Day Three of the Festival (co-DM SteveK) d6=1 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2014 8:39:00 PM
Posters and decorations are going up all over the city, and excitement is in the air for the Day of Faith! The residents of the Iron Tower neighborhood are no more immune to the excitement than anyone else, and a good 2 dozen children with 5 chaparones and the Iron Adventurers make a hike to see the entertainers on the Marble Causeway.
As they troop down LaborTown, over a ferry, up the other banks of Labortown and up a broad set of stairs that leads to the famous Marble Causeway of NorthHook, the children and their chaparones babble with excitement. The children gush about sweet foods and cool acts they might see. Clarissa and a clerk from the Gilded boar laugh about the holiday and already have a wax paper cup of some early summer wine. An apprentice who works for Mara Weaver talks about the opportunity for money with all the visitors (obviously quoting from overheard conversations).
At the foot of the Marble Causeway, vendors hawk their wares; pins, hats and scarves with the symbol of the Hook are quite abundant. One enterprising young elf has a stall of brightly colored shoes; "Come get your special blessed Jumping Shoes! Shower Blessings on you and your loved ones!"
The Marble Causeway is packed! Vendors, jugglers, bards, musicians! Acrobats, food stalls and clerics battling with words! In a corner is a puppet show that is replaying the Confrontation of the Spider Avatar of Eberyon confronted by a heroic party in tall, tall Grass. By a fountain is a contortionist that calls for any bonds to be put on him and he can escape without magic!
In the crowds, Restlin and Sesha are able to slip away and visit Wardd's Temple. By the Luck of Wardd (ooc: I rolled for it, too!), a Sage is hurrying out and careens into Sesha, dropping all his scrolls. In picking them up and running out, the sage has missed one. One titled "The Serenbeth Sisters; a Poor Myth Based on the Crones of Gateway Downs." Sesha has no time to read it now, but it may prove most enlightening....
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells d20+17=34 ; d20+18=26 ; Wednesday February 19th, 2014 10:21:12 PM
Bosk looks at the wares and spies the brightly colored pins, hats and scarves and casually looks to see how much it would cost to buy such items for the kids, hoping to spread good will as well as the name of the Iron Adventures across the city (he also thinks it will be easier to chase down a missing child if they are all dressed in identical brightly colored cloths), and when they pass the special blessed shoe shoe seller he look to see if they can accommodate the large taur. Turning to the others he asks, Do any of you have any magic that might be useful in corralling kids or tracking them down should one go missing?
Perception to keep kids from wandering off = 34 Intimidate (if necessary) to glare at a misbehaving child and keep them in line = 26
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday February 19th, 2014 10:33:54 PM
Beriothian looks down at his shoes, an earthen brown made of nice comfortable leather that's almost the color of the mud in Mud Town. They have always done him well when he needed to jump, and he doesn't see any need to get special jumping shoes unless Queen Maab herself decided to bless them.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday February 20th, 2014 3:28:23 AM
Sesha gawks at the scrolls a moment, then picks them up and looks at Restlin.
"Is it stealing from your church if I promise to return this later?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+7=20 ; Thursday February 20th, 2014 9:27:18 AM
Restlin grins. "Little witch, Wardd just gave you a present. If he needs it back, he'll get it back." With that, he puts his arm around her shoulder and escorts her outside. They have a festival to attend!
Back with the rest, Restlin does his best to keep an eye on the kids as well. If any particular child proves problematic, he'll cast charm person on him or her and make sure the importance of staying close is impressed upon them (will save will be DC20 and it will last for 9 hours).
***
Restlin will make sure mage armor is cast before they leave the tower. Maybe he's getting paranoid in his "old*" age.
*For those not aware, Restlin is only 19. He's basically a boy genius.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday February 20th, 2014 9:36:04 AM
Sesha smiles, comfortable in Restlins company.
When outside, she makes a point to consider a pair of the magical jumping shoes. Are they really magical? If they aren't, as long as they aren't too expensive, she will purchase a pair for the occasion.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday February 20th, 2014 8:13:39 PM
Garret ignores the shoe vendor, but takes some time checking out the various pins and buttons. He finds a small one that he can pin on his backpack and purchases it, quickly running off to see the puppet show before the vendor can give him his change. He laughs loudly at the performing puppets and doesn't really pay attention to the children, just assuming they're all keeping up with him as he flits from one place to another.
Mister Mistopholes' Magical Menagerie (co-DM SteveK) Thursday February 20th, 2014 9:37:36 PM
The heroes (and children and chaperones) gawk, and the Iron Adventurers make some consideration of what to do if a child is lost in the heavy crowds. Restlin and Sesha seem excited and happy about their brief visit to the Temple of Wardd, and the group tends to follow the erratic path of Garret. Good thing the Halfling is moving left and right as much as forward, or else none of the others would be able to keep up! Still, the joyous Garret gets to become the target in the children's impromptu game of 'Tag'; except in this game, everyone is trying to tag who is it! Great fun is had by all the kids.
The prices of the accouterments, even pins scarves and the like are only a single White Chit. Yet the long-time Hook City residents realize that if a scrap of scarf is going for the equivalent of 150gp... Wow! Even though the items do have magical auras, the vendors are obviously catering to the fabulously rich or the country yokels.
Food and drink is less expensive, only going for a gold per appetizer, be it a parcel of candied nuts, colorful spun sugar, or any number of sausages or fillets of meat on skewers. One large and tubby human is pushing around a noodle cart and crying the benefits of the bean buns and secret ingredient noodles.
Entertainment is cheaper yet. Most of the corner shows and wandering musicians have a basket or hat or other container for anyone to pass by and drop a coin or two or any variety. Bosk's keen eyes spots a haughty noble/wizard from SouthHook who drops a Red Chit into a fiddler's hat as she finishes a particularly excellent rendition of "Ga'al Went Down To The Sargrass, And He Was Looking For Souls To Steal".
By far, the most popular entertainment on the Marble Causeway is an entire travelling menagerie /slash/ circus; Mister Mistopholes' Magical Menagerie has a set of large colorful tents a ¼ mile from Merchant's Gate in the Wall of Tears. "Creatures rarely seen and never seen! " shouts the Hawkers from their podiums. There is a tent labeled Magical Animals and has life sized poster of a Griffon, Pegasus, Garillon, and Purple Worm. A tent labeled unusual animals has images of a crocodile, deinonychus, mastodon, and giant frilled lizard. A third tent is of Aberrations and shows an Ettercap, Gibbering Mouther, Rust Monster, and a Mimic. There is even a 4th tent labeled "Strange Humanoid Mutations" and has posters of a bearded lady, a wolf boy, a bat boy, and a human with wings.
Overhead of the tents, acrobats on trapeze, tightrope, ramps and unicycles spin and cavort. The most amazing thing about THIS troop is there is absolutely no Magic involved at all! It seems that in a land and city famed for its magic, a magic-less act is by far the most novel!
The kids all want to go see the side shows, but are divided as to which one to see. Clarissa Brodery looks pleadingly at the Iron Adventurers. "If you decide, I'm sure that will sway the children to go to only one of the tents!"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday February 20th, 2014 10:56:40 PM I would love to take a look at the exotic animals, never know when I may need to turn into one of those things. Just remind me not to turn into a rust monster if we are fighting of someone with a really nice looking sword.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Friday February 21st, 2014 9:42:49 AM
Anrete drools as he notices the poster of the giant frilled lizard.
"Looks nice.", he grunts.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Friday February 21st, 2014 12:42:10 PM
Restlin decides the unusual animals tent is the one least likely to give the children nightmares, but suggest the Magical Animals tent regardless.
"I'd much rather look at the magical creatures. Maybe I can find an unusual component in there somewhere? But if we can't split up, I'll follow the group."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday February 21st, 2014 7:30:49 PM
Garret smiles and looks at the acrobats. He thinks, "I can do that. I wonder how much money they earn."
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Friday February 21st, 2014 8:34:14 PM
Ever the fan of trinkets and souvenirs, Bosk hands over the money needed for a pair of Blessed Jumping Shoes and a Hook City Pin. When they get to the tents Bosk will go with the groups decision, although he sees the logic in Beri and Sesha's choices.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Friday February 21st, 2014 9:05:07 PM Any of the creatures would work for me, I just don't have much desire to see a bearded lady or Chillie Willie the half-man, half penguin... or whatever other strange humanoids they may have in the fourth tent..
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Saturday February 22nd, 2014 11:08:17 AM
Garret giggles and looks around. When he thinks no one but the children are watching, he squats and says, "Watch this!"
He glances up to make sure nothing is above him, then he jumps straight up in the air -- fourteen feet straight up! When he hits the ground, he squats back down and smiles at the children. Then he spots a vendor selling some meat on a stick he quickly heads over to try it, grabbing one stick in each hand.
When the others start discussing visiting an animal tent, Garret starts towards the Magical Animal tent saying, "Oh, a griffin. I have always wanted to ride one of those, I imagine it would be much similar to Avis, right?"
Hey Rube! (co-DM SteveK) d20+35=41 ; Saturday February 22nd, 2014 4:58:27 PM
The grand party from the Iron Tower Neighborhood discuss their options. Any of the first three tents seem to be enjoyable to adult, adventurer, and child, so at least they have eliminated going to the exotic humanoid tent. But which one?
Garret seeks to entertain the children and the Halfling jumps up. The conditions are perfect, but Garret doesn' seem to want to show off his full ability and only jumps 10 feet straight up in the air. (ooc: DM rolled) The little guy jumping nearly as high as Bosk stands makes the children ooo and aahhh, and they all begin jumping up and down themselves to see how high THEY can jump! :-)
Many apprentices are here with their teachers, studying the animals. Lots of families and children. They can look at the monsters and the safety precautions seem very well done. Then the heaviest child jumps and the ground shakes. "Ha! Ha! Bertrand! You made an earthshake!, the others tease untiil the ground shakes again and screams erupt from the Unusual Animals tent.
A lithe elven acrobat runs out pale-faced;"the dinosaur has escaped!" Right behind him, a titanic saurian with a crocodilian snout, powerful front claws, and a colorful sail-like ridge running down its back rips from the middle of the tent and onto the Marble Causeway!!
Families and students scatter from the gargantuan animal! The Hawker in front of the tent calls for help. "An animal is temporarily loose, and Mister Mistopholes' Magical Menagerie will give an Indigo Chit to any group that can subdue the animal without damaging the merchandise!" With tail lashing, the gargantuan dinosaur's baleful eye looks about and it screams a roaring challenge!
EFFECTS Obstacles: All ground movement is 1/2 moves. It is very crowded. Instead of putting every person on the map and trying to manipulate the crowds we will consider the crowds as obstacles that the heroes have to move around.
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Saturday February 22nd, 2014 10:40:49 PM
ooc: What was the magical aura on the.pin and shoes?
DM SteveK: The shoes aura is Illusion.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d6+4=9 ; d20=7 ; d20+8=11 ; Sunday February 23rd, 2014 1:03:41 PM
Restlin elbows Sesha before whispering, "this is great! Assuming no one gets mauled by that thing, we get to burst into action with half of Hook City watching!"
First order of business, weaken this beast. Taking aim, he casts ray of enfeeblement at the thing.
***
Save DC is 14 - 9 str damage Hit touch AC 11
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Sunday February 23rd, 2014 2:27:34 PM
Bosk quickly looks around at his surroundings, making note of the ground he is standing on and how thick it is.
ooc: Thinking about casting stone shape below the dinosaur. I need to know how deep the stone goes. Especially if we are on a bridge.
DM SteveK: bit of a misnomer. The Marble Causeway is the main road from the Strangers Gate in the Wall of Tears (exterior wall of Hook City) that runs absolutely straight to the Bridge. It is called the Marble Causeway because of all the statues, fountains, and Temples that line its length. The depth is to the catacombs below Hook City, but there really is no way to gauge that.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Sunday February 23rd, 2014 10:42:37 PM
Beriothian sees the crowd spread out and realizes that it could be a difficult situation to cast in, not to mention the dangers from the dinosaur itself. He quickly transforms into an large air elemental and flies straight up to a height of 25 feet above the spinosaur's head
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+20=38 ; d100+16=59 ; Monday February 24th, 2014 1:10:31 PM
Sesha eyes the large dinosaur and lets out a long, drawn out sigh.
Here she was with information on the Serenbeth Sisters in her grasp and she had a big angry puppy stomping about on a day of celebration! She just wanted a little fun, NOT monster herding.
She thinks a moment about the situation, then settles on an enchantment, trying her best the maneuver invisible stands of force around the creatures body, holding it in place.
"I'll try to subdue it!"
[1] Move Action: Bend Leyline. Success. [2] Ley Roll: 59. Success. [3] Standard Action: Hold Animal - Will Save DC 20 (10+7cha+2ndlevel+1 spell focus)
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Monday February 24th, 2014 3:54:04 PM
As the young witch casts her spell the horned cleric waits and watches, just long enough to see if her spell takes hold. If her heretical manipulation of the Wold's Blood should fail the horned cleric will slip into the gray of the Shadow Realm, cloaking himself in an ethereal robe of non-existence...but if the little witch's hold manages to dominate the beast...WOOOHOOOO! The blond taur screams as he waves his hands and casts Dimensional Door and a split second later appears on the back of the spineosaurus neck (behind the head where he cannot be bitten). Holding on with all his strength he calls out, I have been looking for a mount like this!
ooc: If Hold Animal paralyzes the creature, dimensional door onto the creature's back. If it fails Bosk will use his Dark Walk ability. Dark Walk (Grim - SU) (gain concealment, a 20% miss chance, a +2 resistance bonus to saves, and a +8 bonus to Stealth checks.)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Monday February 24th, 2014 6:53:11 PM
Beriothian watches as Bosk indulges his inner adrenaline junkie. ...let's see if he makes 8 seconds before getting thrown.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday February 24th, 2014 6:55:15 PM
Garret starts moving as quickly as he can towards the massive beast, hoping to distract it from any of the other members of the crowd, should the beast decide it is hungry, and knowing that others in the group will likely be able to stop it without having to actually draw blood.
Spineosaurus Round 2 (co-DM SteveK) d20+16=26 ; d20+9=16 ; d100=75 ; Monday February 24th, 2014 8:23:23 PM Restlin is excited about being able to be the heroes with half of Hook City watching! Taking aim, he casts ray of enfeeblement at the thing. The dinosaur is such a large target that Restlin would have to try harder than that to miss, but it is equal to the magic, only weakening slightly. (Fort Save 26 for 1/2 = 4STR)
Beriothian sees the crowd spread out so quickly transforms into an large air elemental then flying straight up 25 feet above the spinosaur's head, which is 45 feet up in the air, and then only 15 feet towards the monster. (ooc: Standard Action to Wild Shape + Elemental Body III provides 60' flying movement)
Will Dietz Highlight to display spoiler: { Please include in Beri's Post his Air Elemental Stats. Wild Shape (Elemental Body III): Large Air Elemental: +2 size STR, +4 size DEX, +4 natural armor. Fly 60 feet (perfect), Darkvision 60 feet, and create a whirlwind. See: http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/universalMonsterRules.html#_whirlwind}
Sesha thinks a moment about the situation, then tries to subdue the dinosaur! Ley Lines bend around the monster, temporarily paralyzing it! (Will Save 16 fail!) The BloodWitch knows her spells enough to realize that the Spineosaurus could break the spell at any second... (ooc: Hold Animal gives a new saving throw per round)
Bosk sees that Sesha's heretical manipulation of the Wold's Blood manages to Hold the beast... "WOOOHOOOO!" The blond taur screams as he casts Dimensional Door and appears on the back of the spineosaurus neck! He calls out, "I have been looking for a mount like this!"
Garret starts moving as quickly as he can towards the massive beast, hoping to distract it from any of the other members of the crowd. The crowds hamper his abilty to move quickly, but by only concentrating on moving, the halfling covers 50 feet of dodging bigger people.
Anrete and Katinka watch the show.
...............................
The monster is paralyzed, not even able to roll its eyes. Only it's breathing demonstrates it is still alive.
The crowds react to Bosk's theatrics with a hush... and then a cheer! One fellow shouts out "It's only a show! It ain't really escaped!" Laughing and applauding, the crowd of citizens do not continue to disperse, but instead stop to watch the show...
..............................
Spineosaurus AC 24 Touch 8 (Enfeebled -4 STR, Hold Animal DC 20 11 rounds)
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 94 Spells Monday February 24th, 2014 8:49:08 PM
ooc: Is falling / dropping from the dinosaur a free or a move action like dismount? I am planning to drop down and then cast Shape Stone around its feet (like pits around its legs, not mounds going up them)..
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday February 24th, 2014 10:30:30 PM
Sesha winks at Restlin then yells out to the others, drawing her broom just in case flight becomes necessary.
"All the maneuvers are pretty boys, but this big guy can break free at any moment. All he has to do is get mad enough! We need a more permanent knockout before that happens!"
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Tuesday February 25th, 2014 8:33:13 AM
OOC: Sorry, can someone help me post for this week? I've sleeping 3 hrs a day for the past week.
Anrete struggles with great inner turmoil. On one hand, that little guy has promised them chit-things. He had never seen indigo chits before. He had done brown chits and sometimes even green chits when he was sick, but never indigo chits.
On the other hand, that was a lot of stew roaring at him.
(If the DM is kind...)
Round 1: Anrete charges at the giant dinosaur and swings away with his sword. He wont kill it with just a few blade smacks, he doesn't think.
Hit AC 21 for 20 Subdual (+2 Charge, -4 Subdual)
Round 2: Since Sesha-Witch was making it stand still, Anrete figured now was as good a time as any to keep whacking the Stewasaurus. Maybe they would give him a leg or something? Maybe they wouldn't! That would make him mad. REAL MAD.
Rage Entered
Full Attack, Subdual vs Paralyzed Stewasaurus: Hit AC 34 for 23, Hit AC 17 for 24, Hit AC 20 for 20
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+14=15 ; d100=90 ; d20+14=28 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2014 2:56:25 PM
Inspired by his adoring audience, the Horned cleric stands and yells Stand back. The the escape was real...but that doesn't mean we cannot have a little fun as we catch the guy! The blond taur then attempts a double back flip off of the dinosaur's back as he shows off. As soon he lifts into the air he knows his balance was off and he has to quickly twists his body around to avoid breaking any bones on the hard ground beneath him. The dismount isn't the feat of showman's ship he had hoped (acrobatic 15), but it isn't bad.
With a loud thud the cleric lands on the ground beside the dinosaur, his hand outstretched with his palm touching the stone beneath him. I second later holes open up around the dinosaur's legs. (Cast shape stone to create a dinosaur shaped hole in the ground with pits for its legs to fall in (17 cubic feet)
Actions --------------------------------------- Acrobatics for dismount = 15 Acrobatics to avoid falling damage = 28 (I can't fail this check) 1st 10ft damage negated. 3 points non lethal damage taken. (I assume I am 20ft up. 0dmg if closer to ground 9 dmg if higher up).
(Cast shape stone to create a dinosaur shaped hole in the ground with pits for its legs to fall in (17 cubic feet)
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Tuesday February 25th, 2014 3:00:11 PM
ooc: I almost forgot, please use any displaced stone to build up walls thick enough the dino cannot break them. Hopefully a another player can complete the process of making a stone cage.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Tuesday February 25th, 2014 3:40:05 PM "Great idea, Bosk!" shouts the wizard before using his arcane focus to cast a stone shape spell of his own. He causes the stone around the 4 pits the legs are in to close in and pin the beast's leg's in place. He'll use what magic he has left in the spell to form a cage around the beast. Assuming he can't completely envelop the dinosaur, he'll at least build up a guard around the creature's mouth.
**
Cast stone shape - can manipulate 19 cubic feet
Bosk AC: 29/14/26 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Tuesday February 25th, 2014 5:23:55 PM
Bosk smiles, glad to see the group working so well together. He might not be skilled in arcane casting or approve of the witches techniques, but he had to admit that their various methods seemed to be working well together.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday February 25th, 2014 7:06:37 PM
Garret continues dodging the crowd and making his way towards the large beast, ready in case the thing starts to move.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday February 25th, 2014 8:32:18 PM grrr, Bosk! I was about to create a wall of thorns to trap the creature, but I don't want to trap Bosk in... oh well, guess I'll leave an opening big enough for Bosk to get out. Beri glances around the area, and assuming that any bystanders are at least 10 feet away (which I assume none are dumb enough to be that close) casts Wall of Thorns around the dinosaur, leaving a gap where Bosk lands so he can escape. Hopefully the dinosaur decide the thorns are not worth pushing through, or a least maybe they will slow it down a little.
ooc: I thought large elemental had flying speed=100 SteveK: But Beri is NOT a Large Air Elemental, he is in the SHAPE of a Large Air Elemental while under the effects of the spell Elemental Body III. And that spell clearly states that the caster has a Fly of 60'.
Wild Shape (Elemental Body III): Large Air Elemental}: +2 size STR, +4 size DEX, +4 natural armor. Fly 60 feet (perfect), Darkvision 60 feet, and create a whirlwind. See: whirlwind link}
Spineosaurus Round 3 (co-DM SteveK) d20+9=16 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2014 10:04:01 PM Sesha warns the others that the dinosaur can break free at any moment. She recommends a more permanent knockout before that happens!
Anrete (posted by KenE. thanks for supporting your fellow Player! Post every day until Will is back on his feet, and I will give Sesha a HERO POINT.) The barbarian struggles with great inner turmoil, but decides beating on the dinosaur, even with just the flat of his blade, is just too much fun to not try! He rushes towards the giant dinosaur, dodging the people in the crowd. The first few seconds are used just to get to the stew-meat, and he is able to take one big swing as he finally arrives, but his large sword glances off the Spineosaurus' hard scales! ooc: Anrete's movement is 40' and with the obstacles of the crowds is only 20' feet per round. Doing a double move in Round 1, Anrete is able to move and then strike with his first attack which failed to penetrate the opponent's Armor Class.
Bosk yells his adoring audience; Stand back!, and recovers enough for an adequate dismount from the gargantuan dinosaur. The cleric lands on the ground beside the dinosaur (without injury) and casts shape stone to create pits for the dinosaur's legs to fall in. The Spineosaurus is so large, however, that 17 cubic feet is only big enough to drop it one foot with walls a foot thick another foot high! The cleric has no idea if a foot thick is strong enough to impede the dinosaur, but that is all the stone he is able to work with.
ooc: A gargantuan animal, it would take 800 cubic feet to make a hole big enough to drop the dinosaur into a hole the size of itself (20x20x20 foot hole). Even making a hole the size of the dinosaur that is 1 foot deep requires 40 cubic feet. DM rules that 17 cubic feet is enough to make two holes just for its feet one foot deep.
ooc: "please use any displaced stone to build up walls thick enough the dino cannot break them." Bosk needs a Skill Roll in Know: Nature vs DC21 to know how strong the dinosaur is, and also needs a Skill Roll in Know: Engineering DC 20 to gauge how thick the stone needs to be to probably not break against that strength.
Restlin sees that Bosk has at least the start of a great idea, and uses his Arcane Focus to cast a Stone Shape spell of his own. With 19 cubic feet to work with, Restlin causes the pits around the legs to deepen and the stone to form around its legs as big stone shackles!
Garret continues dodging the crowd and making his way towards the large beast, ready in case the thing starts to move. The monk is able to get beside both Anrete and the Spineosaurus towering above him!
Beriothian growls that Bosk, Anrete, and Garret are too close to do what he wanted. Oh well, the druid can adapt! He casts a spell and thorny brambles erupt from the stones of the Marble Causeway creating a 5 foot thick barrier around the Spineosaurus! A magical connoisseur would note that the wall must be continuous, and that Beri erected the barrier around Bosk, Anrete, and Garret. How? By putting some of the thorns directly under the dinosaur! (ooc: This causes 1 point of damage to the Spineosaurus)
Katinka (posted by DM as Rob is sick with pnemonia) stands her ground and Readies her Wall of Force spell just in case the monster escapes. "If it breaks Sesha's spell, I've got another one ready to slow it down.", she calls to the other Iron Adventurers. (Ready Wall of Force to go between the dinosaur and whatever victim it decides to bite.)
...............................
The monster is still paralyzed, held in place by Sesha's temporary spell.
Not even any of the crowd was foolish enough to be so close to the dinosaur to be affected by Beri's Wall of Thorns, and by its creation, the crowd has surged a little further away. There is a 20 foot clear space around the Spineosaurus right now that is free from any crowds or obstacles.
..............................
Spineosaurus AC 24 Touch 8 (Enfeebled -4 STR, Hold Animal DC 20 10 rounds, Stone Shape shackles: Hardness 8 Hit Points 90 Break DC 35) Damage: 1
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+11=23 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 12:08:05 AM
ooc: Do you allow non-lethal coup de grace to knock creatures out?
SteveK: just read the coup de grace rules. No, I won't allow non-lethal coup de grace. It doesn't look like that is possible.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+11=25 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+9=12 ; 2d8+5=15 ; 3d6=13 ; d8+3=6 ; 3d6=10 ; d6+5=7 ; d6+5=11 ; d4+5=8 ; d4+3=4 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 10:49:55 AM Anrete, is it just me or does this guy look tasty! The horned is about to use his fruitcake to clobber to spinosaurus when he realizes it is too dense to do non-lethal damage with. Left with no other options the cleric then begins to tenderize the walking steak in front of him with his bare hands. Although his fists are no replacement for his bastard sword, his training as an Avenger have taught him just where to land his hits for maximum damage. Glancing behind him he adds. Clarissa, keep an eye on the kids! Keep them safe!
Actions ------------------------------------- Atk 1 with fist Hit AC 29 for 8 non-lethal dmg and 13 sneak dmg = 21 dmg Off had atk with foot Hit AC 31 for 4 on lethal and 10 sneak = 14 dmg Atk 2 fist Hit AC 23 - miss Off had atk with foot Hit AC 13 - miss Attack with Natural Weapon Horn Hit AC 17 - Miss
Total of 35 nonlethal damage done.
+2 flanking +4 helpless, +2 enemy gets no dex bonus, -2 twf +1 because I forgot to add my new BAB (I rerolled the dmg. Atk is correct, but dmg was my regular (lethal) weapons. Then I realized my fruitcake is lethal and rerolled using unarmed dmg)
SteveK "Nonlethal Damage with a Weapon that Deals Lethal Damage: You can use a melee weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage instead, but you take a --4 penalty on your attack roll."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Wednesday February 26th, 2014 11:12:34 AM
Restlin seizes upon the opportunity for free publicity.
He reaches back into a quiver specially made for him by Bosk and pulls forth a shimmery metal wand. Aiming at the sky, he uses the wand to cast silent image, providing a blow by blow feed for those too far away to see the minotaur in action. As it is silent, Restlin pauses the image briefly after each blow. Each still frame is accompanied by a POW!, OUCH!, or other appropriate exclamation. Each is surrounded by a monochromatic starburst.
To the right of the screen, he creates a shimmery replica of the Iron Tower.
***
That's right. I'm making a jumbotron. The image is 60'x60'. The image of the tower is 10'x10'.
SteveK: Very creative, but the spell description states "an object, creature, or force" as in one singular. No starburst, no Tower. But I will bend and say one object = the battle that shows the Spineosaurus and the Iron Tower heroes battling. Note: this addition is only good in a case by case instance and just because it is not providing any combat advantage. The slow motion, rewind to show it again, pause and spin like Matrix.... all is good. :-)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Wednesday February 26th, 2014 11:15:23 AM
I'm lovin it!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+23=40 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+23=28 ; 2d8+3=12 ; 2d8+3=11 ; 2d8+3=9 ; 2d8+3=10 ; 2d8+3=14 ; 2d8+3=11 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 8:28:55 PM
When Garret sees Bosk lay into the held beast, he shrugs and says, "No, no, not like that, like this!" He bends at the waist and spins around, leveling kicks and punches at the creature's lower chest.
OOC: Flurry of blows using the mods from Bosk: Hit AC/Damage: 42/12, 35/11, 26/9, 25/10, 24/14, 30/11 = 67 non-lethal damage if a 24 hits.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Wednesday February 26th, 2014 8:33:56 PM
Beriothian looks behind him at the impromptu jumbotron. Apparently the whole city is watching, let's hope the IA comes off looking good. ooc: actions coming shortly
--- Wild Shape (Elemental Body III): Large Air Elemental}: +2 size STR, +4 size DEX, +4 natural armor. Fly 60 feet (perfect), Darkvision 60 feet, and create a whirlwind. See: whirlwind link}
------------ spell list 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, Cure Critical Wounds, Wall of thornsx0 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Wednesday February 26th, 2014 8:42:47 PM Garret Bosk and Anrete are flanking, but Garret is not. Also, off hand damage gets only a 1/2 str bonus unless you have the Double Slice feat.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d3=2 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 9:19:46 PM
Beriothian surveys the field and the battle seems to be in control. Deciding that since they were asked to not let the "merchandise" be damaged, he decides that the best option is to add a layer of protection and starts to channel one of his stone spikes spells and uses it to start summoning a pair of Satyrs that can use their pipes to put the creature to sleep should it free itself.
ooc: not sure if you prefer to roll for the number summoned yourself or if you prefer it done upon completion of the spell --- Wild Shape (Elemental Body III): Large Air Elemental}: +2 size STR, +4 size DEX, +4 natural armor. Fly 60 feet (perfect), Darkvision 60 feet, and create a whirlwind. See: whirlwind link}
------------ spell list 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, Cure Critical Wounds, Wall of thornsx0 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+18=34 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+9=14 ; 2d6+14=19 ; 2d6+14=19 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 10:36:25 PM Anrete continues to tenderize the dinosaur. He isnt sure if they can eat it or not, but if so, this leg will be good and tender.
- Hit vs AC 34 and 32 - - 36 Subdual.
Sesha continues to monitor the situation. People seems safe, and the dino seems occupied, so she decides to hold her position for now.
Spineosaurus Tamed (co-DM SteveK) d20+9=16 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 11:04:47 PM
ooc: well .... mice!
.................
The Spineosaurus can't get out of Sesha's simple little spell, and it will be only a few more seconds before it succumbs. What could have been a terrible catastrophe has been averted (and with humor and panache!) thanks to the Iron Adventurers.
The Spineosaurus falls unconscious and the Menegerie people run to secure the beast. The Hawker grins. "Just a moment, noble sirs, and I will fetch Mister Mistopholes, the owner of the Non-magical Menagerie."
The crowds... go wild. "Who are you guys?"
The children are quick to take the credit that they know the group. "They are the Iron Adventurers of Hook City!", they chorus.
And the Marble Causeway is becoming even more jubilant than ever!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Thursday February 27th, 2014 8:09:29 AM
Amongst the jubilation, Restlin puts his hands on Sesha's shoulders before bending down and whispering in her ear, "that was all you, doll. This would have been much worse if you hadn't thought as quickly as you did."
Then, it's back to the party! Restlin smiles, waves, shakes hands, etc. There's nothing the wizard loves more than being hailed as a hero. He'll recast silent image to replace the combat footage with a large, resplendent image of their tower.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Thursday February 27th, 2014 7:11:55 PM
As the crowd cheers Bosk gathers the Iron Adventurer's together to make sure everyone shares in the glory. He is still high from riding the dinosaur, but he has to agree with Restlin and the fact that Sesha won the battle with her spell just as Restlin so often turns tide of battle with his well timed haste spells and arcane manipulation of the battle field. In the back of his mind he thinks about the fact that he has never successfully used his magic to dominate the will of another, but then he reminds himself that the witch's magic is an abuse of the natural order of the Wold and only accomplished by desecrating the Wold's blood. That thought allows him to push the matter aside and ignore his own shortcomings in the field.
You were amazing with that spell Sesha! Things would have been quite a bit messier without that. Turning to Restlin he adds, That was a brilliant use of Silent Image! People will be talking about this for weeks! The horned cleric then calls the children up to the front to share in the applause. He knows the kids will love it and that it will cause them to talk about the Iron Adventurer's to everyone that will listen, but his real reason is that he worries about where they have gone to and wants to make sure none of them wander off in the excitement. (I never heard from Clarissa about watching the kids)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Thursday February 27th, 2014 8:29:36 PM
Garret stands back as the large beast falls to the ground and looks up at the Jumbotron to see if there is an instant replay.
Fame! (co-DM SteveK) Thursday February 27th, 2014 8:57:18 PM
The instant replays are great, the crowds are great, and the kids absolutely LOVE Bosk getting them up with the heroes. The Marble Causeway is so crowded with people wanting to see the newest celebrities that it takes a little while for the Menagerie personnel to arrive with restraints and a travois to move the Spineosaurus back into its cage. "Huh!, declares one menagerie worker, "I wonder how she got out? Ah well, let's haul Sally back, boys!"
Mister Mestopholes arrives in a flurry of clowns which augments Mestopholes' own height and sophistication in a ringmasters red tuxedo and tails with khaki jodhpurs. "People of Hook City, it gives me great pride and pleasure to bestow this Indigo Chit on the heroes who saved the day...." (a clown whispers in Mestopholes' ear) "the Iron Adventurers!" The crowd goes wild as the owner/ringmaster hands over a palm sized purple glittery disc thinner than a cracker. "Hook City is wonderful to have these Chits. A Chit is so much better than gold, because with the magic of Hook City to back it up, Chits are indestructable and last forever!"
Clarissa is there and the other chaparones make sure every child is accounted for. After a while, she leads the group back to the neighborhood. "That's enough excitement for one day. These kids will be talking about the Iron Adventurers for the rest of their lives!"
It takes some time for things to get back to only a normal amount of festivities, but when they finally do, the Iron Adventurers notice one figure not celebrating. In fact, the figure, dressed in a long belted tan coat and a crumpled tan hat with black band, is standing next to the hole torn in the tent by the Spineosaurus. And the figure is obviously watching the Iron Adventurers...
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday February 27th, 2014 9:03:14 PM
Beriothan transforms back to human form, and the Satyr's he summoned, seeing that there is aparently no longer a need for them, start to play a joyous song on their pipes.
Wow, that went surprisingly smooth. Quick thinking Sesha.
Beri waits for the owner of the Menagerie to come and take control of the beast before ending his spell and removing the magical wall from around the dinosaur.
ooc: mice?! Where are the hook city exterminators? Wait... we were sent to kill giant rodents as one of our first jobs after moving to Hook City, maybe it's us...
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday February 28th, 2014 1:11:54 AM
Sesha glows at the praise, something that she doesn't usually get. Back in Bryn Baraz, she was often criticized by Cyniq. In It'lal, she was an outsider and her magic generally less effective than that of the resident Mages.
So she does what any happy kid would do, and grins like an idiot.
"It was pretty great, wasn't it? But I was probably just lucky and acted first. There was enough magic flying that he wouldn't have gotten far thanks to you guys. "
Sesha looks at the indigo chit.
"What do I do with this?"
Anrete gives the dinosaur a final kick with his boot, then sighs. Not food after all. He looks at the man in tan coat and frowns. He knew what this was about...
"Hey you! You want an autograph? Anrete sign one for you!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+23=41 ; Friday February 28th, 2014 8:16:08 AM
"It's our currency here. That little chit is worth more than non-Hook City residents make in their lifetime. Much more. Around here, it will let you eat for about a month. I may be exaggerating, but you get my drift."
Restlin checks over this man in tan. Specifically, he's looking for any HC identification, or trying to figure out if he recognizes him. Restlin imagines he's either a perpetrator of this escape, or an official investigating it. He'd like to know which.
Perception: 41 Sense motive is +21 if you feel it's appropriate to roll for me.
SteveK: I would much rather you decided to roll it and maybe it is appropriate and maybe not. I will only roll for PCs when absolutely essential to not stop a combat.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+17=26 ; Friday February 28th, 2014 7:02:52 PM
Bosk elaborates a bit further on the chits. An indigo chit is valued at 24,000 gp and is associated with a spell. In the case of this chit, some level 6 spell. If there was an emergency need a person could expend the chit to cast the spell as they would use a potion, but then the chit would be gone. He then thanks Carissa for taking care of the children and gives her a set of bronze figurines, each one a statue representing a member of the Iron Adventurer's. Sorry about leaving you with all the kids. Here, I won these in the giggling ghost. Perhaps you can use them to entertain the children...you really do seem to have a way with them.
The cleric then looks about at the man in tan and checks for any other unexpected dangers. Perception = 26
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday February 28th, 2014 8:18:17 PM
Garret flexes and scans the crowd for any attractive halflings. When he spots the man near the hole in the tent watching the group, he waves to him.
Inspector Auslander (co-DM SteveK) Friday February 28th, 2014 9:13:19 PM
Clarissa stops in her tracks with a pole-axed look on her face when Bosk compliments her on her way with children as if it were the last thing anyone would ever say to her. And then she gets thoughtful. Not a word, she gathers up the kids and the other chaperones for the travel back to Iron Tower Neighborhood.
Garret scans the crowd, but the prettiest female Halfling in sight proves to be the only female Halfling in sight... Katinka.
Anrete is disappointed in not being able to eat the dinosaur, and takes some of his surliness out in a brazen questioning of the man in the tan coat.
Restlin watches very carefully as the man detaches himself from the shadows of the tent and approaches. The badge is of Hook City on his hat and as he gets closer, it is obvious Inspector Auslander, Sergeant Capon's boss and head of the SouthHook Investigation Division.
"It's afternoon and everyone is partying, and all the furies break loose. Why am I not surprised to find the Iron Adventurers here?" The dry rhetorical question is accompanied by the very barest hint of a smile. (Sense Motive DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The hero gets the hint that Inspector Auslander likes the Iron Adventurers!}) "Maybe you can put your minds to work as well as your muscles by helping me figure out how a well-caged and magical collared beast like the Spineosaurus could escape?" Inspector Auslander lifts a torn part of the tent like a nomadic tent entrance, inviting the group to go in and look at the evidence...
ooc: Hey all. I'm on a 2 week trip that doesn't involve internet and so I am turning over the game to Jon Tarry until I return. Have fun with the mystery, the festival, and all the trouble that you heroes can get into! :-)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Friday February 28th, 2014 9:56:40 PM
Restlin grins stupidly. "I knew this detectivin' cap would come in handy. Come on, everyone! Let's go earn our reputation..."
The priest casts detect magic before heading inside.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday February 28th, 2014 11:57:15 PM Anrete sulks a bit and huffs loudly as he tromps inside the tent. No autographs OR dino-legs!
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday March 1st, 2014 12:08:20 AM
After slowing her pace to enter behind the others, Sesha decides not to make much fuss here. There's still some celebrating to do, but this inspectors question was one that had been nagging her as well.
How did this thing get free?
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Saturday March 1st, 2014 2:24:53 PM
Bosk turns towards the druid, I do not suppose you prepared a Speak with Animal spell today, did you? That might make things a little easier.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday March 1st, 2014 4:32:09 PM
Sesha bites her lip and waits for Beri's reply. As she understood his magic, he prayed or prepared a select number of spells. If he had a Speak with Animals spell ready, she would let him use his.
Otherwise, it was a simple thing for a Blood Witch to do.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Saturday March 1st, 2014 4:43:07 PM
ooc: I didn't realize witches had that spell, the wikki said druid, ranger and bard. I didn't mean to exclude you.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Sunday March 2nd, 2014 1:38:15 AM
ooc: Bosk probably wouldn't know unless he has a high know arcana or a lot of experience with witches.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Sunday March 2nd, 2014 10:32:12 AM
True, but I meat that as a player.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Sunday March 2nd, 2014 9:08:07 PM nope, I didn't prepare that spell. Would have made it easier. I guess we will have to investigate the old fashioned way. Of course, if there is the right creatures inside the tent I may be able to transform and discuss with one of those.
spell list 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, Cure Critical Wounds, Wall of thornsx0 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Sunday March 2nd, 2014 9:11:37 PM
ooc: in general is it safe to assume we discuss our prepared spells with each other in the morning, or would we have to explicitly do this. It seems like a reasonable assumption for an adventuring group, or at least that we would mention over breakfast if we were straying from our standard spell selections.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Sunday March 2nd, 2014 9:29:31 PM
Bosk nods and then turns to Sesha, a bit awkwardly, Do you happen to have a speak with animal spell prepared...or memorized...or...what ever it is you witches do? I am so used to thinking in the boxes of the arcane and the divine and their associated professions that I forget you straddle all. The divine and the arcane, practicing that which is blasphemous in Gargul's eyes yet somehow appeasing him enough to pair him with one of his Eyes. Your are a living conundrum.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+20=36 ; d100+16=19 ; d20+20=40 ; Monday March 3rd, 2014 9:25:21 AM
Sesha nods at Bosk and smiles, rolling her eyes at the jab, intended or not.
"Yes. Once every fortnight a Blood-Witch must sneak out and find a mother cat in the throes of kitten-birth. As long as we bite the head of the mother as the third baby crowns, Speak with Animals is available to us."
She looks at Beri.
"Perhaps you could empathize with him a little. Make him realize we aren't looking to fight anymore?"
She turns her back to the group for a moment, just long enough to approach the Spinosaurus. She had wondered if a component would make itself available today, and she seemed certain one had, but she would put that aside a moment.
She spends a moment seeking out the strongest leylines, but found mostly thin and anemic strains. Even so, it was suitable. Barely.
She casts her Speak With Animals spell and addresses the Spinosaurus.
"Hail great King of Beasts! How were you let loose from your attendants and unleashed upon the prey and morsels which scampered from you, so fightfully afraid! Please forgive us our trespass on your domain and indulge our questions!"
[1] Bend Ley: Success [2] Ley Check: Success. [3] Standard: Speak with Animals [4] Diplomacy: 40 (Nat 20)
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Monday March 3rd, 2014 9:41:37 AM
"Anrete only has muscles, no brains. Anrete doesn't want to think too much.", the barbarian remarks loudly.
ooc: Thanks for the help! I am still on 3 hrs sleep. But I shld be good to go in a couple of days.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday March 3rd, 2014 10:44:39 AM
(Welcome back!)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Monday March 3rd, 2014 1:16:27 PM
Bosk listens intently to the witch as she describes having to go out every fortnight, and then realizes she is just having fun at his expense. He had been serious when he said thought the witch a living conundrum. What was it Gargul had said, "Remember, ' I shall judge you in the future on what you, yourself, have done rather than by the many abuses of power conducted by your kin. Your Little Spirit will be your best ally to make sure you stay on my good side...be sure to listen to her advice.'"
He cannot help but to wonder what advice she has received and if that might help him to understand Gargul's interest in her and his acceptance of her use of Wold's Blood. Part of him feels if Gargul didn't give the witch a smack down for her dark ways that he should let it slide as well, but part of him feels the heretic for even contemplating such passivity.
ooc: The wikki says Those who worship Gargul, especially, may hate witches...witches are interlopers and worse...Even the servants of Gargul and Alemi who know about Woldsblood do not use it to cast spells; followers of Gargul, in fact, think it blasphemy to use Woldsblood to cast spells. I forgot Sesha could cast that spell, but figured I would use the oversight to show some internal struggles as Bosk tries to grow and accept Sesha's ways. He is too prideful to allow his beliefs to change too quickly.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+11=15 ; Monday March 3rd, 2014 6:00:02 PM
Taking Sesha's advice he attempts to calm to make their former opponent a little more helpful. Beri slowly approaches the massive creatures and does what he can to improve the attitude of the creature. He changes back into his smaller human form and lowers his head, trying to convey to the creature that there is no aggressive intent. Once about 25 feet away from the dinosaur he eyes the creature in an indirect fashion, his moth closes and his hands at his sides..
Wild Empathy = 15
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday March 3rd, 2014 7:45:47 PM
ooc: I love the interaction between Bosk and Sesha. Its the relationships that make me glad I chose this game for Sesha. Considering how Ust Delmah ended.. yikes!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Monday March 3rd, 2014 8:25:48 PM
Restlin's not one to talk to animals. He looks around for other clues instead...
Perception is +23. I don't know if you want to roll for me or not.
DM JT OOC: You can use this role in your next post as you go about your inspection of the cage. :)
The Unusual Animals Tent (co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday March 4th, 2014 12:48:23 AM
OOC: wishing SteveK a well deserved vacation (I hope it is a vacation), I'm picking up for him. I like his flair and I hope to replicate it, but alas, that will be difficult. :}
IC: Their friend, the Inspector Auslander, a man who's come to rely on the IA more than he'd like to admit, asks the IA to come into the massive tent that housed the spinosaur and other Unusual Animals. A ticket taker, back at his post and calling out to the crowd once more to come inside and see the animals, glares at them, seeing gold slipping through his hands as the group enters without paying. Mister Mistopholes returns the glare and the Hawker looks away, a little embarrassed, and quickly picks up his chant on the wonders within the tent.
If the tent looked big on the outside, it looks bigger on the inside. Workers are already at work at mending the titanic tear in the tent made by the escapoing spinosaurus. The crowds have yet to gather their courage and re-enter the tent and Auslander takes the opportunity to have Mistopholes lead them to the spinosaurus cage.
"You see all these magnificent creatures? All in their cages? These cages are of special make. All done without magic, naturally. These locks," he points to the massive locks that keep the doors to the cages shut tight, "are of special make. It takes more than a simple key to unlock them. We are very keen on the temptations of jokesters and the like to open a cage just for the wicked delight of seeing people run in fear. So, we make these locks specially tough."
It doesn't take any special skills to notice that the bars of the cages are made of thick steel alloy and the lock mechanism just as sturdy.
As Mister Mistopholes guides them through, Restlin is glad he is wearing his new hat. Casting Detect Magic, he looks about concentrating here and there as he goes, but the only magic he senses is their own 'stuff'.
Bosk asks Beri if he has Speak with Animals prepared. The druid does not but Sesha speaks up, saying she can do it.
Bosk is taken back somewhat at Sesha's capabilities, something he is still learning about the witch. His mind still struggles with his Calling and how Gargul expects him to treat witches. There's not much in the Teachings that deal with witches that save your life.
Sesha, on the other hand, has an interesting sense of humor and trumps up a believable story, 'believable' to the gullible and otherwise prejudiced, about how witches get Speak with Animals spell. Good thing Bosk sense she is pulling his hoof.
Anrete marvels at the beasts in the tent, thinking about what spices to use for this one or that one, entirely content at letting the others do the thinking.
Beri decides to try some diplomacy with the spinosaurus but finds the huge beast still unconscious and Sesha holds off her spell to speak to it for the moment.
Mr. Mistopholes points out that the current cage the spinosaurus is in is not the original one. He leads the group to 20' of the cage that housed the creature and stops. "My men have been very careful not to disturb the area around Spikey's cage. Until we know what happened, we will not be putting him back in his own cage, but using a spare cage. We normally handle escape attempts ourselves, but this time we feel that our Honor and Integrity is at stake and it was suggested by some that you should be the Investigative Team, as you would show no partiallity to either party."
Perception 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice that Inspector Auslander's facial expression twinges ever so slightly at the last part of Mistophole's remark.}
OOC: the IA are now free to inspect the cage and area with whatever means they come up with. The spinosaurus is currently out of comission, thanks to the IA. :)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 d20+20=31 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=21 ; d100=75 ; d100=18 ; d100=31 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+20=29 ; d100=56 ; d20+26=46 ; Tuesday March 4th, 2014 6:52:43 AM
Tink continues listening in with interest, but is yet to speak up. She tries not to display any emotion as she observes the fleeting change in the Inspector's expression (Perception vs DC20: 36=Pass. Sense Motive: 39)
She places her hands behind her back and carefully looks at the ground around the cage, and the cage itself. She is extremely careful not to touch anything with her hands as yet (Perception: 46 - with Arcane Sight, See Invisibility, Darkvision)
==================== Craft Rolls for people... Self: Cloak of Resistance +4 vs DC25: 31 = Pass. 10% Fey Chance: 75 = Pass. Carl: Upgrade Amulet of Nat Armor to +3 vs DC15: 32 = Pass. 10% Fey Chance: 18 = Pass. Carl: Upgrade Cloak of Resistance to +3 vs DC20: 21 = Pass. 10% Fey Chance: 31 = Pass. Ken: Upgrade Vedik Headband to Major vs DC12: 29 = Pass. !0% Fey Chance: 56 = Pass.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+23=40 ; Tuesday March 4th, 2014 8:39:26 AM
OOC: Restlin can't fail the perception check for Auslander.
Restlin notes the twinge on Auslander's face, but can't quite figure out why (sense motive is +21 if you'd kindly roll for me, DM).
"Well, I'm sure all parties would like to put this behind us. We'll take a look and get to the bottom of this. It won't do to interrupt the festivities any further."
Upon hearing the locks are of magical make, he'll inspect them with his active detect magic spell. "So, how does one open these locks?"
Restlin gives the entire cage a good once over, checking the area around for footprints. He won't take too long, since Tink's on the job and obviously has a keen eye (perception = 40).
Once a good once over is done, he'll ask who was around when the dinosaur escaped.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=27 ; Tuesday March 4th, 2014 10:51:22 AM
Garret looks around the large tent as the group enters, feeling smaller than ever. As the others explore the lock and the cage, Garret checks out the tear in the tent and areas around that for clues (Perception: 27).
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Tuesday March 4th, 2014 1:44:29 PM
Bosk turns to Mr. Mistopholes. Would it be alright if we heal and wake up the dinosaur in order to ask him a few questions?
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Tuesday March 4th, 2014 5:26:57 PM
Sesha continues to watch the dinosaur, waiting for it to awaken for ego kneading and to give it assurances of its mighty dominance.
In the mean time, she amuses herself watching the men poke around.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+17=30 ; Tuesday March 4th, 2014 8:10:07 PM
As he waits for a response the horned cleric carefully inspects the cage for tampering. He then casts detect magic to look for lingering magical auras and spells acting on the cage and animal.
Actions ------------- Perception 30 to look for clues and examine cage Cast detect magic
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+22=34 ; d20+22=27 ; Tuesday March 4th, 2014 8:21:20 PM
Beriothian notices the twinge, but pays it no attention. He goes about inspecting with the others. Does somebody with a little engineering expertiece want to comment on the construction? I don't know there there's really much you can do wrong with a steel cage. Having in his former life been fond of picking locks he starts by looking for the telltale scratches that would have been left by a set of lock picks, or any other signs of tampering with the lock, however he doubts that even a master lock picker would have managed to mess with the lock of a popular exhibit long enough to open this lock without being spotted by the countless spectators.
ooc: from the description am I correct that the door simply unlocked
perception-face=34 perception-lock=27
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 Tuesday March 4th, 2014 9:29:14 PM
Tink nods to Beriothian. It is indeed a good question - perhaps the cage design itself is flawed?
Knowledge Engineering: 20 (Took 10) Disable Device: 30 (Took 10) - If Tink was wanting to sabotage the cage or lock, what would she do? She will look to see if someone else has attempted the same thing
The Unusual Animals Tent (co-DM JonathanT) Tuesday March 4th, 2014 11:55:40 PM
The IA start their investigations.
Tink listens with interest and observes the Inspector's slight flinch. It could be anything, but those who know the Inspector well may be able to tell what it really means. She gets the impression, though, that it was a reaction to a slight insult.
She studies the area well, the cage and the area around it, being extremely careful not to touch anything.
The first thing the IA notice is that the cage is locked. The second thing is that the bars look intact. A couple other obvious things are seen as well. There are fish pieces near the cage, both inside and outside. The cage is cubic in form, that is, the bars cover all sides, including the bottom. This prevents any creature from trying to dig its way out.
Tink's astute attention catch something mostly hidden by some straw. (There floors of the cages and around the cages are covered in straw for easy removal of animal dung). Tink: Highlight to display spoiler: { a bit of paper protrudes from the straw.}
Restlin easily sees the effect the comment made on Inspector Auslander. The Inspector prides himself for keeping order in Hook City but has, of late, needed to rely on 'outside' help. As much as he is relieved that the IA aren't boastful to the point of embarrasing him, it still rankles him to have to rely on 'outside' assistance.
The mage assures Mister Mistopholes that they will get to the bottom of it.
BTW: the locks are not magical.
Restling joins Tink in scrutinizing the area. Pondering how the dino escaped, it is clear the puzzle lies in the fact that the cage is locked, still. Wondering if footprints around the area might give a clue, the area is covered in straw to catch animal droppings. On the other hand, there have been a few hundred visitors pass next to the cage and the straw is fairly squashed flat.
Inspecting the bars, they seem to be intact and there is no sign of any being cut and meleded back together either.
Restlin asks who was around when the dinosaur escaped.
Mister Mistopholes shrugges in exasperation. "WHO KNOWS? I have helpers stationed here and there to answer customer questions, but none saw how it happend. Anyone else who may have noticed something are long gone, frightened out of their wits!"
Garret investigates the large tear in the tent. Workers there atest that the dinosaur slashed its way out with one of his horn spines protruding from his head. They were lucky that it didn't take the whole tent down. Nothing else is seen at the exit point.
Bosk asks if it would be allright to heal and wake the spinosaur up and ask it questions. Mistopholes nearly looses his composure as he tries to hold back a fit of laughter at the thought of talking to a pea-brained animal, but quickly straightens himself up.
"Healing it would be most appreciated. Beware, though, that it may be angry as it will be sore. The cage it is in, albeit not the ideal one for its size, will hold it."
Bosk, meanwhile, also looks for magical auras but finds none other than what the IA carry or have cast upon themselves. Bosk finds the same things the others find. No apparent tinkering with the bars and the lock is still locked.
Sesha enjoys watching the IA at work while she waits for the spinosaur to wake up. It will be a challenge to communicate with such a dense animal but she is up to the task.
Beri has the brilliant idea of asking for some engineering expertise to look over the cage and even more brillinat idea of looking for signs of tinkering with the lock even though, logically, such a thing would be rather improbable with such a number of likely eyewitnesses to an attempt to pick such a complicated lock.
Tink offers her engineering skills to look at the lock and lets out a gasp of surprise!
Tink: Highlight to display spoiler: { Tink's Disable Device knowlege notices the teltale signs that the lock was jimmied.}
DM JT OOC: Continue your investigations, acting upon what you have found. Also, you may heal the brute enough to ask it 'questions'. LOL
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 d20+26=45 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 4:43:03 AM "How very curious. This may be relevant, or then again, may just have been mixed in with the straw to cover the ground" Tink kneels, resting her weight on the balls of her feet as she carefully reaches out for the piece of paper that caught her eye. She holds it carefully between her thumb and forefinger and inspects it closely.
"The lock has been jimmied. Recently" Tink says without taking her attention away from the piece of paper. She brings the fragment close to her nose, testing for any tell-tale fragrance and not caring that it probably has an overpowering "dino odour". "You can see the signs on the lock that someone has been at it"
"Interesting that the lock has been tampered with without the workers noticing it"
She says this very matter-o-factly, and without intending to accuse anyone of lying. Yet.
Perception: 45 to examine the paper fragment
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Wednesday March 5th, 2014 8:50:24 AM
"It is not our duty to assist the City with this, of course, but rather our privilege. We're not so arrogant to think Hook City couldn't handle this without the Iron Adventurers." He gives a brief nod of acknowledgement to Auslander before continuing.
"I doubt very much the workers are able to see invisible lock jimmyers. I also doubt very much that every single person who was around when this dinosaur escaped fled so fast and far that they're whereabouts are unknowable.
"It would be a simple matter for an invisible miscreant to open this lock, then open the cage while providing the illusion that it was still closed. After that, it's just a matter of time before the dinosaur turns around and realizes he could go right through those 'bars' that were keeping him in. An illusion like that will last as long as someone's around concentrating on it.
"Or, I could be completely wrong. What does that paper say, Tink?"
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d6=3 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 11:34:31 AM
Examining the scene turns up a few surprising discoveries. Does this thing eat fish? I would have expected a larger food source for such a creature, and I did not picture him as much of a swimmer.
I am going to wake the big guy up, but before I do so does anyone want to cast any calming spells on him so that he might be more open to assisting up? After making sure everyone has taken any precautions they they want, and that Sesha is still willing and able to questions the Sinosaurus, Bosk is about to lay his hand on the beast when images of his arm ending in a stump flash through his head. Thinking better of his plan, he moves close enough to the cage and channels a healing energy through his Holy Symbol to restore the beast.
Channel Energy, heal all in 30ft for 8dmg
ooc: I assume you can still charm an unconscious creature.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=25 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 11:42:59 AM
Garret continues to explore the area outside the cage (perception: 25) as the other talk about and examine the lock. When they mention waking up the dinosaur and talking to it, Garret turns and looks at the others. He thinks, "Well this could be interesting. I wonder if we will we anything other than 'Are you food?' from it."
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday March 5th, 2014 1:12:04 PM
Sesha will go ahead and cast her spell (And hopefully the DM lets me keep that nat 20 I rolled), but is now dubious of getting any more from the dino than what they've already learned.
That said, perhaps it will be able to describe a scent, or impression, or idea about who freed it.
[Recap]
She casts her Speak With Animals spell and addresses the Spinosaurus.
"Hail great King of Beasts! How were you let loose from your attendants and unleashed upon the prey and morsels which scampered from you, so fightfully afraid! Please forgive us our trespass on your domain and indulge our questions!"
[1] Bend Ley: Success [2] Ley Check: Success. [3] Standard: Speak with Animals [4] Diplomacy: 40 (Nat 20)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+11=25 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 9:06:41 PM Yes, invisible would make sense. It is possible that they didn't go very far then. Pranksters tend to like to hang around and watch the results of their shenanigans... does anyone here have a more effective means to look for an invisible person than randomly casting faerie fire?
Joining Bosk and Sesha, Beri does his best to placate the animal and win it over to their side so that it may be more willing to reveal what it knows.
wild empathy=25
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+23=40 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 9:11:57 PM
"If it's just invisibiliy, Sesha and I both will see right through it."
He then looks around to see if anybody invisible is nearby (perception=40).
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday March 5th, 2014 10:30:11 PM
Tink does not answer Beriothian. She is more than capable of seeing invisible creatures, but if there is one present she does not want it to be known she can see them.
The Unusual Animals Tent (co-DM JonathanT) Thursday March 6th, 2014 12:18:13 AM Katinka carefully brushes some straw away from the piece of paper she spotted and sees that it is a playing card. She holds it carefully and inspects it closely.
The Playing Card is of common make. Its label on the back is of a major card manufacturer for the gambling business in Hook City, Sir Hoy Le Cartes, card Manufaturer Extraordinaire. The card is the 2 of Diamonds. There appears to be nothing special about the card or any markings. It is fairly new and crisp.
Close scrutny of the lock reveals slight scratches where a key would not make. Katinka points this out. She also points out that whoever did it, managed to do it without anyone noticing.
Restlin is diplomatic in his statements to Miser Mistopholes and Inspector Auslander manages a slight nodd. Restlin conjectures that the Assistants would have been able to notice an invisible lock-jimmyer. He's probably right, considering the crowds. The IA experienced the difficulty in keeping together and watching out for the kids. The Assistants would be quite busy answering questions and making sure no dimwit stuck his hands into a cage.
Restlin also figures that there's bound to be some one or two that saw the escaping dinosaur who stuck around.
It turns out that a well dressed young man, wearing a fancy rapier and matching dagger standing just in earshot. An Assistant points out that the man claims to have witnessed the great escape.
"The gate just seemed to gently swing open. A woman screamed and that caught the spinosaurus's attention. It soon bolted through the open gate. It was trying to stab at a poor chap when its horn tore through the tent wall. I couldn't see much. People screaming and running everwhere, dust kicked up clouded the tent. Could barely breathe myself."
Bosk begins the long process of bringing back to consciousness the huge animal. He starts by healing only 8 points of damage. It isn't enough but it is a start. The animal is huge and they did beat it up pretty bad.
Bosk also asks if the thing eats fish, wondering how it would catch such prey in the wild.
Mister Mistopholes answers politely, "This particular beast is a herbivore, but the one next to him isn't. Fish is cheap so that's what we feed it. It tends to 'play' with its food some so pieces do get tossed about."
Bosk casts a two more healing spells like the first (chalk those off) and finally the spinosaurus grunts, snorts, and tries to stand up. It manages to do so with some effort.
Garret watches the repairs and looks about. A few customers are starting to crowd the dorway but aren't being let in yet.
Sehsa casts her Speak with Animals spell and launches into a well versed speach more appropriate in some court of law or addressing some minor lord. "Hail great King of Beasts! How were you let loose from your attendants and unleashed upon the prey and morsels which scampered from you, so fightfully afraid! Please forgive us our trespass on your domain and indulge our questions!"
She is meet with a blank stare for a moment. Finally the dinosaur blinks and blurts out a grunt that Sesha interprets as "What...?"
DM JT Note: I'm assuming that, since this cage is a bit away from the original cage, only Bosk, Beri, and Sesha are here, the others are at the other cage, and Garret is at the tear.
Beri tries to keep the animal calm by using what animal empathy methods he is familiar with. Will they work with a dinosaur? Maybe. Good thing the main Dino-bashers are too far away for the dino to see well.
The druid also points out that sometimes, perpertrators of pranks like to hang around to see what reactions his prank gets. If this was done by one invisible, maybe he's still around?
Restin points out that if there were any invisible person(s) around, they'd have seen him with their permanenet See Invisibility or detected the magic aura of the spell. Neither case was detected, inside or outside.
Inspector Auslander asks to see the card. "A puzzle indeed. Of all the trash about..."
Mistopholes buts in, "Beg your pardon! We keep our tents clean. Look about! See any trash?"
There does seem to be a bit of trash about, oddly enough.
"Awww, that ain't our fault! People dashing about like ants on a scent... We DO keep our tents clean! Hummph"!
Inspector Auslander rolls his eyes, but not facing the Ring Master. "Not complaining, just wanted to point out that a playing card is an unusual item to find. Sift through the trash and if you find any others, then it may mean nothing. But if you don't find any others, it may mean something."
Then he turns to the IA and with a more subdued tone says, "There are a whole lot of strangers in and around Hook City every Day of Faith. Due to the unusual events everyone anticipates, we have Diviners and Seers on extra duty to try to fend off any true catastrophy. We've been getting some divinations that something is going to happen. Several think you can be useful and are an ace in the hole. Their arguments are that the Iron Adventurers think differently, and act independently. Thus I was on my way to find you and was told you had come to the Marble Causaway to see the sights. Now this thing happens."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+19=24 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 6:10:26 AM "A playing card. What a curious find." Tink holds the card out for the others to see. It may mean more to them than to her. Then again, it may just be trash.
Tink stands close to Restlin in order to speak with him quietly "If we are investigating a crime then it may be prudent to warden off this area a bit further. The fewer people that can tamper with the area, or, can observe the investigation the better."
The halfling looks about and takes note of the people present. The man with the rapier looks very well to do. Probably the norm for this area. No doubt at the first sign of trouble he sought to take care of himself rather than the woman who screamed. She tries to get a fix on the man before questioning him further (Sense Motive: 24)
"The woman that screamed. Can you describe her to me?"
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 d20+10=15 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 7:19:33 AM
Anrete got bored of the whole talking process and decided to wander about looking for clues.
--------------------- Survival: 15 :(
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+16=29 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 8:16:27 AM
Restlin nods at Tink, and figures Auslander can make that happen better than any of them can. "Inspector, am I correct in assuming this area is being cordoned off?" he asks.
If Tink doesn't mind, he gets a look at that card. Tink seems to be his equal in picking up detail, so he won't spend too much time trying to discern anything unique about this card. Rather, he uses his (admittedly short) lifetime of living in Hook City to try and remember anything about this Hoy Le Cartes fellow's business that may be of interest.
Knowledge, local: 29 - Do I know anything relevant about this card manufacturer? Are there any local criminal elements that use these as calling cards?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=29 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 10:30:56 AM
Garret sees the card and shrugs, "I think I read about something like this one time, a long time ago, but I cannot be sure." He thinks for a moment, then checks out those gathering again to see if anyone appears out of place (like the criminal returning to the scene of the crime, Perception: 29).
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Thursday March 6th, 2014 5:52:17 PM
Bosk steps back a moment and pauses to take everything in. Out of ideas he waits, hoping for divine inspiration to hit.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 81/73 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Thursday March 6th, 2014 9:55:14 PM
Sesha huffs and crosses her arms.
"This is exactly why I don't talk to plants, dinosaurs, Dwarves or Orcs more often.."
She thinks and tries a different approach.
"Before your cage opened, did someone come? Did they have a smell or a look about them?"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday March 6th, 2014 10:02:43 PM
Beriothian, having had a bit of experience with cards during his time as a rogue, pipes up about the card.
Actually, that playing card is a very unusual find. It is rare that you find a single playing card anywhere. If a card is legitimately dropped on accident you would likely find half the deck on the ground. And the fact that it's still on the ground likely means that it was dropped right before the dinosaur escaped, otherwise Mistopholes would have seen to it that it was picked immediately.
The fact that it's a two is also odd. A new deck would have the joker at one end and the ace at the other, and the diamonds would be in the middle of the deck... but a new deck would also be sealed and unlikely to spill out. It's a standard deck, and a fairly new card. That gives it the benefit of being untraceable, which would make it a good calling card, and on a side note would make it easier to slip into a deck of card if you are cheating... people like to track the face cards but tend to ignore the low value cards.
I don't know that this is actually a calling card, but it's almost certainly not here by coincidence.
I've also heard of people enchanting cards, then once the spell is used it looks like a normal card... though mostly I've seen that used with people cheating at cards.
The Unusual Animals Tent (co-DM JonathanT) Thursday March 6th, 2014 11:54:31 PM Tinka lets the others see the plaing card. She is new here and it means little to her, but it may hold some clue to the others. Quietly she speaks to Reslin: "If we are investigating a crime then it may be prudent to warden off this area a bit further. The fewer people that can tamper with the area, or, can observe the investigation the better."
Restlin agrees with Tinka and asks Insp. Auslander to keep the crowds out until they give the signal.
Inspector turns to Sgt. Capon, who's been right next to Auslander, having led the Inspector in search of the IA, and barks "You heard Master Mage Restlin, keep those people out."
The sergeant snaps his heels and turns about face while returning a loud "YES SIR!" and heads to the entrance. In short order a line of Hook City Special Unit soldiers, all dressed in black and waring dark visors, block the entrance.
Katinka, meanwhile is asking about the woman who screamed.
The young noble, who seems genuinely honest in his story, describes the woman as being middle aged, dressed well but plain, long dark hair, but that's about all he could notice before the riot.
Restlin has a look at the card. He remembers something in Labor Town, a bilboard, or plaque advertising job opening in the card factory. In his time in Hook City, he's seen the same cards being used at taverns. But do criminal elements in the city use them? He'll have to ask someone more knowledgeable in the criminal elements of the city.
Anrete successfully survives wandering around the animal cages, taking note of their unique features. Of special note is a crocodile with jaws and teeth that could snap him in half, another dinosaur, labled Deinonychus, and an elephant completely covered in long shaggy hair.
Garret remembers the same brand of card being used in the taverns. As a matter of fact, it is the only brand he ever remembers seeing. Turning back to the crowds, he studies each one that at the front being held back by the Men in Black. They all look bewildered and dying to see something to go tell their friends about.
Sesha is irritated at the spinosaurus' dense intellect, comparing it to plants, dwarves, and orcs! Unlike dogs, horses, birds, and the like, which, despite their small brains are very smart and can learn tricks and such, dinosaurs are much more 'primitive' in their thought processess. She tries to simplify her inquiry a bit to compensate for her high intelligence ration versus the dinosaurs:
"Before your cage opened, did someone come? Did they have a smell or a look about them?"
After some 'deep' thought, the spinosaurus garbles something in reply. DM JT OOC: anyone remember Arthur the Pig on Green Acres when it talks back? Somthing like that but in dino talk instead of pig squeals.
What Sesha gets out of it is "Hole. Hungry. Green Food not here, out there. out of my way! This, of course, is a liberal interpretation open to a wide range of litterary liscense. It may have let out some dino curse words too, but who'd really know?
Beri puts a finger to chin and looks pensive for a moment before going into a treatise on cards and the art of loosing your cards. It had the sound of a well researched Doctorate Thesis and involved some numerology, not only in the number of cards lost but also the number ON the card(s). The use of Magic Cards in card games (high stakes legal games always have spell detectors keeping watch) is always a possibility and in Hook City, where everyone can cast cantrips, is a defacto likelyhood. It usually comes down to who can out-cantrip the others.
When the druid finishes and his eyes come into focus again, he notices the young nobleman madly sribbling notes on a piece of parchment.
Inspector Auslander holds a quick conference with the IA's near the cage. In whispers, he repeats the warnings of the city's diviners and offers the IA a job. "I had come looking for you to offer a job as Special Security Officers tomorrow during our Day of Faith festivities, specially at the Bridge Jumping. Even if this event is a mere coincidence, what we fear tomorrow won't be. As you know, tomorrow, everyone will be on the bridge to Jump. People expect 'something' to happen. We want you to be there in case that 'something' is more than they expect."
DM JT OOC: i don't know how much SteveK has told the IA about the Day of Faith and the Bridge Jumping. I'll go into detail next post but if it is all a repeat, bear with me. :)
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 d20+7=17 ; Friday March 7th, 2014 9:31:35 AM
"Elephant trunk steak. Anrete ate one before. Tasty!", the barbarian thought to himself as he continues exploring the area.
___________________ Knowledge(Nature): 17 :(
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Friday March 7th, 2014 10:05:58 AM Master Mage Restlin...that has a nice ring to it.
Unable to come up with anything concrete about the card, he decides they'll need to follow up later today. For now, he has questions for Auslander.
"The diviners, were they able to come up with anything other than 'something' happening? Of course we'll be glad to provide our services to the City." He looks around to make sure there are no objections from the rest of the IA, but will shoot a stare down at anyone who does. They have a fair share of influence in this city and it'd be a shame to ruin it.
He turns to Sesha and Tink. "Divination is one of my weaker schools. Do either of you have any tricks that could help ferret out what the Hook City diviners are picking up on?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Friday March 7th, 2014 10:19:57 AM
Garret ponders the card and the detailed information about the card presented by Beri. He replies, "I suppose it could be some sort of message, but from who and to who? Inspector, have you heard of any such thing in town before?"
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Friday March 7th, 2014 11:55:38 PM
Sesha considers Restlins question. She had divination available, but worried she would wear herself thin to come up with the same answers the Hook City Diviners had come to. "Something" will happen.
"I can ask Little Spirit about tomorrow, but if your fancy Hook City Diviners can't figure it out, I don't know how much more I could glean. That said, I have my own suspicions. I'm thinking Mhalice might have something to do with it. That hussy is probably just waiting to give us trouble."
Sesha grins.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to send her some sweet dreams tonight, just in case she is involved. As long as I have the magic left. And tonight I'll cast a divination, when I have some peace and space."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Saturday March 8th, 2014 5:28:54 AM
Tink nods along as the stranger describes the woman. Not very helpful, but still more information than she had previously. "We may have further questions of you. Would you mind leaving your contact details with the Inspector? Should your information help us apprehend a guilty party we will be happy to include your name in any reports or flyers. You may become a minor celebrity by the end of this" She gives the man a polite smile and nod to dismiss him. In her experience it is always best to treat people nicely. Who knows? This man may recall more information later, or perhaps, may be the guilty party after all.
"I suspect that as the woman screamed before the animal was free from its cage that she either was the first to notice the gate was open, or, saw someone or something else bad enough to make her scream" she thinks aloud to Restlin and Sesha.
"My spells are more focused on detecting and misleading divinations. We could probably find a divination scroll at a local retailer that I could scribe into my spellbook and then cast regularly if that would assist?"
Beri seems very well educated on cards. Probably best not to gamble with him for money. Tink has one final look at the card, trying to see if it has a layer of dust on it. The witness said the beast threw dust up in the air that clouded the tent. If the card does not have a film of dust on it, then it could well have been placed AFTER the fact.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Saturday March 8th, 2014 6:12:53 PM
Sesha shakes her head, a cocky smirk on her childish face. She hadn't had much to do with Tink yet, but she was starting to like the halfling. She seemed smart, but nice, sort of like a mix between Larien and Cyniq, two other women adventurers who had various degrees of influence in her short life.
"Bosk and I both have a connection to the Divine, and my teachers made sure I knew how to divine answers from both my spirit companion and my allied outsider. Talking to the other side is kinda easy for me. If you want to purchase the scroll, feel free, but it isn't necessary."
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Sunday March 9th, 2014 11:15:50 PM
Bosk nods in agreement with Sesha's comments, but his response is quiet so as to keep it out of the hearing of those outside the group. She is correct, but I should point out that my magical abilities are not as strong as other clerics my level. Although I do not agree with her methods, the young witch may have a better chance of divining than I.
ooc: Mostly letting Tinka know Bosk is 4 Caster Levels behind on his spell progression due to multiclassing and prestige class penalties. If we are talking about casting a divination spell for the jumping ceremony tomorrow, I can cast divination as a domain spell in the morning.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Monday March 10th, 2014 6:18:30 AM
Tink gives a slight nod and smile, but remains silent. "Of course. Witches and Clerics of Gargul often do not see eye to eye on methods. How interesting that these two travel together"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Monday March 10th, 2014 6:29:56 AM We are honored to be of service, as always. Is the concern about something happening tomorrow regarding the expected results of jumping, or more along the lines of someone planning mayhem in the midst of the large crowd?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday March 10th, 2014 10:12:45 AM
Garret steps over to Anrete and says, "Hey, see anything that looks good to eat around here? I am getting hungry."
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Monday March 10th, 2014 10:30:05 AM
"Everything looks good to eat! Everyone should eat! Brain no work with an empty stomach!", the barbarian declares brightly to Garret's question.
"Is Garret hungry enough to eat a dinosaur?", Anrete looks meaningfully at the Deinonychus.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday March 10th, 2014 8:54:58 PM
(CHECK)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Monday March 10th, 2014 8:58:39 PM
Seeing two others check, Bosk decides to raise
The Unusual Animals Tent (co-DM JonathanT) Monday March 10th, 2014 9:43:14 PM
DM JT: coming soon...
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Monday March 10th, 2014 10:32:48 PM
ooc: checking in (with my track record there is a 50/50 chance your update comes while writing this sentence :) )
The Investigation continues (co-DM JonathanT) Monday March 10th, 2014 11:08:19 PM Anretep contemplates a memory of an Elephant Trunk dish from his past and continues to take advantage of the free menagerie and explores some more. All the cages have the names of the inhabitant and a paragraph explaining its habitat, habbits, and such.
DM JT: we didn't list every animal in all of Mister Mistophole's tents so take your pick of any Unusual Animal from the Monster Manual as you wish. :}
Restlin feels a new title heading his way, Master Mate Restlin and likes it. He is the first to speak up to accept Inspector Auslander's request for their help tomorrow. He looks around for any dissent and finds none, Beriothian even joins in their acceptance speach.
Restlin has questions though: "The diviners, were they able to come up with anything other than 'something' happening?
Beri chimes in with a question of his own: "Is the concern about something happening tomorrow regarding the expected results of jumping, or more along the lines of someone planning mayhem in the midst of the large crowd?"
Inspector Auslander answers both questions. "I was trying to be rather simplistic. The diviners used a lot of immagery, mostly to vague for my intrepretative skills. They seemed to know what they were talking about but when pressed for something in plain Common, they looked at each other and just shrugged, The signs simply point to an ill omen, but an ill omen of the worst kind.
Now, an ill omen of the worst kind can mean a lot of different things, but for tomorrow, it narrows down a bit. We think something unusually bad will happen at the Jumping. As you know, something always happens but it usually is nothing but a fancy magical display of some sort. I think one year some magical energy wave was created by the vibrations of the steel cables and caused everyone on the bridge to throw up.
So, we are trying to be prepared for anything, whatever that turns out to be."
Restlin turns to Tink and Sesha for any help in divinations of their own.
Sesha wonders if she can do any better than the city Diviners but is willing to try and include any information Little Spirit may have as well. Nightime will tell.
Katinka describes that her divination capabilities focus on detecting divinations aimed at them and misleading such attempts but suggest purchasing a scroll of the proper spell for her to scribe into her spell book, then she can help.
Katinka may be disappointed at the rather generic description of the woman who screamed but doesn't show it. She wisely informs the young nobleman that they may need him again and to leave his name and address wth the Inspector, promising that if the perpetrator is caught, they would include his name in the credits.
The young nobleman brightens up at the prospect of getting some fame and Sergeant Capon takes the man aside to write down all the pertinent information about him and a repeat of his eyewitness statement.
Meanwhile, Tink looks at the card again. Does it look dusty? Dirty? As if it had been there before the 'incident'? She notices that the card is rather clean, only slightly dusty.
Bosk subtly lets his friends know that his divining skills are not as good as one might think and cites that Sesha has a better chance at it than he, even if he does not agree with her methods.
Garret proposes that the card may be a message of some sort and asks Inspector Auslander if they've come across anything like this before.
"No, Garret, I don't recall any such thing in my years of service. Once we get back to HQ, I will put my scribes to the archives and see what they come up with."
Garret catches Anrete eyeing a vicious looking dinosaur. The plaque reads Deinonychus and the parapraph below the name explains: Is a long-clawed carnivorous dinosaurs. A member of the dromaeosaur group. Walking on two legs, its principal killing devices are the large sicklelike talons 13 cm (5 inches) long on the second toe of each foot.
Garret asks the barbarian if he sees anything good to eat.
The barbarian replies "Everything looks good to eat! Everyone should eat! Brain no work with an empty stomach! Is Garret hungry enough to eat a dinosaur?" and Anrete looks meaningfully at the Deinonychus.
The Deinonychus also looks hungrily at Anrete.
DM JT OOC: See a comparison picture here: Deinonychus
DM JT: any more questions for the Spinosaurus?
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+21=36 ; d100+11=64 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+22=42 ; d100+19=108 ; d100=21 ; Tuesday March 11th, 2014 1:24:39 AM
Sesha gives the Spinosaurus a final few questions.
"What is the green food?" "Did you smell anything different before you were freed? If so, what did it smell like?"
And finally.
"If you do as I ask, I will bring you any food you want. Lower your head. I want to see your eye."
For this last bit, Sesha is fairly glad shes the only one who can talk to this thing. This might sound ridiculous.
If the dinosaur obliges, Sesha will quickly wipe her finger across his eye, gathering whatever fluid, mucuous, or wet membrane that protects it on her finger. If successful, she will store it in her component pouch in a vial as a Tinker with Magic component. She is more than willing to get bit, but doubts it will come to that.
Bend Ley: Success - vs DC 25 Ley Roll: Success @ 64 Spell Resistance - vs 29
Target: Mhalice - Will Save modifier +/- 0
Sesha waits patiently at the edge of the other Drows mind. She had pondered how she could force a confrontation with her rival, Mhalice, but could not imagine where to begin. She had found that the Iron Adventurers were a busy group. Too busy, perhaps, to pursue a foe that Sesha hated so completely. Though the run-in was both brief and isolated, Sesha had found that Mhalice represented everything that people hate about the Drow, and because of that both her Blood-Kin and her Life-Kin had suffered greatly. Her loyalties to both demanded that Mhalice be smited, subdued, or destroyed as an enemy of both her peoples.
When Mhalice finally dozed, Sesha sent flittering images of spiders and scorpions, skittering madly over the flayed hide of Khar Avon, shaved of hair, dripping gore and bits of shattered bone. The vermin writhe and maggots pop. They are eating a pattern.. some design.. in the flesh. But what? Sesha lets the message fade. Mhalice would see it. Whether it affected her or not, who knew? The important part was she knew someone somewhere was thinking about her...
Bend Leyline: Success 42 vs DC 24 Ley Check - Success @ 108 Divination - Success @ 22%
Sesha shivers away the last remnants of the Nightmare spell, and enlarges Pot-pot to a size large enough to bathe. She heats the water she gathered and begins her spell, finding and seizing a powerful ley-line to fuel it. She allows herself to relax, and pulls the ley energy into the water with her and she submerges under the heated water, cleansing herself of the taint of Mhalice, which to her was palpable.
Her mind clear, she re-emerges and begins to pray to Little Spirit.
"Little Spirit. I have heard forewarning of a disaster impending the folk of hook city. Is this disaster coincidental or caused with dark intent? Can we prevent it or must we simply mitigate it? There was little to be gleaned today. Please help your ally, Sesha, as she does her best to do your will."
Finally, she will open her scroll on the Serenbeth Sisters that she claimed from Wardds temple earlier that day.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 9:51:47 AM
Anrete bares his teeth at the puny lizard-like thingy.
Steak
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Tuesday March 11th, 2014 10:49:21 AM
Garret elbows Anrete and says, "It looks a little stringy. Maybe something with a bit more meat on it. Do you think they'd miss just one?"
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Tuesday March 11th, 2014 8:12:18 PM Inspector, would you be able to arrange for enough castings of Feather Fall to protect everyone on the bridge or prevent the bridge from falling if the cables break? Perhaps arrange for every guard to carry high level chits that can be expended to cast the spell and contingency spells to repair any cables that may break. After all, it is the Hooks that cannot fall, but to my knowledge the cables and bridge are not of the same craftsmanship.
ooc: Should we prepare our new spells for tomorrow?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+17=34 ; Tuesday March 11th, 2014 8:32:35 PM
Beriothian looks around the tent for a creature both close enough the cage to be able to see the door, and that happens to have some sort of vision advantage that would allow it to see or sense invisible people. They may not gain much knowledge, but even confirmation that the person was invisible would help in planning.
Besides a feather fall spell it may also be a good precaution to add some extra layer of security or alarms around any flying creatures, since people would me most vulnerable tomorrow to an aerial attack on the bridge.
knowledge (nature)= 34
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday March 11th, 2014 9:07:30 PM
Tink grimaces. A feather fall spell on every person on the bridge? That would take a LOT of castings. She tries to think of other options that may assist. Perhaps some air elementals on standby to help hold the bridge up? A ton of immovable rods placed under the bridge? Then again, what if the falling bridge theory is just a red-herring? An area effect spell, like a fireball or reverse gravity could have a disastrous effect given the number of people likely to attend.
"Perhaps we could talk to the diviners that believe something 'bad' is going to happen. We may be able to learn more directly from them"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 9:52:38 PM
Restlin nods at Tink's suggestion. "Yup...that's a good idea."
***
Short post - I'm at Vanderbilt w/ my daughter today.
The Investigation continues (co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday March 12th, 2014 12:28:57 AM Sesha continues to ask the spinsaurus questions. She has difficulty in grasping that dinosaur speach is short and direct. No words, per se, put sounds that convey meaning, such as 'danger', 'out of my way', 'she's mine!', 'water here' and 'food here', to name most.
However she does gather that 'green food' means green plants. Most of what is fed to the herbivores is dry straw.
The spinosaurus does not understand the concept of someone bringing it all the green food it wants nor the suggestion to lower its head. Instead, it has rather been on the defensive side since regaining consciousness. It has not forgotten what just happened even if it does not necessarily remember who done it.
As far as smells, when Sesha figures out how to ask about 'smells', of all the smells it the place, the animals, the people, the dung, the straw, to pinpoint one distinctive without any kind of referrence point, proves fruitless. Simply put, there was no distinctive smell just before the door popped open.
DM JT: hold off on your spells but keep the rolls for later.
Anrete and Garret exchange opinions about which animals in the tent offer the best stakes.
Bosk asks the inspector about casting Feather Fall on everyone that might fall if the bridge should collapse, knowing that the Hooks are of a special magic but the bridge and cables are 'normal', unmagical.
Inspecter Auslander stares incredully at Bosk. A silent moment passes, then he exclaims, "Feather Fall on tens of thousands of people? You have to be kidding! A few dozen maybe," and leaves it at that.
Beri asks about a creature within sight of the cage in question that might have the extrasensory capabilities of detecting invisible creatures.
Mr. Mistopholes shakes his head. "Not in this tent. As the animals here have good sense of smell, but with so many people milling about, they'd not notice an invisible one."
Beri also suggests some way means of protection or warning for threats from the air.
Inspector Auslander takes note. "We can easily have several mages flying around. No problem."
Tink grimaces and inwardly agrees with Auslander's reaction to have a Feather Fall ready for everyone on the bridge. She thinks that maybe some Air Elementals standing at the ready to help hold the bridge up, or a ton of Immovable Rods. Other ideas of what could happen race through her head.
"Perhaps we could talk to the diviners that believe something 'bad' is going to happen. We may be able to learn more directly from them"
Restlin nods at Tink's suggestions.
Inspector Auslander eyes Tink, then nods. "I can make arrangements to meet with their representative this evening. For now, though, seeing that the IA have several new members, I presume that not all of them have seen or been on the Bridge. For those of you that have, you'll remember how it works. Perhaps we should go there now so you can survey where you will be needing to station yourselves tomorrow."
This was not a question or request, rather an order. Inspector Auslander thanks Mister Mistopholes for his patience and his staff can make the decision to re-open the exhibit at the Menagerie Master's discretion.
DM OOC: You can get in a last question of Mister Mistopholes or anyeone else, dino included, but Inspector Auslander is heading to the Bridge expecting the IA to follow.
Next Post: while you head to the Bridge, Sergeant Capon wil fill in the details about the Bridge to those who have not been there.
It is near noon, I think, if the IA left for the Marble Causaway in the morning.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 9:33:16 AM
Restlin follows Auslander w/o argument. After all, they agreed to act in an official capacity on behalf of the City. The mage figures there are too many variables to adequately protect the citizens during the festivities without knowing more specifics. Hopefully the diviners will provide that.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Wednesday March 12th, 2014 10:01:47 AM
Garret listens in to the proposals about how to mitigate, well, something they know nothing about. When the inspector leaves, he elbows Anrete and says, "Ah well, maybe next time. Let's go see this bridge. I bet there will be some food vendors on the way."
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Wednesday March 12th, 2014 10:33:14 AM
Sesha broods on her plans for the evening, frustrated slightly with her experience with the Spino-Dino. She found herself with a sudden appreciation of even Anrete's conversational skills.
Still, the day wasn't a total bust. She had been thinking of what she was going to do later this evening, when it came time to cast her spells before bed. She grins and elbows Restlin, whispering at him through an impish smile.
"Centipedes, spiders, and bugs on Khar Avons skin. Mhalice..she's gonna get a kick outta that!"
She whistles merrily, twirling her broom like some kind of martial artist.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:20:09 AM
Tink nods and folds her arms. Yes, probably a good idea to check out the bridge area. See for herself what they were dealing with and where any potential weaknesses are. "Does walking in a group with the Inspector draw too much attention to the group? Hmm..."
Before they go Tink will give one final - and thorough - check of the currently locked cage, just to ensure it won't open by itself any time in the near future.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 12:20:51 PM
"Garret-halfling, little man no need so much meat! Scrawny lizard steak just nice for ye!", Anrete nods to himself.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 1:23:31 PM
Restlin tries, and fails, to consider the appeal of not drawing attention to himself. He then tries, and fails, to make sense of what Sesha is telling him about bugs.
Confused as ever, the wizard nods, smiles, and continues walking.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Wednesday March 12th, 2014 8:19:41 PM
Bosk is more than a little disappointed that the guard didn't take his suggestion to heart thinking that is a city where the money doubles as spells it would be a simple thing to to require everyone on the bridge carries a single chit of the lowest denomination with feather fall cast on it.
Thinking back to his visit to the Edge he remembers what it feels like to get eaten and finds a little more respect for the dinosaur. I cannot think of anything else we can do here. Lets meet with those representatives and see if we can learn more about the festival.
ooc: Bosk might like to visit the Catacombs as well. Can we please learn a little more about these Holidays.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20+22=27 ; Wednesday March 12th, 2014 9:51:45 PM
Beri racks his brains for any last questions to ask before they leave, but nothing comes other than a slight headache. Oh well, no use fretting over it, hopefully something clever will come to mind on the way. Can you hand me that card for a minute, I'd like to examine it while we walk to see if there are any signs it could be from a marked deck... you never know.
perception=27
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Wednesday March 12th, 2014 10:26:56 PM
Taking a cue from Beri, Bosk will also try casting detect magic on the card. (If on one minds, I would like to hold onto the card for this module in case it is useful for a spell focus)
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:55:13 PM
The IA members wrap things up at the Unusual Animals Tent and head out, following Inspector Aulander and Sergeant Capon. Mister Mistopholes calls his assistants and they start inspecting the cage to insure it can hold the spinosaurus again.
Tink gives the huge door to the cage a couple of yanks to test its resolve to stay shut. The cage door does not budge.
Bosk wonders why each Jumper isn't given a chit with the Feather Fall spell on it. Perhaps, if he suggested that to the Festival Organizers, they might just do that, next year.
Beri asks for the card and looks it over real good while they make their way through the crowd to the Bridge. He does not notice any marks on it.
Bosk tries to detect magic on the card but it does not radiate any.
Some of the IA members intended to be inconspicous as they head towards the bridge. Sesha spoils that by whistling a merry tune while twirling her broom. All it takes is one dimwit thinking this is part of some festivities act and start following Sesha and a handful of others join, for a while, trying to whislte to her tune.
Inspector Aulander and Company wind their way through the crowd and upon reaching the foot of the stairs leading up to the bridge, Inspector Aulander halts and gathers the IA to the side. As those who had never seen the bridge gauk at it, he talks about the Day of Faith and how it came to be called that.
"In order to reach the Bridge the merchants must pay to climb the stairs, or use the elevator. The stairs are a rickety collection of wooden switchbacks climbing up six stories to the surface of the Bridge. The elevator is a hand operated lift that cost ten times as much as the stairs. The surface of the Bridge is where the market is. The Bridge hangs from four giant hooks that hang in mid air. No one knows where they or the bridge came from; both are magical in nature, however the rigging holding the bridge to the hooks is not. This non-magical rigging must be constantly maintained. Over the years the rigging has been reinforced and strengthened so many times that it has become a deadly maze of tangles. A special group of men have been trained to work within this maze. They are called Climbers. These men climb like spiders through the maze of linking chains, wire, rope, and other strangeness. The Climbers know the status of every piece of rigging on the bridge. They are the only ones capable of maneuvering through the chains. The Market is guarded by the bridge guards, or Market Wardens. The Market is a mass of people, unlike most markets there are very few wares on display. If you wish to buy something that was too big or expensive to bring up the stairs a "runner" takes a note signed by the buyer and the seller, magically notarized by a Market Warden to the city offices where the buyer can pick up his new purchase."
See http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Geography:_Hook_City
Inspector Aulander parts the crowd when the elevator arrives and he shows his badge to the operators. They let the IA on without charge. Once at the top he leads them to a side and continues his story. While the IA listen, they see limber people scrambling up and down the tough cables that attach the Bridge to the four great Hooks that float in mid-air. They are the Climbers.
"Hook City is named because of four Gargantuan hooks that hover immobile over the river that runs between North and South Hook City. A Bridge, hung suspended by thousands of cables attached to these Hooks connects the two halves of the City, and upon the Bridge is the largest Market in the Southern Continent. On Name Day, every citizen and visitor in Hook City crowd the Bridge to past overflowing, and at the same time... JUMP! Cables snap! The Bridge shivers! The crowd goes wild! And the Hooks do not even budge. The trust of the citizens are absolute, thus the name Day of Faith, and Hook City celebrates that THEY are the most magical city in the Wold for another year."
Just then, to accent the inspector's story, a wire rope snaps with a metallic *twang* and rebounds into a market stall, smashing the contents and sending people flying. There are suddenly five hanging on to cables and the sides of the Bridge about to fall, one squished between two cables slowly being crushed to death, and one flung high up reaching a high arc before beginning to fall to the river far, far below.
DM JT: we are now in, what we call 'combat' rounds.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+14=21 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 1:37:30 AM I told you we should have the citizens carry chits of Feather Fall!!! The Horned Cleric bellows, thinking the gods must have a sense of irony to allow this to happen so soon after Bosk made his suggestion. The blond taur charges forward and jumps up to catch the air born citizen. He manages to jump 5ft straight up in the air and hopes that with his large size and unnaturally long reach it helps him to catch the unfortunate soul. Then, just as Bosk is about to start his descent the Holy Symbol on his head begins to glow and he feels gravity's effects begin to weaken around him as he falls under the Feather Fall spell, and as he descends he tosses the man safely back onto the bridge.
Bosk tries to aim his jump and descent so that he will fall towards the man stuck between the cables so that he can rescue him.
Actions: -------------- Run and Jump to save the air born citizen (Move Action) Cast Feather Fall (Immediate Action) Toss citizen back onto bridge (move Action #2)
ooc: Bosk is tossing the citizen back onto the bridge so he has his hands free for rescuing citizens or casting Fly next round (I am not sure how high up the bridge is to know is Feather Fall can take him all the way down safely). Also, this spell is from my legacy item, and I can only cast it on 1 person (myself), so I cannot cast it on the other citizens)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 d20+23=34 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 9:39:16 AM
"I'm beginning to think someone's trying to make a bad luck charm out of us," shouts the wizard as he runs towards the people hanging from the cables.
Shiny, make me strong, he telepathically instructs his sword. (Bull Strength cast by intelligent item). He then casts fly on himself and rushes to aid the citizens holding on.
***
Perception: 34 (triage - Restlin will assist the person who looks to be in the most immediate peril of falling.)
I don't see any distances, so I don't know if he can make it this round. Fly speed is 60'.
See invisibility - permanent Bull's Str - 3 minutes
DM JT: no distances were technically necessary, purpose being your reactions. The ...person who looks to be in the most immediate peril of falling..." is the one that is defacto falling. You can judge that by casting fly on yourself this round, you can reach the 'flying' person on his downward side of his arc before completely plummeting too fast.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20=8 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:14:10 AM
Garret moves quickly to aid one of those who is holding on to the edge of the bridge (Str check? 8)
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 d20+5=8 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:47:44 AM
Anrete hobbles beside Garret to offer his help, but the grease from his drumstick, in his hand made that difficult.
---------------------- Str 8 :(
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday March 13th, 2014 5:35:14 PM
ooc: can we get distances? Beri will transform and fly after the guy falling in an arc if he's close enough to reach in time (perfect flight), or I can use stone shape to extend a platform to catch him... but those are all distance dependent (and I think most of my other spells like air walk are touch dependent and still need distance information)
spell list 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, Cure Critical Wounds, Wall of thornsx0 6 (2)- *Legend Lore , Antilife Shell, Dispel Magic, Greater Spells with * are Fey domain spells (and not included in spell counts)
DM JT: see Restlin's notation above. Distance is not a factor here. If you transform into an Air Elemental, you will be able to reach the falling guy next round, before he completely plummets. It's up to you if you both want to go after him. You may change your post as necessary.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday March 13th, 2014 5:51:05 PM OOC: Ditto. I'm thinking of having Tink use her Dimensional Steps ability to transport up to 240ft as a move action to try and catch the falling guy, or at least slow his descent. She has Feather Fall memorised
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Thursday March 13th, 2014 6:17:27 PM
ooc: Bosk hopefully has the falling guy, and I assume/hope the DM will give us leeway with the distances since they weren't posted. If not Bosk will use Dimension Door to get to the Falling Guy.
Inspector Auslander (co-DM SteveK) Thursday March 13th, 2014 7:01:48 PM
ooc: hey all! JonT is doing a GREAT job, and I am absolutely LOVING the banter!
"Yes. Once every fortnight a Blood-Witch must sneak out and find a mother cat in the throes of kitten-birth. As long as we bite the head of the mother as the third baby crowns, Speak with Animals is available to us."
LOL!
Jon and I will email talk to find the next place to tag in.
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Thursday March 13th, 2014 8:01:37 PM
DM JT: Please note the wording "...flung high up reaching a high arc..." Bosk will need more than a 5' jump to reach the guy. Bosk would easily realize this so you can change your post.
Ammending note, as many are wondering about distances. Don't worry about it. Co-ordinate your actions and you'll be fine. At least four are contemplating saving the tossed guy. You only need one. Dinmension to it, fly to it, whatever, you can reach any target dangling from the ropes or tossed into the air next round, if flying, this round if dimensioning.
Take a count of victims: There are suddenly five hanging on to cables and the sides of the Bridge about to fall...
Make that two hanging to the bridge handrails on the 'bad' side and three dangling from cables that are swinging wildly and high enough they don't want to drop.
There's one being crushed, and one flung high in an arc.
That's a total of 7. Unless you use fuzzy math.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+5=15 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 9:00:12 PM DM Can you clarify if "...hanging on to cables and the sides of the Bridge about to fall" is referring to the people or the bridge being about to fall? Also, are the ones on the cable on the same cable that is crushing the last man?
If you cannot fly or use feather fall get the two on the railing. Bosk calls calls out to the league adventurer's. I will help the man getting crushed. Restlin, get the air born guy. Tinka, try to push the cable with thee people on it towards me.
Strength Check to help crushed man = 15
ooc: Bosk has the highest strength among the few of us that can fly, so I think he should be the one trying to help the guy getting crushed.
Bosk also has the highest carry weight. I can hold 550lbs more (about 600 if I drop my shield and 1,500 if I am staggered by the weight). If the cable can be pushed to me they can climb on my back. I plan to cast fly next round, but will use a heropoint to cast it if the weight is too much this round or Bosk is descending too fast with only feather fall..
If someone else has a way to help the crushed man Bosk will ferry the 3 on the cable.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20-1=14 ; Thursday March 13th, 2014 9:21:23 PM "On it!" Tink shouts back. Already having her overland flight spell in effect, the halfling rises in the air and does her best to drag the snapped cable towards Bosk.
"Don't let go!" she calls out to the men holding on to the cable. No doubt stating the obvious.
(Str Check: 14. Also "A character can generally push or drag along the ground as much as five times his maximum load. Favourable conditions can double these numbers, and bad circumstances can reduce them by half or more." Pulling a cable in the air may - DM discretion - be a favourable condition? Tinks normal max load is 60lbs).
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Thursday March 13th, 2014 9:29:03 PM
ooc: Restlin said he is aiding the"citizens holding on", so I assumed it wasn't the same person. Beriothian will transform this round and then rescue whoever still needs saving.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 2 Thursday March 13th, 2014 9:45:32 PM
OOC: I went after the hangers on since Bosk went after the guy who was flung. Since he's not now, I'll get the guy who was flung.
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:22:30 PM
DM JT: The bridge ain't about to fall. LOL
Sorry, two hanging to the bridge handrails on the 'bad' side and three dangling from cables that are swinging wildly and high enough they don't want to drop. clarifies this.
There are many thousands of cables holding the bridge up, only a few snapped.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:51:38 PM OOC: If I understand the plan correctly, by Tink anchoring/dragging the snapped cable towards Bosk he'll be in a position to catch any of the people should they fall before they are rescued
DM JT: picture a long cable that snapped in half. The bottom half falls to the ground, the upper half swings wildly about due to the energy release. That top half won't reach to the ground. For Tink, and anyone else, stopping the swinging cable by using your STR is the first step.
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Friday March 14th, 2014 12:54:10 AM DM JT: I gotta post so I can go to bed. Sesha can catch up.
The snapping of some cables sends that little corner of the bridge into chaos. The bottom half of a cable came crashing down and in the ensuing dust of its flopping to the ground, the IA see several stalls crumpled and a man screaming in pain and gasping for help as the weight of the heavy cable crushes him.
Bosk yells out orders as other victims are quickly identified in various life-threatning predicaments and himself rushes over to the man under the cable. His minotaur strength is enough to alieviate the crushing weight from the man but not quite enough to completely remove it, yet.
All the while, the minotaur cleric is berating The Powers That Be for not equiping everyone with a Feather Fall Chit!
It is more likely that these unfortunates' Health Plan did not cover such a contingency or they opted out. :)
Restlin gets a bad feeling about all this, as if someone has jinkxed them or something. He calls upon the aid of Shiny which provides him with extra strength. As for himself, he casts Fly and goes straight for the poor chap that was flung high into the air. He gauges the 'flight path' and tries to catch him.
Grapple Check please. Just don't roll too low.
Garret and Anrete rush to the side of the bridge where two are hanging over the side. One of the cables came sweeping around when it snapped and knocked them clean off their feet and only by sheer luck they managed to grab ahold of a railing. However the pain of being knocked about is affecting their ability to hang on.
Garret manages to grab one guy's shirt, which for now keeps him from slipping, but the man is panicking and kicking and making an attempt to pull him up difficult.
Anrete had grabbed up a huge turkey drumstick on their trip to the bridge and it now is acting like a Grease spell as the barbarian valiantly pounces into action to save a youth dangling over the bridge but his greasy fingers can't keep a hold!
Beriothian gets his trasmogrifying act into gear and transforms into an Air Elemental.
Katinka takes Bosks orders to taks and calls back "On it!" Next thing you know, she's up in the air like a humming bird and calls out encouragement to the Climbers as she tries to grapple the swinging cable.
Grapple Check please. Once you grapple it, you can work at stopping the swinging.
The one arching through the air turns out to be a woman! Her screams are chilling but become more terrigying as she reaches the apex of the arc and starts to head down. Bellow her the river runs many, many, many feet below! Will Restlin be able to catch her before it is too late?
The man under the cable finally manages to gast for breath. At least for now he isn't in immediate danger of dying, but who knows what internal damage was done?
Several brave men rush to Bosk's aid and grasp another section of the cable.
Garret's man looks up at the little guy holding his shirt with wild panicky eyes. "HELP! I'm falling and I can't get up!"
Anrete's youth is in worse shape, one hand slips, leaving only one hanging on.
The others swinging on the cables take courage from Tink's words and desperately hang on.
In the confusion, the IA hear another cry for help. Way up, in a tanglement of cables, is a pinned Climber.
[b]DM JT: here's what you need A Grapple Check vs. AC (not CMD) to catch the flying nun. A DC20 STR check to free the pinned Climber way up in the spider maze of cables. Grapple the Rope is vs. a CMD 15. To pull the two from the bridge railing, keep rolling STR checks.
Once you get the swinging cable stablilzed you can pluck the Climbers off.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+6=24 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 4:51:31 AM
Tink does her best to hold the cable tightly. Being quite small herself she is momentarily concerned that she will be whipped away by it. (Grapple check vs CMD15: 24 = Pass. No Improved Grapple though). She does her best to steady the cable to ease the experience for those still clutching it.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 d20+8=17 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 8:23:42 AM
Restlin streaks under the woman as she falls and the two of them rather violently collide. Gripping her with his magically enhanced (but still barely above average) strength and a constant stream of happy thoughts (2 luck points used), the wizard manages to slow their descent.
"Lady, looks like it's your lucky day after all," he manages to say with a forced smile. Truth is, Restlin doesn't like this one bit. This much bad luck around a Mendicant? Obviously it's possible, but he has a hunch something's up.
He quickly delivers her to the bridge and looks to see if anyone else isn't being helped.
Grapple: 17
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+22=27 ; d100+6=18 ; d8+5=10 ; d20+6=7 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 9:18:58 AM
Sesha watches the IA react, taking a deep breath and letting her instincts have a moment to properly develop. She isn't quite as quick to react as they are.
Bosk is helping a crushed man. Restlin is flying, helping the falling woman.. Anrete and Garrett were pulling people up from ledges.
That left three unfortunate humans dangling from a cable(s?) and three Adventurers to help them. She knew Beriothian could fly, since transformations were second nature to him. She knew little of Tink, but knew she had at least some spellcasting ability from earlier conversation. She has the cable, but seems able to do little else.
Sesha decides that the first thing she needs is to do is help the people on the swinging cable. She targets them with a Feather Fall spell, just in case something goes wrong. Next she moves and checks on the man Bosk has freed, using some of her magic to help ease his pain.
(Sorry!)
Round 1: Bend Leylines, success. Ley Check, success. Cast Feather Fall on the men on cable that Tink is dragging.
Round 2: Move and heal previously pinned man for 15 hp. Assess injuries further. 7 =(
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+14=21 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 10:47:27 AM
Garret continues to struggle with the person's shirt, trying to get them back up on the bridge to safety (grapple: 21).
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+5=12 ; d20+5=13 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 1:08:51 PM
Bosk holds tightly onto one of the cables (so he doesn't move fron his spot just below the flattening citizen) and hands a rope to the squished man, the other end attached to his backpack (move action) Tie that to your waste, just in case. he says. He gives the man a moment before pushing feebily on the cable. It is not enough to free the man, but perhaps enough to keep him three dimensional.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 d20+5=17 ; Friday March 14th, 2014 9:18:42 PM
Grimacing with effort, Anrete grunts loudly as he tries to lift the youth single-handedly.
------------------------------- Str: 17
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Saturday March 15th, 2014 11:37:22 PM
DM JT: I'll get a post up tomorrow night.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Sunday March 16th, 2014 5:07:24 PM
Beriothian flies as fast as he can to the climber way up in the cables casts airwalk on him. That should keep them safe until they can be untangled
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Sunday March 16th, 2014 11:41:18 PM Katinka deftly nabbs the swinging cable and even though she isn't very strong, she tugs on the cable one way and another and has its swinging slowing down. "What's the plan now, Bosk?" she calls out.
Restlin taps into his reserves and manages to intercept the downward plunge of the flightless woman. "Lady, looks like it's your lucky day after all," he manages to say with a forced smile as she screams in panick righ in his ear.
He muses over the string of bad luck in the last couple of hours as he gently returns her to the bridge, to his relief, not screaming anymore.
Sesha, having spent a few moments to assess the success of her friends, quickly acts smartly and casts Feather Fall on the three Climbers dangling on the now slowing cable. Had it not been for Tink able to slow it down, it would have been hard to target the wildly swinging trio.
She then heals the poor chap that now is free by Bosks quick heavy lifting. The man breathes much easier and crawls safely away.
Garret gives a heave on the shirt and fortunately it does not rip. Fortunately the man is not overweight too. The man lifts high enough to get a better grip on the edge of the bridge and is quickly on the safe side again, gasping with relief.
Several others have chiped in to help Bosk with the cable. That, and Sesha's healing, gets the man out and safely away.
Anrete grunts and finally gets a grip on the youth's belt and the both go tumpbling to the bridge floor. The youth looks at Anrete, huge turkey leg still gripped in his teeth and asks "Turkey leg? Where'd you get that?
Beri heads to the Climber stuck in the Cable webbing and casts Air Walk on him. This will keep him from falling when the cables are untangled. Now, to untangle the cables...
Quick work has saved all but one of the victims of the snapped cable. A Climb DC25 will get someone through the cable webbing and to the pinned Climber. Also, someone can fly up there.
Crowds have gathered, naturally, and cheers errupt as each victim is saved, especially for Restlin, which raises loud Oooos and Aaaaaahs when he catches the lady in mid air.
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+10=26 ; Monday March 17th, 2014 12:59:05 AM
The others now taken care of, Bosk quickly climbs the cables with tremendous ease for one his size. Hold on! he calls out. The Iron Adventurer's are on their way! The horned cleric makes his way up to the pinned climber and quickly frees him, hoping this spectacle will help to encourage the city and its citizens to take the proper precautions tomorrow.
Climb Check = 26 (28 if climbing kit can be used).
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 d20+23=27 ; d20+16=34 Monday March 17th, 2014 8:28:21 AM
Restlin notes that two Iron Adventurers are already flying and that surely between the two of them they can save the last victim of the cable snapping. Figuring the situation to be under control, Restlin looks around the crowd. He's trying to find anybody who was also standing around watching the commotion with the dinosaur.
As he looks, he waves and smiles at the crowd. He avoids hamming it up too much lest he fuel rumors that this is a deliberate attempt to garner up good will for themselves.
Perception: 27
He also tries to remember if there's any Hook City ordinance regarding reimbursing merchants whose booths are destroyed like those hit by the cable were.
Knowledge, Local: 34
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] Monday March 17th, 2014 9:53:12 AM
Sesha watches Restlin with a smile. That one certainly had a flair for drama. If he had his way, he probably would catch falling damsels all day long.
Watching Bosk scale the cables like a horned gorilla put her at ease for the last citizen. He would be able to handle it, but just in case something goes badly, she readies another feather fall spell should someone take a dive.
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 Monday March 17th, 2014 10:25:13 AM
Anrete munches on his turkey leg, and nods wisely at the youth, before glancing up at the climbing minotaur.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=41 ; d20+10=30 ; Monday March 17th, 2014 6:01:50 PM
Tink - still aloft - maintains her hold on the broken cable. As nonchalantly as possible she tries to examine the end of the cable - just to be sure it snapped naturally and not as a result of any deliberate act (Perception: 41, Knowl Engineering: 30)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Monday March 17th, 2014 7:51:01 PM
Beriothian sees one last climber needing help, but with Bosk already in quick pursuit he decides to stay where he is and help the air walking climber free himself from the tangled mess he's gotten himself into.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] Monday March 17th, 2014 9:14:39 PM
As Bosk scrambles up the cables, Garret moves to place himself to attempt to assist, or at least knock him to safety, should he fall while climbing.
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Monday March 17th, 2014 11:26:39 PM Bosk now looks for others to help. A good climber himself despite being a minotaur, he quickly makes his way up the cable network, however it's not as easy as it seems. Climbing a cable is one thing, making his way through the web work of cables to his target spot is another. He makes good progress though.
Restlin now is able to take the scene in and notices that all but one is in need of help and Bosk is on his way. From his vantage point, he looks over the crowd looking for anyone that had been around at the Spinosaurus Romp-a-roo.
DM JT: There may be some that were there. The crowd is jostling about and cheering and it is hard to single out any one individual. Restlin tries to recollect specifics about some he took special notice back there. (DM OOC: Did Restlin specify a Perception check then for a bonus on his Perc check now?)
What Restlin does notice is a small group of people behind the front crowd that is not reacting in the same manner as the others, rather just standing there in a small huddle.
DM JT OOC: What does Restlin know of City Ordinances? A K-L 34 is pretty high, but would Restlin have had access to the city ordinances? He knows that if such a thing happened in Mud Town, there'd be no reimbursment. They've dealt with Mud Town and how it works. Give me some history of Restlin's dealings with the city ordinances.
Sesha admires their work, specially Restlin's. Meanwhile, she keeps another Feather Fall spell ready just in case.
Anrete does not divulge the secret location of the turkey leg stand to the youth. Maybe the barbarian is afraid such a secret will mean a sell-out and none for him later.
Katinka maneuvers to the broken end of the cable as it starts to settle. She takes a look at its end and notices that the cable was cut mostly though at it was just a matter of time before it snapped.
The three Climbers, now informed of the spell cast on them, let go and gently float down to the bridge surface to the cheers of the crowd below.
Reslin notices that the small group just watches.
Beri, already in the air and not needing to negotiate climbing the webwork of cables, makes his way to the pinned Climber eaiser than Bosk. A couple of other Climbers have reached the spot and between them, the man is freed. With the Air Walk spell on him, he makes it down to the bridge surface easily as well.
Garret positions himself below Bosk so he can catch the minotaur if he falls.
With everyone now safe, there are whispers through the crowd that the intrepid saviors call themselves the Iron Adventurers. The rescued give their grand thanks to their rescuers, the lady even planting a big, wet, kiss on Restlin's kisser!
Hmm... what will Restlin do now?
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Monday March 17th, 2014 11:42:03 PM
Being ever the germaphobe, Restlin quickly washes the cookies off his face
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday March 18th, 2014 1:30:49 AM
Tink settles back down to near ground height, hovering just a few inches off the ground. She makes no effort to hide her feelings as she rolls eyes at the "damsels" romantic display to Restlin.
When there are fewer people surrounding them, she whispers to the group "This was no accident. The cable was cut on purpose."
The halfling is suddenly suspicious of all present - even the injured climbers
"Perhaps we should speak with the climbers privately, maybe under the ruse of checking on their current condition? See if they saw anything that contributed to the accident"
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=28 ; Tuesday March 18th, 2014 1:33:54 AM OOC: Forgot to add...
Though distracted with the number of people currently present, Katinka does look about the immediate surrounds for anything out of place. Perhaps a very literal calling card may be spotted... (Perception: 28)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 8:21:52 AM
Restlin full-on stares at the group he's spotted. With that stare he does his best to convey the fact that he sees them, that he suspects them, and that if they think they can pull one over on the Iron Adventurers, there's a whole list of deceased bad guys that says otherwise.
He makes a mental image of each person. Enough to describe them to an artist or recreate their likeness with illusion magic.
He then points them out to Bosk. "Bosk, ol' buddy," he begins without taking his eyes off the group. He speaks loudly enough for the other IA to hear. "See any evil in that bunch over ther..."
He is cut off by the gratitude of the woman he saved. He instinctively shoots a wide-eyed glance to Sesha before forcing himself back in character. He puts on his best flustered face and grins at the woman while he fans himself with his hand (you know, because that was hot...). He takes her hand, kisses it, and responds with "always a pleasure to serve, miss," with a smile.
He then makes sure that group hasn't gotten itself gone while waving to the crowd.
***
Regarding the ordinances, I'm not looking for a specific ordinance number or the process to initiate said ordinance, just whether or not the merchants have any recourse in this situation.
DM JT: Ordinance Number? LOL. No, I just wanted to know if Restlin had been to city hall enough or around when the Hook City Damage Appraisal Engineer Corps had gone to work. As this info really isn't a gaming issue, you find out that, if they did purchase Damage Insurance, there losses are covered. If not, oh well, such is life on the edge. However, there are no real merchandise on the bridge and the merchants are wealthy enough to afford to rebuild on their own.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d20+10=20 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 10:04:58 AM
Sesha watches in slow motion as the damsel plants a big fat wet one on Restling. A few thoughts cycle through her mind...
"Baleful Polymorph! Frog! Toad! Shrew! Goat!"
In her minds eye, the offending maiden is quickly poly-morphed, fed to the spinosaurus, and forgotten by all.
She grins.
Then again, he was pretty amazing sometimes, and was so casual about it... She'd have probably laid one on him as well.
Then again, she didn't need saving very often, so that probably wouldn't ever happen.
Sesha winks at Restlin and heads back to the group, content with her imaginary dooming, cursing, feeding, and forgiving of the woman. She checks each of the victims over, ignoring the constant snickering in her mind from Pot-pot.
(Heal check: 20)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=35 ; Tuesday March 18th, 2014 10:28:39 AM
Garret listens in as Restlin points out the group of suspicious onlookers. Garret attempts to move through the crowd towards them, attempting to make himself less than obvious, but to put himself in a position that he might grab someone should they suddenly decide to run (Stealh? 35).
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells Tuesday March 18th, 2014 8:22:57 PM
As Bosk climbs down he shouts a message to the people. This is why everyone on this bridge should always carry a Fly or Feather Fall Chit tomorrow!!! You'll be carrying chits anyway! When he hear's Restlin's comment he shrugs, making note of the people's faces and casting detect evil if close enough (but I am guessing hey are out of range for that spell).
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 9:44:05 PM
Beri descends to the ground and with a "woosh" of air returns to his human form.
That was an odd coincidence. Do you think we just happened to stumble upon a second incident, or do you think someone is watching us? Perhaps we are being tested... or warned.
Beri's mind drifts back to the past where a super natural being had brought them to another realm and tested them in combat. But this is clearly different, whoever that was they had just wanted to pit the Iron Adventurers against each other in the games he held for his own amusement, this seems more about causing panic and chaos.
The Marvelous Hook City Bridge (co-DM JonathanT) Wednesday March 19th, 2014 12:03:33 AM
DM JT: glad we are back online. :)
Katinka settles back down to near ground height and rolls her eyes at the lady's affectionate exchange with Restlin. When they are all together again, and with Inspector Aulander and Sgt. Capon with them, she tells them what she found. "This was no accident. The cable was cut on purpose."
She also suggest that they should interrogate each and every one of the Climbers. While she waits for the IA to regroup, she looks around, looking for signs that this 'accident' was performed by the same Card-Dealer as the Spinosaurus incident.
She sees no card just laying about, howerver there are a lot of people and a lot of loose food wrappings. It will take more than a glance to be sure there is no card underfoot.
Inspector Aulander agrees but says that there isn't time to do that by the time the Jumping Ceremony is to take place. There are several hundred Climbers that take shift turns in maintaining the cables as there are thousands of cables that web their way back and forth and up and down the whole length of the bridge.
Restlin does not hide the fact from the small group that he sees them and that he is not pleased that they are not cheering like the others. In fact, his stare at them conveys that he suspects them of whatever was the cause of this incident. He points them out to Bosk and starts studying their faces but is interrupted by the affectionate embrace and subsequent smootch which distracts him.
DM JT: it would take a bit longer than a round to fix each one in your mind. Pick two.
When Restlin regains his composure he looks for the group again but alas, the crowds have moved around a bit and they are not in the same spot.
Perception DC25 to try to find them (at least the two you got a good look at), or DC20 if you fly up again. This is what Restlin notices off hand with his 'stare': There were five that had the Climber outfit, more like a uniform, that you see the other Climbers wearing. Two others that look more like noblemen (or women, hard to tell with their cloaks and hoodies).
In Restlin's second mental processor, he wonders if the merchants have any damage security from the city. He hadn't really stuck around any of the previous 'accidental building damage' events to see the Hook City Damage Appraisal Engineer Corps go do work to know how that end worked. He thinks that they may have purchased Damage Insurance, and would then be covered. If not, oh well, such is life on the edge. However, there are no real merchandise on the bridge and the merchants are wealthy enough to afford to rebuild on their own.
Sesha watches in slow motion as the damsel plants a big fat wet one on Restling. A few thoughts cycle through her mind... "Baleful Polymorph! Frog! Toad! Shrew! Goat!" In her minds eye, the offending maiden is quickly poly-morphed, fed to the spinosaurus, and forgotten by all. She grins.
DM JT: I did not know... :}
But the witch understands that the circumstance is certainly an unusual one and she'd probably do the same as well. Winking at Reslin, she sees to the wounds of the victims. They all suffer from some bruises, the Climbers that were on the cable have some rope burn, but the previous healing saved the tourist celebrant and Sesha sees that they will all recover in a short time.
Garret looks to where Restlin pointed. He is fairly short and the crowd is moving around like agitated ants, clapping, cheering, even tring to touch a Hero for good luck. He can't see jack squat and has to maneuver into the crowd to find the spot Restlin was pointing at. Good thing he is small, he is able to duck and twist and crawl under a few legs or two, avoiding those legs with skirts, but to find who Restlin was pointing at when he doesn't know what they look like? It could be anyone that was mingling behind the front layer of the crowd.
DM JT: Need a Perception check DC30 to notice someone acting unusual at this point, or DC20 if Restlin can get the description of the two he 'pictured' in his mind to him.
Bosk is climbing down from the webbing and berrating the thousands on the bridge for not being better prepared for sudden flight. He notices Restlin pointing into the crowd and maybe sees what Restlin is talking about. Perception DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The small group, unusual in that they are not cherring and carrying on like the others) seemed to be splitting up. There are 5 that look like Climbers and 2 that look like wealthy people. They are quickly disolving into the crowd.}
Beriothian unceremonioulsy pops back into human form and receives great cheers from the crowd. It is with great effort that the front line of the crowd keeps from completely encircling the IA.
Inspector Aulander and Sgt. Capon blow special whistles and the Bridge Security start trying to disperse the crowd.
"Nothing to see here. It's over. Everyone is fine. Just your Hook City Heroes at work doing their everyday job." and so forth.
The rescued victims hold, grab, shake hands, hug, and such things with as many IA members they can catch.
For those who want to 'disengage' from these and go look for who Restlin pointed out, you'll need an Escape Artist Check DC20 (not being rude) or DC15 (being a little rude).
Or, Fly, of course. However only Restlin and Bosk have any idea of what to look for.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +9/+6/+6 CMD: 22 HP: 89/89 (Spells) Luck Points: 3 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 8:35:41 AM
"Pardon me, good people, but duty still calls!" He waves one more time before whispering to Sesha, "follow me, little one." The wizard takes flight straight up, waving to their admirers.
Once aloft, he spots the two from the group he spotted earlier: one nobleperson and one...climber? Maybe. Can't be sure from up here.
OOC: Restlin cannot fail a DC20 perception check
He points the two out to Sesha. "Those two were in a group that was acting fishy. Not sure where the other ones went. That...ahem...woman distracted me a bit. They seem to be splitting up. Unless you think otherwise, let's follow that one there. He or she's a lot better dressed and I'm not looking forward to looking through the hundreds of climbers the city employs."
Restlin asks Sesha if she has a message spell available. If not, he pulls out a tiny, half-inch long conch shell he won during the Yule party in the Giggling Ghost last year. He can use it to cast message.
Either way, the message is: Spotted some suspicious folks. Sesha and I are going to follow one. Try to stay in sight of us so we don't lose contact.
He will also describe the suspects as accurately as possible.
***
Active spells Mage armor - 7 hours (at least) Fly - 9 minutes total. Cast when Restlin caught that woman
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 20/16/15 -- CMD 19 -- HP 102/102 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility d20+26=39 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+36=54 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=24 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 9:10:59 AM
Tink's search of the ground is interrupted by Restlin's message. That he was able to spot anyone acting suspiciously in this crowd is commendable. She quickly looks about to see if she can determine who it is that he is describing (Perception: 39 + Arcane Sight*)
"Move!" she firmly states to the people in front of her, pushing them gently aside and not bothering to look back (Escape artist check: 16. She's a little rude - though it may be hard to tell!)
Should she be able to determine who it is Restlin has described as acting suspiciously and wanting to follow, then she will follow on foot. Tink easily blends in to the crowds and shadows becoming nearly imperceptible to the naked eye (Stealth: 54 + Hide in Plain Sight)
==================== *Arcane Sight: You know the location and power of all magical auras within your sight. An aura's power depends on a spell's functioning level or an item's caster level, as noted in the description of the detect magic spell. If the items or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make Spellcraft skill checks to determine the school of magic involved in each. (Make one check per aura; DC 15 + spell level, or 15 + half caster level for a nonspell effect.). Spellcraft checks if needed: 32, 32, 36, 31, 24
Anrete AC:31/18/31 CMD:32 HP:134/134 DR:2 d20+12=22 ; d20+16=30 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 9:23:26 AM
Anrete growls as the crowd attempts to surround him, his jaundiced eyes searching for targets.
Sesha [AC 20 /15 Touch/19 Flat] | HP 168/84 | CMD 19][See Invisibility] d100=65 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 10:16:23 AM "Um, okay. Sure!
Taking a cue from Restlins unusual insistence at doing something serious, Sesha uses her rod of extend spell and gains magical flight from her broom, following Restlin upwards. She casts the message spell at his request, then casts a prestidigitation, leaving a small trail of pink smoke behind her as she and Restlin follow the men he has marked as suspicious.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:32/28/27 HP:104/104 Ki:13/13 CMD: 30] d20+21=39 ; d20+16=36 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 11:53:55 AM
Garret continues his search through the crowd (Perception: 39) and moves swiftly towards the suspicious characters (Escape Artist: 36).
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20+17=26 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 2:04:03 PM
Perception = 26, success
ooc: Just to be clear, Bosk was not berating anyone, he we urging caution to everyone and suggesting everyone get chits to carry for tomorrow...or at least that was what he was trying to do.
DM JT: I thought I'd describe it as one on the ground would see it. Although you did not say what emotions were being conveyed (anger, pleading, preaching, etc.) I took the liberty to use the word 'berate'. :)
Bosk AC: 32/15/29 CMD:28 HP 94 of 91 Spells d20=2 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 2:22:15 PM
Bosk sets the climber down and clarifies his message, making sure they know that he got a little tongue tied in the excitement, but that he was trying to encourage people to take precautions for tomorrow when there will be more people on the bridge. (I am correct in thinking the big festival jump has not yet occurred yet, right?)
The horned cleric is just about to use dimensional door when he realizes that he didn't have to cast a fly spell and would fall quickly back to earth and flatten the fleeing suspects. Instead he will (if there is time) cast fly on himself and then Dimension Door over to noble looking suspect, bringing anyone in the group who wishes along with him for the ride.
The cleric looks closely at the people for identifiable objects he could recall for a locate object spell.
Escape artist (if necessary = 2)
DM JT: the big Jumping Event on the Day of Faith has not happened. It will happen the next day.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 d20-1=1 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 8:54:23 PM
escape artist = 1
Beriothian struggles to free himself from the crowd but fails miserably. Aparently his shape shifting was more popular than he could have ever guessed. I guess you guys are in the mood for another display. Okay, here it goes.... Beriothian transforms back into an air elemental and will fly after Bosk once he finishes, figuring that it will be hard to lose someone as large as that in the crowd.
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