Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Monday May 18th, 2020 5:35:13 PM
Sigvar remains silent as the others are more personable and have this well in hand
DM Warren (transition town) Monday May 18th, 2020 6:00:46 PM Hmmn. Well... She leans back a bit in her chair, rubbing her chin and thinking. A large brown cat takes advantage of her suddenly free lap and snuggles in for some chin scratching.
The castle has just always been there. We didn't think anything about it until recently, it was just part of the landscape. Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit lighter around here. There's been a heaviness in the air.
The heaviness had been getting worse recently. Settling in, and then those brutes. The kids weren't even daring to play on the bridge. Come to think of it, I did see a youngin going up that way this morning. I hadn't even thought about it until now, but that must be a sign that things are getting back to normal.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Monday May 18th, 2020 7:36:30 PM
Trayvin looks around at the other Agents. They did clear the place out, but with the 'old man' missing there was no guarantee the place was safe. Probably should have expressed that better to the townsfolk they have been talking to. This might have to be a quick visit.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Tuesday May 19th, 2020 12:06:10 AM
Anna says to Gamma Herry, "You know that always just had been there response was what we got from Lennox too. Isn't it just a bit odd to build a town around a castle which you know nothing about? I'm not criticising you guys or anything but is it possible there was some kind of spell or something on the castle that made you guys not question it"
Anna waits until they have taken their leave of Gamma Herry and tells the others a plan that is starting to form in her head.
She says, "You know how the Dragon groups are based out of castles? We aren't a dragon group, but if we decided to occupy this castle as our new base of operations? I mean Pru can teleport people back to the Citadel if we need to talk to commander or anything but if this job isn't done and we are worried about the old man coming back, what better way to ensure this then have this place be where we are stationed when we aren't adventuring. The only problem is if we are stuck here then we can't go adventuring. I don't think the citadel wants to relocate here though and I'm not sure what with the fallout from the Fist Civil War if we have enough recruits to garrison a permanent force that wouldn't be just our Fist here. Do you guys have any thoughts on this?"
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Tuesday May 19th, 2020 7:07:02 AM
Sitting with big folk when you are one of the wee folk can be a challenge. barstools offer the best opportunity to remain social, but chairs, they can be a problem, especially when the table is high. so Michale has taken to keeping his backpack handy as sort of a booster seat.
to Anna after they have taken their leave. . The rooms are too tight. and I'm saying that as the smallest guy on the team. I would not even call it a castle...it's more of an oddly apportioned blockhouse.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday May 19th, 2020 11:37:07 AM
"Thank you, ma'am," Pru says as they take their leave of Gamma Herry. "It's nice to know that things are getting back to normal."
Afterward, talking with her companions, Pru says, "Captain Palance wants us to continue to patrol here for the time being. I have some Message scrolls so we can communicate with her if something comes up. There wasn't any mention of a permanent relocation, but I suppose anything could happen."
DM Warren (transition town) Tuesday May 19th, 2020 5:40:48 PM
Trayvin and Anna discuss checking out the activity at the castle, and do some planning regarding long-term basing here, if appropriate. Michael doubts that the castle is big enough to be called that, or to suit their needs. Still, it has some good bones if future expansion should be deemed necessary.
Pru fills in the others on the direction from Palance, and how to let her know of any developments. The others enjoy the chat and the company, and then let the old woman get back to her choring.
They still have several hours left before the town meeting to do with as they'd like, whether that's interviewing more people around town, checking out the activity back at the castle, or just kicking back and relaxing before the meeting.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Tuesday May 19th, 2020 5:59:27 PM " Do you know the name of the child you saw this morning, and who in town he belongs to?" Sigvar was starting to have a bad feeling. The child could just be a town kid going for a look see at the castle, which was full of traps that rearmed themselves if he recalled correctly. OR he could be the wizard sneaking back home in disguise. Either way it bore investigation. He rose and thanked the old lady for her hospitality and checked his gear, making the excuse that they should go check on that kid before he got hurt.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Tuesday May 19th, 2020 8:51:59 PM I agree with you Sigvar, we need to find that kid and make sure he is safe, and then maybe put something at the castle to keep curious townspeople out until it is completely safe.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday May 19th, 2020 10:31:04 PM
Pru is all in favor of making sure the kid is all right, though she's pretty sure he is. She shakes her head a little at Trayvin's suggestion. "I think the best way to keep people out is to explain at the town meeting why the place is still dangerous," she said. "A sign or something like that isn't going to have nearly the same impact."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Tuesday May 19th, 2020 11:35:04 PM
Anna says, "That is why I think we stay there if our orders are to maintain here and continue the patrol. By basing ourself out of the castle we can prevent curious townfolk from entering unattended and if the wizard lich old man comes back we can actually have surprises in store for him this time around. I understand that it is less than ideal so maybe we send Pru, Sigvar and myself out on patrol in the nearby areas to look for him or the Phylactery. Sigvar can detect evil and Pru can teleport us back to the town if we find anything and I can pretty much fly indefinitely if I use my queen's shapes blessing as beast shape. I mean we could do other things but might that be a good idea? It would allow us to look for the lich or his phylactery nearby and it would protect curious villagers from the castle. Maybe we could even cast other wards on the place if we all need to leave for somewhere to deter people from entering."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday May 20th, 2020 1:39:27 AM "I agree. We need to stay here a while, even if it is to make sure that 'evil' presence' feeling goes away for sure. As far as adapting the castle for our big and shorter folk, that's easier. Those floors with the trap corridors can be redone to accommodate whomever and whatever size, and just a few stone shaping spells can enlarge the doorways without much trouble."
Nikolai surmises that a few farmers, seeing a castle, thought it would be protection enough to keep baddies away, and apparently it did and the hamlet grew to a village. After a while you just get used to seeing a castle but no garrison. Going unmolested all this time they had no cause to put much thought into it and just happy to raise crops and feed their families.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Wednesday May 20th, 2020 10:03:35 AM
Pompous listens intently. He slowly resolved himself to the thought that the group will be staying here. Thus the life of a military man. Follow orders and keep your mouth shut.
- I can go look for the boy. - He offers.
DM Warren (transition town) Wednesday May 20th, 2020 4:04:30 PM
While they may not have figured out their long term course quite yet, The Agents know that kids shouldn't be poking around the castle. When they ask Gamma Herry who it was, she thinks a bit. You know, I couldn't rightly tell. He was far away, and moving a sight slower than any of the kids I can think of. But not sneaking, moving with purpose. I wonder that I didn't think it odd earlier. My wits must not be with me this morning.
As the Agents go towards the bridge and the castle, you continue to plan out their course of action for protecting the town. Patrols and searching mostly, and laying some traps for the lich should he show his face again.
As you move across the massive white bridge, you can see the figure more clearly. You relax a little as you see the figure is little more than two feet tall: clearly not a child from town, and not the old man lich that you fought so hard in the castle. The figure has brown robes and a hood pulled up over its head. It holds in its old, but alive looking hands some sort of flat device that appears to have a number of flashing crystals on it. The figure moves about, taking steps in seemingly random directions and the crystals continue to flash, perhaps in some sort of pattern.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Wednesday May 20th, 2020 8:34:29 PM
Something new? Trayvin wonders what the creature is, and what it is up to. I guess we should be ready for anything here, this seems a bit unusual, like everything else about this castle.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Wednesday May 20th, 2020 8:50:08 PM
Michael advances ahead a bit and sees the small creature. Hello, I'm Michael. who are you and what are you doing here? Are you looking for the lich as well?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 d20+20=29 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+17=19 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2020 10:07:17 PM
Anna tries to identify what the 2 foot tall aged creature could be.
She listens intently for what it has to tell Michael.
DM Warren (transition town) Thursday May 21st, 2020 6:09:39 PM
When you reach the edge of the bridge, the figure apparently hears you, stops, and turns. Now that you're nearer, Anna (and the others) can see that this is an elderly halfling male with bits of white hair peeking out from the edges of his hood.
He ponders a moment, looking at the group with a tilt of his head. He takes the strange device and places it into a large pouch hanging from his belt, then walks towards the group saying, “Greetings, Michael. I am Isumbras Featherbottom. And who are your friends that I have the pleasure of meeting on this fine day?”
Pru's spell sees the device Isumbras was holding light up a bit. If she continues to concentrate, she finds that it radiates fairly complicated seeming divination magics, but they are somehow different than anything she has seen before.
Yes, Lich. I'm something of an expert on the undead and their auras you see, and I couldn't stay away from this place any longer. Have you met him? Is he still here?
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 d20+12=16 ; d20+21=38 ; Thursday May 21st, 2020 8:50:57 PM Well met Mr. Featherbottom, The large fellow is Sigvar Ironhorn. The green lady is Anna Morphling, The fellow with the Bow is Pompous Demonbane, The handsome fellow with the tusks is Trayvin Smithson, the pretty human is Prudence Gundle, and the guy with the pointed ears is Nikolai Komonv, We are with the Mailed Fist. we were hired by the town to come to take care of a monster problem.
OH we met him alright. remarkably well preserved. looked just like a living man, Very powerful spell caster, and I think he was going senile. when we met him, he was studying scrolls, and he spoke like he had been sitting there studying for...well so long he couldn't remember the last time he'd been outside. it turns out he had been summoning the monsters and then forgetting he has summoned them. He didn't care about the town or the people, and we could not make him see the error of his ways. We had no choice but to engage him in combat. and to be fair, we would probably stil be fighting him if we hadn't burnt up all his scrolls. at that point he decieded to depart. .
Michael casually takes out his Book Akimbo, with its marks of the Three Houses of the sages Guild engraved in the leather. he pages through it looking for his notes,
as Michael speaks and flips, he casually pays close attention to the halfling. do his words incite interest or disgust? shock or anger? is he an undead friend or a scholar? Perception 38 sense motive 16,
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Thursday May 21st, 2020 10:48:38 PM
Anna smiles at the halfing and the device and says, "Charmed I'm sure."
She clears her throught and says to the halfling, "Isumbras, is it? If I'm not being to forward. The lich well he had this aura that caused those who got near to him to fall asleep. It gave us all sorts of trouble as my attempt at subterfuge failed because of it and one of our strongest warriors tried to go toe to toe with him only to fall asleep long enough for him to erect a barrier we were unable to remove. Is the information that Michael and I have shared consistent with the lich that you are looking for? If it isn't I wonder just how many liches could be running around this rather out of the way place. Might I ask is your interest in the undead and their auras academic or does something else motivate your expertise?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Friday May 22nd, 2020 12:50:23 AM
Sigvar nods as he is introduced and scans the man for evil intent
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday May 22nd, 2020 1:20:36 AM
Nikolai is surprised that the creature's name is not Yoda and is a halfling at that!
"Hi, Mr. Featherbottom. It is great to meet another expert in the Undead. I consider myself somewhat of an expert, however in this case we've seem to hit a stone wall. We are unsure whether the old man actually is in the process of turning into a Lich, or a Lich managed to posses him. At times he looks like an ordinary old man, but when he gets very angry, you see another form, that of an Undead phase in, then go away when his anger subsides. Never read anything like that in the Annals of Undead Studies at the Citadel, the Mailed Fist headquarters. Not only that, when he vanished, we went looking for his phylactery, but have come up with squatt! Maybe you've come across some research into this kind of thing."
Prudence Gundle Friday May 22nd, 2020 1:31:51 AM
“Also,” Pru says, “we’d really like to figure out where he went.”
DM Warren (transition town) Friday May 22nd, 2020 5:31:58 PM
Isumbras radiates no evil. Oh, just always been fascinated. I can see the appeal, having as much time as I could want to study, learn, innovate, instead of being shackled by a mortal body. Maybe it's lucky that I have no aptitude for the sort of magic it would take to become one myself. Considering how long he would have been in the area for his essence to become so infused in the landscape, if he was after conquest, it would have happened long ago. I think he would be lot like me, getting lost in the mysteries of the universe. If I didn't have to come up for meals and to use the privy, I can see how I'd lose track of everything else.
Based on my readings, I'd say that his phylactery went along with him. Without that concentrated source, the background levels are fading already. They may be here for a long while, and I credit the townsfolk to have not succumbed to its influence.
He seems interested in everything you can tell him about the old man or lich or whatever hybrid thing he might have been. hmmn, sleeping aura? fascinating, rather ingenious defense mechanism. Or maybe just to make sure people didn't annoy him without good cause? He does quite a lot of thinking to himself under his breath. I'd like to meet this fellow too. Maybe I can figure out a way to track him? In any case, I don't see myself going anywhere for a while.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Friday May 22nd, 2020 7:35:07 PM
Michael ponders the words of the scholar. I think, in the lands of rest we have the ability to do just that. only as spiritual beings, we are not constrained to the speed of our eyes. we can absorb volumes at a time, travel back to the point where history was made to see it with our own ghostly eyes, and also visit with those self same people who are there with us....at least that's my view of the whole deal. I'd have to ask Gargul next time I see him....ask him if I can get over the whole, "i'm in the presence of divinity and a cats got my tongue, thing. .
Michael shrugs. then brightens. Hey Nikolai, if were going to be down for a couple of days. How about I take the loot to the Catacombs and cash it in. maybe we can figure out some stuff to help us out next time we meet him. .
OOC: DM I've lost track of all the loot we acquired, I usually keep a list, but I did not this time...can you help a brother out?
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Friday May 22nd, 2020 10:43:51 PM It would be useful if we can find out where he went. We aren't entirely sure that his intentions will not be harmful to this town, or maybe others and we need to be sure.
Prudence Gundle Saturday May 23rd, 2020 10:44:14 PM
"If you really do plan to stay here for a time, can we ask you to contact us if the man--or lich, or whatever he is--returns? We don't want to leave the village undefended, you see, but I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to stay."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Sunday May 24th, 2020 10:21:50 PM
Anna asks, "Isumbras If you can figure out a way to track him would you be on board with us accompanying you?"
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Monday May 25th, 2020 12:22:50 PM
Seeing that the party appear relaxed talking to the person, Pompous rejoins the group but stays somewhat in the back.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Monday May 25th, 2020 10:27:16 PM
Anna waits for the halfling's response
Prudence Gundle Monday May 25th, 2020 11:52:45 PM
"If you can't cast the Message spell," Pru adds. "I have some scrolls of it I could give you." Inwardly she winces. Giving away Mailed Fist scrolls will involve a lot of paperwork, but it'll be worth it.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Tuesday May 26th, 2020 7:23:05 AM " We still have unfinished business with him."
DM Warren (transition town) Tuesday May 26th, 2020 12:27:45 PM Yes, of course. I've been able to track down entities by their energy before. I'm usually too late though, and some aspiring adventurer has already taken care of the problem. I'm getting faster though! He tries to do a sprightly kick, and barely catches himself before stumbling. Well, faster in the brainy parts at least.
I don't have the magic to do that, but I could make use of a scroll. I will let you know if he comes back here, or if I can track him down. It will depend on how far he's gone, and if he stays put for a while. Maybe I can find something he left here to help me focus in.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday May 26th, 2020 6:20:19 PM
"Well, we would really appreciate it," Pru says. She hands over one of the Message scrolls.
"If you're looking for something of his he left," Pru continues, "the best place to look is probably his study. It's on the top floor of the castle there. Um...I think we cleared out all the dangerous stuff, but we'd be happy to escort you up there if you like."
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Tuesday May 26th, 2020 8:35:17 PM
Out of hearing range of Isumbras, Trayvin reminds the Agents that they still have several of the items that they found in the old man's study, if needed.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Tuesday May 26th, 2020 10:24:36 PM
Michael listens. then comments. I've been around everything from zombies to liches, Frost Ghouls to Demons. they may be immortal they may have a lot of information. but one thing is true more than anything. they either want you dead or want something from you that will cost you dearly. . He thinks a moment more. The Raksasha we met was very powerful. he had enslaved a race of giants, the one we took alive, she wanted to die rather than face the wrath of her master. I've tried to reason with them, but it's never worked out.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Tuesday May 26th, 2020 10:37:59 PM
Anna says, "Isumbras, please do be careful in dealing with these creatures without having a party of adventurers on hand. When we came here the lich was creating mutant aberrant orcs. Whose to say doesn't have the power to create a mutant aberrant halfling? You need some means of defense if you are going to persist in studying these creatures. I don't suppose you know any spells of your own in addition to your tracking device?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 1:41:22 AM
Nikolai doubts that the lich could have gone far. "The old man was secluded in this castle for as long as the villagers can remember. As a fact, the castle was here before the village. So how far would he go if he's been stuck here for a hundred years or so? Anyway, we have the permission from our Commander and the villagers to stay here a while longer and make sure he does not return so soon."
DM Warren (transition town) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 3:34:54 PM Oh, don't worry about me, youngins. I'm pretty good at getting myself out of tight spots. And I've had a good run.
I don't do much magic myself, but I have a few devices that replicate spells. And I know he's far enough away for the aura to have begun to dissipate already.
He tucks the scroll away for future use, and gives Pru a good studying so he can make sure to contact her accurately. I'll do some looking around - maybe after a good nosh, and after that town meeting I heard about earlier.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Wednesday May 27th, 2020 5:40:32 PM
Looks like the Agents need to get ready for the meeting, not much to do until then.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Wednesday May 27th, 2020 9:47:22 PM
Anna polishes her mithral plate armor prior to the meeting.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday May 27th, 2020 11:28:08 PM
Pro thanks Isumbras and goes to prepare for the meeting.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday May 28th, 2020 1:12:11 AM
Nikolai has his reservations about this guy. Too convenient to pop up just now. 'We'll see how long he sticks around' he muses.
"Ah, yes, the meeting. I guess we'd better head back to town and show up at our own meeting."
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Thursday May 28th, 2020 1:27:20 PM
And off they go to meet at the meeting. Let’s go meet the meeters. Meetors? Meetorins? Le Meetors?
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Thursday May 28th, 2020 5:59:40 PM "Sure, this should be amusing."
DM Warren - Town Meeting Thursday May 28th, 2020 6:20:51 PM
Come early evening, everyone you've met in town and more gather at the Mug. The place is full nigh on to bursting, and a couple large agents aren't helping matters. They open up all the windows, as the heat is getting stifling.
There are murmurings of conversations as the group enters, but Earl quickly brings the townsfolk to order. Ah, our esteemed guests. For those of you that don't know them yet, these are the Agents of the Fist. They came to investigate the goings on at Whitebridge Castle.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:28:06 PM
Anna says, "Hello everyone. That is true we did come to investigate your castle and what we found was rather alarming. When we first got here we fought with some mutant aberrant orcs that had originated from there and upon further investigation we found the place to be teaming with traps and monsters. We successfully navigated the traps and put an end to most of the monsters, but unfortunately we weren't able to take care of the strange lich that had been creating those mutant aberrant orcs and was responsible for the evil presence in the castle. The good news is we drove him off. The bad news is we don't know where he is but we are currently working on trying to hunt him down and have no plans to leave until the job truly is done."
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:49:01 PM
Trayvin wonders how the townsfolk will react. Hopefully it will go well, the Agents are better at combat than negotiation.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Thursday May 28th, 2020 8:57:17 PM For those of you who do not know a lich is a very powerful human wizard who has found a way to extend his life via becoming an undead creature. He has all the knowledge and power from his old life and then gains the powers of the undead as well. What's more is that while they may have been good yet misguided people in their living life, they lose that when they become undead and instead become creatures of will with no ability to feel remorse, mercy or empathy for anything.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday May 29th, 2020 1:16:32 AM
Nikolai adds, "That is why, for so long a time your town was peaceful and quiet, but eventually his evil side took over and started bringing in those M.A.O's, Mutant Aberrant Orcs. Now, it could be that his good side still have some sway and he decides to leave for another quiet place to continue his studies, but then again, he could come back for revenge. So we need everyone to keep a sharp eye out for unusual stuff and let us know immediately what you find."
DM Warren - Town Meeting Friday May 29th, 2020 6:28:26 PM
Most of the townsfolk knew about the monsters already and nod along as Anna and Nikolai describe the aberrations and putting them down. There is a collective feeling of relief that the monsters shouldn't be troubling them any more.
A lich however is no laughing matter. One shaky voice cries out from the back You guys need to make sure he's gone for good!
This is followed by a few shouts in agreement, which evolves into a general clamour until Earl is able to shout everyone down into some semblance of quiet. If he's as powerful and unremorseful as you say, what's to say he doesn't just come back and blow up the town as soon as you're gone?! He points a finger at Nikolai. And how do we even contact you quickly enough to deal with him? By the time you get back, he'll be holed up in the tower again and have more traps and monsters than before!
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Friday May 29th, 2020 9:37:54 PM It is clear that our task is not yet complete.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Friday May 29th, 2020 10:14:02 PM
Anna says, "As I've explained...we have no intentions of leaving the area until we've nipped the root cause in the bud and that root cause is the lich. We have some promising leads we are working on and in the meantime we aren't going anywhere."
Prudence Gundle Saturday May 30th, 2020 1:23:14 AM
"Our commanding officer has ordered us to stay here and patrol," Pru adds. "We won't be leaving anytime soon. But this is why we've been asking everyone what they know about the castle, and the man who lived there. So we'll ask again. Think hard. The slightest thing might be a clue. Has anyone seen anything, heard anything, read anything that might hint as to where he's gone?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Sunday May 31st, 2020 12:24:52 AM
Sigvar shakes his head. A word of recall spell would have silenced the outcry of too long of a response time, but was never discussed. Aside from that the Lich's fight is with the Agents, not the town. Even if he lost his last marble he would likely come for the Agents, not the quiet citizens of a town he didn't care existed. The cry has settled down now, so Sigvar simply stands, listening to the grumbles of the crowd.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Sunday May 31st, 2020 10:27:15 PM That lich lived her for as long as you all can remember. when he started losing his mind the started to become a problem. he didn't even seem particularly interested in us and after we destroyed his book collection then he took off. there are two types of liches. those that wish for more power and prestige. and the ones who just want to study more. he seems like that type
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday June 1st, 2020 12:51:29 AM "Rest assured that we will stay here as long as there is any doubt the lich is gone for good. We plan to make the castle our residence. This will alleviate any burden upon you for our stay, prevent any wandering creatures to claim it as their own, and provide a focus for the lich, if he does return. In the case he does return, he will ignore your village and try to boot us out of his castle.
In the meantime, if you see anything unusual, please report it too us. We are here to help, lich or no lich."
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Monday June 1st, 2020 10:58:46 AM
Pompous breaths heavily. The thought of going against the lich again is not appealing to him. He still hasn’t shaken off his recent near death experience and his confidence isn’t what it used to be. Still, he’s part of a group and he will do as he’s told.
DM Warren - Town Meeting Monday June 1st, 2020 3:24:04 PM
At this point, Isumbras jumps in to offer his expert opinion. Good townsfolk - this man, lich may he be, lived here just as a citizen of the town, leaving everything alone, and far longer than any of you can say. I believe good Sir Michael is correct and that he has no concerns for taking power, but rather pursued knowledge for its own sake. It's a shame that he took to evil means to continue that pursuit, but there's no helping that now.
In my professional opinion, he is well and truly gone, as this device can tell you. These readings show that even now, in his absence, his lingering aura is fading. And should he return, I will be the first to know. The Agents have given me the means to contact them and assured me that they can return at a moment's notice should the threat return. But they have too much important work to do to be tied down here when there is no real continued threat. Even the monsters were exploiting his presence, rather than being used by him to expand his own power.
I suggest that you update your commander and let her know that you are free to continue your important work as I stay to interview the townsfolk and continue the search.
There are a couple of holdouts among the townsfolk, but most of them seem ready to put this ordeal behind them and get back to their lives. A few of the younger couples have already grown bored with this meeting, and the keen eyed among you noticed them slip out to do what young couples may on a warm evening.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Monday June 1st, 2020 10:13:55 PM If the threat is gone, then our mission is complete. If the lich or any other evil returns, the town only needs to contact the Citadel for aid, and aid will come. All that remains is determine the fate of the castle.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 12:07:18 AM
Anna says, "It wouldn't due to have townsfolk wondering around the castle unescorted. We need to secure the castle in some way to prevent people from wondering in and getting hurt from the remainder of the traps and probably close that hole in the roof of the study to prevent some sort of animals or new monsters from wondering in."
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 12:19:19 AM Eh? leave it alone. these folk lived their entire lives here without ever going over to the castle. what makes you think they are going to start going over there now?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 1:08:46 AM "We, the Agents of the Fist, that is, will stay here another week to assure you that the lich will not return." Nikolai tells the town. Coming from the Thumb, that is also an order to the Fist.
To Anna he turns and grins, "That will give us a chance to make the necessary repairs and put some of the young men here in charge of garrisoning the keep. It will keep them busy and give them some feel of importance at the same time keeping wandering monsters out. We can send a sergeant from the Citadel to give them some training. I'll propose that to the Commander."
If the town seems in agreement with their week extension, them Nikolai presumes the meeting over.
With the Fist aside, he comments, "All that seems left is the matter of payment. We have not found out who it was that made the contract and no one here has volunteered any such information. If the payment puts a burden on the town, we could claim the keep as payment and pay a stipend for those young ones who want to garrison it. I guess we will start looking for our payment tomorrow."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 1:31:35 AM
Pru smiles. "I think that's about settled. We'll patrol for a week, just to be sure, and pledge to return immediately if the lich comes back.
"We'd like to thank you for your hospitality last night, but we don't want to continue to impose on the town. If you don't mind, we'll make our own arrangements for tonight."
If the townsfolk seem all right with it, Pru will cast another Magnificent Mansion when the group is ready to retire for the night.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 10:10:30 AM
Sigvar is glad that Nikolai sorted this out. The job was done. Any return of the lich would be sorted in short order and the Agents would move on to their next assignment
DM Warren - Town Meeting Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 3:23:10 PM
Over the next week, the Agents get organized in the town. They assure the town that the threat is gone, and promise to patrol over the next week to make sure it's true.
They begin by starting up repairs to the keep/castle/fortification area, patching holes, removing traps, and making it safe. Some local boys help out with their time, materials, and labor. An added benefit is that this could be a fallback shelter in case of some other emergency that might come to threaten the town. It's always good to be prepared.
The town doesn't have any extra cattle to help the Agents start a herd, but they can give some starter sheep and goats, and Gamma Herry's young ward agrees to help tend the herd for now. Once the keep is cleaned up, a couple of the young men agree to stay to keep the place free of cobwebs, rodents, and any curious children that might get themselves in trouble now that there's been some activity here.
Pru keeps the group housed and fed with her magical mansion, so as to prevent any additional hardships on the town. They've all been willing to pitch in, but soldiers tend to eat a lot, which would be hard for any small town.
Isumbras continues to bustle around the keep, keeping barely out from underfoot. The background readings are going down all the time, reinforcing the idea that the old man is gone for good. After a week of no sightings, the Agents are ready to head back to home base to update the Knight Commander and receive new orders.
Payment - Whitebridge keep and the surrounding lands, seed stock of sheep and goats Experience - 34,500 Hero point to all
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 7:45:34 PM
After a few final words of advice and encouragement to those locals who may one day follow in the Agents' footsteps, Trayvin gathers his things and makes ready to depart for the Citadel.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 9:28:38 PM
Anna makes sure to spend time with Little Michael if he was one of the volunteers helping shape a training regiment so he can be ready to join the Fist formally at some point in time should he so desire.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 10:28:51 PM
After a week of patrolling Michael knows about everything, there is to know about this town. all the people, whos' sleeping with who, he even knows how many cats and dogs are in the town. (43 cats, 104 dogs. ). he is torn. these are good solid folk. not really the sort for adventure, but certainly a good place to raise kids. will he miss it? maybe not, but he will think of it often.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:56:04 AM
Nikolai is pleased on how things turned out. It was tough but they toughed it out. With the help of Sigvar, Pompous, and Tryvin, they pick out the best young men to 'man the fort', so to speak, and teach them some basic military drills and how best to use their improvised weapons to defend themselves. It's not much to go on, but now the town has what could be called a town militia.
He asks Michael to design a simple town logo that could be stitched onto their clothing. He hopes all this will boost the town moral and give them more of a civil purpose.
Also, before they leave, he makes sure the town has the proper civil leadership. When they arrived, there did not seem to be anyone in charge. Now the town has the blueprint to elect Elders and town Mayor. They may not follow it, but they have it nonetheless.
"I can't wait until our next vacation, we can come here to rest and maybe fish in that river. Maybe even build a barn for the animals...."
When all is set and the town has the Message scroll, and someone that can use it, Nikolai asks, "Do we head back on foot or take the easy way back?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 8:02:17 AM
Sigvar is interested in helping Michael look over the loot they won while taking the keep. He is keen for a few upgrades.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:35:27 PM
Pompous does his share of the work and reflects on recent events. He updates his journals and talks with some of the locals to get a better sense of the history of the community.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 3:51:53 PM
Pru makes sure to say goodbye to all the townsfolk she has met, and to thank them for everything they've done.
When her companions are ready to depart, she says. "I can teleport everybody. It'll take me a couple of goes, but that shouldn't be a problem."
DM Warren - Town Meeting Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 4:18:38 PM
It's a bright morning as the Agents are wrapping up their improvements to the town: it's infrastructure, management, and morale. A couple young men (and notable also some young women) have volunteered to continue to run the training exercises that they've been taught every day, so that they can be ready in case of a future emergency. No one in town can use the scroll, but thankfully Isumbras is sticking around to manage that.
It would almost be the perfect morning for goodbyes, except for a panicked message that knocks on Pru's brain. The resident cleric of the Citadel imparts these words to her.
Commander Palance left her office. Walked outside, no weapons. Green Dragon swooped in and snatched her up. She did not seem to resist. Return immediately!
Prudence Gundle Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 8:00:52 PM On our way Pru sends back.
"Guys, we need to go now. Commander Palance was just carried off by a green dragon."
Not waiting for a discussion, she grabs Michael, Sigvar, and Pompous, and teleports to the Citadel.
Assuming nothing interrupts her, she returns for Nikolai, Anna, and Trayvin.
Michael Wittman AC:21, T:18, FF:21 (ucdodge) HP 64/75 Me+19(14)( 9)F+10, R+18,W+10, CMB+16, CMD+28 Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 9:00:13 PM
with Pru's look of surprise, I look that Michael knows well, the machine takes over and time seems to slow down. not like a haste spell but in his mind, things stand out, her words imprint themselves on his mind like a brand. When she grabs him and the world flashes, during the breatless instant between here and there Michael wonders again if he will be reborn as another person, just like he always does.
the moment fades and he finds he is still himself. He locks eyes with the first person he sees and asks "Is the commander missing? without waiting for a reply. he walks with authority towards the Provost Marshal's office.
once there he salutes and announces Sgt Michael Wittman reporting as ordered via Teleport. Tech Sgt Prudence Gundle is bringing the rest of the Agents back as I speak. Where do you need us and what can we do to help?
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 9:12:48 PM Green Dragon, guess it was only a matter of time till he showed his ugly face again. Wonder why he hates the Fist so much?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 10:52:18 PM
Anna says, "It's time for a rematch and this time we will see how the green dragon fairs against a silver one."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday June 4th, 2020 12:54:01 AM
Nikolai is more than puzzled, he is dumfounded. Good thing Pru takes him last and he has a few moments to let things set in. "Walked outside unarmed" very unusual. "Didn't seem to resist" highly unusual to not even let out some kind of yelp!
So, how did the green dragon know exactly when to swoop down? How did the sentries not notice the green dragon's approach? Has discipline gotten that lax?
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Thursday June 4th, 2020 9:54:42 AM " It doesn't matter Trayvin, he is not getting away this time. No Half measures on this one." Sigvar let's Michael go his way, while the paladin goes his own. He heads for the Quartermaster's office and tries to be polite as he ticks off his needs. " Good morning Q, I need a few supplies to retrieve the commander please. I need 6 scrolls of resist energy, a potion of Fly, 3 potions of invisibility and a bead of Force if you have one." He doesn't have a clear plan yet and he probably doesn't need all of those items but he wants to give the Agents a fighting chance this time against Slartanus, who else could it be?
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Thursday June 4th, 2020 10:04:11 AM
OOC Do we have the loot list from the taking of the castle? I recall several items in there that might be useful, but don't quite remember them all.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 27 CMD 30, HP 136/136/ Thursday June 4th, 2020 11:04:19 AM
Pompous takes position near Prudence and notches and arrow before being teleported. Looks like that dragon bane arrow may yet be of use.
“ Ready!”
DM Warren - Town Meeting Thursday June 4th, 2020 4:09:49 PM
Pru wastes no time, and in the span of less than a minute, she's expended great sorcerous energies to bring the entire crew back to the Citadel.
Michael takes a brief moment to orient himself. They've arrived in their barracks room, so no one is immediately around to question. He heads off towards the highest authority he can think of that's still here. We don't know what happened. One minute, Commander Palance just up and leaves her office and heads out to the middle of the field. The next, a giant green dragon just comes in and takes her away. It's almost like she was waiting for him.
Many of them quickly assume that it can only be Slartanus, back to exact his revenge on the Fist, for reasons unknown. Many of them are excited to finally be taking him down. Sigvar especially takes no chances and goes to prepare for whatever could be facing them.
Q doesn't have all the items on hand, but she's ready to rush you off to the Catacombs to place your orders. She's an island of calm amidst an otherwise hectic Citadel.
I'll look back and figure out the last loot list
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 161/161(BrianZ) Thursday June 4th, 2020 8:50:18 PM Could she have been influenced by magic to go and surrender herself? The actions seem unusual.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 113/113 -- 29/14/26 CMD : 27 Thursday June 4th, 2020 8:51:57 PM
Anna asks, "Do you think I could catch him if I changed into a Huge Silver Dragon and immediately went after him? I can do that now. Granted he's still a giant but I'm willing to have that battle to save the commander. Maybe if I can get close enough to her I could alway pull the disguise myself as the commander bit and see if he can tell the difference."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 35 (T 13, FF 33) CMD 33 HP 174/174 Character Sheet Thursday June 4th, 2020 10:41:00 PM
Sigvar assures Q they will all be back shortly to head to the catacombs. Heheads up top again and finds Michael. When he hears the tale he frowns, scanning the room with detect evil. If he is still mind linked with Prudence and Nikolai he will send " This sounds fishy, like standing on the dock, shank deep in cod fishy. I think our dragon has a new spellcasting ally." "I think goading us into individual action IS the plan. Someone please start scanning for magic. I would bet she was charmed and sent out there. My statement still stands though, no half measures this time." He asks the Provost Marshall for a quill and ledger and poses this question to the Agents...."Who, right now, can ward against the elements and how many times? I can, 4 times at decent resistance (30 points)" He writes it hoping to keep it from any who shouldn't be seeing it if they were say, ivisible and among them right now.
OOC thanks for looking up the loot Warren, I think some of those rings are about to be key.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 106/106 CMD 34/36(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+21=41 ; d20+3=10 ; Friday June 5th, 2020 1:07:33 AM "I agree that this is no time to go off singly. I believe the Commander is OK for now. Let's get ourselves prepared and then start the hunt."
Nikolai gets Michael and anyone else who wants to, to thoroughly search their commander's office. What they are looking for is some document or correspondence that could hold some powerful charm spell. Or perhaps some item sent as a present, maybe even falsely under the Agent's name.
"We also need to question everyone who's had contact with the Commander in the last week or so and see if there was any change back then that might have gone unnoticed but now makes sense."
So: thorough search of the office and thorough questioning about the Commander's behavior over the past week.
Prudence Gundle Friday June 5th, 2020 2:39:31 PM
"I can only ward against fire," Pru tells Sigvar. "And that's no good, because we know this dragon breathes acid."
When Nikolai starts asking around, Pru says, "Find out whether she had anything delivered to her recently. I suspect this was a Suggestion spell, but I don't know how the dragon got it to her."
At Sigvar's request, she casts Detect Magic and starts scanning the Commander's office for lingering auras.
DM Warren - Vanished into the Knight Friday June 5th, 2020 4:08:58 PM knowledge arcana 27: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sufficiently powerful green dragons have the ability to charm, or even dominate, people. They can also conceal themselves in any natural terrain, regardless of the presence of cover. }
Trayvin and Pru try to figure out how this could have happened. Anna proposes winging off after him immediately, but Sigvar and Nikolai counsel caution against letting them be drawn out individually.
They sift through the loot from the Lich's tower, finding many things that could be useful for the upcoming fight. Pompous has a few things he wants to add.
Anarchic longsword x5 Historical tapestry, value: 10,000 gold Gold-woven tapestry x2, 5,000 ea Well of many worlds Ring of spell storing Ring of Wizardry II Ring of freedom of movement Rod of Metamagic, Quicken Rod of Metamagic, Silent, greater Staff of Healing
Oddly enough, there are no strange traces of magic in the Knight Commander's office. Everything is in place (meaning scattered with ordered chaos all over). No signs of any change in her regular patterns.
Luckily for Nikolai, everyone is on his side (no diplomacy needed here). Unfortunately though, no one can think of any other instances of strange behaviors from Palance. He does get a little tidbit though. The dragon was spied flying at full speed to the south/southeast. Additionally, there has been no sign of ransom notes, demands, or other communications from the dragon (though they got back so quickly, there may just not have been time.)
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