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The Caverns of Glimstone


DM Carl 
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 9:51:34 PM
Murphy and Pressi have a nice walk in the moonlight that becomes a lot nicer when the subject of Pressi's family becomes off limits.

Kade is happy to detail what tower caps look like. "Their exterior really is woody. Some dwarves use them as building materials...beds and such. I'll take any mushrooms you find as well, plump helmets and dimple cups especially. Dimple cups make a really nice blue dye."

There is talk about how to travel. The consensus seems to be travel by horseback to The Scab. A fine idea, but Tiana did warn that you'd need to go underground. It's very unlikely they'll be able to accompany you the entire way, but you'll probably find some place safe to leave them (read: you will).

Bliss wants all the details. "Well, I'm not sure what your destination will look like. The dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier...DPAA for short...will give you a very strong indication." She scratches her head. "There's also a chance that the power source you're looking for drifted away from The Giant's resting spot over the centuries. That's too bad. I bet it'll be real easy to follow the trail of a 260' Iron Giant back home."

OOC: I used to DM The Forged with Rob. I realized after the great DM migration of 2013 what an opportunity I missed. I'm correcting that oversight now.

Kezzem is happy to be on the other side of the ruse for once.

Talia spends some time with her owl friend, asking her to watch her stuff and make sure Candy doesn't sneak off with anything.

Pressi decides a nice stroll to the mountains is a better use of their time than shadow walking. She's ready to go.

Zaragosa advises Kade he'll also be on a mushroom hunt.

There are enough spells and mounts to go around to ensure Humble's Sword can travel at a solid pace. Humble's Ford gathers to wave good-bye to their heroes, and they're off.

OOC: I thought I was done with today's post, then I hit F5...

Murphy comes up with the bright idea of trying to triangulate the rough position of their destination. It's a solid idea, but experimenting with the DPAA show it's unlikely to be productive. The stream is very erratic. Tiana explains. "Yea, this far away it's just going to point you in the right direction. It'll get more useful once you're closer. Promise."

The DPAA points north towards the mountains. No surprise there. Of course, there ARE a bunch of giant footsteps leading from The Scab where The Giant tread. Tiana's explanation holds true, so our party may as well just follow the Giant's path to The Scab for now.

OOC (again): I cannot find any accurate details on the Woldipedia about how far away The Scab is, so I'm making an executive decision and saying it's 6 hours by horseback away. If anyone can find a more accurate measurement, I'll make a note of it, but won't be ret-conning.

The six hour trek to the base of the mountains of The Scab is lovely, even if the scenery is marred by the huge gouges in the land The Giant left behind. Thirty minutes out from the mountains, the party notices activity. As they get closer, they see what looks like an artificial entrance into the mountains, flanked on both sides by enormous stone statues. Both are obviously dwarven. One statue lovingly cradles a handful of enormous gems. The other stands proudly with a pick resting on his shoulder. Both are of the highest craftsmanship. A word has been carved into the rock above the entrance: GLIMSTONE.

The trail left by The Giant intercepts with the base of the mountains roughly 20 yards east of the aforementioned cavern, where the Giant obviously erupted out of the ground. Before the party arrives, they see a number of dwarves milling about the fresh wound in the earth.

They're arguing loudly.

***

Scene 1 over. I'm awarding 7500 XP for roleplaying, with a 550 XP bonus to Bliss for trying to entertain the kids.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+16=21 ;
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 11:21:36 PM
"Dwarves ahead," says Kezzem. "I wonder if they are arguing about who's beard is longer or something less serious.

Kezzem attempts to gauge the disposition of the dwarves: is this friendly bickering or a heated blood feud.

Sense Motive: 21.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 12:03:49 AM

At the site of the giant's origination, Bliss changes into a halfling and approaches with his friends.

"Hello, good sir dwarves!" he shouts. "We've come from the halfling town of Humbles Ford following the backtrail of an iron giant. What all are you doing here?"

Then he repeats it in giant: "HeLLO dWaRVeS!!! WHat YOU DO HeRe??"

[OOC: Just missed midnight ugh.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:48:36 AM

As greetings already have been offered by Kezzem, and Bliss, Murphy simply adds in the tongue of dwarfs, "Looks like we found the birthplace of the Iron Giant. Hello, and peace to you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+8=22 ; d20+8=15 ;
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:42:13 AM
Succotash dismounts, and whispers in Miss Piggy's ear "Watch our backs", he then joins his friends offering the dwarves a reassuring smile, keeping an eye out for any trouble, Succotash's perception 22, Miss Piggy's perception 15

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday March 28th, 2019 2:48:25 PM
"I know I throw a lot of strange words around, but you surely knows what Frisbee is. It dates back to the days of ancient greece, just like triangulation. Look it up."

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

Pressi just hangs back, watching to see what will happen.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:07:06 PM
Conversation from 3 days ago

"Triangulation, I know. Frisbee* - is from ancient grease - like old bacon grease?" Murphy asks, his voice rising slightly in pitch on that question. He clucks his tongue. "Pressi, you're references are often inscrutable. Does someone eat it, if it is derived from grease? If not eaten, then what does a Frisbee do?"

A bit later, he adds, "There are many things I would like to look up. There is a library in Angel Springs. It would be nice to start building up a good one here in Humble's Ford. Maybe we can adapt the scroll writers to copying books."

A Reminder of Something Murphy did before heading north
And, speaking of looking things up: Mister DM - Murphy still did fly to Angel Springs (whether accompanied by others in the group or not) shortly after the conversation following Tiana's proposal to learn what he could of history, geography, religion, dwarfs et al, things from ages past to present related to the Scab. From the WLA, of course. See his Preparations first section from the March 27th post. Thanks!

* Note: Frisbie pie plates date from the late 19th century. Skipping several intermediaries in the history of the product, the game company Wham-O bought the rights to the Frisbie pie plate-inspired Pluto Platter, renamed it 'Frisbee' and began to sell the disc game implement in the 20th century. Now, had Pressi said 'flying disc' or discus, then Murphy might have understood. And, yes, those do date back to the days of ancient Greece - which, afaik, is not known within the Wold. :-p

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:01:34 PM
Hobie will approach the group along with Bliss and offer greetings in Dwarvish. "Hello friends, what seems to be the problem here? Anything we can do to help?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:29:12 PM
"Just the word triangulation makes my head hurt," complains Kezzem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 8:11:55 PM
Talia stops and decides to scoot (Overland Flight) back to the middle of the pack, least something horrible happens, as she doesn't speak Dwarven.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

DM Carl 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 10:15:46 PM
Other than an odd discussion about something called a Frisbee, something called Greece, and triangulation, our party arrives at the Caverns of Glimstone with only a headachy Kezzem as a casualty.

Humble's Sword approaches the arguing dwarves.

Kezzem tries to get a sense of what the dwarves are yelling about. Obviously, they're yelling at the giant hole in the mountain. They're all very angry about it. They're not disagreeing about anything in particular, they're just so angry that they need someone to yell at. They've chosen each other.

Bliss is the first to approach. The dwarves stop yelling as he approaches, but as soon as the words "Iron Giant" leave his mouth, they start right back up again.

Murphy adds to the greeting in dwarven.

"Birthplace? That monstrosity ain't ours and it ain't from around here! That metal *bad thing* tore through our caverns and destroyed our *finely crafted* pump stack! A whole year of work, gathering and shaping tons of *lovely* gabbro, all gone! We've got a whole new workshop filled with *functional* magma forges with no *useful* magma!"

Whew...had to edit that a bit. The dwarf's language is far too spicy for our audience.

OOC: That's fine, Kim. It's fair to assume Murphy knows the basics of the geography and history of The Scab.

Talia, Pressi, and Succotash take a back seat and keep their eyes open.

Hobie asks if they can do anything to help.

"Yea," comes a voice from inside the cavern. An ancient looking dwarf emerges. His eyes are hard, but not cruel. "You can tell us what you know about this Giant, and you best hope you had nothing to do with this."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:14:51 PM
"It was going to smash our town," says Kezzem. "We stopped it."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:36:03 PM

Bliss smiles. He used to adventure with dwarves. He's been friends with dwarves. He's "won" drinking contests with dwarves. He knows how to introduce himself to an elder dwarf!

He walks closer, looking down to avoid any piles of vomit.

He bows low to the elder and says, "Bliss has been happy lately. He has made a satisfying acquisition lately. He has leveled up lately. He has been able to rest and recuperate recently. He sang and danced recently. He ate a fine meal recently. He has enjoyed travelling out of doors. He has made three new friends recently. He invaded and halted an iron giant that was threatening his home."

"He is very strong, agile, quite sturdy, quick to heal, and enjoys taking on the shape of a cat. He finds maintaining decorum a silly, fumbling waste of time. He has a large deficit of willpower, a shortage of patience, and little ability with social relationships. He dreams of becoming a legendary hero."

"He likes battle, laughter, figurines, and kitty cats for their softness and explosive nature. He prefers to consume pork bacon and potions. He needs several large meals to get through the day."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:57:02 PM
Murphy post 20190328

"Frisbee, I don't know, but gabbro, I do," Murphy says. He explains simply for his friends: "Gabbro is a phaneritic, mafic intrusive igneous rock.

"'Phaneritic' means you can see the individual minerals in it. 'Mafic' means it combines magnesium and ferrous minerals - ferrous means iron. 'Igneous' means it solidified from lava or magma.

"It forms mainly from the slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma into a holocrystalline mass deep beneath the Wold's surface. Slow-cooling, coarse-grained gabbro is alchemically equivalent to rapid-cooling, fine-grained basalt. It is somewhat also like diabase."

He is about to continue to delve deeper into this explanation but sees eyes starting to glaze over. "Sorry. Got that from the study of alchemy and the ignan language, and chatting with earth elementals."

He asks the arguing dwarfs, "Did the Iron Giant take most of your gabbro? Or just really mess it up so it was scattered all over the place? Because if it was left underground, maybe we can do a little bit to help you gather a bunch of it back together."

He likes Kezzem's succinct explanation and Bliss's interesting introduction.

Then he adds, for the hard-eyed ancient. "The metal thing is a product of the first age. It was taken over by a dwarf, who is no longer here. We deposed him. The metallic giant is presently inert."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+9=11 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 5:43:37 AM
Succotash bows in respect to the dwarven elder, and says, "My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and these are my friends and allies known as Humble's Sword, if we may be of assistance you but need to ask". diplomacy 11

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Friday March 29th, 2019 10:56:17 AM
Pressi looked from Bliss to Murphy to Succotash, wondering if anyone here remembered how to talk.

Pressi also kind of glossed over this discussion of gabbro, figuring that the giant probably was still on its test run rather than anything targeted. Without a word, she moved to the giant sized hole, using her Justicar tracking skills and detect magic to scan the area.

"So then I can assume you know nothing about where it came from, who piloted it, or why it came through here. Can I ask you what you know about ancient dwarven religions? Religious nut jobs in the area, perhaps?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90  d20+10=24 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 6:34:07 PM
Talia breaks from the pack hovering a bit to one side. In a very rudimentary attempt, Talia beings to speak Dwarven to everyone assembled using her diplomacy skills; [Dipolmacy Skill check: 24]

Talia begins "Dear Assembled Dwarven leaders, we've come to save our home. My self, along with my gathered friends helped to put a stop to the Iron Giant, that attempted to destroy our home, as it looks like it tried here too! We followed its footprints. Perhaps if we could help you, you, in turn, could help us? My friend Mister Murphy is far a better translator than I. I sure he could explain how we could be of beneficial help to one another. Mister Murphy...would you?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Friday March 29th, 2019 8:06:23 PM
Seeing the others talking, Jack stood in the back and watched and listened to see what the dwarfs would do next.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Friday March 29th, 2019 11:58:44 PM
Bliss introduces his companions.

"This is Murphy Windwinder the Scion of Elemental Air. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He courts death at will."

"This is Hobie Browncloak. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He arrives in the nick of time."

"This is Miss Pressi Abernathy of the Justice Coven. She is a member of the Humbles Swords. She is small, hardy, and expressive."

"This is Sir Succotash of Sylvestyre. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is fond of drink and likes large boars for their carrying capacity."

"This is Jack Ostrogoth, Heaor of the Silver Spires and Lord of the Unbelievable. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He is a friend of Bliss."

"This is Talia Topmost Tenterhooks. She is a member of the Humble Swords. She likes cave spider silk for its milky color."

"This is Sir Kezzem of the Laughing Gasses. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is outgoing and entertaining at all times."

DM Carl 
Saturday March 30th, 2019 5:30:13 PM
Kezzem gets right to the point.

The old dwarf nods and his face softens a bit. "Well, that's some good news, then. How'd you pull that off? We threw everything we had at the thing and it all just sorta bounced off."

Bliss happily introduces himself in a strange fashion. The dwarves seem to respond well, though. The elder dwarf introduces himself.

"Well met, Bliss. I am Urist Bernanrir, mayor of our new Fortress. These two are Ineth Berakur and Zasit Fenceblockades. Excuse Ineth's language. He has cause for his anger."

"Darn right I do," he mutters.

Murphy proves his knowledge of gabbro, but of course the dwarves know all about that stuff.

"It didn't take our gabbro so much as drill and smash its way through it," the one introduced as Zasit replies. He's wearing a pair of expertly crafted spectacles and carries a clipboard. "It's in little pieces. It's basically only good for gravel at this point. Mending magics would be more work than just mining more."

"Yea," Ineth speaks up. "Easy to say when you're not the one mining it."

"We mine, Ineth," Urist says. "It's what we do." He gives Ineth a look that stops the argument before it starts.

All is fine until Murphy adds that a dwarf is responsible for this. Urist can only shake his head.

"A dwarf did this," Ineth asks. "No...no that can't be. I thought for sure this was the work of the dark elves or...SOMETHING else. Dwarves should know better." He doesn't seem mad, more disappointed.

Succotash and Talia uses the pause to introduce themselves.

"Good to meet you both, but you'll find we're a self-sufficient bunch. These things happen. If it wasn't a giant iron contraption, it would be a dragon, or an army of goblins, or some other horror. There's a lot of forgotten beasts down here in The Scab. We'll get back on our feet."

Zaragosa keeps his cards close to his chest.

Pressi asks a pointed question about religious nut jobs.

Urist raises an eye. "That's an odd question, miss. No, we don't know about who piloted it. If you do, we'd be very interested in learning who."

Zasit speaks up. "There are those Skald worshipers. They're kind of 'nut jobs' if you ask me. The dwarves of The Scab are finally getting back on their feet, and they want to go ahead and release all the Old Ones from their captivity. It's absolute madness..."

Urist gives another look, and once again it results in silence. "Zasit isn't completely wrong, but not all those who worship Skald are crazy. They have their reasons.

"Enough on that. It pains me we are forced to meet like this. We had just finished expanding our network of tunnels lead into the Crescent Valley. We'd planned on opening trade relations with you in the coming months. The Caverns of Glimstone have had much success over the past few years. Who knew we just had to wait for an iron machine to come and carve it for us."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday March 30th, 2019 6:28:56 PM
"See that's where you made your mistake," says Kezzem. "You were trying to crack the shell. We sneaked and just cracked the nuts inside. Well, most of the nuts. Some saw the errors of their ways, others surrendered, and some got killed by other nuts."

"By nuts I mean dwarves. But not all dwarves, just the ones crazy enough that want to pilot a giant iron...er, giant...and smash halfling villages. And one gnome."

"The gnome was one of the nuts, not one of things being smashed by the iron giant. And by nut, in his case, I mean that he was also crazy, not that he was also a dwarf. Although he was adopted by dwarves, so maybe he was legally a dwarf?"

He turns to Pressi. "Is that how that works?"

"Anyway, I think I am rambling a bit. I'm starting to sound like Murph."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Sunday March 31st, 2019 1:50:21 AM
Hobie's ears perk up at the mention of releasing the Old Ones.

"What do you mean they want to release the Old Ones? This would be disastrous. Surely we can't allow that to happen."

He looks to Pressi, seeking some agreement from her.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Sunday March 31st, 2019 2:33:12 AM

Murphy finds Bliss's designations for and descriptions of his friends and himself charming. The dwarfs seem to enjoy his presentation.

"I don't know if some assistance would be useful. It does sound that you are self-sufficient people. Nonetheless, I've spent a fair bit of time underground, exploring, digging tunnels. As an earth elemental. If you would like, I could perhaps take some time now, or in the near future, to help you all get a good outline of the main areas for finding more gabbro. Maybe help dig some, too. Let me know. I would let you know whatever I find. With my good friend's help," and he nods toward Pressi, "we could give you a running commentary of what I come across. Gabbro, gems, ore, or whatever."

"Crescent Valley - though we can't officially speak for the officials - would almost certainly welcome trade with folk such as yourselves. The valley offers a wealth of food, tobacco, some decent ales, and a variety of handiworks. The ladies - and some laddies - enjoy gems and jewelry. The followers of Ffloy would be... enthused about negotiating trade deals."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24  d20+11=13 ;
Sunday March 31st, 2019 12:42:51 PM
Kezzem attempts to recall what his recent studies have mentioned anything about Old Ones.

Knowledge (religion) 13.

"The Old Ones don't sound very scary to me," says Kezzem. "I mean, all they are going to do is yell at us young whippersnappers to get off their lawn, no?"



Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 1st, 2019 5:41:23 AM
Succotash recalls what Ix had said about his father wanting to release the Old Ones, and says "The gnome, mentioned his father wanted to release the Old Ones, and was hoping to use the Iron Giant to do just that".

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:51:44 AM
Jack opens his writings in hopes to refresh himself on what the Gnome said about the old ones. He again keeps to himself since the others have the talking handled.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday April 1st, 2019 2:34:05 PM
Pressi watched as a couple of eyes turned to her. "Sorry, guys, I know as much about this religion as you do. All I can comment on is how it makes people act."

To the dwarves, "I'm not commenting on the religion. Even Pantheon worshippers can go nutjob evil if the right assumptions enter their head. But the fact remains that a number of dwarves were driven by this religion - or by money - to drive a giant through a couple of towns. So anything you can tell us about the basic tenants or practices could be worthwhile."

She gives some explanation about the people running the giant and the symbols found in various places, being careful to avoid giving any names or identifying information. (No vigilante justice - Pressi can't afford the competition.) "Can you tell us where these Skald worshippers set up camp?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Monday April 1st, 2019 6:53:47 PM

"Honestly," adds Bliss, "we just want to follow the backtrail of the iron giant on to wherever it originally came from."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:18:24 PM

"We've been traveling six hours. If you were willing to allow us, we can stay here overnight, I would be happy to do a bit of underground exploring on your behalf to assist in a faster finding of things before it grows late."

"By the way, a negotiating hint for you down in Humble's Ford. If you can manage to get on the good side of Mayor Bumbleluck, High priestess Sarabella Lovesong, Broker Iangold Laughshield, and... maybe Candy BadApple, then you'll likely find success in your trades." He thinks to add, "There's not much getting on the good side of Pirnook Deeppockets - but he engages in a fair bit of trade."

DM Carl 
Monday April 1st, 2019 9:59:00 PM
Hobie thinks releasing the Old Ones would be disastrous. Zasit speaks first. "Not really. They're linked to physical phenomena in The Scab. We could release all of them and Crescent Valley probably wouldn't be affected much, if at all. The Old Ones aren't that great, if you catch my drift."

Kezzem ponders the Old Ones. He knows they were creations of The Forger, much like the Iron Giant was. More than that, he's not sure. He gives a very, very rough draft of what happened. All three dwarves' eyes widen when he mentions the adopted gnome.

Urist is the first to speak. "The gnome, don't suppose his name was Ix, was it? Can't be too many dwarves adopting gnomes out there."

Succotash reveals a bit more about their previous discussions with Ix.

"Yea, that's Anur all right," answers Urist. "He used to be a friend of mine, until Shan got her hooks in him. Turned him on to worshipin' Scald. No doubt that's who he was trying to free." Urist scratches his head. "Not sure what part of his plan attacking Crescent Valley was, though. Can't say that makes much sense."

Zaragosa looks back over his notes. Ix didn't have much to say about the Old Ones. He got the feeling Ix wasn't the religious type. He remembers Ix wasn't fond of Anur worshiping Scald and hoped killing Shan would dissuade Anur's worship.

Pressi asks about any presence Scald's worshipers have. Ineth chimes in. "There's a few shrines to Scald, as well as Fhorge and some other Old Ones. Most of us decent folk worship Domi. Most'a those who worship the Old Ones are kids who don't know no better."

Bliss indicates they'd like to follow the trail the Giant went through.

"Easier said than done," answers Urist. "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." He ushers everyone inside the tunnel to show them. Sure enough, after several yards of roughly hewn stone, the entire path is blocked by rubble.

Murphy offers advice on trade in Humble's Sword. "Ah," starts Urist. "I'm sure our broker would love to have a word with you. We've been busy encrusting our stone crafts with gems in preparation for trade."

He also offers assistance, but finds himself gently rebuked. "Thanks, but no," answer all three. Urist finishes everyone's thought: "We handle our own here in Glimstone, friend. Come. It'll be evening soon. Let's get you settled inside for the night. Even underground, it's best not to travel at night..."

Zasit scratches his head as Urist leads Humble's Sword underground. "Ineth, what's wrong with travelling at night underground?" Ineth just rolls his eyes and follows.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 1st, 2019 11:33:40 PM
"Yesh, Ix, that be him," says Kezzem. "A bit of a jerk. Well, maybe more than a bit. Didn't deserve to go out like that, though."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 12:21:28 AM
Talia just watches feeling out of place with both her new languages and the surroundings.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight


Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 2:51:58 AM
Hobie will brush Pippa a bit and talk with her before he leaves her to head underground. She's a smart pony and more than capable and looking after herself for the night.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 5:14:50 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy follow the dwarves inside, not being a Halfling blessed with wisdom he follows without any concerns.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:03:57 PM
Pressi has a moment's hesitation, glancing down at her religious symbol (sense motive, Truetest version, +20). Ultimately, though, she feels even if it glows bright blue that it would be better to follow them for now. (And if they are followers of Domi, so much the better. But maybe avoid the spellcasting for now. Avoid scaring the natives.)

To the others, "I'm betting that one of those shrines belonged to Shan. A base of operations if not the giant dig site itself. Maybe we can track down where these shrines are.

"As for the loose rock, that's got to be easier to move than the solid. Surely Murphy or Talia has some ability to move through it."

She presumes the decision to wait until morning was decided by consensus.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:13:56 PM
Jack also shrugs and heads in after the dwarfs, he had never been housed in a dwarf settlement before.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30  d20+33=44 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+12=17 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 6:24:44 PM

Urist says, "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." And he shows us the rubble.

Well! There's Rubble and there's Rubble! That thing is crazy big, like 200 ft tall, right? Likely it made huuuuge boulders as it tunnelled. So that may well mean that little folk could squirm their way in! In the cracks and spaces between the boulders?

Bliss starts tossing out ideas on how to get through. "As a cat and an acrobatic escape artist, I bet I could higgle-di-wiggle my way through! Maybe all of us could! Especially with say a wand of reduce person, or grease spells, or blinking or gaseous form or polymorphs."

The little guy changes into a cat and sees if he can pick his way through the rubble. If he can, he goes say 30 feet in before turning back. What if we were careful (taking 10)? What if we were slow and careful (taking 20)?

Acrobatics 44, Escape Artist 21, Climb, 17

If he makes it, he returns and says, "See, not so bad! There's all kinds of spells and magic gear that can make you slippery or good at climbing!"

"Hey! Mister Murphy can just go through as an earth elemental, right? You got any other earth moving spells, Mister Murphy? You can cast reduce animal on Harper, right? And Miss Pressi can be a cat like me if she wants. And the Sirs Kezzem and Succotash can summon their pals to them once we get through."

"Miss Talia and Hobie! Can you do dimension doors? Maybe bringing people with you?"

"Jack, you got mad skills, right? And Blink and Grease? Any other tricks?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 8:05:00 PM
Talia was under the impression Dwarfs do not really care for magic...

If they all go underground, Talia wonders aloud," if someone brought a light source...seeing how Dwarfs do not need a light source. If Not, I have a Sunrod we could use!"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+30=42 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+16=23 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 11:21:26 PM

Murphy takes in what each person has to say. He attends closely to the look of the entrance, the tunnels they traverse, the items placed here and there. "Thank you for your hospitality." Murphy says.

"All right - I understand you not wanting to have someone you do not yet know, or know to trust, to go poking around your place. As we do have an interest though in following the trail of the iron giant, if you could grant leave at least for that, we'd be most appreciative. Think it over."

Responding to Bliss's queries, he responds, "Yes, Bliss, reduce animal I can cast. Gaseous form, yes. Freedom of movement may help some. There's soften earth and stone; stone shape; transmute rock to mud, and mud to rock. Move earth isn't really conducive to moving large stone formations - it's more of a surface topographical rearrangement, up to 750 feet by 750 feet, and takes hours. It sort of gently rearranges a segment of the surface of the Wold. As an earth elemental - I can - let's call it 'swim' through earth and rock without affecting it or changing it in any way. Gold and silver and large areas of metal I have to skirt. And, I can push earth out of the way to an extent - but it needs a place to go. I can't just make it disappear. Some potent wizards and sorcerers have spells to open passageways through earth and stone. Who knows where they send the materials off to? Oh, and I can cast stone tell - basically talk to stones, finding out who or what has touched them, as well as revealing what is covered or concealed behind or under them.

"I do not yet have the wherewithal for it, but when I lived in the Culverwood with my Aunt Nilli I met some powerful druids who can make Woldquakes - making the ground, and underground, shake in an area, maybe 160 feet in diameter. Some of them, too, can repel metal or stone. And there's a spell called transmute metal to wood, which affects pretty much all metal within a 40' radius. Don't worry, I cannot yet cast that one."

He assures the dwarfs he has no intention of casting any such spells as he enumerated without their leave, or in areas they wish unexplored. "These are your caves. We're here as guests, not as opponents, or adversaries, but as people who offer friendship, and potential alliance. Also, not necessarily ourselves per se - but some of our friends, neighbors, merchants and such - as trading partners. Yes, it would be good to meet your broker."

He does not press on any of these matters. He simply lays out possibilities, and leaves it to their hosts to process. Everything he says (to the best of his (and Kim's) knowledge) is true and factual. To his friends, he says, "We may do well, before spell acquisition on the morrow, to gather together to help us choose how we might proceed, with leave of our hosts."

Small backstep
I think I had mentioned Murphy's plan to plant oaks along the way. He plants three acorns, about 35 feet apart in an equilateral triangle, roughly every 1,000 feet of their journey northward, finding suitable spots. He waters, then leaves them to do what acorns do. He plans to have small stands of oaks leading into the Scab - and intends to return to each spot in the future to tend and care for them.

-----------------
Perception: 42
Sense Motive: 18
Diplomacy: 23 [either on its own, or augmented by +2 for each who helps him out to 25 or beyond...]

DM Carl 
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:26:35 AM
Kezzem confirms Urist's hunch about Ix.

"Aye, he was pretty full of himself. Could spin a yarn like no other, though. I've missed his stories."

Talia stares in confusion.

Hobie makes preparations for Pippa. She'll be fine.

"We have stables not far in, sir," mentions Zasit. "We've taken pains to ensure visitors are comfortable and cared for. Are you sure your mount wouldn't be more comfortable inside?"

Succotash delights in his wealth of foolishness and follows ahead, followed by Zaragosa.

Pressi briefly worries about her own religious proclivities, but does she have any cause to? Domi may be the primarily worshiped diety here, but surely not the only one.

Knowledge, Local DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Domi is responsible for giving the dwarves of The Scab access to their great forge again, which has caused a renaissance of sorts. Pantheon is still well respected and worshiped in his own right down here.}

She figures moving through rubble is no doubt easier than through solid stone. She's not wrong.

Bliss agrees, and gets right to work planning a way through the tunnel. He turns into a cat and bounces around in the pile. It's not as easy as he was hoping. He turns back into a halfling and starts planning when he feels a hard hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Ineth's hard eyes staring into his.

"Friend, we got druids hard at work shaping all that stone solid again on the other side. Maybe you could not open this tunnel back up? 'Sepcially since we got a perfectly good one a few yards over there?" He points west a bit.

Urist clears his throat. "Ineth's right, son. If you folks are keen on following that giant's trail, you'll have a much easier time starting from the caverns we've unearthed than clearing out this tunnel." He smiles, but it seems a bit strained.

Sense motive DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {He's doing his best to stay hospitable, but he's getting annoyed.}

Murphy has tools at his disposal, but after the dwarves' reactions, maybe he keeps those under his belt? He does slip into his role as the group's chief diplomat, though, and smooths some ruffled feathers.

"Good to hear...Murphy, as it? Please, allow us to show you around..."

The party is lead past the two statues in the mountainside into a long tunnel sloping into the earth. "Take care to walk where I walk, friends," says Urist as they walk. "This tunnel is not nearly as defenseless as it appears." To drive the point home, he takes a walking staff from its strap on his back and presses a nearby chunk of floor. Ten large, serrated steel discs spring from their cleverly concealed hiding spaces among the engravings, tearing into the space adjacent. "We can deactivate them, of course. So long as you are expected, you'll find this way safe."

The tunnel is actually about 1 mile long and tall enough for humans to walk comfortably. The floors have been smoothed, but the walls are masterfully engraved. Urist takes care to detail the stories they tell as the group travels inward. Should our players be curious, the history of the dwarves of The Scab can be found in the Woldipedia. The way is lit by what the casters in the party can no doubt identify as continual flames. Several thousand gold worth of rubies must have gone into their creation.

As the tunnel nears its end, the party comes upon a checkpoint manned by two dwarves clad head to foot in solid steel plate armor. Two dogs, also armored in steel, sit at attention. Sounds of sparring can be heard coming from nearby. Urist makes a slight motion with his hand and both dwarves stand aside and open the gates. Past the gates is an enormous central stairway leading down into the caverns. A wide open space is off to the left past the gates, though its function is unclear.

Urist leads the party down the stairwell. "Will you be wanting to rest before you start your journey inward? We have accommodations for visitors."

***

Kim: Apologies if you did and I missed them. You'll have no issues planting the oaks as you travel.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96  d20+3=11 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 5:42:16 PM
"Well", Succotash says, "Maybe getting getting a fresh start in the morning would be a good idea, but if everyone wants to press on, I fine with whatever"



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+9=12 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+30=35 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 8:13:55 PM

Murphy thanks Urist and whoever else comes along on the tour, listening to the stories. "Jack, as a bard, you'll want to be taking all this in, no?"

"I'm fine with a night's sleep, Succotash, both to enjoy the hospitality offered, and to have an appropriate selection of spells."
------------------------
Knowledge, Local: 12
Sense motive: 12
Perception: 35

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+6=24 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+9=19 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 9:42:40 PM
injnore the d20 +15, that was a mistake
sense motive is 24 and knowledge local was 19

Jack nodds to Bliss "yes yes, I have grease and blink and can magically unlock door and such. I'm sure I can be of great use here."

Jack is aware of the worship of Pantheon but says nothing of it.

Jack, who was often terrible at sensing the motivation of others, somehow caught Urist's frustration. "We cannot thank you enough." he would say, "If there is any way we can repay you, please let me know."

To Murphy, jack shrugs "I guess I'm bard-ish. I have been doing my best to take in in sir. Anything you wish me to do with the knowledge? I know that Domi is mostly responsible for the forge, and I wonder if it is connect to the worship of Pantheon in the area? "


Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+2=14 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:20:34 PM
Talia will join the popular decision, whatever that happens to be. If she must go underground, she will pull an Sunrod from her haversack, and activate it by smashing it into the ground.

Talia will try to sense motive in this situation [skill check: Sense Motive: 14]. Her arcane senses are dulled at the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:25:55 PM
"Well, it would be rude to refuse such a generous offer," says Kezzem. "We're not pressed for time, are we guys? I'm afraid I don't have much of head for arithmemagic myself so you have to ask Pressi, Talia, or Murphey."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:48:26 AM
Bliss scrambled to wriggle through gaps and crevices, then emerges covered in dust and grit.

“Huh,” he says, “Yeah, maybe we could go that way, but it would not be all that easy ....”

He looks over to where Ineth is pointing — at a tunnel just a few dozen feet away.

“OR ... we could just walk down this handy tunnel going exactly in the same direction, sure. OK, let’s do that!”

Bliss grins at Ineth and Urist, oblivious to nuance.

As the group walks down the tunnel, he enjoys the engravings and listens to the stories, though sometimes they seem odd to him — dwarf culture, go figure. Is that an engraving of a sock? He tries to get into the spirit and comments to Urist, “This is an exceptionally designed image of a dwarf. The dwarf is surrounded by the dwarves.”

Asked if he wants to rest, Bliss says he is not tired. But he looks at himself and the trail of grit and dust behind him. He has dust on his right great toe and his left arm and his upper thighs and his eyelashes and his left elbow. “Just a bucket of non-murky water and a bar of soap, please, if you have your soap economy up and running.”

DM Carl 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:21:15 PM
The party accepts the offer to stay as Urist leads them downstairs. The stairwell is roughly 15' wide with two separate staircases: one for up traffic, one for down. They're arranged in a double helix. The party descends down several stories of the dwarves' fortress. Down hallways that lead away from the stairs, our heroes can see many, many dwarves going about their industrious lives. Urist leads the party down one such hallway, through a pair of gem-encrusted double doors, into what appears to be a gathering place for the locals. Ornate statues line the walls, with several un-labelled levers situated throughout. "Always someone here," says Urist when he sees they've caught your attention. "When the call goes to flip one, we can guarantee someone will be here to do it."

Food and drink is plentiful, if unorthodox. The chief liquor seems to be a wine brewed from local mushrooms. It's probably an acquired taste.

The party's rooms appear to be on the very last level of the fortress before it opens up into the caverns below. Each room is appointed with a 20' square glass window that offers a view any of our heroes have likely seen before. Dwarves mill about, cracking open seams of gems and otherwise keeping busy. It's also very obvious where the Giant tread: a path of destruction has been torn through the caverns, including a tower of stone (gabbro, for those in the know) that is obviously dwarven-made. Some kind of stone machinery can be seen inside its ruins.

The rooms are high up enough and the walls thick enough to absorb all sound from the work below. Our heroes sleep soundly.

It is morning. With this view of the entire caverns it's a great time to break out the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier and plan a route. The results are...disappointing. The DPAA points away from the trail the Giant left. Tiana did mention it was possible the source of the Giant's power may have drifted over the years. It appears she was right.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:40:33 PM

"What to do with knowledge, Jack? Why, knowing things enhances one's understanding, informs wisdom, provides context, and enlarges one's repertoire of stories to tell to share with an audience of many, or of one. You can be scintillating as you regale another with an apt tale. And, as we enter the land wherein live many dwarfs, a better acquaintance with their history may serve us well in The Scab." [See link to find out what the dwarfs told us.]

Murphy laughs at the request Bliss made. He first waits to see how their hosts might respond to what he asked for. If they fall short in any one aspect, Murphy can make up for it to complete the solution. [Right pants pocket - a bucket; haversack - a bar of soap; can cast create water.]

He is curious about what sorts of accommodations for visitors the dwarfs provide. He considers what he might offer as a gift of gratitude at the time they leave (after a good night's sleep?).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:53:51 PM

"Oh, I forgot to ask - along the way down the tunnel ahead, how often might one find a pathway to the land above?" the druid inquires. "Are there signs or sigils which might indicate such?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23   d20+11=31 ;
Thursday April 4th, 2019 2:36:03 PM
(Know Local Nat 20, Sense Motive no fail).

Pressi notes the dwarf's increasing impatience, but doesn't respond. "Our apologies for getting ahead of ourselves. Wouldn't be heroes if we didn't assume the worst every once in a while."

Regarding the religious aspects... acceptance of a true follower of Pantheon like Succotash is one thing. Following the protestant arcane twist that is an arcane bloodwitch - that is another thing altogether. But they are also a long way from the days of dwarven distrust of arcane magic so nobody here is burning the witch... right?

To Kezzem, "My knowledge of this area starts and stops with the ability to drag energy from the rock and literally catch it. But tactic wise, the danger our town faces with the tower down and us gone is the same as before, and won't change with a night's sleep. And if it were an issue with the giant, Tiana would presumably have mentioned it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:01:48 PM
Succotash indulges in the interesting food and drink offered by the dwarves. He finds it exotic and palatable, but it’s not something he would want to eat every day, however he is quick to show his gratitude to his hosts. After dinner he again thanks his hosts, and decides to hit the sack, recommending his comrades do likewise, as the adventure starts afresh in the morning.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:47:39 PM
As he considers a gift, the thought occurs to Murphy before the day is gone. "I have been planting sets of three acorns along the way on our path from Humble's Ford northward to Glimstone. If you would like, as a mark of friendship, I could do so outside of your place - you tell me at what distance - a hundred feet or so? Closer? Farther away? - and I will plant three acorns, and cause them to grow up quickly into oak trees. If you would like more than three, I can do more." He will cast in such a way as to affect only the acorns.

If they agree, then, just before sunset, he will plant the three acorns - or more, if their hosts desire, water them, then cast plant growth to focus upon those three. If they want the 35' separation pattern he has been using, that is fine, or several in a row, he can so do. "If you'd prefer, I can plant several acorns in a 150' radius semicircle, or a 100' circle, or a 200' quarter circle." He also offers to cast a spell which will allow for more abundant harvests in a half-mile radius over this coming year.

"As a mark of trade between our town and your enterprise, people will be able to follow the stands of oaks between here and there."

========
Meanwhile, he is mindful of how the dwarfs respond to Pressi's queries and comments.

Quietly, he asks the various members of the group to consider some token of gratitude towards the dwarfs for hospitality shown. "It's not required - but yet may be appreciated."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Thursday April 4th, 2019 8:06:52 PM
Any night where the team can get some actual food, drink and sleep is a good one. In fact, forget the food and the sleep.

Wake up, rituals, blood catch and... after finding the new direction... the cauldron report back to their coven (along with passing along the question of whether they actually are in a hurry).

As for knowledge, sometimes knowledge is just knowledge. Personally, Pressi wished she had spent more time learning about Shan's beliefs. That would probably be worth more than learning that dwarves are Domi with a splash of Parthenon.

There is some discussion of the percentages and risks of various choices. But in the end, Pressi lays her marker for following the DPAA. If it turns out to be broken, she can always find places in Tiana's body to stash it.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:23:10 PM
Jack thinks about what Murphey says. "I guess I could be a storyteller of sorts. perhaps one day. Perhaps it could be the thing I am good at." he says, seemingly a lot more humble than he was when he first met the team, " What about you? What are you seeking in life? is there any way I could aid in that?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:31:41 AM

[Okay, as I posted roughly the same time as DM Carl, and did not take his into consideration (it was invisible to me!), the post at 1:53pm Thursday was based upon having just arrived and initially taken down a hallway a ways. The plan to plant the oaks - with Urist's approval - was to have taken place late in the afternoon of our arrival - not the next morning. Is that all right? My later posts were also oblivious of Carl's post. I totally failed my (personal) perception check -Kim]

Murphy is fascinated with the view from the windows, and spends time taking in as much as he can. He tries to divine the purpose of each machine, the intent of each worker, the magnitude of their operation. "This is an astonishing piece of work you people perform!"
============
"Pressi! I actually know what DPAA is! Yes - let us follow the meandering guidance device. It seemed rather nicely to be pointing back exactly the direction that the Iron Giant took from Glimstone to Humble's Ford." He checks to see if there seems to be an angle of difference in the direction the Iron Giant took while underground, as opposed to when it emerged and began making indentations in the surface of the Wold. If so - that is, if the giant changed his pathway at or near that point, and the DPAA is pointing along the direction that coincides with the H.F. to Glimstone path, then his confidence in the device increases.

If, instead, the device's directionality is at odds with its earlier indications, then he mentally regroups. "If it keeps pointing different directions - maybe it's not pointing directly to the power source, but rather toward the most expedient way to travel to the power source? I know, that sounds unlikely. We'll likely understand better as we follow its directions. I hope."

"Perhaps, so, Jack. I think you could. The Wold has many voices. Perhaps it also needs yours to flavor the mix, eh? And, it seems to me you've the capability of being good at additional things. You rose to the occasion several times during our sweep of the Iron Giant.

"Hey Hobie. Wake up. You've been walking along without asking clever questions or making acute observations for hours now."

"What am I seeking in life? An excellent question, Jack. Did you know that questions are building blocks of friendships? What am I seeking? Tell you what, I'll answer your question over the next few days. That I will."

He asks Urist, "Does the tunnel ahead follow a more or less straight path this direction?" and he points the direction the tunnel starts out at. "Or does it turn and go more or less that direction," and he indicates the direction the DPAA points. He does not use the device in the presence or the dwarfs, nor does he recommend that any do so. "Alternatively, does it meander all over the place?"

To the group as a whole, considering the direction the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier points, he asks the members of Humble's Sword, "Shall we follow the tunnel route - or see about going above ground for the time being?"

He does indicate he would like, in time, to follow the construct's pathway - but if it does not coincide with where the DPAA directs them, that may need to wait for a later date.

He finishes with, "Please, Pressi, tell me what a Frisbee is."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=29 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 7:11:47 AM
Talia stays silent most of the time observing what is happening especially the dialogues between his friend and the dwarves. When able, Talia will mediate for at least 2 hours for good nights sleep.

While observing, Talia will try to get a sense of the arcane in the area...[Skill check: Knowledge arcane: 29]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:38:26 PM
ooc: Sorry for the absence guys.

Hobie takes the offer of the stables for Pippa and brings her along (I didn't realize how big this underground place was).

Hobie is quiet as they are brought along, he lets the more sociable members of his party take the lead. He meticulously touches and counts every arrow in his quiver over and over again and thinks about the dangers to come. He thinks about his spellbook and what spells might be useful to his group.

DM Carl 
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:09:00 PM
Murphy and Jack continue to discuss his role in the group.

Pressi is relieved to find herself not on the business end of a stake. She figures following Tiana's device is probably the more prudent route.

Murphy test it himself. It does not, nor has it ever, changed direction. However, now that you're at a location where the Giant travelled on it's route to Crescent Valley, one can see that the device is not pointing at wherever it is the Giant started said journey. He asks Urist about it.

"Well, we haven't followed the thing's path back to where it started. I'm sure we will at some point, but we've been busy here." He looks at the direction indicated by the DPAA. "Nope, giant didn't come from over there. Don't much recommend you head that way, either. We've had to shut off that entire area of the caverns cause'a the irlgaunt nest."

...because of course there's an irlgaunt nest over there. What's an irlgaunt, you ask? A DC23 knowledge arcana check gets you this.

Murphy also mentioned travelling above ground for a bit. That's possible, but the DPAA is also pointing to a place deeper within the earth.

Talia takes in the sights. The dwarves have a reputation for mistrust of the arcane, but maybe that's not justified? She sees a few dwarves with what look to be component pouches. She also sees one talking to a shrew, but she might just be crazy.

Hobie is quiet lately, but he's still here, pondering his own usefulness.

Succotash is happy with food, drink, and a place to sleep.

***

Everyone's awake, they know the direction they're supposed to go, but there are beasties in the way. Story as old as time...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+7=18 ; d20+16=32 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:52:23 PM

"I've never run into an irlgaunt before. Most of my life has been above ground, or in holes and tunnels not very deep down. What can you tell us about them?" Murphy inquires. "And how many of them might you estimate would be in that area? If we could clear out a fair portion of them, would you want to use that area of the caverns again?"

========
Knowledge, Arcana: 18
Knowledge, Nature: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Friday April 5th, 2019 5:05:42 PM
Succotash has know idea what an irlgaunt is but that doesn’t stop him from blurting out, “We will take care of this infestation for you!”

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+12=28 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 8:54:05 PM
"I look forward to hearing more about your goals" Jack would say to Murphey at the end of the conversation. Later that same day he would try to ask Succotash more about his father as well.

On hearing about the Irigaunt, I rolled a 28 on the knowledge check

"An Irlgaunt!" Jack would gasp, "I have heard of them in my studies. Nasty things! Large spiders with tentacles and slime. They are immune to acid and cold. I believe they can spill all kinds of acid on you as well. I have had enough of that since we fought those acid monsters in the giant."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Friday April 5th, 2019 9:37:39 PM

"I'm not afraid of spiders," says Bliss. "I just wish I had gotten my spider cloak instead of deciding to get it next level! D'OH!"

If the party is just taking a few moments to freshen themselves, then Bliss is ready. If the party is sleeping through the night, then Bliss is ready.

He does ask the dwarves if they have any vials of antivenom that they would be willing to sell. Also, he asks about the Tower Caps and other mushrooms we aree looking for as a side quest.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23   d20+5=12 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 11:13:10 PM
Pressi smirks at Jack’s continued questions. “You know, I don’t think I could tell you Murphy’s goals or dreams either. Pretty sure he doesn’t have them. Just go back to the farm with me and a couple of kids, but he more expected than dreamed that.”

She asks the dwarves if they know how far the nest is. This could be a job for scouting or scrying. As for these creatures, looks like she might have to scan them by touch to learn their weaknesses or begin a strategy.”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 12:32:27 AM
"What's an Earl Gaunt?" asks Kezzem. "Some kind of spider? Sounds like it should be a real thin duke."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 3:35:42 AM

"How strangely you misrepresent me, Pressi. You have frequently expressed an interest - much more than an interest - in me, yet can perceive none of my goals, not one of my dreams? You're certain I have none such? I thought you much more perceptive than that. Unless your words are in total jest," Murphy allows. "If not, then there's a whole lot more acquaintance to make. Or change of direction. So, Pressi - what are your goals, your dreams?

"I've sensed purpose in you for some time now. Let us peel the onion further."

"And, yes, Jack, I'll be with you on that shortly. Thank you for telling us a bit about the Irlgaunt. Just how large are they?" He also awaits word on the creatures from others who may know.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 8:00:40 AM
“Well Jack”, Succotash begins, “He’s a halfling who is proud of his craftsmanship, so proud, that he sometimes forgets that other people have other dreams”. “Frankly I understand why he was and perhaps still is upset with me for not following in his footsteps, as a silversmith”, Succotash continues, “as it’s a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, and as an only child father simply assumed I would desire to take up the mantle and learn the trade, but I had no love or skill for it, my only desire from my youth has been to travel the Wold fighting evil, as a Paladin of Pantheon”.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=34 ;
Saturday April 6th, 2019 9:38:24 AM
Talia, when she gets the opportunity to speak with her hosts; in her newly learned language - Dwarven-; asks,

"Urist not that long ago, I saw what I believed to be component pouches. I even thought I saw one of your brethren speaking to a rodent! I thought the Dwarven people shun the arcane? I mean this is a story I have heard many many times. That the Dwarven people distrust magic..."

When learning about a nest of some sort, Irigaunts...Talia thinks back into her collective knowledge of the arcana and remembers...oh abominations...powerful carnivores that enjoy humanoids!

Without waiting for Urist to explain her perceived magic connection, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself, in case she needs to make haste. With that quick conclusion, Talia finds herself giggling.

"Ah, Bliss you are not getting the big "spider picture" here, Talia explains, "Irigaunts are an unwholesome abomination scuttles fluidly forth, its shape combining features of both spider and squid under an armor of rugged rock. While stone protuberances gird its upper portions, below it is a thing of angry red flesh and soft pink tendrils. Two gaping orifices full of tiny barbs split its lower body—a mouthlike slit surrounded by numerous narrow red eyes and, above that, an oozing alien aperture. In addition, this thing lives here switch probably means it came tobe in the first age...it's near DemiGod like in its creation, and it's Evil!"

[Skill Check: knowledge arcana: 34]

[Spells in Effect
Overland Flight



Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 2:57:58 PM

At some point, Murphy jots down some notes.

"These can be honed, I'm certain," Murphy says before reading the list. "But, Jack, and Pressi, and whoever else wants to know, here are some of my aims and goals."
A few Things Murphy Aims To Do, To Be, To Accomplish

Learn much
Do good
Help others
Oppose evil, oppose oppressors, help the oppressed

Acknowledge Heaven's help
Give due respect and honor

Laugh. Dance. Suffer. Sing. Rejoice. Mourn. Fast. Feast. Live.

Seek wise balance in life
Once in a while, go wildly out of balance
Gain in power and abilities to help fulfill goals
Adventure with friends
Travel to the moons of the Wold - Kerracles and Wardd

Marry - become one with another very particular person
Do my best to help us both be the best we can be
Be open to the fruit of relationship
(including children)
Take care of family - including extended family (and in-laws)

Help Humble's Ford
Help Crescent Valley
Make friends
Make history
Write a few books. And read many.

Bring peace where possible
Be an instrument of reconciliation

Help boost my friends to meet their righteous goals
Show grace to others, and receive grace given me


DM Carl 
Saturday April 6th, 2019 4:32:20 PM
In the midst of a discussion about family, life goals, and history of the members of Humble's Sword, our heroes have questions for their host.

"Honestly, Talia, I think the 'dwarves mistrust the arcane' belief is taken to an extreme too often. The arcane is a tool, much like a pick or ballista. It has its use, and like all tools, it can be useful in the right hand. The common folk among the dwarves may not love the arcane, but they'd much rather let one of our wizards light our caverns with their continual flame spells than spend their time crafting and rotating out torches or oil lamps.

"Far as the irlgaunts, Maggad says they're normally solitary creatures. Maggad's a local druid and knows her stuff. She says if there're this many in one place, then there's a nest they're protecting. Says they'll probably clear out within a year once their young are raised, so we've decided to leave'em along unless they start encroaching. We set a couple'a rangers to keep an eye on them without gettin' too close.

"Really though, we'd all sleep better if they were gone. Them things gotta eat, and there's only so much food down here for'em to hunt. If you folks think you can tackle them, we'd be real grateful."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Saturday April 6th, 2019 5:34:58 PM
Jack would raise an eyebrow to Murphey's goals. "quite the list of things. Very admiral goals, all of them. I shall keep them in mind. As for your question on the Irlgaunt, they are large, sort of like a direwolf. To the best of my knowledge as I have only heard them through stories."

to Succotash he would have said something along the lines, "I have heard you mentioned most of this before. It seemed since all this giant business started we didn't' get a break, but when we do perhaps you and I could have a sit down with your father."

To the dwarf host Jack would say, "You need not fear. The Humble sword has dealt with worse than Irlgaunts."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9  d20+21=41 ;
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:44:26 AM
"I'm quite familiar with Irlgaunts, (Know Arc 41) and I'm not terribly concerned. If it was just one of these guys I could dispatch him with ease before he ever knew I was there. But a whole nest of them could certainly be trouble. How many are we talking? Five? Ten? Dozens?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:23:11 AM
“Could someone fill me in on there strengths and weaknesses”, Succotash asks, “Woudn’t mind being better prepared”.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:37:28 PM

"Killing them is possible, I reckon. However, now that you mention her, if Maggad is available, we could talk with her a moment?" Murphy inquires. "I am thinking there may be a way of getting through their nesting area, without having a need for attempts at mutual slaughter. They need to feed, right? I could bring several sheep back within a few hours. We talk with the irlgaunts, explain that we need to pass through. They need food. If they try to treat halflings as food, they will be killed. If they will take the sheep instead, and let us pass through peacefully...

"Also, a fair number of sheep and cattle are kept in Crescent Valley. If you'd like to exchange a few gems once in a while, perhaps a weekly delivery of food could be sent up here. We let the irlgaunts know that, for the next year, they'll be given a certain amount of food on a weekly basis. They will attack no dwarfs, gnomes, halflings - people - who pass through peacefully. After a year, they will need to migrate elsewhere, and free up that passage."

"But, it would be good to speak with Maggad, to see if she believes such is feasible. To see if we can negotiate with them. If not, then let Hobie's arrows fly, and the rest of us do what we can do."

-------
In reply to Succotash, Murphy says, "You have a fair idea of mine, don't you?" But he still gives the paladin at least a brief review. [Feel free to take a look at everyone's character sheets.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 6:35:08 PM
"Wait, you can talk with these things?" asks Kezzem. "I thought they were spiders! Can somebody feel a guy in on what's happening here?"

"I think he meant the strengths and weaknesses of the Earl Gaunts, Murph."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:48:24 PM
Talia listens to Kezzem and grins. Talia explains to the group, but especially Kezzem. "Kezzem, the Irigaunts are well they are large, spider-like aberrations that lurk in mountainous regions and vertical subterranean chasms. While large and imposing, these arachnid-like beings are deceivingly agile, their reflexes fast and movements swift, similar to the darting motions of a hunting insect.

Irlgaunts are as quick-witted as they are nimble and have a strong grasp of strategy and tactics. They stand between 11 and 13 feet tall and weigh around 3,000 pounds. Their lowest ability is Intelligence and they can speak up to four languages. Their highest abilities are strength and dexterity, both equivalent to that of Giants! Now as for weaknesses, fire, like most things, but they do have many skills, attacks, and defense reductions...It's an abomination really. Does that help you?"

Talia also tells the group, "I would assume that after the initial offering, then we would have a chance to see if they will live up to the bargain. If not, then ranged attached, fire, and the like...I bet they even spit acid!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Monday April 8th, 2019 6:24:52 AM
"Thank you Kezzem", Succotash says, "For the most part I know our strengths and weakness Murph, we've been fighting side by side for awhile now, and I couldn't ask for better brothers and sisters in arms, but I want to know if Twinklesting will be able to drop them, or not, and whether or not I should ask the Dwarves if they have an entrance to the catacombs to purchase something more suited for the occasion.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 8th, 2019 10:20:26 AM
to Succotash jack would say, "I think we should use bludgeoning since they are so slimy. I know they are immune to acid and cold which sucks for me and my frost sword. I am pretty sure they can spit acid so watch for that. All these are through stories though as I have never seen one."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:18:01 AM

"I beleive that I may have spoken," Pressi replied. "I sometimes forget that small dreams are still dreams. And frankly, that you want nothing more than to settle down or help others is what attracts me the most to you. But... even your list doesn't have much concrete besides marriage, and it doesn't say how you will help others. I mean, if the war ended tomorrow and you never had to fight another giant, what would you do?

"Me. I'll admit to having been more of a cork in the water than I'd like... though some of the best things about my life were never planned. But I've always wanted the fame and recognition, to be known as the great warrior and leader. And now that I've achieved that to some degree... I guess I'm still chasing that statue, still looking for the next step. Grow my foundation, get my face out there, maybe even enter politics. Mayor Silverwood, kind of has a nice ring to it."

As for the giant spiders, Pressi tends to be disinclined to just go up and fight or bargain with what seems to be a rather nasty abberation. She'd prefer to use divinations or scouting to avoid them altogether.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:22:40 AM
"Hey, I know spells that can protect against acid!" says Kezzem. "If I have time to pray, I can ask Gargul for a couple."

DM Carl 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:06:20 PM
Jack correctly asserts that Humble's Sword has dealt with worse problems than irlgaunts.

Hobie is well versed in the lore surrounding the creatures. He asks about how many they're dealing with.

"Well, we think there are at least five. Can't say for sure, though."

Succotash asks for the lowdown on these things. Jack fills him in.

Murphy, always one to look for a way around a solution, asks to speak with the local druid.

Urist sees no problem with that, so he leads the party back to the tunnel the Giant tore through the mountain, though this time they're on the interior rather than exterior. Several dwarves are busy arranging the rubble into as solid a wall as they're able before one of the gathered casters stone shapes it shut. Urist introduces Maggad, a slight, short (even for dwarf standards), completely unassuming dwarf. There are no outward clues that Maggad is anything other than a commoner.

"Maggad, got some visitors here that need to get past the irlgaunt nest you discovered. They've got some questions. Folks, this is Maggad."

"Hold a moment!" shouts Maggad to the workers assembled with him. He turns back to the party, speaking in perfect halfling.

"I'd heard rumor we had visitors. Sorry for not finding time to visit, but our work here is terribly important." He listens to Murphy's ideas on the irlgaunts, but his face betrays his doubt. "They're not animals. I dare say when it comes to pure intellect, I'm no match for them. What's more, they're notoriously cruel. Nothing gets along with an irlgaunt, not even other irlgaunts. The fact that they're forced to spend time together has probably put them into even more foul a mood than normal.

"What's more, they are aberrations. Were they not such a grave threat I wouldn't hesitate to wipe them out. I can't ask others to put their lives on the line for the sake of my own beliefs, but I cannot abide aiding them...and what's to happen next time they spawn? Are we to become an irlgaunt nursery? No friend, I cannot sign off on this course of action." He speaks softly, but his words and posture leave no doubt as to how firm his resolve on this matter is. "If you want to move in that direction, you're going to have to deal with them directly."

Kezzem rethinks his mental understanding of their foe. He has spells he can prepare. It's still very early. It's possible the party's casters haven't even prepared their spells for the day yet...

Pressi is keen on avoiding the situation at all. Maybe that's possible?

Urist thanks Maggad for his time and leads the party away unless they have any follow-up questions. "Probably not the answer you were wanting, but Maggad knows his stuff. There's a lot of life down in these caverns if you know where to look, and Maggad does. He's saved many lives."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:43:28 PM

"Thank you, Maggad." He uses a druidic term of respect for him, then says, "We appreciate your frank insights. With the irlgaunts being abberrations as dangerous and repugnant as you report, we will see what we can do."

"If you know anything about what or who may lie beyond the irlgaunts' nest, your insights would be valued."

To Pressi he communicates telepathically Highlight to display spoiler: {"I'm open to wiping them out, based upon what Maggad says. I know you also want to explore the possibility of largely or entirely bypassing them. That could be fine - but diminishing the threat to the dwarfs seems a good thing to me. With good prep, likely we can do it. I can't believe I'm agreeing with Hobie."}

"It's early," he says to his friends. "Let us decide what to do, and prepare spells and such as seem appropriate."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:50:14 PM
"Look, I think it would do these dwarves a lot of good if we can clear out the nest, and they're in our way as it is. Let's go take them out."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:52:06 PM
"Good Dwarf sir, we shall handle this problem post-haste! Many have not seen such a talented group of adventurers!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Monday April 8th, 2019 9:14:02 PM

"I feel brave," says Bliss. "We should go fight evil nasty giant spiders!"

"I bet your craftsdwarves would love to use their silk, Master Urist. Just close the door behind us and do not let them out to harvest until AFTER the battle, please!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:42:52 PM
"Well, I am going to go pray for some spells," says Kezzem. "I should be able to ward myself and one other against acid, so fight amoungst yourselves over who is going to get the ward. Also, I am going to ask Gargul if there is a way to share resistance to acid energy communally. I have heard rumors of such spells, but I am not sure if he grants them or not."



Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 12:29:51 AM
Talia asks the group what they think they will need for this extermination?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:15:17 AM
"I can prepare that spell also, 3 times I believe, and Piggy already has some acid protection, so who would like the other 2?", Succotash offers. He then asks their host if they have an entrance to the catacombs stating that he would like to purchase that adamantine heavy flail he had been eye balling for his last few trips there.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 7:55:03 AM
Jack would answer Talia "I could use a club or a mace. All I got is a sword of frost damage and that would be useless against such things, though I could always cheer from the back"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 1:57:21 PM
Pressi begins to protest that the dwarves seem fine, but everyone else seems to be itching for a fight. "All right, let's go save the world. Again. Whatever."

Turning to Maggad. "We have an idea about the creatures. Now lets talk about the environment, because it says here they like to ambush people using camouflage. (OOC: I'm metagaming to move things along.) It also says they like to knock people off of mountains... but I presume that would be hard in the middle of a tunnel. So is this nest in the tunnel or out a bit. And either way, are we talking hours of walking or around the corner. Are we talking a lot of room or just flight?"

Pressi messages back to Murphy. Highlight to display spoiler: { Am I really the only one here that worries about wiping out an ecosystem that seems contained, in a room with TWO druids? }

In light of the potential ambush, Pressi takes some time to cast spite. The ink wraps around her arm among the other tatoos, the runes for "Ghoul Touch" forming in black energy. "I can also cast protection from energy: acid on myself and one other, plus for Jack, I could cast Greater Magic Weapon." Depending on Maggad's information, she considers flying broom and one of arcane eye or prying eyes before they enter the tunnel, and spectral hand for when they get closer. This time, she skips the Threefold Aspect. "And... did someone request an Animal Growth for polymorph for their mount or did I imagine that?"

That remains it for the preparations, but Pressi notes which of her spells work on any living creature.

L1 7
L2 1/5
L3 1/4
L4 4
L5 3

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:15 PM

Murphy messages Pressi with a smile. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Well, I did propose negotiating with and feeding them, until the druid on the scene recommended wiping them out. I'm going against my first inclination - after receiving Maggad's key perspective."} Out loud, he adds, "And he speaks impeccable halfling."

Presumably, the assault will take place at least an hour after the meeting with Maggad, to allow for spell preparations. [Will update spell selection by this evening - have swapped a few spells.] Murphy does mention, "I'm taking fire seeds, mass cure light wounds, call lightning storm, wall of fire, freedom of movement, flame strike, call lightning, protection from energy, greater magic fang, neutralize poison, resist energy, flaming sphere, detect snares and pits, and a few others."

DM Carl 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:58 PM
Murphy thanks Maggad and asks if the druid knows what lies beyond the nest.

"The vastness of The Scab, of course," he answers cryptically. "That area of the tunnel is unexplored by my kind. I'd be interested in hearing what you find, should you return."

Hobie and Jack are ready to throw down.

Bliss is really milking this scene.

Kezzem goes to prepare, making plans to ward himself and a friend against acid. Smart, especially for Kezzem.

Talia asks for some input on how she can help. Jack could use something that will actually hurt the creatures.

Succotash asks for a Catacombs entrance. Urist shakes his head, indicating they do not. If he really wants that flail, he can always run home and buy it there. It'll take all day, but the irlgaunts aren't going anywhere.

Pressi continues to bear the burden of wisdom. She asks Maggad about the environment.

"Oh, I imagine it will be to your disadvantage. The creatures can shape stone at will, and will no doubt have tailored their nest to be defensible. There may not be mountains to knock you off of, but there could be pits to knock you in to...just as an example. I haven't gotten close enough to their nest to draw you a diagram. Even if I had, who knows what they've done with the place since our first encounter. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say open spaces aren't likely."

Urist speaks up. "Our miners were creating an exploratory tunnel when they broke through to what they thought was a natural fissure in the stone. That's where they first encountered the irlgaunts. We don't know what's beyond that opening, but it's the only way we know into their domain."

She wonders why the druids seem ok with this proposed slaughter, but Maggad made his feelings on aberrations quite clear.

***

The ball is in our heroes' court at the moment.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)  
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Jack is ready to go and lets the team know he is ready when they are.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:37:06 PM
ooc: What is the light situation like? I'm assuming it's dark because it's a cave, but is that correct? I may change spells to add Dark vision based on your answer.

======================================
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 5:43:30 PM
Succotash's ears perk up when Pressi mentions Animal Growth, and says to her, "Piggy would love to go large when fighting, but I wouldn't want to take anything away from Harper". "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind some enlargement during a fight either".

To Urist he says, "Aw well, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light anyway", he pulls her out of her scabbard a few inches to reveal the glowing blade, "Besides since these things are evil, her holy damage will come in handy".

Then to the party, "Well, if we all have our spells prepared, we might as well head out"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:11:48 PM
"Okay gang, I am ready to resist some acid," says Kezzem. "Sadly, I won't be able to shield others through my rings, so you're on your own there. So I can take care of two of us, and it looks like Succo can get three others. Rumpus is already a little resistant to acid, and I'm sure Piggy is as well. That leaves us eight halflings, and three without acid resistance by my count. Can anyone else handle that?

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90  d20+18=19 ;
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:15:26 PM
Tali' says out loud to the assembled group..."why do you think this is a sound move, taking on the Irlgaunt nest? First up, we do not know how many there are! If there turns out to be just as many of them, as there as us, we well all be visiting Gargul sooner than you'll think! I just think that you all underestimate....dang I lost my train of thought, Ug! You fighters are going to be the death of me!" Tali' ambles off to get ready.

"Are we all going? Do we all need StoneSkin spells casted?" nasks Talia to the H'Sword. If so, line up and I cast the spell of anyone needing one, as she reaches back into her haversack withdrawing a rod. In addition, before whatever fight may come, I can also cast Protection from evil with a wand. Although I have Haste as a spell I can't caste them all on the group it would deplete all my spells of that level.

[Skill check: Knowledge arcane:19]

Spells Prepared:
1st-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Identify
Grease
Mage Armor
Enlarge Person
Magic Missile
shocking grasp

2nd-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Invisibility
Glitterdust
Pyrotechnics
Web
Acid Arrow
Scorching Ray
Spectral Hand

3rd-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dispel Magic
Blink
Fireball
VAMPIRIC TOUCH
Haste

4th-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dimension Door
Black Tentacles
Enervation
StoneskinM

5th-Level | Per Day: 5+2

Overland Flight
Telekinesis
Beast Shape III

6th-Level | Per Day: 3+2

Summon Monster VI

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:50:33 PM

When Bliss hears that the situation may have changed, what with pits and stone shapings and what-all, he suggests a magic solution. "Maybe one of us witches or arcanists can send out an invisible arcane eye to scout out the lair. Plus, if maybe the footing will be bad, we should fight this fight from air. I can polymorph people into small air elementals. I can ride a magic broom."

He asks Urist if he can borrow a broom for the fight.

"We've got to clean out these spiders!" he says, giggling.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 2:35:46 AM

"Succotash," says Murphy, "I can have the both of us back at Pirnook's General Store in the time it takes us to walk to the three trees I planted yesterday afternoon (cast two plant growth spells on them), and then from the big oak next to Humble's Barrow - the Mayor's place, and the short walk to the store. You can enter the Catacombs there. An hour later, I'll switch into a huge air elemental, and we'll fly back. Round trip, here to there and back again? Just shy of two hours, including your shopping time.

"If anyone wants us to pick up something extra from the Catacombs, let us know. That arcane eye notion, Bliss, sounds useful.

"Succotash - if you don't want to grab your adamantite stabber, then I can be ready to head with everyone toward the irlgaunts in about 15 minutes from now."

He asks his friends' opinions as to whether he should enter the nesting area as earth elemental, or air elemental. He is inclined toward the former, but both forms have their own advantages. "Might switch to fire elemental at some point."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:22:16 AM
[b]"Thanks for the offer Murph, but like I was saying to Urist, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light in the darkness anyway, and her holy damage should come in handy, but next time I get to the catacombs, that Adamantine Heavy Flail is mine!"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 1:45:37 PM
Pressi tapped her fellow female arcanist on the shoulder. "Forget it, Tal'," she grumbled slowly. "It's Fighta' town."

"Ok, everyone needs to stop the haste casting. No buffs until we reach the natural fissure. We will make just outside that our base of operations and I will drop an arcane eye at that point so its going to take a while before we buff for the fight if any."

Pressi looks at Harper and considers leaving her out for this fight, or at least casting stoneskin.

Pressi goes through Kezzem's list and decides that means him+hobie and succo+jack+Murphy, Bliss or Harper. Murphy and Bliss can each do themselves, and that leaves her+talia.

DM Carl 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:04:52 PM
Jack is ready.

Hobie ponders the light situation. It can be assumed the party will be in complete, but natural, darkness.

Succotash saves the flail for later; he'll need Twinklesting's light anyway.

Kezzem continues taking stock of the group's defenses.

Talia has some valid concerns about her possible death, but such is the life of an adventurer.

Bliss suggests everyone stay off the ground as much as possible. He asks Urist for a broom.

"Uh, yea...we can probably find a broom. Lots of rubble to clear out lately." He finds Bliss a very sturdy, very wide push broom used to sweep large chunks of gravel.

Murphy offers a quick way back home to Succotash, but is rebuffed. He asks for shapeshifting advice.

Pressi implores everyone to lay off on the casting until it's go time, as she plans on using an Arcane Eye spell to gather intel first.

Our heroes had indicated they still required time to prepare their spells, so it's assumed they do so before the party approaches the fissure Urist mentioned. The opening is exactly as Urist described. It's a tight fit for a dwarf, but should be no problem for a halfling.

Pressi has no trouble sending her Arcane Eye through the opening, which opens near the top of a narrow ravine. It averages about 10-20' from wall to wall. The walls are jagged and uneven, providing a shelf of sorts to walk along without reaching the bottom. Unfortunately, it is pitch black, and Arcane Eye doesn't provide any illumination or darkvision. The sounds of running water can be heard, but the bottom of the ravine is lost in darkness. The sound gives the impression that the ravine is quite deep.

The DPAA indicates your target, whatever it ends up being, is in the same direction the ravine travels as it snakes its way through The Scab.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)   d20+24=39 ;
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 7:57:45 PM
It is a tight fit, but whenever possible, Jack would stay near a wall, near a shadow, and move as quietly as possible (stealth 39)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23  
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 8:13:24 PM
Pressi sighs upon realizing the darkness keeping her vision short. "There's always an extra fee. Nobody here was expecting me to spellcast during the fight, right?"

With a wave, Pressi transformed herself into a dwarf, giving herself darkvision. "Ok, I only have this form for 10 minutes. Let's make it count."

She passes along what she sees, whispering as best as she can.

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

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith
dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye

L1 1/7+1
L2 2/5+1
L3 1/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1


Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 10:37:35 PM
[OOC: I'm assuming at our current CLs and skill levels that there is no need to roll for drawing Woldsblood and performing rituals? But Kindly DM Carl, if you want it spelled out, no problemo.]

At the beginning of the day, per usual, Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect and performs his witchy stuff -- for cat form and for Shield of Faith shared with Pressi and Harper.

Before Pressi casts her Arcane Eye, Bliss casts, all at CL9 ...
-- extended Barkskin (duration 3 hours)
-- Delay Poison (duration 9 hours)
-- extended Resist Acid 20 (duration 3 hours)

Bliss changes into a cat, and hopes that low light vision and scent will suffice in the dark. He worries about climbing around in the dark, and thinks again about that Cloak of Arachnia he has his eyes on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:09 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:10 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:50:22 PM
Kezzem casts resist energy (acid) on himself and on Hobbie.

Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 80 minutes)

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116  d20+30=49 ;
Thursday April 11th, 2019 2:52:40 AM

"Uh, gang, we might have to walk several minutes before we come across the critters. Maybe after the initial breech, they moved themselves and their nests farther away. Let's see whether Pressi's spell finds anything, then determine whether it is time to cast those spells. We may have to travel a ways before coming across them. Also, if we begin an attack too early, those farther in may flee, and we lose the chance to take them."

He does cast Longstrider on himself - it lasts 12 hours. Ground movement goes to 35' (20(halfling) +5(fleet) +10(longstrider))

Murphy offers to cast Resist Energy: Acid (120 minutes) on Harper when the time is deemed appropriate, and not before.
At the proper time, he casts Protection from Energy: Acid (120 hp, 120 minutes) on himself.
He accepts, with gratitude, Talia's stoneskin- likely once inside the caves, if Pressi discerns no immediate danger at the entry point.

The druid gives to each person 3 goodberries, and 2 more for a total of 5 to each of those who have animal friends/ companions/ familiars. "Remember, one of these heals 1 hit point of damage, and automatically stabilizes any in need of such. If you're not wounded, it serves as enough food for the whole day."

At an appropriate point he will cast Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) upon himself. "I have one more such spell - if it looks like someone needs it, I will cast it upon him or her." He explains how it works. Both Succotash and Talia have been previous beneficiaries of the spell.

"Should Pressi not find anything with the arcane eye, then let me go ahead as an earth elemental. If attacked, I can immediately notify Pressi telepathically, as I submerge beneath the stone. I know they also can stoneshape, but - I think travelling as a huge earth elemental, they might be less inclined to bother me. Not as tasty. I can speak to them in terran, I think, if it comes to that."

Should the group agree to have Murphy go on ahead for further scouting, he will first cast the spells mentioned on himself, as well as Detect Snares and Pits.

Just before leaving the group, he casts Know Direction to orient himself to the compass points, and for reference before he moves ahead...
============
Perception: 49

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:25:56 AM
Succotash will follow Murphy's lead and hold out on casting resist acid until the time seems right at which time, he will cast it on himself, Jack, and since Murphy got Harper and himself he will hook up Miss Piggy, who only has acid resistance 5 normally. (20 resistance, 120 min) He thanks Murphy for the goodberries, and places them in his pouch along with the other 3 he gave him on their last adventure. He thanks Talia for the stoneskin, and agrees that Murphy's idea of going as an earth elemental may be best, if Pressi's spell fails to reveal anything. Succotash would have drawn Twinklesting before he headed into the darkness, and would be using her as a torch.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:27:40 AM
Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 10:47:06 AM
"Oh I almost forgot!" Bliss casts Message cantrips so that the party can whisper to other members.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 3:28:55 PM
Hobie will use his Dancing lights to follow along with Pressi's Arcane Eye so she can see things.

"Thanks for the Stoneskin Talia, I agree with Murph though, let's hold off for just a bit before we cast it. let's see what else we might see first."

ooc: However much you paid for the wand should tell you the caster level, cuz here is the formula for wand prices.

"The price of a wand is equal to the level of the spell × the creator’s caster level × 750 gp."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 
Thursday April 11th, 2019 7:12:38 PM
Talia says, "Who! I'm glad you didnt wait til the last minute about the casting of SK. Good Idea I'll wait to its really needed..."

Talia takes the good berries and places them in her right pants pocket. tapping her pcoket ever so lightly.

"Say whats the actual plan than Mister Murphy & clan?" asks Tali.

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