Prudence Gundle Friday December 9th, 2016 2:14:09 PM
Pru feels a weird sense of nostalgia watching the scene. Her younger brothers used to get up to all kinds of mischief. True, Rye and Pye had never attempted anything this elaborate--but the tone of the laughter is very familiar.
Pru ignores them--the best thing to do with giggling little pests, really--and turns her attention to the judge. Something tells her he doesn't share these....creatures' sense of humor.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+13=31 ; Friday December 9th, 2016 6:25:39 PM
(Know[Nature]:31)
Anna apologizes to the judge, "I'm sorry your honor for casting a spell without permission. I suspected the accuser was undead and was casting a spell to determine if this was the case but as it turns out the accusers are of the fey. As a servant of Queen Ma'ab and cradled emissary of Lord Eberyon may I address these leprechauns?"
Anna figures the sprites were just playing a prank on Nikolai and may not have realized the ramifications of their accusations.
If the judge allows her to address the Leprechauns She says in Sylan Highlight to display spoiler: {"With all respect my good leprechauns I enjoy a good prank as well as the next person, but Nikolai is a good man and by falsely accusing him of murder you have endangered his life. He is my fist mate and leader and I would be most grateful if you told the judge the truth with respect to your accusations. If this prank was to get us back here because you need help of some sort we would be willing to hear you out but I may need to talk to my friends first as they may not be as aware of your customs as I am." }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+3=22 ; Friday December 9th, 2016 8:39:19 PM
Michael recognizes the creatures for what they are. The knot of worry he had been carrying around for his friend and commander evaporates with the appearance of the leprechauns. when things calm down he will respectfully ask the judge to drop the charges against Nikolai, that is if the judge doesn't go ahead and drop them himself.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday December 9th, 2016 10:22:43 PM
Trayvin shakes his head. This may very well be the oddest trial the Fist has ever been a part of. He waits to see the judge's response to these fey. "I wonder if they are friends with the Will-o-Wisps?"
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 9th, 2016 10:40:15 PM
Tinker keeps quiet; laughter never killed anyone yet and the laws of this land still have Nikolai accused. The dwarf isn't about to breathe a sigh of relief or drop his guard. He watches the judge to see what is his reaction.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+5=14 ; Monday December 12th, 2016 1:06:18 AM
knowledge Nature +5 DC20 = 14
Nikolai remains tense. Still not sure of the nature of what just happened, he's not prepared to assume these leprechauns, as Anna identified them, are just pranking him. How did they know about Gerard and his relationship with Nikolai's Fist?
He mutters to Tinker, "Think Gerard put them up to this himself? We really don't know whether he ever had a trial and may have just bribed himself free."
Nikolai keeps an eye on the fey imps but tries to notice the judge's reaction from his peripheral vision.
DM JeffO Monday December 12th, 2016 11:03:43 AM
When the fey reveal themselves, the judge stands up and his face turns very red. “What is the meaning of this?” he bellows at the top of his lungs. The leprechauns look at him, laugh, and start running around the room. He yells out, “GUARDS!” The two overweight fellows move into action. One tries to grab one of the leprechauns and it jumps right through his arms as the guard crashes into a chair and falls to the ground. Anna tries to speak to the judge and the leprechauns, but the entire room has now devolved into total chaos. People in the audience are standing and yelling. The leprechauns are running around the room laughing. The judge is continuing to yell. The guards are bumbling around. Achtan has come into the room and is unconsciously blocking the exit and he stands there, mouth agape, watching the circus…
Prudence Gundle Monday December 12th, 2016 3:28:40 PM
Pru stays where she is. She lightly grasps Nikolai's wrist to indicate that he should stay where he is, too. She's pretty sure that she and her Fist-mates could capture these creatures, and she's also pretty sure that the judge and townsfolk will resent them for trying.
"Let's wait until we're asked to help," she tells her companions. Or tries to; it's pretty wild in there.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 12th, 2016 6:25:51 PM
Tinker can't see any danger, the little fey are trying to cause an uproar but not hurt anyone. When Prudence makes her call, the dwarf grins in his beard. "Our orders are to bring Nikolai here to stand trial. If they want to hire us to get some leprechauns..."
He grins wider.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday December 12th, 2016 9:58:51 PM
Nikolai restrains himself with Pru's gentle touch. His first instinct was to nab one and have him spill his story and get this charade over with but Tinker had the right idea. If they want help to capture a leprechaun, they'll have to pay the going fee for capturing leprechauns.
He nods at Pru and smiles. "How much does the Fist charge for the capture of leprechauns? A pot of gold for each one maybe?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday December 12th, 2016 10:42:38 PM
"Achtan, my dear fellow, you may want to get out of the doorway in case anyone decides to start running through it."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Tuesday December 13th, 2016 12:03:01 AM
"You know, Nikolai, we may be able to trap them using gold as a lure. They really like the stuff. However I'm waiting until they ask us to help as Pru suggests. My other ideas are to try to entangle them with a tangle foot back or try to make them slip with a grease spell from a scroll." Anna says
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday December 13th, 2016 7:31:56 AM
with the way they have been treated in this town, if the leprechauns burn the town down he would be alright with it. now if they want to pay, he will be glad to catch them.
DM JeffO Tuesday December 13th, 2016 9:52:32 AM
The leprechauns continue their antics for a few minutes as the Fist stands and watches. After seeing the guards fall down a few times, they seem to tire of their actions and head for the door. Achtan wisely quickly gets out of the way and the leprechauns head out the door. As the last departs, he sticks his head back in the room and calls out, “See you later, Agents of the Fist!” He winks, then quickly disappears.
The room is still in chaos and the people are still talking quietly as the judge tries to restore order and finally succeeds. Achtan helps stand some chairs up and stays in the rear, looking quite red-faced. The judge glares at him a moment before addressing the Agents and the audience. He pauses and waits for the fat guards to regain their position near the rear door.
“Nikolai and Agents of the Fist: I do hope that you can accept my most sincere apologies. This apology comes from me, personally, and the town of Sandrill Crossing.” He looks up to Achtan and he is nodding his head quite profusely. The judge continues, “This is not something that normally happens here in this town or in my courtroom. I was provided with clear evidence of accusations and I truly believed them to be true. As you can see, we were all apparently quite fooled for some purpose. I would have no idea what that purpose might be, though perhaps you, as experienced Agents of the Fist, would have more knowledge of that area.”
“Know this: I am aware of the reputation that has preceded you into town regarding these accusations. Again, I am truly sorry that these came to be, I will investigate my own people to find how we could have been tricked so easily. I will issue proclamations throughout the town and throughout the land declaring your innocence in this matter and explaining that Nikolai is indeed, no murderer, at least according to this court. I can also provide that in writing to you, should you desire a copy to carry with you.”
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 10:30:13 AM
Tinker breathes a sigh of relief; it appears Nikolai's court with death is over. The dwarf begins setting back a couple of chairs and brushing off a guard or two with his spade-like hand. It's not his job to reply or accept any apologies; that being Prudence and Nikolai respectively. There are, however, two pieces of duty that do need addressing...
The first is chain of command. He turns to Prudence. "With charges dropped, are you still Agent Officer in charge, or are you ending command in favor of Nikolai?" Tinker is clear, it is Prudence's choice to keep or give up command, and the dwarf will back up her lead to the hilt.
The second is this town. "And after that is settled, maybe we talk with a couple of key leaders?" He looks around so the townsfolk can't hear. "Dragons, Will-o-wisps, and Leprechauns all in a day and all around this particular town. What's going on here?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 9:39:43 PM
"I agree with Tinker. We should send a message along with a copy of the judgement to Commander Palance. After that I think we need to do a bit of investigating. The fey mostly seem interested in causing a bit of chaos for the laughs, but there is still the matter of where this accusation came from in the first place."
"Judge, how do you feel about us poking around a bit?"
"And Pru, I think you did a fine job filling in as commander. If Nikolai has no objection maybe you should hold onto it a bit longer for some more experience."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 13th, 2016 10:04:52 PM
Pru breathes a sigh of relief when she says, "no, that's all right. Nikolai's back in charge now."
She looks at the judge. "For my part, I willingly accept your apology. And I'd like to take a moment to thank Master Achtan for being so kind and helpful. And yes, we definitely need a written copy of your judgement to give our commanding officer."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 11:52:40 PM
Nikolai watches the leprechauns prance out of the court room. In a way he feels disappointment in not getting to try Tinker's trick handcuffs, or putting forth a defense that would put the most astute judge to sleep. However it is with a sigh of relief he answers Trayvin, "Until we get the official word from Commander Palance, Pru is still the Thumb."
He turns to the judge and answers him, "I don't see how you could have avoided this. You were doing your job and leprechauns are notorious for their pranks. Our Commander will need the official pronouncement of innocence for her to file the case away. We'll need the copy to send to our Commander and a copy to carry with us in case word of your judgement does not spread fast enough. At your convenience. Meanwhile, these leprechauns are not finished with their pranks, as they just said."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 12:02:30 AM
Anna makes it a point to take the receipt to Achtan and get the gold she surrendered in bond money back, having forgotten to take care of it before the leprechauns appeared. She hopes the gold is still there as the leprechauns are known for their pranks and love of gold.
She adds her own voice to the that of her companions in talking with the judge, "As I was trying to say when pandemonium broke loose I am a servant of Queen Ma'ab and Cradled emissary of Lord Eberyon. If the Leprechauns insist on remaining in the area and causing a nuisance in your fair town mayhap I can talk with them and convince them to not bother the town folk or other passers by. Sometimes the leprechauns prank people to teach them lessons but ultimately they are chaotic creatures so who can say really why the leprechauns falsely accused Nikolai of murder?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 7:15:42 AM
Michael stands a few chairs back up, and just generally makes himself useful. He says nothing to the judge, or anybody else. what more need be said? Nikolai is free, his honor is intact, and adventure awaits! life is good.
DM JeffO Wednesday December 14th, 2016 11:00:34 AM
As order settles, the visitors start filing out of the room. Achtan appears quickly with the gold deposit. When the agents mention judgements, the judge interrupts, “Achtan, see to it that there are a number of copies of my order written up. Be sure it mentions that the Agents of the Fist are completely blameless and not guilty of any charges. I want a copy immediately sent to their commander, and another copy for them. I need a copy for this courtroom, and another for the town. Make up two more copies that we might also send them to neighboring towns.”
The judge thanks everyone for their understanding and continues to apologize, now having left his lofty seat and joining the group on the floor. When he is asked about poking around and checking with the leprechauns, he says, “I have no idea why they are here or what their purpose might be. They had to work awful hard to convince this court of these charges, so I would suspect they had help of some kind. And this is beyond simple pranks, I don’t know what is going on. Feel free to look around the town with my blessing. I will ensure that the people here know that are you not guilty.”
“Achtan, send a crier throughout town right now to proclaim the innocence of the Agents of the Fist.”
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 5:11:45 PM
"So now that that matter is settled what do we investigate first? That clearing with the dragon tracks? The direction the wisps moved or the Leprechauns. For such a small community it sure seems to have its fair share of unusual creatures. That dragon could be a danger to others in the area, the wisps certainly did behave oddly and the Leprechauns lied to besmirch Nikolai's good name. I'm up for trying to figure out what is going on with any of these fantastic creatures." Anna says to Nikolai and Pru, "Where are we headed?"
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday December 14th, 2016 7:46:47 PM
"Yer pardon, sir", says Tinker to Nikolai, "but you were only removed because you were under arrest. Since you are no longer under arrest and Prudence (who as ranking Fist in this town) says you are the Thumb, well, you are the Thumb." Tinker draws himself to a parade-ground position of attention. "Waiting for your orders, SIR!"
It's a little melodramatic and not necessary for the looser style of the Agents, but Tinker feels the pomp and circumstance could do well for the village audience as well as a formal passing of authority from Prudence to Nikolai.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday December 14th, 2016 9:28:10 PM
"I think the people here will be much more willing to talk to us now than before. I think we should give the news a chance to spread around and then see what kind of information might be available around the town."
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 14th, 2016 10:24:35 PM
"It seems a shame to waste the whole day, though," Pru says. "Maybe we should stroll out to where we saw the dragon? Talk to folks when we return?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday December 15th, 2016 1:40:36 AM
Nikolai assures the judge that their report will not blame him. "By the way, is it true that once absolved of a crime one can't be charged for the same crime again?" He is not sure of the customs here, but if he is right, he can never be charged for murdering Gerard again.
"I think some time in the woods would do us good. My vote is to pick up where we left off after the dragon attack.Perhaps we'll meet those Will O' Whisps again. Or could they have not been real but also a prank from the leprechauns?" he shrugs.
DM JeffO Thursday December 15th, 2016 8:41:08 AM
The group discusses leadership and where to go next. When Nikolai speaks to the judge, the judge replies, "Well, I don't believe that is a formal law here, but you can rest assured that any charge against the Fist will be difficult to get past me again!"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+7=16 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+13=23 ; Thursday December 15th, 2016 2:35:50 PM
Anna says enthusiastically, "To the clearing with the dragon tracks that I found then."
If everyone is on the same page she moves to the clearing as fast as she can making sure everyone is sticking together. She hopes to find the same dragon tracks she found last time and hopefully be able to follow them.
(Perception:16, Survival: 24, Know[Nature]: 23)
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=30 ; Thursday December 15th, 2016 7:19:50 PM
Tinker is happy the judge is firmly on the side of the Fist, and nods about the castle ruins.
There's really nothing to be said, so the dwarf hikes his equipment to the ready and moves to his normal place in the rear.
Perception 30
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Thursday December 15th, 2016 9:17:32 PM
Michael contemplates giving this town and it's inhabitants a piece of his mind about the concept of justice and guilt. Nikolai is taking being called a "murderer" with the calmness and honor he always has. but it really aggravates Michael. in the end, he keeps his mouth shut and soldiers on. He is, though, more convinced than ever that the Fist needs it's own country and not be subject to the idiocy of civilians.
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 15th, 2016 10:02:43 PM
Pru thanks the judge again before turning to leave with her companions. "The cart is back at the inn," she says. "Are we going to need it? Or can we leave it there?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday December 15th, 2016 10:27:46 PM
"I think we should leave it for now, no sense getting bogged down with it while looking for a dragon."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday December 15th, 2016 11:48:01 PM
Nikolai thanks the judge again for doing his duty. It was easier for him to say that now than 30 minutes ago but the Fist gains it's pay from working for others and acquire many enemies. He's amazed that cases like this are rare, at least he's not heard of any in his lifetime other than Neutronus, but that was different in so many ways.
"To the ruined castle and dragon hunt," he exclaims exuberantly. As they head out, he gathers up his equipment from the divers Fist members. "I don't think the cart could make it down that path anyway," he comments. "We obeyed their law so if we treat this town as if nothing happened, we gain their respect and good will. That being our second mission no matter where we go." he adds.
It bothers him though that he does not know how the leprechauns came across Gerard's name and his association with them. He sense that this isn't over just yet.
"If we can spare the time, we really need to go check on what happened to Gerard. Did he face a trial? Was he released?"
DM JeffO Friday December 16th, 2016 9:16:25 AM
The Agents of the Fist continue to discuss for a bit what’s going on. They are sure that there is more going on than they can see at this time, but they’re not really sure which way to go or what they can do about it. In the meantime, Anna starts leading the way back to the clearing with the dragon tracks, hoping everyone will follow. Pru thanks the judge and the group heads out, with a little discussion about whether they need the cart or if it will be safe back at the inn. Nikolai, relived of the charges, but still wondering about the reasons for them, exclaims, “To the ruined castle and dragon hunt!”
As the party reaches the edge of town, they can hear a town crier yelling about in town. Careful listening can reveal “Agents of the Fist,” “Nikolai,” and “innocent of all charges.”
Back in the forest, a bit from the edge of town (repeated from explorations before):
They see no signs of any other monsters, but happen upon what appears to be an old game trail that leads deeper into the forest. Michael notices there are a couple of large, very old, strangely colored rocks along the trail. They are large (about two feet on a side, cubes) and black and appear almost to be old stones that could have been used in construction of something. The coloring makes them look quite out of place.
After a short search, Michael finds the trail opens up to a relatively large clearing in the middle of the forest. This appears to not be a natural clearing There is no vegetation or grass at all in the clearing, which is very unnatural There are tracks and markings that look like tracks a dragon would make
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday December 16th, 2016 10:27:12 PM
Trayvin readies his Morningstar and shield. If the dragon spends time here then it may come back at any moment.
Prudence Gundle Friday December 16th, 2016 11:09:34 PM
"We injured it pretty badly before," Pru says. "Do you think it will come after us again, or will it stay in hiding?"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+13=32 ; d20+13=33 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 8:53:44 AM
Anna searches her memory concerning Green Dragons (Know[arcana]:32 ooc 33 was misclick) and shares everything she can think of with Pru for an idea as to what the one they injured might do.
Anna realizes that all she has is the steel glass ranseur, her ability to turn into creatures and her bag of tricks. As none of her weapons were magical except for the bow this is no big lost as she can grab a scroll of either magic weapon or magic fang from her bag depending on what weapons she decides to use to confront the dragon.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=22 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 10:08:58 AM
Tinker isn't a good woodsman, and so is happy Anna, Nikolai, and Michael all seem to have some skill. He, crossbow in hand, keeps a sharp eye out on their backtrail, ensuring no one will come up unawares from behind.
Perception 22
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; d20+16=24 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 5:15:50 PM
Nikolai goes to work studying the area. Considering the storm the day before, he figures not much evidence is left except those since last night. On the other hand, a dragon is pretty big and heavy, those tracks may linker a while longer despite the weather.
Survival Forest (Favored Terrain) +13 = 29 He tries to determine how old the tracks are and if they are the kind the creature leaves when it settles down or just passing through.
Perception (Forest Favored Terrain) +16 = 24 He also looks for any sign of hiding leprechauns or other unusual things. OOC: kinda generic but...
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday December 19th, 2016 10:01:35 PM
Trayvin doesn't have much skill with tracking, so he just a watchful eye on the area while the others check for tracks and other signs.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday December 20th, 2016 7:08:08 AM
(OOC: sorry guys, work in the Great White North sucks. it takes twice as long to do anything. I've been late at work and late getting home.
Michael looks around for entrances, artifacts, or anything else of interest here. He organizes a search or the area. laying it out in a grid using reference points and grid points. he takes his time looking over the area. (take 20 on perception).
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; Tuesday December 20th, 2016 10:54:27 AM
Nikolai chooses one of MIchael's grid points on the opposite end where MIchael starts his search to start his own. What is he looking for? If the dragon spent any time here at all he may have left a 'goodies' cache or some sort. You never know?
From previous rolls: Survival Forest (Favored Terrain) +13 = 29 He tries to determine how old the tracks are and if they are the kind the creature leaves when it settles down or just passing through.
Perception (Forest Favored Terrain) +16 = 24 He also looks for any sign of hiding leprechauns or other unusual things.
new roll: Perception +13 looking for what Michael is looking for, like a hidden hidey-hole, stone runes, whatever is not naturally found in a forest enclave = 29
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 20th, 2016 8:49:40 PM
Tinker keeps a steady eye out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Saturday December 24th, 2016 4:09:47 PM
Nikolai wonders that if the dragon spent some time here, where's his poop? What does dragon poop look like? Maybe they don't poop near their resting place?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday December 30th, 2016 11:30:00 PM
Nikolai stumps his toe on a small rock so consumed he is of finding dragon poop.
DM JeffO Monday January 2nd, 2017 1:30:53 PM
It has been a little time since the dragon attacked, and since the group checked out the clearing. As Nikolai notices, due to the previous night and day’s rain, there are few fresh tracks. Trayvin stays ready, watching the sky for the return of the dragon while Pru wonders if it will return quickly or not. Anna tries to prepare to fight it once again, but cannot think of what an injured dragon might do. Would it attack in a rage? Would it hide in a hole and nurse itself back to health? Or maybe it would seek out a dragon cleric for some quick healing before attacking again…
Meanwhile, Tinker watches the rear to ensure the group isn’t surprised from behind. Nikolai and Michael search the area carefully looking for anything of interest. While Nikolai is fascinated by his own search for dragon poop, it is Michael who first notices something out of place. When he steps into the depression, he finds his foot slips deeper into the ground than it should. In fact, it is almost as if his foot disappears into the ground, but not quite. He picks his foot up and puts it down again on the ground, but his foot keeps doing down a couple more inches than the ground. It feels quite odd to him and he shakes his head in confusion (will save, DC 20, Michael and anyone who can see him. Michael gets a +2).
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+5=17 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 3:00:34 PM
Anna notices something is off with Michael as she, him and Nikolai search the clearing (Will Save: 17 or 18 if it is a fear effect)
She is also affected by whatever targeted Michael.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+9=28 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 9:43:55 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Will Save + 9 vs DC20 = 28
Nikolai happened to be looking keenly for hidden leprechauns at the moment Michael came across something odd and noticed him testing the ground and his foot seemingly passing through the earth, and not like he was stepping in muck or quicksand either. He saw plenty of that in the swamps. This was very different, so different as to be magical?
"Hey Michael. Take a care will ya?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+8=10 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 9:53:53 PM
Michael hears Nikolai in a far off corner of his mind, but the fascination of his find consumes him foot up, foot down... Will save 10
Prudence Gundle d20+8=23 ; d20+12=26 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:06:56 PM
Pru's interest in the effect is purely professional. [Will save 23] "Now, what do you suppose that's about?" she wonders aloud. [Spellcraft 26]
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=33 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:07:30 PM
Tinker, hefting his crossbow, continues to patrol the backtrail.
Perception 33
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:09:21 PM
Trayvin shakes his head. It looked like Michael was trying out some new dance move he must have learned from one of the villagers. Trayvin returns his gaze to the sky and watching out for the dragon.
DM JeffO Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:22:13 AM
While Michael tries to tell what is happening on the ground around him, Nikolai calls out for him to be careful. Nikolai and Pru are able to see some sort of shimmering at the edge of the clearing and when they blink, they can see that the ground in the clearing is actually a shallow pit, no more than a few feet deep, but with steep sides. One more step and Michael would have fallen into the pit. Pru notes that it is indeed a magical effect, likely an illusion to keep people out of the shallow pit. There is a small pile of something in the center of the pit, shining.
Tinker and Trayvin keep watch on the skies and the area around. Tinker smells the scent of some sort of animal on the light breeze. Perhaps a deer?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+19=20 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:49:48 AM
Anna reaches into her bag of tricks and pulls out a cleric scroll of detect magic at caster level 2. She wanders over to the edge of the pit and attempts to cast the spell.
She is a little dismayed when the spell fizzles and she realizes she can't try her luck with that particular scroll for 24 hours.
She reaches into the bag and pulls another cleric scroll of detect magic at caster level 2. This time she is successful in its casting.
She attempts to determine what the spell disguising the pit might be and if there are any other spells in effect. She also is curious if the shiny objects in the center of the pit radiate magic.
(Spellcraft: 24, Perception: 20, know[arcana]:21)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=33 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 5:22:27 PM
focused and having seen is foot disappear multiple times, Michael flops down on his belly to get a closer look at this effect.
perception 33
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 8:37:39 PM
Hmm. Something going on over there. "Is everything ok? I can try to help with the detect magic if you need it."
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=22 ; d20+2=22 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:30:58 PM
Tinker is completely assured that his companions will call out if they need his services. Meanwhile, he keeps careful watch, and tries to hone his meager survival skills by stalking the deer.
Perception 22 Survival. 22
Prudence Gundle Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 10:21:19 PM
"All right, I think everyone should stay where they are," Pru says. "The ground isn't real; it's some kind of illusion. And there's something in the center there, but it's hard to make out because of the illusory ground. I wonder if we could dispel the illusion?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 11:09:36 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Nikolai makes his way over to Michael while describing to the bemused friend that apparently there is some kind of illusion disguising a pit. Michael seems to take heed as he gets on his belly to inspect the anomaly in the ground.
While his friends busy themselves with their detect magic spells, Nikolai kneels beside Michael and keeps a hand on one ankle.
"It's a pit in disguise. If you don't see it, you could fall in and bonk your head. Pull back and see if you can clear your head."
Nikolai tosses a twig into the pit.
DM JeffO Wednesday January 4th, 2017 10:07:25 AM
Anna fumbles around with a couple scrolls before she realizes that the pit is covered with a simple, but large, illusion to make it look like there is no pit there. When Michael, Pru, and Nikolai continue their investigation, they all determine the same – there is an illusion over the top of the pit (the twig falls harmlessly into the pit and hits the ground just a couple feet down). It appears there is little else here, but Anna does notice that the pile of stuff in the center of the pit does indeed radiate magic.
Meanwhile, Tinker starts trying to stalk a deer. He steps carefully, but steps on a twig and the area around him goes completely silent.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+17=18 ; d20+14=24 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2017 1:16:49 PM
Michael pulls up and squats at the edge of the pit by Nikolai. Wow, that was strange. I didn't know quite what to think of it there for a minute.. Michael hears the world go silent and hairs on the back of his neck rise. He rolls down into the pit and draws his rapier and short sword. the illusion should give him some sort of concealment and the pit a bit of cover. He looks around beneath the illusion. whats at the bottom of the pit? what does the illusion look like from the inside? does the silence presage an attack? or is he just being paranoid and super curious about what's at the bottom of the pit? either way he's ready for battle and satisfying curiosity at the same time! Win-Win! Unfortunatly that's not quite what happens.
As he goes to roll tactically into the pit he did not see that the edge where he was at did not slope off gently but rather dropped off quite suddenly. He slams onto his back quite suddenly at the bottom, and it takes him a few moments to roll around and get his bearings. and he fumbles about for his weapons. This reminds me of basic training... he thinks as the fiasco goes quickly from frustration to absurdity.
acrobatics 18 (Natural 1 unsure what disadvantage that may entail)
perception 24. (what does an illusion look like from the inside and what is the stuff at the bottom of the pit? )
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=27 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+13=25 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2017 5:28:58 PM
Anna activates her spider climb morphamancy to climb down the sides of the pit and join Michael in the bottom. She is curious to get a closer look at the magical objects in the center of the pit.
"Careful Michael, the objects in the center of the pit radiate magic." She moves towards it herself sticking to the sides of the pit.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday January 4th, 2017 6:46:46 PM
Tinker harrumphed and grins at himself; he's hardly a woods-dwarf!
He tugs his beard and returns to the others, always turning his head to look over his shoulder every third step as taught back as a recruit.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday January 4th, 2017 9:35:53 PM
It's a good thing they mentioned something about a pit. Otherwise Trayvin might be a bit more worried about them disappearing like that. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check....
"Is everything allright down there?"
Prudence Gundle Wednesday January 4th, 2017 10:27:39 PM
"Or, we could just all tumble into the pit and see what happens next," Pru says with a little sigh. Despite her words she stays out of the pit, for now.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=30 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 12:43:24 AM
OOC: I do believe that rolling a 1 on a skill's check is not an automatic failure. Nor is a N20 an automatic success. Automatic Failure/Success only applies to Attack rolls.
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor
His team mates react differently when the natural forest noises suddenly subside. His woodsman's instinct tells him that the simple snapping of a twig would not be sufficient to bring such a quiet to the neighborhood.
"Be alert everyone. This quiet does not feel normal. My instincts tell me something rather ominous approaches. Have your weapons at the ready. If nothing happens after a few moments, then we finish checking out that treasure pile."
He draws his longbow and readies an arrow. He scans the sky past the treetops as best he can and listens for the approach his instincts warn him of.
Perception +13 (listen for wing beats or other such subtle noise) = 30
Readied attack if the threat
DM JeffO Thursday January 5th, 2017 9:36:29 AM
Michael moves up to the pit and prepares for a tactical move, but then rolls and falls flat on his back in the shallow pit. Looking from the inside out, the illusion is just a little bit blurry so that everything outside the pit looks fuzzy. Anna more graciously steps into the pit, warning Michael about the magic in the pile in the center. Pru laughs at the antics of Michael as the others in the group gather around the edge to see what’s going on.
Looking from the outside in, now that everyone knows what is going on, is possible, but also still with a sort of fuzzy look. Those on the outside can see Michael flopping around like a turtle, but he just doesn’t quite look clear, almost as if looking through a thin layer of water.
Nikolai remains at the ready outside, scanning the skies, perhaps wondering if the dragon has returned. He jumps when a tree suddenly sways and almost lets fly an arrow before he realizes it was a heavy, large bird with long narrow wings that had just taken off from a tree and starts a slow, winding climb into the sky.
Back inside the pit, Michael rolls over and looks around. He can see the pile in the center clearly from inside the pit, and it looks like a tidy pile of treasure. There is a good-size pile of silver coins and ingots, a shield leaned up against it, some cloth or leather peeking through the stack, and a few other things that he can spot from his location. The ground underneath the illusion is strangely exactly like the illusion – stripped, bare, without a single bit of grass or sign of life. As he rolls over, dust covers him and falls of, as if the ground at the edge hasn’t been disturbed for a long time. Perception, DC 25, Michael: Highlight to display spoiler: {After noticing the ground at the edge, you can see the ground near the pile of treasure has certainly been disturbed recently.}
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=28 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=15 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 6:28:09 PM
Anna steps closer to the magic pile and starts investigating the pile to see if she can tell anything about the magical properties of the loot.
Prudence Gundle Thursday January 5th, 2017 8:13:39 PM
Pru jumps a little, too, when Nikolai reacts to the bird, but she soon sees it is nothing to worry about. She turns her attention back to her companions. "Just be careful," she says. She remains where she is, not wanting to chance the pit. There's something weird here.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=17 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 9:01:00 PM
Tinker finally gets back and sees the illusory pit and the treasure coming out and also gets nervous. "There is no treasure without a guard or trap. So where's the guardian?"
He keeps looking about.
.... Perception. 17
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday January 5th, 2017 10:51:53 PM
"I agree with Nikolai, I don't like it. It feels like a trap. Why would a pile of treasure be laying around here? I can't believe the villagers never stumbled across it."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=24 ; Friday January 6th, 2017 12:25:18 AM
Nikolai saves his arrow in the nick of time. Although a good roasted bird for supper sounds good, he'd rather use his arrow on something that actually threatens them.
"That's what I figure. Dragons don't leave their treasure just for anyone to wander by and swipe. He was flying around last night so he can't be too far away," Nikolai agrees with Tinker.
"Besides, those leprechauns could be watching and readying a prank,"
He keeps vigilant while the others search the treasure.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=25 ; d20+7=20 ; Friday January 6th, 2017 2:30:14 AM
Once he regains his center Michael moves closer to the treasure pile. He looks it over with a sharp eye, looking for tripwires, sigils, oils and mimics. anything that could be an initiator for a trap, booby or otherwise. He notices the disturbed ground near the Treasure. Lets be careful approaching this loot, the ground looks to be recently disturbed, could be a trap... He looks over the disturbed ground, trying to tease out the events that led to the disturbance.
Perception 25 survival (tracking) 20.
DM JeffO Friday January 6th, 2017 9:56:35 AM
Michael and Anna approach the treasure. Those watching them see the top half of their bodies normally, but the bottom half is in the lower part of the pit, under the illusion, so it almost looks like they are walking through water with the blurry illusion. Anna starts examining the treasure more closely while Michael checks out the area around. He spots a couple thin, broken dragon scales and a clear footprint of what certainly looks like a dragon. The way the edges of the pile of coins looks, it almost appears that a dragon may have been curled around the sides of the pile. He does not see any signs of any additional traps or tripwires.
Anna can more clearly see that there are two shields, and they radiate magic. There is some leather sticking out of the pile that looks like leather armor that also radiates magic. There is a very old box on one side of the pile that only radiates a little magic, as if it is something inside the box. Another bit of clothing, perhaps a cloak, is in the pile that also radiates magic. The coins seem normal and shiny.
Meanwhile, Nikolai spots a game trail with some deer droppings. He can see that the trail clearly an without apparent reason, turned away from the clearing and pit. In fact, all signs of animals in the area here stop at the pit and absolutely do not enter it. The edges are green grass and weeds, but as soon as the pit starts, there is nothing but dead dirt.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday January 6th, 2017 10:40:53 PM
"If it is the dragon's treasure, he may retaliate against the town if we take it."
Prudence Gundle d20=3 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 11:48:48 AM
Pru keeps a wary eye out. Like many of her companions, she suspects a trap. But even her wary eyes aren't much good for spotting things. [Perception 3]
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 10:59:44 PM
Tinker hears the words 'trap' and his hands start shaking; it has been so long! Eagerly, he stops worrying about what's going on around the area and focuses on the illusionary pit.
"May be important to make sure, you know", he calls out. But he's already focused on the pit. Hopping down, he ducks under the illusion and does a careful inspection to look for a trap, almost eager to find one...
Perception Trap Finding. 33
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 10:59:44 PM
Tinker hears the words 'trap' and his hands start shaking; it has been so long! Eagerly, he stops worrying about what's going on around the area and focuses on the illusionary pit.
"May be important to make sure, you know", he calls out. But he's already focused on the pit. Hopping down, he ducks under the illusion and does a careful inspection to look for a trap, almost eager to find one...
Perception Trap Finding. 33
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday January 8th, 2017 12:49:29 AM "Well, we could always leave a note to the dragon. Like an IOU and where to find us," Nikolai quips with a grin. He does not take his eyes off the surroundings. It is obvious the animals of the region sense the danger of this place and avoid it.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday January 8th, 2017 12:49:29 AM "Well, we could always leave a note to the dragon. Like an IOU and where to find us," Nikolai quips with a grin. He does not take his eyes off the surroundings. It is obvious the animals of the region sense the danger of this place and avoid it.
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