ADM Kim - Friendship Kinship Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:34:39 PM Friendship Kinship®
"As you wish, sweetheart," Lois replies to Kezzem. "We don't get to choose our blood kin who've come before us, or from sideways. But, when life is good, sometimes we can choose those whom we call brother and sister, aunt or granny. I term that 'Friendship Kinship™'"
When Bliss reveals his provenance, Farley and Lois look at each other, his eyebrows raised, and she claps her hands in glee. "Oh, a good reincarnation can be fascinating and sometimes even scintillating!" She actually wiggles in her soft chair. "Thank you. I know some might be afraid to tell that sort of thing." Then she adopts a stern, stentorian voice. "I command you, Bliss of harpies and liontaurs, you are NOT to fear me!" Then she switches to a more normal tone, and says, "So, eat some more! And there will be pie is for dessert."
When Zaragoza claims to have no kin, she asks, "What, then? Parthenogenesis? Were you also reincarnated? Otherwise - even with those two - everyone has kin. You think you just popped into existence without father or mother? And that there are no relatives, distant or near, anywhere else? Pish-posh. Now, you may not know who your kin may be. I'd still guess you have free-stater somewhere in your background. Please, would you be so kind as to tell me your name?" She holds up her hands. "I am sorry - I don't mean to press unduly - and you don't have to answer any of my questions, unless you are willing."
To Talia, Farley says, "Linnea is a girl who lived sometimes in town, sometimes at Buddy's Falls. Her folks took her to Angel Springs a few years back. Have not heard from them since." He pulls out a pipe and tobacco, sprinkles it into the bowl, and tamps it down. "You do look like her - at least on her mother's side, I reckon. Punkin'," he continues, apparently addressing his wife, "I'm thinkin' - look here at her philtrum." He asks Talia, "Mind if we look at your ears? Don't mean to be treatin' you like a goat at the fair, lass. Just we have a specialty few in the Wold have, and this is the way we riddle some things out."
Lois asks Talia for her full name.
As dinner draws to a close, Lois tells Talia, "We may be able to tell you more, in due course. Be patient as you can. We'll get word to you, dearie."
======= DM Ken Eubanks is taking over now. Feel free to wrap up any last posts or notes about our recent activities, then let's get rolling with this new module, Sky Dancer!
DM Ken: Construction Complete. Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:37:46 PM
Humbles Sword has been busy. They've saved the world, killed their first dragon, and taken a trip to meet some old people with an uncanny knack for sniffing out Halfling bloodlines. They've worked with Foreman George, gotten their headquarters on track, and purchased materials for The Spire.
A few weeks pass, and progress is made. The halflings receive some some unexpected help, when a pack of air elementals start heaving around construction supplies, adding an unexpected source of free labor. A small trio of clerics also find their way to town, claiming to be repaying a debt to the Elder Air Elemental who treated with Humbles Sword. They bring both spellpower and followers of Lord Eberyon, all of whom seem to belong to his small, but official church.
The Spire is nearly finished to Murphy's specifications, with only a few final days of construction remaining.
Foreman George also has news, its seems a mysterious donation has come in from some very affluent benefactors, and their headquarter has been not only paid in full, but can be rushed to be completed in just a few more days, as a literal army of contractors and builders stream into Humbles Ford.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Friday July 13th, 2018 7:29:03 AM
Zaragosa only treated Lois with a kind smile. When she was finished talking, he also gives a soft laugh. "No no, you have been nothing but kind. Perhaps I should have said 'I don't know any kin anywhere'. A Free Stater sounds very noble, or at least I hope. If so I would be proud to be related to it, but that is not my last name. I am Zaragosa. J.T.T. Zaragosa, escape artist extraordinaire. You may ask any questions you like. You are no bother at all but are in fact quite charming. Thank you both for your hospitality."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Friday July 13th, 2018 10:07:36 AM
“Talia, If you would like, I can escort you to Angel Springs”, Succotash stammers, “May be we can learn more about your past?”
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Friday July 13th, 2018 2:22:52 PM
"Well, you seem to know a lot of things about people," says Kezzem to Lois. "Have you heard anything about former Sword members? We were just talking about Shel and Alleah the other day and were wondering what the two of them were up to."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 13th, 2018 2:58:41 PM
Pressi basically just hangs back, letting the new guys ask their questions.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Friday July 13th, 2018 8:08:36 PM
Talia, explains to Ms. Lois that she knows of no other name except "Talia". As for looking at my ears, sure...you can look at almost anything you'd like, but if it calls for me to disrobe, I'd have to do so in private and only with Ms. Lois, if that would be alright.
Hrm...Linnea...what an interesting name! Are her parents still around? Perhaps I could visit them and see what they think?
Oh, Mister Slenderstick, if you'd like to escort me that would be fine. I wouldn't think I'd need protecting, but if you feel that would be appropriate...you can do so.Mister Murphy, would you be coming as well to Angel Springs?
Murphy observes and listens. "Talia, I am willing to come to Angel Springs with you - but, if you'd like my company there, we may need to wait until after the spire is raised for me to keep a promise - and there are a few other pressing obligations I have. Could be a few weeks or so. I know you are anxious to learn what you can. I should like to help. If you can wait, then, when I can, I will help, to the best of my ability."
ADM Kim - Wrapping it up with the Applebarrels d20+30=50 ; d20+30=38 ; Friday July 13th, 2018 9:31:59 PM
As night is coming on, the Applebarrels offer to allow the group to bunk at their place. "It'll be cozy, and some will need to sleep out here, but there's room."
If anyone rolls a Perception check DC 50 after dinner, let me know, and I'll let you know something. [2nd roll was a finger hiccup]
Farley tells Zaragosa a few things about the Free States which surround the kingdom of Aisildur. He and Lois discuss the latter, and the dominant role of the god Ga'al and the priesthood down through the years. "Things have eased up in some ways over time, but, I for one am thankful not to live in that part of the Wold. The Free States provided a place for those trying to escape the oppression under Ga'al."
"Shel Breezelee Kromnite, niece of Bazeck Breezelee - the wizard of the Second Dinner Club who was lost to a hunter's arrow in Kashmar? Bazeck was her mother's brother, one of them. She is a sorceress. She grew up in Humble's Ford. One of the original members of your group, as I recall," answers Lois. "So, you know all that. From what I heard, after trying to deal with some white shirts, she and Alleah came back to the Ford, took a few hours to gather their possessions. Shel spoke with her parents. Word is they had a strong disagreement with someone in the group," and here she gives a sideways glance to Murphy, with a touch of sorrow in her eyes, "and said they felt it was time to travel elsewhere for a time. They headed towards Angel Springs. I have not heard word of them since then - not so long a time ago it was. A few months. Maybe Shel's folks know. As for Alleah - she went by several 'family' names. Dirtfist. Lighttouch. Highhill. Heathertoe. Maybe others. From Dirt City, she is. Quite a talent, she." She looks at Bliss, and lifts her hand toward him, palm up. "He can tell you more, like as not, right, son of Vauhwyt?"
Lois also tells the group, "We have no great powers, other than what we have been able to learn through the years. Except that Farley does have some light divination abilities." She plucks a hair from her head. Farley does likewise. "If you need help some time, you may try to reach us. If we can help, we will. If we cannot," and she shrugs. "These hairs may help you reach us. If you want something else of ours, just ask. If you would like to leave something of yours to help us, then, we have a special place for that."
"So, take your rest here tonight. We will serve you breakfast," Lois offers. "I am afraid, after that, we have some other things to see to. Hope the rains let up some for you on the morrow."
Farley lets Succotash know that he has some food he will provide for his pig, and goes to carry out that chore. Farley shows Succotash a WLA pin as they go to look after Miss Piggy.
The rains do not let up on the morrow, but will that stop our intrepid adventurers from returning to Humble's Ford? =========== Now returning you to Humble House, the Spire, and whatever is to come next...
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Friday July 13th, 2018 10:20:53 PM
When Farley shows Succotash his WLA pin, he inturn shows his saying, “I just joined myself, if you’re a member, I bet you have some tales to tell”.
ADM Kim - Wrapping it up with the Applebarrels Saturday July 14th, 2018 1:47:59 PM
Farley laughs, "Sure enough, sure enough. There was the time I was turned in to a frog - stuck that way for 'bout a month. Developed an appreciation for flies for a bit. Developed a certain... respect for wizards with wands." He carries two buckets. "Found my wife, 'cause she gave me a kiss. She's a real looker, I'll tell ya." As he tosses out limp leafy greens, radishes, turnips, leftover boiled beets, corn and the like, he says, "I was a psion. Not many of those in the Wold. Never got myself too far in the adventuring life. Left it after the amphibious turn, know what I mean?" As Piggy digs in to the grub, the old halfling says, "Always nice to see fella WLA folk. Sure you have stories, I'll bet."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Saturday July 14th, 2018 2:46:32 PM
“Been through a lot, no question about it”, Succotash responds to Farley, “Nothing that I would consider mentioning, until recently”. “After my party, a temporary party mind, was wiped out in the Sargrass, by some creatures known as Tall Men, I met the Swords, and life got real interesting, what with saving the Wold, who knew that playing a drum could help, to slaying a dragon, it’s been one heck of a ride!”
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Saturday July 14th, 2018 6:39:10 PM
Bliss sticks out his hand politely. He too is glad to meet a fellow member of the WLA.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Sunday July 15th, 2018 9:16:59 PM
Zaragosa listened to Farley talk about the Free State. He was a bit embarrassed to think it was a surname since the two mentioned family names with the rest. "I sure hope I am a descendant from such a people. Nothing would make me happier to stand for such freedoms. Thank you for sharing this with me."
Zaragosa would be very grateful for the stay that night and the breakfast offered the next morning, however, he would not let the rain stop him from leaving if that was the wish of the rest of the group
Oh, and Murphy plucks a couple of his hairs, and bites off a bit of the tip of his fingernail from his left hand pinkie (I know, ooh, gross!), to give to the insightful couple before they leave. He suggests that, if his friends want to be able to be contacted by them, they do something similar likewise. He writes his name on a little piece of paper, and rolls the paper so as to contain the hair and fingernail clipping, then adds his initials to the outside of the piece of paper. "There you go!"
He takes more paper, looks at the two hairs they gave him. "All right, the long one is from Missus Lois, the short one from Mister Farley." He writes such on the paper, carefully folds it so as to enclose the hairs, and places them in a pouch, which he keeps in his pants o' plenty pocket.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 16th, 2018 4:37:37 AM
Succotash also plucks a couple of hairs and rolls them up in some paper, and after writing his name on the paper he hands it to Farley and Lois saying, “No sure why you would need to contact me, but, just in case, here you go “.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Monday July 16th, 2018 9:57:22 AM
When asked by Murphy , Zaragosa would have tried to hide his answer, either while waiting until the hosts leave or just leaning towards Murphy "My first name is Jack though I prefer Zaragosa, a name I gave myself," Zaragosa would answer, "It sounds good while performing, sound important. The 'T.T.' also sounds important. They are really just letters. J.T.T. Zaragosa sounds more amazing that Jack Zaragosa."
Zaragosa (Jack) didn't really like giving out this information since he was trying to spread the word of his surname. He did, however, want the Humble Sword to trust him so he wanted to be as fully honest as he could.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Monday July 16th, 2018 12:46:07 PM
Talia is not 100% understanding the two (2) hairs and some fingernail clippings, but she complies as Mister Murphy seems to think its a good idea, so Talia plays along. She carefully wrapping "her" materials up in a sheet of paper she pulls out of her Haversack. Then neatly folding the paper into a container, hand the package to Mister Murphy.
Returning Home Mister Murphy, "What are our plans to return back to the Humble House?"
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Monday July 16th, 2018 12:56:33 PM
Bliss is enjoying the conversation, although he finds it a little hard to follow. His new Intelligence headband is giving him lots of other things to think about, like whether that Giant Tower will ever be fixed, and how to fix it, and why the Second Breakfast Club seems so gosh darn incompetent or corrupt or both.
Bliss also thinks about his followers and Humble House and whether they will be safe while the Humble Swords are adventuring.
It does not take much thought, but Bliss sure does enjoy the spread too! Mmmm ... breakfast. Actually, those boiled beets look tasty too ...
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Monday July 16th, 2018 3:49:21 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled as person after person gives up their hairs to these potential strangers, even if they did put them at ease or offer assistance. Call it the paranoia easily earned after a night with Garron, another trustworthy leader who offered aid. Or call it the recognition of a true divination expert just what they had given up.
Still, the group had made their decision. So she gave her hairs in turn, and made sure to hold on to the hairs that were proffered by them, just in case. (Along with whatever thoughts she reads as she blasts them with her detect thoughts spell.)
------------
As things begin to wrap up (except for her catacombs purchases, which will never arrive), she wonders herself what the next step is.
DM Ken: A strange request. Monday July 16th, 2018 5:50:29 PM
With only a few days remaining until all their construction is complete, Mayor Bumbleluck comes knocking on Hobie's door. When answered, he asks the fellow a bit nervously.
"Hobie, do you think you could gather your fellows and meet me in the back room of the Belly Buster? Now that things are slowing around down here, we need to put out word for a bit of a .. well.. that can wait for all of you."
He smiles again.
"If you could please gather Humbles Sword. There is something I would like to ask them. Tonight at 7 sharp!"
He leaves, mumbling to himself.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Monday July 16th, 2018 11:26:18 PM
"Why do they always say 7 sharp?" wonders Kezzem. "As opposed to 7 dull? What does that even mean?"
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 12:51:03 AM
"Absolutely, Mayor. I shall make sure each member is there at 7pm on the nose. We have two new members as well, have you met them yet? Talia and Zaragosa? Oh and Good Succotash Slenderstick, he's been staying with me here in Roscoe's home, have you met him yet? Well if you haven't, we'll make introductions tonight. I think they will all be valuable additions to our party."
Hobie saddles up his pony, Pippa, and rides off to find each member of Humble's Sword. He will tell each member more or less the same message.
"Friend, Mayor Bumbleluck wants to talk to us about something tonight at seven. I told him we'd all meet him at the Belly Buster, so make sure you are there. I'm not sure what he needs, but he seemed nervous to ask, so it's probably something difficult."
Murphy thanks Jack 'T.T.' Zaragosa for letting him know his personal naming scheme. "I really like the name Jack - but I'll call you what you want me to."
He thanks the elderly Applebarrows for their information and hospitality. He does ask them to place the personal artifacts they provided in a safe place, "Unlikely to be found easily by others." And, he is pleased that Farley is a WLA member.
He tells Talia, "Our plans are to walk back to the Humble House in the rain, in the morning." Of course, by now, that already has happened, as of about a week and a half ago.
The druid shares Bliss's concerns about when the giant tower will be rebuilt, if ever. And, yes, he has questions about the competence of the Second Dinner Club. "They have been through a good deal of difficult times. They lost a key member, who was replaced by a fairly clever saboteur. I really wish I could get in touch with my cousin, Grigory Hamwich Fern Pipewood Trufflefinder, who is quite a potent wizard. I think he is trying to remain retired, though."
"Perhaps we just need to have permanent guardposts and long-distant communications set up, in case those giants decide again to come southward."
He is pleased how the second prototype of the spire came out. "Say, Pa, we should maybe put that up somewhere in town. Or, we could put it over at our group's new place. We still seem to be stumbling around exactly what to call it, and the new people are in particular mixed up with Bliss's trying to change the name we had since we first started out. On the other hand, Bliss does seem to be gaining some smarts in general, which is a good thing. And he has finally learned, pretty much, to understand the Halfling tongue." He looks over the mockup, too, of the mold, the levers, the guide ropes, the tilting slide, the liquid-filled landing framed spot designed to cushion and dampen the speed of the descending spire's deep base. "You still manage to keep me amazed, father."
Just before the call to meet over at the Belly Buster, he was gathering stones for the central building on the site. He plans to build that up, then Pressi's Tower. "Thanks, Hobie. I'll be there." The outer walls will have to wait until after that, but should not be overly difficult. He is feeling more and more comfortable with the various construction processes, and in particular his own work in stone. He has passed on his huge gratitude to all those who have pitched in to help both with their compound, as well as the Air Elemental Spire project. He would love to get to know some of their benefactors better.
The Belly Buster is his favorite restaurant, despite the fact that since the early days of the group, most seem to have gravitated to the Pig. The Pig is a place for drinking and revelry. Murphy has a greater measure of appreciation for the fine and subtle sauces of the cooks at the Buster, the amazing dishes, the presentation. He arrives at the Buster about half an hour early. He expresss a measure of appreciation for the inn's fine food, and his enjoyment of it down through the years. He asks for a couple of his favorite dishes so his friends can enjoy them here a bit later.
He wonders at one thing Lois asked him to do, and is trying to figure out just how to handle it.
His friends come rolling in at 'seven sharp,' and the Mayor a short time before. He appreciates in at least some measure some of the challenges that a halfling would have in governing the town. He prays for the Mayor, silently, before they begin. When all have arrived and are more or less ready, Murphy says, "Thank you, Mister Mayor, for asking us here. How may we better serve Humble's Ford?"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 7:53:16 AM
Upon hearing the news from Hobie, Succotash saddles and armorers Miss Piggy, than asks for assistance in donning his armor. When he is full ready, he decides to make a good first impression on the mayor, and arrives at the Belly Buster, a half hour early. Slightly shocked to see Murphy already there, he walks over and sits down by the Druid, and asks, “any idea what’s going on?”
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Tuesday July 17th, 2018 9:46:04 AM
At the end of the conversation with Murphey, Zaragosa tells him that he has nothing against the name Jack nor the nickname JTT that this group has found. He will happily answer to any of them gladly. However, Zaragosa will always tell strangers that is name is J.T.T Zaragosa, if not only to spread his performing name.
When the mayor asks the group to assemble (directed by Joss Whedon), he would follow his teammates out. As a newcomer, he would let the others do the talking as he would be the 'new guy in the back' for now. Why would he make any decisions? He didn't even know who the free staters were and they were his own people (perhaps?). Unless something truly offended him, he would keep quiet and let the group decide what to do after the mayor spoke.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 10:40:42 AM
There isn't much to say, except for the typical jokes about the mayor's sexuality and how in the time he told us to meet with him, he could have just told us. (Ok, sometimes we have a guest speaker, but still...)
Also, apparently it's time to hold off on some of the crazy. At least until the new fellas get a chance to reveal their crazy stuff as well. Maybe hold off on the unkind words towards the Belly Buster.
(OOC notes to new guys: While most PCs are more or less unitarian in their bar, Pressi is a Dancing Pig ex-employee. Also, a lot of strange background notes and characters get thrown around, and even us old timers need to occasionally look them up in or out of character. So don't be afraid to ask questions if some reference goes way over your head.)
One of the crazy stuff she can't place a lid on: her morning routines. A drop of blood catch to energize her powers. A couldron ritual attempt to buff herself up. (Rolls will be made if something like combat comes up, but for now it's the rituals of Warding and probably share spell with bliss.) Some discussions with the followers, feed and exercise the giant cat, check her equipment, pray insult comedy at her god, get insulted in return... pretty much as every morning.
And assume she does whatever needed to be done with the town, too.
(OOC Note: I will be traveling the rest of the week, so if anyone could post for Pressi, I would appreciate it.)
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 11:38:10 AM
Talia will follow the group to the arranged meeting place, "Belly Busters", wherever that is?!
Before going, Talia will take all of her belongings, as she doesn't know what to expect. She will also make sure to sleep for 2 hours before the journey. to the "Belly" eatery.
I guess next time we're back, I'll ask if there is a place for me & my stuffs on the Humble House.
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Tuesday July 17th, 2018 4:31:52 PM
On the topic of names, Bliss mentions his old Uncle Warrick the Vulture used to tell stories by a human with a name like Zargy's ... what was that ... JRR Tolgosa, maybe? He was a human but he told great stories about halfling heroes. Great stories!
Bliss goes to the meeting, of course, happy to hear of some way the group can serve to help people. "I bet I know what it's about," he says. "I bet the mayor has a plan to fix the Giant Tower once and for all! Wowsy, wouldn't that be great?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 6:18:16 PM
OOC: "Succotash saddles and armorers Miss Piggy, than asks for assistance in donning his armor" I sounds like he's asking Miss Piggy to assist him with his armor? That is some pig!
DM Ken: A strange request. Tuesday July 17th, 2018 8:10:07 PM
The Heroes of Humble gather together at the Belly Buster, entertained with some of Murphy's favorites. They are served beer and water, cheese, crackers, bacon, sausages, and everything else Murphy requested. He might be surprised to find that the Mayor has already footed the bill. When Mayor Bumbleluck finally arrives, he sheepishly asks everyone to finish eating, and he grabs a plate for himself.
It doesn't take long before he finally can't seem to hold in his request.
"Ah.. ehm. My dear heroes. I am afraid I haven't called you here simply for social nicety. While your nearly finished tower is a marvel of marvels and might serve to place Humbles Ford on many maps for many years, I am afraid I might ask you for something else."
He smiles, then rubs his belly.
"It's hard, you see. It wasn't long ago that you lot were tiny little spuds, running amok and playing at hero. Now though, well, you've helped save the whole Wold, right and proper. And that makes those of us here used to leaning on you feel.. like.. perhaps we might be wasting your time."
He fidgets a little more, then adds.
"Why would you lot see fit to help a fat mayor with a personal problem, for example, when the whole wide world needs you help? I just ... "
He reaches into his pack and fishes out a bag of coins. "My dear father has finally pressured me enough to marry. I suppose in my forties, it cannot be avoided. I have the dowry from the brides family, but they have a strict tradition of the wedding meal." He sighs. "Wolpertinger! Can you believe it? He wants Wolpertinger! If you could please, if you have time and are not saving the world, could you please find and catch one of these critters? I don't mean to insult you with something so base after your huge achievements, I just don't know who else to ask."
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=12 ; Tuesday July 17th, 2018 9:41:42 PM
Talia listens to the Mayor's personal request, and thinks, "this must be some sort of Bachelor Exercise in Futility. What the heck is a WolperTinger? I wonder if he expects us to gift wrap it or cook it?"
"Er, Mister Mayor," pipes up Ms. Talia, "What pray tell is a WolperTinger exactly?! Do you know where is lives?! And lastly, is there a time frame on the Hunt & Retrieval of this request, Sir?" asks Talia using her feminine charms as she bats her eyelids towards him while she displays a very sensuous smile all the while attempting to be diplomatic about the whole affair.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Tuesday July 17th, 2018 10:37:29 PM
"Hey, this might be a good chance to try out the newbies," says Kezzem, "Better to do so hunting a Whatsatiger than facing an immortal power of the Sargass."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+15=33 ; d20+8=24 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2018 12:48:07 AM
"First of all, your Honor, congratulations! I trust you and your bride are fond of each other. Is she from here in town, someone we know? Or from another place?"
He awaits the Bingo Bumbleluck's response, comments appropriately, supportively as he can. Then he joins in the discussion of the requested nonesuch.
"They say, sometimes, a god may try to bring together different combinations of critters into one strange creature. Also brilliant, yet unstable mages, or strange druids have been said to attempt similar effects. Anyone ever hear of the platypus?" asks Murphy.
"Well, the wolpertinger, from what I have heard, looks in part like a rabbit with its long ears, a deer with its antlers, a squirrel in its body, a pheasant in its wings and tail. Some claim they have fangs. I have never seen one, though I have looked at a painting of one." He takes out some paper, pen and ink, and makes a rough sketch. He passes it around to those gathered. "Others report some combination where another animal type than the ones I mentioned make up a wolpertinger." He shrugs his shoulders, takes a bite of sausage, chews it most of the way, then adds before his mouth is entirely done with that bite, "Maybe there are some in the Culverwood, but I do not know for certain." He swallows, smiles, and says, "What a familiar for a druid mage such a beast might make!"
"Um, Mayor Bumbleluck. Your daughter, Blossom. How does she feel about you getting married? And how does your fiancee feel about gaining a stepdaughter?"
The old tales tell of the occasional bump in the road as a stepmother arrives on the scene, Murphy thinks to himself. He long had supposed that the Mayor became a widower shortly after Blossom was born, but realizes he never took the time to find out what really happened there. Had she been born out of wedlock? If so, what of the mother?
[Knowledge: Nature 33] [Profession: Artist: 24]
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+10=15 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:27:18 AM
Knowledge Nature to know Wolpertinger = 15
Mayor, we'd be more than happy to go out and get you one of these things. Just to clarify, we need to bring one back ALIVE? or dead is okay too?
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:33:11 AM
Hobie reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out a staff which he holds out to the group "I just remembered, we found this staff in the wreckage of that menagerie before the planar jumping. It can cast Calm Animals and Reduce Animal. Maybe it could come in handy, but I can't cast those spells."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Wednesday July 18th, 2018 5:14:51 AM
“I’m not much of a hunter”, Succotash confesses, “But I’m in if everyone else is”. He also feels more than just a little jealous when Talia flirts with the mayor. “Sorry Talia”, he says, “but it looks like your trip to Angel Springs, is going to have wait, but don’t worry, when we get back I promise to escort you there”.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20=1 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2018 10:24:12 AM
"Oh, congratulations our most excellent mayor!" Zaragosa said, trying his hardest to hide his disappointment in the job. Zaragosa was new and nowhere near a 'world saver', but he was an accomplished adventurer and thought joining the Humble Sword would be more glorious. This was, however, just one job.
Bluff == 13
(OOC darn, my first 'roll' is a natural 1. Isn't that the way it is.)
DM Edit: Changed a couple letters around in your post. =) Wold is "G" for language, something I struggle with mightily!
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Wednesday July 18th, 2018 11:24:31 AM
Bliss claps at the good news, and is willing to help, but he is worried about giant incursions with the Tower still busted. He asks the Mayor for an update on that. And what's happening with the Second Breakfast Club?
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Wednesday July 18th, 2018 12:03:07 PM
Hobie pats Zaragosa on the back and whispers "Real adventure will find us soon enough. The rest of us have been through quite a bit recently, Murph actually died. I'm kinda glad for a simple hunting trip right now."
Hobie will speak up to the mayor and the rest of the group, especially Murphy "So where do we find one of these things? and is it really something that requires all of us? I mean that drawing doesn't look like too much to handle, I suppose I could sneak up and snipe one with my bow pretty easy if it doesn't need to be alive."
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20+5=18 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:05:19 PM
(totally forgot that bards can roll all knowledge.)
Zaragosa noted that at least Hobie noticed his lie. To make up for this, he wanted to be useful. He started to think and try to remember if he heard of this creature
Knowledge nature == 18
(OOC that's a bit better..... )
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday July 18th, 2018 4:28:31 PM
As the mayor bumbles his way to the point, Pressi asks where he is going with this. “Because I have to say there’s not enough money in the world to get me married. To the mayor. As an arrangement. Jackelopes, huh.
“Anyway, congratulations on the marriage. I’m as excited as you are.”
"Hobie, by 'catch this creature,' I am thinking that his Honor would like us to capture one, alive. So, netting, sleep spells, or letting Blisscat lick it into submission might be alternatives.
"As for adventure, friends, who knows what might come up as we search for such a critter? You know, with us, things seldom turn out as simply as we hoped they might."
Murphy addresses one concern of the mayor. "Sir, we are Humble's Sword. Neither you nor any other leader or citizen of the Ford need to feel shy about requesting our help. We are not some high and mighty group. Yes, we have some skills. But service to this community, and to Crescent Valley, is among the highest of our goals. Moreover, marriage is an honorable estate." He smiles. "Who knows, with a little practice, you may come to enjoy it."
He still does want to hear how things are between Blossom and her father and his bride-to-be on this matter...
DM Ken: A strange request. Wednesday July 18th, 2018 8:48:17 PM
The mayor lets out a sigh, obviously relieved.
"Thank you all!" He takes out a little sketchpad, and shows them a picture. It looks quite like Murphy's description. A rabbit, with antlers, wings, and of course, fangs.
"The creature is to be .. well.. eaten at the wedding. It has some symbolic meaning to my soon to be inlaws, so I don't suppose it matters much if it is living or dead when brought to us. The chefs here at the Buster will prepare the meal. We need four of the creatures.. not just one. One for each parent, and one for the newlyweds, who share the wings and breast, and mount the horns on their mantle. My own mother has passed, so we do not need a fifth, though if you could find one more for her ceremonial plate, it would be a kind gesture."
He pokes his food, then answers some of Murphy's more personal questions.
"I am marrying into a nomadic family of sorts. They did in fact, recommend the Culverwood or any of the Wolds .. special lands.. as a place to start. Wolpertingers seem to be attracted to sentient lands." He smiles. "My daughter Blossom is also pushing my marriage. She says it means she will finally leave room for someone other than me to dote on. Blossoms mother.. well.. she was an adventurer, and as soon as her daughter was weaned, she took to wandering. She would be gone longer and longer, and finally one day, she left me with a very polite note and a broken heart."
He claps his hands loudly, breaking his own memories.
"Now! You all are fed and informed! Please return within fourteen days. While you are gone I shall plan for a wedding, and a ceremony centered upon your spire!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Wednesday July 18th, 2018 9:33:53 PM
"A rabbit...wih fangs you say? I think I saw this in a play once. This is going to be no ordinary rabbit."
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=17 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2018 11:40:28 PM
Talia mumbles under her breath, " Sentient Lands?! The creature is attracted to areas in which they can converse?! They will know we are coming!"
Piping up from her spot amongst the group, Talia addresses the Mayor again, while batting her eye lashes and trying to be diplomatic. "Mister Mayor, would you happen to know anything else about the classification, Taxonomy, and/or etymology of these critters, like are they solitary or do they gather into groups or families? Are they venomous? "
When finished speaking, Talia reaches for whatever veggie dishes are still available. "Any chance I could have a hot green tea and a glass of ice cold water?" to no one in particular
[Diplomacy Roll: 17]
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Thursday July 19th, 2018 12:21:44 AM "Alright, well let's head out to the Culverwood then."
Thanks for the grub, yep, we'll do it for you "Yes, your honor, you have told us, we have agreed. Now, we know you'll have your hands full what with governance and getting ready for your wedding. I am pleased your daughter is pleased - that bodes well. Thank you for the good food, too!
Bliss's question for His Honor to respond to "At least one more question remains - one that Bliss has asked. Have the two remaining members of the Second Dinner Club been able to make ANY forward progress on the Giant Tower? You know of my cousin, Grigory Hamwich Fern Pipewood Trufflefinder. His mother, my Aunt Shanzi Lips P.P. is my father's twin sister. Grigory traveled with the Crimson Shields of Hope for some time, and has since generally retired from active adventuring, just traipsing about here and there working on a book. His folks and many of his siblings live right here in Humble's Ford. Might you consider him to replace Bazeck Breezely? Grigory is brilliant, and might help Veseley and Tiana pull themselves together. Or maybe his sister, Camellia Moss Lakeby P.T., who is a sorceress. It is not responsible for us to just forget about the tower. Not that you have done so, your Honor. But, do you know of any progress, any hope, anything, Mister Mayor?" Murphy then holds up his hands, "I know, I know, you have much on your hands. A wedding, and a spire ceremony. Would you do this for us, though? That is, put someone in our community in charge of following up on this? Not just for us here in this room - but for all of us, here in the Ford and the Valley."
Let's prep for this, team, then leave at 9am "All right, all, it's evening. I think I need to go bother Pirnook Deeppockets at the General Store." [That is, visit the Catacombs.] "Who here knows how to use a net? I do not. Nonetheless, I think it would be wise to fetch ourselves a few nets. Who knows how far into the Culverwood we will need to travel, or how many days it will take to travel back here once we have found a portion of the wedding feast? If we can avoid beating them up and bruising them overmuch, our good chef here at the Belly Buster will have a much easier time with the presentation. If we can bring them back alive - perhaps a few cages are required, too - all the better.
"Some slow spells. Sleep spells? Some sort of oil of preservation, in case we have to kill one or more of them ... something to prevent spoilage. Let's think this through; prepare as we might; get a good night's rest. How shall we travel? I could wildshape and fly, and carry four besides myself, with a proper saddle. Pressi can fly. Bliss can figure out how to do so. Can we fly back, carrying the critters? Or do we go with mounts? A narrow cart?
"We have two newcomers to the group, J.T.T. Zaragosa and Talia. Jack, you've done a fairly good job of laying out your capabilities. Talia, I know you are a sorceress, but not what spells you have.
"All, each of us - let's talk it through, then go off as prepared as we might, with what prep and sleep we can get over the next 12 hours.
"Let's be ready to leave in the morning, say about three hours past sunrise?" [9 am]
Murphy puts his hands on the table, and asks, "Please, talk it over. I'll be ready at the time I stated. Is there ANY reason why we cannot leave by then? And what things do we need to bring, and how do we travel? I was born in the Culverwood, and know parts of it. Some of us - Kezzem, Pressi and I - have traveled a long way through it. The flora is dense. The pathways can change. The forest decides who it likes, and who it does not like. It can help, or hinder. We treat the forest with respect. I don't want fireballs in the midst of the woods. Your turn." Murphy catches the last bit of the fine sauce remaining on his plate with the nice, fresh bread, and listens to his friends - and, he trusts, the Mayor.
He comments quietly to Talia, "I've never heard of ice water being served here, but they have a fine jasmine green tea." He whispers to a waiter, requesting a pot of it for Talia, along with some fresh water for her.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Thursday July 19th, 2018 9:38:28 AM
Succotash heads home with Hobie after the meeting, unsaddles and removes Miss Piggy’s Barding, then with Hobie’s help, removes his armor. When that is finished, he sits down with Hobie, and asks, “Of course I’m willing to help out however I can, but unless we are going into a potentially dangerous situation, isn’t sending a group with our collective experience, a little overkill for a hunting expedition?”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+11=30 ; Thursday July 19th, 2018 10:20:28 AM
If Pressi remembers anything about the Culverwood or nomadic families (know local 30), she provides some exposition.
In response to the picture, “Didn’t see anything like that from Monty Python or Culverwood’s Funniest People.”
In response to Talia, “He’s already begging us. Take it down a notch until we really need it.”
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Thursday July 19th, 2018 2:09:27 PM
Bliss perks up when he hears a mention of magical woods. "I grew up in a magical wood," he declares. "That was the Blackbird Forest, next to the Culverwood. And one thing I learned about magical forests is that they are not for the uninvited or the unskilled. If we just go traipsing around in the Culverwood, odds are we get lost at best, or lost forever at worst. Even if we find the right kind of magical bunnies, how are we getting out again?"
"What we need is a guide to help us navigate our way around. Mister Murphy, I know you are a worthy druid, but just because you are a druid, it does not mean you won't get lost in the Culverwood."
"I think we should go somewhere sensible and hire a guide. I say, let's go to the Emerald Kingdom and find an elf guide. Also we can consult with sages there who can give us more information."
He turns to the mayor. "You'll delay the wedding until we get back, Sir Mayor?" he asks.
"Yes, Bliss, a guide would be useful. I lived in the Culverwood with my Aunt Nilli for about a year and a half. She knows quite a bit, and there are many druids she works with in the wood. One of her druid friends showed me a book of drawings of some Culverwood creatures, and that's where I saw this one.
"Much as I'd love to visit the Blackbird Forest, that is quite a ways away. How about if we start out closer to home, but consider ... oh, wait, you said go to the Emerald Kingdom, not the Blackbird Forest. We probably weren't too far off from the Emerald Kingdom after we made our way back home after ending up in Izen. Friends, I forgot to mention that Bliss was with us on that journey, too.
"Nilli is about a day's walk into the forest. I could almost get there blindfolded. Or, we could head down to Traders Corner - we can catch a boat a little upstream from Buddy's Falls, where the river from The Scab branches, and it's maybe a 30 mile journey downstream. All kinds of people pass through there. A guy named Brock makes some of the best brew in the Wold. It's a small community, but sure and someone there might have a clue as to where to go. Oh, and speaking of elves - quite a few are on the south side, just outside the walls of Angel Springs. Maybe one of them might know. Or Mungo Hardbottle - he knows quite a bit about quite a bit.
"My Grandpapa Warbler used to say, 'In the abundance of counselors there is wisdom.' He usually said that after Grandma Eglantine said something he disagreed with, but... So, great idea, Bliss. We need to find someone who can give us guidance. I'm not opposed to going to Emerald City, if we have to, but, what do you think about starting out a little bit closer to home, first?"
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Thursday July 19th, 2018 7:23:42 PM
Zaragosa appreciated Murphy recognizing, his talents. That man seemed to be the one taking charge, so Zaragosa would ask him a question. He did, however, ask it loud enough for others to hear. That way anyone could answer him
"Aye, sounds good. I have about 10 days worth of rations stored up, but I did don't sound like it will take more than a few days. I usually carry my pony with me to help carry my supplies, I'm not the strongest chap. Is that Ok? Is there anything the team needs me to bring? Any other procedure I should know about or prepare for? Sorry for the questions my excellent sir, I just am new to the company and want to do right by everyone."
DM Ken: A strange request. Thursday July 19th, 2018 7:29:26 PM
The mayors face darkens a bit when he is asked again about the tower, a question he pointedly ignored.
"Well, our towers are a bit beyond me and our means. I have sent dispatch to the gentlemen who run the Sage's Guild, but their fee to come and repair it is... well, robbery in my own opinion. They seem to know how important it is to us. One of their representatives is coming to meet me within the month. We shall have to hold the thought until then."
As the halflings leave, he makes a promise.
"You have my word that once this wedding and spire are finished, the tower shall be my very next concern! And yes, dear Bliss, I shall be very much forced to postpone the wedding until your return. Finally, no, I do not know anything at all about the creatures, other than having this sketch. You may take it if you wish."
It seems obvious that perhaps his priorities are backwards, but Bumbleluck has always been a bit of a mess.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Thursday July 19th, 2018 9:04:37 PM
Talia will do her best to help everyone get ready for the journey. Talia will assist where she can, doing whatever she can. When the time comes she will sleep at least two (2) hours prior to everyone's wake time seeing how Mister Murphy said they should leave about 9am in the morn.
[Still awaiting my Catacomb purchase]
When Talia see Mister Murphy is available for a word, she will approach Mister Murphy and answer his question about sorcery.
As Ms. Talia hadn't unpacked, we will be ready when it's time.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Thursday July 19th, 2018 10:55:40 PM
"Is this rabbit-thing fiendish per chance?" asks Kezzem. "Draconic or undeadish maybe? Cause Rumpo, Succo, Piggo, and me...me-o can all bring the smites now!"
"Yeah, that would probably be too easy. Not as easy as the animator having a sudden fatal heart attack, mind you...wait, that was a different part of that play. The drawing got me confused."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Friday July 20th, 2018 7:40:38 AM
“Hey, what if we found a guide who was an enchanter named Tim, and he taught us about the air speed volatility of laden and unladen swallows!” Of course they would have to be European swallows, as African swallows are non migratory”. “Not sure what a swallow has to do with a rabbit with big nasty pointy teeth though”
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Friday July 20th, 2018 9:48:15 AM
Bliss is content with the Mayor's answer and agrees with Murphy's idea of heading to the Emerald Kingdom by way of the southern eaves of the Culverwood. If they find out more and especially if they find a guide before they get to the Elvish nation, that's fine too.
The young halfling laughs at Sir Kezzem's and Sir Succcotash's jokes. "Paladins are funny!" he declares.
He compares notes with Miss Talia, asking about the kinds of magic she can do, and what she'll cast in a fight. He shows off his polymorphing and talks about his favorite buffs, like barkskin and shield of faith and divine favor. And he loves the witch spell that makes him old or young or really old -- Bliss demonstrates each in turn at will, switching back and forth at dizzying speed -- though almost all the time he prefers the young option.
He coordinates with Miss Pressi every day for their shared buff, a Shield of Faith spell boosted with bloodwitch magic to CL12 for a +4 bonus to AC. "Right, Miss Pressi?"
[OOC: Are we setting out? Kindly DM, let me know when you want bloodwitch PCs to roll for their daily spells and rituals.]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Friday July 20th, 2018 12:26:34 PM
"Hey, you saw the same play!" remarks Kezzem.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 20th, 2018 1:27:35 PM
“All right, get it out of your system,” Pressi admonished. “But you do not want me to go back there and taunt you a second time. I’ve already got to correct people thinking I weigh less than a duck when I clearly weigh two pounds more.
“Also, a killer clearly not a rabbit sparks something but traveling to the Emerald City doesn’t even get a mention of visiting a Wizard or traveling by Brick road? Watch more plays, people.”
In response to ZTT, “It’s up to you. We’ve traveled by entire caravan in the past, until goblins struck our horses. I plan to just walk. And we usually don’t have too much of a rations issue. The big thing is we need to discuss a March order, including who wants to scout, rear guard, etc. Think of a watch order too. Other than that, just be ready for whatever animals or bandits we come across.”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 20th, 2018 1:45:44 PM
Also to Bliss, “Correct. I see my buckler as more of an emergency device than a normal use one so I’ll still be relying on shield spells. Also, any idea on how much a guide costs?”
To Talia, “You’ve been kind of quiet about your build so I went ahead and scanned you. Get more touch AC by the way. Kind of strange that you went hard on transmutation. Even witches go necro or enchanting... melee witches excepted of course. Doing a lot of Baleful Polymorph, perhaps?”
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Friday July 20th, 2018 3:47:29 PM
[Pressi [Melvin] first spell caster in a long long time. It seemed like the thing to go to compliment the party. Ps. Its that what the links is for?]
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Friday July 20th, 2018 8:41:24 PM
Zaragosa thanks Pressi for answering him "Thank you. I don't ride the pony, I just need him to carry my things, if you need me, I can always scout ahead. I can be sneaky when I need to be, I also have this magical ring that helps me bend in. I prefer to be in the back in a fight, ready to strick when flanking or buffing everyone with a haste spell. But while walking, anytime you need me to scout ahead, just ask."
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Friday July 20th, 2018 9:04:06 PM
Bliss is delighted to hear that Talia is a baleful polymorpher! "I had fun as a little birdie once when someone cast that on me," he declares proudly.
And he shakes his finger at Pressi. "Like my Aunt Priss always said, 'Shield of Faith gives a "deflection" bonus, not a "shield" bonus,' so you can definitely use the spell and a buckler at the same time."
"I'll scout with you, JTT," says Bliss. "As a kitty I'm pretty sneaky too!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Friday July 20th, 2018 10:19:46 PM
"What, you get a bonus from using a buckler?" asks Kezzem. "Is it a marketing thing, like putting the logo for the Dancing Pig on your shield. I need to get in on this. I could definitely use some extra coin."
Wrap-up at the Belly Buster "Thank you, Mayor Bumbleluck. My prayers, and no doubt those of some of my companions, will be with you during this time of preparation. Please ask your fiancee to keep us in her prayers, too. Where is she from, by the way, and, would it be all right to know her name?" he asks lightly, in a manner to let him know he is interested, but will not press for the information.
He lets all know that he is going to spend the evening at the group's River burrow, as most of his gear is there, and he wants to organize it. "Once we get back, Humble's House should be fully complete, aside from whatever we want to do to furnish and decorate it. I'll be happy to move in there fully by then."
He asks where each person plans to sleep, just in case anything comes up, so we know.
"Anyway, in the morning let's all meet at the Sanctuary by 8:30, make certain all of us have everything we think we need, then set out by 9. Perhaps I'll wildshape into a Woldian swallow, and one of you can measure my air speed laden and unladen."
Before they all split, Murphy lets Pressi know he needs to swing by his folks place afterwards. "Mama is getting ready to help out my sister-in-law, Airin, back in Hovel, she I need to let her know we're going as well, and see if she wants to travel with us that far. Want to meet me there? I'll bring Talia from the General Store, and we can get her to where she's going to stay for the evening. See if Jack wants to come along, too. Heck, anyone who wants to can drop by. My folks live for visitors."
At the Pastna Pipewoods If Talia is okay with this plan, he takes her there. Murphy's father, Samell Pastna Pipewood, and mother, Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood, welcome newcomers warmly. "There's room here, if you want to sleep in nice beds, with down comforters."
Bekka talks about getting Airin to the Birthing Tree in time. "Doesn't hurt to get there a little early. Most of my children were born there - including this rascal," she says of Murphy.
"And so was Eberyon," his father adds.
General Store / Catacombs Earlier, when he and Talia go to Pirnook's General Store, in order to gain access to the Catacombs, Murphy lets him know that he is one of his favorite proprietors of the town's General Store. "Sorry so late, but things are pressing, so thank you for opening for us." If Pirnook grumbles significantly, Murphy tells him he has a genuine talent for grouchiness. "But I'm still glad that your life was saved a little while back. Town wouldn't be the same without you." If Pirnook does not grouse overmuch, then Murphy is simply pleasant to him, and thanks him for his help. "It's something to help out the Mayor and the town."
If the Catacombs will provide Talia's spell components for Stoneskin, then they can retire early. If not, then Murphy may be busy for a little while rousing Madame LaRue to help with grinding diamonds into dust, to mix with granite, also ground into dust, so that Talia may have enough components for seven such spells.
[So, both Murphy and Talia are awaiting completion of help in the Catacombs.]
To Rest After the store, and a short stop in at his family place, Murphy walks the others to wherever they are staying. If that leaves him alone, he wildshapes into a bat, and flies to the burrow, resumes his own form, and packs for the trip. If not alone for the last leg of the trip home, he walks with his companion(s).
Morning Has Broken In the morning, he awakens, prays, eats, fetches his mother, who has put what she is bringing in saddlebags and another sack kept on the pony she rides. "I tire of riding in carts. Your father loves it," she explains. As she rides, she knits a small outfit. "Something for the babe."
By 8:20, Murphy, his mother, and whoever else stayed in town show up to greet those who stayed in the Humble House. Murphy spends about ten minutes with Foreman George, going over the plans. "Anything you want me to try and bring back from the Culverwood?" he asks him.
8:30 - "Friends, most of you know my mother, Bekka is her name. She will guard us on the dangerous way to Hovel," he jests. "She's going to help my sister-in-law, Airin, give birth to her first child, out at the Birthing Tree in the Culverwood."
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Saturday July 21st, 2018 12:28:50 AM
"Yes, Mister Murphy, that will be fine, your plan" says Talia to Mister Murphy. Talia will follow Mister Murphy to meet his kin and have a nice warm place to sleep & prepare for the days journey ahead.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Saturday July 21st, 2018 8:45:30 AM
Succotash rises early and quietly as he can, he heads out of Hobie’s house, heads out to the stable, and saddles Miss Piggy, after that, he dresses her in her barding, and feeds her some nice oats saying, “not sure how long this will take girl, but you may be grazing for awhile, instead of enjoying Hobie and Roscoe’s fine stable fare”. After that he leads her out to a quiet place and spend an hour in prayer and meditation, as he concludes his time with Pantheon, he thanks him for his time and protection, and then heads back to Hobie’s home. He arrives just in time for a lovely breakfast with Hobie and Roscoe, then asks them to once again help with the donning of his armor. Than he will ride with Hobie to The Sanctuary, to meet up with the others.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Saturday July 21st, 2018 9:51:09 AM
Zaragosa turned to bliss in a small bit of excitement "You are sneaky?! I am sneaky! We can be scout buddies! I wish I could share the magical ring that hides me, but I trust in your abilities alone."
if the next day arrives
Zaragosa would grab his gear and find his pony. He would use his bag of holding and put his hear in them, then set that in the pony's saddle bag.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Saturday July 21st, 2018 9:55:47 AM
JP sorry about not responding earlier, and I really just wanted to give Talia a chance to explain her particular casting strategy. Will take rest of conversation to email.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Monday July 23rd, 2018 2:14:02 AM
"Oh Talia you are a transmutation specialist? Me too!! I mean, I'm not much of a wizard, certainly more focused on training with my bow than studying the arcane, but I did focus my limited studies on the transmutation school. What spells do you know?!"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 23rd, 2018 5:44:15 AM
“Talia, and you to Zaragosa, I told Hobie to feel free to use me as a meat shield, if needed, when we met, and I am now making the same offer to you guys. I specialize in frontline combat, where Miss Piggy and I can set up flanking maneuvers with each other, where I can bring the mighty “Twinklesting”, my Holy Greatsword, to bare, also, as a Paladin, I have some healing magic, so along with Kezzem, and Pressi, let us know if you’re hurting. By the way, I have made it my personal mission to do everything in my power to keep the members of this group alive, including laying down my own life if needed. As members of Humble’s Sword, that vow now extends to you two, I hope that gives you some comfort, as we embark into the unknown.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Monday July 23rd, 2018 10:13:29 AM
Zaragosa to Succotash, "thank you, Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon. That does give me a lot of comfort. I like to also swing a sword around but I am aware I am only good while someone is helping me flank. If you wish me to stay in the back and heal, I shall do that."
(OOC, my character has been talking about rations but I Forgot I gave him a ring of Sustenance, I guess he likes to eat.)
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Monday July 23rd, 2018 10:15:15 AM
Oh, Mister Hobie, explains Talia, my favorite is "Baleful Polymorph"....I just love turning the enemy into Sloths! It's just the most fun one can have without killing...no mess, terrific punishment, and there's no deaths to hang on your conscious."
Other than that, since I have been on my own without family to speak of, except for my Owl; should be about mile out from us hunting; most of the magic I have come to cast serves more of a utilitarian purpose.
I do have a wand of cure light wounds...never used!
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Monday July 23rd, 2018 1:19:10 PM
Bliss looks at Sir Succotash and Sir Kezzem as the group talks about capabilities.
"Sorry Sir Kezzem," he says, "but Sir Succo is now my favorite paladin. He can take away my tiredness if I need to unfocus in a fight."
[Bliss does not think of his barbarian rage as rage, but as "being focused" and "unfocused." But even so, that paladin mercy vs fatigue is a barbarian's joy!]
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Monday July 23rd, 2018 3:17:52 PM "Baleful Polymorph! I've read a bit about that one, and our good friend Kezzem has some personal experience with it. I'm afraid I probably won't ever be able to cast it, at least not until late in my career
Hobie turns to Kez "Do you still crave acorns from time to time?
DM Ken: A strange request. Monday July 23rd, 2018 4:53:23 PM
When morning comes, its time to ride. The adventurers get moving, with an escort of non-combat halfling companions.
The plan, is relatively simple.
Step 1. Make it to Emerald Kingdom by way of the southern eaves of the Culverwood. Step 2. Catch or Kill a Wolpertinger or three and return it. Step 3. Do all of this within a week.
Per this chart, you halflings move at a pace of 2 miles per hour, and can walk 8 hours per day, to the tune of 16 miles without dealing with fatigue. Per yours DM's estimate on the hand drawn maps of New Elenna, Crescent Valley, Yrth, and the Culverwood, you are roughly 150 miles away, which is a 18 day one way trip on foot. If the Culverwood is the route you wish to take, you might need a faster mode of travel.
With everyone gathered, all that's left is to make some final decisions regarding marching orders, camp rotations, and lunch menus!
(Witches, I will ask you to go ahead and give me a number of checks = to the number of days your final route will take you. I will also be looking through your coven stuff making sure everyone is more or less up to date. )
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:01:56 PM
"What?" says Kezzem to Bliss. "It's because of the pig, isn't it. Everyone loves the pig. Rumpus, why aren't you a pig!"
Rumpus snorts.
"Hush, you!" says Kezzem to Hobie.
OOC: Kezzem is fine with any march order, but would prefer to be up front (possibly behind a scout/guide if needed). For watch order, Kezzem would prefer to be paired with Pressi, Murphey, Bliss, or Hobie (in that order) rather than one of the new guys.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:25:37 PM
“We have a long journey ahead of us”, Succotash realizes out loud, “Does anyone have some teleport spells, or know of a wizard we can hire to cast the spell, I’m afraid we won’t make it in time otherwise?”
“By the way, I don’t really care what order either, but if Kezzem is going to take the lead, maybe I should take the rear, and form a Paladin sandwich”, Succotash suggests.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:32:09 PM
“I don’t care who I take watch with”, Succotash adds, “but maybe you would maybe want to take watch with me Talia?” After saying this Succotash’s face turns beet red.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Monday July 23rd, 2018 7:57:14 PM
Talia, looking upwards towards the heavens, whistles very loudly...and yearns for something...after a while she returns to the groups activities of getting ready for the journey.
Talia tells the group, "I was just gonna try to keep pace with Rayya. You know, fly over the land and all, but I was wondering what speed the rest of you will be traveling at?" "I can stay towards the back behind the tank like members" explains Talia. "I have some of my own rations to munch on if its okay with the group, mumbles Talia.
"I'm all packed and ready to go, is there anything I might be able to help ya'll with?" says Talia to the group?
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Monday July 23rd, 2018 9:13:38 PM
“May I make a suggestion,” Pressi replies really quick. “I actually do have a teleport spell called shadow walk. I can transport 9 or 10 creatures at 50 MPH for much of the day. But we will have to leave mounts and companions behind. And... I can’t entirely control where we wind up.”
Pressi can scout but she’s willing to stay in the middle of the pack and let someone else give it a try. She needs eight hours rest so put her at the beginning or end of the watch order.
Murphy, I forgot to mention, brought one of his riding dogs, Skipper, along with him - mainly to help carry things - and he likes his big dogs.
"My thought is this. If we can find the four to six wolpertingers we have agreed to find for our Mayor nearby, that would be preferable to going almost halfway across the maybe 400 miles-wide forest, find a guide, take more time, finally gain our goal, then travel halfway again across the forest.
"So, every so often - say, twice or three times a day, as we travel deeper into the Culverwood, I can commune with the land, and seek out the wolpertingers. We then travel on the local hunt, capture the pheasant squirrel deer bunnies, then head back. I don't want to go primarily by foot. Rather, by boat. By foot, only when we find evidence of their presence.
"Therefore, I purchased some feather tokens. Three swan boats. A couple of fans. A pair of anchors. If traveling downstream, with these boats, we could travel all the way to the Emerald City in one day - so long as the boat is not damaged, and we're not attacked or blocked multiple times. Traveling back upstream, using a fan feather token - we could make it in one day, or maybe two.
"Is anyone here skilled, at all, with boats? Some of us have rafted the river, both directions - at least partway. We also tried the grass boats in the Sargrass. If one or more of us have boating skills, well, all the better. We could hire someone with boating skills, but that might place that person at risk, knowing what our group tends to attract. My brother, Kendry, has such skills, but no way he is going to leave Airin's side now.
"So, my hope, really, is to reach out via spells to find the critters within an eleven (11) mile radius, and sooner rather than later, each time I cast the spell. That's close to 380 square miles." [22 miles wide circle]
Murphy then asks, "Besides the possibility of shipwreck, can anyone see significant risks to what I propose? Can anyone see benefits or advantages to this approach? Oh, and one other non-exclusive option - we can go ask Nilli, who, as I mentioned, knows the woods pretty well in the area not far off from Crescent Valley."
He then adds, "Shadow walk sounds fun though, Pressi. But also it may be a fascinating way to get lost. If it works, we could cross the whole Culverwood, if direction and distance did not get mixed up. Or, if my nature commune lets us know they are, say, six miles off, could you use that, once we've captured," and he says with a bit of a sad face, "or, killed the requisite number, to shadow walk us back to the boat?"
Murphy offers to take either first watch, or last watch. He often does the latter, as he also tends to be the one to whip up breakfast.
"For the first leg of the trip (if we skip meeting with Nilli), there's a Captain Titus who runs a paddlewheel sailboat* up and down the river. Last I checked, anyhow. We can ask in Hovel - someone there usually knows what's going on with the captain and his boat. I didn't think to ask when we went there last week, since - we didn't know about wolpertinger hunting. Anyway, his main run is from near Buddy Falls to Trader's Corner. He may go to Troll sometimes, and he may go to Emerald City - but usually only if he is hired to do that, and I really don't know what he charges. He has a crew, most of them know boating pretty well."
The last thing he adds is this: "I have several throwing nets - enough that each of us can have one, if you want. These critters fly. It could be a good way to wrap them up, if we don't manage to net ourselves in the process. Just let me know, and I'll give you one."
*See Crescent Valley archives post of Thursday, September 30th, 2004 titled "Riverboatin' (DM Stephen)" for reference, particularly the last paragraph.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 1:53:54 AM Well guys, I do happen to have a scroll of teleport on me. Thought it would come in handy at some point. It can only transport up to 4 of us though, and the spell works best if you are really familiar with your destination, so I think we should just remember that we've got it, and if it takes us so long to catch them that we don't have time for the return journey, then a couple of us could teleport back with the wolpertingers while the others return. But as for getting there, Murphy's boat plan seems pretty solid, but Pressi's Shadow Walk seems much more exciting. Sure it could put us a little off course, but it could get us there in only a couple of hours. More risk, more reward. My vote is with Press
ooc: Mechanically the farthest out of the way that shadow walk could place us is 10,000 feet which is less than 2 miles. And that's only if we first appear in a solid object. More likely it's 1d10x100 feet. And it'll only take us 3 hours to get there that way. Shadow walk is super risky for teleporting in combat situations, but for long distances its not really a big deal. So that's my vote.
As for watch order: Hobie listens to a few of his partners note their preferences for watch. Succotash clearly wants to spend some time with Talia, Kezzem would prefer not to keep watch with one of the new crew, and Hobie assumes that Murphy and Pressi would prefer to keep their watch together. So Hobie decides that maybe it's a good opportunity to spend some time getting to know JTT Zaragosa, and he'll let Bliss keep watch with Kezzem.
Zaragosa, how would you like to keep watch with me? I think I'd quite enjoy discussing how we've both mixed the arcane arts with the martial. I'd love to hear some of your stories.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:42:00 AM
“I like the shadow walk idea, Pressi”, Succotash states, “I can summon Miss Piggy to my side when we arrive, and I know Kezzem can do the same with Rumpus if he wants, so no big deal there”. Then turning to The rest of the party, “if anyone needs help carrying equipment, Miss Piggy and I can help”.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Tuesday July 24th, 2018 7:13:43 AM
Zaragosa was intrigued with the idea of shadow walk, he had never seen that spell and was looking forward to seeing it work. However, most of the census was how it would not be the best idea. Being new, and not know how the spell worked, he kept out of that decision.
He did, however, answer Hobie with enthusiasm. It was pretty clear that he was anxious to get to know any of his team, "I would enjoy that very much, my good sir! I have a story or two to tell, however, I have not done anything as amazing as save the world! I would like to hear some of your stories as well"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 8:40:55 AM
"That's fine, Press, I can summon Rumpo to my...oh, Succo already said that."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 10:26:07 AM
Ok, a couple of other items to get things out of the way.
Flight: "Well, a couple of us do have flight through fly, flying broom or transforming into animals or elementals. But we aren't going to go fast enough to cut the time by flying."
Companions: It's good to know that some of you can summon your mounts, but I don't think I can summon Harper. Anyone else having trouble leaving people at home?
(With an L1 spell, I can boost Shadow Walk to Level 10 for 10 slots. PCs take up 8, Harper takes up 1, and Bliss' cauldron and paladin mounts take up 0, so I can take the owl too, or a single non-magical mount if the owl can also be summoned.)
Net offer: Pressi will take one (and she actually has the feats to use it. Someday, she will pick up a ghost touch net, and the DM will be unhappy.).
Ship Ideas: We are still waiting for everyone to weigh in, so don't be shy. And don't forget that we all get a voice to at least float the ideas. The consensus does appear to be approaching some sort of mix, using boats to get from port to port, then shadow walk to move further inland. Thing is, nobody here has profession: sailor so we'll face some of the issues we did last module.
Besides shipwreck, the issue might be one of time since we'd be locked in waterways.
Oh,and Pressi has a few divinations such as locate creature or arcane eye to supplement Murphy's searches.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Tuesday July 24th, 2018 12:57:43 PM
Zaragosa would find Succotash before any departure to ask "Great paladin! I would like to take you up on the offer to carry my supplies. All are in this bag of holding which is always 25 pounds. That is too much for me to move around but might be nothing for you or your most excellent steed. If this is too much to ask, I understand. I will use my pony to carry it. However, if you are willing, I think we would do better to track through a forest without the pony to drag us behind."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 1:06:15 PM
Succotash gladly receives Zaragosa’s bag of holding, and slings it over Miss Piggy’s saddle horn and says, “anyone else need to lighten the load?”
Bliss is excited to hear about Pressi's spell. "Wowsy, I'm not a shadowdancer any more, but I could still be a ShadowWALKER!" He is definitely in favor of this option.
When he hears that Murphy has a spell to detect the monsters they seek even if they are a long ways away, he is even more pleased. "So long as you can guide us out of the Culverwood as well as into it, that sounds great Mister Murphy! But if you cannot guide us out, we should hire a guide first so we don't get lost."
==========
OOC: Every day Bliss draws Woldsblood for magic power. He sends some power to his immortal patron, and he uses the rest to power his own spells; he has a DC14 concentration check to do that. He has a +12 concentration check, so he fails only on a nat 1. 20 days of travel: No Natural 1s, so A-OK.
Every day, Bliss performs his basic ritual of Grimalkin, needing to make a DC20 Handle Animal check to do it. He has a +17 base, +1 each from Aunt Pot, Pressi, and Harper, so that means the ritual cannot fail. No roll is needed.
Every day, Bliss and Aunt Pot help Pressi and Harper with Pressi's basic ritual. Bliss and Auntie both add a +1, but cannot benefit from whatever ritual it is (Warding?) because you cannot benefit from two basic rituals in the same day. If the ritual fails, they do share in the penalty.
Every day, Bliss and Pressi work together on an Intermediate Ritual of Sharing, requiring a DC30 Spellcraft check. Bliss's base Spellcraft of +23 is better than Pressi's base +21, so use Bliss's. Because Pressi is not doing her own (but benefitting from Bliss's), she gives a +5 on the check. Auntie Pot and Harper each kick in +1. That's +23+5+1+1 = +30, so this ritual too cannot fail. No roll is needed.
As a rule, the spell shared is a CL13 Extended Shield of Faith. That gives a +4 deflection bonus to AC for 260 rounds. The duration is divided among Bliss, Pressi, and Harper; 86 rounds each. The shared Extended Shield is CL13 because both Bliss and Pressi cast Surrender Blood to boost CL by +2, from Pressi's 9 to 14. It is extended because each day Bliss loans his Lesser Rod of Extend to Pressi for the casting.
He grumbles a bit about it too.
"Miss Pressi, you and Harper get two-thirds of the shared Shield, but you are using one of my three rod charges! And it costs me 10hp for the blood. Least you can do is cast CLW on me every day!"
"I thought you were going to get your own extend rod! It's only 3,000 gold."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 2:18:19 PM
Updating Hero Points in Header
DM Ken: A strange request. Tuesday July 24th, 2018 4:34:17 PM
Modes of travel are discussed, but nothing finalized. It seems to have come down to using a couple of teleport scrolls, Shadow Walk, or a few magical items for sailing.
Pressi would also know the following.
1. Shadow Walk moves you at 50 miles per hour, not per day. So in about 3 hours or less, you can be more or less on point. 2. When exiting the realm of shadow, you shunt 1d10 x 100, so max of 1,000 feet. That's not a huge detour. But there is the risk of coming our in the middle of the Culverwood without having much for bearing.
(Please wrap up your travel method and preparations by Wednesday! I think there's only 2 particular votes, and a few excited for Shadow Walk who haven't really given a vote.)
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 4:39:36 PM
Talia, thinks aloud and offers this suggestion. "Perhaps Shadow walk could get up at least there and maybe Mister Murphy could "Commune" to discover our bearing afterwards?"
After casting her vote, Ms Talia, stares back upwards towards the heavens after though waiting for something or someone to arrive...
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:15:11 PM
“Well, I vote we use Pressi ‘s spell, and let Murphy figure out where we are when we arrive”, Succotash states for the record, “May I ask what you keep looking for in the sky Miss Talia?”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:40:46 PM
Have to rejigger spell points in compliance with headband as discussed in the rules board. Will try to do tonight.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Tuesday July 24th, 2018 6:41:45 PM
"Let's do that shadow-walk thingamajobie Pressi was talking about," says Kezzem, realizing people were waiting for him to talk."
"Friends, I am not opposed to using shadow walk. I am fine with the notion," says Murphy. "[/b]However[/b], why not look closer to home, first? If, after one day into the Culverwood along the river we find no evidence of nearby wolpertingers, then consider the alternatives.
"I am concerned that folks are so excited about shadow walking to the Emerald City, that we are not even willing to consider finding our quarry quickly, closer to home, and getting back safe and sound, prior to going all the way into the center of the forest. Mind you, I am not opposed to going there if it appears necessary. I am fine with using shadow walk. But, please, FIRST - let's check out the closer by environment. In one day of travel, I can search in the neighborhood of 800 square miles. Let's begin with that. If something comes up, we can hunt using our animal friends. If nothing comes up, then, we can leave our mounts at Troll, or Trader's Corner, shadow walk, get a guide if necessary from Emerald City, go on the hunt, then head back, get our mounts, and boat back upstream. We hire a sailor to get us back upstream, if necessary."
He wraps up his argument: "This is not an either/or decision. It's a both/and - we'll do both if useful and necessary - but we'll also aim for what might be the faster course for going and returning. I made a promise to the air elementals, and Bliss, you mentioned maybe taking weeks in talking to the Mayor. I cannot take weeks. I need speed, or my word to the elementals will appear to erode. If no one else cares about me keeping my word to them, then if this task begins to take too long, I may need to consider leaving early - which I do not wish to do - for then my word to the Mayor will be compromised, not to mention my commitments to you all. Please, nearby first, then into the heart if needed."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 12:22:06 AM
"Ah, and one more thing. Pressi, you need to sleep in order to learn the shadow walk spell, right?" Murphy asks. "So, we finish our jaunt to Hovel this morning. There are folks in town who know the ferry schedule. If it's still available when we get to Buddy's Falls, then, great, we take the ferry downstream. If not, we can still try the swan boat - the river flows downstream, and is fairly wide. Whichever boat, along the way I can cast the commune with nature spell once or twice, and again after we've had a chance to ask at Trader's Corner. If the ferry is to continue southward before the day is done, then, we ride onward with them - maybe all the way to Troll. If not, perhaps we can hire a sailor off the ferry, or one from Trader's Corner, and use the balance of the day to travel to Troll. Either from there, or from Trader's Corner - we sleep. In the morning, I check to see if there is any such animal as we seek in the vicinity. If not, then Pressi shadow walks us to the Emerald City. So, barring discovery of the proper bunnies, we arrive at that city in the morning. All right, that's my proposal."
He is happy to give a net to Pressi. He asks Jack TT Zaragoza whether there might be a bit of room left in his bag of holding to stow a few nets. "I bought 10 total." And, if not, he checks with Succotash as to how many Miss Piggy might be able to convey. "Does anyone else - would anyone else, please, take a net? If at least 3 or 4 of us have one each, they really might come in handy at the right time."
He also sketches out a quick overview map of the Culverwood to help his friends understand the references some of them are making.
"Oh, and if in Hovel we find the ferry has left, we can ask around to see if there is a sailor whom we can hire," Murphy thinks to add. "As I said, I have three boats, which move fast (60 movement, plus the current, plus, if needed, a 25 mph tailwind)."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 5:38:00 AM
“I’ll take a net Murphy, and I have plenty of room in my saddlebags of holding for any extra”, Succotash says, “Your proposal seems fair Murphy, but to be honest Miss Piggy can move faster, (40ft speed + double move action = 80ft per round = 800ft per minute) without the tailwind of course, but if you chuck some haste on my girl, well then she’s really moving”. “Although, she can really only care one or two of us at the most so.....” “Anyway, I’d be willing to do the boat thing if that was the consensus, but to be honest I never really feel comfortable on a boat, and before I received my Paladin fear immunity, they terrified me”.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Wednesday July 25th, 2018 9:33:23 AM
Zaragosa answers Murphy , "I have another bag of holding on me, it isn't very full so I would be happy to hold some nets"
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 11:02:57 AM
Talia listens to Mister Murphy intently and with a new wonder as his thoughts, and his concerns, display a great wisdom she didn't see earlier.
"Ah, Mister Murphy", Taia raises her hand waving it about, "I believe you have valid points to make on this issue of travel and about our Journey in general. I second your concerns and I like the idea of seeing our path instead of just Poofing into the forest. We can always Poof out of the forest, as we know were the Humble Home is!" says Talia in a exasperated breath as if she needed to say all that in one breath!
"Oh, Mister Slenderstick, I am looking for my friend Rayya. She usually stays within a mile or so of me, but I haven't seen here since meeting all of you. Perhaps she is shocked that this many Halflings even exist, & all in one place! Or maybe she is deciding which one to have for lunch?! Just kidding, but that look on your face was classic!" laughs Talia at Mister Slenderstick.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 11:34:49 AM
(OOC: Ok, I quickly reset my skill points and need the DM to check them fast. I failed to assign a skill to my headband, instead putting the 11 ranks in a number of rogue skills, and I changed that. I also took the opportunity to grab skill points from little use skills to focus on the areas I originally had in mind.
Pressi currently has no ranks in heal. The plan is to upgrade my headband next level, and add the heal skill to it. But we will just have to go without for this round.)
-------------------
Like Bliss, Pressi has a woldian check every day. She has a +13 concentration check vs DC 15, but she also has a +15 to reflex so she cannot fail the second check.
Pressi prefers to occasionally cast Ritual of Warding and casts threefold aspect crone. She has a base 14, +2 from crone, +3 from Bliss, Pot and Harper, and thus fails only on a natural 1. (No fail whenever Bliss decides to benefit from it.)(Gain is a +1 to AC and saving throws.) She and Harper then assist Bliss and pot on their ritual.
Pressi has a base 22 in spellcraft +1 from crone form, so its six of one which one begins the ritual (for now). Pressi can't entirely follow why she's being handed the extend rod if Bliss is doing the ritual and doesn't exactly consider the ritual unfair given that she's losing hit points too and a spell slot (an L2 slot if extended, right) if she does the ritual instead.
"Ok, a couple of things," she sniffs at Bliss. "First of all, if you are unsatisfied with the arrangement, we can always make changes to it, like not casting it extended. Also, I just eat the HP hit but if you would gladly hit you with a CLW wand every day as part of rituals if you would feel better... and if you can pronounce the magic word please." (Pressi is a little insulted but she does make using the wand or one of her L1 slots part of the ritual.)(Also, an extend rod is on my shopping list for next level, when she begins to take the ritual over.)
"Second, I used the money I was going to use for the extend rod for this silence rod instead... and for a tatoo to remove everyone's paralysis but my own. I consider the fact that I will occasionally use one of my two charges on you, or that I will occasionally start casting without giving the group away a fair payment, but you are free to reject this offer. I had a really tough time in the catacombs getting this stuff, so feel free to also stand in line for me." (I only have a couple of hundred coins left currently.)
"Less of a snit response, I have been considering an alternate shared spell. If you think you might want to occasionally scout ahead or have an extra spell in your back pocket, I can share a debuff or control spell (silent enchantment) with you and you can take advantage of the extra DCs (at half the rounds). Something to keep in mind."
-----------------------
In response to Murphy, "So your theory is that because speed is of the essence, we should go slower. Just in case we come across a creature outside of where everyone would say it would be. But I don't really have any fight left in me, either and we have to decide now, so... lets try it your way to start."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 2:49:07 PM "Yeah Murph you are making no sense. We are currently 150 miles away from the area where these things most likely reside. Pressi can get us there in 3 hours. Why would we take boats for a whole day when we can get there in three hours? My vote is 100% for the shadow walk"
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 3:29:33 PM
Murphy smiles, "Right."
[OOC: I know that Murphy's logic in this case is far from impeccable. Sometimes I laugh at his point of view. He's just feeling anxious about getting the spire done. His argument DOES let us take advantage of today, while we wait for Pressi to sleep in the evening and get the spell in the morning, right?]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 5:34:23 PM
Pressi does let him have his day of sailing before she rests and preps.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 7:05:45 PM
So, a short list for DM Ken: 1. Is there a ferry available today near Buddy's Falls? (They should know in Hovel.) If not: 2. Is there someone with sailing abilities in Hovel we can bri... hire to handle the boat for us? Preferably at least two people. Our valley does have a navigable river running through it. And there is the (semi-regular?) nearby ferry service. 3. At Buddy's falls is a family who works with the ferry service. They can stable animals for a small fee (it used to be a silver a day) 4. Murphy plans to buy some of Brock's brews at Trader's Post to serve at the Mayor's nuptials. His "Brock's Best" is not cheap - like 300 to 400gp a barrel, but with lesser prices for some of his normal very good stuff (ciders and ales and beers). That's it. Besides my earlier PPtDMs.
DM Ken: A strange request. Wednesday July 25th, 2018 8:53:46 PM
Murphy, in his usual way, badgers bluffs and bosses the group into seeing things from his point of view. A few people are willing to stick with the shadow walk, but since the only one capable of the spell has acquiesced to Murphy's stubborness, the point is moot.
---
The small group sets out, perhaps with animals. Their DM is pretty confused at this point. Hovel, per the map, appears to be about 13 miles away from Humbles Ford, which is near the maximum of the groups daily travel without forcing march, if even one of the halflings decides to go on foot. And as I understand it, a few of them are going on foot.
---
The group arrives, 6 hours later, into Hovel. A few on pony, one on a pig, and several on foot. They immediately set about asking for Ferry information, and find their ship has literally sailed. Once every three days a ferry leaves, more or less, and it takes about a week for the rafts to be hauled back to the starting docks. They stagger departures, and the next isn't schedules to arrive until tomorrow evening, again, more or less.
---
There aren't any sailors, per say, but there are a few river guides who can be found.
---
There are always people willing to stable extra animals for a few silver pieces.
---
I do not see Buddy Falls on any maps, so all of your interactions at this point, are limited to Hovel.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Wednesday July 25th, 2018 9:17:46 PM
"Give me a couple of those nets, Murph," says Kezzem. "I'm good at throwing things and don't have many nonlethal options."
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Thursday July 26th, 2018 1:10:36 AM
"OOPS we missed the boat, Mister Murphy," Bliss says ruefully. "I think we better go back to the shadow walking plan."
He's not really sure why we walked to Hovel. It *IS* close to the Culverwood ... hmm ...
"Hey, just for giggles, you wanna cast your Detect Weird Monster spell, Mister Murphy? It would sure be a kick in the pants if we shadow walked hundreds of miles away when there's a gaggle of the beasties we seek right here in our back yard."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+7=22 ; Thursday July 26th, 2018 2:17:56 AM
Just before leaving Humble House "Sure, Kezzem, here you are," Murphy says as he hands one folded net to the paladin, then attempts to cast the second net over his friend's head (AC 22). Which, as an attack vs his touch AC of 17, might just have worked. "And, there's the second one!" If Kezzem tosses the one he was just handed back at Murphy, the druid accepts the counter with laughter. [Gotta look up all the net rules... feel free to correct the results if Murphy didn't manage to do as he intended]
Travel to Hovel For the journey to Hovel and beyond, someone else can ride Murphy's dog, Skipper, for now. His mother Bekka has her pony, Masky Maisie (the cinnamon-colored mare has black circles around her eyes), and there's room for one more to ride behind her. Murphy can wildshape into a mount for the journey to Hovel, large enough to bear up to four - we should be able to get everyone over to Hovel at a movement rate of 40, rather than 20, as time is of the essence - so, arrival should be closer to noon, than 3pm.
At Hovel Bekka takes her leave of the group shortly after arriving in Hovel, blessing all in the name of Ma'ab and Flower, and gifting each one a blueberry goodberry from her garden. She says she is heading over to Kendry's and Airin's burrow.
Taking Bliss's observation and suggestion as a good reason to overexplain, Murphy answers, "Well, Bliss if I cast it from here, I could get the area that Aunt Nilli lives in - and she said she never saw a Wolpertinger there - well, as of a few years back, when she told me that. My spell'd catch about, maybe 40 square miles of the northeast edge of the Culverwood? If we go the three miles up past Buddy's Falls, though, I could read maybe 80 square miles in. Better yet, take a swan boat up to the fork in the river, then down the other tine towards the Culverwood. About two hours after setting out, I could catch from close to the upper tip of the woods, and down from there 22 miles, for a total area of 140 square miles. That's actually a great idea, Bliss - I'm glad you thought of it!"
Murphy is sincere in attributing the whole idea to Bliss, as he had been thinking of first casting it a fair ways farther downstream - rather than just a few miles downstream.
"Oh, and Pressi tells me she already used up the slot for shadow walking, so can't do it today."
"Say, let's hire us two river guides. Really, one, two or three guides, your call. Could you, Bliss, take someone with you and negotiate for them to travel with us? I'll see if my cousin Ellis has a carriage to spare to get us all quickly to the dock beyond the falls.
With the guides' help, though, we could be in a few hours to a place where I could take in about 200 square miles, a bit farther down to the southwest. So, one to grab the upper northeast, and a second spell for closer to Trader's Corner. And, if we're lucky, we can make the Corner before nightfall.
"Let's all try to meet in half an hour at the Greentree Livery. You've been there before, Bliss - you know, my cousin Penelope, and her husband Ellis? Daughter Clara? Right." He points out the livery to everyone. "As soon as we have a river guide or two, and the livery can have the carriage ready, we can all make haste to Buddy's Falls. It's really beautiful out that way - and loud as we climb the hill not too far off from the falls."
Once he's arranged for a 6-seater carriage rental, he asks about Airin. If she and Kendry are still in town, he runs off for about fifteen to twenty minutes for a quick visit with his brother and sister-in-law, then scoots back to the livery.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Thursday July 26th, 2018 5:28:29 AM
(Before they leave) “Miss Piggy can carry two, would you like to ride with me Talia?” Succotash offers.
(Arrival at Hovel) “I’m confused Murphy, why do we need a carriage?” Succotash asks, “wouldn’t it be faster just to continue riding down to the river?”
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Thursday July 26th, 2018 7:11:09 AM
Bliss starts counting on his fingers.
"One, I'm fast as a kitty. Wowsy, I'm fast as me!" [OOC: Bliss has move 40 as a halfling and move 50 as a kitty]
"Two and three, Miss Pressi can ride Harper and he's fast." [OOC: Harper is size Medium and has move 50]
"Four and five and six, Miss Piggy can carry Sir Succo and Hobie." Bliss laughs. "Miss Piggy will give you piggy-back rides!" [OOC: Miss Piggy moves at 40]
"Seven and eight, Sir Kezzem can ride Rumpus." [OOC: Rumpus moves at 40, and Brian, you should totes buy Rumpus some magic horseshoes!
"Nine, Miss Talia, you are great at magic right? Maybe you can fly?" [Overland Flight is the default gain for Talia's bloodline at level 11 and grants fly speed 40]
"Ten and, um, eleven, Mister Murphy can be something fast if he wants I bet! You could be something fast that JTT can ride." [OOC: Wolf, say, moves at 50]
Having run out of fingers, Bliss looks around. "That's everybody, right? So we don't need to hire a coach! On a beautiful day like today!" [OOC: The party should be moving at 40 overland in general, I think.]
"So we can just scoot a few miles over to the outskirts of Hovel, at the edge of the magic forest -- but not IN it -- and then Mister Murphy can Detect Flibbertigibbits! Whatchamacallits. Thingamabobs. The funky bunnies."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+13=23 ; d20+19=31 ; Thursday July 26th, 2018 11:16:30 AM
Hovel Rolls threefold aspect crone, then normal - L4 spell Wold Blood pass Ritual of Warding pass cast surrender blood, CLW on Bliss - 2 L1 spells assist shared spell (shield of faith extended) L5 spells used - should be none
------------------
Pressi is, a bit flabbergasted when Murphy claims that she had used her level 5 spell slots for the day, which seems to have resulted from some confusion as she tried to explain that she needs the eight hour rest to refresh her spells after she casts them, which she thought she did that morning. (The last spell she cast, Animal Growth, was an L5 spell but that was a couple of days ago she thought, and at any rate she gets 2 L5 spells in crone form.)
To some degree, though, she knows this is more than just Murphy trying to maximize speed or get his way. He spent some of his hard earned money on this magical item that should solve the problem, only to find that a caster can take it away with a single spell. Back when she was trying to make it as a roguelike monk, she found herself trying to make flour and talking teddy bears work while casters just zapped away, so she knows the frustration he must be feeling. So, let him have today at least, she supposed.
But when he instead decides to hire a caster, she balks. "First, I thought the entire point of coming here was not to see if this thing happened to be in the back yard. I thought it was to get a guide or sailor and we could probably make due with a river guide. Second, movement rates aside, I didn't think we were going to leave Hovel that far - as Bliss said, maybe to the edge. So yeah, I am not sure what the carriage is for, besides aesthetics."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Thursday July 26th, 2018 12:50:18 PM
Hobie is frustrated and will speak up again.
"I don't understand why we are wasting time and money with boats and river guides. Pressi can get us to our destination in THREE HOURS. Why are we not doing that? If it's a matter of her not having the spell prepared, then it's gonna be faster and cheaper just to sleep here for the night and leave with the spell in the morning. There is no reason at all to waste our time with all of this other nonsense, Murphy!"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Thursday July 26th, 2018 1:06:42 PM
“Hey Bliss, are funky bunnies like the funky chicken?”
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Thursday July 26th, 2018 1:09:06 PM
Bliss laughs at the paladin's chicken joke.
And oh yeah, Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect spell every day like Pressi does, but instead of being an old crone, he's a youngster -- or a young tomcat, say -- under the influence of the spell, at least by default.
So he's down that plus a Surrender Blood plus a use of his rod every day before breakfast.
Well, ok, before second breakfast anyway.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=25 ; Thursday July 26th, 2018 6:35:56 PM Hovel Talia wonders if Murphy was just being cautious with respect to the Culverwoods and his extended family...She says, in her most diplomatic tones, "Hey Mister Murphy, I believe I understand you intentions with respect to your extended family, and your extensive network of friends and acquaintances here in the Crescent Valley. You were just hoping to cultivate your network for the information to bring us to our collective goal must sooner. I reckon, you may have swung and missed a couple of times, though."
"Perhaps, we can regroup, rest, and head out tomorrow morning?" wonders Talia aloud to the group.
Rayya
When finished speaking to the group, Talia, once again looks towards the heavens, and whistles loudly...hoping Rayya isn't lost.
Murphy steps back as his friends misunderstand him, and he them. "I - I thought we had agreed - Bliss, you had. Pressi, you had. And that..."
Murphy says, "Fine. No one wants to go on the boat. I'm going to fly over - forget the boat idea. I'll fly to the edge of the Culverwood, and cast the spell. You can go on without me if you wish. I don't care. I'll try to see if the critters are close at hand. If you go on without me, I'll see about flying to the Emerald City. I've traveled before through the Culverwood on my own. I will catch up when I can.
"Sure, you all may be right. I may be wrong. I'm going to find out what is close to home first, anyway."
He transforms into an air elemental, says, "See you in a bit, or not. If you wait, I should be back in about two hours or so. If not, then, I'll try to fly to a rendezvous later."
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Thursday July 26th, 2018 10:06:45 PM
"Aw, Mister Murphy," says Bliss. "Don't be like that. Of course we'll ..."
OOPS, he turned into a thing and flew away ...
"... OF COURSE WE'LL WAIT FOR YOU!" Bliss shouts after his sensitive druid friend.
[OOC: Um, missed posting yesterday, but made up for it today! Heh.]
DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel Thursday July 26th, 2018 11:01:11 PM
Things get a little chaotic at the docks. Pressi is willing to let Murphy have his way here, for a few good reasons, but a few of the more outspoken halflings still take issue with what seems to be a faster plan.
Murphy, having none of it, transforms into an air elemental and gives a bit of finality to his thought process.
"See you in a bit, or not. If you wait, I should be back in about two hours or so. If not, then, I'll try to fly to a rendezvous later.", he says. He then flies away, without any real way to set a rendezvous point, other than if the party stays put.
The others now have a choice to make. Rest and leave with Pressi in the morning, and try to send word to Murphy on where to meet them, or wait for their headstrong Druid to return.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Friday July 27th, 2018 12:28:43 AM
Thursday Post:
Kezzem plays dead when Murphey nets him.
He sighs then as Murphey storms off.
"Hey Press, Murph's at it again. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy like a brother...well, probably a bad analogy given my family...but he can be so...opinionated...sometimes."
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Friday July 27th, 2018 1:40:08 AM
Hobie will kick the dirt when Murphy flies away. He is visibly angry.
Was there some sort of vote before I joined you guys that made Murphy the king of Humbles Sword? Press, you need to stand up to your boyfriend, and tell him it’s not okay for him to force his will over the rest of the team, and over you. You had a great idea, and best I could tell every single one of us supported your idea, until he exerted the force of his personality over you, and you just gave in. You regularly have great ideas, but then just give in as soon as he suggests something else. I’m not one to pry into other people’s relationships, the two of you can handle your stuff however you like. But when it’s affecting Humble’s Sword, I’m going to speak up.
Hobie turns and fires an arrow at a tree or wooden sign post, etc. letting out a bit of his anger with the arrow. He takes a few steps away and let’s himself cool down.
He thinks to himself that maybe he’s being too harsh, after all Murphy just died a few days ago, who knows how that is affecting him, and who knows how his temporary loss has affected Pressi. After cooling off a bit he turns back to the group, and towards Pressi.
I’m just trying to say that I want to be a part of a team where every voice matters equally. In my whole time here we have never discussed any kind of “government” for lack of a better word for Humble’s Sword. We have no formal decision making process, and often that leads to one personality taking charge, and sometimes steamrolling everyone else. Maybe we should set something up.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+27=39 ; d20+15=35 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 2:25:00 AM
Murphy disappears very quickly from sight, moving southwest initially at 555 feet per round, or over a mile a minute. He arrives at his destination, about 1 mile to the east of the river into the Culverwood, in about 12 minutes. He settles into a tree, and looks around for a good spot in which to cast the spell [Perception: 39; Survival: 35 (nat 20)]. He wants to ensure he has not landed in someone's nest, and that he is not going to have squirrels, or worse, chittering at him. He pauses a few moments to catch his breath, as it were.
"Pressi. I've found a good spot," he communicates with her telepathically. "I'll start the spell in a moment. Let people know I'm all right. I anyone wants to punch me when I get back, I'll try to stand still for it. And, this is a lot faster than boats, just as I know your shadow walk is. Will let you know what I find."
He casts know direction (lets him know true north), and checks out local marks to ensure he knows exactly where the points of the compass lie before beginning, and also marking the position of the sun in the early midafternoon sky.
He settles in the tree, hidden by its branches and foliage, to cast commune with nature. The casting, verbal and somatic, requires ten minutes. His focus is on the presence of wolpertingers in the far northeast corner of the Culverwood, as shown within the red circle on this map.
If he discerns the presence - and is certain he is not confusing rabbits with wolpertingers, he marks in his mind the direction and distance from his chosen spot. He then flies straight up several hundred feet to get his bearings further, again casting know direction. If more than one - flock? - of the critters are found, he fixes each in his mind.
After that, he communicates with Pressi his findings. "Heading back now, love." He initially takes a more leisurely path back so as to mentally mark a few more checkpoints so as to be able to retrace his path, and especially when he comes out over the river. Then, crossing over in the air still, he flies on the Red Hills side, seeing the pathway some travelers and traders use on that side of the river, and then resumes full speed ahead, back to his friends.
Round trip, barring any time-sapping encounters, ends up at around 45 minutes.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Friday July 27th, 2018 4:39:56 AM
Succotash puts his hand on Hobie’s shoulder, and says, “Calm down my friend, I agree with you, but it’s no use getting in a tizzy over, we all know that Murphy is doing what he thinks is best, even if the rest of us disagree with him sometimes, he still has our best interests at heart, even if he’s wrong “.
Turning to Talia, Succotash says, “As one who understands attachment to an animal, has Rayya ever disappeared like this before, and is there anything the rest of us can do to help locate your owl?” To the rest of the party, he asks, “Does anyone have any spells that could help Talia locate Rayya?”
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20+17=35 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 8:36:38 AM
(Sorry for no post yesterday, but even so, there is nothing I can add here)
Zaragosa stays out of the conflict between the members. Murphy seemed to be in charge at first but it looks like not all agreed with him. He tried to stay out of it but as they went, he would tell stories that he heard of other adventurers to try to calm anyone down who would listen.
performance = 35
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Friday July 27th, 2018 12:04:13 PM
Bliss does not really mind waiting. He tells Hobie, "I would vote for you for party leader, Hobie!"
He muses ... maybe we could have a different party leader every so often until we figure out who is best for the job. Plus it is nice to share, so everybody can get a turn trying it out. Except Bliss. "I want to be a hero, not a general!" And not Murphy. "Wowsy, I love that nut job, but he would not make a good leader."
Bliss listens to JTT's highly entertaining stories delightedly and then passes around some elven waybread from his elven lunchbox. "Try some, it's good!" He even slips a taste to Rumpus, Harper, and Miss Piggy.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Friday July 27th, 2018 12:13:15 PM
Pressi stands there, stunned but not surprised. This is not the first time he has done this, shapeshifted and flew ahead on a lark or to prove he was right, as if he truly believed his forms made him bulletproof or that any success at this attempt proved anything.
At the speed he achieved (not really sure how), she couldn't follow him even if she wanted to. (She could close the gap by riding harper, changing to a small air elemental, or hitting the broom, but doing so would still leave a gap that endangered them both.
To Hobie and JTT (and other newbies), "Murphy has been the leader since the inception of the group, in part because he usually sees the nitty details when making overall plans... But the group itself is supposed to be a collective with some level of voice with decisions like this. Murphy... never entirely understood this. Nor did he ever understand that sometimes you have to listen to the group even when it's gone "completely insane" or "back on its word," let alone at times when you can't articulate your own position and you suddenly add new elements." She shakes her head. "So... I'm not exactly expecting him to run into anything this close to a town, anyway. He'll blow off some steam, we'll rest and hire a river guide here, and the jump can wait until morning. Or bandits will kill him and I'll try to resurrect him into someone capable of learning. And if anyone else has any suggestions for things we can do here, gathering resources or information perhaps, it appears we have an hour or two to do it."
-----------------
Pressi finds an area to begin a divination attempt (doesn't hurt to just ask) and to research locate creature (is the picture enough, she wonders) when Murphy gives her a call, telling her she'll stand still if anyone wants to punch him.
Yeah, we came to a consensus about that. I've been allowed the first shot. Don't worry about standing still, I have that covered.
I cannot believe that we are ONCE AGAIN having this same conversation. How many times has this resulted in success? What has to go through that airhead brain of yours that makes you think this is a good idea. No, seriously tell me what you think the best case scenario of your action is.
Meanwhile, we're all stuck here trying to figure out why you wanted to sail around before we left to get this stupid flying rabbit for some stupid arrangement that nobody seems to want. This is why I decided long ago never to get ma...
Pressi stood there for a while, turning her mind off.
Look, just get back here and we can figure this stuff out when we're all calmer.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Friday July 27th, 2018 12:41:26 PM
Rumpus excepts the elven bread and thanks Bliss with a big sloppy pony kiss.
"Maybe you should be the leader, Press," suggests Kezzem.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Friday July 27th, 2018 12:51:56 PM
If Murphy doesn't encounter anything in his trip and is able to return to the group as he wrote in his post:
Hobie, now calm, will approach Murphy.
Murph, I'm sorry that I lost my temper. I'm not sorry about the things I said, because they were true, but I'm sorry for how I said them. It was wrong of me to fly off the handle like that.
He pauses, and looks away, then looks back at Murphy
When I was traveling with that band of thieves, we had a guy named Brynn Glabbrus, real nasty human son-of-a-gun. He didn't give two shakes what anyone else had to say, he just forced his will on the group. There was this job, robbing this wizard's house. The rest of us wanted to wait, scout it out for a few weeks, do our due diligence. Brynn wanted us to rush in and do the job one weekend while the old man was traveling.
Hobie takes a loooooong pause at this point. His face is filled with emotion, it's hard to tell what exactly. Anger is there. Sadness is there. Regret is there.
His personality was so strong, we gave in. We did the job that weekend. We didn't take the time to learn exactly how powerful that wizard was. We were in way over our heads, but we didn't know it. My cousin, Remy, Roscoe's brother, the one he never talks about, was our rogue. It was his job to check for traps. He didn't see that the wizard had warded his valuables with a Symbol of Death.
Hobie starts to get choked up a bit.
He didn't stand a chance, that spell was too powerful. I grabbed Remy's lifeless body and we got the heck out of that house.
At this point Hobie's face has one clear emotion, anger.
The next night, after we had buried Remy, I put three arrows in Brynn's sleeping body, and I took my gear and ran.
Hobie's face softens quite a bit as he stares off into the distance
I should have stood up to him, put my foot down, maybe Remy would be laughing with Roscoe in Humble's Ford right now. Maybe he and I would both still be thieves. I don't know.
He pauses again.
I'm not saying this to say that I would kill my teammate again. That's not who I am anymore. I wish I hadn't done it then, and I'd never do it now. But a party has many voices for a reason, and I just don't want to see anyone steamrolled again.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Friday July 27th, 2018 1:31:54 PM
“Thanks Bliss, this is some tasty stuff!” Succotash exclaims. Maybe Miss Piggy gives a squeal of delight and nuzzles into Bliss, nearly knocking him over.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+12=18 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 1:49:41 PM
Once/If Murphey Returns, Kezzem walks up to him.
"Murph, you've got this coming."
He throws a net over his head.
Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 18. Murphey Touch AC 17. Murphey is Entangled!
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=21 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 5:33:18 PM
Talia wonder's how far Buddy Fall's are from Hovel. On the Map, it doesn't look all the far!
Talia will mingle amongst the local asking about Mongo Hardbottle and Linnea, trying to locate any traces of what could be her family. [Using Diplomacy:21]
ADM Kim posting for DM Ken (he is having trouble posting from his phone directly) Friday July 27th, 2018 11:06:00 PM
Murphy spell goes off without a hitch, there's no evil creatures in the trees waiting to eat him as soon as he lands. He asks the spell very specific questions pertaining to wolpertingers, but finds that the land around him is less than cooperative. Murphy make a diplomacy check dc20 to learn any relevant information about this Fay creature that lives within the Culver wood.
The rest of the party weights, some share bits of their history others decide to look around to find out about their own history. Well nobody is able to give Talia any direct information on her family, she is informed about a group called The sages Guild. It seems if anybody is going to be able to track down lost lineage it might be them. Of course, the sages Guild is very well known for doing nothing for free.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+13=27 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 11:18:16 PM
Murphy appeals to the power of the Culverwood to reveal the presence of any wolpertingers.
Diplomacy 27.
Possible adjustments (did not include in roll): Murphy was born in the Culverwood. Has lived in the Culverwood. Has treated well with it. Though he begins to doubt the wisdom of this particular task.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Sunday July 29th, 2018 5:25:08 AM
Murphy post 20180728
"Murphy learns that there are no wolpertinger in range of his spell. He also gets the distinct impression that the Culverwood is both hesitant to answer and annoyed that it had to give an honest answer." -Email from DM Ken to Kim
Murphy thanks the Culverwood for putting up with his annoying queries. And he returns to the group, arriving about 45 minutes after he left. He lets Pressi know he is on his way back, and that he'll be ready for the shadow walk, if everyone else is.
After he lands and unwildshapes, he says, "No wolpertinger in the northeast. I just wanted to check, to see one way or another."
He gives, gingerly, Pressi a hug. "Based upon what you said to me when I was out there, we have some things to talk about, I reckon."
When Kezzem nets him, he falls to the ground, arms and legs splayed out as far as the net will allow. "I've been properly gotten, Sir Kezzem, by a paladin, to boot."
Then Hobie tells a story from his past. "I am so sorry to hear about your cousin Remy," Murphy says quietly after hearing the whole thing. He lets that sit for a few moments. "And, I take your point." He waits to see if Hobie has more to say.
When that conversation reaches a reasonable breaking point, he says to Bliss, "I appreciate your suggestion to check on the northern portion of the Culverwood. Perhaps I should have given up entirely on even bothering to cast the spell, as most are pretty excited about heading straight over to Emerald City. Rather than arguing further about boats, or river guides, or whatever, I realized that the whole thing could be taken care of much more quickly."
Addressing everyone, he says, "Had the Culverwood shown the prey we seek to be nearby, then we might have gone that way. As it is, I believe none are to be found up here. So, shall we follow Bliss's initial suggestion, and take advantage of Pressi's conveyance? I had misunderstood, thinking that she would need to sleep another eight hours in order to be able to cast the spell. Now, Press, am I right to think that you can cast it now?"
"If so, is there anything to keep us here? Other than maybe getting a note from the Mayor to convey to the Emerald City leadership for the purpose of diplomacy." He holds up his hands, "No, I'm not suggesting we do that."
"If it helps, I am accustomed to slower modes of travel. Walking or riding through the woods can take a good long time, and yes, I resisted that notion. When the options changed... Looks like all of us, as our abilities stretch and grow, need to adjust our thinking as to just what we might be able to get done, and what makes the best sense for the situation."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Sunday July 29th, 2018 8:35:23 PM
Kezzem helps Murph out of the new.
"Just be glad that we paladins smite evil and don't smite stubbornness."
Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) Sunday July 29th, 2018 10:53:07 PM
Bliss giggles when Kezzem says, "smite stubbornness."
"Okay Sir Kezzem," he tells the paladin, "You can be my favorite paladin too. You always make me laugh."
The little guy turns serious for a moment as he addresses his druid friend. "Mister Murphy, remember you got murdered when you went off on your own before. Please don't do that. It's not fair to the people who care about you."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 30th, 2018 5:52:41 AM
Succotash seems a little off with the mention of going to the northern parts of Culverwood, up til now it didn’t seem real, but now it seems he will be there in a few hours or less, and the thought is a bit unsettling to the Paladin. “How far from Merrydale will we be?, the unsettled Paladin asks, “You see, that’s where I’m from”.
“I was born and raised there, but haven’t been back for a long time”. “You see, my father wanted me to join the family business working as a silversmith in the shop that has been in my family since we settled in Merrydale”. “Of course I had no love, or talent for that kind of work, and really just wanted to become a Paladin “. “On my coming of age birthday, I told my parents that I wanted to leave Merrydale to seek training as a Paladin”. “My father was furious, and told me that if I left, then I shouldn’t bother coming back”. “Well, that was several years ago, and this will be the closest to Merrydale that I have been since”. “I know we are on a tight schedule, and I’m not asking that we head there, but I guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic, and was thinking I need to go home someday soon, and try to make amends with my father “.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 30th, 2018 5:54:55 AM
OOC.. been doing some research on the geography of the Wold, and decided to give Succotash a hometown.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Monday July 30th, 2018 3:19:34 PM
Pressi smiled at the idea that she should be leader, but felt like she ought to be at least a little fake modest before accepting.
She considers her next move. Clearly, there is some discussion of which town to travel toward. Talia and Succotash both want to go to towns related to their past. Murphy and others are ready to head toward Emerald City now. Pressi also does some mental calculations to determine what time it will be when the journey is completed - if its close to sundown now, they might prefer sleeping here to sleeping in the woods even if its just outside the city. Otherwise, "Yes I just need to surrender blood first and I can take everyone whenever you are ready." (Ultimately, this is what she does unless anyone objects.)
Before she does anything, though, she takes a moment to talk to a river guide to determine how well he knows the culverwood (even if they never enter a boat, it might still be a good idea) and how much it costs. She figures she will find better guides at Emerald City, though.
She also takes some measure to calm everyone down. It is, after all, time to move forward.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Monday July 30th, 2018 4:36:03 PM
[OOC: Did Bliss share with everyone that Mister Murphy would be back in under an hour?]
While Talia awaits Mister Murphy's return, Talia continues to search for Rayya. While Talia separates herself from the group a by putting some distance between herself and the rest of the pack, Talia brightens up! Looking up and squinting a bit, she smiles to herself! Mumbling under her breath, "There you are my precious....Mommy's been worried sick over you absence!" In the distance about 50 feet up in the sky a small circle appears and begins to grow larger as it approaches Talia's location....before long a small bird swoops down and settles on Talia's shoulder, rubbing up against her and hooting.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 30th, 2018 5:05:12 PM
(Jairus asked me to post for him because his mother-in-law is in the hospital, and he isn’t sure when he’ Get a chance to post)
After Succotash shares his past, and his desire to try to reconcile with his parents, Zaragosa offers, “As one who never knew his parents, I would say that you should do what ever you can to redeem your relationship with your parents, and I would like to offer my company in said endeavor, as soon as our quest is completed of course”.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Monday July 30th, 2018 5:08:57 PM
When Talia returns with Rayya, Succotash exclaims, “What a lovely owl, I’m so glad she came back to you!”
DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel Monday July 30th, 2018 6:41:07 PM
With Murphy returned, some basic amends are made. Hobie makes his feelings clear, Bliss clears the air, Pressi considers herself in a leadership role, Succotash thinks about home, and Talia recovers her owl, after a bit of motherly worry.
With all the red tape and party adjustments handled, all that's left is a step into... THE SHADOW REALM
Pressi, when she is ready, casts her spell.
Bliss (AC25, HP99of109) (Cayzle) Monday July 30th, 2018 7:18:56 PM
Bliss fusses over the owl. "I used to have a bird friend," he says wistfully. "You are extremely beautiful" he says to Talia's owl.
He has not kept any secrets, so anything he knows he tends to blab out.
Bliss is excited to travel in the Realm of Shadows, and he casts an extended barkskin (boosted with Surrender Blood to CL10) and switches to kitty mode for the transit.
Resources used today: Threefold Aspect spell Surrender Blood x2 Barkskin Two uses of meta rod of extend 0of80 rounds of CL12 Shield of Faith
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 Monday July 30th, 2018 11:33:40 PM
"So, what do we have to do, Press? Gather around in a circle and hold hands or something?"
"Hey Bliss, didn't you used to play around with shadows, any thing we should know going in?"
"Bliss, I'll never forget the time when Graeff sent me out into the Culverwood to track down members of the Yoke of Culver, to deliver them a letter, advising them of the loss of the Giant Tower, the growing threat from giants of the Scab, and requesting their help. I found them to be pretty crabby people. They didn't agree to help us, but at least promised not to hinder us.
"Shoot - I'm getting off point again. When you learned I would be going off by myself into the Culverwood, you send your shadow-self, Pookie, to accompany me. And I did find comfort in having your shadow along on that trip. Pookie stayed with me the whole way out to find them. But, on the way back home, he somehow told me it was time for me to go on without him. I was very sad when your shadow left me, Bliss.
"And now, I'm happy. I'm happy that we'll be able to travel together, all sharing shadows on this journey. I was told once that some people from the Southern Continent have a blessing: 'Many shadows' is what they say to someone they wish well."
Murphy looks forward to learning what a shadow walk is really like.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 5:34:03 AM
Succotash draws Twinklesting from her scabbard, and takes a moment to marvel at the blue light emitted by the blade, then, he says, “I’m ready when ever you are Pressiâ€. Then to Miss Piggy he says, “you wait here girl, as soon as we arrive I’ll call you to me, I’d take you into the shadow realm, but Pressi’s spell has it’s limitationsâ€. Miss Piggy gives a nod of understanding, and then nuzzles her friend/master.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 5:43:17 AM
(For Jairus/Zaragosa)
Zaragosa has been doing his best to stay out of the conflict with Murphy, as he sees it, he’s the “new guyâ€, and he needs to earn his place within Humble’s Sword, as a result, he is relieved that the tension has been lifted. He draws his rapier, and gives a nod to Pressi saying, “I’m ready maladyâ€.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 74/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 10:44:32 AM
In response to Kezzem's question, Pressi tries not to sweat as she flips through the pages. "Uh... you know what, why not." (You do have to start with all the travelers in physical contact, so a circle makes as much sense as anything else for now, but we'll basically be traveling in a chain holding hands or conga lining, Pressi out front and Harper in the rear.)
"We also need an area of dim light so it looks like we are waiting until the moon comes out, unless anyone else has a suggestion. Ghost sound has been preloaded with a variety of traveling music from the last couple of decades and headphones are available upon request. In the event of an emergency, my respect will be given to the person who panics most creatively. Please secure your own panic first before assisting others in their panic. If you find yourselves traveling to the shadow realm, well, it beats the in-flight movie. Ok, when everyone is ready...."
Pressi uses another spell of surrender blood so she can carry 11 creatures. That's eight heroes, two pets (Harper and Rayya, Pressi ordering the former not to eat the latter.) and one spot to spare. They all hold hands around in the moonlight, and Pressi begins the incantation....
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 2:40:45 PM
Hobie grabs the hand of whoever is next to him and readies himself for travel.
"A dim light? Ellis' hay barn - just go in there, shut the barn door almost all the way - and there you go," Murphy suggests. "And the cats keep the rat population down there."
He adds Skipper to the line. He places one hand on Pressi's shoulder, and the other on the dog's collar. "Somebody can grab my elbow, or my belt, or Skipper's tail."
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:06:24 PM
Upon hearing about the need to hold hands, Succotash resheaths Twinklesting and offers to link hands with Talia, and Zaragosa.
(For Jairus/Zaragosa) Zaragosa Follows Succotash’s lead and sheaths his rapier, and then gladly excepts Succotash’s out stretched hand.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:56:39 PM
While the rest of the group prepares for the "Leap of Faith" with the Shadow Walking...Talia speaks to her friend Rayya. "Now be a good friend while I'm away. We should be back before too long, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers if I should be delays." Talia explains to Rayya, as Rayya stays at her as if to read her lips.
"Ready when you are Friends," says Talia to Mister Murphy, Bliss, & Pressi as everyone prepares for this swift journey.
DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:59:39 PM
The transition into the realm of shadow feels something like slowly being submerged in a pool of water. The atmosphere is cool, and feels fluid. You aren't slowed down like your walking under water or anything, but everything feels like there's a layer of resistance that just feels alien.
Things look more or less the same, though shadows stretch longer and light is nowhere to be seen. Instead, most things give off a grey, wispy aura, that serves to both illuminate and obscure.
The travel itself is a strange feeling. Each regular step you take puts large patches of ground beneath you, and stopping movement doesn't quite feel like a precise art. Even once your body is still, something like inertia serves to move the land around you in strange ways until it slides to a stop. You move through, over, and around vast patches of woods and forest, the trees of which bend silently towards you, as if expecting you to save them from this strange other place.
Nearly an hour into your travel, you start to feel some fatigue. You woke early, traveled a long way, stayed awake till moonlight, and continue to travel.
All players, constitution check DC 12 to avoid fatigue. (Con mod + d20. Some feats give a bonus to this check.)
Bliss in cat form has a Con mod of +3 and the endurance feat for +4, so at +7 he rolls a 13 and is not tired.
His perception is 35 so he sees it.
"MEEOW!" says Bliss in his cat shape.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+14=21 ; d20+1=13 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2018 11:34:02 PM
Con DC 12: 1d20 + 3 = 10. Fail. (Sorry, I misread this and thought it was a Fort Sv, not a Con--the mod should be only be +3).
Perception DC 25: 1d20 + 1 = 13. Fail.
"Wowsers, I'm starting to feel awfully tired. I never knew being shadow was this exhausting. I mean, they are always laying there on the ground or at least leaning on a building or something."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+1=16 ; d20+27=47 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 1:53:57 AM
[I thought, since we can use the dim light of the barn, that we were able to leave Hovel mid-afternoon, rather than waiting until dark - so that travel is not at night, but late in the day... but will roll with this.]
Murphy is not fatigued (16) - this mode of travel is far too engaging. His senses seem heightened, as well (Perception: 47 - nat 20), so he endeavors to discern what he is able.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=14 ; d20=9 ; d20=15 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:37:18 AM
Succotash rolls a 14 as such he is still feeling pretty good. Miss Piggy rolls a 9+3(con)=12 so she’s fine as well. Succotash fails his perception check (15+7=22). “If anyone needs their fatigue removed let me know. Funny, I asked Pantheon for this mercy because I was often in a position that it was safer to sleep in my armor, never thought I would be defatigueing a Barbarian or shadow walkers”.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=8 ; d20=3 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:48:32 AM
(For Jairus/Zaragosa, it sounds like his mother-in-law isn’t doing well at all, and the doctors don’t think she’s going to make it)
Zaragosa rolls a 8, and is most definitely fatigued. He also fails his perception check (3+7=10)
Feeling rather drowsy after a long day of traveling, Zaragosa says, “I will gladly except your generous offer Mister Slenderstick, unless of course we will be resting soon”.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:52:38 AM
Fixing Succotash’s post: Forgot Miss Piggy wasn’t following Succotash into the shadow realm. Sorry for any confusion, please disregard her fatigue roll.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+2=11 ; d20+17=31 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 7:32:09 AM
Talia begins to tire while the rest of the group appears to be fine. Although she is tiring she does see whatever can been seen!
Talia says, "This is a interesting way to travel, interesting viewpoint, but it is exhausting!" to no particular person, but more so as a general statement. "How much longer will this trip take? Can I sit awhile?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 86/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+2=17 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+6=24 ; d8+5=12 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:17:11 AM
Pressi continues to hike the trail with purpose and vigor, switching from song to song. Towards the back, Harper could be heard panting and whining to keep up. Harper barely misses whatever she is supposed to see but Pressi spots it easily enough.
It goes without saying that she activates the glammer on her armor, disguising it to look like something more cloaklike and inconspicuous in nature. What's the point of traveling if you don't do it in style? She hits herself with a CLW charge before she leaves. She has one hand grasping another PC and the other controlling the shadows as she concentrates.
To Talia, Pressi shouts back that they get there when they get there. (Oh, and to Jack, let him know we want him to hang in there.)
-----------------
Conditions
Pressi tri form (crone) ritual of warding ext shield of faith (86 rounds)
Harper fatigued ext shield of faith (86 rounds)
Spells Used
L1: 3/7+1 L2: 0/5+1 L3: 0/4+1 L4: 1/3+1 L5: 1/2+1
one CLW charge
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20+1=8 ; d20+18=36 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 3:18:55 PM
Hobie fails the constitution check and is fatigued. He passes the perception check with a 36.
Hobie begins to feel quite tired as the party moves rushes ahead through shadow
Spells Prepared:
Arcane Object Free Spell
Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand
(Jon-Paul, have you decided on Talia's spells yet? I know she's a Transmutation specialist, so will she know Haste and be able to cast it on the party at the beginning of battles? If not, Hobie will prepare it instead of Rage, but if Talia were to cast it instead of Hobie, then that would equal 5 extra arrows per encounter, and each arrow is 3d6+17 damage, so that would be real nice. )
DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:30:33 PM DM Note: Forest Squares are difficult terrain.
DM Note: The Paladins can each cure one person of their fatigue, if they have the mercy that does so.
It was a small thing, at first. A slight buzz in the minds of the various creatures and denizens natural to the plane of shadow. Some were created here, living in shadow as natural as can be. Others, like those that noticed that tiny buzz, were brought here, made into twisted things here, and thus brought as much wretched misery as they could on everything they could find, as it was the only respite that helped them tolerate their own horrible existence.
So a buzz, no matter how slight, still caught the attention of the things that dwell in the shadow. Perhaps it was the presence of two powerful paladins, whose holy auras were a stinging annoyance, and filled them with wrath and spite. Perhaps it was the presence of two blood witches, whose magic drew from the Woldsblood in this realm and was made manifest in another. Perhaps they just sensed something other than the dark and wispy creatures of this land, but the things that lived in shadow knew Humbles Sword was here.
Bliss, Murphy and Pressi were the first to notice them. Appearing, dancing, and swirling in and out of the trees. The remains of fine noble clothing, adorned with jewels and silver and gold collected shadowstuff that caused the finery to gleam with menace. Then Hobie and Talia, too, saw that the shadows had begun to take shape among the trees, enclosing Humbles in a ring of shadow...
"Are you the one who comes to settle the debt?"
The voice is everywhere, in the forest as much as whispering in your ears.
"Are you the one who comes to right the wrong?"
The other creatures pause their frolic through the shadow, and the world waits for your reply.
Spirit Type 1, Knowledge Religion: 13 Spirit Type 2, Knowledge Religion: 15 Spirit Type 3, Knowledge Religion: 17 Spirit Type 4, Knowledge Religion: 18 and Knowledge Nobility 32.
The cat gives Murphy a head butt and looks at the undead.
Bliss figures Murph will take a minute or two to answer.
The cat sits and stares.
Bliss casts a still silent Ill Omen on an undead (pick at random for me, oh kindly DM; Bliss has no clue as to the differences among them. It that undead has spell resistance, then Bliss's roll to over come SR is 1d20+8, or 17. If it has SR as high as 21, Bliss uses a retroactive hero point to boost his penetration roll by +4.
If that works, Bliss then one round later (assuming Murphy is still negotiating) casts a still silent Command Undead. The Will save DC is 16. SR check if needed is a 21.
After that, Bliss turns on his Shield of Faith (swift action) and, if all has gone well, goes over to his controlled undead, purring and bumping it with his head.
During the time of travel, Murphy takes a moment to cast cure light wounds upon Pressi, healing 9hp, bringing her to full. He thinks how nice it would be to be able to help his friends overcome their fatigue, but lacks the means to do so. "Thanks, Succotash, for helping our weary friends. Looks like Kezzem and Talia are feeling it, too. Alleah, who used to travel with us, was also able to mitigate fatigue. I miss her. Shel, too, especially."
During the travel, he tells the newcomers to the group some of the stories about Humble's Sword's early adventures. Rescuing Eldon TossCobble from the goblins in the Red Hills; tracking down information on who killed the beloved Sarabella LoveSong, high priestess of Flower; the two trips to the Parley House, during which they conversed with, then killed when attacked, the ogre mage Idafeatu, and months later his twin brother Noyudint. It was Idafeatu who hired Sarabella's assassins, who Idafeatu claimed were all dead.
"My old friend Hazel, a ranger, and his beautiful wife Alouryn, a cleric of Flower, had been accused of the murder of Sarabella, as they were the last people whom some people from Humble's Ford had seen going in to the Temple of Flower - which is now the Temple of Flower and Ffloyd," the druid says. "Odd combination that last fact is."
Especially for the most recent newcomers, he reminds them that they've met these two, as Hazel and Alouryn have been overseeing the Humble's Sword River Burrow, and are in the process of moving in to the new digs with them.
"So, Hazel and Alouryn were falsely accused, and mandated to Angel Springs for a trial - we insisted on going with them, all in a locked coach. Along the way ogres, orcs, a few halflings, and a human attacked us. We got out of the coach, and directly saved the life of Morro Goodbarrel Oakleaf, the investigator."
---------- All the above was written before the DM post -----
Murphy interrupts his story as he starts noticing the gathering about them. "Friends - look who's coming to meet us."
He hears their questions, and projects well that all may hear. "Tell us, please, what is the debt that requires settlement? And what is the wrong which needs to be righted? Answer us, and who you are, that we may better answer you."
The druid does not recognize Spirit Type 1, nor Type 3, nor does he have adequate knowledge of nobility for Type 4. He does, however, recognize Type 2 (23/15), and Type 4 (24/18).
P.S.: Gang, once the Shadow Walk spell was cast, and we initially stepped into the realm of shadows, there is no need to remain touching each other, either in a circle nor a conga line - though perhaps for the first minute or so as we orient to the new environment, maintaining that touch may be of comfort. We simply remain close to one another, keeping an eye on each other. Read toward the end of the spell to see that the touch is not required once we are in the Shadow Plane. -ADM Kim
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20+8=23 ; d3=3 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=26 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:26:04 PM
Hobie asks the Paladins if one of them can cure his fatigue "It's gonna be a lot harder to use my bow with my strength loss from the fatigue, are either of you able to heal it for me?"
Hobie recognizes the first and third spirits (Knowledge Religion 23 and 22) but not the second or fourth (11 and 11, knowledge Nobility 26).
If the spirits seem hostile, or if Hobie's knowledge gives him any reason to suspect a fight, he will cast Flame Arrow from one of his scrolls.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 Thursday August 2nd, 2018 5:31:28 AM
Succotash realizes he only has time for one mercy, before all heck breaks loose, so he does some quick mental calculus, thinking, “Well, Talia will probably stay back and cast spells, Hobie’s probably going to stay back and shoot, Kezzem is pretty tough, and will probably be offended anyway, Harper is a pretty tough kitty, but something about Zaragosa screams I’m not as ruff and tumble as the rest of you. With his mind made up, Succotash lays hands on Zaragosa removing his fatigue, then draws Twinklesting, who’s warm glow brings the Paladin some comfort in this depressing realm.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=12 ; d20=19 ; d20=12 ; d20=6 ; d20=3 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2018 5:42:32 AM
(For Jairus/ Zaragosa, no update about the mother-in-law)
Zaragosa thanks Succotash for the fatigue removal, then draws his rapier. Zaragosa is able to identify the first 3 spirits, but I has no idea what the 4th one is.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24, Fatigued; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+7=8 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=23 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:55:45 AM
"Sorry, Hobbie, I didn't prepare that spell today. I figured Succo had that covered."
Kezzem attempts to use his new knowledge to identify the spirits.
"Hey I know what that is! And that one too! It's a ... and a ....!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (25), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23 (27), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+17=22 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2018 4:12:15 PM
Pressi considers using her knowledge ability but everyone seems to have it more or less covered.
"Now, now, I know you think we are the ones to repay your debts but those guys are actually two, maybe three groups back.... Unless one of you know Carlos. If you do, tell that snake he'll get his money when he's got the goods. Otherwise, I'm telling you they are just coming on the next shadow, should be any minute really."
(Bluff 22)
Pressi tries as subtly as she can to cast lesser restoration on Hobie and prepares to move back behind the front line. If she has time, she casts ghost touch on Kezzem's... net.
Both Pressi and Harper swift activate their extended shield of faith, keeping it up for a while.
-----------------
Conditions
Pressi tri form (crone) ritual of warding ext shield of faith (86 rounds)
Harper fatigued ext shield of faith (86 rounds)(+4 to AC, doesn't stack with ring)
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Thursday August 2nd, 2018 6:04:23 PM
As Talia has little knowledge of organized religions, she begins to cast a spell on herself -- verbalizing and eschewing the materials to cast Displacement on herself. The spell should last 11 rounds.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Thursday August 2nd, 2018 6:04:59 PM
As Talia has little knowledge of organized religions, she begins to cast a spell on herself -- verbalizing and eschewing the materials to cast Displacement on herself. The spell should last 11 rounds.
Conditions:
Fatigued (-2 Str & Dex),
CatBliss (AC29, HP99of109) (Cayzle) Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:55:12 PM
The suspense is killing Bliss! He swishes his tail as he watches carefully to see if his magic takes hold.
Bliss is waiting around to see what these things are about. He randomly picks an enemy, one of those soon to be identified as a Wraith, and hexes it. Murphy is indeed verbose, but it matters not. Bliss's spell slides off the undead spirit. (Weird. It got the exact same save result both times.)
Hobie casts a flame arrow spell on his bow.
Succotash removes Zaragosa's fatigue. It doesn't matter much, the wonderous JTT Zaragosa faints on the spot! (Your kind DM has reduced the difficulty of this encounter, and is temporarily removing Zaragosa from play. I wish him the best, and when he is ready he can return. I won't expect you to play two characters, especially in a combat!)
Kezzem detects evil, and his sight is briefly flooded with dark menacing auras. He will have no reason to hold back.
Pressi removes Hobies fatigue, and she and Harper activate their swift spells.
Talia casts displacement.
------------------
Murphy and Pressi both give responses to the speaking spirit, but neither seems to be the correct answer it seeks. With a howl of misery, the spirits attack in unison.
Wraith 1. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss. Wraith 2. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Hits TOUCH AC 17 for 5 cold damage and 1 strength drain. Wraith 3. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Harper. Hits TOUCH AC 17 for 2 cold damage and 2 strength drain. Wraith 4. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Hobie. Hits TOUCH AC 22 for 2 cold damage and 1 strength drain. Wraith 5. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss.
White Wraith 1. 0 Dmg: Howls and swoops in, attacking Bliss. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 10 Cold damage and 3 Dex drain. White Wraith 2. 0 Dmg: Howls and swoops in, attacking Hobie. Hits TOUCH AC 21 for 9 Cold damage and 7 Dex drain. White Wraith 3. 0 Dmg. Howls and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Hits TOUCH AC 16 for 6 Cold damage and 5 Dex drain.
Shadow 1. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 4 Strength drain. Shadow 2. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss. Shadow 3. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Harper. Hits TOUCH AC 24 (nat 20) for 5 Strength drain. Does not confirm. Shadow 4. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Talia. Miss. Shadow 5. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Miss. Shadow 6. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Miss. Shadow 7. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 5 Strength drain.
Greater Shadow 1. 0 Dmg: "We shall collect our debt!" He sinks below the surface of the ground.He is completely out of line of sight.
DM Edit: Rolling for Talias Displacement. 1-50 hits Talia. 51 - 100 misses Talia.
Bliss is sad that he does not make a new shadow pal, but he supposes there can be only one Pookie.
He says whew, or at least, the cat equivalent, when a shadow ALMOST touches him. That hit vs touch AC20 is a miss, as, per his CatBliss PC sheet, his touch AC is 21. Oh actually, when you add in the force protection of bracers of armor, that's a 24.
And just to be on the safe side, Bliss decides to fight defensively, so with his ranks in Acrobatics, he's got a touch AC of 27.
Bliss uses a hero point to cast a Divine Favor spell silently and still-ly. That does not provoke an AoO because you do not do so when casting super-fast like.
He uses a swift action to ready his arcane strike. That makes his claws and teeth magical, that is, they can hit, albeit for half damage.
Then he takes a five ft step into the same square as the shadowthing that attacked him [White Wraith 1]. If needed, his tumble check to avoid AoOs is a 42.
Finally, Bliss claws, claws, and bites at the shadowthing. He is base +8, str +4, power att -3, size +2, enhancement +1, div favor +2, def fight -4 = +10 to attack. His damage bonus is +4 str, +6 power att, +1 enhancement, +2 div favor, +2 arcane stike = +15.
Bliss claws vs AC19 for 17/2=8 Bliss claws vs AC17 for 16/2=8 Bliss bites vs AC14 for 16/2=8
Bliss yowls his anger at the undead thing.
Round 1 of div fav hero point used: 1
DM Ken: I can't find any rules to support Still/Silent negating attacks of opportunity. You didn't cast on the defensive, or as a swift action. A hero point is a standard action, even if it is an extra action. If you want to come back and cast defensively I don't mind, but otherwise Bliss will provoke.
Also, is there a place where Bliss tracks his spells? I see his totals, but by my reckoning he's used 1 1st level slot, and 2 third level slots?
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+13=16 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+8=16 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=5 ; d4=3 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:51:15 AM
OOC: Jon-Paul, I didn't see if you answered my earlier question about Talia, does she know Haste? If she doesn't then Hobie would have prepared Haste instead of Rage
(Hobie Passed his knowledge check on the first and third spirits, so what does he know about them?)
"Pressi, do you think I can get some of that ghost touch too?"
He gives Pressi a chance to cast it on him or not, and then he clicks his heals and fires a volley of arrows once he knows what her action is.
He starts with the White Wraiths, and will move to the shadows if he kills them all. (I forgot Point Blank Shot so I'm adding one to the numbers with the dice above)
These are full damage totals so if Pressi doesn't cast Ghost Touch then the numbers will be half.
Manyshot Attack 17 Piercing 20, Electric 6, Fire 4 = 30 Total Piercing 19, Electric 5, Fire 4= 28 Total
Rapid Shot Attack 19 Piercing 18, Electric 5, Fire 3= 26 Total
Haste Attack 20 Piercing 22, Electric 5, Fire 2 = 29 Total
Iterative Attack 16 Piercing 20, Electric 5, Fire 1= 26 Total
========= Boots of Speed Used 1/10 ========= Spells Prepared:
Arcane Object Free Spell
Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand
A much weakened Succotash takes a 5ft step back then grips his holy symbol, and a bright light shoots out of it in a 30ft radius from his body, inflicting 14 damage on all undead within said radius, as he channels positive energy against them. They get a DC 20 will save for half damage.
"We didn't come to fight, but if that's what you want well here you go!", says a frustrated Succotash. Shouting out to his friends, he says, "No one mentioned random undead encounters when we signed up for this trip in the Shadow Realm!"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Friday August 3rd, 2018 6:12:18 AM
added touch AC to header
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (25), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23 (27), HP 61, CMD 23 Friday August 3rd, 2018 7:09:45 AM
Heck of a battle for a travel day. Will try to car post.
Touch AC Pressi 18 (21) Harper 16 (20) both Dragonhide armor
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 Friday August 3rd, 2018 11:08:18 AM
Pressi falls silent as all the ghosts swarmed them. But she takes the time to cast ghost weapon for Hobie. She holds off using hero points for the time being.
Harper knuckles down in total defense.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. White Wraith); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d20+21=38 ; d3+24=25 ; d6=3 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:19:30 PM
"Not friendlies!" shouts Kezzem in an attempt at warning even as the shadows and wraiths begin to attack. "These things are definitely not friendly!
"Oh no, Kezzem," he mutters to himself as he moves up behind Murphey, "you won't need to prepare any lesser restorations today. We'll be hunting an animal, not life-draining undead, so they will be wasted spells. Why don't you prepare cure light wounds spells instead? Surely they will be more useful."
He actives his smite evil against the White Wraith attacking Murphey.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+1=13 ; d20+11=24 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 3:15:40 PM
Talia worries that she might not ever see her Rayya again! "Oh, no this just won't do!", says Talia to herself.
Moving quickly in-place, her hands as she speaks seemingly gibberish she casts Magic Missle towards the five creatures surrounding Mister Murphy...the two (2) White Wraiths & the three(3) shadows.
[caster level check: (1d20+11) = 24], If the spell overcomes SR, then the damage to the enemies are: 4,3,5,5,5.
Next round, if Talia is still able, she will cast Fly on herself and move 10 feet above the ground and 1 square west (as if the rose compass is centered on her position [the square above pressi provided pressi doesn't move])
[OOC: first roll was a mistake]
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Friday August 3rd, 2018 7:17:04 PM
Hobie heard Kezzem’s muttering and shouts back at him while firing his arrows, “Don’t kick yourself Kez, this drain is more than any spell of yours could handle anyway. Stick to what you are good at, knives.”
Murphy takes a 5 foot (diagonal - up and left) step to the left of the white wraith (#3), and wildshapes into an air elemental.
He doesn't even talk.
DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP Saturday August 4th, 2018 3:29:47 AM
(Hey all! I hate to do it in a combat, but I've lost my phone and am out of town. It's 2 am on a hotel lobby computer. Unless someone can notify Carl to pop in and make a post, its only going to be 4 this week.
To clarify, my phone has a gmail authentication. Without it, out of town, I can't log in to email anyone. )
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Saturday August 4th, 2018 6:02:57 AM
[OOC: I have emailed Carl!]
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Halfling: AC/FF/T 20/18/16(17/18/13) CMB 7/8 CMD 19/22 Dex 9/14 Str 7/12 Large(Huge) Air El Saturday August 4th, 2018 12:44:57 PM
And, even though he doesn't talk, Murphy expends a hero point to transform into a 50' whirlwind.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 Saturday August 4th, 2018 12:52:20 PM
Ran out of space on header. This should be good for current form, until the DM takes his turn: Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12
DM Carl to the rescue! d20+6=9 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=14 ; d3=2 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+6=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+11=24 ; d8=1 ; Saturday August 4th, 2018 8:23:20 PM
Real talk, players: I'm about to mangle this. I'm walking in blind, but I'll do mah best.
Also, don't expect Hemingway. :D
***
Bliss claws twice, but doesn't connect w/ his bite - 15 damage total.
Pressi casts a ghost touch spell on Hobie as Harper hunkers down.
Hobie starts sending arrows at the white wraiths. His first two outright kill the first one, his next two drop the second one, and his last makes the last white wraith pretty grouchy.
Succotash lets fly a burst of positive energy hitting all the undead within a 30' radius...which is all of them. One uppity wraith knuckles through, the rest take the blast full in the face. Nearby friends should remember they're healed by the channel if appropriate.
Kezzem thinks these undead may mean them harm. He starts to smite the white wraith on Murphy, but the wraith is just barely clinging to unlife. Instead, he just finishes it off easy. (Aren't I nice?)
Talia sends magic missiles towards a group of shadows. Already hit by Succotash's positive energy, they're easy prey. Five shadows disappear.
Murphy is in a better place with that white wraith dead. That means time to go air elemental. Then he pushes through and starts whirlwinding.
***
Wraith 1. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hit touch AC 21 for 4 negative energy damage and 2 CON damage. Wraith 2. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hits touch AC 15 for 2 negative energy damage and 5 CON damage. Wraith 3. 7 Dmg: Continues attacking Harper. Hits touch AC 22 for 2 negative energy damage and 2 CON damage. Wraith 4. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Hobie. Hits touch AC 21. Miss. Wraith 5. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hits touch AC 24 for 5 negative energy damage and 5 CON damage.
White Wraith 1. Dead White Wraith 2. Dead White Wraith 3. Dead
Shadow 1. dead Shadow 2. dead Shadow 3. dead Shadow 4. dead Shadow 5. dead Shadow 6. 14 Dmg: Moves after Murphy. Hits touch AC 9. Miss. Shadow 7. 14 Dmg: Moves after Murphy. Hits touch AC 13. Miss.
Greater Shadow 1. 14 Dmg: Succotash feels a bone-chilling ache on his ankle, and looks down just in time to see a shadowy hand release it's grip and vanish again beneath the ground. Hit touch AC 24 for 1 STR damage. Guess he didn't get too good a grip.
***
There ya go. You'll behave yourselves, now.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. White Wraith); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) 5d6=20 ; Saturday August 4th, 2018 9:08:58 PM
"Hey, these things aren't too tough," observes Kezzem. He follows Succo's lead and channel positive energy. (Damage 20, SV DC 18 half; should hit everyone except maybe the Greater Shadow).
He then moves between Pressi and Succo.
----
Kezzem
Abilities: Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used) Smite Evil 4/day
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+13=26 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+17=23 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=23 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; Sunday August 5th, 2018 5:19:37 PM
(Not sure which of the Shadows are dead and which are alive on the map, but since 5 of the 7 are dead I'm assuming Hobie can 5 foot step to a position safe from AOOs. If not he'll ask Pressi to move 5 feet so he can take her space)
He will take aim, with Ghost Touch active on his arrows, and fire 5 arrows at the remaining creatures, starting with the creatures closest to Hobie and moving farther away with each foe he drops.
Many shot Attack 26 Piercing 23, Electricity 6, Fire 6 = Total 35 Piercing 21, Electiricty 1, Fire 1 = Total 23
Rapid Shot Attack 20 Piercing 23, Electricity 4, Fire 5= Total 32
Haste Attack 31 Piercing 19, Electricity 2, Fire 5 = Total 26
Iterative Attack 23 Piercing 21, Electricity 1, Fire 3 = Total 25
DM Carl note: Honestly, I'm not sure either. I left it for Ken to update when he's able.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Monday August 6th, 2018 1:49:57 AM
Thanks for the update, the order of Hobie's attacks will be U10, S14, Q13, M12, moving to the next if any fall.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Monday August 6th, 2018 5:24:21 AM
Overwhelmed by the constitution damage (total of twelve verses his 10 con), Succotash crumbles to the ground dead, with his dieing breath he says, “It’s been an honor serving with you guys, sorry if I failed you”, then looking up he says, “Pantheon, I’m coming home!”
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 Monday August 6th, 2018 7:33:48 AM
Talia, just a bit disturbed by the risk to life from the "fast walk" trip, reach into her HHS (Handy HaverSack) and grabs a sunrod. She strikes the sunod to activate it. Speaking aloud to no one in particular," Now we will see what is really going on!" After the sunrod activates, Talia will hold the sunrod high over her head to bring light upon the area and illuminate all that she can!
DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP Monday August 6th, 2018 1:09:58 PM
DM Ken makes a quick post.
Hey,
Succotash probably isn't dead. He gets a DC 17 fort save to negate the con drains.
Bliss looks around, not sure who is where. He looks for a foe. If there is one nearby, he takes a five foot step and makes a full attack. If he has to, he moves up to 50 ft to engage and attack a foe.
His acrobatics check is a 45 to avoid AoOs based on movement. That's a 40 if Bliss has to move at speed.
Bliss attacks, at +8 to hit and +13 damage.
Bite only: hits AC24 for 15 damage divided by two is 6. Claw if possible: hits AC21 for 15/2=7 damage Claw if possible: hits AC24 for 14/2=7 damage
Bliss is fighting defensively, not raging, and his touch AC is 27 with bracers.
Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 3 rounds of 86 Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d20=10 ; d20=4 ; d20=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 1:20:07 PM
OOC. Disregard last post (thanks Ken)
Succotash makes his first and third fort saves, so only takes 5 con damage. He uses another channeling doing 28 damage DC 20 will save for half.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 2d6+6=8 ; 2d6+6=12 ; 2d6+6=15 ; 2d6+6=14 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 2:06:29 PM
Murphy, a 50' tall whirlwind, hoovers through R8, possibly slamming into the shadow there (Reflex save vs DC 21 or suffer slam damage 8, followed by a second Reflex save DC 21 or be sucked up into the vortex of the swirling air). The transformed druid also swoops through O10 (dam 12), N10 (dam 15), and N12 (dam 14) - each needing to make the two DC 21 reflex saves. Each creature pulled into the vortex he then deposits, dropping them from the vortex, at I12, I11, I10, I9. He ends his turn at N8 at an altitude of 15'-65'.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d4+1=5 ; d3=1 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 3:26:08 PM
[OOC: Thanks Ken]
Talia, just a bit disturbed by the risk to life from the "fast walk" trip, waves her hands furiously speaking to cast Magic Missile to each of the five remaining Wraiths (one missile for each Wraith)! (5,5,2,2,4)
[OCC: ignore the d3..the page moved while I was clicking]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=25 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 8:30:18 PM
Harper, who had the fortune of seeing the ghost miss twice, continues to hold her position.
Pressi exhaled as she began to realize the full danger that these wights posed. Taking a five foot step, she hit Succotash with death ward in the hopes of protecting him.
In her other hand (move action), she pulled out a holy water and attempted to listen for the greater shadow's movements. (Perception 25).
-----------------
Conditions
Pressi tri form (crone) ritual of warding ext shield of faith (86 rounds)
Hobie Kills the last two shadows and single wraith, his ghost touch arrows proving to be quite effective against the undead. Cat Bliss kills a third. A channel from Succotash and Kezzem wounds the last three Wraiths, but they still persist.
Murphy's whirlwind sucks the remaining creatures into one spot, but he finds the whipping debris from the whirlwind is of no use in damaging the ethereal enemies.
Talia's magic missiles slam into the last wraiths, killing one. The last two reach for Murphy...
Wraith 4. 41 Dm. Attacks Murphy, hitting touch AC 25 for 5 cold and 2 con damage. DC 17 negates the con. Wraith 5. 39 Dm. Attacks Murphy, nat 20. Fails to confirm. 5 cold and 5 con damage. DC 17 negates the con.
The Greater Shadow makes no noise. Pressi does see it as it appears and reaches for Hobie. She is pretty sure that if she readies an action, she can smack it with her holy water as it appears.
(Wraiths and shadows have a specific ability to make no noise unless they wish.)
Greater Shadow: 14 dmg. Hits Hobie Touch AC 15 for 3 strength.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 Con 7/12 d20+9=17 ; d20+9=10 ; 11d6=46 ; d20+27=43 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 11:48:47 PM
Murphy found he could pick up the wraiths, but they were not really harmed by the swirling winds. If I make it through this, I'm going to need to talk things over with the Catacombs experts, or perhaps find good counsel in the Giggling Ghost, Murphy thinks to himself... and then finds himself further weakened by the wraiths (save vs Con 2, fail vs Con 5).
Not knowing whether he can weather another ability-draining attack or not, the druid ascends to a greater height, and drops out of his whirlwind phase, now again a large air elemental, 130 feet above the shadowy terrain.
He sends down a flame strike, engulfing the remaining wraiths in divine flames, each suffering 46 hp damage - Reflex save DC 24 for half (centered at the intersection of J/K and row 11). =============== Perception: 43 - Keeping an eye out for the greater shadow, or for any other ethereal bad guys who may show up. Accumulated damage received from undead: Cold: 6+5+5=16. Dex -5; Str -5; Con -5
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 5:44:13 AM
Lay of Hands 3/10 smite evil 4/4 boots of speed 10/10
-6 str drain, -5 con drain (temp hp counter 69/69)
Succotash knows he's burning through his Lay of Hands at an alarming rate, but since it seems the best way, at the moment to mess with this undead menace, so he let's loose another channel doing 18 damage (DC 20 will for half), then he shouts out,a word of encouragement, to his friends, "Hang in there guys, I think we got them on the ropes, or at least I hope we have them on the ropes".
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d20+21=29 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 1:16:01 PM
Kezzem will activate smite evil and ready an attack with his dagger for when the Great S shows itself again.
Adjust for range and/or throwing into melee as necessary.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+11=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+6=9 ; d6+15=18 ; d6+15=19 ; d6+15=19 ; d6+15=20 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 1:26:21 PM
Hobie reaches for his bow string and finds it difficult to pull back as he's lost some strength. He powers through, and lets loose a volley. (You didn't mention that the greater shadow disappeared, so if he didn't then Hobie will fire all arrows at him, if he did disappear, then add 2 to my first attack roll as Hobie will ready an action to shoot him when he appears)
Manyshot Attack 16 (or 18 if readied attack) Piercing 18, Electricity 5, Fire 2 Piercing 19 Electricity 5, Fire 1
Rapid Shot Attack 25 Piercing 19, Electricity 3, Fire 6
Haste Attack 30 Piercing 20, Electricity 3, Fire 4
Iterative Attack 9 Piercing 19, Electricity 5, Fire 4
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 Tuesday August 7th, 2018 4:41:36 PM
Pressi readies an attack to rush over and pour a vial of holy water the second she sees the greater shadow emerge.
Harper moves closer to the wraiths attacking Murphy and lets out a huge roar, trying to attract their attention. She readies a move action 50 feet away if any of the wraiths chase her.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=24 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 6:51:23 PM
Talia, furious about this "Shadow Walk", looks about for that big shadow critter. [Perception: 23] If she detects it, all 5 magic missiles will strike it. If not, then they will strike the three remaining wraith critter.
With continued fury, Talia waves her hands and speaks the words to cast Magic Missile!
When finished she will again look to see what can be seen [Perception:24 ]
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Tuesday August 7th, 2018 9:06:27 PM
(OOC sorry for this last week. We got back on Sunday but because of all the craziness, I forgot all about this. I know Zaragosa passed out but other than that I am lost so I will wait for the DM to do what he needs to with my character.
Again, I am sorry for my absence.)
DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP Tuesday August 7th, 2018 11:02:14 PM
Bringing natures wrath from above, Murphy's flame strike destroys the final wraiths, who have no chance of escaping his vengeance.
Seconds later, the greater shadow emerges from the ground, hatred in its eyes. It lunges for Talia, but doesn't make it quite that far. Holy channels, magic missiles, holy water, and a smiting dagger quickly end the undeads burden.
Whatever pinned him to this place matters no longer, and with a moan lost on the wind, he is gone.
---------------
All clear, the Heroes of Humbles Ford still have a small bit of travel left on the plane of shadow. They have saved a lot of time, but the jaunt through the shadow realm has left several of them injured and weakened.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=24 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 11:12:01 PM
Talia, reaches into her haversack pulling forth a lovely new, never used rod of cure light wounds. Asking, aloud, " How needs healing? I can offer up to 50 charges of cure light wounds!" says Talia excitedly as she is eager to both help and leave the shadow realm.
Not fully trusting this place, Talia will look around every 15 or so minutes to see what there might be lurking in the shadows. [Perception: 24]
CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:08:38 AM
Bliss changes back to a halfling in order to help his friends.
He casts four lesser restorations to heal. He sees that Sir Succo has -6 str drain, -5 con drain. He casts two restorations to heal the Strength loss: 4 points back. He casts two to cure Constitution damage: 6 damage cured.
Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 3 rounds of 86 Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:51:00 AM
ooc: Bliss: Succotash's Con was Damage, not drain, and one casting of Restoration will cure all of the ability drain of one ability and all ability damage period. So one casting of Restoration will fix Succotash completely. So would it be possible for Hobie to get at least one casting of Restoration for his Strength Drain, and maybe even a second for his Dex Drain?
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:55:36 AM
"Wow, that was horrible. Glad you clung so dearly to life Succotash, I was really worried about you there for a second."
He turns to Pressi, with a concerned look on his face. "Press, I've never heard of anyone being attacked in the Shadow Plane while using that spell, has anything like that ever happened to you before?"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:21:11 AM
Succotash promptly thanks Bliss for the restoration of his strength and constitution, then quickly reaches over and casts lesser restoration on Hobie once for the dex drain, and another time for the strength drain, saying, “I have one more prepared, if anyone needs it”. “That was horrible, for a moment there, I thought I was on my way to meet Pantheon face to face, which I admit I kinda wouldn’t mind, but the idea of standing before Lord Gargul is a bit unnerving”.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:24:15 AM
Succotash cast his third and final lesser restoration on whoever asks for it first.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Wednesday August 8th, 2018 8:19:46 AM
(if I understood the email correctly, I am back)
Zaragosa awakens from whatever made him pass out. He surveys the scene around him, guessing that a fight might have taken place. He was quite embarrassed to have missed the first fight he was in but his concern for the others made him speak up.
"What, what happened?" He asked as calmly as he could. He noted that everyone seemed rather concerned with Succotash, "Succotash, are you alright?"
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:05:27 AM
“I’m fine now”, Succotash answers, “However, during the fight, I got targeted for a far amount of constitution drain, and if it wasn’t for Pantheon’s gift of great Fortitude to me, I’m pretty sure it would have done me in”. “I saw you drop at the beginning of the fight, are you ok, do you need restoration, or healing?”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:45:28 AM
OOC: I'm going to post in a bit but I wanted to respond to a couple of things.
Jack - We are just glad to have you back, physically and online. And don't ever feel like you have to apologize for putting real life ahead of this, especially where family and emergencies are concerned. Hope everything turned out okay.
Nick - restoration would be great in this instance but its not on the witch spell list and scrolls would have cost 1700 a piece. (Due to the insane material cost in case I use the scroll to remove negative levels.) So its lesser restores for now, and we'll have to make due until then. Sorry.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:09:51 PM
Sorry, forgot to roll for the lesser restoration spells Hobie receives 4 str and 1 dex, with another 4 ability score healing available to whom ever claims it. Succotash is at full con and -2 str, but figures he can sleep it off, if others need it more.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d8+5=10 ; d8+5=9 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:32:13 PM
Kezzem hits Bliss and Hobbie each with a cure light wounds.
Bliss: 10. Hobbie: 9.
"Is anyone else regularly hurt? I have plenty of that kind of healing. Nothing to help out if you are just feeling enfeebled, sluggish, or drained though."
OOC: Please list both current AND max hit points in your headers so I can see who is in need with healing.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 Con 7/12 d20+27=36 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:50:22 PM
Scanning the scene one more time [Perception: 36], just to ensure no more foul foes come forth, air elemental Murphy then descends to the ethereal earth. He gives Harper an airy petting. "Thank you for growling in my defense, girl."
"Talia, sure, I would appreciate a bop or two from your fine wand of cure light wounds, there." (down 15) Then Murphy adds, "By the way, lass, your magic missiles were awesomely helpful."
"Kezzem, thanks for coming to my side when I was pretty much surrounded.
"Hobie - bless you and your composite longbow.
"Jack - that turned out to be a fine defensive posture. I agree with Pressi - we're just glad you're all right, and with us. To answer your question as to what happened - Some of these wicked shadows and wights asked us, 'Are you the one who comes to settle the debt? Are you the one who comes to right the wrong?' I asked for clarification, and Pressi let them know that the one they were looked for was coming soon. They were having none of that, and attacked us. The greater shadow said, 'We shall collect our debt!'
"Well, they managed some significant hurt on us - draining strength, and nimbleness, and general health, along with plenty of chilly touches. Succotash in particular seemed to draw their attention. Glad he is stout enough to have resisted some of their ministrations. Bliss tangled with several of them. It's nice to have paladins and witches with us." He smiles. "I'll bet no one ever said that last sentence before."
"All told, however, I believe that all debts are resolved. They hurt us, trying to turn us into shadows. We killed them. The ledger is cleared.
"Though we still need to heal up from all the ability damage we suffered. Once we get to Emerald City, that is. I can cast lesser restoration, but did not memorize that for today. Am thinking we'll want to get there, spend a day in recovery as we seek for a guide, then, with two nights' sleep under our belts, go out in search of the wolpertingers."
If no one else takes Succotash up on his offer of lesser restoration, then Murphy does so to have his constitution restored. He remains in air elemental form for the balance of the trip, in order to compensate for the loss of dex and str.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=29 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:03:38 PM
To JTT, Pressi makes a few choice remarks of his cowardice and help. Anything to avoid discussing how this happened because of her bad choices... starting with how he considered using a divination before shadow hopping but let herself get distracted first.
In response to Hobie's question, "I can honestly say that this has never happened to me in a shadow jump before." But of course it could happen. The primary purpose of the spell is to enter and walk around the shadow realm without need of a plane shift.
To Murphy, as he fills in JTT, "You know that was a joke, right? I don't think anyone is coming after us. Speaking of which..."
After Pressi casts whatever Lesser Restores and CLWs are needed, she searches the area with a focus on finding the bodies of these creatures (Perception 29) and attempts a "Speak with Dead" spell if she finds one. And of course she continues to seek out treasure.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:24:09 PM
Hobie could use a few lesser restos, he’s still down 6 dex. He can shoot his bow without penalty now that his strength is back, but he’s down 6 dex and 25 HP. I am posting from my phone and can’t update header but my HP is 61/86 right now.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:25:36 PM
Murphy— Bless my bow, but also bless Pressi’s Ghost Touch Spell, I’d have been half as useful without that spell.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:54:15 PM
Ok, so Pressi has 4 L2 slots left. She casts 2 LR on Hobie, 2 on Murphy.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=28 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:30:11 PM
"Yep, Hobie - bless Pressi!" Murphy agrees. "Thank you," he tells her. "I feel much better. And, yes, I thought it highly unlikely that the debt settler and wrong righter was coming in our wake. I'd really like to know what that was about. If you're able to speak with undead, ask them about that detail - what was the basis for the debt they mentioned, and what was the wrong they suffered? Not that they didn't deserve whatever it was."
If the bodies are about, and if there is treasure to be had, Murphy assists in the search... Perception 28.
Zaragosa listens to the others tell him what happened. He bowed his head low, "I am sorry colleges, I have never shadow walked before and it must have affected me greatly. I did not mean to be a coward and will work my every bone to make up for this. I do not need any healing, but in fact still, have many healing spells left if anyone needs them."
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=27 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 9:07:54 PM
Talia recognizes that Mister Murphy would like a go or two of the wand of Cure Light Wounds. Talia asks, "Anyone else need some light healing?"
Looking around...[Perception: 27] Talia attempts to see what may be seen...
"I'm not sure how the Lesser Restoration works against this undead stuff," says Bliss.
If he only needs to cast twice to help Sir Succo, then Bliss uses the other two on Mister Murphy.
DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP Wednesday August 8th, 2018 11:59:10 PM
Wraiths inflict drain, shadows inflict damage. Either way, it seems everyone has more than enough healing on demand to sort themselves out. With plenty of time left on her spell, Pressi checks for treasure.
When a wraith dies, or a shadow, it doesn't leave much of a corpse. A small, jelly like puddle of goo that quickly evaporates is usually all that remains of the encounter. This band though, seems to have some prior strong attachments to their life. Several possessions are left behind.
- Rings, armlets, and jewelry, as well as noble clothing, are in abundance. All the the jewelry bears the same makers mark. Appraise check for the value. Nothing glows with magical auras.
With a few hours of travel remaining, but many hours left in the spell, does Humbles Sword move on, or stay and investigate, speaking with the dead?
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+8=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=24 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 3:30:32 AM
"Ah, maybe we don't need to wait until the city before the drains are resolved in our favor," Murphy ventures. "How are we doing?" [With Succotash's help, then Pressi's, maybe Bliss might help another person? Not certain myself how all of it adds up.]
"What do you say, Pressi, about taking a few moments to chat with these shades?" Murphy asks. "I'd love to find out what their complaint and appeal is all about. And perhaps we can discover what noble house they derive from."
"But, just before we do so, would it be wiser to stash their goodies, or leave it be until after conversing with them?" he asks the group in general. He is fine either way as regards disposition of the goods, but he does note the maker's mark, and sketches it into the current page of his journal.
His first sketch is passable, but he spends time looking at several exemplars, then renders a much better rendition of the mark on his second attempt. He lists each item of jewelry which bears the mark. He is not so proficient at estimating the value, but figures it's got to be more than the average item of clothing. Nobility and all. As he waits for the speak with dead (if that is to happen), he draws two of the more interesting items of jewelry (18, and 24 on the sketches).
As Talia has volunteered to use the wand, but has not yet done so, and Zaragosa has some spells available, Murphy says, "Sure, Jack, a cure would be welcome." [down 16 hp atm] "And, Jack, you're no coward, as far as I can tell. With all we've been doing of late, and that we decided to wait until moonlight to get going, instead of using the barn, I think it was just taxing."
"Talia, if we have spells available, let's use those, and use the wand as needed after then, if that make sense."
[OOC: J-P - You need to actually roll the curative power of the wand so we know how many hp are granted. Saying you'll do it doesn't count unless you actually make the rolls :-) ]
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d20=20 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 5:32:35 AM
(Rolled a natural 20 on appraise) Succotash takes a moment to check out the jewelry, but isn’t too keen on the whole talk to the dead thing, but at the same time, he’s not going to argue with Murphy and Pressi about the issue, instead he says, “I don’t know about you all, but I’d rather not spend any more time than necessary in this gods forsaken place”.
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=24 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+3=22 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 6:35:02 AM Healing
Talia, explains to Mister Murphy, with so much healing around, I didn't want to use the wand, unless it was needed, nodding towards Mister Murphy. "So, does anyone still need a healing spell as I do not have magic healing beyond my healer's kit. I'm all so new to journeying with a group. It's usually just Rayya and I on the open road." states Talia.
Treasure | What's next?
"Mister Murphy, I think, has a great idea regarding the remains. Adding all that stuff to his journal for latter investigation was a brilliant idea!" explains Talia. "I am vexed as to what might cause the undead to carry a burden with them into the afterlife, and what made them into what they became?" wonders aloud to the group.
Because Talia is undersure if the items were cursed and that's the reasons why they became those things...she waves her hands and mumbles incoherently then casts Prestidigitation on all the items in order to cleans them of dust and soot, and even perhaps that jelly stuff, then slowly rotate them items so Mister Murphy can get a better look at them. She even tries to appraise them, but is not so sure he had any better insight than Mister Murphy does. [Appraise: 22]
Talia will also grab out her ink and an ink pen to sketch the items quickly onto a sheet of paper, thinking, "I'll have to get a journal when next in a town! That's so much better than loose paper in a map case!"
Using her knowledge of the arcane as well as her perception, Talia will peruse over the items left behind to discover if she recognizes any of the symbols or marks.[Knowledge: Arcana: 24 | Perception:29 ]
Continued Journey
"Anyone have an idea of how much further we need to travel?"
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) Thursday August 9th, 2018 8:51:36 AM
Zaragosa will offer one last time any healing if needed though he knows there is enough of that magic already going around. He will then let them take any loot (since he didn't do anything) and wait to continue the journey.
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric Thursday August 9th, 2018 10:12:01 AM
“Anyone have the ability to check for curses, I can remove them from people with a mercy, but can’t detect them, anyway the reason I’m asking, is because I would like to grab the loot and get going unless someone has any objections”. “I would grab them myself, but depending on the curse, if there’s a curse, I may not be able to use my Paladin powers, and then I’d be stuck with curse”.
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 82/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d8=6 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 10:35:52 AM
"Well, I don't know whether speak with dead works with undead - or with puddles of jelly. If not, then the point is moot. If so, it'd at least be nice to know. It takes, what, about 10 minutes? Not enough to slow us up unduly, Succotash. Pressi?" He asks with an eyebrow raised, hoping she will fill them in as to whether the spell may work, or not.
Regarding those things left behind by their vanquished foes, Murphy says, "I don't mind touching them, or gathering them up, but I don't have room to store them. No bag of holding myself." If someone else offers to let him place the items within, he will stow them there.
Since no one is actually rolling for cures, I'll roll for a CLW from Jack - for 13 hit points? (d6+5)
Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d8+5=7 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:24:32 AM
Bliss turns off his Shield of Faith, embarrassed that he forgot to do so and used up a couple extra rounds for nothing. Maybe no one noticed ...
After being cured by Kezzem, Bliss bows to the paladin and thanks him.
Bliss laughs as Murphy reaches out for JTT's hand and tries to roll a cure out of him.
"Oh you silly!" he says. "You can't do that! Here, let me, like this!" Bliss casts a cure light wounds spell on Murphy, returning 7 hp to the eager druid.
Bliss is worried about the dead haunting the treasure, but he is reassured by Sir Succotash. "I say we take them. What's the worst that can happen? We fight them again? Still, might be nice to soak them in holy water or something."
He is fine with someone casting Speak with Dead before we go on our way. But who? "That's not a thing witches can do."
Casting done and ready for danger, Bliss ends by turning back into a kitty.
Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 5 rounds of 86 Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:43:50 AM
"Against a pile of goo, I don't think it would work," Pressi replied. "I was hoping to find the original body, the human or whatever shell before something killed him and made him a greater shadow, but we seem to be out of luck. Oh, and Bliss means its something HE can't do." (Speak with Dead - L3 Knowledge domain spell).
"At any rate, we have the makers mark. We can start from there and move on, either by asking around town or by other divinations. So I am fine moving on instead, and I would be glad to grab them. I'm already cursed with voices from the dead, though he's been quiet for a while now. Just to be clear, though, we aren't selling anything until we figure out what's going on. Oh, and you will get your share JTT. We're a team and we all had to cover for each other in the past."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 76/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=37 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 4:22:03 PM
Appreciating her help as he took a look over some of the jewelry, he adds, "Great idea, Talia. It's much better to have more than one viewpoint in writing out historical records."
"It's settled, then, partly in Succotash's favor - neither clothing curses, nor undead discussions," he winks as well as any air elemental can wink. "Thanks, Pressi, for taking the garb and jewelry.
"And, thank you, Bliss!" he says as he helps him feel a little better.
Murphy takes a moment to fly upwards to 120', looks around. If the area looks reasonably clear [Perception: 37], he swoops down. "All clear. Shall we continue?" Murphy begins to move ahead slowly, watching for the others to start heading that way, and asking Pressi, "This is the right direction, yes?"
As the group gets moving, the druid flies about 30' above the group.
Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 4:25:37 PM
Hobie is super thankful for the restoration of his abilities, he gives his wand to one of the healers in order to top off his HP damage.
Hobie isn't super great at knowing what things are worth, so he doesn't try to appraise the items, but he does think real hard (Knowledge Local 22) about whether he might recognize that makers mark.
"Perhaps it might be a good idea guys to head back to the source of all this gear. It seems to have all been made by the same maker, maybe he knows something"
========= Boots of Speed Used 2/10 ========= Spells Prepared:
Arcane Object Free Spell
Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand
Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 5:06:16 PM
“Gosh Pressi, I didn’t know you were cursed, if you want, I can fix that right now!”, Succotash offers. If Pressi excepts the offer, the Mercy will be accompanied by 21 healing if she still needs any.
The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d8+5=12 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 6:28:12 PM
Zaragosa was about the cast CLW on murphey but sees Bliss do it for him, concered and a little too willing to prove himself. He also casts it curing Murphey curing for 12 points
Spells lvl1 4/5 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 3/3
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 76/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Thursday August 9th, 2018 7:47:06 PM
"Thank you, Jack. I feel terrific now."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Thursday August 9th, 2018 7:48:01 PM
"Thank you, Jack. I feel terrific now."
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d8+5=12 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 8:05:17 PM
Murphy cast CLW on Hobie, restoring 12 hp. We should all be full up on hp now.
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