 14) but misses wildly, bouncing off a tree as the horse moves away.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 53/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying  d20+7=23 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+2=19 ; d10+1=5 ; d10+1=5 ; d10+1=11 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 12:07:07 PM
It looks like Cyniq still has hostiles near her, she'll turn and swing at them as well.

Hit AC 23 for 5, AC 21 for 5, and AC 19 for 11.

Just trying to understand this, headless uses a move action to have his mount attack garett, then another move action to stand from prone, then attempts a standard action to break a grapple, followed by another move action to fast mount (even though fast mount is a free action, you must have a move action available as failing the roll makes it a move action). I am counting 3 move actions and a standard action.

The horse was tripped, so needs a move action to stand, followed by the standard action to attack.

Headless, the horse, and garett would all invoke AoO's without acrobatics to stand up.

Now that I think about it, the last round headless did a move action to control his mount to avoid the attack (unless he had mounted combat), followed by another move action to move out of the spiked stones, another action to avoid falling when his mount dies under him, followed by a standard action to summon another mount, followed by another move action (he rolled to have it free, but still needed to have a move action available). And another move action to spur the new mount into the forest. I am counting something like four move actions and a standard action.

I call dibs on the artifact giving him the extra move actions.

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Friday September 6th, 2013 9:22:53 PM
DM JT answers some questions:

Bosk asks;ooc: Can the commander mount from prone (he is prone after falling after the horse (mentioned under soft fall under the ride skill for when he fails a ride check to stay on the horse) and after the trip attack)? Does Bosk get an AoO on the horse and commander as they get up? Does Garret also get a bonus because Bosk is flanking the commander with him? Did that help him maintain the grapple? Lastly, if the commander was prone he cannot break the grapple, stand up from prone, and mount the horse all in one round under normal circumstances.

DM JT: it was pointed out correctly by Sesha that:
A) all three went prone.
B) The horse expends a Move to get up - and it DOES suffer an AoO from Bosk.
C) The horse, now standing, provides Cover to the Commander, it being between the prone Commander and Bosk.
D) The Commander breaks the Grapple while Prone (Standard Action), Stands up (Move Action), and Fast Mounts (Free Action.)
E) I didn't allow an AoO from Garret when the Commander stood because Garret was in 'Grapple Mode', not 'Attack Mode'.

Cyniq asks;Just trying to understand this, headless uses a move action to have his mount attack garett, then another move action to stand from prone, then attempts a standard action to break a grapple, followed by another move action to fast mount (even though fast mount is a free action, you must have a move action available as failing the roll makes it a move action). I am counting 3 move actions and a standard action.

Now that I think about it, the last round headless did a move action to control his mount to avoid the attack (unless he had mounted combat), ...

DM JT: Some of this was answered above but I'll recap:
A) In Mounted Combat, the trained war-mount attacks as a separate entity and the Rider simple issues the verbal command to Attack, a Free Action.
B) as an asside, Stay In Saddle DC5 is all the Commander needed to keep from being pulled down by Garret, however since the horse went down, that was mute.
C) As stated above, the Commnader used his Standard Action to break the grapple and a Move to stand up. No AoO becuase the horse provides cover and Garret is in Grapple mode. I counted the Stand Up and Fast Mount as one Move. He is an expert horseman. Had he failed in the Fast Mount, he would have had to stay Prone.
D) Mounted Combat allows the Rider, as an Immediate Action, (that is, an Action that takes place in the Attacker's turn, immediately upon being hit) to attempt to negate the hit. It does not count as any part of the Rider's actions when it is his turn.
E)The horse that was in the Spiked Stones zone was a different horse. Go back and read the post again. The new horse pops in with its full round of actions still ready to go.

Did this answer everything?

My only mistake was in having the horse attack Garret. I should have saved that Action to move away. Oh well, I didn't know the Commander was going to make it back up on the horse. :)



Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  d20+13=25 ;
Friday September 6th, 2013 10:11:05 PM
ooc: The description of Fast Mount said says that it can only be used if you still have a move action left. Also, Bosk is 10ft tall and has reach, shouldn't he still be able to attack the commander as he stands?

DM JT: see the description under Cover and Attacks of Opportunity. The heavy warhorse privdes cover as it stands between Bosk and the Commander, which is Medium size. Bosk is 10' tall but 15' feet away. The Move Action was his Stand from Prone.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Friday September 6th, 2013 10:23:16 PM
ooc: Checking in. Map, please!

DM JT: map is there, does the link not work? I just tried it and it worked for me.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Saturday September 7th, 2013 12:29:25 AM
Right. However the comnander is not allowed to mount as a free action unless he still has a move action left.

Ride - Fast Mount or Dismount: You can attempt to mount or dismount from a mount of up to one size category larger than yourself as a free action, provided that you still have a move action available that round. If you fail the Ride check, mounting or dismounting is a move action. You can't use fast mount or dismount on a mount more than one size category larger than yourself.


Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Saturday September 7th, 2013 2:41:36 AM
OOC: Well, it's done and done. It may just be me, but I'm much more about rolling with the punches and not sidetracking each round with OOC takebacks and do-overs. In the course of the game, the PC's will pull off some things technically not savvy, as will the NPCS. I figure it evens out over time. I don't know if it is what we would like to do, but usually I save up a list of questions and questionables that took place in the combat and send the DM the list when it's over, in email, so it doesn't clutter the board.

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Saturday September 7th, 2013 9:48:40 AM
DM JT: so the technicallity of weather an NPC can combine a Stand from Prone (a Move) and Fast Mount (a Free) is easily definable as a legal move by the Rules or bordering on the gray area of interpretation is the issue, it seems.

Please find me the rule that says that someone has to be standing in order to mount up. :)

The overal effect is realy negligible considering the circumstances and that this excersize has barely scratched the surface of the PCs capabilities. If anything, it has been a good tactical practice combat where you guys are learing to work together in combat after the merger, and excellent creativity.

On the horse or off the horse, do you think the Headless Horsman will survive another round?

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:77/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Saturday September 7th, 2013 12:20:05 PM
OOC:
Sounds good to me. Just ignore my attempted AOOs in my last post, and watch Garret bounce off the nearest tree with his natural 1 on a grapple attempt.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  2d6+7=14 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+15=33 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=11 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=2 ;
Saturday September 7th, 2013 1:57:18 PM
ooc: Sorry, did not mean to side track things. Board exams have me hyper analyzing everything.

Bosk becomes enraged when the horse gets back up and swings wildly at the beast. He then steps forward, dropping his reach weapon and drawing a shorter trip weapon and swinging it at the horses legs once again. If a flurry of fur, steel and horns he attacks wildly, taking advantage of Garret flanking the enemy and the magical speed granted to him. Wildly he attacks the commander. DO NOT FLEE, DEATH IS YOUR DESTINY!

Actions
-----------------
AoO atk horse with guisarm, Hit AC 27 for 14dmg
5ft step to 14,15/E,F and Drop Guisarm and draw flail

Full attack.
Atk 1, trip atk horse, trip CMD 31

If the horse was tripped:
Atk commander
Atk 2 (twf), hit AC 33 for 16dmg (10 from sneak dmg for flamking)
Nat horn atk, hit AC 17 for 10dmg (4 from sneak dmg)
2nd atk for high BAB hit AC 17 for 16 dmg (7 from sneak dmg)
Extra Atk due to Haste, hit AC 33 for 13 (2 from sneak dmg)

If the horse did not trip Bosk will focus on the horse and try to trip him one last time with his extra haste atk (trip cmd 33, that is the weapon with a trip abillity).

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE)  d20+11=27 ; 3d6+9=22 ; 3d6+9=21 ; d10+13=14 ;
Sunday September 8th, 2013 11:53:08 PM
Cyclops 1 moves to f-14. Receiving a sudden flash of insight (immediate action) the cyclops attacks with incredible precision.

attack 1 (flash of insight)=d20 + 13=36
damage1= 3d6+9=2
critical (x3)=14 (natural one)

ooc: ignore second roll, forgot I couldn't do a full round attack

Cyclops 1
*Augment Summoning*
HP=89 (10d8+20+20(for constitution bonus from augmented summoning)=89)
Str 25, Dex 8, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 8
Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 22
Feats Alertness, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack
Skills Intimidate +9, Perception +11, Profession (soothsayer) +10 Sense Motive +5, Survival +6; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
Languages Common, Cyclops, Giant
SQ flash of insight

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) 
Sunday September 8th, 2013 11:55:58 PM
cyclops 2 takes off towards j12 attempting to reach the commander in time to attack next turn.

Cyclops 2
*Augment Summoning*
HP=87 (10d8+20+20(for constitution bonus from augmented summoning)=89)
Str 25, Dex 8, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 8
Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 22
Feats Alertness, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack
Skills Intimidate +9, Perception +11, Profession (soothsayer) +10 Sense Motive +5, Survival +6; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
Languages Common, Cyclops, Giant
SQ flash of insight

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) 
Monday September 9th, 2013 12:01:40 AM
Beriothian notices one last undead he had overlooked.
I can't believe I didn't see that guy before. I'd hate to have him sneak up on us while we are dealing with that commander.
The air around the elemental starts to stir as Beri calls for another flaming sphere, this one right on top of SH 10. He then flyies to J-16 in preparation of joining the others in taking down that commander.

0 (4)- Detect Magic, Light, Create Water, stabilize
1 (6)- *Elf Vision, obscuring mist, Faerie Fire, Entangle, cure light wounds x3
2 (6)- *Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood x2, Flaming Sphere(x0)
3 (5)- *Glibness, Sleet Storm x2, Greater Magic Fang x2, Spike Growth, stone shape
4 (5)- *Lesser Planar Ally, Spike Stones x2, Freedom of Movement, Air Walk x2
5 (3)- *Awaken, Animal Growth x0 Cure Critical Wounds
Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114+10+20/121 DR:2+1 
Monday September 9th, 2013 9:35:19 AM
OOC:
Thanks Jeff! I am back! Lol! Typhoon season... raining all day... the fog was so bad I couldn't even see the stage. :(

Anrete move speed is 30ft cuz he is wearing medium armor (mithril plate).

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Monday September 9th, 2013 10:37:26 AM
(OOC: If polymorphing is akin to transmorgifying I'm in trouble. You'll just sunder my cardboard box! Then you'd probably rule that stops my time travel as well. )

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT)  d20+4=22 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 3:35:02 PM
Sesha, now in eagle form, flies north, 20' off the groud.
DM JT: I was wondering who'd catch the transmogriphy referrence. :}

Restlin casts a wall of ice to try to block the Undead Commander from escaping. Unfortunately he can't run the wall through the trees and has to pick an unobstructed line to place it.

DM JT: for 800sq ft at 15' high, you can get a wall 50' long. I'll anchor it at G7 and then go towards the road 50' in the direction of Y14.

Then he flies a wee bit north.

Anrete spots the rucous in the woods and dashes forward to join in catching the Undead Commander.

Garret valiantly tryies to hang on to the Undead Commander but the tumbling of the horse and the commander's strength breaks the monk's grip.

DM JT: the Commander didn't break the grapple until after the horse stood up, so no AoO on horse from Garret. However, upon further analisys, Garret would get an AoO when the Commander stands, at the usual -4 for attacking while prone.

He avoids the Fiendish Mount's attack and kicks a leg out at the Undead Commander when it gets up and re-mounts (AoO kick at the knees hit AC25 -4(prone) = 21, miss. BTW AC25 is a miss too).

Having such success at grappling the commander the first time, he springs up again to latch on to a leg, or arm, anything, but is easily stiffed armed.

Cyniq spurs her horse right at the last remaining skeletal archer and splinters it into many chewable pieces.

DM JT: a double move by your horse puts it right at SH10, the only other foe left.

Bosk slashes his polearm across the fiendish mount's flank as it struggles to get to its feet again.

Furious that the all his efforts moments before seemed to have been in vain, although it did keep the villain put and unable to flee. He yells out 'DO NOT FLEE, DEATH IS YOUR DESTINY', although
he's already experienced death.

To make his words true, the minotaur drops his polearm and draws his flail as he steps forward. This, however, forces the Magic Circle vs Evil upon the summoned evil horse.
Overcome SR DM Roll = 22.

DM JT: I've never dealt with this before, so if there is better sage advice on how this works we can discuss this in e-mail. The Summoned Horse can't get passed the Magic Circle unless its SR beats Bosk's Caster Level Check. 'You must overcome the creature's SR to keep it at bay...'. I rolled a 22 for Bosk to overcome the horse's SR and 22 beats it. That means the horse is kept out, but since Bosk forced the circle upon the horse, that pushes the horse outside the 10' circle. This would be an Immediate Action. So I'm moving the horse (and rider) outside the circle again.

I drew an orange 10' circle around Bosk.

However, this puts the horse 15' away from Bosk and now out of range of his flail, and you dropped your guisarm before you moved so you could draw your flail while you moved. One of the detrimental effects of using spells that bar certain creatures is that it works both ways unless you drop it.

Right now, every time Bosk tries to get within 10', he'll push the horse out. He'll need to pick up his guisarme again or drop his Magic Circle.

Beri-cloud
Cyclops 1 tries to squeeze through the trees and barely manages to avoid Bosk. Using an uncanny flash of
insight, he swings his greataxe with great precision.

DM JT: I'm unsure of your damage rolls. I don't see the 3x (3d6+9) for the critical hit, only two, and I don't know
where the d10+13 comes from.

Cyclops 2 rushes to join his twin.

Beri-cloud then flies closer to the frey.

DM JT I have Cyniq taking care of the last skeletal archer so you can save your flaming sphere for later.[/b]

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

The Undead Commander easily notices that the forces against it are trying to encircle it and Withdraws through the trees up the side of the hill. The Fiendish Horse easily maneuvers through the trees and boulders.

The terrain here is Difficult, more so for Large, Wide, creatures (ie. horses not included as they are narrow like medium sized creatures). The Cyclops' are certainly doubly impaired. Those in the air have difficulty following movement through the trees (DC20 - includes sight and sound).

No map here really necessary, just visualize your typical hill side with very good tree cover and underbrush with a boulder here and there and a moderate slop upwards.

Normally, the Headless Horseman and its Fiendish Mount should be able to outrun the IA, but since several are Hasted, some of you should be able to catch up to it next round if your Move is greater than 50'.

Map at end of PC round, before the Commander moves.
Lost Caravan 10

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Monday September 9th, 2013 3:45:46 PM
email sent about the spell.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells 
Monday September 9th, 2013 3:55:24 PM
Bosk stares dumbfounded when the spell doesn't let him close in on the horse as it should and calls back Can soneone grab my sword?

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Monday September 9th, 2013 8:43:39 PM
DM JT: just posted e-mail reply. :}

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:77/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29]  d20+14=31 ; 2d6+1=12 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 8:54:21 PM
Garret sees the horse heading off through the trees and realizes that he can keep up with it in his current, hasted form. He's not sure that taking out the horse will help that much, but he knows it will at least slow the thing down a bit. He attempts to get past the horse and rider on one side with his speed (80!) and dodges a few trees. He makes a flying kick at the horse (Hit AC 31, Damage: 12).

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  d20+16=32 ; d8+5=11 ; 2d6=5 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 9:10:18 PM
YOU HAVE NO HONOR! the cleric yells as he charges through the trees. AND MY FLAIL IS HUNGRY FOR YOUR BLOOD! Bosk once again charges forward and swings his steelgrass weapon at the horses legs hoping to send both horse and rider tumbling to the ground.

Actions
------------------------
Use Agile Feet (Su): As a free action, you can gain increased mobility for 1 round. For the next round, you ignore all difficult terrain and do not take any penalties for moving through it.

Charge the commander's horse
Charge to E,F/11,12 (Or a flanking position if possible, I don't know where Garret is ending)
Charge / Trip attack CMD = 32

ooc: If Garret kills the horse Bosk will instead attack the commander. Tripping him of he is standing, hitting for 16dmg if he is prone.

Active Spells:
--------------
Chill Touch: 5 Charges Left
Long Strider: 6 hours
Death Watch: Permanent
Magi Circle Against Evil (10ft Radius round Bosk): 50min 42sec
Ghost Touch: Permanent
Channel Energy: Two Charges
Haste
Agile Feet

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) 
Monday September 9th, 2013 9:21:00 PM
ooc:
cyclops stats are the normal stats plus enhancement from augmented summoning..
Augment Summoning- Each creature you conjure with any summon spell gains a +4 enhancement bonus to Strength and Constitution for the duration of the spell

for the critical hit I rolled a 14, that was a natural one, and unless I'm remembering the rules wrong that's an automatic fail for a crit.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Monday September 9th, 2013 10:08:14 PM
ooc: can I reach the commander if I'm flying over the trees instead of through them. avoiding the movement penalty?

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility]  d20+7=22 ;
Monday September 9th, 2013 11:28:23 PM
Sesha flies overhead. She watches the Iron Adventurers swarm over the commander and his horse. There is little point expending more of her limited magic, so she continues her flight, watching for new enemies and tracking the movements of the commander.

[1] Perception: 22

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Monday September 9th, 2013 11:44:12 PM
ooc: I can't see the map very well. Could you tell me where I am?

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 53/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 12:37:53 AM
I can't tell if there is still a mob near Cyniq.

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+9=19 ; d20=17 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 5:54:43 AM
(OOC: I don't see the lantern or hound archons doing anything)

His magic already expended for the day, Restlin decides to swoop down and retrieve Bosk's sword. He does so in a nice, graceful loop, ending up back at K15.

***

Fly: 19
AC this round is 28/27/26

Summon Monster (hound): 5 rounds
Summon Monster (Lantern archon): 10 rounds
Black tentacles: 1 rounds
Invisibility: 7 minutes
Fly: 8 minutes
Haste: 8 rounds
Haste: 10 rounds (Bosk & Garrett)
See invisibility: Permanent

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 69 of 88 Spells  d20=7 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 9:09:26 AM
Bosk looks back to see if anyone grabbed his sword, but he cannot see through the trees. He crosses his fingers and hopes for the best.

ooc: I wanted to yell back to Restlin to thanks him, but cannot see through the trees. Thanks will have to come later.

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114+10+20/121 DR:2+1  d20+13=30 ; 2d6+7=9 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 9:49:46 AM
Anrete ambles after the undead commander and lunges a javelin at the distant target.

---------------------------------
Effects
Bear Endurance: +4 con
Enraged (6/27 rounds): +4 Str/Con, +2 Will, -2 AC, +4 Save vs Spell/Supernatural/Spell-like, +1 DR
Guarded Stance (6/6 rounds) +2 Dodge

Javelin Vital Strike: AB30 Dmg 9 (darn 2 1s!)

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 5:43:09 PM
The two cyclopes realize that they can't catch up to the commander and decide to wait outside of the forest

*Beri's post coming tonight after I hear back about flying to the commander over the trees

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 9:46:05 PM
DM JT: Beri All those flying over the trees can keep up with the Commander easily enough through a DC20 Perception check.

DM JT OOC: We can play this out Round-by-Round but I think we can all agree the end result will be the same. The horse is tripped and the Commnader can't do enough damage to kill anyone in the round or two it will take to kill him so I see no point in stretching it out just for the heck of it.

DM JT IC:

The IA members flying above the trees catch glimpses of the Commander as it tries to flee but with a puff of leaves and dust they see Bosk as caught up with it and tripped the horse. Garret has also caught up with it and a flurry of black robes and steel blades and hairy barefeet the Headless Horseman quickly succumbs to the IA.

A little bloodied and sweaty, Bosk and Garret return to the caravan site with the Headless Horseman's body.

Combat Rounds are over. What does the IA do now?

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 10:30:22 PM
Bosk pulls out his dagger and removes a trophy from the fallen foe. May Gimp ferry the souls of those slain by these abominations and may Gargul have mercy on their souls. Let them find peace in knowing that those that committed this atrocity have been brought to justice.

Bosk leaves the searching of the bodies to those more skilled and quickly doubles back to collect his dropped weapons. Thank you Restlin for picking up my sword. The only thing more comforting that a reliable sword in your hand during the heat of battle is a trustworthy friend at your side.

The Horned Cleric then gathers the group together. My people have a saying, that you can never fully trust a person until they fight beside you in battle. That is when their true character comes out. You all fought with honor and from this day you have my trust. As he says this the blond taur places a hand upon the silver Eye of Gargul on his forehead and releases two waves of positive energy upon the group.

Actions
---------
Collect trophies from the dead (commander, archers and horse)
Retrieve dropped weapons
Channel positive energy to heal the group for 15dmg (16 if ones are rerolled, I can't remember).

ooc: If there are no clues found on the commander I still plan to prepare my empty spell slots so I can cast Speak with Dead.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 10:58:05 PM
Berithoian flies over the trees and back to the group. He watches the cyclopes he summoned disappears just as he is returning. They may not be the brightest creatures in the world, but they defended the party honorably. As soon as his feet touch down Beriothian transforms back into human form.

It seems that no matter where we go that undead aren't far behind... actually, usually they are in front of us setting a trap. Perhaps the universe just wants to give Bosk the chance to help more of them return to the dead. I have a cure critical wounds spell prepared if anyone needs it.

Beriothian casts Detect Magic and starts to looks around the caravan for anything giving off a magical aura.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Tuesday September 10th, 2013 11:51:54 PM
Caius wipes his sword on the grass, then runs his gauntleted hand gently over the tang of the blade. "That was some fine dancin', Reason. You always do me proud." He sheathes his curveblade and stretches languidly. "Mmmm... let's get to searchin' them for anythin' that might point to the responsible parties for this delightful ambush."

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility]  d20+19=29 ; d100+7=57 ; d4=3 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 12:35:22 AM
Sesha lets her polymorph fade, then makes her way back to her shattered broom. She gathers the pieces together, then kicks the crumbled skeleton of the creature that splintered it. She sets her feet wide and puts her arms out in front of her, channeling her magic.

Should anyone bother her for the next ten minutes, the answer is silence as she concentrates heavily on the broken item on the ground.

For the next ten minutes, she focuses on her spell, fixing the instrument of flight she has grown so attached to.

[1] Bend Ley Lines: Success
[2] Mending - 3 hp restored

Note: 0 level spell, but I'm rolling just in case some combat round issues arise.



Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:29:05 AM
Bosk watches curiously as Sesha stands over the broom, and while she pervets the pure rivulets of Wold's Blood he prepares his spells. When they are done he asks, What is the significance of that broom? Is it magic or something you need? I had planned to use my Make Whole spell to restore the corpse before questioning, but if necessary I could use it on your broom.

ooc: Make Whole restores 1d6x6 hit points and works on magic items and constructs to restore abilities.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29]  d20+20=24 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:27:41 AM
Garret watches as the horse and commander fall and he nods to Bosk in approval. He watches as Bosk carries out his dagger task, then thanks him when he casts the healing throughout the group. He says, "That was a battle like few others, but then, what are? But this cannot be all -- if the caravan were just set upon by that group, the caravan, and the pot, would still be here. There must be something more to this than what we have seen so far."

Garret smiles as he watches Sesha make whole her broom as he searches the area for signs of the pot -- like long drag marks, or other signs that the pot was moved (Perception: 24).

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:55:11 AM
Anrete calms down as the last enemy falls. Leaning on his greatsword, the battle-scarred barbarian takes several moment to catch his breathe.

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 8:43:37 PM
Restlin, still invisible, swoops over to Bosk and touches down. With that, he pokes the minotaur to dispel the invisibility, then hands over his fallen sword. "Hey, you dropped this back there. You should watch where you leave your stuff. Your mother raised you better than this."

He decides to see what Garret's up to before Bosk starts yelling. "So what's the deal here? Did these undead kill the caravan, or ARE these undead the caravan? Must suck, being killed twice. Still, I imagine being undead would be worse than dying again, but what do I know? Being undead might be a lot of fun...Bosk didn't hear that, did he? Good, that's the last thing I need. So, finding anything?"

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:28:59 PM
The druid looks up from scanning for magic and turns to Garret.

I hadn't thought about that, but it makes sense. I suppose this small army of undead was raised to attack travelers and deliver their ill gotten loot to whoever summoned them. If that's the case, I wouldn't be surprised if that's where the commander was heading. If we don't find anything more substantial I say we head in that direction.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 53/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 9:50:49 PM
Cyniq survey's the battlefield looking for any other undead in need of dispatching.

New battle ensues (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 10:29:17 PM
The IA gather themselves after the battle and survey the scene, again.

There are no more undead, it seems, as none are detected. Looking for signs of where the Cauldron may have gone prove futile. The earth is even more churned up now than before and no 'drag' marks are found anywhere outside the battle zone.

Trophies are gathered (except for the Fiendish Horses as they, being summoned, return to their plane of origin upon their death) and the bodies are searched.
The Hobgoblin Skeletal Archers wore tattered leather armor and their bows and arrows are non-magical.
The Bugbear Juju Zombies wore tattered studded leather armor and wielded rather plain morningstars.
The Ogre Burning Skeletons wore tattered chain armor and had crude great clubs.

The Headless Horsman Commander was wearing Full Plate armor and wielded a longsword. Both items radiate magic.

Garret suggests that if this ambush was of the normal sort, then the Cauldron would still be around, so he suggests that there was more to the ambush than would seem.

Sesha goes about trying to repair her beloved broom.

The rest look over the decimated caravan, stand guard, clean weapons, get healed, etc.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Wednesday September 11th, 2013 11:26:19 PM
"As far as I know, the range for necromancy spells ain't much. I think whoever raised these creatures is likely nearby. They showed tactical acumen far in excess of just simple undead who were waiting. Even that horseman would've needed direction."

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+12=20 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=20 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 4:17:39 AM
The wizard turns to Caius. "Why would you say that? About the commander needing direction. There are plenty of intelligent undead in the world, and by all indication this was one of them."

Restlin begins searching through the downed undead's stuff in earnest. He's specifically looking for anything indicating these are, in fact, the bodies from the ambushed caravan.

Perception: 20

He'll also take a look at that magic armor and sword...

Spellcraft (identify armor): 33
Spellcraft (identify sword): 20

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Thursday September 12th, 2013 9:54:38 AM
Sesha raises a wary eyebrow as Bosk approaches, but is genuinely pleased when he waits until after she is done casting her spell.

"The broom itself doesn't have any real value, other than I've had it for a long time. It's my only focus for flight however, so I have to take care of it. This is the first time it's been smashed from under me. I may need to look for a stronger option. I've heard of Ironwood before. Maybe I can beg Beri for some help with that later."

She doesn't have much opinion on the undead. It was great to finally meet one, even though it smashed her broom. She pats the spell component she added, then pops the skull of a skeleton and makes a hand puppet, chattering something to Pot-pot and giggling at their private joke.

Another Party at the Battlefield (DM SteveK) 
Thursday September 12th, 2013 10:21:35 AM
Caius speculates that the raiser of this undead should still be around because they were all unintelligent.

Restlin disagrees, citing the Headless Horseman seemed very intelligent indeed. He searches and realizes that only the undead horses that ambushed them are originally from the caravan. The others must have come from someplace else!

Sesha mends her broom, collects some material components, and plays with a former hobgoblin skull for amusement.

Anrete comes to the same conclusion as Restlin and the group prior to the ambush. The caravan was attacked and slain, the cauldron is gone and was not carted off, the undead must have been waiting in ambush for anyone to come by the road and investigating the caravan.

...............

The Iron Adventurers heal and clean after the battle, the only undead with treasure being the Headless Horseman. It isn't but a moment to lay out the booty from the battle:

+1 Longsword (2,000gp)
+1 Lance (2,000gp)
+1 Full Plate (2,500gp)
2,000gp in gems; agate, garnet, and quartz, with a single Tiger Eye Agate .

All Heroes get 6,400xp!

.......................

Soon after the magical items are identified, a fast moving column of lightly clad mixed-races group trots up from the south. The group, 15 in all, trots up to with 100 feet of the Iron Adventurers before coming to a halt and spreading out. Seven have crossbows and seven quarterstaves. The leader, a female human, holds nothing in her hand but steps a few feet forward. Her eyes seem to take in everything, from the many-days old caravan corpses to the very fresh undead that lay strewn about.

"Greetings. I am Master Lola, a Seeker of Wayfarer, and we heard sounds of battle. By the undead at your feet and your actions seemingly unconcerned of raising them, I am assuming that good has taken the battlefield? Perhaps we can approach and parley?" Her voice, much used to command, is cultured and courteous.

Know Local DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { Wayfarer is a town on a hill in southern Gateway Downs, most known as a starting point for miners and adventurers into the nearby mountains. It has a large monk monestary that also doubles as the local government.}

Know Local DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { A Seeker from Wayfarer is like a Detective and high up in the chain of command in the monk monestary of Wayfarer. They only leave Wayfarer on direct command of the chief monk, the Sensei.}

Ezra/Cyniq: Highlight to display spoiler: { Is Cyniq still going to leave? I can have the monk group have an urgent note calling her to the Temple of Panthenon in Hook City. The next module for Hook City is going to be in the City and focus on the whys and wherefores of government if you would like Cyniq to stick around. Your choice.}

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2  d20+15=28 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 10:28:47 AM
After retrieving his javelin, Anrete proceeds to survey the battlefield for clues.

"Hmmmm"

-------------------------------
Perception: 28


Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+14=19 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+10=12 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 11:36:29 AM
OOC: Made both knowledge checks. (19 & 28).

Restlin's heard of Master Lola's order, but can they trust she's telling the truth? Beats the heck out of him (Sense motive: 12), but she seems nice enough, so...

"Why sure, come on over. Just trying to figure out what's going on here. Seems someone waylaid this caravan and left a bunch o' nasties behind...but for whom?"

He then looks at her sideways with mock suspicion. "Did we just clear out the ambush left for you? You wouldn't be in these parts unless you were ordered here."

He grins stupidly to show he's just screwing around, though he does hope there's an answer coming.

***

I'm fine with Bosk's bag of holding taking care of the treasure.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility]  d20+5=19 ; d20+20=35 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 12:25:02 PM
Sesha turns and looks up at the incoming soldiers, sitting on an overturned Pot-pot. She grins at Restlin and then starts mouthing the skull up and down, matching it's timing to the Seekers voice.

She leans in close to the skull and somberly nods her head up and down.

<whisper>"I think you're right Jenkins. We should go be social.""

The small drow slides off of Pot-pot and shrinks the cauldron to tiny again, and hooks him to her belt. She approaches the Seeker, standing near Restlin.

"Pleased to meet you! I'm Sesha. These two are Pot-pot and Jenkins", gesturing to the skull and cauldron. Grinning, she points at all the dead stuff.

"You just missed something amazing! Dead stuff got up to fight us...AND there was a headless Horseman. Fun times. We are looking for the cargo this caravan was moving. Do you know anything about it?"

[1] Sense Motive: 19 (Detect a lie)
[2] Diplomacy: 35 (Improve attitude by 1 step.)

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Thursday September 12th, 2013 1:08:38 PM
Garret searches and finally says, "I give up. This is beyond me. One of you magical types is going to have to explain the missing pot because as far as I'm concerned, that thing wasn't carried or dragged away from here."

When the new arrivals approach, Garret quickly and quietly moves off to the side, nearing an end of the line, mentally preparing for battle. He eyes the archers and is calculating possible moves and locations when the leader speaks. When she speaks, Garret relaxes a bit, but still stands on guard, not completely sure that all is as it appears. Knowing little of the area, he does not answer the woman and lets the others speak up.

He casually walks to place himself slightly behind the line of the newcomers.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 12th, 2013 7:51:12 PM
Bosk is a little surprised at the groups reaction to the newcomers as he had always heard the term parley used in reference to two opposing sides coming together. The cleric of Gargul follows Lola's lead sheaths his weapon before stepping forward to greet her, hands likewise empty and in plain sight. You speak of a parley. I hope that doesn't mean we are on different sides, especially since we were just defending ourselves, but we are willing to hear what you have to say so long as you come in peace.

ooc: Bosk is fine carrying the treasure in his Bag of Holding, making sure anything sharp is wrapped in a blanket (We may want to invest in another BOH or a larger one in case we ever get a large haul).

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23  d20+1=10 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2013 9:10:56 PM
Beri surveys the battle field as Lola speaks.
Good has indeed triumphed today, and these unfortunate souls have once again been put to rest. You say you hail from Wayfarer? I'm not familiar with that land, is it far from here?

local; knowledge=10

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Thursday September 12th, 2013 11:23:22 PM
Caius furrows his eyebrows. "I wouldn't have invited them over so easy-peasy. We don't know them." The swordsman keeps a hand resting on the pommel of his curveblade.

Another Party at the Battlefield (DM SteveK)  d20+10=15 ;
Friday September 13th, 2013 10:10:20 AM
Restlin internally debates a moment before inviting Master Lola over, explaining about the caravan and a bunch o' nasties. He speculates that the Iron Adventurers just cleared out an ambush meant for Master Lola's group.

Sesha introduces herself, her cauldron, and the skull, Jenkins (which makes Master Lola look at Restlin as if to ask if Sesha is all there in the head). The Witch also mentions the caravan had a cargo that is missing. She doesn't sense any lies, and tries to disarm any potential situation by her words. (Diplomacy takes 1 minute of continuous conversation.)

Garret searches and as far as he's concerned, the cauldron wasn't carried or dragged away. When the new arrivals approach, Garret quickly and quietly moves off to the side, nearing an end of the line. His actions immediately have 2 crossbowmen and 2 staff people match his movement. They are wary, but not hostile. Garrett is not able to get 'behind' the monk group.

Bosk is a little surprised at the words of 'parley', but sheaths his weapons and steps towards the female leader to meet in the middle.

Beri confirms that good has triumphed, asking about Wayfarer.

Caius furrows his eyebrows, not having invited them over so easy-peasy. The swordsman keeps a hand resting on the pommel of his curveblade.

Cyniq stays back, suddenly grabbing her Panthenon medallion as it has grown warm. As soon as her fingers touch the disc, she hears a clear message from the Master Arbiter of Hook City (the head of the Temple of Panthenon). Highlight to display spoiler: { "All Justicar's receiving this message, take heed. Make all speed to Hook City Temple of Panthenon. Your duty, your god so commands."}. The message ends.

......................

The team of monks stays 100 feet back and in a group as Master Lola moves to meet Bosk halfway between the groups. The Monk Team refuses their flanks to Garrett, not withdrawing, but curving in a well-disciplined movement that Caius would appreciate.

Lola also is using the power of words to put Bosk and Sesha (who are toe to toe with her) and the other Iron Adventurers at ease, but with less success than the charismatic Sesha. She also does not seem worried or intimidated that she is within easy reach of the large minotaur.

She is also extremely sharp, putting many clues together to a conclusion. "Speaking of a cargo missing from a destroyed caravan is obvious unless the cargo you mention is special. And if you were not the intended target of the ambush, I am certain that my group was, for I also am seeking a missing 'cargo'. Your description of the headless horseman seems to be a Dullahan, and the others would have been a formidable force. I would have lost many in my charge."

As they talk, Sesha's words permeate the conversation and Master Lola is much more inclined towards the Iron Adventurers, being openly Friendly and receptive to questions by the group...



Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Friday September 13th, 2013 11:47:35 AM
Anrete remains silently at the rear as he observes the newcomers.

Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 53/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying 
Friday September 13th, 2013 3:16:14 PM
Cyniq lets go over her medallion and turns to her companions, I have received a summons that I may not ignore. It does appear that you are in good hands. Until we meet again.

Without waiting for a response she turns her phantom steed back down the road the group came from and spurs the summoned mount into a gallop that quickly has her disappearing from sight.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Friday September 13th, 2013 6:20:49 PM
Garret nods to Anrete and smiles, a little more at ease with the new group. He nods to the archers who move with him to ensure he does not get behind them and makes an attempt to visibly relax as the conversation continues.

When Cyniq mentions that she has to go, Garret starts to speak, but she is gone before he can even get a word out. He says, mostly to himself, "Well, that was sort of rude, was it not?"

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20+4=10 ; d20+4=6 ;
Friday September 13th, 2013 6:29:05 PM
Bosk thinks about all of the types of undead creatures he has heard of, but he cannot recall anything about the Dullahan. What cargo are you looking for? Perhaps we can look for it together, the items are likely to be in the same place and it is possible we are on the same side and looking for the same thing.

Knowledge religion = 10
Knowledge Arcana = 6

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Sunday September 15th, 2013 10:01:24 AM
ooc: Many apologies for my tardiness. I had a 24-hour bug and my stomach has finally decided to calm down and give me a break.

Caius does not mince words. "Why are you lookin' for the cargo? And what would happen if both our groups wanted it?"

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14] [Bears Endurance 0/10 minutes - 20/20HP][Shield of Faith 0/10 minutes][See Invisibility] 
Sunday September 15th, 2013 9:18:25 PM
Sesha watches Cyniq turn and ride away and is a little perplexed. It's not the first time she had a companion leave, and it wouldn't be the last.

Still, awfully short notice! And mid-adventure!

Either way, there were things to focus on at hand. She looks back and winks at Caius.

"Good question!"

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Sunday September 15th, 2013 10:47:53 PM
Beriothian watches as Cyniq leaves for some unknown reason.
Well, we need to decide what we do next. We were asked to determine what happened to the caravan, and we have done that. That said, there are clearly important avenues for us to follow up on, and it may well be worth pursuing these paths.

Another Party at the Battlefield (DM SteveK) 
Monday September 16th, 2013 10:36:05 AM
Anrete remains silently at the rear as he observes the newcomers.

Cyniq tells her companions of her immediate summons and quickly leaves, disappearing from sight.

Garret is more at ease with the new group, nodding at the precautions of the other group of monks. The Halfling seems a little miffed at not being able to speak with Cyniq before the noble elf left, but that may be only because Garret so enjoys speaking.

Bosk cannot recall anything about a Dullahan, and brings the conversation to the immediate. "What cargo are you looking for? Perhaps we can look for it together?"

Caius does not mince words. "Why are you lookin' for the cargo? And what would happen if both our groups wanted it?"

Sesha watches Cyniq turn and ride away and is a little perplexed. It's not the first time she had a companion leave, and it wouldn't be the last. She looks back and winks at Caius and his good question.

Beriothian watches as Cyniq leave, and focuses on what to do next. While the group has found the caravan, there are clearly important avenues to follow up that are worth pursuing.

...................

Sesha's charm and Bosk and Caius' words seem to galvanize a decision in Master Lola, for she seems to 'spill the beans' all at once. "A potent artifact was stolen from the Wayfarer Monastery a week ago and the trail eventually headed on the East Trade Road. Another group of Monks are searching for the identity of the thief. I was sent with my group to trail and find Eberyon's Spear; potent battle magic that is infused with the same spirit of chaos as the Power from which it was named."

[All PCs know that Ma'ab and Eberyon are both nature Powers throughout the Wold, and are often depicted together as estranged wife and husband. Only about 5 years ago Wold-Time, Eberyon escaped from a magical sleep imposed by Ma'ab and nearly tore the Wold apart in chaotic battle of nature vs the Noble Races. Heroes around the Wold battled avatars of Eberyon and defeated the chaotic diety, imposing a time of 'atonement' on Eberyon. This has increased Fey, intelligent animals and plants, and nature powers in the Wold. Highlight to display spoiler: { This was the last major crossover event in the Wold where all boards had the same events happening in a massive wold-changing event!} ]

Lola pauses to assess her listeners and then continues. "You can't be looking for the Spear because it was in our Monastery a bare seven days ago. But the look on your faces means that there has to be a connection. Why don't you come with us and return to Wayfarer? We can house you and feed you, and you may consult with the wise Sensei and the best library in all of Gateway Downs. There is a mystery here, and all good beings should work together to uncover this evil plot."

..................

Sense Motive DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: {Master Lola is telling the truth as she knows it.}

Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Lola truly thinks that the Iron Adventures can get help at Wayfarer, the Library, and especially the Sensei.}


Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20+4=13 ; d20+14=28 ;
Monday September 16th, 2013 11:19:01 AM
The horned cleric nods slightly. You words appear true, and the cargo we are looking for is not a spear. If the others agree I will go with you...but we need to finish a few things here before we leave. Checking for clues, asking the victims a few questions, and putting the dead to rest. After the two groups are done talking Bosk sets to work asking questions of the druid he met at the party in Hook City. He then pulls out his trusted spatula of corpse retrieval and collects samples for future spells and checks the bodies for clues before putting them to their final resting place.

Actions
----------------
Sense Motive = 13

Cast Speak with dead: spell will allow Bosk to ask three questions. I am planning to ask the following questions, but will accept suggestions:

1)Who attacked the caravan and why?
2)Where is the cauldron?
3)Do you have any last requests? (Message to send, what to do with the corpses, etc)

Perception check to search for clues, cargo, etc = 28

If applicable, cast summon monster II and summon an earth elemental to help bury the dead, build a fire to burn the dead so they cannot be turned into undead, etc according to the dead's will.

Active Spells:
--------------
Chill Touch: 5 Charges Left
Long Strider: 6 hours
Death Watch: Permanent
Magi Circle Against Evil (10ft Radius round Bosk): 50min
Ghost Touch: Permanent
Channel Energy: Zero Charges
Haste
Agile Feet

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Monday September 16th, 2013 11:23:03 AM
(Restlin cannot fail either of those rolls)

Making the mental connection between the stolen cauldron and a weapon of Eberyon, Restlin's inclined to agree that working with the monks of Wayfarer would be a good idea. He has a good feeling this Lola is on the up & up, but knows his companions aren't as trusting as he. Therefor, he decides to force their hand...

"Yes! Excellent idea. We'll accompany you folks back there right now, won't we?" He turns around and grins stupidly at his friends before he makes his way towards Lola and her companions. "So, best library in all of Gateway Downs, eh? Tell me more. Do you have anything in the trashy adventure story genre? I haven't read a good one in years..."

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility]  d20+5=18 ;
Monday September 16th, 2013 11:30:52 AM

Sesha looks at Restlin, pleased his mind was the same as hers on the issue.

"Well.. on one hand, we no longer have the burden of saving the caravan. It's been lost already. So the question becomes whether or not giving up a day to the thieves is worth meeting with her ..Sen-say.?"

Sesha looks at the woman as she speaks, confirming she is using the foreign word correctly. She looks back at Bosk and the others when she lifts Jenkins up to her ear and flaps the skulls mouth up and down.

"Right! Mr. Jenkins, double sugar for your tea next time! I'm so sorry I forgot to ask. Is anyone hurt? I have some power left, and it wouldn't hurt to use it now. Even if we fought another group of undead, Blood Witch magic isn't exceptionally useful against them."

(OOC Note: Mass Bears Endurance is over by this point.)

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Monday September 16th, 2013 11:37:49 AM
As Sesha talks Bosk wonders what exactly her role in helping the dead is. Unsure, he offers to allow her to help and figure she knows how to do whatever it is she does. I am going to fix the jaw on this corpse and then ask him a few questions. I do not really know what you talk to the dead about to help them move on, but when I am done I plan to bury or burn the dead according to their wishes, if that does not interfere with your work. I am sure they do not want to be left here to end up archers in some Dullahan army.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Monday September 16th, 2013 1:50:54 PM

Sesha is surprised by Bosks invitation of such a somber duty and readily agrees to help. She puts down the hobgoblin skull her had been playing with and sets about readying the dead for his spells and burial. She volunteers use of her mending or make whole spells, whichever he needs.

"Bosk..." she starts softly, the playfulness gone from her voice for the moment. "It's not so much that I speak with the dead and help them move on...that is far more the work of the Grim. I was taught not to move or pressure the spirit, but to offer it comfort and guidance...a vessel through which it might cope with it's sudden loss of body before it moves on to the rigorous cycle of reincarnation. "

She smiles.

"Not everyone believes a spirit suffers or even needs someone to listen, but a Spirit is a conscious thing in my experience. I give it time to find itself before it finds Gargul. In a case like this however...I can only hope they make it through their journey without too much sadness. Not that I could have helped them much. I am holding as much as I can already, through my work with the butcher."

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Monday September 16th, 2013 3:55:36 PM
Garret watches Bosk as he heads over to the dead, the newly dead, and the recently re-dead. He shrugs his shoulders, as in his mind they are all just dead bodies now.

He looks over the newly arrived group and continues to size them up. He idly wonders how many he could knock out before they managed to get enough arrows into him to slow him down, but he does not make any outward show of his thoughts.

When Lola mentions food, Garret looks over to Anrete. Before he can say anything, Restlin has already accepted for the party. Garret doesn't sense any ill will, so he walks over to Anrete and prepares to follow Restlin. He says, "Did you hear? Food! Do you suppose they'll have a lot, or do you think this will be one of those places that serves a bit of grass and calls it a meal?"

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23  d20+8=14 ;
Monday September 16th, 2013 9:58:56 PM
If they serve grass then I will turn into a creature who's tongue would find greater pleasure in such good, however I think you'll be just fine Garret.

Hey Bosk, when you are done talking to your dead guy let me know what you think we should do with the corpses. I don't know anything about the burial rituals of these parts, but considering there is something raising the dead it may make sense to build a funeral pyre for them so the dead can be honored in a manner that won't result in their bodies being used for evil. I can transform to an elemental to help with that.

sense motive=14

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Monday September 16th, 2013 11:18:11 PM
"I never turn down free food." Caius takes a more relaxed stance, seeing his other party members comfortable with the new arrivals. "Go ahead and tend to the dead. It's not like they're busy or anythin'."

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2  d20+12=31 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 9:43:31 AM
"How is the food there, Lola-monk?", Anrete snorts curiously.

---------------------------------------
Sense Motive: 31


Wayfarer! (DM SteveK) 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:28:33 AM
Bosk nods slightly, confirming they are not looking for a Spear, but keeps his own information close to the chest. He agrees to go to Wayfarer, but deals with the dead first. First, he repairs the druid that he remembered from the feast at Ma'ab's Temple in Hook City, and then conducts a long magical ceremony. Faintly seen about the minotaur are glowing red lines, and a spark travels up a line and into the dead druid's chest. (Know Religion or Planes DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The faint image is rivulets of Woldsblood, barely seen pulsing from the Realm of Shadow.}) The druid's eyes do not open nor the mouth move, but a voice issues from the corpse. "Ahhh... I come and will answer, Grim of Gargul. We were suddenly attacked by a Dullahan, an evil headless horseman, and many undead, and many living bandits. A powerful wizard directed the ambush. I was pierced with many arrows and slain at the door of the wagon protecting the Cauldron, and that is the last I remember. Return my body to the elements of Ma'ab, dread Grim. Do not allow my corpse to become one of them! Let me go now, and let me forget my failure. Ahhh...." The spark returns to the rivulet of Woldsblood and the spell ends.

With the assistance of some little elementals, the bodies are dealt with.

Ooc: Just checking. The "trusted spatula of corpse retrieval" is a non-magical spatula that Bosk uses for dead parts, right? :-)

Restlin is inclined to agree that working with the monks of Wayfarer would be a good idea, and jumps right out to accept the offer! He seems to key in on the mention of a great library. One of the other monks tells him that there is a far-fetched one that recently came in about a city being plagued by exploding zombies, and a motley crew of unlikely heroes saves the day... he won't tell Restlin how it ends.

Sesha looks at Restlin, pleased his mind was the same as hers on the issue. Master Lola corrects Sesha a little on her pronunciation. "He is not 'my Sensei', he is Sensei. It is a name, not a title." She plays with the hobgoblin skull "Mr. Jenkins", and offers healing to all.

Garret watches Bosk as he heads over to the dead, the newly dead, and the recently re-dead. He shrugs his shoulders, as in his mind they are all just dead bodies now. He sizes up the monks, pretty confident he could take 'em all on by himself except for Master Lola. She moves like a leopard and likely would be a 50/50 who would win a one-on-one between her and Garret. When Lola mentions food, Garret walks over to Anrete ."Did you hear? Food! Do you suppose they'll have a lot, or do you think this will be one of those places that serves a bit of grass and calls it a meal?"

Beriothian isn't worried if they only serve grass for he would turn into a creature who's tongue would find greater pleasure in such good, however I think you'll be just fine Garret. Beri helps burn the pile of bodies by becoming a fire elemental that burns anything it touches.
Edit Post

Caius never turns down free food, and takes a more relaxed stance. He lets the others tend to the dead, not like they're busy or anythin'. (LOL!)

Anrete snorts curiously "How is the food there, Lola-monk?" Master Lola looks almost like she doesn't understand the question, but tries to answer as best she may. "It is sustenance and fuel for the body to perform necessary actions, much like anywhere else." Anrete is certain that Lola has much different priorities on food as the barbarian. It is almost like she would consider a trail ration bar, roasted weed rat, and a beautifully prepared baked confection with the same opinion!

..................

It takes a couple of hours walk to leave the destroyed caravan, exit the forest, and reach the impressive lower defenses of Wayfarer.

Reaching out from the forest, the great hill of Wayfarer dominates the landscape for miles. In the far distance, mountains reach to the sky. To the west are a series of bare gray mountains, thrusting up from the forest; the smaller but steeper Gray Tooth Mountains. Bulking to the south after leagues of foothills are the immense Gray Divide, snow capping the tops even in the heat of summer! Armies have gotten lost in those deep valleys and impassable cliffs, and the other side is all but unknown to the people of Gateway Downs.

Master Lola and her team mingle freely with the Iron Adventurers, telling and showing them in quiet controlled enthusiasm the town of Wayfarer. The lower town consists of adventurers, miners, and those people who cater to those types. The guard is strong and prominent here. As the road winds upwards, first to the right and then switching back to the left, larger houses of great merchants and sages gradually make way for the monk monastery at the very top, where the large monk school teaches in strength, agility, and wisdom.

The Iron Adventurers are escorted to the monastery and provided spacious if simple quarters to clean up for dinner, explaining that Sensei will be available to speak with them at that time. Refreshments of a bowl of fruits and basket of rolls with a couple pitchers of a light lager are placed on a balcony table. From here, the Iron Adventurers can see for miles to the west and the setting sun.

A couple of monk apprentices remain in the foyer to fetch things, answer questions, and stay out of the way. They inform the Iron Adventurers there is an hour before dinner.

...............

Map of : Wayfarer

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 12:04:24 PM
Ooc: Just checking. The "trusted spatula of corpse retrieval" is a non-magical spatula that Bosk uses for dead parts, right? :-)

That is correct. I liked the name of the item and wanted to make sure it didn't get confused with my cooking utensils.

DMSteveK: LOL!

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 2:59:10 PM
Garret travels along with the monks, freely conversing with them, attempting to learn a bit about their monk fighting style, sure that it must be different this far from home. When they reach the hills, Garret pauses a moment and says, "This reminds me of whence I come, the Windbourne Hills." When the town and great monastery become visible he says, "But not that! Our monastery was very spartan and small. The town was also much smaller. This is very, very large."

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 5:57:42 PM
ooc: post coming late tonight

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:03:23 PM
Restlin wastes no time in relaxing. He has a hunch this Sensai won't have news that can be sat on for a few weeks.

Getting directions to the library, he turns to Sesha. "Feel like getting a good read in before dinner? A simple adventure novel read atop a hidden monastery with this incredible view is remarkably good for one's soul."

With or without her, he gets to reading. There will be a time for answers shortly.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:21:31 PM
"I wonder how high up we are?" Caius proceeds to chuck small nuts off of the balcony. "I wonder if I can hit someone's door from here..."

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:56:57 PM
Beriothian addresses one of the monks that passes by.

Excuse me, but I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your order. What are the beliefs and principles that you stand by?

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20+4=23 ; d20+13=15 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 9:49:33 AM
As Master Lola and her team show the group around the quiet town Bosk takes note of the miners. If there is one thing he has learned it is that honest, hardworking people (like miners) appreciate a good beer, and often have some a local brew. This is a very nice town you have here. I am curious, what do the people mine here and what type trade is the city known for? I am from the Taur islands, and I am afraid geography was never one of my strong suits. Also, I am a bit of a collector. My father was a vintner of the blue wine of Imod and for as long as I can remember I have liked to collect bottles of beer, wine, or ale from the different regions I visit and was wondering if there is a local drink you would recommend.

As the group waits for dinner and talks Bosk cannot help but admire the view and thinks to himself how the sloping hills would provide excellent drainage for grape growing. Perhaps when he retires he will revive the family business and open his own brewery or vineyard somewhere. He ponders this thought until their host returns and he directs the focus of the conversation back to business. He ponders what possible use someone could have for the two items. What can you tell us about this spear? Why would someone want to steal it, and what could someone do with it?

Actions
-----------
Knowledge Religion to determine what someone could use the Spear and Cauldron for = 23
Knowledge Spellcraft = 15


Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 10:39:34 AM
Anrete frowns as he realizes that monks are a dull bunch. Something must be done about dinner!

The barbarian with his cakecutter wanders off in search of the kitchen to "lend a hand".

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:29:27 AM
Sesha is happy to sit by Restlin while he reads,

"Thanks Restlin. I don't read a whole lot. I'd rather do something than read about people doing somethings. Plus Pot-pot gets bored and starts humming in my head. It makes it terribly difficult."

Dinner with the Monks (DM SteveK) 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:55:08 AM
Garret travels along with the monks and is impressed by the size and defensive works of Wayfarer and the monestary sitting atop the hill. One of the monks proudly tells the Halfling that Wayfarer has never been successfully besieged, but has been taken from within. "That is how we first came to be the only organized force in Wayfarer when Sensei was a young Master. Bandit barons had ruled here for many years before Sensei organized a resistance that toppled them down."

Restlin wastes no time in relaxing, but finds the library with a helpful monk apprentice. A largish room with large windows, there are some 200 books on the shelves. Not even as large as many private collections in Hook City, it nevertheless is fairly impressive. A Librarian monk is there to assist. Within an hour, Restlin notes that the library has a couple of adventure books, many on martial training or philosophy, and a few on Gateway Downs history. There do not seem to be any that are very special.

Caius proceeds to chuck small nuts off of the balcony, and watches it until it falls out of sight. The mercenary does note that the western side of the hill is much steeper than the other three sides and there are few homes on this side, mostly just battlements carved into the side of the hill.

Beriothian addresses one of the monks and the apprentice is pleased to speak with the druid. "Sensei teaches that those who have the ability to do good therefore have the responsibility as well. Doing good is a selflessness to think of others before oneself. Having ability requires training to perfection in mind and body. Master Lola has told me that we have been able to have general peace in Wayfarer because the monastery takes action only on the excessive selfishness of others. That we take a middle path between totalitarian and libertarian rules."

Bosk sees that although there is general peace in Wayfarer, it is hardly quiet. Boisterous miners, argumentative adventuring parties, and fast-talking merchants crowd the streets and boil out of taverns. At the switchback, the streets are quieter, but the lower town is full of life. Bosk notes there is plenty of beer in the lower town, and the smell reminds him of similar Mountainhome or Rockhome Ales that are the best beers in the 'Downs. This smell, however, is NOT the best beer!

The minotaur gets more information from Master Lola and other monks. It seems that miners are very secret about their mines in this area, and it is individual efforts, not a big company. As to what they mine, it really depends: gold, silver, and copper; iron nuggets and some gemstones; coal for the smithys. It really depends on the prospector. The adventuring parties boast about tribes of orcs and secret cabals and magical beasts,( all of them with fabulous treasures somewhere in the mountains), and exchange rumors of one sort or another. No one in this town has heard of the Tauric Isles or 'blue wine".

As to the spear, the monks all say that is for Sensei to speak with the Iron Adventurers. They won't say.

Anrete frowns as he realizes that monks are a dull bunch. With his cakecutter in hand, he is escorted to the kitchen by a monk apprentice to "lend a hand". The barbarian sees a large, well-stocked, and well-organized kitchen area, capable of feeding a much larger group than it looks like they are preparing for. They are also prepping food much more palatable than Master Lola's 'sustenance'. It seems that not every monk agrees with her view of food! Spices, textures, and colors kaleidoscope around the kitchen, yet they all seem to have a particular harmony with each other. A sub-cook invites Anrete to make one of his 'local' dishes to demonstrate harmony with their guests.

Sesha turns down the offer to the Library, citing that her cauldron doesn't like it. (LOL!)

...................

At the appointed hour, apprentices easily find the Iron Adventurers in their various areas around the Monastery; Rooms, Library, Kitchen, or just wandering about, and all are escorted to an open grassy square surrounded by a stone walkway and columns holding a roof above the walkway. The columns are intricately carved with a central figure and tiny, weaving images that tell stories. (Any monk can explain they are meditation columns, each depicting one virtue as exemplified by a hero and their story. Honor, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Loyalty, Integrity, Personal Courage, and more are around the walk.) Each guest and assembled monk is offered a colorful silk pillow to sit on, and a small wicker lap tray. Monks circulate on the outside of the impromptu circle with trays and basins of many varieties of foods. The heroes note that the monks serve themselves, but none take more than a single ladle or forkful of any one food. Drink is water that has the merest hint of flavorings, light and subtle. The heroes who partake find out the flavored water enhances the food and spice flavors to be a very pleasant meal.

At Dinner, the Sensei is revealed to be a very old elf, maybe one of the oldest beings living in the Wold today! His second, Master Lola, is very concerned to not overtax Sensei, and Sensei enjoys teasing Lola about it and needing more patience. They talk of commonplace things, waiting for their guests, the Iron Adventurers, to find their appropriate time to breech the subject of the cargo and Eberyon's Spear.


Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 1:09:27 PM
Garret moves quickly to the food and stops himself when he sees that the other monks are taking such small portions. He looks around and says, "Well, I guess I am allowed to come back for thirds, right?"

As he receives his pillow, he takes and places it next to a column, where he can attempt to follow the story that is depicted there. Every now and then he shimmies his pillow to a side to continue reading the story.

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+11=26 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 9:39:35 PM
Restlin sits cross-legged on his pillow, struck by how remote yet civil this place is. He makes a mental note to remember this place should he grow tired of Hook City's stuffiness and bureaucracy.

Of course, there are two fey artifacts missing, a slain caravan, and we're having pleasantries on silk pillows. It's time to get this show on the road...

"So, you're looking into a spear blessed by Eberyon and we're looking for his cauldron." Yup, Restlin decides it's time to put their cards on the table. "I'm afraid we don't have much to go on yet. Perhaps you could fill us in on what's going on?"

(Diplomacy: 26)


Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 10:27:48 PM
Beriothian watches the monks and follows in kind, taking a ladle or fork full of the various items their host has so kindly offered. In a job where half your life you are eating field rations an event such as this is always a welcome change. As they groups eat and talk Beri waits for the appropriate time to broach the topic of the spear... which is easy to spot when Restlin decides to come straight out and ask.

I am sure Master Lola has already briefed you, but we came a group of undead waiting in ambush at the site of the attacked caravan. Do you know of anyone in this area who has been said to be dabbling in the dark art of raising the dead?

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility]  d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:37:46 PM

Sesha takes a pillow near Restlin, though she makes a mental note to study the "duty" column. When Restlin explains their situation, she smiles and touches his elbow lightly before picking up where he drops off.

"Restlin is right. We are seeking a cauldron, though it belongs to Ebyrons consort Maab, and not Eberyon himself. I bet this isn't a coincidence."

She leans close to Restlin and whispers.

"I'm sorry to correct you, but you try telling a woman her husband owns her cooking pot and see what happens."

Diplomacy 28

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:38:49 PM
Caius loads up on food, always aware that times of deprivation and discipline may be just around the corner. He reclines languidly after the meal is finished, giving a lazy wave towards the more sociable members of the group. "Talk... pretty... stomach... full..."

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:39:59 AM
Bosk walks through the streets and picks up a few bottles of not home ale and puts them in his bag before heading up to the monastery. There he spends several minutes staring at the column of honor and imagining pictures of his adventures being carved into it before finally puling himself away and joining the others for dinner. As the monks begin to take their place and sit the horned cleric looks down hesitantly at the beautiful pillows and then carefully lowers himself, ever cautious not to damage the fabric with his hooves and "taur shoes". He follows the others example and takes a single scoop of all the different foods, reminding himself that he has plenty of rations in his bag shoe the food not prove filling enough and joins the others in idle chat, asking the monks what is in the water in hopes he might learn their tricks and find a way to use them to improve the taste of the wold renown trail rations sold in the Catacombs. Although his great size, enhanced reach, ad two sword like appendages stuck to his head made him a natural spokesman for the Iron Adventurers when a group of possibly hostile people approach them in the woods, he is more than aware of the fact that situations like this require someone with a little more skill and finesse in their words.

Dinner (and Conversation) with the Monks (DM SteveK) 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 11:06:50 AM
ooc: Terrific role-playing. LOVE the personalities that are out and still gathering the necessary information! :-)
................................

Bosk is able to get several micro-brews from the lower town; all of them go by the same name of 'Home, even though they taste different and definitely inferior to Rockhome (let alone the rarer Mountainhome that he sampled in Heranmar.)

The monks do not seem to mind that Caius and others take much, much larger helpings. In fact, Anrete's cook friend that he made in the kitchen is positively beaming from the compliment. It turns out that just because the monks themselves are ascetic, they do not force their rules or judge others by their traditions. How refreshing from Hook City and Gateway Downs! That thought brings into focus what a rarity this monastery is; most places are not that accepting.

With the cat out of the bag, the dinner gets more serious and solemn. At the first mention that the 'cargo' is a cauldron and associated with Ma'ab, Sensei sends the librarian to get a book and then reads from it for the assembled adventurers and monks in an old but strong voice.

" In the Book of Three is written that the Cauldron and the Spear are two of a set of three magic items closely associated with the primal Powers of Maab and Eberyon. The Cauldron is a symbol of life, like Maab's womb and the female Power, and sustains with food and can even bring the dead back to life. But Maab also has a darker side, and sages have speculated that the Cauldron's magic could be perverted to create unlife. The Spear of Eberyon can penetrate any armor or shield, an obvious reference of the male Power. Again, sages in the Book of Three have speculated that the Spear can also pierce metaphysical and mystical barriers. Together, they can provide great boons to the community in the light, or, on the darkest day in the year, to set aside the normal progression of life and death."

Sensei stops and nods at another monk, a gnome who clears his throat before speaking. "We have discovered that Khar Aven was the one who stole Eberyon's Spear. Khar is the name of a local bandit chief and wizard. He is a Male Drow who is never seen with other drow. For years, he has been using a small band of outlaws to gather funds for some reason. He also has a personal guard of Undead has been known to create them himself."

Sensei turns to another monk who takes up the chain of events, a crippled half-orc. "Master, I have sought the astrological calendars and portents as you instructed this afternoon. The next darkest day, when the moons are hidden and will blot the sun is... tomorrow at 2 marks past noon."

Sensei: "Khar Aven has stolen the Spear. Now, with the theft of the Cauldron and the presence of undead, the ultimate goal of Khar is only too apparent; he seeks to become a lich! The best time to pervert these artifacts is but a sunrise away, but the location of Khar's lair is unknown." The old elf looks around expectantly for suggestions on how to stop the evil plot!

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:27:50 PM
Garret says, "Oh how I wish we still have Avis. Why, we could have all piled in," he looks over at Bosk and continues, "well, almost all of us could have piled in, and we could have searched from above." He looks over at Sesha and continues, "Well, of course, some of us could take to the air, and I do not know of a better way to look over a large area, especially should no one else know where to begin this search."

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:58:56 PM
Bosk looks expectantly at the monk and waits for more information, but when none is presented he asks the question that has been troubling him about the story. You said that the he Book of Three is written that the Cauldron and the Spear are two of a set of three magic items closely associated with the primal Powers of Maab and Eberyon...what is the third item? I would think it likely he would want all three items. That sounds like the best place to start.

The cleric waits silently for an answer, drawing on his training as an Avenger to keep his emotions under control....A lich....It was a lich that killed his parents...a lich that sent him on the path of avenging those who died unjustly...a lich he must kill, he will kill, to obtain his own vengeance.

ooc: (Bosk must kill him to become a lvl 10 avenger)

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 10:28:26 PM
Anrete continues to examine the remainders of his dinner as he try to figure out what sort of meat are they as the monks speak.

Seeing that these troublesome thoughts are for those smarter than him, Anrete is contented to wait for the guys to come to a conclusion, before he can knock the skull off the lich-wanna-be.

----------------------------
OOC: sorry guys. was sick the entire week. failed my sav vs disease.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 10:29:57 PM
Seeing that taking seconds is not an issue, and is even appreciated by the cook, the druid helps himself to another round while the books are being collected and the magic items discussed. Once the details have been discussed Beri pipes up with a few questions.

Just as importantly as what the third item is, would all three be needed to perform whatever ritual is needed to transform them into a lich? And should we find them in the middle of the transformation process is there any information as to a way to stop it from succeeding?

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Thursday September 19th, 2013 11:24:51 PM
Caius waits to hear more about the remaining third piece of magic.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Friday September 20th, 2013 2:20:35 AM
Sesha listens to the questions, but hears nothing. She looks again at the column marked "Duty" and sighs. Why did it have to be a dark elf? She had not lived long among her blood kin, but she had read everything she could about the sinister society from which they had fled. The scholars left out no gruesome detail, determined to make sure the new Dark Elves never forgot the atrocities from which they had ascended, likely in hopes they would never fall again.

Still kneeling on her pillow, she speaks to the group.

"In this, my blood-kin and my life-kin would agree. This Khar Aven must be crushed into dust and scattered to the winds! He is a reminder of the great shame the Twilight Elves brought upon themselves. I will pull his tainted spirit screaming from his chest and smother it with the compassion and light of Little Spirit!"

Glowering, she flips over Pot-pot and considers her options.

"I can try a few things to help us find the enemy. The first would be to scry on the lich, but without something of his and only second-hand knowledge, it would likely fail. Second would be to cast a divination spell and seek Little Spirits guidance. After that, it gets desperate, between Locate Person and contacting a creature from Maab or Ebyrons home plane and asking for it's help."



Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Friday September 20th, 2013 3:11:35 AM
Restlin nods as he chews his food. His companions are smart folks & asking all the right questions. He feels no need to add his voice to that mix, choosing instead to play-slug Sesha in the arm at her suggestion and give his trademark stupid grin & thumbs up.

As bad as the wizard is with divination magic, he's glad she's around and so proficient at it.

He swallows his food and asks her, "How is contacting a minion of theirs a last resort? Zeoll used to do that all the time. He summoned a frog to find the lair of this blue dra..." Restlin's voice trails off as he remembers he's not supposed to talk about that, and that the blue dragon in question already killed him once.

"Anyway, this frog helped us & got paid in chocolate covered grasshoppers. That seems like a small price to pay, and I'd wager a minion of theirs would be well suited to finding two powerful artifacts in close proximity."

Dinner (and Ideas) with the Monks (DM SteveK) 
Friday September 20th, 2013 11:13:24 AM
Garret laments that they don't still have Avis[i], the flying ship, to do some scouting, even though he is morally certain that even with the ship, without a direction and distance, they would be trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Bosk waits, boiling anger in check, waiting for more information before realizing the monks are out of ideas. So he asks about the [i]third magical item closely associated with the primal Powers of Maab and Eberyon. Sensei consults the book again then replies; "the Book of Three only mentions a name, 'The Wold's Cradle', as the third artifact, where Eberyon created the fey, weather, and many other natural works. And it is where Ma'ab imprisoned Eberyon her husband when his excesses threatened to destroy all organization on the Wold in the First Age."

Religion DC 15 to Highlight to display spoiler: { recall a Fey version of the creation of the Wold}

Anrete continues to examine the remainders of his dinner as he try to figure out what sort of meat are they as the monks speak. Looks like mutton tonight.

OOC: failed my sav vs disease... LOL!

Beriothian helps himself to another round of food and then pipes up with a few questions, which at least one monk will answer.

Would all three be needed to perform whatever ritual is needed to transform them into a lich? "It does not appear necessary, only the two magical items can be perverted to create a lich."

Is there any information as to a way to stop it from succeeding should we find them in the middle of the transformation process? Master Lola is direct with an answer. "Kill him before the ceremony is complete and you have removed a key component of the spell."

Caius waits to hear more about the remaining third piece of magic.

Sesha speaks up to acknowledge that the Iron Adventurers WILL go after this Khar Avon, and begins to suggest ideas to be able to find the lich-wanna-be's location.

Restlin nods as he chews his food. He teases Sesha in a school-yard-friendly way, glad she's around. He mentions that fey and magical animals with an affinity to Ma'ab or Eberyon have assisted the Iron Adventurers in the past and should be able to help in this situation, too.

............................

Sesha and Restlin's ideas spark a conversation about how to find Khar Avon's lair. Various ideas are brought up and kicked around, but no decision is made. Throughout the idea brainstorming, Sensei sits relaxed, but his eyes seem to take in everything.

- Call on Hook City

- Go to the Edge and ask

- Send people to town and ask in the bars

- Research in the library for a clue

- Send eight groups in eight directions and hope one finds the lair.

- use magic divination spells.

Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {<span class="spoiler">[/spoiler]he is often watching the Iron Adventurers intently</span>}

Sense Motive DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {you have a hunch that Sensei is testing some quality that he is looking for in the Iron Adventurers.}

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Friday September 20th, 2013 1:01:56 PM

"I don't know much about Zeoll or his magic, but for me, it is a last resort. Contact Other Plane as I know it only allows a series of yes or no questions. If I ask about something that isn't yes or no, it gets ignored. AND unless I contact someone very powerful, there's always the chance they won't know or answer wrong on purpose."

She asks the Elders.

"Does anyone here know where he lived? A personal residence? Something he owned or used?

She blinks.

"Bosk. What about the Horseman? Even if you can't make it talk anymore, the creatures armor and weapons were likely owned by Khar Avon. Do you think we could use that as a scrying focus if we come up with nothing better?"

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20=17 ;
Friday September 20th, 2013 2:34:58 PM
Bosk gives Sesha a strange look, debating on how much information to make public. It seems the powers of the Wold felt need to test my resolve and see if I maintained my honor without their gifts. Shortly before we met I found strength sapped and my powers limited. (Both Grim and Avenger took hits during the revamp and lost 2 levels of spell casting for each prestige class). I have lost the ability to prepare scrying spells for the time being. Although, if this town has a shop that sells scrolls I might be able to do something. I can still cast nemesis scrying from a scroll, and this man has done more than enough to earn my vengeance. Stealing artifacts of the gods, attacking the innocent, making a mockery of life with his undead abominations...If this was not enough to earn my vengeance, he then attacked me and those I swore to protect. I will get my revenge on Khar Aven and those who serve him.

Turning back to Sesha he adds, He has called forth my wrath, and as such I do not need any scrying focus. It might help to strengthen the spell, but it is not necessary. Jancassis, goddess of vindication, hears my plea and as such I ca scry on Khar Aven and his men without material components and doing so will only take me a minute, not an hour like normal scrying. That said, if we an find anything belonging to Khar Aven it will help strengthen the spell.

ooc: Is there access to the Catacombs or a scroll shop here? Also, would swords belonging to the Dullahan under his command / control count as belonging to Khar Aven?

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Friday September 20th, 2013 8:21:39 PM
Garret listens to the discussion and remembers when he was with a group far from here, searching the countryside. He says, "We've got to have more to go on. If no one knows anything more, and we have no chance of magical location, there can't be much point in searching. If this person is intent on becoming a lich, I am sure that we will quickly find his whereabouts once the transformation is complete!"

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Friday September 20th, 2013 11:53:42 PM
"Does he have any allies or former work associates we could visit? Someone must know where he hides."

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+11=14 ;
Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:16:28 AM
Restlin notes Sensei watching them intently, but doesn't give it much thought.

"I think Sesha's right on this, Bosk. That magic armor had to come from somewhere, and the necromancer that created that undead seems like a likely source."

***

Sense motive = 14

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:13:58 PM
You are probably correct, I just wanted to make sure you all knew it was not a sure thing. As I said, I will need to purchase a scroll to cast the spell nemesis scrying. By casting nemesis insight I may improve my odds if the spell succeeding.

Sesha how good are your scrying abillities?

After dinner Bosk will learn all he can about the target, try to get someone to draw a picture of him, and look for items to strengthen their connection for the spell. He will also look for a scroll.

ooc: Bosk is cl6 and will get a +2 bonus for Nemesis Scrying nemesis insight. Can Sesha do better? Also note if the item does not belog to Khar that Bosk can still cast the spell.
I can also cast Nemesis Divination, but I have to make a caster level check...anyone have a spell or ability that can help here? Also, I can purchase the 4th lvl Nemesis Scrying scroll (700gp), but I do not have enough cash (1,650gp) and an item to use as a focus worth 500gp (perhaps there was armor worth that much at the scene?) to purchase the lvl6 Nemesis Divination scroll. So if you are interested in Nemesis Divination I will need a little help.


Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Sunday September 22nd, 2013 10:15:50 AM
OOC: Sesha can use her pot as a scrying focus, but it's unclear if others can. Sesha gains no inherent bonus to scrying, but could also probably UMD the Nemesis Scrying spell without much problem. His DC against me would be 10+3+7+1 for 21, and that assumes the armor counts as a possession. Does the party have access to teleport?

I don't think Bosk can cast Nemesis Scrying at all with a 13 Wisdom. To cast a spell you need a casting stat of 10+ spell level.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Sunday September 22nd, 2013 1:01:59 PM
ooc: You are right. I would need to augment my wisdom with a spell. My wisdom was much higher before the revamp. I lost most my hand crafted items, including a headband of wis. (I currently have the materials for crafting a slotless one, but need to wait until next level to make it.)

Also, a prerequsite of the nemesis spells are that you are an Avenger and the subject needs to be the target of your current revenge. You could still cast it with a high enough umd (I think), but breaking these rules or casting the spell frivolously can anger the gods and bring down Jancassis wrath, so use with caution.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23  d20+8=21 ; d20+1=19 ;
Sunday September 22nd, 2013 9:10:01 PM
Beriothian notices Sensei's eyes following the Iron Adventurers, seemingly analyzing their every move. In his mind the druid goes over what they have been told thus far, in particular the third artifact.

Excuse me, but did you say that "The Wold's Cradle" is the third artifact? The Fey Realm itself? Or could the book possibly be referring to the Four Rings of Creation that were used to create the Fey Realm?

sense motive=21
religion=19

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Monday September 23rd, 2013 12:19:22 PM
Garret stands up and walks around a couple of the other pillars, thinking. He speaks to himself, "I don't know much about magical finding of people. I bet if we can find this person, Anrete and I could take care of the problem. But finding? Bah."

He looks at more of the pictures around the pillar.

Preparing to Get Information (DM SteveK) 
Monday September 23rd, 2013 5:05:26 PM
Ideas come around, and Sesha and Bosk key in on scrying.

Caius asks about allies, and one of the monks suggests going into town to gather information from the miners and adventurers that are always going out into the hills and mountains. "Maybe they know something."

Beri asks about the Wold's Cradle, the Fey Realm itself. Sensei can only shrug. "That is the words of the book." is his only response.

.........................

Sensei breaks up the dinner, calling for the plans to be simultaneous and for folk to come back to the hall in one hour to again check on what information they all have. The monks disperse into four groups, and each Hero can choose one group to be with (or do something on your own.)

The monks assist Bosk and Sesha and any Iron Adventurer who wants to assist for this way of finding where Khar Avon is located. They get a room and guards outside to provide no interruptions, as well as any material components for the spells. (ooc: please go ahead and roll [and role] the spells.)

Another group of monks has organized to go down into Wayfayer, intending to ask the citizens if they know any information. Any Iron Adventurer who wants to go with them are also invited. (ooc: roll Diplomacy checks to Gather Information)

A third group goes to the Library to see if there is any information still to be gleaned from the pages and scrolls. (ooc: roll for one Knowledge check to seek information in that area)

The last group remains with the Sensei in the garden with the pillars. The monks clean up from dinner and then sit down and begin to meditate. "Mind and body are powerful tools, and the only action that is completely useless is inaction." (ooc: any Hero in this group can sit quietly for an hour and roll a d100 to see if inspiration strikes.)


Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23  d100=45 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:21:57 PM
Beriothian watches as the others all go their own ways. Not having a gifted tongue and not being very knowledgeable about litches and the undead he decided to stay and meditate with the monks. He closes his eyes and centers his mind. Or at least he tries, it turns out clearing ones mind is harder than it sounds. His mind slips in and out to random thoughts. Did they burn all the corpses on the field completely? Did they miss a clue somewhere? What would be for breakfast? And frequently the he had a random itch he had to scratch.

d100=45

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1  d20+15=21 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 10:17:16 PM
Restlin searches through the library, following half-known bits of knowledge floating around in his head. At one point he signs, closes his eyes, spins himself around and walks forward with a single finger pointed straight ahead, relying on Wardd to lend a hand.

***

Knowledge, local w/ luck point: 21

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28  d100=96 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2013 11:27:15 PM
Caius raises an eyebrow in momentary consideration, then nods. "I'll join in on a little meditation. I'm not too sociable, least ways the kind of sociable that leads to friends, so I might as well sit a spell with you all." The big swordsman adopts a cross-legged sitting position, resting his hands palm-up on his knees. He breathes in deeply and slowly, with the diaphragm.

"Oooohmmmmmm.... inner peeeeeeeeace.... oooooohmmmmm...."

Meditation roll 96

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20=14 ; d20=20 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:32:56 AM
Bosk sits down and clears his mind of everything other than the target of his vengeance. His eyes grow cold and emotionless as he casts nemesis insight and begins to understand his target's weaknesses. Everything becomes clear, his enemies defenses so simple. The cleric casts owl's wisdom and boosts his senses even farther. Now is the time. The cleric picks up the spell focus to strengthen the connection between him and his prey and reads the scroll. The spell rolls easily off his tongue, the high level of the scroll presenting no problem. It was as he had never forgotten how to cast the spell...
-------------------------

Caster Lvl check to read the scroll = 20 (Success!) (14+cl6=20)
Caster Lvl Check for nemesis scrying = Natural 20!!! = 28 (20+6cl+2insight)

*Note* If the monks can find a body part, lock of hair, bit of nail, sword with his blood, etc he takes -5 on saves against scrying. If not he gets a +1 bonus (Unless Bosk has me him, in which case he gets a -15 penalty if a body connection is found and a -5 on saves if not).

Preparing to Get Information (DM SteveK) 
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:39:03 AM
ooc: pardon the late post yesterday. Was on the road all day for work and never opened the computer until I got home. Such is the reason for the short post today.

............

Beri and Caius decides their best chance to help is by pure luck and meditate with the monks.

Restlin goes back to his favorite place and checks out the library.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29]  d20=2 ; d100=93 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 11:53:19 AM
Garret says, "Hey, Anrete, you want we two should head down to see who we can get some information from?"

OOC:
If Anrete agrees to head to the gather information group, Garret will attempt to aid him: 2. He fails miserably and likely makes a fool out of himself trying to intimidate someone.

If Anrete chooses otherwise, Garret will join the meditation group, after first observing how the monks of this land medidtate: 93

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility]  d20+19=28 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=32 ; d100+8=46 ; d100=6 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 12:10:23 PM

Sesha again grows Pot-pot large, deciding that she would try appealing to Little Spirit and would leave Bosk to the scrying. She reaches out, taking her time finding suitable ley lines.

With the water full she begins searching herself for the spark that binds her to her Allied Outsider.

"Little Spirit? Are you there? As before, I seek your help. We are searching for someone who is very bad and plans to do very bad things. He seeks to become a lich, a paragon of undead, and he plans to do so by corrupting both Ebyrons Spear and Maabs Cauldron. I do not know what tenets you held dear as a god, but if you hate unlife and the trapping of souls in an unliving shell, then I pray you help me here."

She crushes another pearl into the water and continues.

"Can you help me find him?"

[1]Bend Leylines: +8 to next ley check.
[2] Ley Check Successful. Slot expended.
[3] Divination 6% = success.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 8:51:05 PM
ooc: checking in... still meditating.

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2  d100=32 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:46:01 PM
Anrete sits down and stares at the back of the sensei intensely.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Tuesday September 24th, 2013 11:44:51 PM
"Inner peeeeeeeeeeeace.... inner peeeeeeeeeeeace..."

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:31:15 AM
Bosk concentrates on his target, the one who made such a mockery of life and ignored the importance of death. Soon he will teach him the importance of balance and the value of true life. When he meets Gimp and stands before Gargul he will gain the proper respect...

Getting Information (DM SteveK)  d20+9=14 ; d20+9=10 ; d100=74 ; d100=3 ; d100=8 ; d100=48 ; d100=54 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:39:50 AM
Bosk clears his mind and casts a couple of spells to hone his perceptions before casting a prepared scroll that the monks have provided: "Scrying". (ooc: note that spells cast from a scroll are always minimum DC, and the preparations have no effect on the Scroll spells DC 14).

Instantly, Bosk sees a vision! It is nearly dusk in the steep canyon, nearly a crevice in the side of a mountain. Bosks sees a well-worn road moving into an oval shaped valley at the end of this narrow canyon, the floor being around 30' wide before steep sides are barely seen at the edge of his awareness. A small stream runs down the middle of the canyon, but it is small enough not to pose any difficulty in movement. Looking down, Bosk sees a noble-looking drow marred by a wicked smile and the gleam of the fanatic in his eyes. The drow wears a black robe with bones, skeletons, and other death symbols (none are specific for a diety.) This is Khar, Bosk is certain! Traversing the focal point, Bosk can see a large half-orc with a falchion and bow, a human in black robes, and a gang of hobgoblins who are carrying Ma'ab's Cauldron into the oval valley! Before he emerges from the canyon into the oval valley, the light of day is over and the scene is plunged into darkness. Spell ends.

Sesha tries a different tactic and casts a Divination to get information. A woman's voice comes from Pot-Pot in answer to the question. "Four hours walk towards the Edge of the Wold a hidden valley lies; the one you seek, a cousin of yours, seeks the life-cycle demise; a three-way fork at a chestnut grove the entrance of where you surmise; to foil his plot you must seek his death before moon and sun arise."

Restlin goes eeny meenie moe and chooses a book on "Astrology and Astronomy: studying the symbols of the Sky". He finds out the Astrological Maps show that the best time for darkest magics in the next year is... tomorrow afternoon at a solar eclipse! The heroes have less than 24 hours to stop the lich-making ceremony!

Anrete, Beri, Garret, and Caius try the meditation to get inspiration. It is a boring hour. At least none of the monks who meditated came up with anything either!

Several groups of monks went to the lower town and sought information from the miners and adventurers that frequented the hills and valleys. Whatever the questions they asked and the methods employed, the groups are able to return with enough information to have a map ready for the Iron Adventurers! Miner Reports show that Khar took a crevice in the side of a mountain and expanded the natural cavern to make his lab. The place is somewhat remote but close enough to trade roads. The crevice is found at the end of an oval shaped valley at the end of a narrow canyon, and the Monks are able to provide a map. It is 15 miles away, so about 4 hours walking.

Sensei again turns to the Iron Adventurers. All available information in the time available has been gathered. It looks like it is up to the heroes to determine what and when to do something with it.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:11/12 CMD: 29] 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:08:08 PM
Garret peeks an eye open as the hour nears its end, his mind an empty slate. He looks around to see if there is any food left from the buffet as his mind starts to wander. Just before the others get up, Garret quietly rises and heads off to look for some leftovers from the kitchen.

When the monks return from town with a map, Garret announces, "Well, it appears we are ready to go. Any ideas on tactics? And yes, Anrete, we all know that you will smash. In fact, I'm counting on it."

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:13:22 PM
(I'm having a hard time trying to think of how to reply here. Might be later!)

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:07:22 PM
Beriothian watches as the monks prepare a map for them to follow.
Thanks for the map, we should have no problem finding the location with this. I suppose the map also means that Lola and a few of the more formidable monks will not be able to take us there and aiding in tracking down the litch? If not that's a pity, it would have been an honor to fight along side you for the sake of all that is good.
The druid looks around at his friends
Anyone need anything else before we head out?

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:40:41 PM
ooc: Can we get a map in order to help us plan our strategy? Also, what tie of day / night is it now (should we prepare our new spells now)?

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:44:45 PM
Restlin returns to his friends with a book of astronomy under his arm. "Have you folks made any headway? I confirmed in this book here that there's a solar eclipse at around lunch time tomorrow. If we don't stop him before then, we won't be stopping him. As much as I hate to say this...and friends, I do hate it so...we need to leave ASAP. No good night's rest for us."

Once plans are in motion, Restlin gets himself ready for the trip. He'll be sure to make sure the book makes its way back to the library, and that their hosts are properly thanked for their graciousness.

While he's at it, he'll hunt down Lola or Sensei and inquire about any manpower assistance they could provide for this mission.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 84 of 88 Spells  d20=18 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=7 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:24:12 PM
The blond taur begins to relay his vision to the group."
I saw a steep canyon, nearly a crevice in the side of a mountain. There was a well-worn road moving into an oval shaped valley at the end of a narrow canyon. Then I saw him, the cursed drow with his wicked smile and fanatical eyes wearing a black robe with bones, skeletons, and other death symbols. With him I saw a large half-orc with a falchion and bow, a human in black robes, and a gang of hobgoblins who were carrying Ma'ab's Cauldron into the oval valley!


Bosk, assuming he can prepare more spells at dawn before heading out, goes around the circle and heals all of the Iron Adventurers up to full health.

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:36:43 PM
After healing the group Bosk speaks to the Monks and asks them if there anything they might be able to do to assist the group and asks for a better description of the spear so that he can more clearly visualize and identify it.

(Diplomacy = 15, rolled in the previous post)

ooc: Can you tell me if Bosk's vision showed that there would be enough light to see by, or if the group would need to prepare spells and gather torches to see by? I would also like to know the size and weight of both the spear and cauldron and enough info to visualize them for a locate object spell.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 11:35:36 PM
"A map would be vital for our plannin'. I don't cotton to the idea of enterin' a box canyon with an egress that narrow. A drunk armed with a tree limb could guard that entrance. Not to mention whatever magical alarms the necromancer would lay down."

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Wednesday September 25th, 2013 11:39:31 PM
Sesha explains to the others the directions she received from her Divinations.

"Four hours walk towards the Edge of the Wold a hidden valley lies; the one you seek, a cousin of yours, seeks the life-cycle demise; a three-way fork at a chestnut grove the entrance of where you surmise; to foil his plot you must seek his death before moon and sun arise."

She frowns.

"I don't think it was clear which way to go at the fork. But it's better than nothing. The map should help."

Putting the Information All Together (DM SteveK) 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 9:41:58 AM
The Iron Adventurers and the monks led by Sensei put together all the pieces of the puzzle.

The time is now night, at about 8pm local time. The miners reported that it will take 4 hours walking (at 30' move) (in daylight; longer while picking a way along a dark road) to get to the fork in the road and oval valley. Sunrise is at 6am. The eclipse is at 2pm.

The map that the monks provide is only a rough draft of a path from Wayfarer to the general area where Khar Avon's hideout is located (according to several miners). There are no descriptions of the oval valley itself and not enough information to plan counter-ambushes of the cut through the mountains.

Sesha's divination spell has provided the Iron Adventurers the clues to find the hidden path at the fork in the road to get on the well-worn path that leads through the cut and to the oval valley.

Bosk's scrying has given the group some information on the cut, the supporters of Khar Avon, and confirmation that he and the Cauldron is in the oval valley.

Restlin's research has established that there will be a solar eclipse about 2 hours after noon, and that will be the darkest day of the year, which is when Khar Avon will have to do the ceremony or wait at least another year.

Lola reports that there is unrest in Wayfarer and rumors are rampant about an army of undead marching on Wayfarer. This probably due to the recent activities of Khar Avon combined with the monks turning the town upsidedown for answers. Sensei says the monks have to remain in Wayfarer to calm the people down and stop any panic or riot. The heroes are on their own to stop the lich ceremony.

Sensei will open his storerooms and stables to the Iron Adventurers for whatever they need. (ooc: The heroes are allowed to borrow any non-magical item or mount listed in the Pathfinder Corebook. Borrow = for this adventure only and does not count towards total PC wealth)
......................

The Iron Adventurers need to decide if they are leaving now, first thing in the morning, or try to time their assault perfectly with the eclipse.

If the heroes leave now, they will likely arrive at the cut Fatigued and without relearning spells.

From the Corebook...
"To prepare his daily spells, a wizard must first sleep for 8 hours."

"A sorcerer or bard needs 8 hours of rest (just like a wizard), after which she spends 15 minutes concentrating."

"A divine spellcaster chooses and prepares spells ahead of time, but unlike a wizard, does not require a period of rest to prepare spells. Instead, the character chooses a particular time of day to pray and receive spells."

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 12:15:30 PM
Anrete shrugs, "Anrete is ready at anytime to swing his sword."

----------------------------
ooc: Sorry for the downtime, been under the weather for the past week or so,

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 12:30:40 PM
ooc: You said it is 4hrs to walk there, what about going by horse? Could we rest while travelling if we took a carriage as a mundane item?

DMSteveK:

1)At a 30' movement rate, the heroes can get there in 4 hours. At a 40' movement rate, the heroes can get there in 3 hours. Movement will be calculated by the slowest hero.

2)The carriage is a fine idea but would not work in this instance.
a. carriage requires 2 drivers and the monks aren't lending people because of the potential riots.
b. the roads would be bumpy and not provide enough 'rest' and would have interruptions enough to stop any proper rest.



Garret Goodbarrel [AC:35/33/30 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 2:37:19 PM
Garret tries to talk some of the monks into going with them: "The more we have, the better our chances to win this battle." After a short time, he realizes that he is not going to be successful. He looks over at Anrete and says, "Guess it is up to us once again."

When the group begins to plan the trip, Garret says, "I know those will spells need rest. I am not opposed to rest, and I do prefer to travel in the daylight. Perhaps we can rise before dawn and move quickly starting at the very first signs of light. Would that be enough rest for those who need it?"

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 2:59:52 PM
Sesha shrugs.

"There's a argument for either case. On one hand we can't expect to always be fully rested before taking on the people who need stopped. Waiting until dawn is risky in case we get lost, delayed, or some other hindrance strikes. On the other hand, replenishing magical reserves is always a good choice."

She ponders a bit.

"I could shadow-walk us in the general direction. It would allow us to take the trip in a span of minutes instead of hours, but we would have to relocate the road and hope we don't stray too far off course. We might also be sure to hold hands this time when the spell ends."

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 5:25:54 PM
I need an hour to prepare my spells as well...

ooc: more coming later,

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 9:40:54 PM
We should think twice before just running off to fight him. We used a lot of spells that last battle, and this next one we will be fighting an extremely powerful wizard who can raise the dead. If we can spare the time we should definitely make sure our spells are prepared and we are well rested before engaging them.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Thursday September 26th, 2013 11:25:52 PM
"Hey, people! What if Sesha here shadow-walked over to the valley and spied out the goings-on while the rest of us slept? That way, if the spellslinger decides to act, she can pop back over here, alert us, and take us all over lickety-split. If she doesn't spy anything, she comes back at dawn anyway and brings us all over. The other spellcasters can rest, and we don't lose any opportunities in case he makes a move."

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Friday September 27th, 2013 5:03:58 AM
Restlin mulls it over.

"Spells...yea, I need those. Without some time to rest, I'm going to be nigh-useless. Sesha, how often can you shadow-walk?"

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Friday September 27th, 2013 8:58:08 AM
Bosk shakes his head. Shadow Walk is not a much good when it comes to spying on people. Because of the blurring of reality between the Plane of Shadow and the Material Plane, one cannot make out details of the terrain or areas you pass over during transit, nor can you predict perfectly where your travel will end. It's impossible to judge distances accurately, making the spell virtually useless for scouting or spying. I feel our best bet is for everyone to get a good nights rest and prepare to head out using Sesha's Shadow Walk as soon everyone has prepared their new spells.

ooc: From the map and the scrying can you give us an estimate on how far a good area to cast spells and buffs would be from the "hideout" or areas we are most likely to engage in combat? It would be good to know for deciding what buffs to cast before arriving, upon arrival, and at the start of combat.

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility] 
Friday September 27th, 2013 9:53:43 AM
"As often as my spell energy holds out. It's some of my strongest magic, so it wears thin pretty quickly. I've learned that without some luck and thrift, almost all other users of The Gift have far deeper reserves of magic than I do."

When Bosk speaks, she answers.

"I agree. I think he meant to send me as a forward scout ahead of the others. The large majority seems to want to rest though, so we can do that instead."

Sleep and Plans (DM SteveK) 
Friday September 27th, 2013 11:17:13 AM
Being full-ready with magical spells seems to be the overriding concern for most of the heroes. There is some talk of a magical spy run via Shadow Walk, but there are many drawbacks, including but not limited to 1. hard to spy, 2. no sleep for Sesha, and 3. loss of higher spell for the next day for Sesha.

As a group, the Iron Adventurers decide to sleep and renew spells before travelling south to the fork in the road, the chestnut grove, the narrow cut, and the oval valley.

......................OOC Coordination

The spellcasters need 8 hours rest, and then 15 minutes to renew spells, then about 45 minutes to mount, get through the streets and leave Wayfarer. Since it is 8pm now, the Iron Adventurers have agreed (by resting for spells) to start travel at 5am.

I need to know what the slowest hero speed is to determine when the group gets to the Fork.
30' = 4 hours = 9am
40' = 3 hours = 8am

Bosk pores over the map and information and the inspiration comes to him that if the Iron Adventurers pause in the Chestnut Grove and cast defensive spells, it will be only 5 minutes from the Chestnut Grove to the Cut in the Mountain.

....

All heroes get 750xp for finding most of the information on their own.

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:114/121 DR:2 
Friday September 27th, 2013 11:31:36 AM
Anrete snorts as he proceeds to prepare for the journey ahead,

--------------------------------
OOC:
Anrete moves at 30'
Can I assume Anrete is healed of his minor wounds?

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:29/27/24 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] 
Friday September 27th, 2013 1:26:30 PM
Garret agrees and wonders out loud, "I can move a bit faster and scout ahead, if we think that will be helpful"

OOC:
Garret can move at 50 and could get there quicker than the rest and is pretty decent at hiding and spotting stuff (+21 and +20).

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Friday September 27th, 2013 3:51:36 PM
ooc: I thought we were going to shadow walk as a group (holding hands to not get separated) to get there shortly after spell preparations in the morning.

DMSteveK: oh, if the group wants to do that, that's cool too. :-)

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Friday September 27th, 2013 11:39:48 PM
"Yep, yep."

ooc: Caius moves 30ft per round. His Fortitude is good enough that he could likely hustle for most of the way. His mithral armor helps out quite a bit.

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 1 
Sunday September 29th, 2013 8:29:50 AM
Restlin goes ahead and gets his rest so he can prepare his spells ASAP.

***

Restlin has a 30 move speed.

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Sunday September 29th, 2013 10:49:36 PM
I'm ready to get moving when you guys are. When we get close I'll transform to something more combat suitable in preparation for trouble.

ooc: 30 ft move speed

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Sunday September 29th, 2013 11:15:37 PM
Before going to bed Bosk seeks out a wizard (unless there is someone in the group willing to help him) and arranges for the Wizard to cast Protection from Arrows on him before they head out in the morning.

(Spell lvl 2 x CL 7 (to last until 12:00) x 10gp) = 140gp

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells 
Sunday September 29th, 2013 11:33:43 PM
Before retiring for the night Bosk checks with Sesha to see if she will be transporting everyone with Shadow Walk. Although he disapproves of the young witch's form of magic, the thought of traversing though the Shadow Realm excites him and he finds himself hoping that the spell will be cast again. Next the cleric goes to the monks' store room and asks for a Tangle-Foot bag, hoping the item may distract the lich long enough for the group to disrupt his plans. Once all his arrangements have been made the horned cleric readies his weapons. Cautiously he applies BLUE WHINNIS poison to his left horn cap and MEDIUM SPIDER VENOM to his flail. This is the first time he has applied poison to his weapons, but his training does not fail and he does so with flawless precision. That night he spends more time than usual picking out spells for the morning and awakens with an unusual energy about him as he gets ready to stop the wannabe lich.

Cast spells: (I included the spells to be cast in the Chestnut Grove so I don't forget them)
-----------------------------------------------
Nemesis Insight -- 6hrs
Chill Touch -- 6 Charges
Death Watch -- Permanent
Dark Vision -- 6hrs
Long Strider -- 6 hrs
Ghost Touch -- Permanent
Magic Circle against evil -- 1hr
Hide from Undead -- 1hr



Morning and Travel (DM SteveK) 
Monday September 30th, 2013 10:06:29 AM
Bosk looks for a wizard for a spell, but is unable to find one before forced to retire for the night for needed sleep. The monks do not have a wizard, nor is there a strong enough wizard in town with a store. A quick check on the adventuring groups reveals that all he encounters are too low of level to get a Protection from Arrows spell. Defeated, the minotaur returns to the monestary where he successfully acquires a Tanglefoot Bag and applies poison to one horn and flail, wrapping them carefully to not spread their poison around.

The monks provide the Iron Adventurers with a very good description of Eberyon's Spear. The heroes are certain that they will be able to recognize it instantly. And since all of them have also seen Ma'ab's Cauldron, they will also be able to recognize that artifact as well.

The next morning at dawn, the monk acolytes wake the group in their chamber. One acolyte informs the group it is 6am according to the water-clock. A meal is in the room to allow the heroes to break their night-fast. The rooms are still in shadows, the sun only touching the top half of the Gray Spire mountains that are barely seen in the distance, even from the height of the Monestary.

The Iron Adventures can eat, review, and prepare themselves for the journey. Most assume it will be by Shadow Walk courtesy of Sesha, so they can get close to the chestnut grove and the hidden road leading to the cut through the mountains. From there, they will arrive in the oval valley where Khar Avon has taken over a mine and is busy corrupting two artifacts for his dastardly scheme of becoming a lich!

...................

Time: 6am
Eclipse: 2pm

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 
Monday September 30th, 2013 11:28:00 AM
Anrete cracks his neck and prepares for the journey ahead - all he needs is his trusty sword.

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +11/+10/+9 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 2  d20+14=32 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 1:12:26 PM
If this Khar Avon fellow is an older drow, he's been around a while. Maybe there's something Restlin remembers about him or some book in the library that mentions him.

If he has time between getting enough rest and memorizing spells, he'll head to said library and poke around regarding him.

Other than that he's ready to leave very early AM.

***

Knowledge, local: 32

Sesha [AC 21 | HP 145/73 | CMD 14][See Invisibility]  d20+19=38 ; d100+18=39 ; d20+19=32 ; d100+9=79 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+19=39 ; d100+14=24 ; d100+19=38 ; 2d4=8 ;
Monday September 30th, 2013 3:32:00 PM
Sesha is more than happy to move the party down the Road of Shadow. Before leaving the monks, she grabs a handful of berries from their stores.

She gather her focus and reaches for leylines, gripping for the magic she needs to empower her spell. The magic here is surprisingly thin.

"Well, now it's just a short jog. Hope everyone is ready. This time, lets hold hands before I end the spell. Maybe we wont scatter. If we do, everyone travel back to the fork in the tree. We shouldn't use bright and vibrant means of locating each other this close to the enemy. I also have a berry to give to each of you. If someone is badly hurt we can at least stabilize their condition by force feeding them one of these."

While in The Shadow Path, she casts a few protections, including Goodberry and Barkskin.

OOC: Summary of rolls.

[1]Bend leyline/Spellcast: 38, Shadow Walk Success 39 vs DC 20.
[2]Bend leyline/Spellcast: 32, Barkskin Success 80 vs DC 20. (No slot expending. Bonus was wrong on d100. 32 vs DC22 is a +10 bonus. d100+10 would have equaled 80.
[3] Bend leyline/Spellcast: 39, Goodberry Success 24 vs DC 20.
[4]4th d100 was rolled in error. Please ignore.

Garret Goodbarrel [AC:29/27/24 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] 
Monday September 30th, 2013 4:38:50 PM
When the monks arrive to wake Garret, they find him sitting on his bed, legs crossed, looking out the window at the lower town. The monk checks and find that Garret isn't meditating, he is just looking out the window. When Garret sees the monk he says, "Well good morning to you, fine fellow. Would there happen to be any food prepared at this time? Or would I be able to find some fresh fruit myself?"

When the meal is indicated, Garret moves quickly to the table and starts sampling various items. A couple apples disappear into the small bag at his belt as he eats with the other hand. When the others start to arrive, he says through a stuffed mouth, "Mmff. Good stufffgh."

After the others have taken some food he says, "Well, Sesha, it appears you will be working to help us with this travel, no? I am not so sure I liked the shadow lands last time, but perhaps it will not be so bad when we are all holding hands. I am prepared to go now, and we should waste no time - the earlier we get there, the better chance we have to see what we will be dealing with before the evil ceremony."

Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 
Monday September 30th, 2013 9:32:17 PM
Sesha's comment about not using light spells makes Beri think for a moment about whether they will need some light source when the eclipse occurs, however he quickly decides that if they haven't won the fight by then they probably will have much bigger concerns than a torch.

I'm ready when you are. If we use magic to travel then I will transform into an air elemental as soon as when arrive since I don't want to make it any harder to hold hands. But if we go by foot I will transform before we leave just to be prepared.

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 
Monday September 30th, 2013 10:48:12 PM
Caius accepts the berry with a nod and smiles at Sesha. "You wouldn't happen to have a spell that turns my morning breath minty fresh, would you darlin'?"

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells  d20+5=13 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 9:10:31 AM
The horned cleric wakes up, disappointed there is no wizard in town able to cast protection from arrows, and resolves to stock up on potions and scrolls in the future. After checking his armor to make sure everything is secure he heads down to breakfast and pops a candy cane from Christmas in his mouth and then hands a few out to those in the group with morning breath. Sorry, other than the one I just ate, they are just regular candy canes. Only one of them retained their magic.

ooc: Magic Candy Cane from Christmas adds +1 to next fort save duration is 1 module or until used.
Both magic and non-magic version a successfully dispel halitosis (badbreath) until the next meal

Strength Check to maintain grip on the person next to him = 13

Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 10:33:22 AM
Anrete examines the berry with great suspicion before dumping it into his pouch. "Thank you Sesha-drow-girl, Anrete will include berry for dinner after big fight."

Chestnut Grove (DM SteveK)  d10=3 ; d8=2 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:55:31 AM
With spell preparations, morning ablutions, spells memorized and recalled and prayed for.... the Iron Adventurers are ready!

Sesha casts her spell within the dim chamber as all the heroes hold hands, and the Iron Adventurers transported along a coiling path of shadowstuff. The path, defined by the Bloodwitch, glows faintly, and all about the heroes, are the trickles, brooks, and streams of Woldsblood, pulsing with a red, glittery light. The path avoids the glowing lines and twists and turns, sometimes even coiling about itself. The Material Wold outside is blurry and indistinct, and flashes by with every footstep.

Once, a group of strange tiny slug-like creatures move across the path, almost like a school of small fish in the water. And like minnows, they scatter and reform while pursued by 3 bipedal monsters with three jaws in their mouths. All the animals ignore the heroes and are soon lost in the shadows.

It only takes a half hour to reach the end of the path. Carefully holding hands, Sesha ends the spell and the group appears 700 feet beyond the chestnut grove on the right fork of the road. It doesn't take them hardly any time to get themselves off the road and in the hidden boughs of the broad trees. On cursory glance, there isn't a road coming out of the grove, and it looks like the heroes are going to have to look for that track Bosk saw in his vision.

[[[ co-DM Jon Tarry will be taking over starting tomorrow ]]]

Lurking (Co-DM JonathanT) 
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 3:31:31 PM
DM JT OOC: in the event that you actually end up finding the path and by luck and great fortune have an encounter that inevitably ends in a battle, get your Permanent spells and Spells in Effect w/duration after that, in your posts, including any DCs that come with the spell, if any.

Your help here is much appreciated.

Thanks.

:)

Bosk AC: 31/16/28 CMD:28 HP 88 of 88 Spells  d20+14=19 ; d20+5=9 ; d20=19 ; d20+7=26 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 9:47:57 PM
Bosk puts a finger to his lips and motions for the group to keep quiet as he looks around and does his best to recognize the location from his scrying vision, the map the monks showed him and the descriptions of the area the group was given. In particular he keeps an eye out for Chestneut trees and other indications that the grove is close by and relating that to where he saw the path. If the group can determine where they are located Bosk will finish casting his spells before leaving Chestnut Grove as stealthily as possible.

Actions
-------------
Perception = 19
Survival = 9
Knowledge Geography = 19 (untrained, so roll capped at 10)
Stealth = 26

Active Spells:
-----------------------------------------------
Nemesis Insight -- 6hrs
Chill Touch -- 6 Charges
Death Watch -- Permanent
Dark Vision -- 6hrs
Long Strider -- 6 hrs
Ghost Touch -- Permanent
Magic Circle against evil -- 1hr
Hide from Undead -- 1hr

Caius HP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28  d20=15 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:54:55 PM
Caius lands solidly on his feet once the party emerges back into the material plane. "That was... shiny. Pretty darn shiny." He surveys the area with Bosk, helping to spot any potential sources of hard and soft cover, concealment, lines of sight for missile fire, and avenues of approach.

Aid Another 15

Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +10/+9/+8 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 8:32:39 AM
Restlin plops out, still holding Sesha & Caius' hands. "Well, I have to tell you both that I feel like we really bonded back in that plane. Maybe later we can spend some time brushing each other's hair and talking about our dreams."

With that, he makes sure all his enchantments are in order & waits for someone to find this path they're supposed to be on.

***

See invisibility - permanent
Darkvision - permanent
Mage armor - 7 hours


Garret Goodbarrel [AC:29/27/24 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29]  d20+20=32 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 12:04:49 PM
Garret watches the strange slugs and creatures pass them in the shadow world, and he almost loses grip with the others as he turns to follow them, quite curious about the multiple-mouthed things. A tight pull on his hand gets him back in line and he arrives with the others.

As he shakes his head, he whispers to Bosk, "Do you remember anything distinct about that path you saw in your vision?" He scans the area (perception: 32).

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