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It Took a Village

The Peddler

DM Kathy
Monday October 21st, 2019 12:41:52 PM
In Crescent Valley, the harvest is in. Cellars, attics, and storage bins are full to bursting--which is a good thing, because winter is just around the corner. Bonfires dot the valley as farmers burn off fallen leaves and other detritus. A faint haze of smoke lingers in the air as the autumn days continue to be clear and crisp.

In Humble's Ford, the mess from the invasion is just about cleaned up, and folk are turning their attention to harvest celebrations. The Dancing Pig has a cloth banner hanging above its door boasting of a "Hard Cider Festival." The Belly Buster has a similar banner proclaiming "Sausage Days." Out at Humble Farm, a Harvest Fair is planned. There will be apple-bobbing, a cake-walk, and a demonstration of a new crop, just harvested--something called pop-corn.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday October 21st, 2019 1:27:54 PM
In the days following the invasion, Succotash spends most of his free time, coming to grips with this massive change in his life, and learning how to use his abilities as a cleric. He soon begins to see it as a gift from the gods instead of a sick joke played on him by the god of life and death, and begins relish his new role. In spite of the joy he has found as a cleric, he feels that something is missing, and that coupled with a severe sense of missing Piggy, he decides to head to the woods to commune with his gods. He gives honor to all the Woldian gods in turn, and after doing so he says, ”Gods of the Wold, I come before you to ask a boon. As I know you know, I traveled with a pig companion for many years, and I won’t lie, I miss her terribly. If you, in your mercy and kindness could send me a new companion to help fill the void, your humble servant would be most thankful!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 21st, 2019 8:09:30 PM
For others, it is a day of harvest. For witches, the festival can only mean one thing this time of year.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90 /90
Monday October 21st, 2019 8:52:31 PM
The Peddler

When Talia realizes she is back amongst her friends and the living, she decides life is too short to always be formal. Making a decree, aloud, Talia announces; to no one is particular, "From this day forth, I should be known as Tali!" With a feeling of accomplishment, Tali walks over to the sanctuary looking for Rayya, her owl. When she finds Rayya, she will embrace her, like she had been gone for days! "Oh Rayya, I have missed you terribly. I thought I would never see you again! " Tali snuggles with her familiar.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday October 21st, 2019 11:37:43 PM
After things calm a bit, Bliss makes a trip to the WLA for training.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Monday October 21st, 2019 11:56:58 PM
Kezzem goes over to Rumpus and combs his mane. "Hey Rumpo! Who's the best paladin mount in Humble's Ford?"

Rumpus snorts.

"Yeah, I know, I miss the pig too."

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 12:52:05 PM
Bliss goes to the WLA for training.

Talia announces that she wants to be called Tali from now on. She has a fond reunion with Rayya. The owl nuzzles her affectionately, and gives her a few playful nips. Then she begins telling, with great enthusiasm, all about the tasty shrew she killed and ate yesterday. She goes into some detail. Rather a lot of detail, actually. It's a little unsettling.

Kezzem has a quiet moment with Rumpus. The pony prances a little and gives Kezzem an affectionate nudge. He can't communicate directly with Kezzem, of course, but somehow he conveys the idea that he'd be an even better paladin mount if he was given a nice crunchy apple.

Succotash, realizing that Miss Piggy is now lost to him, prays to the gods for a new companion. At first, there is stillness, and Succotash begins to fear that his prayers will go unanswered. Then he hears a light rustling in the undergrowth, and suddenly a face appears. It's a giant lizard! No! It's a small dinosaur! "Brrrt?" she says.

Pressi hints darkly that this time of year can mean only one thing for a witch. But he's going to have to be more specific for his idiot DM.

But all of that was weeks ago. Bliss's training is complete, everyone is (almost!) accustomed to Succotash's and Tali's new demeanor and abilities, and everybody has met Valerie the Velociraptor. You have sorted out your treasure, visited the Catacombs, and come to grips with your new abilities. It's time for a little fun.

[OOC: Please do continue to update your characters, and I'm happy to answer questions and/or discuss things via email. But let's move on. I promise you won't be in combat for a while, so there's time to get everything sorted out behind the scenes.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 1:39:05 PM
Hobie spends most of his time helping clean up the mess. In the evenings, he studies new spells, and even uses a few to speed up the cleaning process. He uses Enlarge Person Communal to make some of the workers grow and be able to work faster. He laughs and takes joy as the villagers seem to have fun in their temporarily human sized bodies. He even uses Beast Shape 2 to turn into a large badger to speed up the digging of graves for some of the fallen.

He spends many evenings drinking with his cousin Constable Roscoe, sharing the gruesome details of the fight that he doesn't dare share with the average villager. As the festival planning begins, Hobie helps out his cousin with whatever errands need to be run, or work needs to be done, and Hobie even comes up with an idea for a fun event. An Archery Contest!

Hobie decides he will sponsor an Archery Contest for the youth of Humble's Ford. It will be open for anyone age 12 to 19, and the winner will receive a MW Longbow, made from the same bowyer who made Hobie's bow "Prowler". On top of that, Hobie will provide free archery lessons to the winner and runner up.

After making the announcement of the tournament known, Hobie sets to work preparing targets and collecting a large quantity of good arrows to use.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 1:39:55 PM
archery tourney as an event in the festival, if that wasnt clear

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 2:12:17 PM
(OOC: Header Update and New Sheet Links)

"... So Halloween is almost over and the bartender just grabs me, and the charm person is just about to go off." She continues her story with Tali. "So it seems like this might be what finally sends me to Gargul and I suddenly have this thought. Why not see if I can just bend my energy and see if I can charm person this guy at the end of the bar. Because of the berries I mentioned earlier. So I have this insane thought, and I actually try it. And it works..."

She pauses to take a glimpse at Harper. Her cat, which long ago climbed up a tree for no reason at all, continued to watch the dinosaur below with intense disinterest. And she isn't staying up there for any reason, either. Just sitting and enjoying and occasionally hissing to let this thing know who's boss.

"... so anyway, it works. Don't know how, but it does. And this big guy starts heading to the bartender and..."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 5:08:03 PM
Seeing Harper climb the Tree, and hearing her hiss, confuses Valerie. So with tug o’ war rope toy in her mouth, and pink ribbon on her head she goes lay down elsewhere and whines. Than she hears a shrill whistle, and Succotash’s voice calling her, at which point she stands up and tears off in her master’s direction, much like you would expect from a golden retriever. When she arrives, she offers the rope to Succotash, who takes it and begins playing fetch with her.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 5:43:38 PM

Bliss and Mookie enjoy some down time with comrades in arms, as well we with his coven. He gives them another 1,000 gold pieces to use in their good works around the hamlet (that's a 3,000 gp total that Bliss dings his WBL for). In fact, he looks for another recruit to help with all the work that needs doing.

[OOC: A Bloodwitch gains a new follower at levels 4, 6, and 8 ... and Bliss just hit 8th. In the past, the DMs picked the names and description, but left the mechanics to me ...]

He asks Pressi if our coven (the coven that both of them manage) is still focusing on justice, and if so, does she have any ideas on how to do that. Bliss is content just to do hero work with his followers, helping people, getting cats out of trees, waterproofing the burrows of the less fortunate, taking care of stray dogs, babysitting, etc. etc.

Plus on top of that, Bliss practices with his gear and powers, so that when battle comes, there will be no surprises when he turns into a spidertaur or hits a foe with an ill omen.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 10:57:46 PM
Downtime

After Tali's joyfilled reunion with Rayya, she will meditate for two (2) hours to get all of her spells restored. Afterwards, she will make a list of everything that needs to be addressed & tick them off as she goes along.

Next, comes the standard casting of her standard everyday spells for all day long affect {She loves to fly!}.

Tali casts:

1) Overland Flight; her favorite!
2) Mage Armor; just in case!

Next item on her list, is upgrading gear. Tali communications with Rayya that she's going shopping and wants to know if she wants to tag-along. "Rayya, I'm going shopping, want to come along?" Rayya fluffs her fathers and explains she needs downtime from all the excitment. See ya' when you get back.

The Magic Shoppe

Tali goes to the closest Catacombs to upgrade her magical gear. This time around, she is only looking for two upgrades, hopefully she had the funds! If she has time, she will head to the nearest WLA chapter house to train.

Spells in Affect

Overland Flight: | 840 minutes of {14 hours total}
Mage Armor: | 840 minutes of {14 hours total}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 12:52:38 AM
Kezzem gets Rumpus a crunch apple. "I got this from the catacombs for you. It should help protect you from fireballs and stuff like that."

He presents Rumpus a new cloak of resistance +2 sized for a pony.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 12:47:58 PM
Updating Header.

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 1:13:47 PM
After finishing his WLA training, Bliss goes to the coven, seeking a new recruit. He is somewhat surprised to find Granny waiting for him.

Granny's real name is Willona Barleyrow, but nobody calls her that. Everybody calls her Granny or Granny Barleyrow. She is the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense kind of old lady who strikes terror into the heart of young halflings throughout the Valley. She is also a skilled herbalist.

She calls Bliss "young man" and continually exhorts him to stand up straight, stop mumbling, etc. On one memorable occasion, she told Octo-Bliss, "young man, kindly address me using your proper form and stop waving your tentacles about. It's very rude!"

Now, she fixes Bliss with a stern stare. "It is quite ridiculous to think of a woman of my age 'following' anyone," she says. "But you want looking after, that's plain, and I've never been one to shirk my duty. Don't fidget."

And just like that, Bliss has another follower.

Meanwhile, Tali visits the Catacombs and trains with the WLA. There is time to do both; you had a few weeks after the end of the last adventure.

Kezzem gives in an finds a nice apple for Rumpus. He also finds a Cloak of Resistance for him, which Rumpus cannot eat, but which nevertheless will be just as good as a crunchy apple.

Hobie had a terrific idea--an archery contest as part of the Harvest Fair! And if members of the Humble family weren't quite as enthused by the idea of excited teenagers running around with offensive weapons, they hid it well. The archery contest is added to the slate of events, and will actually open the fair!

Now, Pressi regales bar patrons with Tales of Halloweens Past while Harper torments Valerie, and Valerie seeks solace with Succotash and a marvelous game of fetch.

The Harvest Fair will begin in a few hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 3:14:30 PM
Pressi doesn't really have much of an idea for the coven, save as a supplemental force. (Originally designed to help clean up against criminals and fugitives, she figured they may need to be roped in to the city protection and some of the other story lines.)

"I feel like I haven't even had time to recruit or shop. I've been spending time just trying to figure out whether Murphy wound up with the naked guys or teleporting wizards or what. So now I'm planning a wedding for a guy that I may never see again. And of course, I've tried a few times to figure out where those Scald invaders went or whether they are coming back. It's... been busy.

"That said, it may be time to focus on expanding our coven and fully integrating it. Maybe some training, or coordination with law enforcement or the army. Maybe some expansions into an actual system that can put out fires and save lives. I really didn't think through the chance that we might have more than a small band. We may need to even consider some permanent quarters separate from the guild hall, which is big to process."

"Also, I have some concerns about this archery contest for kids," Pressi tells Bliss. "With all the war these kids have seen, we should be moving on to the combustible stuff. Also, cheating. Should we get in on that?" (OOC to DM: ;-P)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 3:57:36 PM
In preparation for the contest, Hobie puts some of the townsfolk to work gathering up and positioning the archery targets, bundles of arrows, and even a few extra bows just in case. Personally, he takes the Masterwork Longbow, which is meant to be the prize for the winner, and he engraves on it's back a single word, which shall be the name of this great bow, "Excelsior."

He smiles, and remembers the first time he picked up a bow, the first time he managed to hit a target, and the first time he ever held his own bow, Prowler.

He says to his cousin, who is sitting nearby, "Whoever should win this bow, I hope they surpass even my own talent someday. And defend their friends better than I've been able to do."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 5:55:27 PM
Succotash finishes his game of fetch with Valerie, and scratches her under the chin. Valerie flips onto her back asking for a belly rub, which Succotash gladly does with a laugh. "I would never have expected a dinosaur to act like a dog", he says to her, knowing that she doesn't understand what he is saying, "Well. we should head back to town, the festivities are about to begin".

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday October 24th, 2019 3:15:19 AM

Bliss immediately agrees with anything Granny says. "Yes, Ma'am."

In fact, Bliss has always knuckled under toot sweet when he was faced with a forceful personality. First, his Aunt Priscilla, then the officers of the Mailed Fist, then his friend Miss Alleah, who he respected quite a lot. But since she left the party, Bliss has not had anyone telling him to comb his hair or brush his teeth. This Granny makes him feel both nostalgic and chagrined. But mostly he gets a warm feeling because someone is looking out for him.

Every once in a while he gives Granny a hug, make of that what she will.

Bliss is gung ho for the archery contest, and he asks all his followers to help with registration, refreshments, and keeping bystanders out of the line of fire!

Other times, playing with Valerie, Bliss changes himself and Mookie into velociraptors so that a grand time can be had by all, for about 20 minutes at a casting, anyway. Heck, with an easy peasy Polymorph spell, Bliss can change Succotash into a velociraptor too. Or hey! Change Valerie into a halfling! It's all good fun.

[OOC to DM and Kezzem: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry to BE a spoiler, but the Wold has rules for what wearable items a companion can wear, and cloak ain't one of them, sorry. Pay double for the slotless cloak and you are golden.}]

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Thursday October 24th, 2019 5:26:53 AM
As Tali and Rayya fly towards the festivities they run into Succotash, Bliss, Mookie and Valerie playing who's a velociraptor now, and decides to join in the fun for a bit before heading off to the fun and games.

DM Kathy
Thursday October 24th, 2019 12:47:38 PM
In the weeks leading up to the Harvest Fair, it soon becomes clear that "velociraptor" is the hot new look for fall!

But now the Harvest Fair is upon you, and the archery contest will kick off the whole thing! Hobie makes his preparations, and Bliss and Pressi make sure the coven is on hand to assist.

The contest is a good one, though several of the contestants are clearly nervous enough that it throws off their aim. When all the shots have been taken, and the scores tallied, the winner is Leta Humble, a red-haired girl of 14, a scion of the Humble clan that runs the farm. Predictably, there is some grumbling about home field advantage, but most people congratulate Leta wholeheartedly. The crowd gradually breaks up, wandering over to bob for apples or examine the prize pumpkins on display.

During the competition, some of you notice a man you haven't seen before. He is a middle-aged halfling man with sandy brown hair, and he looks worried about something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday October 24th, 2019 2:11:42 PM
Hobie congratulates Leta Humble, and proudly gives her Excelsior. He is very impressed by her abilities. He tells her to go celebrate with her friends, and promises that another day, soon, they will take up their lessons, and he will teach her everything he knows.

He makes his way around the party, talking to many of the partiers. He makes it a point to go over and congratulate the parents of Leta Humble, telling them what a bright young talent their daughter is, and how she could have a great future as an archer.

While he is talking with them he notices the new halfling and politely excuses himself from the conversation.

He grabs two fresh ales and approaches the sandy haired figure.
"Good sir, your hand is empty, at a party such as this you should always be carrying some food and/or drink!"

He offers one of the ales.

"Sir I noticed you during my tournament, did you enjoy yourself? We've got quite the young talent in this small town! I couldn't have helped but notice you seem concerned, which makes you look quite out of place in a party such as this, may I ask what's the matter?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Thursday October 24th, 2019 4:13:50 PM
Pressi takes some time to make her way around the festival. She takes some time to enjoy the festival, but also to circulate around the population. (And fairly clearly testing the waters for her own run in politics.)

She watches Hobie approach the new halfling, and can't help but be impressed with his political chops. For the moment, she simply watches the room before doing anything.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday October 24th, 2019 5:29:03 PM
Succotash follows Hobie over to talk to the stranger, but lets the man with the bow do the talking, at least for the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday October 24th, 2019 6:34:19 PM
Kezzem will check on Candy and the Bad Apples to see how they are holding up after the giant battle.

Seeing Humble's Sword gathering around the stranger, Kezzem will make his way over as well. "New fair, who's this?" he asks.

Tali (subbing for Jon-Paul
Thursday October 24th, 2019 7:17:38 PM
See her friend congregating around the stranger, Tali floats over and joins her friends.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=43 ;
Thursday October 24th, 2019 11:12:30 PM

Bliss keeps his ears on the conversation with the stranger (Perception 43) but does not approach, not wanting to alarm the poor guy with a crowd. Instead, he congratulates the archery tourney winner personally.

"Miss Leta," he says, holding out a hand, "You were mighty impressive in the contest today! Maybe someday you'll be a great hunter, or a hero!"

He's happy to see Hobie taking an interest. The archer could be a good role model for Leta.

He invites her to visit the coven anytime.

DM Kathy
Friday October 25th, 2019 1:21:38 PM
Pressi circulates through the fair. She examines the prize pumpkins, the colorful squash, the clever farm scene made of different grains. She stops to look at the cake that will be the prize in the cake-walk later in the day. It is a maple-walnut cake, three layers tall, its brown-sugar icing liberally studded with walnut halves. "Buy a token?" Milly Humble displays a wooden token. "Just one copper for a chance to win this delicious cake!"

Kezzem, meanwhile, checks up on the BadApples. He finds them clustered around the pop-corn demonstration, which is just getting started. Alf Humble is presiding over a camp-stove, on which a small quantity of oil is being heated in a kettle.

Bliss and Hobie take a moment to congratulate Leta. She thanks you with a smile, collects another hug from her proud parents, and takes occasional peeks at a lanky youth standing nearby, watching her with an awestruck expression.

Then Hobie goes over to talk to the worried-looking stranger, as Tali and Succotash look on. Hobie asks him what's the matter.

"You're right; I am troubled. I have a big problem," the man replies. "Fact is, I was hoping to locate those halfling heroes that have done so much good in the Valley." His gaze moves from Hobie's bow and sword to Succotash's robes to Kezzem's armor. His brown eyes widen. "Is--are you them?" he asks, his voice growing excited. "Are you the heroes? Have I found you at last?"

You assure him that you are, indeed, those heroes, and he lets out a little sigh of relief. "I really hope you can help me," he says. "My village is missing." He pauses. "Let me try that from the beginning. My name's Littlefoot--Hendit Littlefoot. I'm a peddler--go from town to town selling wares. My cart's over there." He points to a nearby grove of trees, where a red-painted peddler's hand cart is parked out of the way.

"I travel a lot," he continues. "But I have a home. A nice little village called Thaelhaven. I have a wife there, and--and kids---" he is starting to get choked up. "But they're gone!" he cries. "I came back from my latest trip and everyone was gone. The whole village! Not a soul left! Livestock all dead or run off, and I don't know what happened."

He regains his composure, and continues, "I went to Salbe. That's a human town that's near Thaelhaven. But nobody there cared about a bunch of missing halflings. So I asked myself who would care, and I thought of you, and well...here I am. Will you help me?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday October 25th, 2019 5:28:54 PM
Succotash is horrified when he hears Hendit's tale, as he tries to imagine how he would feel if he was in Hendit's shoes. "Mister Littlefoot, your tale is a sad one indeed, Mayhaps we should adjourn to the Sanctuary, that's what we call out headquarters/stronghold/home, where we can discuss your story more intently. I know I can speak for my friends when I say, we will do everything within our power to find your loved ones, but we need as much information as possible, so should we travel the short distance to the Sanctuary?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Friday October 25th, 2019 6:13:36 PM
Hobie agreed wholeheartedly with Succotash. “Yes, of course we will help you. What a horrible thing to come home to! I agree with my Cleric friend, perhaps we should discuss this further at the Sanctuary, if we were to talk here it might turn the merriment of the whole town into panic that the same might happen in Humble’s Ford. There’s no need for that panic at this time I think. Allow me a moment please.”

Hobie steps away and leaves Hendit with his friends. He goes directly to Pressi and fills her in on what was said, then adds “Heroes never get to just celebrate.”

Before heading to the sanctuary with the rest of Humble’s Ford, Hobie will find Constable Roscoe and make sure he is in attendance so he can be filled in on what is happening.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Friday October 25th, 2019 9:07:37 PM
“Ma’am, nothing would please me more than to have this cake for my wedding,” Pressi replied. “Not to Murphy. I intend to marry this cake. Just look it right in the eyes and pledge my soul to it, maybe a honeymoon skiing.”

Pressi stopped for a bit. “Or, here’s a copper kind stranger. I’d absolutely like to participate in your lottery.”

At learning later that a village was missing, “Did he remember where he saw it last?”

Soon after, she switched from cider to black coffee.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=45 ;
Friday October 25th, 2019 11:36:29 PM

Casting a message cantrip, Bliss asks Sir Kezzem on the down low, "Hey Sir Kezzem, make sure this guy's not evil. Maybe you can get a hunch on him."

(Bliss knows that he has no sense for figuring out if anyone is being honest or not, but the paladin will know better.)

Then Bliss hangs back a little to see if anyone else follows the group or is keeping an eye on the stranger.
(Perception 45)

Then he follows his friends back and joins the group at the party HQ.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Saturday October 26th, 2019 12:11:48 AM
Kezzem will Detect Evil on this halfling fellow.

"If you are looking for the local heroes, you must mean the Second Dinner Club," says Kezzem. "You know, I never did learn if they were a club dedicated to celebrating second dinners, or they wanted to form a Dinner Club, but another already existed, so they needed to form a second club."

"Oh wait, he means us doesn't he."

DM Kathy
Monday October 28th, 2019 1:28:06 PM
Pressi declares her intention of marrying the cake. Milly laughs. "If you win it, you can do what you like with it," she says, handing over a token. "We'll be doing the cake-walk in a couple of hours," she adds.

Succotash listens to Hendit Littlefoot with sympathy, and suggests that the group retires to the Sanctuary. Hendit agrees, and brings along his peddler's cart. The cheerful rattle of various tin items is a sharp contrast to Hendit's worried expression.

Hobie finds Constable Roscoe at the pop-corn demonstration, and asks him to join the group.

Kezzem detects no evil on Hendit. He and Bliss join the group; Bliss does not see anyone following them or paying undue attention to their group. Everyone is having fun at the fair.

Pressi, joining the group, asks Hendit where he saw the village last. "Heh. I suppose I could have been clearer," he says. "The village is still there--all the buildings and fences and paths. People's possessions. But the people are gone, and I don't know what happened to them."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday October 28th, 2019 5:29:04 PM

Bliss steps up in hero mode. He bows to Hendit and declares that we heroes of Humbles Ford will help.

"Don't worry," he adds, "we'll try our darndest to find and rescue your people."

Then, scratching at his Thinking Headband, he asks what he hopes are intelligent questions.

Where exactly are Thaelhaven and Salbe? Bliss asks his friends if anyone has heard of them. Alas, Bliss himself could not find Plateau City on a map.

How long gone were they? How dusty was it? Was the food rotted? Dogs, cattle?

Did the village have any enemies or warnings of danger?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday October 28th, 2019 5:35:37 PM
Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, Succotash ushers Hendit into the great hall, where he offers him a chair, and pours him an ale. When the rest of the Swords arrive, Succotash says, "Could you start your story over from the beginning, making sure to offer any and all possible leads, even if they seem silly. In order for us to proceed, we need somewhere to start, and sometimes the most obscure, is the right answer". He nods approvingly when Bliss asks his questions, and is really beginning to love his new found wisdom.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday October 28th, 2019 11:49:06 PM
"Well, you seem trustworthy, friend, right Bliss?" says Kezzem. Ever since he was reborn as a paladin he has been very bad at dissembling.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:17:25 AM
Hobie will echo many of the same questions as his group.

He is particularly ready to head to the village, thinking most of the helpful clues will be found there.

"Guys, I think we should start by heading to the village. Let's get a basic understanding, and then get moving. We can get details on the way right?"

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:27:39 AM
Tali listens intently as he comrades ask the appropriate questions. She too is ready to get the show on the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 10:45:51 AM
Pressi looks through her spells and items, but realizes that scrying only works on people (and doesn't see any spells that can remote view a place).

She considers a divination but isn't sure where to begin.

If the newcomer seems thrown by Succotash, "Anything at all? Any enemies or neighbors of the town? Any strange people or phenomenon? Any deliveries right before you left or that should have arrived right before?"

-----------

Before heading out, she sends one of her followers to the catacombs. She'll have to have her new gear essentially zapped to her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 12:41:12 PM
Once Hendit is comfortably settled in the Sanctuary, an ale at his elbow, Succotash asks him to go over the whole story again.

"All right," Hendit says. "Well, I'm a traveling peddler. I have several routes, all going out from Thaelhaven. So I'll leave, be on the road for several weeks, come home for a week or two, then head out again. That is, I spend more time away from the village than in it. But it's home, and--" he starts getting choked up "--it's where my wife and children are. Were. Anyway.

"When I returned to Thaelhaven from my most recent trip, the place was deserted. I called, and looked, but nobody was there. Thaelhaven is a little place--six houses, twenty-three people--so it didn't take long to search. The houses were all deserted. People's clothing and personal belongings were still there, but the people were gone.

"If I had to guess," he continues, "I'd say that whatever happened, happened in the night or very early in the morning. Beds were slept in, not made up. And all the animals--" he chokes up again "--they were in their barns and pens.

"The thing is," he says, looking at you earnestly, "I'm not a tracker. There may be clues I'm just not able to read. I'd like to have somebody come take a look at the place--somebody who knows what to look for. That's part of the reason I went to Salbe. I mean, I was hoping they'd heard something about what happened, but I was also hoping somebody'd be willing to come take a look. But I couldn't get anybody to care. Maybe--" he looks at you again. "Maybe you'd have better luck in Salbe. You're heroes, after all; maybe people will talk to you.

"I don't know what happened," he concludes, "though I can tell you what didn't happen. There weren't any fresh graves, or bodies--of people, that is--so it wasn't some kind of plague or poison. There was no sign of fire or flood nearby, so they didn't evacuate. Anyway, if they'd evacuated, they'd have taken at least some of the animals with them. An orc raiding party would've taken livestock and left the people alone. Well, they'd've killed anybody who resisted, but like I said, there weren't any fresh graves. So it wasn't any of those things. I can't think what it could have been."

Bliss asks some clarifying questions. "Thaelhaven and Salbe are on the fringes of Izen. Basically on the border between Izen and the Red Hills.

"Based on the amount of dust and the--the condition of the animals, I'd say it had been at least a week. And not much more than two weeks. Sometime in that range. The village didn't have any enemies that I know of. I mean, the Big Folk in Salbe sometimes found us annoying, but that's Big Folk for you. There wasn't any real animosity. There weren't any warning signs the last time I was home. If warning signs appeared in the weeks after I left--well, I wouldn't have seen them."

Kezzem confirms that Hendit is trustworthy.

Pressi considers some kind of divination spell, but realizes that she doesn't have enough information to make the attempt.

Gradually, you all come to the conclusion that Hobie and Tali already reached. You need to go to Thaelhaven and take a look for yourself. You should probably also go to Salbe and see if you can be more persuasive than Hendit was.

"Thank you," Hendit says. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for agreeing to do this. I can guide you. I know safe ways through the Red Hills"

So, you are going to embark on a journey. It is mid-afternoon. You could leave now, travel a few hours, probably stay at an inn at the edge of Crescent Valley. Or, you could take some time to prepare and leave first thing in the morning. Which do you prefer?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 1:36:20 PM
"I'd really like to get there as soon as possible, but I suppose if it's already been between a week and two weeks, tonight or tomorrow might not make a big difference if anyone needs more time. Personally I can grab my handy haversack and be ready to go as soon as I get Pippa saddled."

Hobie turns to Pressi "What about that shadow walk we did to get those wererabbits? Is that a possibility again? I know Succotash almost died last time, but we were all caught off guard, we'd be ready this time."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 4:34:44 PM

Bliss declares, "I'm ready! Let's go!" He changes into a cat and starts running around fast.

"Kid! Kid! You're making me dizzy!" Mookie complains.

Bliss changes back. "Well, a responsible hero tells his followers what is up so they don't worry." He tracks down Granny and asks her to look out for the rest of the coven while he is out a-heroing. Then he changes back into a cat and dashes off.

The natty raven wearing a smart colorful vest and a headband sighs and says to the peddler, "Well, Niblet, we'll want to travel fast, so park your wagon here where the Coven can watch over it, and if we are lucky, the paladin will give you a ride on his pony."

Mookie cocks his head and stares at Sir Kezzem.

"Right?"

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:44:20 PM
Succotash scratches his chin for a moment and says, "Well, both heading out now, and waiting until morning have merit, both are wise choices, but I say let's head out now and get started" Succotash shudders a bit at the thought of shadow-walking, remembering his last experience with the spell, but then says he's OK with it if Pressi wishes to go that route.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:46:53 PM
Tali is game for what ever everyone else wants to do but would prefer to head out right away. She is willing to shadow walk, as it's something she hasn't tried before, but again will go with the majority.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 7:14:24 PM
Bliss also shudders at shadow walking. "Too close to Gargul's Realm for my taste," Bliss says.

"But honestly, it is really not that far away. We can probably get there by morning if we push it! No need to risk the shadowlands!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 8:13:36 PM
"I don't know, Mookie, Rumpus doesn't usually let people smarter than him ride him," says Kezzem. "I mean, he let's me ride all the time, so I must be the exception to that rule, right?"

"Well, IF you guys want to try shadow walking again, I will be sure to prepare the right spells this time and fill up on lesser restorations!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 11:59:23 AM
Pressi listens to Hendit's story quietly, keeping her feelings to her chest. "You came to the right place for this... potentially supernatural development. Strange stuff actually happens to be our bread and butter, as are things like tracking, detection or making bigguns see our point of view. I should warn you, however, that there has been some activity around the Red Hills border affecting us too. You may not like what we find."

Standing up, "I leave shadow walking up to the group, given it's... rocky history. I can port myself and 12 other people and animals, which should be sufficient. But if we truly need a guide to the place and to avoid non-safe paths, it might be a good idea to choose slower travel and scouting... and even hit the inn and Salbe along the way, just in case we run into anyone who knows something. On the other hand, every day we waste does leave the path cold.

"A reminder: shadow walking only works starting at twilight so we will have a few hours to prepare."

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 12:46:45 PM
Most of you are keen to leave right away. There is some talk of teleporting and shadow walking, but for now, you'll travel by road.

Bliss declares confidently that you can be there by morning! Hendit smiles. "Not quite," he says. "It'll take a few days to get there. But I'm willing to leave right away."

So you gather your gear, collect your Catacombs purchases, and let people know you'll be gone for a while. Constable Roscoe was at the meeting, and promises to spread the word. Bliss makes a point of seeking out Granny, who tells him he's a fool for traveling with winter so close at hand, and to at least wrap up so he doesn't catch his death.

You deliberately turn away from the fair, and the sound of laughter, and the pop-corn (whatever that is), and the delicious cake. The life of a hero requires sacrifice. You leave Humble's Ford, heading for the edge of the Valley and the Red Hills beyond. Hendit accompanies you, pulling his peddler cart.

You are able to spend that night in a rustic inn right at the edge of Crescent Valley.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 2:34:21 PM
Riding along, Hobie is happy to be back atop Pippa, it has felt like far too long since he's been out riding. He made sure to pack her some extra apples and sugar cubes for the journey.

Once they are settled in to the inn and people are sitting around comfortably having some ale, Hobie will take out "Romita," his lute and play a tune for his friends. The song is one fitting Hendit's predicament, it is full of sadness and longing, for those lost.

it sounds like this

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=36 ; d20+11=12 ;
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 4:51:18 PM

Bliss is secretly confused and envious of Hobie's NINE hero points, which he just noticed. The cat-shaped witch secretly resolves to be more heroic! Like Hobie! It does not occur to Bliss that he simply blows through his faster.

On the other hand. the little guy and one-time dancer is delighted by the song. Bliss says to Mookie, "Wow, I did not know Hobie was also a bard."

"Bard, Schmard," scoffs Mookie. "He didn't even roll a Perform check."

=====

Bliss uses his time at the inn to listen to conversations and scout for news on mysterious disappearances, and about the two towns towards which we are travelling. He does some of this in halfling form and some of this in cat shape. Perception 36. Gather Info 12.

=====

And in the privacy of the privvy, Bliss casts a Silent Divination to inquire of the forces beyond mortal ken regarding the people who disappeared from Hendit's village.

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C)
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 5:18:49 PM
As Hobie busts out Romita, Succotash busts out Bonham, his masterwork drum, and keeps time for his friend's jam.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 5:20:58 PM
Tali listens and enjoys the music her friends are producing. She keeps to herself for the most part as she is unsure as to what the days ahead.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 10:50:04 PM
"I didn't know we were starting a marching band, guys," says Kezzem. "If you would have told me, I would have brought an instrument. I guess I'll just have to get one next time we're in town. Maybe a didgeridoo."

DM Kathy d100=37 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 1:38:28 PM
At the inn, Hobie pulls out his lute and plays a melancholy tune. Succotash brings out his drum to accompany the performance, as Tali listens in appreciation.

Kezzem, feeling a little left out, threatens to buy a didgeridoo. Your DM would like to point out that a kazoo is far more portable and almost as annoying.

Bliss, in both halfling and cat form, listens for clues about disappearances and the towns you're headed toward. All you hear, though, is talk about the harvest and the condition of the roads.

Bliss also casts a Divinaion, wondering about the fate of the villagers. His reply: you can save them.

The next morning is foggy and cold. You bundle up, saddle your various animals, and set out into the Red Hills. You climb up out of the fog, and can turn to see it filling up the Crescent Valley behind you.

Hendit guides you along a fairly good road, toward a friendly halfling town he knows of. The day gradually warms to be fairly comfortable, and the lingering fog burns off. It is a pleasant autumn evening by the time you reach the little town of Amblebury.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+27=47 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 2:30:24 PM

In the morning, Bliss coordinates Rituals with Pressi ... Basic Cat Ritual for himself, Basic Ward Ritual for Pressi, Harper, and Mookie. Separate Intermediate Sharing Rituals (Bliss and Mookie, Pressi and Harper).

Bliss's Morning Roll to draw Woldsblood and power spells ... Concentration DC15 cannot fail at +11+4.
DC20 Handle Animal check for Grimalkin (cat shape) ritual ... At +18 base and with help from Mookie, cannot fail.
DC30 Spellcraft check for Sharing Ritual ... at +26, +27 with help from Mookie ... rolls a nat 20, no problem, sharing the Shield of Faith spell at CL13, 65 rounds each for Mookie and Bliss.

=====

The party sets off after breakfast. If Bliss is satisfied that no faster time is possible, then he is content. However, if he thinks the party could go faster -- for example, doubling miles per day with six hours of hustling and four hours of forced marching, say ... then he will advocate strongly for that.

"Guys! Guys!" he says fiercely, "I cast a divination, and it said we can save them! The villagers of Thaelhaven I mean! But maybe we need to get there faster to do it! Come on! We can go faster than this!"

When he hears that we're heading to a place called "Amblin' " it makes him even more anxious about getting there in time.

OOC: Fixed up PC sheets, linked in header.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday October 31st, 2019 3:47:19 PM
Hobie is more than happy to pick up the pace at Bliss's request.

"Hendit, what does the town of Amblebury know of your predicament? Did you stop there on your way to us? Is there anyone here who could be of help?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday October 31st, 2019 3:52:02 PM
(OOC: New Header)

"Aww, cheer up, Kezzem," Pressi replied as she rode along beside him on her decked out leopard. "The fact remains that you can still join this parade, with just a smidgen of ingenuity and an understanding of percussion."

Slapslapslappity slapslap

Pressi does not wonder how others have more hero points than she does.

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C) d20+18=31 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 5:32:04 PM
Next morning before breakfast, Succotash and Valerie find a quiet place for him to pray to his various gods, and prepare his spells for the day. Succotash is happy to pick up the pace, especially since he finds he has to constantly rein in Valerie, to keep pace with the rest of the group. His only concern is whether or not Hendit will be able to keep up.

In Amblebury, Succotash tries to keep his ears open for any mention of Hendit's village (Perception 31), as they walk through the town, and especially at the inn, where he will sip an ale and watch the crowd. If nothing seems to be forth coming, he will pull out his clarinet, and begin playing a little ditty. All the while keeping his ear to the crowd.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Thursday October 31st, 2019 5:37:41 PM
Tali continues to keep to herself a bit, as her recent run in with Lord Gargul, has caused her much inner contemplation.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday October 31st, 2019 7:09:52 PM
"You know, Press, sometimes you scare me," says Kezzem. "And other times you REALLY scare me."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 1st, 2019 12:42:52 PM
Moving on to other things, Pressi spends much of her travel as she typically does: showing off her new uniform for the sequel. (Bliss may not be aware of this but the true purpose of such insanely large covens is merchandising.)

She does make a rather unsettling sight, decked out in a mithral breastplate and religious vestments that contrast with her dark clothes and robes. Pressi checked her mirror, outlining her cowl of persuasion just covering her red-streaked black hair. She stroked the gleaming whip now along her belt along with the chains of ice.

Pressi for now continues her own ritual of sharing shield of faith with Harper. She does consider the heal boost ritual as a replacement (with a heal skill of 17... maybe find some gear to boost that.)

The rest of the time in both the inn and Amblebury is spent celebrating the Halloween festivals and hitting the taverns. She makes some attempts to push Tali to open up, and bonds with some of her other travelers and townspeople, some of whom can pick up that she can't hear Murphy's voice.

She also tries to tone down the scary outsider stuff, especially for the townspeople. It was one thing when she could lurk in the shadows, but she recently found herself out in front.

The Red Hills

DM Kathy
Friday November 1st, 2019 1:39:39 PM
[Everybody take 4000 XP for the previous scene.]

Hobie is curious to find out what people in Amblebury know about Thaelhaven's predicament. They don't know very much. You are still several days' travel from Hendit's village. "I did ask on the way through, but nobody had heard about it," Hendit tells you.

Succotash plays for the folk at the inn, while Pressi gets to know them. Tali and Kezzem mainly keep to themselves.

Bliss does what he can to make the party go faster! You can make whatever adjustments you like; just keep in mind that your main speed limiter is the guy pulling the peddler's cart.

You spend another night in an inn, but then Hendit leads you through a stretch of wilderness where you'll need to camp. "Just no towns hereabouts," he says, "at least, none you'd want to visit."

Mid-afternoon on that day, you hear the rumble of distant thunder.

Survival or Knowledge: Nature DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The weather conditions are wrong for a thunderstorm.}
Perception 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {The thunder didn't come from the sky; it's coming from ground level. }

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+10=27 ; d20+21=28 ;
Friday November 1st, 2019 3:20:13 PM
When the thunder happens, Hobie is quite skeptical of it (Knowledge Nature 27, Perception 28)
How far away does the thunder seem to be, and what direction is it in? Is it in the same direction the party is traveling, or from some other direction?

He speaks up to his friends
"Uh, guys, I don't think that was thunder, it didn't seem to be coming from up, but rather from ground level. And I'm no druid, but it really doesn't seem like there should be any thunder at all in the current weather conditions. Let's be ready for anything, there could be danger ahead."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+28=30 ; d20+19=35 ;
Friday November 1st, 2019 8:46:37 PM

[OOC: I had suggested that he leave his wagon behind and ride on our of our ponies ... did that not happen? Oh well.]

Bliss hears that Hobie hears something ... so he changes into a cat, but this time, not the frisky young tom he usually is, but an old old cat ... using the aged mode of his Threefold Aspect spell.

Perception 30, Survival 35

"You are right Hobie," says Bliss, back in a flash to his usual halfling form. "Mooks, be a sport and fly up. See what you can see."

"MOOKS!" caws Mookie, but he does fly up for a look around.

"Should we go check it out? I say yes," declares Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 d20+22=42 ;
Saturday November 2nd, 2019 11:12:49 AM
Perception: 42 (natural 20). Kezzem is one with the universe.

"You're right, Hobbie! It is coming form the ground!"

"Uh, you guys think that might be Murphy?"

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C) d20+11=15 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+11=24 ;
Saturday November 2nd, 2019 1:31:09 PM
Survival 15, Perception 24

Succotash agrees with Hobie that the weather conditions aren't right for thunder, but doesn't notice anything else unusual. "I doubt it's Murph, Kezzem, unless he was in trouble, he would just come to us, without the theatrics. but things are indeed unusual, and we need to be on the alert. Mookie, be careful, as you scout ahead, and yes Bliss we should go investagate. Hendit please stay behind us for your own safety" Succotash than dismounts so that Valerie can move more quickly as needed, then uses his speak with animal ability to talk to Valerie and tell her to follow Mookie , keeping enough distance so as to not cause trouble, but close enough to come to his add if needed. (Valerie stealth 24)

DM Kathy
Monday November 4th, 2019 1:04:54 PM
Hobie can tell that the thundering sound is not in the direction you are traveling. You are heading roughly south; the sound is to your right, west of your location.

Bliss sends Mookie aloft; the raven doesn't immediately spot anything.

Kezzem wonders if it is perhaps Murphy attempting to signal the party, but Succotash points out that's unlikely.

Succotash is all in favor of investigating. He dismounts and asks Valerie to follow Mookie, which she promptly does.

Hendit is quite happy to stay and wait for you. Does the group follow Valerie?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 4th, 2019 1:55:55 PM
Hobie will gladly follow Valerie, staying mounted on his pony if the terrain seems to allow for it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday November 4th, 2019 5:25:25 PM
Succotash of course follows Valerie.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 4th, 2019 5:46:03 PM
"Following the dinosaur towards the ground lightning, what could possibly go wrong," says Kezzem as he urges Rumpus onwards!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday November 4th, 2019 7:04:26 PM
Tali will stay with Mr. Hendit. "We can afford to loss our charge!" says Tali. Anyone else wish to stay with us?" asks Tali.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 4th, 2019 7:28:42 PM

"Hey, no wait, you guys," says Bliss. "this sound isn't even in the right direction. Is it just a distraction? You know, there are people we are supposed to be saving!"

A Divination takes 10 minutes to cast, and Bliss worries that that would be too long. He asks Brother Succotash if he has an Augury spell to cast. If so, "ask whether investigating this sound will aid our rescue of the lost people of Thaelhaven."

If the Augury is not available, and if Bliss judges that there is time, he'll cast the Divination, with an 81% chance of success.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+21=26 ;
Monday November 4th, 2019 8:33:53 PM
Before anyone does anything, while Bliss is arguing for options, Pressi shouts at them to remain calm and to wait just one moment.

First, Pressi fires off a round or two of remote viewing (clairvoyance) in the direction of the thunder noise as close as she can approximate (Perception 26). If that doesn't work, she casts arcane eye.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 9:50:56 AM
“Guys, this thunder isn’t normal, it’s something magical. There’s a decent chance someone could be in danger RIGHT NOW, why should we ignore it in favor of investigating a town where they are quite possibly all dead already?”

Hobie’s face softens and he turns to Hendit “I’m sorry. That was insensitive. I hope your family can still be saved. But this lightning could also mean someone else’s family needs saving too.”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 10:17:25 AM
Succotash shakes his head and says, I didn’t prepare that spell today sadly, but I agree with Hobie, if someone is in trouble, or there is a chance someone is in trouble, we need to see what we can do to lend aid”. He than yells out for Valerie to hold up, as Pressi casts her spell.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d100=16 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 10:32:59 AM

Bliss gets red in the face. "They're NOT dead! They're NOT! My spell from yesterday said we could still save them!"

Bliss definitely takes the ten minutes to divine whether looking into this odd noise will help or hinder saving Hendit's friends and family.

Divination roll: 1d100, success on an 81 or less ... a 16!

DM Kathy d20=9 ; d20=11 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 1:09:09 PM
Hobie, Succotash, and Kezzem immediately set out after Valerie.

But Tali decides to stay behind with Hendit, warning her friends that their primary job is to look out for him. Bliss also advocates caution, reminding everyone that the thundering sound is not in the direction you're heading.

That prompts some discussion. Hobie and Succotash argue that somebody could be in trouble. Bliss reminds them that somebody is in trouble--the residents of Thaelhaven!

Pressi asks everyone to hold up, and tries to use remote viewing to see what's going on. As you watch, you hear another burst of the thunder-like sound, and, just at the edge of your vision, you think you see something moving along the ground.

At the same time, Mookie alerts Bliss that there's something moving down there.

Bliss begins casting his spell, but it will be 10 minutes before he can get an answer.

Some clarifications: you have heard the thunder-like sound, but you haven't seen anything that looks like lightning. You know that this area of the Red Hills is sparsely populated; there are no towns nearby.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 1:19:32 PM
Bliss keeps on casting on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 2:41:05 PM
"Frankly, I'd rather not chase it. The question is, is it chasing us?"

Pressi considers casting arcane eye but it also has a 10 minute casting time - and even prying eyes takes a minute. She lets the group know that she spotted something moving along the ground.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 5:57:02 PM
Succotash now is at an impasse. Upon hearing that their are things moving, and not knowing what they are, or if they're a threat, Succotash calls to Valerie to "Come", and when she arrives, he pats her on the head, in an affectionate manner. (He has grown attached to her in a very short time) "What if I quickly "Pop" over there, than "Pop" right back?", Succotash offers, "I got just the right spells for the job!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 7:29:25 PM
"Just be careful, Succotash," says Kezzem."And don't die again!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 10:16:44 AM
Tali, to Bliss, "Do you think the noise is coming from an underground space?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 12:58:34 PM
Hobie will hold up and see what happens after Sucker pops and unpops

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 1:12:06 PM
As Bliss continues with his spell, Pressi worries that whatever is making the thunder might be after your group. Tali wonders whether the noise could be coming from underground.

Succotash proposes "popping" over to the site of the noise and back. Kezzem warns him to be careful, and Hobie decides to wait until Succotash returns.

Succotash, if you do have a means to "pop" over there and decided to do so, Highlight to display spoiler: {when you arrive, you don't immediately see anything. The area is kind of a scrubby forest--scattered trees and a lot of bushes. You spend a few minutes walking around, looking for whatever caused the disturbance. Then you hear the thunder again--and see something charging right at you! It looks a little like a boar, except it's Huge, and it has multiple horns and tusks. The thundering sound is its massive hooves churning up the ground! It's a Knowledge: Arcana DC 25 to know more about it, but for now, you should probably get out of its way! }

For the rest of the group, Succotash is gone for several minutes, and then you hear the thundering sound again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 5:57:22 PM
"Don't worry, I'll bring Valerie with me, she'll keep me safe, won't you girl?" Succotash says to Kezzem, as he pats Valerie on the head. He than asks Mookie and Pressi to describe the area as best as they can, then pulls out a coin from his pouch, and casts light on it, and hands it to his friends saying, "If this goes dark, it's either because Valerie and I are in trouble, or it's urgent, otherwise I'll be right back"

He than uses the description to cast Greater Teleport on himself and Valerie, doing his best to arrive a safe distance, but close enough to see what going on, from what ever it is there is to see. Upon seeing the huge boar, Succotash uses dimensional hop to get Valerie and himself out of the way, then casts either denominational door or teleport to get back to his friends (would prefer to use DD, but if the distance it to far than Teleport is fine) When he's back, he says to everyone, "A huge boar is rampaging over there!"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 6:49:53 PM
Bliss keeps on casting!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 11:17:36 PM
"A Huge Bore, you say Kezzem. "So...it is Murphey? I mean, nobody's a bigger bore than...you mean B-O-A-R boar, don't you?"

Kezzem pauses.

"Now when you say 'huge' do you mean like that's the biggest yet-still-relatively-normal-sized boar I ever scene huge or like that boar is the size of a house huge?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+15=19 ; d20+15=19 ;
Thursday November 7th, 2019 1:01:04 AM

Bliss hears the paladin crack wise ...

... looking for a 15+2x4 = 23 ...

... rolling a concentration check ... a 19!

Bliss bursts out laughing! He falls over.

Even redder n the face than before, he walks over to Kezzem and hits him with a wooden fist. He hits AC19, enough to touch, but not high enough for damage.

"YOU JERK!" Bliss yells, still laughing. "YOU MADE ME SPOIL MY SPELL! I'VE BEEN CASTING THAT FOR THREE DAYS!"

"Anyway, it is just a beast in the wild, far from people. Let's get going. We have to save whats-his-name's people."

Mookie caws with birdish laughter. "Niblet. His name is Niblet."

"Niblet's people," says Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 7th, 2019 6:17:15 AM
"Let's just say that Valerie was in danger of being trampled by it, but even though I couldn't identify it (No ranks in knowledge arcana) I'm pretty sure it's no ordinary beast of the wild".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Thursday November 7th, 2019 10:27:56 AM
Tali wants to know how far away the BOAR is so she can fly over to it and try to identify its classification, so as to know what we are dealing with. "Succotash, how far away did you actually "pop", so I can see for myself?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 7th, 2019 10:53:17 AM
Before Succotash teleports, Pressi casts message on him just in case.

After Succotash's teleport and report, Kezzem's joke and Bliss' laughter goes rather unappreciated by Pressi but she allows it to slide.

She nods at Bliss' assessment, not wanting to kill an animal or destroy nature if she can help it. As they get on their way, she considers methods of leading it away from the group should it start getting closer.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 7th, 2019 11:09:54 AM
"Bliss, it's only been like 15 seconds tops," says Kezzem.

DM Kathy
Thursday November 7th, 2019 2:03:33 PM
Succotash returns with news that there is a huge boar rampaging in the valley!

Kezzem takes the opportunity to rag on the absent Murphy before asking whether Succotash means huge colloquially or whether it is actually Huge in size.

Tali wants to fly over and see for herself, which is certainly possible.

Bliss loses his spell, which he has been casting for three days. Kezzem opines that it has been 15 seconds tops. (It has actually been seven minutes.)

Pressi, along with several others, is curious whether this is simply a natural creature in a natural habitat, in which case she votes to leave it alone.

The answer to that question is a little tricky. What constitutes "natural" in a world where there are unicorns and basilisks? You already know that this isn't an ordinary boar. A boar's charge is noisy when you're right there, but a normal boar's hooves don't create a "thunder" that can be heard in the next valley. Further questioning of Succotash reveals that the creature is indeed Huge in size, so it isn't a regular boar. Is it still "natural?" That depends on your definition.

It is true, however, that there aren't any towns nearby. The thing may be a menace to travelers, but there are many such menaces in the Red Hills.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday November 7th, 2019 3:06:47 PM
In hearing of this boar, Hobie will ride Pippa towards it as fast as possible, and prepare to fire an arrow as soon as he can. (How far away is it?)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday November 7th, 2019 4:33:31 PM

Bliss just gapes as Hobie runs away on his own to fight a monster boar for no reason. "Ugh, are we doomed to have a Murphy in the party even when we don't have a Murphy?" he asks. "Sure, rush off on your own to fight with no back up."

"Thanks for the scouting, Brother Succo, but what if it had been something that snapped at you and grabbed you, like a T-Rex? Also sounds like something Murphy would do."

Mookie shakes his head. "You wanna be in a Dragon Consortium group, Kid, maybe you better go find a new group."

"Ugh." says Bliss.

"Why are we fighting a boar? It's just a beast. Leave it alone."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:07:20 PM
"Maybe we could try to calm it down or find out why it's raging," suggests Kezzem. "It might hurt somebody if we just let it go. But we're without our druid, so is anybody good with animals that aren't their familiars, companions, or mounts?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:38:41 PM
"I didn't prepare them, of course, but I have some spells at my disposal that would help, if I had prepared them, which I didn't. This cleric thing sure has a learning curve, you think you'll need spell A, so you prepare it, and it turns out you need spell B. As a Paladin I used very few spells, so never really had this problem, but now I guess spells are kinda my thing, hopefully I can improve in the guessing game known as spell prep" Succotash responds to Kezzem's question.

Than turning to Bliss he says, "That's not completely fair, I brought Valerie with me for backup and would have gladly taken as many as I could, if any had asked to accompany me, unlike Murphy, who would just go off on his own, and not to brag, or belittle Murph's abilities, but the gods have given me abilities which allow me to make hasty escapes, and when I say hasty, I mean instantaneous".

Succotash mounts Valerie, and will follow Hobie, ready to back him up, if he continues towards the boar thing.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:47:09 PM

Bliss looks abashed.

"Sorry. I'm a little cranky today. My elfish lunchbox only served up avocado and bean sprouts on whole wheat, and that's not my favorite."

"And no worms," adds Mookie.

"I did not mean to be mean," says Bliss. "I'm just frustrated." He kicks at the ground.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+21=39 ;
Friday November 8th, 2019 9:41:51 AM
"Succotash, Where is the boar, how many miles and in what direction? I wanna fly over and try to identify it. If is it making this weather sounding ruckus, it probably doesn't belong in the valley and as thus it is best to know what we are dealing with, just in case we have to help it get back to where it belongs." states Tali.

As soon as Succotash explains the basic direction, Tali, using overland flight -- her go to everyday set of spells used -- will fly over to discover the beast. Once within sight of said boar, Tai does her best to recall if she has an inkling of what this creature is. Knowledge Arcana Skill check: 21+ = 39.

Once, Tali, knows about the animal, she will return to the group and share her discovery.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 8th, 2019 9:44:23 AM
"Ok, I think now would be a good time to calm down," Pressi replied. "Succotash, sometimes we do need to take risks, but you at least had the time to explain your plan to us and accept more spells than message. Bliss, you need to relax about people taking risks - and this Dragon Consortium stuff. If they can't accept us for who we are, then they aren't our real friends. Hobie, I know I've gone on all granola on the group, but I've never agreed "to just killing 'monsters' just for what they might do. And even if it turns to attack us, I'd like to try some non-lethal strategies first. We'll fight it if we have to, or if we need the meat, but not for fun."

Pressi does take some time to think about her definition of unnatural, which IS a tad strained (being a monk turned bloodwitch with a leopard thanks to the bloodgrass invasion). That something interceded and twisted the creature, she supposed, that knocked the environment itself out of balance. Undead, abberations, constructs, bloodgrass, herself. That iron giant she rather enjoyed destroying.

"Now, in answer to Kezzem, Bliss or I could probably hit the creature with a charm monster. We wouldn't be able to talk to it but it would probably at least slow down for a bit. Deep Slumber is also worth a shot, but I don't know how many [hit dice] the thing has. Aside from that... not much.

"Succotash, don't beat yourself up. Every full caster finds themselves with a gap, especially when it's a universal curve ball. If we can't calm it, we'll just do something else."

She turned to their guide, the one they are supposed to be helping. "What do you think of all of this? Are creatures like this common to the Red Hills?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday November 8th, 2019 12:42:41 PM

Bliss takes his scolding and doesn't say anything.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday November 8th, 2019 1:08:16 PM
”It’s all good Bliss, I’ve ofttimes been frustrated with Murph going off by himself too, And I very much appreciate the concern”. Turning to Pressi, Succotash says, ”If you guys can calm it, assuming it uses animal speak, I should be able to communicate with it”.

DM Kathy
Friday November 8th, 2019 1:31:30 PM
More harsh words are exchanged about rushing into danger, fighting monsters, and avocados for lunch. Pressi is able to interject some calm, and get everyone more or less on the same page.

Tali casts Overland Flight and heads out to see this creature for herself. She is able to find it after a few minutes' search, and readily identifies it as an ypotryll. It's hard to be sure, but it is probably a natural part of this ecosystem.

[OOC: Its creature type is Magical Beast rather than Animal, but it is in its natural terrain. These creatures can be harmful to settlements, but there aren't many settlements nearby.]

Pressi asks Hendit whether these creatures are common in the Red Hills. "I wouldn't say common, no," Hendit replies. "My routes don't normally take me this far north, but I've never seen anything like the creature you described. You do hear all manner of tales about these hills."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 8th, 2019 2:41:24 PM
"Well if it's a wild creature, I doubt it would be evil," says Kezzem. "I could check to make sure, but I would need to get within say about 60 feet of it. I'm fairly stealthy already (+12), but I wouldn't say no if somebody could make me invisible or something."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+22=33 ;
Friday November 8th, 2019 5:28:17 PM
If Talia tells the group that they are Ypotryll's, Hobie will know them (Knowledge Arcana 33) and speak up to his group.

"These creatures are definitely dangerous, but they are most usually neutral, and not evil at all. They just want food. It doesn't seem that there are any villages or people around to be hurt by it, perhaps we should just leave it be?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Saturday November 9th, 2019 5:33:18 PM
When Succotash suggests calming the creature, Hobie remembers the staff they found a long time ago at Miss Marne's Menagerie (Sunday February 4th, 2018 3:59:21 PM) and offers it to him.

"This staff can cast Calm Animals and Reduce Animal, maybe you can get some use out of it"

"We picked it up but we've never used it, I think"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Sunday November 10th, 2019 12:03:40 PM
Ypotryll

"Kezzem, I doubt there will be any alignment on this creature as it is a magical beast! It appears to be in its natural environment, and their does not seem to be any seattlements nearby to be caused any grief. The one thing I can tell you, is that, Giants and powerful troll chiefs prize this creature, so it they are looking for one, that might be an issue here. Otherwise, lets move on. " says Tali.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday November 10th, 2019 12:57:23 PM
Succotash thanks Hobie’s for the staff, but says, “I agree with Tali, we should leave the beast alone, as long as it isn’t a threat to anyone, there is no reason to mess with it in it natural habitat”.

DM Kathy
Monday November 11th, 2019 12:44:46 PM
You were ready to charge over and confront this beast--or at least, some of you were--but cooler heads are prevailing. The creature is formidable, but it does seem to belong here. It would be a threat to nearby settlements, but there aren't any.

So most of you are inclined, at the moment, to live and let live. If that is the case, you can soon be on your way. You camp that evening in a location that appears to have been used as a campsite before--several miles from where you saw the Ypotryll.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=32 ; d20+9=11 ;
Monday November 11th, 2019 5:42:44 PM
Succotash's Perception 32
Valerie's Perception 11

Succotash will take his watch with Valerie, if the evening is peaceful, he will spend an hour in prayer with his deities, and prepare his spells for the day. He will set out in the morning along with everyone else.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday November 11th, 2019 8:26:56 PM
Tali will take the 2am watch. While, Succotash does his watch, Tali will meditate for two (2) hours to regain her slots. Upon finishing her meditation, Tali will cast her standard working spells {See below}.

When it is time for Tali to take her shift, she will hover 5 feet off the ground with her back to a tree in full view of the campfire in the center.

IN the morning, Tali wishes to discuss with the team some ideas before heading out.

Spells in Affect

Overland Flight / 840 minutes
Mage Armor / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 11th, 2019 10:21:07 PM

Bliss sighs, and smiles. "Well, not every encounter is a fight. I'm glad we passed on that."

He favors pressing on, or if it is time to rest, he takes first watch.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 10:14:33 AM
Before they move out, Pressi can't resist taking a quick peak at the creature herself. She polymorphs into a bird and keeps her distance in the air to do so.

Not much more needs to be done. At arrival in the camp, she takes some moments (perception, detect magic) to make sure the camp is safe and to scrounge for supplies (i.e. for tonight's dinner). She takes the last shift after resting but before her daily rituals.

She also is willing to listen to Tali's suggestions (remind me what they are).

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 12:45:54 PM
You camp, and set your watches. Pressi is able to find some wild mushrooms nearby, which add a nice, woody flavor to the meal you prepare.

The night is full of strange cries and rustlings, but nothing approaches the camp, and your rest is undisturbed. In the morning, Tali has some things to discuss over breakfast, which may possibly continue as you strike camp and begin the next day's journey.

You camp again that night, then are able to spend another night in an inn. Hendit tells you you can be in Thaelhaven by mid-afternoon tomorrow.

[Everyone take 16,000 XP for this scene. Unless somebody has something still to do in the Red Hills, we'll begin the next scene tomorrow.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 6:09:49 PM
Succotash wakes feeling refreshed, he thinks to himself, "So this is what it's like to sleep in armor and not wake up fatigued". He eagerly awaits Tali's suggestions, wondering what she has to say.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 7:36:02 PM

Bliss takes a chance at the inn to have a long sit-down with Hendit, after he asks Mookie to take a perch on the roof to keep watch. He asks about his family and his people. About his experiences on the road. It must be a super dangerous job to wander the Red Hills all alone with valuables. He wonders if there is more to Hendit than he seems -- maybe he is not just a merchant, but a warrior, or a magic user? He'd almost have to be, to survive out here.

Kezzem, sub by Cayzle
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 7:43:08 PM

Sir Kezzem takes stock of the inn and sighs. "This place looks pretty hostel," he says. "Tavern? More like cavern, amirite?"

Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, Brian is more witty than I am! Clearly!}

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=36 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 10:33:34 PM
Diplomatic Efforts

Skill Check: Diplomacy: 36

Tali suggests to the group, "Next time we get the chance, when we have some down time during the next camping, we should share some of the spells we would be using for communication to become familiar with each other tatics to avoid the communication issues with had in the Iron Giant battle. With so many different skill sets each one of us has, I think it would behoove us to get to be a more well oiled team especially when it come to battles or examples of conflict."

Tali continues, "I for one thought I was prepared and was using my"message spell" but for whatever reason, so few of us answered my questions and they were directed straight to you all! Tonight when we camp, before watches and perhaps during our meal, I will demonstrate my spell "Message" and this way I can share with you a a spell that You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies with a range of 240 ft."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20=13 ;
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 4:29:32 AM
ooc: Just to check with everyone else, with the new 16,000 xp, we should be at 508,500xp, is that correct? also, that d20 roll was an accident.

Hobie agrees with Tali about the importance of communication. He will also prepare Message in the morning when he prepares his spells. He reminds her though that it wouldn't have helped too much in the iron giant as Message spells can't go through metal.

Hobie takes his shift at night, and provided no new information is presented to him before his spell preparation the following morning, these are the spells he will prepare:

==========================
Enhanced Arrow - 1d6 Electric

Boots of Speed--Rounds used 0/10
==========================
Arcane Bond free spell

Level 0- Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message
Level 1- Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, Grease, Feather Fall
Level 2- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Invisibility, Invisibility, Alter Self
Level 3- Heroism, Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow
Level 4- Locate Creature, Greater Invisibility, Stone Shape

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 11:12:28 AM
Pressi listens to Talia. "I get what you are saying, but I think it's less the power of the message spell and more that we can get into our own heads. But more to the point, I don't want you to think that you are bound to seeking consensus or waiting for orders. What if they had cast silence or suffocate on me during negotiations? Would you have literally sat there just waiting? You are allowed to act unilaterally on occasion as long as you read the room correctly and can justify it or seek forgiveness later. It's a judgement call, but still..."

Pressi sighed, shaking her head. "I, of course, should have been better at responding. But I was in a bind myself. I needed to figure out the likelihood of a deal and what I could give up, while trying not to tip my own hand. I couldn't afford to tell THEM that the machine could be shut down or modified or used as a power source. And I couldn't risk that they'd yet again pick up on a coded message, decipher or no. I had to make some judgment calls myself, and I'm sorry if I wasn't fair to you.

"As for communication, it is always a tough thing, particularly in cases of distance or when in front of an enemy. Message is a good spell but it has some risks. My fan can allow for coded messages to a close ally, but there's a chance they can know I am sending a coded message, if not the content itself. I suppose I have a few other tricks - arcane mark, mind reading, nightmare, just talking about the plan ahead of time - but at the end of the day, there are going to be times when communication can't or doesn't happen, or when the plan requires some improvisation without discussing it."

Pressi smiles at the rest of the group. "And when that happens, remember that we are a family of halflings. We are going to scream at each other and dissect our choices until they are translucent. What makes us a family is that we can come together after that - move past the screaming - and that we can each learn to make better choices as time goes on."

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

(OOC: One better way to plan is off the board, particularly via emails. This is also a good tool if you don't understand something or if the player isn't answering you in character or if you are considering a unilateral action. So if something like that happens again, just email the group (or myself or the DM) and something can be worked out. And again, I'm sorry that I didn't respond to you IC at the time, but I wasn't ignoring you. I think I was busy trying to pump out those big dialogue groups under a time crunch.)

What Happened in Thaelhaven?

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 2:50:53 PM
As you camp, and as you travel, and as you spend a night at an inn, you discuss battle strategies--particularly communication. You want to be prepared if you are separated in combat again.

At the inn, Bliss tries to get a read on Hendit. You learn that the peddler isn't a warrior or a magic-user, but he is quite brave and really smart. He has cultivated relationships with people along his routes, who warn him of rumors of bandits, orcs, and the like. He will break his route and return, or stay a few extra nights in a town, in order to avoid this kind of trouble. He has had losses to bandits, but he shows you how he keeps two purses--a smaller one he can hand over, and a larger one he conceals. He tells you he has only lost the larger purse once.

You set out from the inn to continue your journey in a freezing fog. The combination of low temperatures and poor visibility makes traveling uncomfortable. The fog begins to lift as you descend the Red Hills toward the Plains of Izen. About mid-morning, you realize the rough track you've been following has become a narrow country lane, which widens to a road by noon. "We're close," Hendit says.

The fog is gone by the time you reach Thaelhaven, and a wan sun shines over the scene. There are, as Hendit told you earlier, six houses in the tiny village. Four are traditional hobbit-holes, built into the sides of gently rolling hills. Two are above-ground cottages.

The place is deserted, and beginning to show signs of neglect. Autumn leaves are clustered in drifts against walls and doors. Kitchen gardens are full of weeds, and the grass on the verges is getting tall.

Hendit stops at the edge of the village and sets down the handle of his peddler's cart. He looks like he wants to cry.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+9=28 d20+30=47
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 7:27:41 PM

Bliss suggests that we may see something that Hendit missed.

"Yeah, hard to get a good look around if you're blubbering," Mookie caws.

Bliss gasps, shocked at his companion. "Hush, Mookie!" he commands. "Come on, help me look around." The bird ducks his head, getting a blast of disapproval through the telempathic link.

Bliss changes into a tomcat, but an old ratty one this time [OOC: Threefold Aspect to max Wis bonus at the expense of age.]

Mookie aid another to look around: Perception 28 gives Bliss a +2.

Bliss searching for clues and smells and hints: Perception 47 + scent.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 11:11:54 PM
Kezzem will use his Detect Evil as he looks around town to see if he gets any pings.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=35 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+1=6 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:36:28 AM
Succotash will cast detect magic as they go, he wonders if there may have been magic used in the disappearance and is testing to see that if so there is any magical aura residue lingering about. he also does his best to look for tracks, and/or any other clues. He also asks Valerie to see if she can smell anything, using her sent ability.

Succotash's perception 35
Succotash survival 22
Valerie's perception 24
Valerie's survival 6

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=30 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 11:41:11 AM
Tali will fly upward to get an overview of the lay of the town, incase there is something to be seen from above that is not obvious from the ground.

Skill Check: Fly: 30

After taking a 15 minute observation from above, Tali will return to share with the group her findings and expect the same sharing of findings from her colleagues.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+25=35 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:07:15 PM
Pressi places a hand on Hendt's shoulders, silent for a moment. "I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling right now, but we are here for whatever you need."

With pretty much everyone else doing what she'd normally be doing - tracking, aerial looking, detect magic - Pressi takes some time to instead walk among the perimeter of the village. She follows up by looking around inside the homes themselves. She considers casting detect thoughts, but doesn't know where to point it.

(Perception 35)

DM Kathy
Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:44:14 PM
[Old business: Succotash gets a Hero Point for putting himself in harm's way to investigate the mysterious thunder.]

You spread out and begin investigating the village.

Kezzem detects for evil, but finds none.

Tali flies up to get an aerial view. She doesn't find any clues, but she does give the DM an opportunity to describe the overall layout of the village so that's nice. You see the road that you came in on, heading southwest out of the Red Hills. The road winds through the village before splitting in two. One branch heads west; the other south. On the south road, you see a town about a mile in the distance--probably the Big Folk town of Salbe that Hendit spoke of. Ploughed fields stretch out behind the village--most seem to have been already harvested before whatever happened.

Bliss, in cat form, along with Succotash and Valerie, search around in the village. Near one of the above-ground cottages, concealed in some bushes, you find the remains of a dog. It's mostly a skeleton at this point. A crossbow bolt is clearly visible in its ribcage.

Pressi takes a moment to comfort Hendit before starting her investigation. You go through the houses. You find mostly tidy rooms, but all beds are unmade. Like Hendit said, it looks as if whatever happened, happened at night or very early in the morning. Dust is beginning to cover the furniture. It's so subtle you almost miss it at first, but in one of the houses, you see fresh scuff marks on the floor. Now that you know what to look for, you see similar scuff marks in another house. It appears the residents of Thaelhaven were dragged from their homes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:34:07 PM
Seeing the crossbow bolt, Succotash removes it from the dog carcass. and examines it looking for anything that may reveal it's origin. (perception 20) He in turn lets Bliss examine it, and then calls out for the others to meet up. when everyone is assembled he shows the crossbow bolt to everyone, including Hendit, hoping maybe someone recognizes it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+19=35 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 8:53:41 PM

Bliss looks at the dead dog and looks sad. Well, as sad as an elderly cat can look.

Mookie caws, and says, "The Kid is sad."

Bliss hisses at him.

More valuable to Detective Kitty is the scuff marks and other sign that the residents were dragged. He sniffs, trying to pick up a scent. Mookie says to the travelling peddler, "Hey Niblet, you got any personal effects from a missing person? A hankie or a lock of hair, maybe? Something that might have a scent?"

Bliss looks for tracks, howsoever old, in the hope that he can identify who or what made them and where they went. Harper has scent too, right? Can he (she?) aid another? Maybe our dear new cleric can cast a Guidance?

Survival 35, maybe +1, +2, or +3 with friends, to sniff out tracks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d8=8 ; d20+1=2 ;
Friday November 15th, 2019 11:04:13 AM
Harper begins to chastise Mookie for his remarks. But she stops as she sees the dead dog, before spitting on it. "You know what that's for, ya fleabag."

(And thus concludes the one time per module that Harper talks.)

After showing Bliss the scuff marks, Pressi watches as Bliss and Harper try to track the marks but Harper can't seem to get the scent (survival 2). (OOC: is there any way to make a familiar a tracking animal? because it doesn't seem like we get enough skill points for that).

She holds off for now with her own tracking abilities, but if Bliss fails, she activates her own tracking abilities. (Justicar survival +17+14, but they know they are being tracked)

Going back to Hendit, she updates him on what the group found and asks him again about any possible enemies. It does occur to her that it's a bit tidy for ogres or bandits, even if they did get the drop on people. "Either these invaders took some steps to cover their tracks, or they took some steps to make sure nobody fought back."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:17:57 PM
"Well at least is looks like they were taken using normal means," says Kezzem. "That's better than a lot of my worse case scenarios at least."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+13=33 ;
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:44:48 PM
At seeing the dog, Hobie will add, "Why would they have taken the time to hide this dog's carcass in the bushes? Seems quite odd."
He will examine the bolt, and see if theres any way he might, as an archer, recognize anything about the craftmanship of it, what region it comes from, what type of race would possibly use this bolt, etc. (knowledge Local = 33. Tell me if you'd rather I roll a different skill for this.)

Hobie will also make a point to see if he notices any houses without the scuff marks. There's always the chance that someone from the village was helping with this.

DM Kathy
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:54:20 PM
Succotash examines the crossbow bolt, hoping to find a clue. Alas, it is a completely unremarkable crossbow bolt; the kind you can buy in bundles of 10 anywhere in the Wold.

Kezzem is somewhat relieved to find the villagers have been taken by normal means, and not magicked away somehow.

Hobie looks for houses without scuff marks, but that describes most of them. Only two houses have scuff marks; the other four do not. He wonders why the dog's carcass was concealed; but it looks as if the wounded dog crawled into the bushes to die.

Bliss, together with Mookie and Harper, starts investigating scents. It is easy to find personal items of villagers; indeed, their closets, bureaus and clothes-presses are full of clothing. You attempt to track, using these scents and other clues, and find...not very much. The scent of the villagers still lingers in the area of the village itself, but fades quickly once you leave the tiny cluster of homes. Tracks are a muddle. You estimate that it has rained (or possibly snowed) more than once since the villagers were taken, and there is no clear tale to be read on the ground. You see the occasional track from a halfling, and some from Big Folk, but it's difficult to tell how old they are. You see the wheel-tracks of wagons and farm carts on the roads, but they say nothing about who was driving them, where they went, or what they were carrying.

Pressi activates her own tracking abilities, but is unable to determine anything either. The problem, basically, is that there are too few tracks inside the village, and too many tracks once you get out to the roads.

Putting your heads together, you tentatively conclude that the villagers were taken, then conveyed somewhere on some kind of vehicle, but you're not sure what kind of vehicle, or where it went.

You're pretty sure you've seen all there is to see in the village. Hendit reminds you that you can also go to Salbe and ask if anyone there has any more information.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d100=24 ;
Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:16:32 AM

"Wheel tracks and carts. Some halflings were walking. Well, that means they were taken away, and by Big Folk."

"That's the good news, they were taken, not killed," Bliss says. "Now the bad. If we had been faster, maybe the tracks would have been fresher. If I could have done this over, I would have left the peddler's cart behind and force marched us. We did not have to stop at inns. We were stupid, and if we fail to catch them in time, it will be a lesson paid for by innocents, not by us."

He mutters, "The worst thing is I knew it, and I let it go when no one else bothered to agree."

Bliss takes ten minutes to cast a Divination. He asks for the best direction to head in order to find the villagers of Thaelhaven.

Divination roll 24.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday November 16th, 2019 7:59:22 AM
“Bliss, by the looks of the place, the abductions took place a while ago, and even if we were able to teleport ourselves here the moment that Hendit recruited us, we still wouldn’t be able to follow the tracks. My heart is saddened by the scene here, and the lack of clues, but gladdened by the fact that the only body found was a dog, giving hope that they may still all be alive. I vote that. We head to Salbe, but before we do, Hendit, would you be able to find some of your wife’s hair, maybe from a hairbrush, and or some hairs from your children? I didn’t prepare it this morning, but I would like to prepare and cast Scrying in the morning, unless someone else is able and willing to do so now”.

Tali (subbing for Jon-Paul)
Saturday November 16th, 2019 8:07:57 AM
Tali listens to both Bliss and Succotash, and like them, she to is saddened at the lack of clues, but upon hearing Succotash’s word of hope in the safety of the towns people, she perks up, and returns to her normal cheerful self. “I don’t know the scrying spell, but would be glad to cast it if I did”.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:18:43 PM
"Um...I got nothing, Can someone magucnusna way to question the dog?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday November 17th, 2019 7:30:27 PM

Bliss laughs. "Questioning the dog is easy, Sir Kezzem, no magic needed. It is getting an answer that is the hard part!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Sunday November 17th, 2019 7:43:14 PM
"Well, that's what the magic's would be for, no?" says Kezzem. "Just trying to come up with the some ideas, but you know me: I don't think outside the box, I AM outside the box!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Sunday November 17th, 2019 8:15:11 PM
Pressi smiled. "Well, I can try speak with dead plus comprehend languages. But just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. That's the basic definition of tampering in god's domain and cannot possibly be done sober."

In addition to scrying and divination, Pressi does have a few tricks up her sleeve, such as Prying eyes (we could send an eyeball down each path), locate creature, and find the path. However, she moves to try this new town as well.

"I get Bliss' concern, but may I remind him that shadow walking was an option. Not a great option, but we had it. Also, I guess I consider hitting inns first part of my "urban tracking" ability. To me, the strongest trail is the bartender, the hotel safe, the shady guy in the corner."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 18th, 2019 2:07:22 AM
"Man, I used to be the shady guy in the corner," says Kezzem wistfully.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 18th, 2019 7:15:15 AM
"Oh Succotash! Great idea! I can cast scrying!" Hobie takes out a scroll of "scrying" from his handy haversack.
"I forgot all about it, because it's one that I've just learned recently!"

"Hendit, if you can find me something of your wife's, I could cast the spell and find her, clothing will do, but a bit of hair, or even a nail clipping, would do much better"

If Hendit can provide Hobie with something of her, Hobie will attempt to Scry. (the spell takes one hour)

DM Kathy d20=6 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 12:47:22 PM
Bliss is upset that you couldn't get here earlier--an understandable sentiment not supported by the math. The villagers had been gone for at least a week by the time Hendit even discovered it. It's unlikely a few extra days would have made any difference.

Kezzem wonders if there's a way to question the dog. The consensus seems to be that it's possible, but perhaps not a good idea.

Instead, Succotash suggests scrying, which Tali endorses. Hobie has the means to scry right now, and asks Hendit for some of his wife's hair to assist in finding her. Hendit gladly obliges, and you are able to gather several strands of long, reddish-brown hair from the hairbrush he brings you.

While the hour-long casting proceeds, Bliss casts his Divination. His answer: the road to wisdom runs through knowledge.

While he is pondering that, Hobie finishes his spell. You immediately see an attractive, middle-aged halfling woman. Her long, reddish-brown hair is a mass of tangles, and she is wearing a shapeless smock made of some kind of animal skin. Bear? Maybe. Three children of varying ages are clustered around her. The children are also dressed in animal skins, and looking unkempt. All four also look unhappy. There are gaps in your vision that puzzle you at first; then you realize that the black bars are part of a cage. The halflings are inside a cage. Around them, you see other halflings, also dressed in animal skins, also looking disheveled. The scene is completely silent. Even when people move around, you don't hear shuffling or rustling noises. Although the halflings look disheveled and unhappy, they don't look as if they are being starved, and you don't see any bruises or other injuries on them.

After the divinations are complete, Pressi reminds you that the best sources of information are often people that you talk to. She is eager to head for Salbe.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+10=18 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 1:24:58 PM
Knowledge Nature 18 to see if I could POSSIBLY identify the animal skins they wear and possibly determine some kind of general location.

After scrying, Hobie turns immediately to Hendit. "Hendit, the good news is that your wife and children are not hurt. They are looking decently fed, and without injury. Unfortunately though, they are being kept in cages, and they do look quite unhappy. Also unfortunately, I wasn't able to gather much in terms of where they are, except that they were wearing animal skins, but I'm not sure I am of much help in identifying them. If only Murphy was here. The one thing we can take for certain though, is that your family, and the people of your village, are alive."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+6=22 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 5:44:41 PM
Succotash, also looks to see if he can identify the animal skins, (Knowledge Nature 22) He then says to his friends, "Well, should we head over to Salbe?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 18th, 2019 6:37:36 PM
"Sure, let's go talk to Sable. Maybe the Symkovian Wild Pack has heard something. What do you think, Hobbie? Shall we go Prowling for information there? Also, I could get me portraits, portraits of Spider-Men! Or ettercaps I believe they are all called."

Kezzem then starts singing to himself. "Ettercaps, ettercaps, does whatever an ettercap does. Can he swing from a web? Sure he can, he's not an ettercan't."

"Um...what were we doing again? I think my train of thought just got derailed, crashed into itself, and crumpled."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 18th, 2019 6:45:48 PM

Bliss shares the results of his divination. "Clearly, we have to learn more, and heading to this town is the most likely route to that. It's our only lead." He's in favor of heading off asap.

Also, Bliss is glad of the result of the scrying. "Thank you Hobie, good job."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 9:59:36 AM
Tali explains, " that perhaps we should be cautious with the big folks town recalling the not so warm welcome Hendit received from them when he first became alarmed over this matter."

Turning to Mr. Hendit, "What can you tell us about this Big Folk town? How large is it, does it contain mix races or mostly humans? "

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 10:55:55 AM
Pressi doesn't have much to add at this point, although getting some idea of what Sable is like would indeed benefit their strategy.

She does smile at Kezzem's comment of being in and out of the shadows. It reminds her of how they met.

As they move forward, she attempts to pick up the tracks while they travel.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 1:54:52 PM
Hobie tries to figure out what kinds of skins he's seeing. There are a variety; you see some that are probably deer, and some shaggier ones that could be bear or raccoon. It's hard to say for sure.

Succotash can help a bit, but my understanding is that only the person who casts the Scrying can actually see the images, so Succotash would be working form descriptions.

The rest of the group is ready to head to Salbe, although Kezzem is wondering about the possibility of meeting up with a friendly neighborhood ettercap. It seems unlikely.

Tali asks about Salbe. Hendit says it's a town of mostly humans, with a few half-orcs. It's larger than Thaelhaven, of course, but not all that big--a few hundred people, perhaps.

Hendit points you down the right road, but says, "unless you think you need me for something, I'd like to stay here in Thaelhaven. Clean the place up a bit, and keep an eye on things until--until everyone comes back."

[OOC: Hendit will accompany you if you ask him, but otherwise you'll continue the adventure without him.]

As Tali had already seen from overhead, Salbe is about a mile distant. The short journey there is uneventful, and you arrive in the late afternoon. You still have a few hours of daylight left, but folks are probably starting to think about what's for supper. It is, as Hendit said, a smallish town, perhaps a bit rough around the edges out here on the Izen frontier. It is sized exclusively for Big Folk, so everything is too big and the door handles are too high!

You make your way to the center of town. There is an inn here, the Gray Raven. Nearby are the Salbe General Store and the office of the Town Sheriff.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 11:44:12 PM
"There's your bar, Pressi. And it's a RAVEN. Why did it have to be ravens? You know who likes ravens? Necromancers! Creepy little birds, you ask me. Unless it's a giant raven. Then it's a big creepy bird.

"Uh, no offense, Mookie.

"But Harper knows what I'm talking about. You're a Bengal cat, aren't you? I hear Bengals and Ravens don't like each other much."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=32 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+25=27 ; d20+11=28 ;
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 11:46:46 PM

Bliss feels uncomfortable so he switches to tomcat form before entering the town. He sneaks around sniffing for the kidnap victims, listening to gossip, and being alert for clues.
Stealth 32
Survival to scent/track 31
Perception 27
Gather Info 28

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:55:27 AM
"Feel free to stay here and do what you will, my friend", Succotash says to Hendit, "To be honest, if things get dicey, as they always seem to do, when ever we set out on a mission, it would be nice to know that you are safe".

As Succotash enters Salbe, he keeps a tight reign on Valerie so as to hopefully not scare anyone who doesn't need scaring. He tries to keep his eyes and ears open for any sort of clue (perception 20)

In the town center, Succotash says, "I think we should talk to the constable first, if nothing else as a courtesy. Maybe he will be a little more responsive to us than he was to Hendit, after all we have gained a bit of fame, plus Valerie doesn't take kindly to being dismissed". Succotash smiles when he mentions Valerie

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+29=34 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 1:08:35 PM
Taking everyone else's led, Tali will try diplomacy on top of the other info gathering skills.

Tali first goes into the general store to see what they offer for sales and then to ask question while being diplomatic about it.

Once she feels she has exhausted the General store, she will head into the Raven's Inn bar to be diplomatic there.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 42 | 34
Perception: 10
Gather Info: 19

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:07:15 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled that Hendit won't be going on with them, as he could still be useful. Also, she doesn't entirely agree that a ghost town that's already been hit once is safe. But she is respectful of his decision.

Before they enter the city, Pressi's armor shimmers and shakes, until it changes to a basic outfit from Thaelhaven. Just a simple merchant's skirt for a simple halfling gal riding a leopard she eventually beast shaped into a horse.

Before entering the Grey Raven, she takes two minute's time to look over the building and clientele (hiding in plain sight, as needed) and using rounds of clairaudio to catch snippets of conversation. She begins to plan her eventually disguise and backstory by determining what kind of clients they have, what they do for a living, what they might want in general, how they might respond.

She also reminds the group that someone should head to the sheriff.

---------

Spells Used

L3: 1
remote listening: 3 rounds

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:10:26 PM
Kezzem is unnerved by the name of the bar, and mentions the historic enmity between Bengals and Ravens. He counts himself fortunate that this town isn't industrial enough to have any Steelers.

Bliss morphs into cat form and investigates that way. While slipping about, remaining inconspicuous, trying to observe, you see a human girl doing much the same. She slips into child-sized, out-of-the way hiding places, and watches the people on the street. She seems particularly interested in your group.

Succotash goes into the sheriff's office. He finds a human man in there, middle-aged, with thinning brown hair and the beginnings of a gut. He frowns at Valerie, but only says, "Help you?"

Tali goes into the general store. The proprietor is an older human man with a fringe of gray hair around a mostly bald pate. Faded blue eyes twinkle down at you. "Afternoon, little lady!" he calls cheerfully. He chuckles at his own joke.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:47:47 PM
Being from the Browncloak family, Hobie isn't too fond of Ravens or Bengals himself, and is definitely glad there are no Steelers.

Hobie has gone with Succotash to the sheriff's office and will answer, "Sir, my good friend and I are here having recently traveled from Thaelhaven. It seems that the wholfce village has been taken hostage, I have scried and seen myself that they are in cages and its a horrific sight, but unfortunately I couldn't see more than that they were captured and alive. Is there anything you could possibly know relating to this?"

ooc: When I was scrying, was I able to detect that they were in a stationary place? or did it seem to be moving as if in a wagon or something?

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 4:17:32 PM
[bonus DM post!]

Pressi takes some time to scout the inn. You can quickly ascertain that most folks in Salbe are farmers, much like in Thaelhaven. Talk is of the harvest, the fields, and what kind of winter it's going to be. This also seems to be the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, so regardless of how clever your disguise is, you're still going to be a stranger.

In the sheriff's office, Hobie asks about the missing halflings. The sheriff is rolling his eyes before you even finish asking the question. "This again!" he says. "Look, I told that other fellow, and I'm telling you--I don't know anything about any missing halflings. I'm real sorry it happened, but I got nothin' to tell you."

[OOC: the cage appeared to be stationary]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:56:38 PM
"I'll come with you, Press," says Kezzem. "Wouldn't hurt to keep an extra eye out. There might be some thief's about...you, know, stealers and the like...and they wouldn't be welcome in the Ravens bar. Best have some extra protection."

Kezzem will activate his Detect Evil in the bar.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=30 ; d20+25=34 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 10:38:12 PM

Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He plays it like a nonchalantcat, and if he is noticed, he saunters up for petting.

He smells her if he gets the chance. (Scent)

Stealth 30
Perception 34

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+13=16 ; d20+12=18 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 5:58:51 AM
sense motive 16
diplomacy 18

Succotash tries to understand why the sheriff is so up tight when Hobie mentions why they are there. He than says to the sheriff, "I understand you are a busy man, and we wouldn't think to ask you to investigate the situation, that's why we're here. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and my friend here is Hobie Browncloak, and we're members of the adventuring group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we have developed a bit of fame over the years, heck we even slew a Umber Dragon during the battle of the Sargrass Plains, talk about things like that get around after all. Anyway, we were asked to investigate the missing town of halflings, and so far we have ascertained that they were taken by force. So since there is no one there to talk to, we thought we would head over to the nearest town to look for rumors and such. We wanted to check in with the local law enforcement to see if you may have heard any rumors, even ones that may seem completely absurd, and also to ask permission to investigate in your town".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+21=39 ; d20+18=37 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:32:12 PM
Pressi shrugged at Kezzem's suggestion. Now that she knew they were just farmers, she figured she was just going to play it somewhat straight anyway. So the only change is that she won't change herself into a human first.

(OOC: I was looking to see if anything would give me an edge or a thing to avoid. Like, if it were a "hive of scum and villainy," she might have chosen a disguise and a different approach.)

"But we have to move quickly," Pressi replied. "At the rate you joke packers are running through team names like we won't get any bills, it won't be long before we run out of the non-racist puns, and I can't allow that to happen. You know, as a patriot."

Keeping her Thaelhaven clothing image with a few smudges of dirt (and a rod of silent close by), Pressi walked her way into the Ravens and right to the bar as Kezzem took his look around. (She takes some time to look things over herself, using Detect Magic and Perception 39).

(Diplomacy, Bluff 37)

After eyeing the bartender and ordering "just a water, I can't handle much else," Pressi proceeded to spin fifteen minutes of sadness, speaking of "her" village gone and her family missing, and only this kind paladin to relay the message but she was otherwise alone. At one point, Pressi brushed his arm, in the middle of a motif.

"And I know, I know that people have been saying they know nothing about this town, but I am so desperate and so alone, and I... If there is any information that you might have, a non-halfling stranger, a weather pattern, a rumor, or maybe even someone else I could go to, then I would be so appreciative."

DM Kathy
Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:33:16 PM
Kezzem offers to accompany Pressi into the Gray Raven. You do not detect any evil. You do detect the delicious smells of supper being prepared in the kitchen. The inn is not yet very crowded, and the few patrons turn to stare curiously at you as you enter.

Pressi spins a tale of woe to the impatient-looking man behind the bar. "I don't know anything about it," he replies. "I'm too busy working hard here, trying to earn a living." This last is said with a rather pointed look at Pressi's water-glass.

Bliss follows the urchin as she slips around town. She watches Kezzem and Pressi go into the inn. She watches Hobie and Succotash go into the sheriff's office. She sneaks around to what looks like a rear entrance to the inn. At no point does she seem to notice Bliss.

Succotash explains who you are and what you're doing. "I haven't heard any rumors or anything," the sheriff replies. "Like I told that other fellow. You want to ask around, help yourselves."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 21st, 2019 4:14:21 PM
"I am detecting something in the kitchen!" says Kezzem. "I am going to go investigate. You don't wouldn't want to be ambushed by an evil stew."

Kezzem goes to the kitchen to "investigate" the food.

"Greetings friends," he says. "What's on the menu?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=42 ; d20+25=33 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 9:11:06 PM

Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He fears that he is just following a curious child, but if so, then no harm done.

If she heads into the inn, he'll be careful to follow in her footsteps so that he can enter while the door is open ... even if that means his stealth checks fail. He continues to try to get a sniff -- to make sure that she smells like a kid and not something in disguise.

Stealth 42
Perception 33

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=22 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 5:42:23 AM
Succotash thanks the sheriff than turns to Hobie and says, "Shall we leave the sheriff to his duties, as we continue ours?" he than leaves the sheriffs office and does a quick scan of the area (Perception 22) before heading over to the Gray Raven. If he notices anything he will investigate instead of entering the inn, otherwise he will enter the inn and join Kezzem and Pressi.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 29 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+8=18 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 8:53:52 AM
The Grey Raven

Tali, inquires with the bar keep about missing halflings or if he/she has overheard anyone discussing a group of halflings they might have seen. {Diplomacy check: 42}

Using her other skills Tali will order a mug of mead if they have it and then open a bar tab if this is a service the bar keep offers. Meandering around the room, Tali finds a out-of-the way table or booth to sit down in and observe the assembled group and the other patrons within.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 42 | 41
Gather Info: 20
Perception: 18

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight 829 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor 829 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 22nd, 2019 11:04:59 AM
Pressi watches as Kezzem heads for dinner and Tali starts ordering drinks. One can tell from her disappointment that plan A didn't work by how much longer than the story her sighing is.

Finally, she drops a few coins on the table, her affectations melting away. "I'll have a scotch and soda, hold the ice. And why don't you go ahead and make something for yourself, my treat. All I want is a few minutes of your time, and a friendlier demeanor, for which I assure you I will provide just compensation. I don't intend to impede your ability to make a living,.. as long as there's no reason to do so."

DM Kathy
Friday November 22nd, 2019 2:10:26 PM
Kezzem heroically volunteers to check out dinner. You move around the bar--unseen by the barkeep, who is talking to Pressi--and enter the kitchen. Your attention is immediately drawn to the fireplace, where a spit is being turned by a teenaged girl with red braids, looking put-upon as only teenagers can. On the spit is a delicious-looking roast. You sniff. Pork. Definitely pork. Beyond the fireplace, a woman in a large apron is pulling fresh loaves from a bake-oven. A large pot boils merrily on the stovetop next to her.

The teenager looks over and sees Kezzem entering the kitchen. "Ma," she says.

"Not now, Sanne," the woman replies. She turns to put the loaves on a counter, and spies Kezzem. She sets down the loaves and fixes a polite smile to her face. "Good afternoon, sir." She walks toward Kezzem, wiping her hands on her apron. "Supper's not quite ready, but you'll be able to get some soon. Please find a table in the common room, and someone will be right with you."

Meanwhile, Bliss continues to follow the urchin. He has had enough time to observe her, and is quite sure she's just a regular human child. At the back door of the inn, she crouches close to the wall, peeking from time to time through a small window near the door. She seems to see something that interests her, because she lets out a tiny squeak of excitement before nipping through the door. Bliss has to look sharp to go in after her.

Bliss can see that a woman working in the kitchen has just turned her back on the stove, and the back door, and is speaking to somebody he can't see, telling them that supper isn't ready yet. The urchin has squeezed behind the flour-bin, unseen by the woman. She sees cat-Bliss for the first time, and pauses to put a finger to her lips. "Sshhh," she whispers, and reaches out to pet him.

Although the woman didn't see you enter, there's a red-haired girl turning a spit by the fireplace who seems to have seen the whole thing. "Ma!" she cries.

"Hush, Sanne," the woman replies.

"But, Ma--"

"Hush now! I've had enough of your nonsense! And if that roast burns, I'll tan your hide!"

The teenager scowls and goes back to turning the spit.

Bliss, who wasn't able to see the person the woman was talking to, realizes that he can smell Kezzem.

Meanwhile, Tali, who has given up the general store as a bad job, enters the inn and goes to speak to the man behind the bar. She asks about missing halflings. Unfortunately, it's been less than a minute since Pressi asked him the same question, and he's not in a mood to answer. He is somewhat mollified, however, when you order a drink.

Pressi, meanwhile, gives up her tale of woe and orders a drink. She puts more coins on the bar and asks again.

"Well, thank you," the man replies, scooping up the coins. He does seem a little friendlier. "You and your friends are from out of town, I take it. If you need rooms for the night, say the word.

"I can't tell you anything about missing halflings," he continues. "Spend most of my time in here, earning a living. But if you want information, you should talk to Sally Mewles. She's the town gossip. Knows everybody's business. Let me see. You might also want to talk to Jaso Thorne. He's a hunter. Roams all over the countryside hereabouts. He might have seen or heard something." He gives you directions to Sally's house and Jaso's cabin.

Succotash and Hobie finish with the sheriff and enter the inn. They see Pressi at the bar and Tali just seating herself at a table. You don't see Kezzem or Bliss, but there does seem to be some kind of domestic squabble going on in the kitchen--from which delicious smells are wafting.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 22nd, 2019 6:27:12 PM
Kezzem joins the ladies in the common room.

"Look's like we're having pork," says Kezzem. "Let's just hope that not what happened to Miss Piggy."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 7:06:50 PM
Bliss lets the girl pet him, purrs quietly, and plays friendly like. He uses hos Diplomacy to change her attitude towards friendly or helpful ...

Diplomacy 14 ... that might be enough to make a friendly person helpful?

If that does not work then Bliss also casts a Still Silent Ill Omen and a Still Silent Charm Person on her -- using two third level slots to do that. She'll have to make two DC15 Will saves to resist the magic.

A question to the DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {A Ghost Sound cantrip says "talking, singing, shouting, walking, marching, or running sounds can be created." So I can use the spell to carry on a conversation? I'd want to get the girl alone first so that others do not hear of course.}

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=33 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+8=11 ;
Saturday November 23rd, 2019 9:08:48 PM
The Grey Raven

Tali, not wanting to make a scene, points at Pressi, and using the Message Spell tells Pressi, "Hey buddy, I'm over here in the back sitting at a nice table with a view of the bar and the rest of the room. I'm sure one of our gang is in the Kitchen, might explain the ruckus. I tried to open a tab with the bar keep. Could ask him if its okay? Also, ask him is they serve veggies?"

Using her skills, Tali will observe the bar/tavern in an attempt to gather information.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 33
Gather Info: 22
Perception: 11

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday November 24th, 2019 2:06:10 PM
Succotash enters the Grey Raven and scans the room. He spies Tali in the corner and Pressi at the bar then steps up to the bar, next to Pressi, he acknowledges her, and orders an ale. He arrives in time to hear the directions to the homes, and tells Pressi that he is going to go question Jaso, and asks Hobie if he would like to join him. He then finishes his ale quickly, thanks the bar keep, heads out of the bar, and follows the barkeep's directions to Jaso's cabin.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 25th, 2019 8:17:54 AM
Hobie follows Succotash into the pub, and back out to interview Jaso. Hobie is hoping he can possibly relate to the hunter and build some common ground, making the hunter more willing to talk than the rest of this town seems to be.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday November 25th, 2019 11:09:12 AM

Pressi thanks the bartender for the information. As Kezzem and Talia make their observations, "I'm going to go ahead and say we'll be ordering dinner here... and, yes, I'll go ahead and book a couple of rooms for the night as well. Do you have free continental breakfast? Any amenities?"

*At this rate, we may have to steal towels just to break even* is what Pressi wishes she could send to Murphy about now.

"Oh, and Tali wants to know... wait, do you mean veggies as in an entree, or do you mean as a side? Are you a vegetarian?"

Pressi watches as Succotash and Hobie leave to interview Jaso. "Ok, I guess I'll see if I can track down this Sally, along with... Oy, you two (Tali and Kezzem) are volunteering to 'guard' our dinner, aren't you. Fine, I'll take Bliss."

She paused to look around. "Where the planes is he, anyway?"

DM Kathy
Monday November 25th, 2019 2:24:51 PM
Kezzem joins the group in the common room.

in the kitchen, Bliss becomes the cutest kitty ever in the hopes of influencing the girl. It's hard to see immediately what effect it had; she is more interested in staying hidden and quiet than in making friends. She scoops Cat-Bliss into her arms and brings him back into her hiding place, petting him some more. "Sshh," she says again.

Tali observes the bar patrons. As suppertime approaches, the place is filling up. They seem to be decent, hard-working folk looking forward to a relaxing ale and a good meal at the end of the day. Talk is of the weather, the roads, the harvest, and what kind of winter it's going to be. [OOC: you said you were just going to observe; are you talking to people? Or just watching and listening?]

Succotash approaches the bar in time to hear the directions to Jaso Thorne's cabin, and decides to check it out. He gathers Hobie and heads off. After a few minutes' walk, you arrive at the cabin. It is shut up tight, and no smoke comes from the chimney. You knock, but there is no response. You are about to give up when you see a man coming toward you through the woods. He is dressed for hunting. There is a longbow on his back, a knife at his belt, and another knife in his boot. He is carrying a brace of quail.

"Hey! What're you kids doing?" he yells when he spots you. A second later, he seems to realize that he is talking to adult halflings rather than human children. "Uh...sorry. What can I do for you fellows?"

Meanwhile, Pressi decides to get rooms for the night. The innkeeper becomes downright cheerful. "Breakfast and dinner both included," he says with a nod. "I'll send Sanne up to air the rooms and light the fires." Asked about vegetables, he nods. "Served with the meal," he says. "If you want extra vegetables, I'm sure that can be arranged."

Pressi decides to go talk with the town gossip, and looks for Bliss to come with her. She doesn't see him.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ;
Monday November 25th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Mookie has been perching on a roof or treetop keeping alert. Okay, that means "keeping alert with one wing over his head." But he knows from his telempathic link that Bliss is fine.

And at least he does notice Pressi. He flies down to her.

"Hey Precious," caws the halfling-size bird. "The Kid is fine. Have no idea where he is or what he is doing, but he's proud of himself, happy, and feeling like he is accomplishing something. I'm sure he'll pop up later."

=====

As for Bliss, in the secret hiding space he casts his still silent ghost sound spell and uses it to whisper to the girl. First he just makes very quiet meow sounds. Then he adds a few words.

"Meow meow magic. Meow magic cat. That's me meow. I'm a meow magic cat."

If she will chat with him, he will offer her a trade. If she will share some secrets, he'll change her into any animal she likes for a little while.

He wants to know about halflings like the folk she has been watching. Anything in the last month or two.

Diplomacy 14 again!

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 25th, 2019 10:00:12 PM

PS: Bliss feels a little silly pretending to be a magic cat. He is very glad that none of his friends are here to see this. Especially Kezzem.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=34 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+8=28 ;
Monday November 25th, 2019 11:10:31 PM
The Gray Raven

Tali will oberserve and watch people in the inn of the Gray Raven, while a group selectin of his group go off in their different directions -- Succotash & Hobbie, off to Jaso Thorne's cabin & Pressi & whomever {Bliss?} joins the search for the Town Gossip woman. Hearing Pressi's question of her early, answers Miss Pressi when she passes by, with a subdued, "why yes, Miss Pressi, I am a vegitarian. Long story, perhaps a bit later."

Kezzem & Tali apparently are left to gather info from the assembled inn folks. Ordering another round of drinks, Tali elbows, Kezzem asking him what he'll have to drink. Kezzem, what cha' want to drink, brother?" As the waistress leaves, Tali observes {perception check} to attempt to learn who or what maybe a good person or people to further the conversatio with.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 34
Bluff: 39
Gather Info: 25
Perception: 28 {NAT 20}

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 4:40:39 AM
"Ah good hunter! How was the hunt? The quail look quite nice."
Hobie draws his own bow and brandishes it toward the hunter.
"It's always nice to meet another marksman!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=21 ;
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 5:53:00 AM
Succotash scratches Valerie behind her ear holes much like you would a dog, and her tail wags faster than a Labrador Retriever's, as Hobie breaks the ice with the hunter. He than steps up and says,

"My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my friend Hobie Browncloak, and like Hobie, I would like to congratulate you on your hunt. The two of us are members of an adventures group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you have heard of us? Anyway, we come from Humble's Ford in the Crescent Valley, in search of the missing villagers of Thaelhaven. We have searched the town, and due to the lateness of our arrival, we were only able to ascertain that the good halflings were taken by force, as any and all trails were beyond cold. So we did what any good hunter in search of his prey would do, under the circumstances, and headed to the nearest community to look for any rumors or leads that may put us on the path of our quarry. The Sheriff seems to be without a clue, as Hobie and I questioned him the moment we arrived in Salbe, but the kindly barkeep at the Grey Raven suggested we talk to you as you have a reputation for knowing all things that go on in the area, due to the nature of your trade". Diplomacy 21

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 2:09:02 PM
Pressi responded to Mookie in mock horror. "How can this be? Bliss? Daring to go off on his own with his own plan without telling us? Preposterous. After all his speeches about how nobody should ever do that, one just the other day, you expect me to believe he is physically capable of such sacrilege? Scandals and lies, unless... yes, he must have been replaced. Otherwise, he'd be a hypocrite who owes half this group an apology. And what are the odds of that?"

Shaking her head, "So you have no idea of where he is or how we'd know he needs to be bailed out? Ok, if you say he's fine, just keep me posted on whether he gets eaten. And since Tali needs to learn the art of sarcasm, I'll just go myself with Harper. Be back in a couple of hours."

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

By this point, Harper is back into her leopard form. Pressi continues to remain in her street clothes as she makes her way to the town gossip.

She keeps an eye out in case anyone is following her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 3:51:56 PM
Bliss uses a Ghost Sound cantrip to tell the girl he is a magic cat! She lets out a soft little "ooh" of excitement, but even the soft "ooh" was a little too loud. The next thing you know, the woman has pulled aside the flour bin and is glaring at both of you. "Kesti Brinks!" she scolds. "Get out of my kitchen this minute! And take that mangy cat with you!"

Kesti was already moving toward the door when the woman started scolding. She holds tight to Bliss as she flees. "And don't think I won't tell your grandmother about this!" the woman yells as she slams the door shut.

Kesti sets Bliss down. "Oh. That dinner smelled really good," she says sadly. She seems to perk up a bit, though. "But you're a magic cat! Can you magic us some dinner?" she asks. She leads Bliss into a copse of trees near the edge of town, where a crude lean-to has been set up. "This is my hiding-place," she tells Bliss. "If we stay here long enough, they might forget what they're mad about. It works sometimes."

Bliss offers to turn into any animal. "I like you as a cat," Kesti says. After a moment's thought, she says, "Could you be a monkey?"

A monkey? Where had this child ever seen a monkey?

Tali, holding down the table for all her scattered friends, looks around the inn as it fills up, trying to find a likely person to question. You spot an older-looking man, rather wistfully watching a lively, talkative group of young people. He looks a little lonely. Perhaps he'd be glad of some conversation.

At Jaso Thorne's cabin, Hobie compliments the hunter and brings out his own bow to show him. "Fine-looking bow," Thorne says. Succotash launches into his speech. When he comes to the end, Thorne blinks a bit. "Cold out here," he says at last. "Let's head inside."

He drops the quail on the cluttered front porch and leads the way into the cabin. The front room is sparsely furnished, clearly belonging to a man who doesn't have many visitors. There's an easy chair, and a table with two straight-backed chairs. Thorne waves in their general direction. "Help yourselves," he says, and moves to kneel beside the fireplace.

As he lays the fire, he says, "I noticed that Thaelhaven looked deserted the last time I went by there. I wondered what had happened. Were there bodies?"

You give him the rundown of everything you found as he gets the fire lit and sits in whatever chair you left vacant for him. "Well, there's been no orc sign for months, so I guess that's a good thing," he says. "Three to four weeks ago you say? That might have been right around the time the heavy wagons came through. Unusually heavy--not like a trading caravan or anything like that. Don't know what was in 'em. Only saw from a distance--dark, rainy evening. If they had any markings or anything on them, I couldn't see 'em. They were heading west."

Meanwhile, Pressi is shocked--shocked!--to learn that Bliss may be off on some wild goose chase. But she decides to stick to the task at hand, and goes to Sally Mewles's house. It's a nice house, near the center of town. Sitting on the porch, well wrapped against the cold, is a middle-aged woman with a knot of graying blonde hair. She is knitting. She would almost certainly be more comfortable indoors--but then she wouldn't be able to avidly watch all the activity on the street. She sees you approaching, and calls out, "Afternoon. Don't think I've seen you around town before."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=18 ;
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 4:14:28 PM

Bliss tells her he can change HER into an animal for a little while. But first, he owes her some magic elf food. He tells her to close her eyes. Then he hides, changes into halfling form, sets out some elf food from his elfish lunchbox, puts ten gold coins under the food, changes back into a cat, and comes out of hiding. And he directs her to the food.

He tells her he came with the halflings she was watching. "We're looking for more small folk. They were captured meow and put in cages. By people with big carts or wagons." Has she heard anything about anybody like meow?

And if she would get in trouble with her granny, Bliss is happy to smooth things over.

"Oh, and meow name is Bliss. What's yours?"

Diplomacy 18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 7:55:15 PM
"I think Pressi was being sarcastic," whispers Kezzem to Talia.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 6:08:09 AM
Succotash takes one of the strait back chairs, and listens to Jaso's story, than says, "When we were in Thaelhaven, we saw some tracks that could have been made by wagon's as you described, but they were so weathered, it was impossible to follow them, or to even be sure that they were out of place. Do you think you would be able to set us on the path of those wagons in the morning, and were you able to see who or what was driving the wagons? As you know any and all clues can turn out to be the one that breaks open the mystery".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 7:58:18 AM
“Kind of new to the trading game,” Pressi responded. “But I’m confident that I’ll be the first name to come up in mushroom farming.”

After some pleasantries and some basic questions about the area (to feel her out), Pressi eventually brings up the missing town. She asks if there’s any rumors about it.

She also asks why people have been unwilling to help out.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=31 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+8=16 ;
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 12:25:56 PM
Tali, spotting the older-looking man, walks over to him without the mead in hand, and asks the gentleman if he would like some company? Using her bluff & diplomacy skills, { Bluff Skill check: 43 & Diplomacy Skill check: 31 }, strikes up a conversation with the gentleman, while trying to gather information from him, using her "Gather Info" & perception skills check. {Gather Info Skill Check: 27 | Perception: 16}.

Tali, introduces herself as a researcher from Humble Ford helping a fellow halfling looking for his kin. "So what do you do here in town, or are you retired?" asks Tali.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 31
Bluff: 43
Gather Info: 27
Perception: 16

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 3:26:22 PM
Bliss introduces himself to the girl. "I'm Kesti," she says. You produce some "magic elf food" and she giggles with excitement. She eats hungrily, but is scrupulous about sharing with you. You ask about captured halflings. "Oh!" she says. "That sounds like the traveling animal show!" A horrible thought seems to occur. "Oh, no! I hope they didn't feed 'em to the lion!"

Succotash presses for more information, but Thorne doesn't have any. "I couldn't really see who was driving," he replies. "They were all in hats and cloaks 'cause of the rain. They headed west--more than that I couldn't tell you."

Leaving Kezzem to guard the table, Tali heads over to talk to the older man. "Sure, pull up a chair," he says. "I'm a farmer," he replies to your question. "Not something you retire from," he adds with a grin.

Pressi says she's new to trading but keen on mushroom farming. "Mushroom farming?" Sally echoes. "I don't think there are any mushroom farms hereabouts." You begin with mundane chit-chat, and soon discover that you can safely sit back and let Sally do most of the talking. She fills you in on who is putting on airs, who drinks too much, who treats his wife "shamefully," and more town gossip. You ask about the missing halflings. "That Jaso Thorne did say something about the village being deserted," Sally says. "I guess folks just thought the halflings had moved on. But you say they're missing? My, that's a shame. I'm sorry, dear, I haven't heard anything about it." You ask why people have been unwilling to help out. Sally snorts. "By 'people,' I assume you mean that Menton Dunn." At your blank look, she adds, "the town sheriff. Honestly, that man! No more sense of curiosity than a clam. If it didn't happen in town, he's not interested."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 5:14:00 PM
“Succotash, it looks like we need to head out West then. If they were in big wagons they would have to stick to the trails, maybe we could catch them somehow?”

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 7:18:53 PM

Bliss asks Kesti if she remembers the last time the Animal Show came through. If she wants to try a new shape, he'll polymorph her. Then he bids her farewell and heads back to find his freinds and report in.

After saying what he found out, he says, "We should ask the locals if a travelling animal show ever comes through. If they say no, then we know they are complicit. We need to find out when it came through last, and where it was headed."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:27:50 PM
Pressi thought about what Sally said. “Ok, why would anyone think that an entire town would move on? What would cause a town to move on?”

She asks a few more questions about the town sheriff. How he got the job. What kind of man he is. Whether he had any contact with outsiders himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:30:15 PM
Depending on the answers, Pressi returns to the group. “Hey, anyone want to help me break into the sheriff’s office. I mean, while we’re here.”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 28th, 2019 1:08:39 PM
"Seems about right, let's inform the others", Succotash answers Hobie.

When Hobie and Succotash meet up with the others, he informs them as to what they discovered, and says, "We need to head west, if those wagons are as big as Jaso describes, I would wager that they are the same as the "animal show" Bliss is talking about, and that, as Hobie said, they will have to stay on the main roads, and they won't be moving to quickly. Should we head out now or at first light?" He answers Pressi by saying, "The sheriff seems to be a bit of a tool, but I really don't think he's involved, and I'm not sure that breaking and entering is a very heroic thing to do, without a darn good reason".

DM Kathy
Thursday November 28th, 2019 2:31:12 PM
Bliss asks Kesti when the animal show was in town, and she says about a month ago. "About a month" is roughly in the timeframe of the villagers disappearing.

Pressi asks Sally why people would think an entire town would just move on. "Well, you know," Sally says. She looks uncomfortable. "Halflings. They're nomadic." She looks uncertain. "Aren't they?"

Pressi also asks about the sheriff. "Oh, he's fine for town things," Sally says. "Breaking up fights, locking up the occasional drunk. Having a stern talk with youngsters who get out of hand. You know, keeping order. But he's got no sense of curiosity, like I said."

You make your way back to the Gray Raven. Hobie and Succotash report that the wagons likely carrying the villagers went west. Bliss tells about the traveling animal show. Pressi muses that it may be necessary to break in to the sheriff's office.

As you discuss strategies, supper is served. There are slices of roast pork, done to a turn. There is fresh-baked bread, with freshly churned butter alongside. There are boiled root vegetables--delicious pieces of potato, carrot, rutabaga, and turnip, with slices of onion for flavor. Tali asks for and receives a plate of all vegetables with no pork. Everything is really good, served with flavorful stout.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday November 28th, 2019 4:09:34 PM
Hobie will eat, but he’s not exactly feasting. He’s thinking very hard about how far the group could be by now, He can’t shake the image of the halflings in cages. He can’t stop thinking about how horrible it is that someone would imprison families, with children. He feels that he won’t have any mercy when he finds the ones responsible.

When he does speak, he says “I think we should get moving as soon as possible”

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Thursday November 28th, 2019 11:05:42 PM
Tali digs into her awesome veggie p[latter, adding some fresh bread with a dab or freshly churned butter. "Yum!" exclaims Tali.

"Er, Pressi, is that really necessary?!" while scoffing down her veggies.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday November 29th, 2019 12:29:49 AM
Bliss agrees with Hobie. He's in favor of leaving asap, and says so. Now we have a lead. A caravan of animal performers, heading west.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday November 29th, 2019 11:41:26 AM
Succotash barely touches his food. The thought of a whole town of people being kept in cages and treated like animals has stolen his appetite. Half way through the meal he stands up and says, "I need to do something. The thought of good people suffering, while we feast and sleep in comfy beds, is turning my stomach. I need to get moving, even if it's just for a few miles. Anyone against leaving and putting some miles behind us before we hit the sack?"

DM Kathy
Friday November 29th, 2019 3:02:28 PM
Many in the group feel a sense of urgency to get started. Succotash and Bliss in particular want to leave right away, which is certainly an option.

On the other hand, you already traveled about 6 hours today, and your rooms are already paid for. And, now that you know specifically to ask about the traveling animals, there may be townsfolk with more information. So far, your sole source on the animals is an eight-year-old.

On the other other hand, some of the group just don't feel right sitting around when there are people suffering out there.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=21 ; d20-4=0 ;
Sunday December 1st, 2019 8:37:12 PM

"Well," Bliss says, "We're in an inn, right? Let's ask the barkeep what they can tell us about the traveling menagerie, and then we depart. OK?"

If no one with better diplomacy stands forward, Bliss will ask the bartender what he knows about the wagon train and animal show. If someone else speaks, this is Bliss aiding another.

Diplomacy 21

"Yeah," pipes up Mookie. "And did they have any TALKING animals? or birds?" He looks quite dashing with his glamered armor set to appear like a formal black vest and short cape with silver buttons.

Mookie Diplomacy 0

"Not helping, Mooks old boy," murmurs Bliss, while pushing the emotion of "Hush" through the telempathic link they share.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:23:31 AM
"Talking animals?" says Kezzem. "Don't be silly, Mookie. Animals can't talk!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=18 ;
Monday December 2nd, 2019 5:34:57 AM
Diplomacy 18

Succotash nods his agreement with Bliss, and follows him to the bar. he thinks about using diplomatic means to help loosen the barkeeps tongue, but figures Bliss has this and instead chooses to aid him.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=41 ;
Monday December 2nd, 2019 9:50:48 AM
Tali, joins Bliss at the bar an chimes in, asking the bartender, "Sir, what might you know about the wagon train and animal show that passed through here recently? On a side note, my compliments to your kitchen staff! Here, here...that was the best meal I had far away from home, in many many moons! Here, a tip for the kitchen staff..." Tali, slides 3 gold coins across the bar towards the barkeep.

Diplomacy skill check: 41

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:01:29 PM
Pressi isn't in much of a mood during the dinner, still smacking of the "they're nomadic" comment. She had ended the conversation as diplomatically as she could, with an acknowledgement that some halflings can be nomadic. (Whether they'd build houses is a separate matter.)

As a matter of course, the conversation had turned colder after that. Pressi thanked her for her time, extracted herself politely, and waited until entering a private room to scream about how they are COMPLETELY all nomads, and don't forget the whole thief thing too.

Dinner helped. Having to take back the proposal to break into some places for information was not. "I suppose not, since I don't know if the sheriff's a suspect, let alone someone who wrote this stuff down. I guess, like the rest of the group, I'm chomping at the bit to do something productive, even if I don't completely agree that we should rush out."

Pressi points out that they can do more good by continuing to gather information, and continuing to follow the trail rested and prepared. But Sally's comment, and the sheriff's callousness, continued to wear her down. *I had let myself get complacent* she thought to herself. *Let myself believe that we were making a name for ourselves as a race. After all this time and all these battles, we're still on our own, still the wanderers, still the little people.*

If the consensus truly wishes to leave tonight, Pressi stands up to move to the bartender. Succotash and Hobie may have 'volunteered' for this job, but it's only hers.

"Hi, really really sorry to do this, but is there any way at all we can cancel our rooms, and maybe get some of our money back?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:43:48 PM
As the group seems to be moving toward leaving soon, Hobie will pack up some of the food in his sack, they will certainly need it later.
"I'll get the ponies ready"
He grabs up his pack and heads out to where their ponies are stabled. He offers each pony an apple before he saddles them and adjusts their packs.
"I'm terribly sorry guys. I know we've been riding for a while and you were probably keen to get some sleep, but we have to take a night ride. There are lives in the balance. Some of our folk and maybe some of your folk as well."

He offers a piece of meat to the velociraptor, and if she allows him, he'll try to attach her gear (does she have a saddle?) as well, though he probably does it wrong.

DM Kathy
Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:04:34 PM
Bliss decides to ask the innkeeper about the traveling menagerie. Succotash and Tali decide that's a good idea, and troop over to help. Mookie and Kezzem provide commentary.

"Oh, yes," the innkeeper says. "There was a traveling menagerie that came through here a few weeks ago. I didn't go see it myself--too busy with things here--but they were here for a couple of days." As the questions continue to spill out, he holds up his hands. "Like I said, I didn't go," he says. But you're being very diplomatic, so he adds, "but my wife and daughter went; maybe they could tell you more about it. Dot!"

After a moment, the door from the kitchen opens, and the red-braided teenager comes out. "Ma's gone to see Adla Brinks," she says. "That Kesti was hiding in the kitchen again."

"That girl!" the innkeeper mutters before introducing you. "This is my daughter Sanne," he says. "Sanne, these nice folks were asking about the menagerie."

Sanne tells you about the menagerie. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and peacocks, and wild cats, and some Dark Elves. The animals did not talk, although of course the elves did.

Pressi, after taking some personal time to recover from the casual racism she'd encountered, goes to the innkeeper to request a partial refund. He looks a little disappointed, but after all, he gets to keep Tali's bribe, so he's still coming out ahead. He gladly refunds your money.

Meanwhile, Hobie is saddling the animals and getting ready to depart. Valerie indeed has an exotic saddle, and she's used to you by now, so she lets you saddle her with minimal fuss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:41:09 PM
Pressi thinks about this for a minute. "Who is this Kesti, exactly?" she asks the wife. "And, not that it's any of my business, but what's the big deal if she wants to hang around the kitchen?"

Before they take off, Pressi decides that she needs to check on Kesti and Alda to see what kind of people they are and what kind of damage Bliss did to them. But she figures she might be able to get some followup questions in as a not a cat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:52:54 PM
"Talking elves is no biggie," agrees Kezzem. "Now getting them to shut-up, that's a trick I'd pay good money to see."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:55:31 PM
"Hey, anyone know where we can find a guide?" asks Kezzem around the inn. "You know, like a 'What his right name is I've never heard: but he's known round here as Strider' type."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 5:53:55 AM
Valerie excepts the treat from Hobie gladly, and almost knocks him over as she tries to snuggle with the bowman. She has no problem with him saddling her, and sits still as he does so, then gives him a sloppy dog like kiss, picks up her tug-o-war rope toy and offers the other end to Hobie.

Succotash hears the story about the animal menagerie, and has a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. He keeps his thoughts to himself until the Swords leave the inn. He thanks Hobie for saddling Valerie, then once they are out of town he says, "Do any of you find it odd that no one has seen a single halfling among the animals, when we are all pretty certain that the traveling circus and the kidnappers are one and the same? I have a sickening feeling that the animals are in fact halflings who are either being polymorphed, or being forced to act as animals accompanied by illusion magic, which would explain the animal skins Hobie saw them wearing when he scryed them".

OOC... Valerie has the personality of a golden retriever, so basically, a friend to Succotash is a friend to her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 1:53:22 PM
Pressi has some questions for the innkeeper's wife, but she isn't there; you're talking to the innkeeper and his daughter. You ask about Kesti. "She's a brat," says the daughter. "She's a local girl," says the innkeeper. "Gets into all kinds of trouble. She's not allowed in the kitchen--or anywhere near here, really--because she steals. Her grandmother can't control her so she just runs wild."

Kezzem asks about a guide, but nobody has any ideas at the moment.

Succotash is eager to depart, so you collect your mounts and begin heading out of town. As you walk, Succotash shares a grisly theory about what happened to the halflings.

[Adla's house is at the edge of town, so you can still visit her if you like.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=40 ; d20+8=14 ;
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 2:19:25 PM
The Menagerie

Tali stays diplomatically silent as the rest of the group appears to be on a mission, and happily follows along.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 40
Bluff:
Gather Info:
Perception: 14

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=35 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+16=35 ;
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 4:19:57 PM

Bliss is glad to be headed out. He keeps alert, and scans the road for wheel ruts or signs that wagons have passed. He casts Dancing Lights as needed to illuminate the ground. Mookie flies overhead to keep lookout too. After the group is out of town, Bliss shifts to cat form to stealthily sniff for signs of a menagerie passing. That may help him track, too.

Stealth 35

Perception 403

Track 35

Woo hoo!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 8:42:00 PM
Despite the push of everyone else, Pressi insists on visiting Adla's house. She simply cannot let it pass by, as a former little girl troublesome thief herself. And she insists that it won't last long.

Once by the house, she starts with an inquiring of the grandmother before asking about the child. "I just wanted to thank her. You know, for taking good care of my cat."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 12:09:10 AM
Upon hearing Succotash's theory of halflings polymorphed into animals, he looks at Bliss.

"Or maybe...they're animals polymorphed into halflings! That would explain so...oh wait, nevermind, that doesn't make sense at all. They had a village and everything."

"Still think the kid might secretly be a cat, though. I mean, we know he turns into a cat, but what if secretely he was...you know what, nevermind."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d100=37 ; d20+18=19 ;
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 5:50:18 AM
Succotash waits impatiently, as Pressi questions Adla, then once they are back on the road he keeps his eyes pealed for anything that may indicate they are on the right path, (Perception 19) He casts Augury asking if this path will lead them to the missing halflings. (84% chance of success, rolled 37)

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 2:49:50 PM
Days are short now, and it is nearly dark by the time you leave the inn. It has gotten colder, too, and your breath puffs in white steam as you walk.

Pressi insists on stopping at Adla Brinks's cottage, which you can do on your way out of town. Even in the dim light, you can see that it is a poor place, with sagging timbers and many makeshift repairs.

Dot, the innkeeper's wife, is still there, talking to Adla. Adla is a thin older woman with a wispy knot of gray hair and a worn dress. She frowns a little at Pressi's questions. "I don't know where the girl is," Adla says. "She ain't come home yet, the wicked child." Your thanks about the cat is not well-received. "Cats!" Adla scoffs. "She oughta be tending to her schooling and her chores instead of taking up with strange cats. I don't know what I'm going to do with that girl."

So it appears that Kesti doesn't have the best home situation, but you are adventurers, not social workers, and there's little you can do for her at the moment. Perhaps Bliss's gift of money will help.

You return to the road and keep going. Kezzem builds on Succotash's theme, speculating that maybe the halflings are really animals! No, wait, that doesn't make sense. Except maybe Bliss.

Succotash is concerned that you are on the right track, but you are. Thorne had said the "big wagons" were moving west, and that is the direction you are headed. Well, you have to take the road north for a bit, swinging close to Thaelhaven, before heading west. Succotash's spell returns a reassuring "WEAL."

It is a cold night--not frigid enough to be dangerous, exactly, but cold enough to be uncomfortable. What are your strategies for making camp?

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 3:16:22 PM

Bliss is glad to think that his small gift might do some good for these impovrished folk. [OOC: taking 10 gp off my sheet.]

Bliss is inclined to press on through the night --after all, what spells or renewable powers have we used? Just a few? And Sir Succotash can use his mercy, and the witches, a lesser restoration, to restore us when we become fatigued.

But if the group consensus is to rest, then Bliss and Mookie find a tree in which to roost, and the two will stand the first watch.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:41:26 PM
Hobie feels the same as Bliss, he hasn't used any spells today, and would choose to press on for as long as the ponies seem to be able to take it.
"Succotash, with your new Cleric powers, can you speak to animals? Would it be possible for you to speak with the ponies, let them understand the situation and communicate as to their condition? We have wands of Cure Light Wounds, and it might seem disrespectful, but I think it could be wise to have them push through the pain, and we can heal them as they are fatigued." (Forced March rules: we can keep moving past the typical 8 hours of walking in a day, but the ponies would take 1d6 damage every hour after the first 8 before resting again.)

If the team rests, Hobie will suggest that Succotash not take a watch, so as to ensure he can replenish his spells in the morning. He has spells that can prove quite useful to us in this quest. Hobie will take a watch, and he speaks up that we should really rest for the minimum time possible, and we should push forward as soon as we can.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:44:56 PM
"I can remove fatigue on there of them," offers Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday December 5th, 2019 6:14:44 AM
"I would love nothing less than to push on", Succotash begins, "But I feel wisdom dictates resting". Succotash still marvels at his new found wisdom and wonders how he survived for so long without it. "When we include Valerie, Rumpas, Harper, and Mookie, whom add greatly to our strength, we have ten required lesser restorations, to be at peak fighting strength", Succotash explains. "I also worry that we may miss an important clue traveling in the dark". "I propose we travel for a few hours, and once the riding animals are at the point of fatigue, we take a break for the night, however, I'm more than happy to go with the majority consensuses, and will gladly explain to the unintelligent animals what we are doing, and why, if that is the in fact the consensuses".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+8=12 ;
Thursday December 5th, 2019 8:55:33 AM
Oh a Hunting We Will Go!

Tali is content to hover & follow the group. She will take last watch (2AM) as she hovers 7 feet above the ground to conduct the watch. Tali will use her skills during her watch to guard against malicious intent to her or her friends.

Skill Checks:

Bluff:
Diplomacy:
Gather Info:
Perception: 12

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 820 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 820 / 840 minutes

{OOC: How much time has past since the tavern?}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+17=27 ;
Thursday December 5th, 2019 10:59:58 AM
"Well, whatever you choose to do with that girl," Pressi responded, "I'm sure the choice will be out of your oh so busy hands before you know it. In the meantime, perhaps all she needs is some structure and some understanding of time, and I do wish to express my gratitude regardless, so..."

Pressi took out a small hourglass, the markings of Nephtali's gift shop quite visible. (More hidden is the fact that the sand runs upwards.) As she hands it to the old woman, Pressi's smile seems to positively glow in the light of her ice chain. "If you could give her this, it would mean I wouldn't have to come back here. My thanks, again."

Behind Pressi, Harper licked her paws.

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

Pressi counts two in favor of pushing forwards (Hobie, Bliss), two opposed (Succotash, Tali) and one abstain (Kezzem - he proposed a solution but didn't really push either way). That means, she figures, that the tie breaker is up to her.

"I agree with Succotash," Pressi tells Bliss and Hobie. "I want to push the animals to the brink and rush forward as much as Bliss does, but that's the type of want that can lead us astray. We need to keep our emotions in check, to remember that speed won't help them if we make mistakes.

"Which brings me to my other controversial point. As always, I prefer stealth and analysis to direct confrontation, especially when hostages are involved. We may need to hold back even when we spot them."

(If she counted Kezzem or Tali wrong, she is likewise prepared to push forwards.)

As much as Pressi can, she uses her tracking abilities (and Harper's speed) to try and pick up the trail regardless of her decision (survival 27). She holds off on the Justicar boost for now, however.

Tracking

DM Kathy
Thursday December 5th, 2019 1:25:02 PM
[OOC: Jerry has asked all DMs to look at their games and bring them up to the expected level, based on when the game started. Humble's was just a touch behind, so everybody please level your character to 15th.]

You are feeling a sense of urgency, but you also realize you won't be much good to the halflings if you're exhausted and depleted. So you travel for a couple of hours before you stop and make camp.

Because the night is cold, you light a good-sized fire, and you soon find it isn't practical to try to sleep too far away from it--unless you have some magical means of keeping warm. You keep watch, but nothing disturbs your rest. Well, it snows a bit, but that's only to be expected this time of year.

[You made camp a little over three hours after you left the inn. It's now been about 12 hours since you left the inn.]

Pressi, who was growing used to not having her link to Murphy anymore, feels a little---something--where that link used to be. Static? Something like that. Not communication, exactly, but...something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday December 5th, 2019 5:04:09 PM
When the group wakes and gets ready to go for the next day, Hobie points out that he does have a wand of Endure Elements, so if the weather starts to get any worse than just uncomfortable, there are still 40 charges left on the wand, enough to get the whole group through for a week or so.

(I will level Hobie up this weekend. Should we also move ourselves up to level 15 WBL gold? or should we wait for a generous loot discovery in our future?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday December 6th, 2019 5:55:14 AM
Succotash is wearing his cold weather outfit under his mithril breastplate, which he wears under his priestly robes, that accompanied by the combined heat trapping powers of his bedroll, and his winter blanket, keeps the cleric fairly warm, however he does like stay near the fire for the shear comfort of it. He insists, in spite of Hobie's concerns, on taking a watch, but requests the last watch. While on his watch, he prays to the various gods of the Wold in their turn, and prepares his spells for the day. He also gets breakfast started so that when the rest of the Swords awake, they are awoken to the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and the sound of bacon sizzling. After breakfast, he is ready to hit the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday December 6th, 2019 9:47:07 AM
(I probably will also take... maybe past the weekend. There's always a crunch around every other monday for my work, but I will try the best I can.)

Pressi and Bliss can both cast Rose Control (Endure Elements) on themselves and their pets.

Waking up to the static, her heart races at the possibilities. "Hello? Murphy? Guy we are tracking? Elsa? Samantha?"

She laughs to herself. "I don't even know an Elsa."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:01:43 AM
(Hey, is it possible that Pressi can "Legend Lore" herself? Because I feel like that's the first thing she'd do upon learning such a spell.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+10=30 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+20=27 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:22:03 AM
Last nite: Bliss used Rose's Temp Control spells to keep himself and Mookie warm.

Morning: "Ah, a new day of adventure," Bliss declares, "and a new level!"

Mookie, waking up, is a little grumpy. ::Kid! KID! Not so loud. I can hear you perfectly well in my mind!::

Bliss jumps. ::Mookie! I can hear you in my thoughts!::

Mookie sighs. ::Now it will be even harder to get my beauty sleep.::

[OOC: Witch level 9 gives Bliss telepathy with his spirit companion! Range 100 ft.]

After this revelation, Bliss pursues his morning rituals.

First, he draws Woldsblood to replace what he used yesterday to power his spells ... and to send his fair share to the Silver Lady, per his pact with her. His reflex roll of 30 ensures that he handles the woldsblood adroitly! [Waste of a perfectly good nat 20!]

Spells back, Bliss renews his (and Mookie's) Threefold Aspect spells.

Then on to his rituals. Today, he has a hunch, his cat form will not the tool he needs. So he consults with Pressi and suggests a Warding basic ritual for +1 to AC and Saves. However, he'll do his own Sharing Intermediate Ritual for Extended Shield of Faith for himself and Mookie.
Survival check for basic warding: no check needed at +22 to hit a DC20 check.
Spellcraft check for intermediate sharing: rolling at +27 to hit DC30 ... no prob. Note: The extended shared shield of faith gives 12 minutes each to Mookie and Bliss, startable and stoppable with a swift action.

Morning routine complete, Bliss is ready for the day. "Come on, everybody! Let's go!" He casts around, looking for clues or signs that the wagons have passed this way as the party moves forward. Survival 27.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 d10=6 ; d8=1 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 12:31:40 PM
Pressi, who iz Elsa? You know what, nevermind. Just let it go."

"So I'm about to pray to Gargul and ask for some spells. I can get spells to help uo to four of us Endure these Elements, or I can gets spells to help with the Restoration from fatigue by a Lesser amount so we can puah our ponies harder. Again, I can do up to four. Or I an mix and match. Any suggestions?"

DM Kathy
Friday December 6th, 2019 2:28:17 PM
You awaken, finding yourselves perhaps a little stronger. There are new spells to be prepared, which means discussing strategy. Right now the weather is typical for this time of year, meaning that it is cold, but healthy people dressed for the cold should be fine. There is, of course, always the possibility of a cold snap, but it doesn't seem likely today, or tomorrow.

You make your plans and preparations accordingly, and start on your way. As you travel, it snows off and on, but so far the snow is not accumulating.

Bliss checks to see if you are on the right road. It's hard to imagine that you aren't. There's only been this one road; you haven't come to a crossroads yet. The odds that the menagerie would try to take its heavy wagons off the road and cross-country are pretty remote. And last night, Succotash's spell said this was the right road. If it was the right road last night, it's probably the right road today.

You see lots of wagon tracks, because this is a road. You do see a few tracks from heavier wagons with bigger wheels and longer axles. Are they the specific heavy wagons you're tracking? It's hard to tell without having some idea of how often heavy wagons use this road.

Around noon you reach the town of Idlewood. It's a rough-looking place, which is not too surprising given its location on the Izen frontier. There seem to be more half-orcs among the citizens than you normally see--and was that a goblin?

Of course, if the menagerie came through here, some of the locals might have information about it.

Pressi continues to feel the static (or whatever it is).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Saturday December 7th, 2019 3:11:02 AM
Hobie gets excited when seeing the people of Idlewood are more half-orcs and goblins than normal.
"I'm gonna go get some information guys."
He casts Disguise Self, and immediately is transformed into a form that is quite familiar to his friends. This time Goblin Hobie is only a disguise, as opposed to his usual use of Alter Self, but he looks the same as his usual use of that spell.

Hobie looks out for which taverns (if there are multiple) seem to be most frequented by the half orcs and goblins, and heads on in there and orders a drink. When he gets his beer, he makes sure to tip the bartender a full gold piece before he asks his question.
"Barkeep, What do you know about a group traveling with big wagons and a bunch of animals? Maybe they were here a few days to a week ago?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Saturday December 7th, 2019 4:16:11 AM
Ok I think I fixed it....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Saturday December 7th, 2019 5:13:36 PM
Header update.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday December 8th, 2019 4:19:24 PM
Unlike the human town, this place bothers Bliss. He remembers old stories about goblins, and recalls his mom's aversion to them. He sticks with his friends and stays quiet.

He thinks to Mookie, ::Probably they EAT cats here.::

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Sunday December 8th, 2019 8:35:26 PM
Much like before, Pressi uses Hide in Plain Sight, Clairvoyance and other tricks to figure out more about the town and what people seem to be like/respond to before she chooses whether to play, i.e. the villain, the lawman or the helpless girl to rescue.

One thing is for sure, however. To disguise as a bad guy, no glammer comes close to her armor's natural black spikes and witch's cowl and vestments.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+18=38 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 5:40:22 AM
Succotash is far from comfortable in this place so he keeps close to his friends, and keeps a tight reign on Valerie. He's not raciest, in fact he has friends who happen to be half-orcs, though the only goblins he has ever met were ones who he had to fight in the past, it's just the unpredictability of the situation. As such, he keeps a close watch his surroundings (perception 38) but, remains civil and friendly towards any who they may approach, or who may approach them.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=26 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+10=15 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 10:43:38 AM
BIg Baddies Town

Upon waking and prior to leaving with the group, Tali would have casted her two(2) most used spells:
Overlight Flight & Mage Armor prior to leaving that morning.

When Tali arrives in the new Big Baddie Town, unlike her friends, her Charisma usually wins out, so fear and dread do not overtake her like it does her friends.

Looking around, Tali will also try to gather information that may be of use to the group about this traveling mengerier. Bluffing her way des appear to help, but Diplomacy appears to be functioning as do, her her skills.

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 26 {NAT 1}
Diplomacy: 46
Gather Info: 20
Perception: 15

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 835 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 835 / 840 minutes

DM Kathy
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:15:25 PM
You look around at the town of Idlewood. It is a rough place, hewn out of frontier. The streets are muddy; the buildings are simple; the people tend to be dirty and uncouth. It is still midday, but you're pretty sure that, come nightfall, there will be drinking, and brawling, and rowdy behavior.

But for all that it is a rough place, Idlewood isn't a den of thieves. You see people hard at work, or (since it is midday) stopping for a well-earned meal. And yes, many of them are dirty, but they've been mining or farming or hauling all morning.

As with many towns you've visited, most of the people you see are humans. Among the non-humans, you do see more half-orcs. And now you've seen a couple of goblins and what you're pretty sure was a full-blooded orc. But it's still a mostly-human town.

Taking advantage of the diverse population, Hobie changes into a goblin and heads for the local inn, the Hidden Hatchet. You do get some sideways glances; goblins are unusual here. But nobody bothers you, and you are able to order a beer from the innkeeper, and unusually tall and muscular human woman. You ask her about the wagons with animals.

"Oh, right, that menagerie thing!" she replies. "They was here a few weeks ago. It was great! I went to see it twice. They've moved on, of course; they're a traveling show."

Bliss and Succotash are uneasy, and watch the people around them. You do see a kind of shoving match break out between two human men, but they stop when they see a half-orc approaching, wearing a tin badge and a forbidding expression. Both men assure him that "there's no trouble here, sheriff," and everybody goes about their business.

Pressi is figuring out how best to approach the townsfolk. Bad guy is out--this isn't a bad-guy town. Lawman would probably be going too far the other way; they're not saints, either. And if you're going to do a damsel in distress, it needs to be a specific kind of damsel--a usually independent, self-reliant damsel who is up against something too big for her to handle. These aren't people with a lot of patience for weakness--tears and simpering aren't going to get it done.

Tali follows goblin-Hobie into the Hidden Hatchet. You notice some broken furniture, neatly cleared into the corners, but not yet removed. This place probably sees its fair share of brawls. You can find any number of people who remember the menagerie and can talk about it. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and two mysterious dark elves, and a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:32:15 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:01:54 PM
Hobie keeps up the conversation with the bartender "Was it popular in town? I have some questions, is there anyone particular in town who spent a lot of time with them, that I could go ask?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:26:48 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=50 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 7:29:34 PM

Murphy appears of a sudden in an otherwise unoccupied back alley. He breathes deeply, taking in the local scents of this place. Not a super-astute move when standing adjacent an overflowing trash cart. He walks out of the alley, sees and hears a blacksmith pounding some sort of ornamentation across the street. Not far off, he finds a bakery, and a much better smell wafts his direction than what was in the alleyway.

He enters, buys an armful of fresh bread (a silver piece or so?), which he places in his haversack, except for half a loaf he keeps to chew on as he explores the town further.

He walks through a few blocks, getting acquainted with this neighborhood, and the next.

Knowing she is near, based upon the report from planar scholar Eurodimes, he reaches out mentally. 'Pressi. Pressi, where are you? I just got back.' He pauses and looks around, describing the area he is in. 'I don't know the town yet. Shall I sent up a lightning bolt, and see if you can see it from where you are? I'm kidding on that. Or we can keep chatting until we find each other.' He pauses, then adds, 'If you want to be found, of course...'

'I missed you, Press. I was so far away, and no time to explain before I was wisked away.'

He keeps an eye out for his love, as well as for any of his friends whom he may run into. Kezzem, Talia, Mookie, Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, Miss Piggy, one of the ponies or cats or Rayya.

And takes in the people of the town.
=========
Looking about Perception: 50

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday December 9th, 2019 11:37:52 PM

Bliss waits for Hobie and Tali to report back, keeping alert for trouble.

When Bliss sees Murphy, he gives him a big hug.

"I missed you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:44:14 AM
After a better assessment of the town, Succotash feels a bit more at ease. After all hard working people, with a solid wok ethic, are to be praised not feared. He is about to approach the sheriff for questioning, but spots Murphy coming towards them.

As Murphy approaches he notices two major differences about Succotash. First, his signature full plate armor embossed with Pantheon's holy symbol is gone, replaced by green silk priestly robes, embroidered with the various holy symbols of the whole pantheon of Woldian gods, and second, Miss Piggy is no where to be seen, but in her stead is a female velociraptor with a pink bow on her head, and wearing mithril breastplate barding.

Succotash rushes over to Murphy, and is about to give him a hug, but Bliss beat him to it, so instead, so he settles for a hearty pat on the back, and a very excited, "So glad to see you brother! I missed you something terrible!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 1:55:46 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Hobie asks whether the menagerie was popular, and whether anyone in town would be especially familiar with it. "It was real popular," the innkeeper says. "Just about everybody went to see it at least once. Umm..." she thinks for a moment. "I think they hired Jake here for some odd jobs. Hey, Jake!" She has an impressive bellow. A human man with a graying beard turns toward the bar. "Didn't you do some work for the menagerie folks?" Jake nods cautiously.

Kezzem thinks that savage, cannibal halflings sound like his family, which is probably an exaggeration.

But the real action is out on the street, with the return of Murphy! Where did he spring from? Bliss and Succotash greet him, but there's no word from Pressi yet.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=28 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 2:52:28 PM
The Mengerier

Tali wonders to herself, what's a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings? Guess I should find out! Tali will ask all the people she can find about the traveling show and specifically about the cannibal halflings!

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 39
Gather Info: 17
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 4:45:45 PM
"Well, look what Harper dragged in," says Kezzem. "Where did you go? We really could have used you back at the Iron Giant. Succotash and Talia died! I mean, they got better, but still!"

Rumpus give Murphey a big slobbery pony kiss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:52:49 PM

Murphy welcomes Bliss's warm greeting, and returns the embrace. As Succotash joins, he pulls him in to a group hug. "I absolutely missed both of you, too."

As they conclude the greeting, he eyes the pink-ribboned velociraptor. "Was Miss Piggy polymorphed?" he asks the paladin. "And you - have you gone from serving Pantheon, to service to the entire pantheon? I have to hear the story."

Addressing both of them, he says, "Last I saw you all was in the midst of battle, which I fully intended to help conclude. But a fellow wisked me away to another plane, and I have not been able to contact Pressi since then. I'm trying to...

"Kezzem! Oooh, so romantic, Rumpus!" He scratches what used to be one of his own ponies behind the ears, then pulls out an apple, breaks it in half, and gives a portion to the now celestial pony.

"Talia, is she around? What are you - we - doing in Idlewood, anyhow? I - I've been trying to reach out to Pressi. I sense her, but - maybe she can't hear me?"

"Oh, how about Hobie? Is he here? Anyone else I should know about?"

He takes the other half of the apple, and gingerly offers it to the velociraptor, alert and ready to pull his flattened hand quickly should the creature try to bite more than the apple.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 7:06:12 PM
"Well long story short, as Kezzem mentioned, in the Humble's Ford invasion Talia, who prefers to go by Tali now, and I both got killed, when I fell, Miss Piggy returned to the celestial plane from which she originally came. Well, after meeting Lord Gargul for the first time, I realized how amazing he was, and as a result I decided I wanted to get to know the other gods as well, figuring that if both Pantheon and Gargul were this great, than the rest had to be pretty special as well. After the fight was over, Lord Gargul showed mercy to Tali and myself, and sent us both back, but we were both changed. Her just a bit, and me a complete overhaul. For Tali, she chose to drop her formal name and any formalities that went with it, choosing to go by Tali henceforth, and me, well, I lost all my Paladin abilities, including the ability to summon Miss Piggy, I sure miss her, but instead I gained these amazing cleric abilities, which include the ability to talk to animals, as well as, teleport short distances, I also gained the ability to cast cleric spells and some other cool spells like teleport and greater teleport. (Animal and Travel domains) Well after all this happened, I realized how much I missed Piggy, and still do, so I prayed that the gods would send me a new companion to fill the void, and they blessed me with Valerie. She's a pretty great little dinosaur, though I think she thinks she's a golden retriever".

Valerie the velociraptor takes the offered apple from Murphy, being careful not to bite the Druid, then gives him a sloppy kiss, and offers him one end of a tug-o-war rope dog toy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 8:08:14 PM
Pressi followed the link and half the team, eventually catching up with Murphy. It had been so long since they had laid eyes on each other.

Falling into his embrace, she let out a soft cry. "Don't you ever get kidnapped by naked trans-dimensional gardeners again. What is wrong with you?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm just glad you are back. I don't need to know where you went."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:44:44 PM
Rumpus wonders where his apple is and looks at Murphey with sad eyes.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:47:43 PM

Bliss is happy to all be together again, but he does not say anything when others praise the god of being a big jerk. That guy was a huge bully to his mom, just because she wanted one of her five dead kids back. And he was a little more than somewhat mean to Bliss, too, about having a shadow friend. But a hero does not fight with his comrades about religion, so he holds his peace.

Mookie listens in on his emotions. "It's okay, Kid. You'll see your mom in the Lands of Rest some day. Don't you worry. She'll wait for you there."

"Thanks, old friend."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:49:39 AM
Hobie, still unaware of Murphy's return outside, asks Jake to come sit near him and talk for a bit.
"That's great, Jake, how about you come over here and let me buy you a drink! I've got a few questions about that menagerie."
Hobie pulls out his coin purse and hands the bartender a few more gold pieces, making a point to let Jake see that he's carrying a lot more than your average townsperson. His dragonskin boots and quiver might also hint at Hobie's wealth.

"Good bartender, another ale for me, and whatever my friend is having. You hungry, Jake? We could order up some food. How about shots?" If Jake is willing to do shots, Hobie will say to the bartender "Bartender, two shots of your best whiskey! Actually, you know what, give me the whole bottle and two glasses."

If Jake is willing to come and talk, Hobie will ask him for as much information as possible about the menagerie: What do the wagons look like, how many wagons, how many people in their crew, what sort of people? What sort of animals do they have? Did they mention any future destinations, or maybe where they are originally from? What kind of work did Jake do for them? After all of the basic questions, if Jake is amenable, Hobie would ask if Jake ever noticed anything strange or suspicious about them? Only if this is a yes, will Hobie ask outright about the halflings, and if Jake noticed anything related to them.

As Jake is talking, Hobie will continuously pour more whiskey for Jake, trying to loosen his lips as much as possible, but not getting him too drunk to talk.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:52:16 AM
Oh shoot, I missed your description a few posts back about what was in the menagerie, especially the savage cannibal halflings. Hobie will absolutely ask Jake about the halflings.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=49 ; d20+27=45 ;
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:08:16 AM

"You and Talia - Tali - died?" Murphy's face grew pale. "I told that fellow it was NOT the time to take me away. Maybe I could have made a difference..." His breathing stopped for a moment, then he inhaled deeply. "Just glad you and she are back," he says as he claps the cleric on the shoulder. Just as he is going to join Valerie's tug-o-war game, his fiancee arrives, and all else is forgotten.

Murphy embraces, listens, gives Pressi a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll try to avoid the scenario you describe, sweets. Wrong with me? I found out there's a certain sort of rash you can get on the plane of hot dirt. Itches like crazy," he teases her.

"Suffice it to say, I was pulled into helping out - and just learning - on a number of different planes - and we're not talking the Sargrass here. Seems learning to deal with trans-dimensional exploration and survival is customary on the way to joining the Dragon Consortium." He gives her one more squeeze. "Or so they tell me."

"So, again," he addresses the gradually growing group - "what brings the Sword to this town, pray tell? Mookie, what do you say?"

He may have noticed the emotional exchange between Bliss and Mookie during the course of the interwoven conversations. He means to ask Bliss about it later when there is less hubbub.
=========
Perception: 49
Sense Motive: 45

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 11:44:25 AM

Bliss sees Murphy's look of concern. "It's okay," he says, rubbing at an eye and getting himself together. "Just that reunions make me think of someday seeing my mom again."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 12:46:02 PM
At Murphy's words, Pressi shoved him backwards. "Ew, ew, I'm going to have that image in my mind for a week! Oh my god! Ugh! I know you're just kidding, but it changes nothing!"

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

In response to Murphy's earlier query, Pressi fills him in on the halfling trader that came to them after no other town would help. How they arrived at the trader's town to find it completely abandoned, with only subtle hints of a fight. How they had lost any hope of a trail along the well trodden roads. How divinations had revealed the halflings alive but caged and in fur rags.

"So now we follow the only path we can. There's been a traveling 'animal show' moving from town to town, run by a couple of dark elves. Nobody seems to have given it much thought, so intel remains light. But we do have a good fix on the path it's been taking. So the plan remains traveling from town to town and hoping we eventually catch up.... at which point, we face a hostage situation and a number of creatures capable of quickly dragging a bunch of halflings from their homes."

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 1:44:42 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Tali asks the patrons about the "tribe of savage, cannibal halflings." You learn that the halflings were exhibited all together, in a rolling cage that had been rolled into a large tent. There were men, women, and children halflings, dressed in animal skins. Gnawed bones were scattered about in the cage. Some of the halflings appeared to be shouting, but made no noise.

"They didn't look all that savage," one woman said, sounding a bit disappointed. "Even though they were wearing those animal skins. They mostly just looked sad."

Hobie, meanwhile, is talking to Jake. When the bearded man comes to join you, you can see that he's already halfway through a plate of stew, but he doesn't turn down another ale--or a couple of shots of whiskey.

Jake is able to answer most of your questions. You learn that the menagerie has 11 wagons, of varying description. Some are rolling cages, some are cargo wagons. The menagerie owner has his own special wagon that he sleeps in; the other staff sleep in tents. The menagerie's owner is a half-orc named Olog Breaktooth. Olog has about a dozen low-level employees working for him--they drive the wagons, set up the tents, feed the animals, shovel the poop. In addition, there are four guards, whom Jake describes as "tough customers." They are on hand to deal with trouble, whether that trouble comes from the animals or from belligerent members of the public. The menagerie exhibits consist of: a lioness, a black bear, several monkeys, a peacock and peahen, a cage of tropical birds, another cage of stirges, a family of ocelots, two "mysterious dark elves," the "tribe of savage halflings," and "the world's largest baby."

Jake is able to give you a rundown of the towns the menagerie plans to visit next. Your DM declines to come up with a dozen town names, but you have the information. You ask specifically about the halflings, and learn basically the same information as Tali. "I'll tell you," Jake adds thoughtfully, "some of those animals weren't in very good shape. They fed 'em and everything, but some of 'em didn't look so good. That bear was missing patches of fur."

Outside, the reunion with Murphy continues. Kezzem and Succotash catch him up on the battle with the Iron Giant, the meeting with Gargul, and some of the fallout from it. Pressi catches him up on the current mission while Bliss struggles with his emotions.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:23:28 PM

"Thanks Jake, I really appreciate the info."
Hobie slides the rest of the whiskey bottle over to Jake, and leaves the bar.

When he gets outside and sees his friends gathered around Murphy, Hobie approaches gladly. "Murph! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, where ya been?"

After the greetings, he goes to Pressi and relays all of the information he received from Jake in the bar.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:31:32 PM
"Well it seems our quarry is still ahead of us, shall we move on, or stay the night?", Succotash asks his friends as they are all assembled.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:48:19 PM

"Wowsy, I would rather camp out than stay here," declares Bliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Thursday December 12th, 2019 3:43:56 AM

"I getcha, Bliss. It's got to be so hard to have lost her. Like Mookie says, though, one day, one day, a reunion." He squeezes his small friend's shoulder. "Say, when we can catch a break, let's you and me sit down with my mom for milk and biscuits some day."

"Ah. Ah. Thanks for filling me in on the mission."

"Hobie!" he returns the greeting. "So good to see you again. You helped save so many lives that day, friend," he says, giving him a hand to forearm hand shake. "Out scouting multiple planes - elemental, ethereal, astral, and some really strange ones. Somewhere in our future, we'll likely be dealing with something out there. I'm slightly less ignorant about all that than I was a few weeks ago."

As he is nearby, he listens carefully to what Hobie reports to Pressi.

"You all are more aware of what's going on than I with the menagerie. I'm going to make a quick run on food and a few goodies - maybe half an hour? Then I'd be ready to head, if that's what you all think best. Or stay. Your call. You can take off before I'm done - just point the direction you're heading now."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday December 12th, 2019 10:39:42 AM

Bliss tries to put the puzzle pieces of this challenge together.

"Well, at first I was kind of happy. We've been recovering artifacts and exploring hollow 200-ft-tall giants and stopping an invasion. It's kind of nice to not have to worry about Wold-shaking events and just track down some missing people."

"But heck, why would someone be so dumb as to shanghai halflings into slavery to be in a show? Unwilling people aren't even that good at performing! They seem more sad than savage! I mean, you could walk into Humbles Ford, put out word that you wanted to recruit performers to play "wild savages" for a travelling show, and you'd have plenty of volunteers, prolly for room, board, and a bit of coin, if the food was good!"

Bliss also wonders if the group isn't a bit overpowered for this mission. But he does not say anything, because he doesn't want to jinx it! He just thinks it to Mookie.

The bird thinks back, ::Maybe they are devil worshippers and they sacrifice one halfling every week for their Balor overlord. And you get to fight the balor!::

::You mean WE get to fight the balor!::

::No, I don't.::

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Thursday December 12th, 2019 11:36:06 AM
"Greed is blind," says Kezzem. "They don't care about the quality of the show, just that they pay as little as possible. Doesn't occur to them that they could get more money by putting on a good show even after paying their performers."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=29 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=21 ;
Thursday December 12th, 2019 12:59:19 PM
The Return of Murphy

When Tali learns all she believes she is going to get out of the assembled peoples, she heads outside. Turning the corner, she she her friends gathered around her long lost pal, Murphy! She quickly hovers over to see if he's real and not a mirage!

"Mister Murphy!" gleefully shouts Tali. "How the heck are you, my friend?!"

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 29
Diplomacy: 36
Gather Info: 18
Perception: 21

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:19:13 PM
Pressi nods at Bliss and Kezzem. "Well, I don't quite want to speculate on motives yet. I'm still kind of raw on the fact that gathering information requires just playing it straight. I want to lie to someone, darn it.

"Somehow, I suspect that these half orcs just look upon us halflings as another animal to be pressed into service." Pressi thinks back to some of her own initial impressions of the town, the whole "they're criminals and we require disguises... aren't they?" statement unsaid only because of Murphy's interruption. "I guess we all struggle to some degree. But I'm not feeling a lot of empathy right now."

In response to Murphy, "That's unnecessary, I'm sure we can wait and resupply. But we should get moving as soon as we can, and we may need to skip a camp or two after all. The plan remains, though, slow and steady as we gather as much information as we can."

DM Kathy
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:48:24 PM
Hobie thanks Jake and heads outside to his friends. Tali likewise finishes up and heads outside. Both are delighted to see Murphy, who asks for a little time to gather supplies.

Bliss wonders aloud why the menagerie is kidnapping people when they could probably get better results just hiring and paying them. Kezzem has a good answer: greed and shortsightedness.

Succotash wonders whether to stay here or move on; Bliss and Pressi are in favor of moving on. Indeed, it is still early afternoon, and even with the days getting shorter, there are hours of daylight left. Murphy can find at least some of what he needs (it's a frontier town, so not everything is available), and you can continue on your journey.

The sun makes some effort to emerge as you travel, but by the time you stop to set up camp, more clouds have rolled in. The temperature remains chilly enough to be uncomfortable, but not cold enough to be dangerous. The overcast makes for a dark night, with neither moons nor stars visible.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Thursday December 12th, 2019 4:39:30 PM
"Pressi, anyone can lie," says Kezzem. "The real challenge is figuring how to mislead someone by telling the truth."

OOC: The paladin's code is really more of a guideline to Kezzem.

"Ooo, it's getting chilly out," observes Kezzem. "Now I'm wishing I prepared some of those element endurance spells instead or restorations!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday December 12th, 2019 5:27:58 PM
“I should have bought that Cloak of Comfort I saw last time I was at the Catacombs, only 1000gp, and endure elements is always present”, Succotash says as he pulls his cloak tighter, “Probably should have gotten a slottless version for Valerie as well, or I could have just prepared the spell and save myself 3000gp, remind me to do that in the morning”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:23:52 AM
"I'm the heck good, Talia," he responds. "I mean, Tali. Keep that up and in six months you'll be Tal, in a year Ta, and eventually just 'T'. Great to see you - glad Gargul was good to you. Tell me what happened on the way. Wanna help out with the shopping?"

Murphy gathers, with any who will help, food and other items to help his friends along the way.

-> Good quantities of fruit (fresh or dried, as available); vegetables (roots, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, leafy greens, etc.); meat - freshly butchered (lamb? beef? pork? -mmm, bacon) or dried/salted; fish -fresh or dried/salted; several blocks of cheese; seasonings; lots of salt; teas; coffee; two barrels (for water); 4 kegs/casks of wine; 4 kegs of ale.
-> Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings - enough for party and up to 10 additional halflings. 2 tents. 2 crowbars; 2 shovels; 2 pickaxes; 2 hammers; 1 sledge hammer.
-> Horse and horse-drawn wagon (or cart if no wagon is available), tack as appropriate. 5-6 sheep and/or goats to place in cart, with feed for the animals for the journey. Lions and velociraptors and bears can get hungry. If there happens to be a mama goat and nursing kid, all the better. The biggest baby in the world may need milk.
-> Healing salves, ointments, bandages. Wounds and abrasions may need care.
Our good DM can let us know Murphy's relative level of shopping success. He has up to 250gp to spend on this supply project, though he is willing to spend less. Probably took more than 1/2 hour.

.Once he is set and the horse is in harness, the wagon loaded, he says to Pressi, "Yep, slow and steady, as you prescribed."

"Giddup!" Murphy helps set up camp, makes sure that a latrine pit is dug per custom, wondering how much Bliss may comment on it. He lays up trip lines and bells which will ring if people or critters contact certain thin cords around the layered defenses. Those who have traveled with the druid will likely be familiar with these sorts of things. He lets others set up tents, and feed the animals. The cold-weather gear may be used by whoever needs it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=41 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:59:48 AM

Bliss uses Rose's Temperature Control spells for himself and Mookie for warmth, and to set up a couple warming stations around the camp.

"You know, your Mom used to travel with the original Rose," Mookie says. "She had a raven, too. Actually, there were three mages, and three ravens, in that party."

"Those were the days."

Bliss and Mookie take first watch. Perception 41

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:41:42 AM
Oh Winter it's a coming...

Tali seeing Mister Murphy gearing up for the winter, will also try to purchase some winter gear for herself, know she has none. Tali will look for the same goods Mister Murphy is looking for.

Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings.

Tali has the money to purchase her own gear.

Tali will describe the basic Iron Giant story to Mister Murphy from her perspective during the journey.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:49:00 AM
Not much more happens at this point. Pressi, like Bliss, uses spells and equipment for warmth, and she takes the last watch right before morning. Like Murphy, she helps set up some traps in addition to setting up tents and animals. She even considers casting a contingency spell (but once again lacks the nutty focus element).

She takes Bliss' cue as to whether he wants to do the shared ritual of warding. For the intermediate ritual, she actually skips the shared shield of faith spell in favor of the ritual of healing (D12s for healing spells.)

DM Kathy
Friday December 13th, 2019 2:05:05 PM
Murphy is able to acquire: salt, tea, coffee, a keg of ale, a barrel for water, 1 tent, 2 shovels, 2 pickaxes, 2 hammers, 1 sledge hammer, 3 blankets, a barrel of salt fish, and a bushel of root vegetables. There is no meat or fruit available. They did not have any ready-made clothes, although you could get warm fabric to make into clothes if anybody has that skill. They didn't have a healer's kit or anything that would go in one. There were no animals to spare, and in fact you had a bit of a hard time finding a horse to draw the cart. In the end, you wound up with a mule. You spent about 50 gold total.

By the time Tali goes looking, Murphy has cleaned it all out--although, again, there is warm woolen fabric available if you have the skill to turn it into something.

You will be passing through other towns as you travel, so you will have the opportunity to acquire more gear, depending on what the other towns have available.

You set up camp, complete with early-warning systems, and discuss ways of keeping yourselves warm.

The night is mostly quiet, until Pressi, on dawn watch, hears a clattering over on the west side of camp. Something has set off one of the warning traps.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:43:50 PM
"There were three ravens, Mookie? I don't know about that. Sounds like a...conspiracy...to me. "

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=38 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 9:33:24 PM
BEFORE SLEEP:
"Um," Mookie ponders ... "Theo and Macaw. Rose and Piper. Vauhwyt and me. Yup, three!" he tells Kezzem.

DURING SLEEP:
Bliss makes a perception check to see if maybe he can wake up when the alarm goes off ... Perception 38?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=44 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 1:31:00 AM
Murphy post 20191213b

Shopping
Murphy was grateful for what he was able to buy - and does scoop up as much wool (maybe other fabrics to go with it, cotton, linen?) as the seller will allow - plus thread, and - scissors?

On the road
Murphy takes in Tali's recounting of the massive battled of the giants vs. Humble's Ford. He listens attentively, asks questions here and there. "Those dwarfs, whatever they may have claimed or not claimed about or for themselves, did evil. They would have had a much better shot at what they were aiming for had they either backed off, or waited until later. Fools. Wicked-acting fools. I am sorry about what they did against you, Tali. And proud of you for calling upon Madame Gem to work the fusion with the tower, at great personal cost, a signal victory for our people."

At the camp
"I can go to fire elemental, and you can use me as a source of warmth," he volunteers. The food he made available, as well as a couple cooking pots and utensils. He leaves it to others to cook. He also asks others to tell him their experiences in the giant fight. As he listens to the stories, he jots notes. If not flaming.

At dawn
Generally Murphy arises at or shortly before dawn, for prayers, meditation and spells restoral - plus putting on a fresh pot of water to heat for breakfast. Just in case he is still asleep, though, if Perception 44, including alertness feat/keen senses, is enough for the noise to awaken Murphy (he is rather used to using the noise of traps he sets to awaken him), then he arises. He moves off perhaps 30 feet away from Pressi. If it is still dark, he whaps hard with the palm of his hand a sunrod and tosses it in the general direction she is looking at to try to illuminate what is out there. If some ambient light is available, though, he simply looks outward, preparing to defend himself and friends.
========
Perception 44

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+18=29 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 10:59:51 AM
Since becoming cleric Succotash makes a point of rising early, so as to pray and prepare spells, and then gets the coffee brewing and hot water heating for those who prefer tea, as well as getting breakfast started, having Murphy back and on the same schedule as himself throws him off a bit at first, but he soon discovers he relishes the company, and the assistance getting breakfast going. He already has his own cold weather outfit, and heavy wool winter blanket, as well as a cooking pot and coffee/tea kettle. a throw back to his days as a traveling paladin, when he slept on the ground, and out of doors, as much if not more often than in a bed, but he thanks Murphy and Tali for their thoughtfulness, even though he has no need for their generosity at the moment..

If Succotash is still sleeping when the alarms go off, his perception is 29-10(for sleeping)=19

if he is awake, his perception is 29

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Saturday December 14th, 2019 11:52:26 AM
Everyone is invited to the retirement party for the

Iron Dragons!

To be held on the Giggling Ghost board!
Starting Monday, December 16
and continuing all week.

Please come help celebrate their incredible journey
from level 1 through level 20.
[June 29, 2009 - December 13, 2019]

There will be stories!
Speeches!
[yes we'll make them do this ::grin::]
Questions and Answers
Free imaginary food!

Feel free to head there now,
but the festivities start on Monday.

-----

Then starting Saturday, December 21st, our Woldian Slowdown begins along with our
YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS
in the Giggling Ghost.

ACDM Rob is in charge of the festivities in the Giggling Ghost during the Yuletide Slowdown. He will send out an email sometime before the 21st explaining how the Giggling Ghost activities will work.

As a reminder, all requirements to post daily in your Career game are banished until Monday, January 6, 2020. A reminder to begin posting will come out the weekend before to remind you.
During the Yuletide Slowdown:
--no game may be in combat
--no game may advance its story line in any significant way
--posting is allowed, but not required by players or DMs
--all games should be in a relatively safe location where those who desire may roleplay for fun

Everyone who wants to roleplay are encouraged to hang out and post as much as you like in the Giggling Ghost and participate in the activities happening there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday December 15th, 2019 2:38:50 PM
As others are waking up from the sound of the alarm, Hobie will jump up and look out as well for what could possibly have set off the trap. He quickly attaches his Efficient quiver and pulls Prowler from it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday December 16th, 2019 7:13:23 AM
Pressi considers checking it out herself but instead blasts a ghost sound (loud shriek) throughout the land.

DM Kathy
Monday December 16th, 2019 2:01:52 PM
Pressi, alerted to something entering camp, uses Ghost Sound to sound the alarm.

You all jump awake and ready yourselves for combat.

Although dawn is coming soon, it isn't here yet. Your camp is fairly dark; clouds still hide the moons and stars.

In the dim light of the fire, you see--something--approaching.

Knowledge: Dungeoneering DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a Carnivorous Blob}.

And the map. You should be able to edit the map. Please move your own character when you move. Feel free to create ongoing spell effects (obscuring mist, etc.) on the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 16th, 2019 3:52:50 PM
Kezzem wakes up and stands. He draws his daggers (free action with Quick Draw).

"By Gargul's Grapefruits, what the heck is that thing?" he asks.

Kezzem attempts to Detect Evil on the creature.

Rumpus stands as well and gets ready for combat (total defense).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+8=21 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=22 ; 2d6+21=24 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+21=32 ; d6=2 ; 6d6=18 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+21=28 ; d6=1 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 4:37:53 PM
Not knowing exactly what this thing is, but not being a fool, Hobie knows this creature is bad news.

Hobie steps back, clicks his heels, and lets a full barrage of arrows fly with deadly aim.

Manyshot = 26
Nonlethal Piercing 24, Electric 6
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 2

Rapid Shot = Natural 20, Confirmation = 32
Nonlethal Piercing = (6d6+63) 81, Electric 2

Haste = 24
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 5

Iterative 1 = Natural 1
MISS!!

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing 28, Electric 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday December 16th, 2019 6:13:30 PM
Seeing the ooze type thing, in front of them, Succotash tells Valerie to stay, and then casts summon natures ally 8, his 8th level domain spell, and summons a purple worm which will appear next round, using his augmented summons feat.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init –2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (–2 Dex, +22 natural, –4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19–20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting—injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+10=28 ; d20+21=33 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 8:00:46 PM
Preambling Night Visitor

Since this alert is still in the early AM, it should be been during Tali's 2AM watch. As Tali always meditates for two (2) hours before her watch, she is able to cast her stand spells at the begining of her watch:

Overland Flight & Mage Armor

If this intruder did in wander in during Tali's watch, Tali is hovering 7 feet above the ground. Tali did purchase a bolt of the fabric just to see what her cantrips could do with cloth. During the early part of her watch, she cut a portion "halfling sized" of the bolt of winter cloth, and in casting Presidigitation & Mending hopes that she can wear something usable, that the cantrips have made. {is there a DC check to be made here?}

Night Visitor | What is it?!

Not sure exactly what the thing is (Knowledge Arcana check), but perceving (Perception Check) its size, Tali will fly at least is size higher into the air, so, she will be monster height +7 feet above the ground. Using what she gains from her Knowledge Arcana skill, she hopes to be able to recall what the things vunerabilities are.

Aside from flying out of harms way, Tali will delay her attack, until she can recall what the weaknesses are...

Skill Checks:

Knowledge Arcana: 33
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday December 16th, 2019 10:40:50 PM
Bliss knows an enemy when he sees one! And even if he didn't, Hobie's barrage of arrows would tell him in any event.

Bliss backs up and casts his newest, most powerful spell: Living_Voodoo_Doll. It allows no saving throw or spell resistance! It causes both Bliss and the enemy to be SICKENED.

Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Mookie, concerned about Bliss, stays close and readies an attack in case the thing comes near.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+6=7 ; d20+38=58 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 11:08:37 PM

Murphy has no idea what that red tentacled blob is, but does not trust it. So he encircles it (ensquares it?) with a 10' wall of thorns.

================
Knowledge, dungeoneering: 7 (nat 1)
Perception: 58 (nat 20) - so, perhaps aided by the lit stick he sent last round, he can perceive it Real Well. If there is anything else around or about, he might have a clue on that, too.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 12:04:46 AM
Final

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 3:36:14 AM
Header update for Murphy

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:07:53 AM

Note: Added grid coordinates to map. Murphy started this round at q4 (about 25'-30' away from Pressi at k5/6), and moved by the end of the round to v2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+4=15 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:16:17 AM
(OOC on a couple of items. 1) I'm assuming that this means for Pressi and Bliss full spell slots but no rituals. 2) I'm thinking early AM is closer to 6 AM, when Talia will have just gone to sleep.)

Pressi gives an attempt at identification "the old college try" but can only see this giant massive blob. She assumes that THIS is a creature outside of its natural element.

Harper gives a low growl.

In preparation, Pressi activates her spectral hand and figures she will have to figure it out the hard way.

DM Kathy d20+17=34 ; 8d6+19=48 ; d4=1 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:26:15 PM
[OOC: I want to focus my attention on the combat, so we'll do Fun with Textiles after the combat wraps.]

Kezzem draws his weapons and attempts to detect whether the creature is evil. It is not.

Hobie fires several shots, which all hit, but do less piercing damage than you would have expected. The creature does not seem to take the electrical damage. It also doesn't seem to be subject to critical hits; the shot that would have been critical is just a normal hit. [I need you to roll normal damage for that one, please.]

Succotash begins casting a summoning spell; a Purple Worm will show up next round unless the spell is somehow disrupted.

Tali takes to the skies and tries to identify the creature, but all she is able to determine is that her Arcane knowledge is coming up blank. [It is a Dungeoneering check.]

Bliss sacrifices some of his own abilities to hamper the creature.

Murphy encircles the creature with a Wall of Thorns.

Pressi assumes the creature is out of its natural element. It really isn't, but it's trying to eat you, so fighting it is probably okay. She casts Spectral Hand.

The creature is momentarily confused by the Wall of Thorns, but it's also pretty hungry. After a moment's hesitation, it starts glorping over the wall. [It has a climb speed.] It's taking damage, but it doesn't seem to care. It's pretty determined.

It is now within melee range of a target, so a pseudopod lashes out at Pressi. It hits! Pressi takes 48 damage, plus 1 point of Constitution drain.

The creature is an amorphous blob, and you are experienced enough adventurers to peg it as "some kind of ooze." But to get more specifics, somebody's going to need to hit that DC 23 Dungeoneering check.

And the map.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:57:05 PM
Bliss and Mookie move south so that the friendly worm is between them and the blob.

Bliss uses a focused curse to cast Baleful Polymorph and change the blob into a toad. The focused curse gives it a -1 on the save, and the sickened condition gives it a -2. The save DC is 19 for a fort save and then a will save.

If the spell works, Bliss shouts, "DON'T HURT MY NEW PET FROGGIE!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d2=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+38=45 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:24:31 PM

Electricity does not seem to affect the blob. So: Fire or Ice? Fire if 1, Ice if 2. Rolled 2-Ice
Murphy casts Ice Storm. The creature takes 6 hp blugeoning damage, and 9 hp cold damage.

"Pressi! BACK WAY UP FRIENDS. IT CAN REACH FAR!" Murphy shouts. He thinks of about six or eight things that he might do, and hurts as she is hurt.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+22=29 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:26:37 PM
"Well, I don't think my daggers will be much use against this thing," says Kezzem. "Hopefully I can at least get it's attention. Here oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy!"

Kezzem and Rumpus move to protect Pressi.

IF Bliss's polymorph works, Kezzem will go total defense.

OTHERWISE, he will make one attack with his ice dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2= 5.

Rumpus will go total defense either way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+27=46 ; d20+27=43 ; 4d8+14=29 ; 2d8+14=25 ; 15d6=51 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:52:16 PM
Succotash yells out to Bliss, "I have know idea what kind it is, but unless I'm mistaken, all oozes are immune to Polymorph!" he then casts flame strike centered on the ooze inflicting 25 fire damage and 26 divine damage DC 21 reflex for half

The purple worm will use it's 15ft reach to attack the ooze with both it's bite and stinger

Bite hits AC 46 for 29 damage
Stinger hits AC 43 for 25 damage but since oozes are immune to poison, it doesn't have to make a con save.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init –2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (–2 Dex, +22 natural, –4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19–20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting—injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=32 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:31:15 PM
Obscure Ooze Oozing

While hovering Monster Size +7 feet above the ground at D3, Tali will fly over to O1, thinking about her next or rather first attack onto the creature directly below her, some 40' feet below.

When she can, Tali will cast Hold Monster on her turn directly into the living gianormous Ooze 40+ feet below her. With any of the spells her group casted, Tali hopes this spell will be successful!

Hold Monster Spell Effect

Range medium (100 ft. + 150 ft.)
Target one living creature
Duration: 15 rounds || 1 round/level (D); see text
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes

Skill Checks:

Fly: 32
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 2d6+21=26 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=25 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 3:29:17 AM
Arrow from previous round= 26 Nonlethal Piercing

Hobie knows his arrows aren't ideal against a blob, but he keeps firing away.

Manyshot= 26
Nonlethal Piercing = 28
Nonlethal Piercing = 32

Rapid shot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 29

Iterative 1= 20
Nonlethal Piercing = 28

Iterative 2 = 16
Nonlethal Piercing = 25

===============================
Rounds of Haste used 1/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 63/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 12:08:46 PM
Pressi screams in pain, but she has the presence of mind to grab the tentacle and scan it with all her abilities.

(Attack Roll 18 vs touch AC. If it hits, she gets a full scan via Kowledge Domain: Lore Keeper, Dungeoneering Roll 31.)

With that, Pressi retreats back a bit, hoping to regroup. She calls a hissing Harper to move near her.

Her spectral hand remains left behind.

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

con drain 1
spectral hand

L1: 1

DM Kathy d20+3=7 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=28 ; 8d6+19=44 ; d4=4 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=20 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 2:39:04 PM
Bliss casts Baleful Polymorph. The spell seems to slide right off its intended target. It isn't that the creature made its save; it's as if the spell couldn't affect it at all. Succotash calls out that oozes might be immune to polymorph, and this appears to be the case.

Meanwhile, Murphy casts Ice Storm. The bludgeoning damage doesn't seem to affect the creature at all, but--this is interesting! It takes more damage from the cold!

Kezzem attempts to call the ooze like a cat, which doesn't even work on cats. He attacks with his ice dagger. Similar to Murphy's spell, the weapon damage doesn't seem to do anything at all, but the cold damage is even more than you thought it would be! However, in response to being hit, the creature lashes out at Kezzem! It misses.

Succotash hits the creature with a Flame Strike. The fire damage doesn't do anything at all, but the creature takes divine damage as normal. The purple worm bites! It hits! And then the ooze splits into two oozes! One of the oozes lashes out at the purple worm. It hits! The worm takes 44 damage and 4 points of Constitution drain. Then the worm stings! The ooze is not affected by the poison, and doesn't split again, so that's nice. It does lash out at the worm again, but misses this time.

Tali attempts a Hold Monster. Like Bliss, Tali finds that her spell just kind of slides off the creature, as if it can't be affected by it.

Hobie sends more arrows into the original ooze, which is starting to look pretty hurt.

Pressi is able to grab a tendril and use her ability. You learn that this is a Carnivorous Blob, a kind of ooze. Oozes are immune to a lot of things, including critical hits, sneak attack, flanking, mind-affecting spells (like Hold Monster), paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and polymorph. Carnivorous Blobs have damage reduction 10/-. They resist fire and electricity, and are vulnerable to cold. If they are hit with a melee attack, they get an immediate attack in response, which doesn't count as an Attack of Opportunity. Slashing damage makes them split into more oozes, so maybe don't do that.

Pressi retreats, provoking an Attack of Opportunity from the original ooze, but it misses.

The original ooze continues glorping over the Wall of Thorns. It attacks Kezzem, but misses.

The new ooze attacks Succotash's Purple Worm, but misses.

And the map.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 15d6=60 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 5:42:35 PM
Seeing the Purple Worm cause the ooze to split, Succotash quickly dismisses the Worm (a standard action) then he will burn a hero point to gain a second standard action, and cast blade barrier forming ring of force, 20ft tall that will drop on both oozes, inflicting 60 points of force damage (DC 22 reflex negates) and causing 15d6 to anyone who passes through it (DC 22 reflex for half)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+22=40 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 8:39:41 PM
OOC: Don't dismiss the worm! At the very least keep it to tank.

"Rumpus, I don't think your hooves are going to affect this thing," says Kezzem. "Let's see, Pressi has Harper, Succo has Valeria, Mookie has Bliss...go guard Hobbie I guess?"

Rumpus neighs and falls back by Hobbie. Total defense.

Kezzem attacks solely with his frost dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 = 18. Natural 1.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+36=39 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:35:08 PM

Bliss double checks that at least one of the blobs is still sickened by his magic. Maybe they both are? Bliss casts a Flesh to Stone spell on a sickened one. That's a DC19 Fort save.

Then he and Mookie back up, tumbling to avoid AoOs if any. Acrobatics 39.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=22 ; d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:56:13 PM
Duce Carnivorous Blobs

Discovering that her last spell was not very effective, Tali will hover from O2 to position E5, then cast a spell on one of the blobs at position FL 1318. Tali casts Wall of Force

Wall of Force

Range close (25 ft. + 35ft.) = 60 ft.
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level ~ 15 10-ft Squares
Duration 1 round /level (D) ~ 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Wall of force as seen on the map.

Skill Checks:

Fly: 22
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+21=33 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=22 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=27 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:28:42 AM
Hobie keeps firing away.

Manyshot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 30
Nonlethat Piercing = 28

Rapid shot = 38
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Iterative 1= Natural 1

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:54:26 AM

Murphy saw Pressi try to grab hold of the - tentacle? Pseudopod? of the creature, and knows she may have learned something. "Pressi, what did you learn? What is this thing?"

He wild shapes into a huge air elemental and flies 80 feet up into the air. Now has darkvision. And prepares to cast.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d4=1 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 11:18:02 AM
(Spectral Hand has 1 hp)

As Pressi dodges the blob's atttack. "One thing I definitely learned. Whoever said there's always room for jello is a LIAR."

Pressi casts message and proceeds to report as above. She also yells at Succotash to stop doing slashing damage.

"One more disadvantage. It may have ridiculous reach but it's still slow moving. And it's stupid. Continue to use environmental and range attacks, and lets put some distance between us and them."

With that, Pressi mounts Harper and moves herself back towards the group. "Let's ride."

DM Kathy d20+12=20 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:32:23 PM
Succotash dismisses his Purple Worm, much to Kezzem's dismay.

Kezzem goes to work with his dagger. As before, the weapon damage doesn't do anything; it's all about the cold.

Hobie starts shooting. His Manyshot sends two arrows into the original ooze, and it dissolves into a puddle. He switches targets, and begins shooting the other ooze.

Bliss tries to turn the second ooze into stone, but it makes its save.

Murphy transforms himself into an elemental.

Pressi passes on what she learned.

Tali encircles the second ooze with a Wall of Force, trapping it on the Wall of Thorns. The damage from the thorns proves to be too much--that creature, too, collapses into a puddle of goo.

Succotash can save his Hero Point. The battle is over.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:56:02 PM

Bliss laughs and says to Mookie. "That one shoulda chose to fail its save vs my spell. Better to be a nifty statue than to be a puddle of goo."

Mookie nods. "Plus, as a statue, there was always a chance someone mighta changed it back someday."

A bit of breeze blows the smell of goo over to Bliss, and he promptly throws up.

"Ugh," says Bliss, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. He turns off the magic that made him sick. "Wowsy, now I feel better. I'm not sure I like that spell."

Bliss wanders over to his friends. "Great job guys! Murphy, that wall of thorns was cool. Tali, your wall of force was the key. Hobbie, good shooting. Brother Succotash, good flame strike. Kezzem, that dagger is the best! Pressi, at least you sucked up an attack."

Mookie caws a harsh laugh. "Kid, you did a good job contributing absolutely nothing to that fight!"

"Wowsy, I know, right!" declares Bliss, with a huge grin. "Well, at least I have chicken! I mean cures!"

He cures 35 to Pressi. (CCW)

"Who you calling chicken?" asks Mookie.

"You, Leeroy!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:04:25 PM
"I believe there is a 32.3 percent, repeating of course, that you are in fact a chicken, Mookie," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d100=92 ; d100=59 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:05:06 PM
Like any archer worth his salt, when the fight is done, Hobie sees if he can't retrieve the arrows that missed their target. To his luck, he finds them both intact and returns them to his quiver.

Once the group has calmed down, and sets about their morning rituals, Hobie will take the time to prepare his spells, and just in case they run into any creatures like this again, he will attune his elemental arrows to Frost for the day, instead of their usual Shock.

Boots of haste used 1/10

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d8=4 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 5:19:43 PM
"Sorry Kezzem, that Worm had only slightly more intelligence than the ooze, and I had no way to stop it from attacking, which would continue to split the thing", Succotash says to explain his action, "I really had no other choice, at the time, but everything worked out anyways. Looking around Succotash notices that Pressi still isn't fully healed and that she looks a little less healthy than normal, so he walks over to her and casts lesser restoration removing the 1 con damage she had received (didn't bother rolling since it was only one con damage) than cast cure moderate wounds on her healing 16 hp, which along with Bliss's healing should top her up.

After making sure no one else needed any healing, depending on whither or not he got his full 8 hours of rest, he will either go back to bed to finish his 8 hours, then find a quiet place to pray and prepare his spells, or, head directly to the quiet space.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 19th, 2019 7:27:35 PM

"Thank heavens for bravery, mighty arrows, and a much shorter combat than I anticipated."

Murphy soars up high into the sky to see if he can see any signs of light in the waning hours of the morning. Any nearby towns, cities, convenience stores...

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday December 19th, 2019 10:43:23 PM

Mookie laughs. "I like those odds, Kezzie!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+10=11 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:25:25 AM
Dual Splooge Blobs

Tali returns to the ground with a slow decent. "Wow, team, that was intense!" Tali remarks! "I'm assuming they have no pockets and therefore no treasure?!" Tali inquiries.

"Perhaps we should sleep in the trees from now on or maybe someone has a Magic Mansion to sleep in?" suggests Tali to the group?! "Anyone know the time?" says Tali.

Skill Checks:

Perception: 11 {NAT 1}

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 of 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:00:46 PM
Pressi wrinkled her nose at the absorb damage comment, but took the healing graciously.

“Yeah, I guess I could have done that, too.”

DM Kathy
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:33:05 PM
[OOC: I'm awarding a Hero Point to Hobie, because his damage is really what killed the thing. And another one to Pressi for hanging in there even when she was attacked.]

After the battle, Bliss heals Pressi. Succotash adds some extra healing, and attempts to use Lesser Restoration to restore the lost point of Constitution. Alas, it was drain, not damage, so Lesser Restoration won't help. Pressi's Constitution loss will be permanent until she can get a full Restoration cast on her.

Murphy flies up in the air, but doesn't see any lights to speak of.

Tali speculates that the creature does not have treasure, and she is correct in that.

You return to camp, and attempt to rest until actual dawn, but that proves difficult. Adrenaline is high, and the dead oozes are starting to get a bit whiffy. The sky is barely light when you break camp and head out for the day.

As they travel, Murphy and Tali reflect on their experiments with fabric. Back in Idlewood, there had been 12 yards of woolen fabric available, for 5 gp per yard. Between you, you bought it all. Murphy was able to buy thread for 5 silver. It isn't very good thread, but it will do. They didn't have scissors, although they did have needles. In camp, Tali had experimented with cutting some of the cloth. Unless you already had scissors with you, you needed to use a knife, which was tricky but doable. You tried a Mending spell to see if it would create a garment. You cast the spell--and the cut piece of fabric re-attached itself to the fabric it had been cut from. Which is kind of nifty, but not really what you wanted.

So, you give it some thought. You think you can create very simple garments if you just pay attention and don't try anything fancy. [OOC: According to the Craft skill, it is a DC 10 to create a "typical item." Craft is Int-based and can be done untrained. So, providing you don't actually have an Int penalty, you should be able to take 10 and produce simple garments--drawstring trousers and smocks for men; loose-fitting dresses for women. It will take time, but you can do it. As far as spells go, an Unseen Servant is probably your best bet, but I'm not sure anybody can cast it.]

The sky continues to be overcast. About noon, it starts to snow. Within an hour, the snow starts to stick. By mid-afternoon, you are traveling through a wintry white landscape, wrapped in the gentle hush that always accompanies snowfall.

Travel is getting challenging when you reach the town of Blackthorn. It's similar to Idlewood, although perhaps a little bigger. When you arrive, the town is preparing for some kind of winter festival. A towering evergreen tree has been set up in the middle of town. People on ladders are decorating the tree with garlands and little baubles. A safe distance from the tree, logs for a bonfire have been set up, covered with canvas now to protect them from the still-falling snow. Evergreen wreaths, decorated with bright red bows, are hung on many of the buildings.

You go into the inn, called the Sleeping Pig. It's warm and bright inside, and delicious smells are coming from the kitchen. There aren't many customers yet at this early hour, and the staff are busy hanging evergreen boughs on the walls and rafters.

You are able to secure rooms for yourselves and stabling for the animals. You can look forward to a warm, festive night as the snow continues to fall outside.

[OOC: This marks the beginning of our holiday slowdown. You may post here if you like, or at the Giggling Ghost if nothing much is happening here. Or both.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=23 ; d20+17=20 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 9:38:13 PM

Carnivorous Blob Cleanup
"Pressi - my heart sank when that blob reached out and touched you. Wish I could cast a full restoration for you, but druids can only cast lesser restoration. But, Succotash - is that something you can pray for twice and cast this morning - for yourself, and for Pressi? Your cheeks look wan, Succotash."

If the blob remains are downwind of the camp, Murphy changes into a huge fire elemental, and spends some time burning the remains. It might take a while, since there's a lot of mass, and the living creatures had some resistance to fire. If upwind of the camp, he waits until after he regains spells, and camp is broken. He can catch up to his friends pretty quickly once he has finished.

Tali/Murphy Sewing for Warmth Team
Murphy has the Sailor profession (7), in which sewing of sails (repair, etc.) may be a part. Also Survival skill (21), and sewing is useful in some survival situations. He has done a little leatherwork in the past. Sleight of hand (7) may or may not have some bearing. He has carried needles and thread for himself since early days. These items may factor in to how well he might do with working with fabric. Making simple woolen tunics and pants should not be too tough, and cloaks a piece of cake. Blurring together his sailor, survival, and sleight of hand scores: 35/3 = 12. Is it okay to use that for his skill roll? Assuming so (and +5 from INT): 23 for his first sewing project, a dress sized for Pressi (if she wants it). He takes care with it. I had asked, before we left (Dec14), whether there might be other fabrics, such as cotton, linen. If so, he may use such as a liner. Two layers are better than one for insulation. He checks with Tali, and perhaps they can aid another on their respective pieces. After Pressi's next he tries making a dress for Tali. "You want to try making pants, or tunics?" he asks her. For his dress for her: 20. Not too shabby.

Town of Blackthorn
Being in a place where he can lay things out a bit better, Murphy works on additional clothing for his companions, then gets to thinking about the mounts. He checks in town to see if additional fabrics may be available for purchase, and scissors. Maybe even some pre-made clothing, though that may be less likely. Better yet, a seamstress or tailor.

"Hobie - am I correct in thinking that your arrows now are doing non-lethal damage? If so, that is terrific. How does it work? Does the bow do it? Or are they special arrows? Regardless of how - your ability to take down bad guys or very large hungry things is phenomenal."

Taking a break from the clothing construction, Murphy takes time to talk with his friends, and catch up more on what he has missed out on during his time in other planes. He jots notes in his journal. And enjoys something warm to drink, and food to eat.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:00:02 PM
Succotash answers Murphy: I actually have restoration prepared already, but alas, I don’t have the diamond dust needed to preform the spell. Not sure why I chose that spell without the proper components, perhaps I can find a vendor in town. As for myself, I’m fine, the blob never touched me. Succotash than makes a search through the town to see if he can find someone who sells diamond dust.

Since it’s ability drain and not negative levels, he needs 100gp worth, but he will buy as much as he can, for future use.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:31:54 AM

"Well, I have diamond dust. Here's 200gp worth. I mix it with granite dust for stoneskin," Murphy offers. He goes from having enough diamond dust for 9 castings of stoneskin, to enough for 8 castings.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:49:07 AM
Succotash gladly excepts the diamond dust, and using 100gps worth, of the 200gp gift casts restoration on Pressi, removing the con drain. He will still try to see if he can buy some more in town so as to be prepared for the future.

negative levels cost 1000gp, ability drain 100gp, and if for some reason he needs to prepare and cast greater restoration, 5000gp

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Saturday December 21st, 2019 10:06:40 AM

Bliss is glad to see that Murphy is prepared with the needed component. And that Sir Succotash thought ahead to prep the spell.

"Good job everybody!" Bliss says.

Now on to the party!

Bliss enjoys looking at the tree. Some latent kitty instinct makes him want to change into a cat and jump up into it, but he refrains.

The halfling warms his hands at the big fire and enjoys watching the flames.

"I'm cold," says Mookie. Bliss offers magical cold resistance, but sees that everybody is going inside.

"Come on, Mookie," he says. "Maybe they have hot chocolate."

THe bird cocks his head. "And worms."

DM Kathy d4=4 ;
Monday December 23rd, 2019 2:50:58 PM
Murphy approaches the sewing project with a confident optimism. After all, he knows how to mend sails, and he has worked on his manual dexterity. Alas, he soon realizes that skills don't work like that. Sewing to create garments is its own thing, and although his past experience helps him a little, he is still basically a beginner. [OOC: I'll give you a +2 circumstance bonus, but you don't have any ranks in Craft: Sewing, so you're still doing it untrained. With your Int bonus, your total bonus is +7.] You were able to find some cotton fabric for 1 gp per square yard. Since making those purchases, you have had about 4 hours to work on your project. Your dress for Pressi is nearly finished; you haven't yet had time to begin other projects.

Succotash is able to cast a full Restoration, but he doesn't have the material component. Fortunately, Murphy is able to supply some diamond dust.

In Blackthorn, it is late afternoon when you arrive, and snowing, but luckily the stores are still open. Murphy (and presumably Tali) check to see what clothing or fabric they can acquire. The dry goods store does have some ready-made clothing. You find 4 flannel shirts, 6 pairs of warm socks, and 2 sets comprising of a hat, scarf, and mittens. Everything is sized for Big Folk. You also 3 different woolen fabrics, each at 5 gp per yard. There are 5 different cotton fabrics, each at 1gp per yard. There is thread, and needles, and 1 pair of scissors. There are 4 skeins of yarn, and a crochet hook.

Bliss has to suppress his cat instincts to climb into the tree and possibly play with some of the fascinating baubles. The bonfire hasn't been lit yet, so you go back into the inn. They do indeed have hot chocolate, as well as mulled wine and a strong tea flavored with lemon and cloves. Food is not yet being served, but the possibility of worms seems unlikely.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=20 ;
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:12:41 AM
Murph picks up the oversized ready-made clothing, with Tali, if she wants to join in, and enough additional wool and cotton of each type to help make attire for friends and animals - they can get cold, too. He does not feel as though he really knows what he is doing, but he's going to have some supplies to try it. The thread, needles, and scissors he buys. One of his aunts crochets, so he knows about that, but really never paid too close attention to exactly what she was doing. But, shucks, let's get some of that yarn and crochet needles, too - maybe three pairs?

He does ask about the festivities, the local traditions surrounding them.

At the dry goods store as he is picking up all these things, he quietly asks Tali for her help, "Can you ask them if there is someone here in town who is good at making clothing? Someone who can fit and tailor something? Maybe two or three people?" He lets her speak first, trusting in her high charisma to give them favor with the people who run the dry goods store, and nodding his head or agreeing with her as an aid another in diplomacy (rolled 20, for +2).

If it seems it would help to explain, he adds something along these lines: "We're a group of halflings, set to travel through the cold, but not really as ready as we ought to be. If you know who can help who would do a good job, put us in touch with them. In addition to buying these things from you, I'd be happy to provide you a finder's fee for putting us together, if that can happen quickly. As in, within the next hour?" He's willing to chip in perhaps 3-5gp as a finder's fee. And a bit more if more if two or three competent people can be found.

If they receive a good referral or two, he will join Tali in explaining their need, and asks how much can be done - fitting this afternoon, and the work ready on the morrow. He says he'd to watch and learn the work is done "So I'll know, maybe, what to do if I need to help mend it on a later date."

Usually Murphy would be busy getting to know all he can about such a place - but, aside from the question about the festivities, he is focused on helping to ensure his friends do not freeze in coming days.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:14:21 AM

Oh, I guess he gets one crochet hook, since that's all they have. And the four skeins of yarn. What color(s)?

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+4=20 ;
Wednesday December 25th, 2019 9:37:05 AM

Bliss sees all of Murphy's activities regarding making clothes. "You are insightful and generous, my friend," he says. "When we rescue the captives, they will not want to wear filthy hides and fur. Making new clothes for them is super thoughtful. I'm no sewer, but I'll help if I can."

Aid Another ... Int check to support any craft roll ... rolled a 20 to give a +2.

"You may not be a sewer," says Mookie, cracking wise, "but you sure smell like one!"

Bliss laughs and says, "Oh snap! Stop needling me!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 26th, 2019 5:37:25 AM

"Ah, a good thought, Bliss. Honestly, I was thinking of keeping us warm on the way, but surely they will be more in need of the clothing once we rescue them. I'm trying to find someone in town better than I at this task!"

He smiles at Mookie's pun, and laughs at Bliss's rejoinder.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday December 26th, 2019 11:13:12 AM
In response to the town, Pressi proceeds to make several Whoville references. As a practitioner of a minor winter holiday religion, it's a bit much.

She also marvels at how this festival looks so similar to the winter festivals of so many disparate cultures. Almost as if they were modeled on some other culture's practice.

Press thanks Murphy and Succotash for working together. She's polite about the new clothes but the cold really hasn't been an issue.

DM Kathy
Friday December 27th, 2019 11:37:06 AM
Murphy buys the shirts at 5 sp each; the socks at 1 sp per pair; the hat/gloves/scarf sets at 2 sp per set. He also buys the crochet hook for 1 gp and the skeins of yarn (1 brown, 1 blue, 2 undyed) for 1 gp each. He starts looking for somebody to teach him to make things, but here he hits a snag. The shopkeeper explains that there's a celebration this evening, and nobody is likely to want to teach sewing tonight. Your companions will probably want to leave town fairly early in the morning, as they feel a sense of urgency to reach the captive halflings. The shopkeeper's auntie shows you some crochet stitches, and gives you a pattern for socks, and that's about all you can get for now.

Bliss helps, and you are able to finish Pressi's dress and get started on crocheting some socks.

Pressi, for her part, makes some remarks about Whoville, little dreaming how close your DM came to naming the place Houville or something similar. You ask about the celebration and its origins, as does Murphy.

You learn that the town is celebrating Lastmoon, a holiday welcoming in the last month of the year. It is a time for being thankful and prepared for winter.

Inside the Sleeping Pig, dinner is being served. Dinner is roast beef with boiled potatoes and gravy, served with applesauce and fresh-baked rolls. Many of the townsfolk are eating in the inn rather than preparing their own meals at home, and the common room is lively and festive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:49:59 AM
In spite of the need for expediency, and with many of his team going crafty, in hopes of giving the villagers something warm to ware, when rescued. Succotash gives into his halfling nature, and grabs a large plate of food, and for the first time since they left Humble’s Ford, the cleric takes a moment to enjoy himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:26:57 PM
“It’s just that all my major holidays are spring and fall, so I guess I feel a humbug that’s cannot be shaken.”

Pressi sees the food.

“Of course, one should keep an open mind about the cultures of others. Wouldn’t want to be impolite.”

Joining Succotash, “So how is this cleric game treating you lately?”

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+26=33 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+38=39 ; d20+38=56 ; d20+13=25 ;
Sunday December 29th, 2019 4:58:05 AM

Murphy thanks and pays the shopkeeper [note below he wanted also to buy all the wool and cotton, too], and expresses appreciation to the auntie for the crochet instructions and pattern for socks.

The druid enjoys the food, and listens to his friends' conversation. At the time appointed for the festivities, he suggests the group go and join in on the celebration.

He tries to pick up on the thread of what people are saying, what meaning they attribute to the tree and décor, what history and what faith it might represent, and to learn any songs they sing or poems they recite.

He wants to enter in the spirit of the occasion. At the same time, he tries to make a few discrete inquiries. "We have a bit of an emergency need - to rescue some people who were kidnapped, and to keep ourselves from freezing on the way - surely in keeping with being prepared for winder - and to clad later those whom we are rescuing. Would it be in the spirit of this festival to do something which may aid in the saving of lives?"

He will offer 15 gp for the cutting and sewing of each outfit which would fit one of his friends, and 25gp for what would fit the animals (and 35 for Harper). He bought out the wool, and cotton [I may not have been clear earlier, but that was his intention] from the shop. In addition to the thread purchased there, he has his own thread acquired a while back - certainly enough for outfits.

"As much as can be done and ready at sunrise I will pay for," Murphy offers. "I know it may be a sleepless night, and it is a special holiday, but you'll be well compensated." He figures Tali, Hobie, Succotash, Bliss have a need. Also Mookie, Rayya, Harper, Pippa, Rumpus. There likely is not enough fabric to deal with Valerie, and perhaps not enough for some of the other animals...
=======
Rolls for negotiation, encouragement to help on this chilly night those who will be going through several chilly nights:
Sense motive: 33, 28
Diplomacy: 36, 31
Perception: 39, 56
Knowledge - Local: 25 (to help Murphy relate to the festival, pick up what he may concerning it)
The payments suggested above he is willing to modify, if it seems someone can actually do the job in a timely fashion.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday December 29th, 2019 12:15:27 PM

Bliss reassures his friend. "No fear, Mister Murphy. We witches can keep ourselves and our spirit companions warm. I'm sorry we cannot use magic to do the same for our other companions."

He loads up a plate and enjoys the meal. Afterwards, he looks around for anyone who needs healing that he can provide. Failing that, he tries to entertain the gathered people with handstands, flips, and other such feats, as well as spells like Ghost Sound and Dancing Lights. It occurs to him how sad it is that all his most potent spells are dangerous and scary. Maybe he should research a powerful spell that is entertaining and wonderful.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Sunday December 29th, 2019 8:57:26 PM

"Ah, thank you for telling me, Bliss." "He suggests, "Perhaps Tali can wear what I made for Pressi, if she has no need for it. I also can forego the extra clothing. So, perhaps, Hobie, Succotash, and Kezzem, plus Tali, are the only halflings who need it. Not certain am I about the other animal companions and familiars."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday December 30th, 2019 5:38:11 AM
Succotash responses to Murphy’s concerns, “Don’t worry about Valerie and myself, Murph, I always carry cold weather clothing and have a extra winter blanket in my pack, even had them with me when we met in the Sargrass, dates back to my day’s as a traveling Paladin, and I’ve been preparing endure elements for Valerie. Preparing for the freed halflings is a great idea, and some may need it, but don’t underestimate the amount of warmth provided by animal skins, there’s a reason you don’t see Rumpas or Harper complaining about the cold, or Mookie for that matter. As a reptile, Valerie is different. Being cold blooded and all, no amount of blankets will trap body heat that isn’t there, that’s where magic kicks in, of course, as a Druid, you probably already know all that”.

DM Kathy
Monday December 30th, 2019 2:33:19 PM
You eat and enjoy the feast. Afterward, Bliss provides some light entertainment, which seems to be appreciated. Murphy talks to the townsfolk about possibly helping out with the clothing project. At first, people are inclined to focus on their celebrations, but Murphy is very persuasive, and cleverly couches his arguments in terms of being prepared for winter, part of what this holiday celebrates. By the time everyone troops outside to the bonfire, you've had several people promise to help "a little later," and that's the best you can do for now.

Bliss and Succotash have assured Murphy that they can keep themselves and their animal companions warm enough. Pressi has already said the cold hasn't been an issue. Perhaps the clothing project can focus more on having clothes ready for the rescued halflings.

Outside, the bonfire has been lit. People gather around it, singing songs. A lot of the songs are of the "we are celebrating, yay!" variety. There's one about decking halls. As the songs continue, a silver-handled bowl of steaming hot liquid is passed around. You ask about it, and the townsfolk tell you that it is something called "wassail." When the bowl gets to you, the wassail is still plenty hot, and you can see slices of orange and lemon floating on the surface. Those who drink taste citrus, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and--is that wine? No, mead! It's quite tasty. The bowl comes by a few times, and it's possible to get quite warm and festive drinking it as it passes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+5=6 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+26=41 ;
Tuesday December 31st, 2019 5:31:00 PM
He tries joining in the first song, but manages to mangle it significantly (Perform Singing: 6). Then Murphy tries some of the drink as it is passed to him. He smacks his lips. "This wassail is absolutely charming!" he exclaims. "We could have some of this on our honeymoon, Press - whenever that might be."

The drink seems to have cleared the frog in his throat. His next attempt to join in goes much better (Perform Singing: 19). He does manage to force himself, after a good drink from the second offering of the beverage, to simply let it pass by after that. Compelling as the wassail may be, he long ago chose never to let himself drink to the point of drunkenness. Still, he enjoys the good cheer and warmth of the crowd. Coming from a family of bards, musicians, and instrument makers, there is at least an off chance he would have heard at least a few of the songs - and he joins in on the ones he knows, and works at singing along with the ones that are 'pickupable'. It's always nice to learn new songs.

"It's been an action-packed year, friends. I'm grateful to have spent the bulk of it in your company."

When the time comes, later, he will see about sizing warm clothing for the few members of the group who need it, but major on two-sizes fit all clothing - some for halfling adults, and some for their children. He is happy to pay them for their help and kindness, if they will take it. Or, if not, he wants to set up a seed fund for helping strangers and the poor - using Sense Motive (41) to try to discern who might be best to administer such funds (whether an individual or small group of people). He has up to 250gp to spend on this.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 9:42:22 AM

Bliss tastes the treats and drinks, but keeps his wits about him, and as the party-goers get tipsier, he asks around for any more info on this travelling menagerie or the wild cave-halflings in the show. He works his WLA badge into the conversation for an extra +2 prestige bonus to the roll.

Gather Info: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+7=8 ; d20+7=21 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 11:00:51 AM
Succotash tries the Wassail and finds it very much to his liking, but makes a point to not over indulge. When the music and merry making begins, he pulls Bonham, his masterwork drum from his handy haversack and tries to play along, though he seems to struggle at finding the beat. He hopes he didn’t throw anybody’s groove of, as he tries again to find the beat. This time he feels pretty confident that he nailed it.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 12:03:47 PM
ooc: When do we start up again?

ACDM Cayzle comments: Per Jerry's latest message to DMs, Monday, Jan. 6, is a full posting day!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 7:18:51 PM
"Yawn, that was a good nap," says Kezzem awakening form his food-coma. "So what have I missed? I've got some spells to help Rumpus and me endure the elements, so don't worry about us. I can also cast that spell on two others, though I won't have any spells left for restorations of the lesser and cheaper variety. Always good to have a few ready just in case. Never know when a halfling will find their strength drained after shadow-walk mishap. Again."

DM Kathy
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 11:20:28 PM
Murphy, Succotash, and Bliss enjoy the wassail but are careful not to get tipsy. Well, only a little tipsy. Succotash tries to play along with the singing, with mixed success.

Meanwhile, Bliss is talking to townsfolk about the menagerie. It did come through here, and you find people quite willing to talk about it, but they don't really have new information for you. The savage halflings were in their own cage, wearing animal skins, with bones scattered on the floor. They didn't do anything particularly savage, and the inside of the cage was unnaturally quiet.

In the Sleeping Pig, Kezzem and Hobie rouse themselves from their food coma long enough to see that dinner has been cleared away, and a dessert buffet set out in its place. And what a dessert buffet! There is mince pie, and pumpkin pie, and apple pie. There is plum pudding and figgy pudding. There is sponge-cake, and chocolate cake, and gingerbread. There are macaroons and shortbreads, fudge and divinity. There is more mulled wine, tea, and hot cocoa.

At the bonfire, people start drifting back into the Sleeping Pig to have some dessert. Some choose to stay by the bonfire. In the inn, in between bites of dessert, several townsfolk help Murphy with his warm clothing project. One woman alters the human-sized flannel shirts, making them into dresses that will fit halfling women. A husband and wife team make several warm woolen trousers with drawstring waists, in both adult and child lengths. Another man makes loose-fitting smock tops, also in warm wool, which can also serve as dresses for halfling girls. A small army of grannies wields knitting needles and crochet hooks, making socks, hats, and mittens.

They do accept modest payment for their work, and express their intention to spend it on "something for the town."

It is well past midnight when the celebration begins winding down. Yawning inn staff begin wrapping up the uneaten desserts, sweeping the floors, and wiping down the tables. Outside, the bonfire has just about burned itself out. The warm clothing project has been a rousing success, and you think you have enough for most of the halfling villagers.

You had already arranged rooms at the Sleeping Pig, so you are not required to stay up through the entire celebration if you don't want to. Whenever you seek your bed, you find it clean and comfortable, if ridiculously oversized. The sheets are smooth, the pillows are soft, and it doesn't take long at all to fall into a deep, restful sleep.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday January 3rd, 2020 4:56:41 PM
Bliss and Mookie settle in for a good rest.

"Good night, Mookie."

"Sleep well, Kid."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Sunday January 5th, 2020 12:39:31 AM

Murphy expresses his gratitude to all who helped out, and is quite willing to meet their modest requests for compensation - plus 25% on top of what they asked. "It's a holiday. Thank you for acting in the spirit of it - and here's a little extra to help spread it further. If my brother, Kendry, were here, or our bardic friend Jack, surely they would come up with a song in your honor. That is not my strength, though. Since I am a druid, though, I shall right now cast a spell of plant growth. Over the coming year, all your vegetation within half mile of the bonfire shall yield another 25 to 30 percent more than usual." He walks out to the bonfire area in order to cast the spell. He concludes with, "Bless this town, Eberyon."

"Hobie, a couple of questions. Does anyone in the party that you know of have a wand of endure elements? Also, did I detect that your arrows of late are seeming to do more in the way of subdual damage, rather than lethal damage? How does that work? Or am I mistaken?"

He retires to the inn, partakes of some of the wonderful food - little bit of this and that - a good sampler plate, and washes it down with hot cocoa. He wishes his friends a good sleep, gives Pressi a good night kiss, and heads to his room to enter slumbertown.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday January 5th, 2020 2:27:44 AM
"Aye, Murph, I've got a wand of Endure Elements, still with 40 charges. Anyone is welcome to it, but I'd prefer if we save it until the cold is actually dangerous, not just uncomfortable. And yeah, I've given Prowler the Merciful enchantment, it gives the bow a little more stopping power and makes the damage I do nonlethal. Although when you do nonlethal damage in the quantity Prowler does, it's still plenty lethal."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Sunday January 5th, 2020 10:59:04 PM
Pressi may be more of a dry liquor girl, but she's never been known for turning down a drink.

She's also been quite adept at ducking relationship questions.

Besides the obvious question of how to plan a wedding in the brief moments of not fighting robots, a sticking point had developed. To this day, Pressi hadn't spoken much about her parents, and Murphy expressed some hope in meeting them.

Pressi was much less enthusiastic about the idea.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 5:47:06 AM
As the merry making winds down, Succotash heads to his bed. He chuckles to himself at the bed to occupant size difference and attempts to climb in. With a boost from Valerie, he is able to make it into bed and then seeing as though there is so much room left, Valerie jumps into the bed as well. The velociraptor curls up at the foot of the bed, and quickly falls asleep. Meanwhile, Succotash has time to think about how blessed he is to have such faithful friends, and to be part of such a band of heroes as Humble’s Sword, before sleep takes him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 8:44:48 AM
As the first of the group goes off the bed, Hobie goes too. He doesn't have much trouble falling asleep, and dreams of his family growing up. In the dream he and his cousins are chasing a chicken around the yard, attempting to capture the family's evening dinner. After the children grow tired and frustrated at their failures, their grandfather, H.R. Hornblower (from whom both Hobie and his cousin Roscoe take their names) stands on the porch holding a familiar bow, engraved with the name "Prowler." He smiles as he fires a perfectly aimed arrow directly into the chicken's tiny heart. Hobie is the first to grab the chicken and carry it to his grandfather, who pats Hobie's head, and says "Young legs are no match for a well aimed arrow, even from an old fart like your grandpa."

At this point in the dream Hobie wakes. He stretches and gets out of bed, removes Prowler from it's extradimensional space in his quiver, holds it out, and looks over it. He's filled with memories: his grandfather's stories, their archery lessons together, their hunting trips, and finally of his Gran's face, wet with tears of both joy and sadness as she gave Prowler to Hobie on the day of Grandpa's funeral.

Hobie wipes a tear from his own eye, and smiles as he puts his bow away. He dons his armor, puts on his cloak, and heads out the door, ready to get going with whatever adventure is next.

DM Kathy
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:55:36 AM
Your night in the inn is peaceful and undisturbed. In the morning, you can have porridge for breakfast, or leftover pie and gingerbread. Or, you know, both.

You are soon back on the road, in pursuit of the menagerie which appears to have kidnapped the halfling village of Thaelhaven and forced the villagers to play the part of "savage cannibal halflings." The snow that fell last night is still on the ground, slowing your travel. Hopefully, the menagerie wagons are also having to deal with snow, so they aren't pulling away from you.

It is cold, but still not dangerously so. If you were caring for young children, or invalids, or elderly people, you might have been concerned for them, but you are all healthy adults, with healthy adult animals, and the cold is not a threat to you so far.

You pass through another human town that day, and can confirm that the menagerie stopped there. You push on, however, eager to make up time, and wind up camping that night in an alder grove near a small stream.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 1:09:56 PM
Kezzem casts Endure Elements on both Rumpus and himself. No sense being cold when they don't have to be.

"Man, I can't wait to catch-up to this menagerie. I need to speak to their manager."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=34 ;
Monday January 6th, 2020 2:17:00 PM

Bliss thinks that Sir Kezzem has a good point. "What DO we do when we catch up at last?" he asks, as the group sits around a campfire that evening. They do not seem to have killed anyone? Is it "speak sternly" or "death to slavers"?" He ponders. "Our standard murderhobo tactics may not be the most appropriate response. Let's resolve to use nonlethal attacks until we get everything figured out?"

Bliss takes first watch with Mookie and stays alert. Perception 34.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 6:22:33 PM
Succotash ponders Bliss's words for a bit than says, "While I agree with you Bliss, non-lethal isn't something Valerie can do, and other than buffs and heal spells, I don't have much in my bag of tricks either. I guess we have to hope they feel like surrendering without a fight, otherwise..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday January 6th, 2020 9:38:54 PM
Pressi scoffed at Bliss. “There are worse things than death, and this is one of them. When we find them, I intend to teach them what a true halfling savage can do. It will be quite the show.”

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday January 6th, 2020 10:05:28 PM
"I just want to be sure we are the heroes, not the villains," says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:39:46 PM
World Travelers

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds.

In the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor

Having observed many people the the previous towns, Tali says the proper command swords to change her Bill's Stylish pants o' Plenty into something more befitting the area & the peoples coupled with whatever she and Mister Murphy crafted with the warmer materials.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:15:35 AM
Hobie will speak up to the issue that Bliss has brought up “Well you know me, I’m one to shoot arrows first and think second, so if provoked, I’m firing a barrage of nonlethal arrows. But maybe Bliss has a point, what if we at least kept them alive long enough to figure out what happened, and maybe after ending whatever curse they’re under we could let the halflings decide the outcome?”

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:16:30 AM
At the campsite, Murphy runs his usual security chores, and provides a pot and tripod, filling the pot and a few buckets with water - but leaves it to others to do the cooking. "Mookie - how would you like Magic Fang, Greater (+3 att/dam) before I fall asleep? With Bliss's Metamagic Rod of Extend, that should be good until bedtime tomorrow. I think I've fallen behind in my promised daily allotment to you." He offers one more casting to who asks for it to endure until midmorning. Or on himself, if no one takes him up.

Am going to assume that, through Murphy's promptings and questions over the past few days, he has been able to pry the following from his companions, who gathered most of this information prior to his return. "Based upon what you all have told us, there are 11 wagons - some rolling cages, some carry cargo. The manager - Olog Breaktooth, a half-orc - has a special wagon he sleeps in, the rest sleep in tents. There are four guards - 'tough customers' who keep order and quell trouble. And a dozen workers. There are two drow. Whether those two are always caged, or somehow assist when between towns, I do not know. If the latter, then perhaps one of them provided wizardly services, such as the spell of silence in the halflings' cage. Pure speculation, that.

"Then there are the lioness, a piebald black bear, several monkeys, peacock, peahen, tropical birds, an ocelot family, and a cage of stirges." He appends, "And the world's largest baby. A giant's baby, perchance?"

"If I were them, facing an assault, besides the four toughs, I might call into play the lioness, the bear, the stirges and, if they would help, the dark elves. They have their dozen other workers - some may help, some may hide. And if I were them, I might possibly threaten the halflings. 'Come any closer and I fireball 'em!'" Especially seeing that we are a bunch of halflings."

"So, what are some of our best plays to accomplish the halfling & circus liberation, while considering justice, and, where applicable, kindness, and a dash of mercy?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:22:15 AM
Forgot to include: "I have a spell, transmute metal to wood, that can make the metal cage quite easy to break. I could memorize it twice, for a second cage."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 1:31:48 AM
"That could be a helpful spell for sure Murph. And well, if we are concerned that our presence as halflings could lead to them using the other halflings for leverage, I can scribe a bunch of scrolls of Disguise Self or even Alter Self, and we could go in as a band of Goblin bandits. That could help a bit. It would probably lead to them underestimating our abilities."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:04:09 PM
As you travel and make camp, you discuss strategies for dealing with the menagerie once you've caught up with it. What should be your approach? Frontal assault? Stealthy recon? Demand to speak to the manager? Murphy reminds everyone of what you can expect to find. Will you have to fight the animals? The dark elves? It's hard to say.

The night is uneventful, and the next day you pass through two towns. In each, you are able to verify that the menagerie has come through. It spends at least three days in each town, so you are definitely catching up.

That night is also uneventful. The following day, it begins to rain, turning the snow into slush, and making travel a slow, frustrating, cold, wet experience. Just past noon, you arrive in the town of Yellowdale. There is an inn here, so you could stop for the day and continue tomorrow when the slush is (hopefully) gone. That would also give Hobie a chance to scribe his scrolls, if he's so inclined. Or, you could press on. You know you're getting very close.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 6:37:31 PM
As they are discussing strategy, Succotash pipes in, "I have this spell called Animal Shapes which as of right now I can cast on up to 15 willing animals. What it does is polymorphs them all into a huge sized animal and gives them a boost to their strength (+6) and boasts their natural armor (+6) the down side is their dexterity suffers a bit (-4) and they all have to become the same animal. It lasts a crazy long time too! (1 hour per level) I can cast it on Mookie, Rumpas, Harper, and even Valerie if we can think of a critter type that would benefit us the most, like an allosaurus, though I think Valerie would lose more than she gained by the spell. I could hook up your pony too Hobie, or your owl Tali but I don't think it would be wise, at least not as a combatants, as they haven't learned to take a hit like the rest of the animals."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 7:52:08 PM
Just a Menagerie

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds. Tali goes through the motions, upon awaking, which is to say, in the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor .

Community Discussions

"Er, Succotash? I leave Rayya at home and she lives vicariously through my stories when we touch base again. Its best for her, she's a companion, a lover of Nature, but not a fighter." explains Tali to Mister Succotash.

Tali, will experiment with the command words that activate her pair of trousers better known as "Bill Stylish Pants o' Plenty. " Tali is trying to come up with a combination of winterish colors to compliment to additional clothing that Mister Murphy and her designed, sewed, stiched together, and in some cases, even lined with a cotton or linen fabric to cushion the winter blow. Perhaps a pattern like a snow lepord. {Dm Kathy, do you thnk this is possible, Winter Overalls with a snow lepord pattern? }

While working on her Stylish pants ol' plenty, Tali can be heard to be humming a tune and occasionally mutters words to accompany this tune.

Tali hums,"...It¹s a gutter ballet...Just a menagerie...Still the orchestra plays...On a dark and lonely night...To a distant fading light..."

So, clan, are we hunkering down in the nature or in an inn?

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:38:58 PM

Bliss cocks his head and looks at Brother Succotash. "Um, uh, that's a witch spell too, and you do not have to just cast it on animals. You could cast it on ALL of us. And you do not have to use only huge size shapes. Sure, you could change us all into elephants, but you could also change us all into diminutive bats and we could all fly in sneaky like."

"Trust me, I know from changing shapes!"

Answering Tali, Bliss thinks we should all press on. "We're hot on the trail, I feel it. We should go on! We're heroes, right? No need for comfy beds, at least not every night."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:40:01 PM
To Bliss, "Of course, any action should keep an eye on justice, morality, strategy, all that stuff. But as of now, I'm not worried about lethal damage corroding our souls."

Regarding the town, "I really wish that we had some better idea of how this circus traveled and how long they stayed. You'd think we'd have caught up by now, even with all the inn and camping stuff and the head start. Are they really only staying one night per town? Are they really with all those caravans and equipment outrunning what is frankly a rather speedy halfling strike force? For that matter, how do they decide which towns to go to in the first place and through what paths?

"I guess the bottom line is this. Is there any way, say through divinations or implanted dreams or well placed bribes, that we could force these guys to come to us? Or beat them to their next destination?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:48:09 PM
"Wait, could we change ourselfs into like super fast animals?" asks Kezzem. "That would allow us to make up ground quickly? Like some really fast leopards? Or woild that make us cheat-ahs."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=27 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:34:52 AM
During travel Murphy plies his friends with questions - perhaps to the point of annoyance on the part of some, trying to pull out as many details as possible about what was learned before his arrival. At the two towns they pass through where the traveling circus has performed, Murphy invites any who wish to join in to do so, but beloved (and shrewd) Pressi especially, and Tali for charm and optics - and makes multiple queries about the circus - but splitting the queries among different people. He intersperses the following with fluffier queries, such as, "What was the most fun part of the show?" Fluffier, casual questions may outnumber more substantive ones. He'll buy drinks to loosen tongues, or offer other small inducements. And crosscheck with other sources.

- "What did the dark elves do? Did they perform?" [If so:] "How? Were you able to talk with them?"
- "Were any animals freed from their cages? Did they perform, do tricks?" He looks to learn which animals did what tricks.
- "What did they do with the stirges? Were they locked up well? They are nasty little birds, you know."
- "What order were the wagons in as they came into town? Did that order vary when they left town? Did they form into a circle or some other formation with their carts and wagons?"
- "How many horses, mules, oxen, other draft animals were there?"
- "Did they say where they were going next?" "How many days ago did they leave?"

Murphy spent a fair bit of his own funds during this trip already. He checks with his companions to see if any might reimburse him for coin spent to loosen people's tongues, where necessary.

In Yellowdale he asks when the animal show left. Once he gets an answer, he asks, out of earshot of townsfolk, "Pressi, does that new information help? They are staying on average 3 days. We're [X] days behind now - surely better than the 21 days lead they once held." [Our great DM can fill in the [X]]

"Let's stay here tonight. Talk over what we've picked up from the last two towns. Discuss spell selections based upon some of the things we have learned. Perhaps additional scrying and divinations can be done. I know, too, how much my scouting trips tend to cause anxiety among you my friends, but I can travel very, very fast as an air elemental. If someone wanted to come with me for backup - I could easily carry two - we can gather additional information. Another alternative, at twilight Pressi can shadow walk us to maybe two or so towns ahead, if we're willing to take that risk."

The druid sits back, awaiting his friends' responses.
==========
Town One: Diplomacy: 22; Knowledge, local: 25; Sense motive: 38
Town Two: Diplomacy: 37; Knowledge, local: 20; Sense motive: 44
Yellowdale: Diplomacy: 35; Knowledge, local: 32; Sense motive: 27

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 7:50:07 AM
“Bliss, I know that the spell works on people as well, I was just offering a way to boost our animal friends combat prowess, must a flashback to my Paladin days, you thinking offensively”.

“Murph, I’ll go along with you, you can fly us fast, and I can teleport us out of harms way, and back to our friends if trouble arrives”.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 12:13:03 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Succotash has a spell that can turn your animal companions into large, ferocious beasts! Or, as Bliss points out, turn the whole party into little bats! Kezzem suggests turning everybody into something fast, which would mean figuring out what to do with the cart.

Pressi frets about how long it's taking to catch the menagerie, but really, it isn't taking long at all. The menagerie had about a month's head start on you by the time you left Salbe. Since then, you've traveled a little less than a week and you've almost got them. You're actually catching up pretty quickly.

Tali is just trying to get her pants to work. [If Tali has ever seen a snow leopard, or a snow leopard pelt, then you can have that pattern. Otherwise, no.]

Murphy works to gather additional information. You learn that the dark elves did perform magic tricks. One of the elves waved his hand and plunged the whole tent into total darkness, just like that! People were divided on whether it was scary or just impressive. The stirges were in a cage, similar to the tropical-bird cage. As far as you can tell, both cages remained closed the entire time. The peacock and peahen were free, strutting about their tent. The world's largest baby wasn't in a cage exactly, he or she was set up in a cart. The baby didn't seem able to walk yet, and showed no interest in trying to crawl. The other animals seemed to stay in their cages. There was an area set up near the bear's cage that seemed to be for a performance, but nobody you talked to actually saw the bear perform.

Nobody you talked to really noticed what order the wagons traveled in. There were 15-20 draft animals, mostly horses, although there were mules and oxen as well.

Murphy is inclined to stay in Yellowdale and discuss strategy; Bliss is in favor of pressing on. Your DM will strongly hint that you need a plan before you go too much further. And if you want Hobie to scribe his scrolls, you'll need to stop here.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:09:54 PM
"I don't know that going as an air elemental with two people in tow is such a great idea Murph, thats pretty conspicuous. But I do think we are pretty close, and perhaps if you, me, and anyone else who can polymorph themself into a bird, it could be good to do some very stealthy flyover recon. Perhaps we could go as owls and scout out their camp at night.

If we want to appear as something other than halflings, between the two scrolls in my pack and my daily prepared spells, I could cast disguise self on each of us.

Then in the end, it might be a good idea for us to sneak in and let the halflings out of their cages before we open up any kind of assault on the camp. Maybe I could cast Invisibility on Succotash and you could go in, because we are probably going to need you to cast Remove Curse on these halflings before they'll be able to escape."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:33:20 PM
“Well, Hobie, I can only prepare remove curse 5 times, which means I can only remove cures on 5 individuals. Escape is out of the question if they are cursed, though I’m willing to go invisible and investigate then “pop” back when the time arrives!”

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+12=22 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:44:33 PM

Bliss is willing to stay the night so that we can make the necessary preparations that we need to make. He practices that night doing the Magic Jar trick with Mookie ... he possesses Mookie, leaving his body behind. Then he looks out of Mookie's eyes and possesses that cockroach in the corner, say. He roams around as a cockroach for a while before switching back and letting the thing go free.

"But what the heck am I going to do with your body, Kid?" Mookie asks.

"What if I'm a kitty?"

"You can cast a still silent Magic Jar in cat shape?"

"Oh, yeah, no, not yet. If I had a rod of Silent Spell ... "

"That's the best use for your ONE 6th level slot?"

"Hmmm," Bliss ponders. "I should use a contingency, come to think of it." He calls out, "Anybody have an ivory statue of me I could have?" [OOC: That's the focus for a Contingency spell]

Finally listening to his friends, Bliss mentions that in cat form he is pretty sneaky, so he volunteers to sneak into the camp to free the captives.

And since we are in town here, he asks around to see if there are any ivory merchants in this village. Gather Info 22. [OOC: Dr. Google tells me that you can make ivory from warthog tusks. HEY! That Ypotryll had tusks! Missed opportunity! Anyway, maybe there is an ivory carver in town!]

"So here's our plan. We find the travelling menagerie quiet like so they do not know we are here. Some of us sneak in to rescue the halflings. Hobie, can you (or anybody) cast Knock?"

"If anyone wants to stay back, Mookie will stay with you and he and I can use telepathy to keep everyone in the loop."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:20:03 PM
Hobie reaches into his haversack and pulls out a scroll. “Of course I can cast Knock. What kind of wizard can’t cast knock? I can cast it, or with the scroll Talia or somebody else can cast it too”

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 11:29:59 PM
Planned Menagerie

Tali suggests to the group, when able, "I vote for a night in an inn, so we can sure up our plans. I get the feelings this may be as complex as the Iron Giant battle. I do not prefer to go into this confrontation with a simple "Hello?!" and a wave!"

"So, our plans are?" asks Tali.

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:48:04 AM
"I suggest not splitting up this time," says Kezzem. "We tried that during the giant invasion and it didn't work so well."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:01:04 AM
Murphy learns the caravan left only two days ago, and makes certain all know. He finds out from the locals the name of the next town, and the distance in miles.

The following Murphy communicates in the halfling tongue, as far as possible out of earshot of anyone else. "They're likely set up, or are getting set up, in the next town. Hobie, yes, if we swooped into the town directly as an elemental & friends - that would be conspicuous. You should know we can be more subtle than that. How we approach, use invisibility... I'm developing a growing appreciation for your scouting and information gathering skills. Were you not going to work on the scrolls, I'd suggest you come.

"Here's my suggestion. A few come with me. Those who can easily assume another form. Bird? Crow, or farm finch, or sparrow - something common, that does not fear a bit of snow. If the distance is within 18 to 20 miles, I can get us within sight of it in 15 minutes, dive to the ground well before we're spotted, then, if you haven't already done so, we change into our avian forms, fly to town, and observe the arrangements. Direct sight is one of the best ways to learn of others. So long as we act bird-like - if you see someone drop some food near the caravan, go for it - what is more birdlike? Squabble with competitors - but not overmuch. Fly to the top of a cage, sit there and observe those there for a moment. Don't raise a ruckus with them. Just watch. Dodge rocks. And don't stay in one place too long.

"Really, though, we could get there and back again in about, say, ninety minutes? Twenty there, scope things out - maybe watch a show, or at least find out when they tend to run their shows. Leave after a bit less than an hour, exit town, and fly back here. I'd be in contact with Pressi. If Bliss comes, he can talk remotely with Mookie, who will interpret Bliss in his own inimitable fashion to you all. You could be a cat, too, Bliss. If Succotash comes, he can teleport us back when needed, and perhaps detect evil here and there. If Tali comes, she has some spells - invisibility is lovely. And she loves flying. If Pressi comes, she can do all kinds of things, and make wisecracks suitable for a blackbird, though she won't be back where she can relay what's happening. [b]Kezzem, if you come, you could give us good bon mots in imitation sparrow language, and think about what you might do once you return as a paladin well armed - or maybe you have an even better idea that does not involve trying to give me a noogie.

"What do you say? A scouting outing, round trip between one and two hours. Once we report back, we have about as good intelligence as we are likely to get - unless you want me to embed with the caravan until you catch up. I know, I know, 'Don't go solo, Murphy!' Anyway, I'll bet our ideas for spell usage and tactics would be well fed by such a reconnoiter.

"What do you think, Pressi?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:07:44 AM
[Just saw Kezzem's post after mine was posted]. "Kezzem - when Tali and I went miles ahead of the party, and got the storm going - that went well. It slowed them way down, and we gained information. As for later in the battle, there were things to do both within the giant and outside of it - but I'll not gainsay you wholly." He stares at the ground for a moment, thinking with rue how he was plucked from the midst of battle, when he was of full heart to remain and defend his friends and their town.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:42:14 AM
Pressi boggles at all the questions and all the planning. "I don't think we recognize how much of this is from bits of pieces of eyewitness accounts and conjecture. It's not like I've got the caravan itinerary in my backpack."

As for the time, "It helps, but the fact remains we may wish to consider a plan under our terms. Though confronting them in a city, even if we arrive early, could raise further potential hostage situations. I do agree that scouting is a good idea, and this plan of Murphy's does seem thought out. I am fine to either hang back or join into sneaking my way in, though I think my skills are better suited than simply a messaging conduit.

"For example," Pressi patted her lockpick set. "I don't need some inelegant scroll to do the job."

Pressi can't really recommend much to Bliss about her body, having lost it the last soul gem excursion herself. (HIPS can help, but it still can be beaten.) She can lend a rod of (lesser) silent spell but not a contingency idol. (Also - did they change the BW class on us? I'm not getting the usual page.)

DM Kathy
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:44:46 PM
You seem to be forming a consensus that you want to stop in Yellowdale overnight. You arrange for rooms at the Pitchfork Inn.

You are able to learn that the next town is called Crofters Crossing, and it's a little less than 20 miles away.

Bliss is unable to find a source of ivory in town. Murphy begins planning a recon mission.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:58:06 PM
"I'll gladly join in the recon mission. I'm not sure scribing the scrolls is prudent right now, I can just prepare the spell enough times if we decide we all want to Disguise Self. I'd like to get a look at the enemy. I think Pressi's on to something as well, maybe approaching them in the town itself could lead to other innocents being hurt, and if were to know what town they will visit after this current one, we could go ahead of them and prepare an ambush. Dig pit traps that will crash under the weight of the wagons, get them stuck in a choke point, give me and Talia a place to provide proper ranged support, etc. Approaching them on our own terms sounds like a solid idea."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:59:00 PM
ooc: it would be super fun to do a recon and then planned out ambush.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:28:08 PM
“I have a better Idea!”, Succotash says with a smile, “How about I turn all of us into a nice winter bird, like a chickadee or a cardinal, and we all go on the recon mission, in the morning, together! That way we all know what to expect, we will all be there, with a single action, we will be our normal selves, if needed, and only one spell is used to do the job”.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday January 9th, 2020 10:01:42 PM

Bliss likes that idea a lot. "Everyone should be little birds. Then we can all sneak right in!"

[OOC: there are good stats for a diminutive bird here. But I should mention that Wold House Rules say we are limited to Bestiary I and II animals. Nothing wrong with a flock of ravens or bats!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:17:25 PM
"What about eagles?" asks Kezzem. "I don't want to be a bat or a raven."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Friday January 10th, 2020 12:51:11 AM

"I like eagles, too, Kezzem. Seeing 15 of them together? - I've never seen so many together."

"I have a way to boost the betterness of your idea, Succotash," Murphy says. "Yes, let us do that all together on the morrow. But yes, let also a few of us take an earlier look, today. I'm thinking of the notion of fairly non-invasive deal. We don't go there and try to interact with the caravan people or victims. We do a fly-by. Maybe land on top of a wagon to preen some feathers and take a bird-like, cursory look to see where obvious locks are on the halflings. Do they keep that cage covered when not performing? This is observation, not tight interaction. Maybe, we'll not land, but just circle for a good look - and fly fast elsewhere if one of those dark elves pulls out a bow.

"Perhaps we'll overhear when they will perform. Hear people talking about what has been going on, or what is coming up. Also, we can learn what types of birds are common to Crofters Crossing. If a few of us show up as ravens, then find out that owls or hawks or something else are more common, then, good. That can help us decide what feathers to don tomorrow.

"So, come. I will go in, say, an hour. If this idea is not terrible, then who will come with me at that time for a quick fly-by?"

He adds a suggestion that, when they come within a few miles of the town, they fly low in a semi-circle, and come in from a side a quarter section (90 degrees) to the right of (north of?) their approach. They flit around until the caravan is spotted. They fly over to the line up - perhaps one or two on one end, another from the other side toward the center. Show brief, birdlike curiosity, then fly on, not back the way they came, but toward the main exit on the other side of town - look to see the direction of that path. Maybe find out from the local layout why the town is called a crossing. Continue a mile or two, until out of direct view of the town. Then broad arc southward, and back to somewhere to land slightly out of visual range, go back to halfling, and walk back to Yellowdale.

"Hobie, when we go a ways on the other side of Crofters Crossing, maybe you'll see a reasonable spot for an ambush." "How does this sound to you, Succotash? Again, I love your idea. I'm just looking to multiply our intelligence."

With this plan, and with the additional walking - Murphy says he assumes he'll carry people as an air elemental to cover about 15 to 18 miles of the intermediate legs of the journey for speed purposes, as well as on the return. "If I fly us pretty low, well off the road, it's unlikely we'll be easily spotted."

Murphy asks the innkeep about the next town or two past Crofters Crossing. "Anyone have travel maps around here? Everything is so new here to me!"

Tali (Kim for Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:29:21 AM

"Well, I'd be willing to go, but, I don't have means to change to a bird on my own. With enough diamond dust, I could. If you want me to go as myself - maybe I can wear some of the clothing we just put together to be less recognizable... and change my hair color?" She shrugs. "Probably I'll wait until tomorrow, when we all are chickadees, or eagles, or hummingbirds." She giggles.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:54:55 AM

"Or, you and I, Bliss, can go in as cats. Beg for scraps, and learn the lay of the land," Murphy suggests with a smile.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday January 10th, 2020 7:45:47 AM
“I’d be willing to do the cat walk”, Succotash says, “but I don’t have beast shape or animal shape prepared today, of course I’ll prepare animal shape tomorrow, but if someone is willing to hook me up, I would love to go. After we get the lay of the land, and we are out of sight, if I’m returned to normal, I can teleport us back so we still have time to get a good nights sleep before tomorrow’s encounter begins”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d4=4 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 11:06:42 AM
"Tali, I have no idea what spell requires diamond dust, but I can absolutely help you, assuming that we are all going to just change to birds that fly around. Also, I can help you with the snow leapord pattern. Here's Harper, and here's a bag of flour. I can't say with absolute certainty that's what a snow leapord looks like, but I think it's a solid guess. You're welcome."

If the group is staying for the night, Pressi takes some time to attempt scrying on the caravan in an attempt to get a better idea of the location and layout. She also takes some time to "legend lore" the town (40 minutes) in an attempt to see the carnival or ringmaster (if either are "on hand", she legend lore's them.)

"So, are we all just going? I thought we would just send a few scouts."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:41:06 PM
Hobie loves the idea of taking bird form and all flying together. Especially if Succotash can make them all birds with one spell. He'll make sure to fly past the town as well and scout out possible places where they might be able to ambush the caravan on their way out.

ooc: Maybe we could all commit to just observing, and then if theres not any dangers we could just hand wave the recon mission? That way we don't spend days and days of real life time on it and just get to the actual encounter of ambushing them?

DM Kathy
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:40:15 PM
You decide, as your DM understands things, on two recon missions. The first, undertaken immediately, will involve Murphy and whoever he brings along, as birds, carried on the airstream of air-elemental-Murphy. The second, undertaken in the morning, will involve everyone, in animals forms still to be determined.

Murphy and his team: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are able to fly to Crofters Crossing by (mostly) following the road. You find another mostly-human frontier town. In a large open field on the outskirts of town, several wagons have been drawn up around three large tents and a few smaller tents. The large tents have been set up with entrances that lead from one to the next. Outside the main entrance, a human man stands ready to collect money from any townsfolk wanting to enter. Behind him stands a tough, rangy human with a rapier at his hip. There is nobody trying to enter at present. Another human is at one of the wagons, putting something into a bucket. As you watch, he leaves the wagon and carries the bucket into one of the large tents. }

Those of you in town find the Pitchfork Inn to be a decent place. It isn't time yet for the evening meal, but it's nice to be in out of the slush. The common room is warm, the ale is good, and they have hot cider available for those who prefer.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=28 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:52:50 PM

Bliss definitely went on the recon mission, and hopefully EVERYBODY went. He also looked on the road out of town to see a good spot to set up an ambush. While he was at the camp of the menagerie, he scouted around and looked for halflings.

Perception 28

The next day, he prepares with a Warding ritual. He expects to be polymorphing into a fighting form tomorrow, likely OctoBliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+37=50 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+13=19 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:13:37 PM

Murphy thanks Bliss and any others who come. As they sit a few hundred yards away, his back to the caravan, and since he can talk normally in his current - let's say raven - form, the druid whispers in halfling to his adjacent friends, "Let's check this out first for 15, 30 minutes tops. When you hear me, or another of us, caw four times, then let's head into town, scatter a bit to get a lay of the town. Let's scatter, listen to different people talking here and there. About 20 minutes of that, then on to the road on the other side as we discussed. See if there is more than one road out of town. Anyone want speak with animals? Only lasts 15 minutes." He listens to any additional ideas and suggestions.

"You know how birds try, cautiously, to get close to sources of food? I'm thinking of getting over by where the fellow picked up the food, and search for bits along the path he walked. Alert to any who shoo me away, of course, flying up to the top of the food wagon. After a bit fly to the top of a tent pole, try to hear sounds within, then another tent. And listen, look, preen. Will do that for a bit - no more than 20 minutes. Sound okay? Caw once for yes, two for no." Unless outvoted, he does so. "Oh, and anyone caws three times? Means 'I'm in trouble.'"

He takes a measure of the dimensions of the tents. And absorbs what else he might. He longs to enter the tents, but that was not part of the agreement. Though he might be tempted to a quick peek if it looks like there is an opening to get inside along the edge of the canvas, or through a venting slit, but only if he is aware of a separate escape avenue. If someone else does, he'll be alert to running what interference he might if necessary.

If she is not along he keeps Pressi updated on what they are doing and seeing, so that all might know.

Are entrance fees listed on a sign by the money collector?
============
Perception rolls (apply as desired): 50, 42, 55
Sense motive: 39
Knowledge nature: 35 (to discern animal sounds)
Knowledge local: 19

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:42:27 PM
It's all going to the birds!

"I guess I'm in the second wave, then?"asks Tali.

Before nightfall, Tali will mediatate for 2 hours as it has become her routine, everynight. Upon waking, she casts upon herself, two (2) Spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Tali is still uncertain how she is to transform (polymorpth) into anything?!

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday January 11th, 2020 11:46:41 AM
“I’m going to talk to the animals and see if they can fill me in on anything”, Succotash says in halfling. He than flys around until he finds the animal cages, then using his “Speak with Animals” spell like ability he goes from cage to cage until some critter is willing to share with his raven self. He tells the animals that they are there to rescue the halflings, but would gladly free any animal that wishes freedom, and for any that may be too domesticated he offers them a cage free home at the Swords Sanctuary.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=30 ;
Sunday January 12th, 2020 8:40:58 PM
Pressi, sighing, hits Tali with a polymorph spell and tells her to come on.

Assuming she can't stay behind (the pressure is for everyone to come), Pressi proceeds to Beast Shape 1 or 2 herself (depending on what is needed). If possible with a silent rod, she proceeds to detect magic during flight.

As for morning rituals, Pressi makes an attempt to reach for the healing intermediate ritual. (And remind me again. It's 18 for heal skill, +1 from Harper, +5 from her coven (via cauldron call), and I am assuming Bliss and Mookie would prefer to skip. Even if it's only +19, she hits 30. So all her heals are now D12s.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 9:20:58 AM
Hobie spends his part of the flight mission flying past the town, exploring what might be their next road, looking for a good place for an ambush. Any luck spotting a good place?

DM Kathy
Monday January 13th, 2020 12:56:53 PM
Bliss, Murphy, Succotash, and Hobie are definitely up for the first recon mission. Tali, Pressi, and Kezzem can go along, too, or they can stay in Yellowdale.

At the menagerie, Bliss looked for halflings. You don't see any. Presumably, they are in one of the tents. Then, he and Hobie begin scouting the road out of Crofters Crossing to the next town, looking for possible ambush sites. Nothing jumps out at you right away, although there are some spots that would be better than others. How far down the road do you go?

Murphy, playing the timid bird looking for food, flies down to the wagons and hops around a bit. You don't see any food along the path the worker took. You fly over to the wagon, and find no food there, either; just a large sack of charcoal. You fly to one of the tent poles. You hear a murmur of voices from the tent, then hear a voice saying clearly, "Jens, get away from that cage!" The air coming from the tent feels warmer than the air around you, and you smell some kind of fire. Possibly that is what the charcoal was for. You fly to another tent pole, and find much the same.

Succotash is looking for cages, but doesn't find any. Presumably, all the menagerie animals are inside the tents. If it's animals you want, though, you can see the oxen, mules, and horses that pull the menagerie wagons in the next field over.

Meanwhile in Yellowdale, the lamps are being lit as the short winter day comes to a close. Townsfolk begin coming into the Pitchfork after a hard days' work, looking for a drink, a bite of supper, and a bit of companionship. Shepherd's Pie is on the menu.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 1:40:00 PM
"Eh, I better not," says Kezzem. "My cleric told me I need to cut down on shepherd. Do you have any vegan options?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 4:55:05 PM
Succotas, the raven, flies over to the beasts of burden, and using his Speak with Animals SLA, tries to glean anything he can from them. Are they treated well, do they know what tent the halflings are in, do they know where the caged animals are, approximate how many bad guys are there, are the Drow masters or slaves, would they rather be taken care of by a bunch of good loving, kind hearted halflings, ECT...

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+30=49 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:28:54 AM
Yellowdale & The Pitchfork Tavern

Tali will venture into the Pitchfork tavern as to inquire about the menu. Looking at the specials, see's Shepard's Pie. Tali loves Shepard's Pie. "Yummy!" squeals Tali. Walking up to the bar, Tali orders a Shepard's Pie meal along with a goblet of mead if they have it. If no mead, then apple cider. If any of the others accompany Tali, she will pay for their food and one round of drinks. [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33]

Using her skills [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33 | Gather Information Check: 34], Tali will mingle with the bar tender, any person local looking for companionship, and any of the locals that recall the Mengagerie when it passed through.

When the tavern slows down, Tali makes her way back to whatever rooms we procured. If none were procured ahead of time, Tali will pay for lodging for the group. Then make her way to the rooms to tidy up before her friends arrive.

If any companions from her group { Pressi, or Kezzem} that didn't join Mister Murphy's recon efforts, are in the Tavern, she will wait for them unless waved off. If any Tavern townfolk tries to "pick her up", she will politly decline any invitation if it appears too sketchy.

NightWatch

If Murphy's group isn't back by Midnight, Tali meditates and awakens by 2AM, to take her watch.

{OOC: what time is it & how much was the tab in the tavern? The rooms?}

Skill Checks:
Diplomacy Check: 49
Bluff Check: 33
Gather Information Check: 34

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 750 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 750 of 840 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132 d20+40=52 ; d20+40=49 ; d20+40=49 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:40:49 AM
Since Pressi is along, Murphy mentally communicates, "So, you mind if I dash into the tents, see what and who are inside, then fly out?" He lets her know his plan as explained below.
-----
As indicated earlier, he had been on the lookout for small vents, openings along the bottom of the fabric, along the ground, or where various points came together. Also, the tent openings are said to go from one to another. It's unclear as to whether these are sealed with fabric, or if there is a gap or any opening whatsoever. Should he locate any opening anywhere along either of the two tents farther away from the entrance and the rapier-armed fellow (note earlier perception checks of 50,42,55 - they were for such a time as this), then he determines to use something other than the main entrance to pop in.

First he flies a distance away. Perhaps up into a tree a ways away, or up on top of a building. He takes a very good look about to ensure no one is in particular earshot or eyeshot - sitting on a branch opposite the tents, or on a suitable part of a roof. Then he casts on himself owl's wisdom; freedom of movement; magic fang, greater; bull's strength; cat's grace. He flits back. Then he slips in through whatever opening may be provided, and circumnavigates the whole exhibit. If after a lap, his entry point is available, he exits that way. If another opening he deems wiser, then there.

He takes care the whole time to ensure his movements are always raven-like. To add verisimilitude, if there's an obvious bit of food in easy reach without great risk, he'll grab it. Goal? Flyby-observe on the wing as much of the layout as he can, and learn who and what are where. Does anyone throw up a net to catch him? Elude, evade, escape. If he does not cause too much disruption, he moves as a curious/bold, but not too foolhardy, crow, quick to jump back if threatened (or, to one side or another). Mainly stays up high. Then, completing as much of the circuit as he can, he leaves, and flies toward town. He gives four caws ('time to go') as he wings away.
-----
If Pressi recommends against it, then he replies, "All right, what's your plan, then? Seen enough?
================
Perception rolls (one for each tent entered): 51, 48, 48 (subtract one from rolls above)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=40 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 1:29:02 AM

Bliss will fly at least a mile down the road and then come back to scout for ambush spots. That's the whole idea, anyway. If there is time, he tries to overhear any news from the menagerie owners.

Perception 40

He also keeps in telepathic contact with Mookie, so that at least the folks left behind can know what is going on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:31:07 AM
To Murphy, "Ok, but be careful. I don't want you trapped and trampled. I'll remain outside and prepare to cover you."

She continues to take a broader eye view, sizing up the ringmaster and the cashier first. She also uses her "remote viewing" ability (clairaudio) to make sure nobody is coming towards any of them.

There isn't much else she can do at this form and she left Harper in the village. (She can't cast spells with a somantic component, for example.) She does take stock of the type of people who are going to the carnival, and of how they seem to feel as they see the animals.

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 2:22:05 PM
Succotash flies over to talk with the draft animals. You learn that they are reasonably contented with their life. They get enough to eat, they are brushed regularly, illnesses and injuries are taken care of. Some of them would prefer a cozy barn to this slushy field, but it's clear none of them are actually suffering. They say that the other animals are in the tents, and attempt to tell you which animals are where, but they have some vocabulary trouble. They tend to refer to "that tent" and "the other tent" without making it clear which ones they are talking about. And they don't know the names of the kinds of animals, so you have to decipher "big predator" and "little predators." You end up with a vague idea of the same information Murphy uncovers (see below). You ask how many people take care of the menagerie, but none of them can count that high, so all you get is "lots." You ask whether the dark elves are masters or slaves, and they don't know. Most of them don't even understand the question. You ask if they would rather be taken care of by some nice halflings, and they seem fine either way.

Murphy prepares himself and then flies into the tents. The large central tent is easiest to fly into, so you start there. You fly a circle inside the tent and see the lioness, the bear, the monkeys, and the ocelots. The tent is fairly warm, and you see a couple of charcoal-burning braziers which are apparently the source of heat. There are a few townsfolk in here, looking at the animals, and you hear a small child say, "look! a birdie!" as you fly by. The entrances to the other tents are covered in drapes of canvas, too heavy for you to move in bird form. Luckily, the worker with the bucket of charcoal opens one drape to enter, and you are able to nip through before it closes. The worker yells "hey!", sets down his bucket, and starts after you. You fly around the smaller tent with the worker in hot pursuit. You see the stirges, the tropical birds, and the halflings. This tent is also warm, and you see another brazier in here. The worker is not trying to catch you; he is trying to shoo you out of the tent, and eventually you let him. You can infer that the other small tent contains the dark elves, the peafowl, and the large baby.

Bliss scouts for ambush spots, but doesn't see any especially good ones. You return to the menagerie and try to overhear conversations, but mostly you hear complaints about the slush and arrangements for the next day's schedule. From the latter conversation, you gather the menagerie plans to stay at least one more day.

Pressi doesn't detect anybody sneaking up on the group. The menagerie has no ringmaster, and the guy collecting money seems pretty ordinary. The fellow with him, the one with the rapier, seems more formidable.

In Yellowdale, Kezzem says he's trying to cut down on shepherd. "Oh, it isn't made from shepherd, sir," the innkeeper explains sincerely. "It's meat and veg, covered in mashed potato. You should try it." You ask about vegan options, and the innkeeper looks puzzled. "We don't raise vegans around these parts," he says at last.

Tali has some shepherd's pie. The potato topping is a little dry, but the beef and vegetables are moist and tasty. You can get mead with it. You ask about the menagerie, and since it only left town a few days ago, you find many people more than willing to talk about it. Nobody seems to have any new information, however.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 3:24:40 PM
"Why don't you just call it beef pie then?" asks Kezzem, continuing to play dumb.

He will relent and have some Shepard pie. And mead.

"Well Tali, at least we're eating well on an adventure for once!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 6:59:36 PM
Succotash flies over to where he hopes his friends are, and in raven speak, says, "We should head back, I don't think we'll get anymore intel tonight, let's fly out of town revert back to halflings, and since there is only 5 of us, I'll teleport us back, hopefully in time for dinner".

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 8:38:30 PM

Raven-Bliss tries to find his friends and fly back. He's not sure what they learned, other than that the menagerie folk are here, and that there is no good ambush spot.

Truth to tell, Bliss is not sure that an ambush is the right idea, Something is not right about this, and he is hesitant to go in spells a-blazing.

When at last everyone is together, finishing their second or third shepherd pie, Bliss says, "Look, friends, I think we should just walk in, pay our admission, and find the captive halflings. AND have a heart to heart with them to find out what is REALLY happening before we make a move we cannot take back."

Mookie cocks his head and stares. "Kid! Wowsy! You're talking like a grown-up."

"Ha!" says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=16 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:54:30 PM
The Pitchfork Tavern in Yellowdale

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 700 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 of 840 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 6:10:30 AM

"Maybe teleport us back to the place where we took our guises, outside town, off the road a little ways, so that it will be unlikely people see us just popping in. Sound good, Succotash?" Murphy asks.

Murphy thanks Succotash for the great transportation. He relates what he observed, then repeats his observations when they rejoin the others. "It seems as though it is in some regards a source of entertainment and education for folks who go to see it. That they would kidnap hapless halflings, though, is a crime.

"However, I concur with you, Bliss. Rather than treating these caravan folks as if they are evil giants who will not be reasoned with, there may be a better way to go about this than simply blasting away and wreaking destruction. Succotash, were you able to discern whether any of the workers were of an evil bent? No doubt there may be a few who can be prone to at least occasional wickedness. But others seem normal.

"What do you suppose might happen were we to get a large crowd of people there in the tents, and one of us casts a dispel magic on the halfling's cage, and the silence effect dissipates, and then they tell their story in front of the gathered crowd? How might that sit?"

He tucks in to the shepherd's pie, and enjoys the mead. "What kinds of ideas do you all have? Mmm, this is good." He tips the cook and the server a gold piece for the good meal.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:18:04 PM
After the recon, Pressi discusses the next steps with Murphy and Bliss.

"I'm willing to concede that they probably aren't monsters who will fight to their last breath. Probably, at least not uniformally. However, they aren't just people who made a minor clerical error or stole a candy bar, either. They went in and kidnapped a bunch of people and threw them in cages, though I will concede that the story may have a twist or two later. But for now, I need justice to be done. And I am oathbound to pursue crimes, regardless.

"So, I think the idea remains that we can at least gain entry easily enough. We can probably walk in as unassuming halflings so long as we have the coin, though we certainly have some tricks even if they are keeping a lookout for halflings. Aside from diplomacy, we could always lie our way to the leadership, see if they are looking to buy more slaves, for example. Or as a circus in our own right, but I'd have to come up with the lie part.

"As for just releasing them and bringing them to the crowd? Could be trivial enough but we'd need some pretty strong crowd control. And remember, we still don't know how they managed to take down an entire town without signs of struggle, so I'm still expecting a last trick or two."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:49:16 PM
Hobie is happy to have some shepherd's pie when they get back. It's one of his favorite meals. He enjoys the mead, and thinks a long time about what spells he might prepare for the next day.

He really thinks that it would have been great if there was some spell that might make a pit under the vehicles of the caravan!

ooc: I just learned that all of the Pit spells didn't come until the APG! I thought for sure that Create Pit would have been a CRB spell. Alas!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:15:35 PM
OOC: Nick, I guess you could say...that's the pits!

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:33:55 PM
The recon mission finished, you teleport back to Yellowdale for some tasty shepherd's pie and a strategy session. You discuss the possibility of simply paying admission to further scout the menagerie, perhaps with an eye to freeing the halflings. You wonder about the menagerie employees, whether they are good, bad, or somewhere in between, and how they managed to kidnap an entire village.

It's been weeks for you, but only days for your characters, so your DM will remind you that Hobie talked to a guy in Idlewood named Jake, who had been hired for odd jobs with the menagerie. Jake had said that the menagerie was owned by a half-orc, and that there were four guards that Jake described as "tough customers." The other employees seemed to be ordinary workers, and you can now confirm that the guy taking money, and the guy delivering charcoal, seemed pretty ordinary. If they do turn out to be evil, you're pretty sure you can defeat them without much bother. The guy with the rapier seemed like he'd be more of a challenge--no doubt one of the "tough customers." You saw no sign of the other three, or of the half-orc owner, but you have to assume they're around.

You continue discussing strategy, and eventually retire to bed. The night is largely uneventful--however, you do have odd dreams. You awaken somehow aware of the fact that Serenbeth is alive and has joined the Gods of the Wold, that Wardd has also joined the Gods of the Wold, and that Ceroldra is no more. These heaven-shaking events do not seem to have had much immediate impact on these simple frontier towns, but over time, who knows what kind of new world will come to be?

Casters can renew their spells as normal, and then there are decisions to make. Do you attempt further recon as animals, or do you load up your cart and travel to Crofters Crossing as yourselves?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 3:24:21 PM
"Didn't someone say they can make us look like biguns?" asks Kezzem. "We should probably not go as halflings. They might think we 'want' to join their act."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 5:57:49 PM
Succotash does his morning prayers and prepares his spells. He finds it interesting that Serenbeth and Wardd are now in his pantheon, and he makes sure to revere them along with rest. He is saddened by the knowledge of Ceroldra's death, but since it doesn't seem to have any effect on his abilities, he doesn't let it drag him down.

"I was thinking the same thing Kezzem. Hobie, was it you that mentioned having the appropriate scrolls, and would someone be able to turn Valerie invisible? I would prefer that she be at full fighting ability, but, I don't know how they would feel about me walking in with a dinosaur!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 10:48:33 PM
The calm before the storm

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 11:42:08 PM

"Maybe I'm getting too cocky," Bliss says, "but even these four 'tough customers' can't be all that tough. If they were as tough as us, they would be leading crime gangs, or taking over a town, or something besides running a travelling show for silvers and coppers. So either we are GROSSLY exagerrating the threat level here, or there are deeper waters of which we do not know."

"If we want to play it safe, then let's follow the plan, go in as guests, see what we can see, and that's it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Thursday January 16th, 2020 5:33:28 AM

"I can change my appearance a bit,"* says Murphy. His face adjusts, and now he looks like a dwarf with a full red beard, braided. He says in the dwarf tongue, "I am shopping for mushrooms. And want to see the menagerie, so I can sneer at the dark elves."

"Let's think carefully about the spells we will choose, and head out early on the morrow," he says in halfling, after reverting to his normal countenance.

*[Druidic A Thousand Faces ability, as alter self]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Thursday January 16th, 2020 7:31:30 AM

He thinks to add, after hearing of Hobie's interest in pit spells, "I can cast expeditious excavation, Hobie. It makes a 5' cubic pit. I used that spell in this group's first adventure, the Crescent Valley Competition, where we went head-to-head in the finals against the BadApples - who cheated. Also at the Parley House in the Red Hills, against an ogre."

To Succotash, he comments, "You know we have shrines to many Woldian deities and powers at the Sanctuary. Looks like we may need to add at least one. Wardd's is already there."

He also rearranges his spells [which should be reflected on his CS by Saturday - super busy atm]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 12:29:17 PM
Kezzem throws his fists in the air triumphantly. "Mushrooms!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 16th, 2020 1:08:27 PM
I’ll fill in later today. But for now, Pressi continues with planning.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:16:56 PM
It is morning now, so Tali and Murphy have rested and renewed their spells. The Pitchfork is serving up breakfast hash.

As you plan strategy, Kezzem and Succotash discuss various options for disguise. Bliss opines that the guards can't possibly be as tough as all that.

The group seems to be agreeing to a plan of scouting the menagerie today as people--if not necessarily halflings--by simply paying the cost of admission.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:33:03 PM
"I mentioned that I can make us look not like halflings, but I can't make us look like biguns. I can prepare Disguise Self enough times for all of us, but at most I can make us look one foot taller. Seven super short humans all walking in together might look a little conspicuous. I can easily make us Goblins or Gnomes or something else roughly our size though. The spell would give us an hour in disguise."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:54:27 PM
"Goblins probably not a good idea. If we have to stay small, I guess gnomes would be better? They don't have any gnome acts, right? So there's that at least. What about dwarves? Or are they too bulky?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d20+18=24 ;
Thursday January 16th, 2020 4:42:10 PM
Bliss's spell prep for the day: Rolls a d20+16 vs DC16 ... cannot fail. He draws Woldsblood with no problem.
Bliss's rituals for the day:
Cat for Basic Ritual, rolls d20+18 vs DC20 ... rolls a 24 no problem.
Share Shield of Faith with Mookie and himself for Intermediate Ritual, rolls d20+29 vs DC30 ... cannot fail. As part of his internediate ritual he casts a Surrender self to boost the Shield bu +2 caster levels, and he uses a rod of extend spell to double the duration. He uses two charges from his wand of CLW to get back to top health.

"Miss Pressi, what's your basic ritual? If it is warding, can Mookie join you?"

Bliss figures he can travel in cat form and pose as a familiar or pet. Mookie will stay back (but in telepathy range (100 ft), just in case the group needs a rescue. "Murphy can be a dwarf for a long time. Disguise Self only works on the caster. But we can still be disguised enough!"

Bliss thanks Murphy very kindly for the +3 Greater Magic Fang for himself in cat form, and he casts a 2 hour +5 AC Barkskin on Murphy (or whatever other witch spell he wants) when he is ready for it, probably just before entering the show. Extended Shield of Faith is pretty good for 24 minutes; Stone Skin too but you have to pay for the 1,000 gp diamond dust yourself.

Mookie sets his armor to look like a black cape, so as to be the least noticeable option. "I'll try to find a tree of perch on a tent pole or something and just lay low. But I'll fly in to save the day against whatever took you all out, for sure, no worry!"

"Thanks old buddy," Bliss answers, ignoring the sarcasm.

[OOC: Have updated my Bliss Sheet, My CatBliss Sheet, and Mookie's Sheet.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday January 16th, 2020 10:06:07 PM
Breakfast at the Pitchfork

Tali asks the assembled group, "What is the reason why it's as weird as it is, is "Silence"? What is every one of the critters/races has been the victim of a spell-like Silence?" Wouldn't that also be a cause for alarm or at least a serious precursor for extreme precaution on our behalfs?"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 600 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 600 of 840 minutes

(OOC: What time is it?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:03:40 AM

"I'd love to know the extent of witch spells available, Bliss. And Pressi. No one has ever sat down and gone over those with me," Murphy says. He is happy to cast the requested spell upon Bliss.

"I can look like a gnome," and he suddenly looks like a gnome, "but I don't know the language. Maybe I was raised by dwarfs. Though, in some ways, going in as a little bird on someone's shoulder might give us more options. Or, a weasel, owl, cat, dog, uh, elephant? I could clear the way as a skunk."

Setting aside his silliness, Murphy sighs. "I can only imagine the sorrow and despair the halfling captives can be feeling.

"When we go in, we can't let ourselves give way to acting out on our righteous indignation. Or to trying to whisper to the halflings that we plan to rescue them - because we might be overheard. Some of us might show appreciation at the exhibits. Awe at the tricks the dark elves display. We need to get to know those who have kidnapped a whole village. Then gauge our next actions..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:00:55 AM
"Ok, first of all, I think we can walk in at least still as halflings... though it might be prudent to keep the armor and weapons at least somewhat covered. I find that more of an issue than of race.

"Second, I think traveling in a large group without a decent cover story like "we're a school on a field trip" might also be a red flag. It might be prudent to break up into smaller groups: a family here, a traveling soldier there, and maybe a halfling or two actively trying to join the circus. For example, I could probably just walk in with Harper, a couple of whips, my entertainers outfit, and a couple of cantrips. Just ask to see the manager, then start negotiating salary while asking some "interview" questions. If someone would like to volunteer as an assistant, that would probably work too.

"I do agree that some subtlety will be required, but I don't know if halfling itself is a red flag. They do have halflings in this region, after all. And if you are worried, a disguise into small child should do the trick."

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

For routine:
Catching the Woldsblood - no fail
Basic - ritual of warding with Mookie and Bliss (no fail)
intermediate - raising heal dice to D12 (can I just use my last roll since I seem to have jumped the gun? Pass if so.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:20:54 AM
In answer to Murphy, "Ok, really quick, because I'm going over seven spell levels...

"Generally speaking, the blood allows a choice between 17 spells plus the domain per level. They include spells that are rarer in the universe (APG and homebrew), at the cost of some of the utility spells that tend to be relied on by others, like invisibility. Think of it as a sorcerer/cleric hybrid casting with a focus on flair.

"The spells can be subdivided into three categories. There's the clerical stuff (debuffs galore, heals, a few cures and buffs), the druid stuff (summons, polymorphs, flesh to stone), and the rogue stuff (the mind control, some divinations, a few interrogation tricks like pain strike). Domains and other abilities and gear can fill the gaps. Most witches focus on one of the categories and dip as needed. Bliss focuses on building himself into a tank with some self-healing. I tend to do the clerical casting in combat and the rogue stuff outside. But you don't get the "there's a spell for that" breadth of other casters, so you have to be a little more flexible and better at the planning. Particularly since the smartest move is to layer spell upon spell."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:16:31 PM
"We could say we're mushroom farmers," suggests Kezzem. "Maybe it will work thia time."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 17th, 2020 5:45:00 PM
"Kez you should say you are an aspiring mushroom farmer, that wouldn't be a lie. I think perhaps I'll go in separately from everyone else and go as a gnome. If anyone else wants me to cast Disguise Person on them please tell me now as I am preparing my spells. I can make you any small humanoid (ooc: any that are approved) so, gnome, goblin, dwarves aren't much taller than us so I can pull that off, or a human child. I could even make you a Grippli if you wanna get crazy.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 17th, 2020 10:37:47 PM
“I have no polymorph spells but I could go invisible!” Says Tali.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:09:22 PM

Bliss nods at Pressi's wise summary, and he is happy to take an hour or three to go over the [link href="https://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Bloodwitch#Blood_Witch_Spell_List"}witch spell list[/link] with Murphy. "You can have any of these that you need," Bliss says.

And he loves the idea of being in the animal act! He changes into a cat and starts practicing acrobatic tricks as a cat. Walking on his forepaws, flips, leaps, etc.

So here's the disguise plan:

Group one
Pressi - halfling animal tamer (with Harper)
Bliss - cat (part of Pressi's act)

Group two
Hobie - gnome adventurer
Murphy - dwarf adventurer

Group three
Kezzem - halfling mushroom farmer
Succotash - ?halfling?
-- Valerie invisible
Tali - invisible

"Please make suggestions for where and what you want to be," says Bliss.

DM Kathy
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:53:21 PM
You continue discussing spells, disguises, and strategies.

[OOC: It's around 8 am, unless that presents difficulties.]

As Pressi points out, it isn't necessarily a problem trying to go as halflings. Trying to go as a large group of obviously-heroic halflings will probably present more difficulty. There are a variety of ways to avoid looking like a rescue party.

Bliss begins practicing one, trying his acrobatic kitty act. Hobie and Murphy can look like gnomes. If all else fails, Tali can go invisible. There may be other options.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday January 18th, 2020 7:03:28 AM
Succotash offers an idea to is friend, "Maybe if we divide into a couple of groups as Pressi suggested, and then have one group go in, as paying customer, and maybe Pressi as a cat trainer, than we can do one of two things. I can turn the rest into wee critters, maybe pet mice?, and ride in on the shoulders of the others, or someone on the inside sets up a message spell with either me or Tali, or Hobie,or all the above, and we stay just out of sight, then if or when the going gets tough, we use dimensional door to drop the rest of us right into the fray. I'm sorry, you guys know that spell right?".

OOC... Sorry for the missed post, I'm traveling, and even though I've had the opportunity, it completely slipped my mind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Sunday January 19th, 2020 9:35:55 PM

When Murphy flew through two of the three tents, how were the cages been arranged - what is their layout? Are the halflings still up on a cart or movable platform? Is there a harness attached to it? Likewise for the other exhibits. Are they placed upon the ground, or slightly elevated, or still resting upon the carts and wagons which drew them? If still resting upon mobile conveyances, how much effort might be required to pull one out of its parking spot?

"That is very helpful Pressi, Bliss. I'll let you know, Bliss, in a moment - maybe the one you suggested, but I want to think through this list a little more. Give me five, ten minutes tops."

"Hobie - how about I go in as a bat on your shoulder?" Murphy asks. "Or, I could go as a raven. 'Yeah, boss, I knew you'd like to see this circus.'"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:18:55 AM

"All right, after thinking it over for seven minutes - let's go with your first suggestion, natural armor - a few minutes before we come in earshot or clear view of the caravan. Thanks, Bliss."

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=46 ;
Monday January 20th, 2020 11:03:05 AM

Not bothering to change back, Bliss meows agreement with Murphy and continues to refine his "act." He starts using Harper as a platform, walking on his hind paws only from his larger pal's tail to shoulders, then jumping up and flipping, then landing on Harper's head!

Acrobatics 46!

"Wheeee!" says Bliss to anyone who understands cat (or has a telepathic connection to his brain).

"The Kid says 'Wheeee'," reports Mookie.

DM Kathy
Monday January 20th, 2020 1:12:59 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Murphy recalls that the lioness, the bear, and the halflings were in rolling wagon/cages obviously intended to be hitched up to draft animals. You're pretty sure you saw wagon-tongues; you did not see actual harnesses. The stirges, tropical birds, ocelots, and monkeys were in large wire cages--smaller than the wagon/cages but still pretty big. You're not sure how they were moved into place--maybe dollies? None of the cages were elevated.

Succotash suggests two small groups, with extra party members changed into tiny animals.

Bliss continues to practice his kitty tricks.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday January 20th, 2020 2:47:06 PM
"Er, guys, what if someone goes back using a True seeing spells to see if there are any tricks afoot?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:07:34 PM
Tali asks what if someone has True Seeing ...

"Then we FIGHT!" declares Bliss!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:32:38 PM
“No Bliss, Tali is talking about one of us looking around with true ceiling”, Succotash corrects his friend, “That’s a good idea Tali, does anyone have that ability?”

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 20th, 2020 7:54:33 PM

"Oh" says Bliss, who has evidently turned back into a halfling for talking. "You mean if WE cast True Seeing. Well, can anybody do that?"

Just for the sake of further confusion, Bliss uses his spider cloak to walk on the ceiling.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:09:26 AM
"True Ceiling?" asks Kezzem. "That's a good spell. You don't want to have an imaginary ceiling after all: rain will get in."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:21:43 AM

"I may be able to cast True Ceiling. Uh, Seeing," affirms Murphy, looking upwards at Bliss. "It lasts for about fifteen minutes."

[I think a while back I said somewhere Murphy bought or acquired components for the various spells he can cast. But I don't remember whether he picked up the eye ointment for that spell. I did select that as one of his spells for the day... doh!]

"Say, what if a couple of us check to see if there's a store here in Yellowdale with a link to the Catacombs. And, if not, then that same couple of us can fly on ahead of the group to see if there is one in Crofters Crossing. I'm thinking Hobie and I could be that couple of us. You up for that, Hobie?" He scratches his nose. "That way, you and I could be among the first to visit and take a true seeing gander through the place. I can telepath to Pressi what we learn, so that the next people who come through will have the benefit of what information we can gather. I may have forgotten to get the special eye ointment for the spell."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:03:45 AM
"If you need to get to the catacombs Murph, I can teleport you there and back", Succotash offers.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 11:20:11 AM
The Planning Phase

Tali tells the assembled group, "Silly Boys, I have that spell, but I am out of the material component for it. I'm trying to be useful here, but you are making it difficult for me. Something is obviously awry here, you all but explained that with your reconnaissance. We know we have to be up against formidable odds, because what other reason could their be, unless all the captives believe they are supposed to be there and are happy with it. That's brainwashing!!!"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:14:41 PM
"Well, I have no trouble going back, and I would be glad to cast true seeing," Pressi replies. "Or, if I happen not to have the component, I still have a number of tricks up my sleeve like detect thoughts and divinations."

(* I keep forgetting about the material component, I've been using it almost at will, and the DM never said anything. Someone really needs to add a key to the bloodwitch spell list or write up a shopping list.)

"But honestly, even if they have a massive amount of power, there have to be some question as to how they think and worry, how their psychology works. And they themselves have to balance security with the desire to make money.

"That's the beauty of my particular plan. There's no magic, and no direct assault on any potentially protected area. There isn't even technically a lie. I really am a halfling entertainer with a trained animal and a flair for the dramatic. And I do presume that I can attract the attention of a circus leader who might want to discuss employment."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:27:05 PM
You continue discussing strategies.

You have passed through several frontier towns in your pursuit of the menagerie, and you have yet to see one with a Catacombs entrance. It is extremely unlikely that there is one in Crofters Crossing. Teleportation is always an option, of course.

You discuss having somebody return to the menagerie with an active True Seeing spell to see if anything is different. It is probably doable, with a quick jaunt to the Catacombs. But is it necessary? Or do you have enough information to don your disguises and make the attempt?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:14:11 PM
That plan sounds good to me, Murph, I can even keep Dimension Door and some Invisibility Spells ready in case we need it

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:26:55 PM
Bliss says, "Let's go." Then he changes back to a cat and starts walking.

(He won't go far unless everyone is following.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 4:21:00 PM
"You heard the kitty, folks," says Kezzem. "Transform and roll out!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 6:52:55 PM

"Yep. We'll have to do without true seeing, looks like, and just use our eyes and ears," Murphy says. "Next time we can get to the Catacombs - let's stock up on things, like diamond dust, eye ointments, and other precious material components. Right, Tali uh, Tali?"

He responds to Tali's suppositions. "Brainwashing? Sounds messy. But, you could be right - perhaps some or all of the folks involved in the shows are fine with it. Only thing that might gainsay that, is pretty near everyone who has talked about the halflings agree they all look pretty sad. And they are enveloped in silence. Kind of listless, maybe?"

He proposes to the group, "Since we discussed separate, staged movements, what say Hobie and I go first, scope things out? Pressi and her talented and blissful kitty cat show up twenty minutes, half an hour later, and then the halfling mushroom team and their truffle-sniffing velociraptor show up after another, what, half an hour? Along with invisible Tali. What sort of timing - and order - do you all think would work out? We could go in the order Bliss suggested, or the way I flipped group one and two. Some advance intel for Pressi might be helpful, and ready backup near at hand should something go awry. Halfings at the end might be the best bet.

"If Bliss can have a message spell going with someone from team three and with Hobie and/or me, and Tali can have the same going with me and Hobie and Pressi, maybe? That way we can have another means of passing information around. How many can you include in your messaging?" he asks of Bliss, Tali, and Pressi. Those are all the people he knows who can cast that spell.

"I can cast detect magic when Hobie and I are a short but discreet distance from the tents, and have it up and running as we enter. Perhaps they have some sort of antimagic fields set up. I want to see what the dark elves do, what sort of act, if any, they have.

"Since by the time we get there, they may be running some of their last shows, those who have not yet seen the menagerie, or want to see it one more time, may be there. Blending in with the crowds - if such there are - may be helpful for some of us.

"Are there any sorts of code words we should arrange before we arrive?" he asks the group.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:02:00 PM
" 'Meow' " says Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:38:39 PM
“I’d be OK with that idea Murph”, Succotash says, then adds, “I have dispel magic at the ready, if we wish to try to break a silence spell, giving the crowd a glimpse of the truth, if we wish to go that way”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 3:28:43 AM

Murphy's quick replies:

- "That's a good multipurpose code word there, Bliss."

- "Great, Succotash. Now, if through suasion alone we can figure out a way for the enterprise to do the right thing and let our people go, then, wonderful. It could turn out that more than words may need to be used. Anyhow, as usual, let us, as my father sometimes says, play it by ear."

- "Those are handy spells to have, Hobie. You are becoming an ever more complex person in my eyes, friend."

- "Pressi, Tali, Kezzum - any additions, redirections, concurrences?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:57:19 AM

"They probably don't open until the afternoon. Let's have breakfast now, and walk on over there around noon, and get there in time for lunch. I bet they have good carnie food. I like the sausages and funnel cakes, even in cat shape!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 11:46:04 AM

Pressi interjects into the brainwashing discussion. "It may be a messy business but... remember how we discussed witch magic? Squeezing the life force out of nature to twist innocent minds to my bidding is kind of my job. And I heal a little bit on the side to ensure you overlook it. As for what to expect, I'm trying not to overestimate them."

Regarding the plan, "I think the staggered order and messaging works well. Remember, the key is infiltration, not confrontation. And the code word, as always, is Roshambo. When you hear it, go man, go. (Pause.) Meow works too."

After the first group enters, Pressi begins preparing herself. She activates her glammer armor, switches her cowl for shades, and begins to touch up her makeup and drape some of the cloth Murphy spent gathering over Harper's armor. (She still intends to ride Harper, Bliss and Mookie tucked behind her, into the area before asking to speak to HR. Some touches of prestidigitation and ghost sound complete the costume and make her look more showmanlike.

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

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
glammers active

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 1:54:02 PM
You have the makings of the plan. You will forego a second reconnaissance, trusting in the information you already have. You will infiltrate the menagerie in small groups, and see what you can accomplish.

You can further refine the idea as you travel. Crofters Crossing is 20 miles from Yellowdale, so first you've got to head down the road a ways. Your DM is assuming you'll do this as a group, bringing the mule and cart that Murphy acquired, along with all your other animals.

The slush is mostly gone, but the road is muddy and sloppy. It rains off and on throughout the morning, which doesn't help the condition of the road one bit. After a few hours' travel, you see the smoke of several chimneys up ahead. You estimate that you are within a mile or two of the town.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:05:48 PM

Bliss changes back to halfling to cast extended CL12 Barkskin on Murphy. That's +5 bonus to natural armor lasting 4 hours.

What the heck, he casts it on Mookie and himself, just with the regular 2 hour duration.

"Anyone else want any spells?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:41:51 PM
Succotash uses his speak with animals ability to tell Valerie he is going to uses share spell to cast Beast Shape III to turn her in to a rat, and that she should ride on his shoulder, pretending to be a pet. He then casts the spell, and Valerie climbs onto his shoulder.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=30 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 7:24:52 PM
"Man, I wish I had fun spells to disguise myself with," says Kezzem. "Stupid paladin code. Let me practice my story. We did sell gather mushrooms for that dwarf fellow so it's not a lie!

Kezzem practices. "Yes, mushrooms are my trade. I am a shroomer. My name is Kezzem the Shroomer. I arrange, design, and sell mushrooms."

Diplomacy 30 (or Bluff 10).

"Wait, how does one design and arrange mushrooms? Maybe I should workshop that some more. Also, if I'm selling mushrooms, I should probably have some. Murphey, could you druid-up some mushrooms for me?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+10=14 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:30:26 PM
The Planning Phase II

Tali will hover 16 inches above the ground so as not to soil her clothes. When the times comes, Tali will cast invisibility on herself (1min / level). Then hover 15 feet above the ground to keep the group in her sights & to avoid obstacles in her flight path. {Perception Check = 14}

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=38 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+37=44 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 10:27:16 PM
Murphy is happy to search for mushrooms along the way for Succotash. Mushroom hunt score: Perception: 38; Survival: 28. Our DM can let us know how successful the druid was in this endeavor.

"Time to get this show going," he says. "I'll go as a raven, Hobie. Your very own, friend-of-a-gnome talking raven. Here are fifteen gold pieces to cover admission, snack items, tips for performers. I'll be Bombo, the Raven Talker. Got that, everyone? Just call me Bombo." ... "Thanks for the extra protection, Bliss!"

"When we go in, ask the fellow at the front whether he needs to pay for the bird to enter with you. They'll probably say no, but then that way they can't rebuke you later for not paying for me. Hope you don't mind me sitting on your shoulder. Though I don't promise to stay there the whole time. I might get down, and just hop next to you as we make the rounds. If someone tries to shoo me away - happened last time I was here - just tell me to get back on your shoulder, and maybe apologize to the shooer. 'He's just an inquisitive bird,' you can tell them. 'He's murder on worms, but don't worry about him trying to bother anyone overmuch.'"

He explains that he wants to see first what's in the first tent because, well, it's the first tent, and he didn't see inside the last time. Go for a nice stroll through the exhibits. He'll pass on a mental map to Pressi. By the way, for the halflings' cage, he can transmute metal to wood. Might be handy. It's easier to break through wood than it is iron or steel. Maybe he'll do that when no one seems to be looking. "You might not want to be right up next to it when I do so - any metal you're wearing could also be affected. If you want me to cast it, just say, 'Knock on wood,' and I'll take the hint."

A bit before the town, he takes out a few more items. He gives Hobie a couple pounds of cheese, and a couple loaves of bread - 'for the halflings, or to feed others, if you feel like it,' he explains. He also, if Hobie is willing to put it in his quiver (if there's room) his spell staff. "It has greater dispel magic stored in it. If I caw out, 'Staff, staff!', then pull it out. I can dispel magic in a 20' radius with that, or do a more targeted dispel. Also, if I touch it to the ground and say a command word, it will tranform into a treant-like creature." He asks if there are any more questions or plans before he wild shapes. When all else is ready and done, then he lays down in the wagon, and wild shapes into a raven. In common he says, "Caw! Bombo am I. Bombo am I! Caw!"

"So, Hobie, what name will you use? Your raven, Bombo, is too stupid to speak Gnome, by the way." He picks up in his beak a thin 9-inch strip of leather from near where he lay before wild shaping. "Hobie, can you tie this around my left ankle? Wrap it a few times and tuck it in tight, so there are no dangling ends."

Once they approach the tent, if that's what Hobie does, Murphy/Bombo perches on his right shoulder. Or left, if that is what the gnome prefers.

[Who casts message, and upon whom?]
===========
Perception at Tent Entrance area: 44

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 45m
Longstrider: 14h 44m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 45m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 29m

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:47:23 AM
Hobie ties the leather strap around the raven's ankle, and places the staff in his quiver and the other things in his haversack.

He uses disguise self and turns into a meek blue haired gnome with looooong blue eye brows.

"You can call me 'Francis', Bombo"

Once they are ready, Francis will walk into the tent with Bombo on his shoulder. He enters with an excited and inquisitive expression and nature, eager to see anything new that he can see.

"Oooooh whats in here Bombo!? What kind of new things might we find?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 12:58:53 PM
Pressi watches Hobie and Murphy head into town, then begins to wait half an hour. Her messaging spells and telepathy begin to run overtime as she waits for the group to settle in.

If there are carts available (she wants Kezzem to have at least one cart), she piles Bliss and Mookie in there before getting on Harper.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:33:21 PM
Bliss casts some protective spells.

Succotash makes Valerie travel-sized for his convenience.

Kezzem practices his role as a shroomer, getting the profession confused with that of a shrubber. Murphy is able to find some good mushrooms.

Tali turns invisible.

Hobie becomes Francis the Talking Gnome, and Murphy becomes his talking raven sidekick.

Pressi takes possession of the cart (and, by extension, the mule), and prepares to follow Hobie and Murphy.

So, as your DM understands things, Hobie (gnome) and Murphy (raven) will go in first. Tali (invisible) may be accompanying them. Everybody else is waiting for now, using Message spells to keep in contact.

Hobie and Murphy head into Crofters Crossing, and find it busy despite the rain. You see a lot of carts and wagons; Crofters Crossing, as its name suggests, stands at a crossroads. You go to the field where the menagerie has set up, and see the same arrangement as yesterday: three main tents, with smaller tents and vehicles nearby. A small crowd has gathered near the entrance, and it appears the menagerie is just opening for the day. A human man begins collecting money from the crowd as they move past. Behind him stands an imposing half-orc with a scimitar at his belt and a longbow on his back.

You get to the head of the line. "One silver piece, please," the human says pleasantly.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=49 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 5:43:31 PM
Murphy - Bombo the talking raven - lets Hobie do the talking and paying. He looks about at the small gathered crowd, taking in the sorts of people who have showed up to enjoy the show. He looks at the orc, and gives a subdued 'Awk,' while eying the imposing fellow (taking a solid visual inventory of what he wears and carries). He looks at the human fare taker, and then takes a moment to preen an area under his right wing.

He passes on items of interest to Pressi. [i]"Maybe get here in fifteen to twenty minutes, Sweetcakes the Magnificent,"[i] he telepathically recommends.
========
Perception: 49 - take in members of the crowd, and the orc guard.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+25=43 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:34:18 PM
“Oooooh what a great deal for such an interesting exhibit!!!!!”
The gnome fumbles with his coin purse and hands a silver piece to the man.
“TELL ME, TELL ME, TELL ME, What’s your favorite thing in the Menagerie!? What should I surely not miss?!"

Hobie. as a proud archer, will slyly pay attention to the half orc's longbow, and will even detect magic and use spellcraft to determine any magical properties it has. Spell craft= 43

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:38:54 PM
Succotash waits impatiently for his time to arrive. he figures he will fall in the last group with Kezzem pretending to be mushroom farmers, though he doesn't see how Kezzem's armor, and his clerical robes are going to pass as mushroom farming garb. He suggests to Kezzem, "I know you love the idea of pretending to be mushroom farmer, but it may be more convincing if we used the traveling priest and his protector as a cover story instead, besides you wouldn't even be telling a half truth, since we Swords make a point of protecting each other".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:10:02 PM
"Well, of course you need armor to farm mushrooms. You never know when they might sneak up on you and attack from behind. Oh wait, that's trees, not mushrooms."

"How about a traveling priest that sells mushrooms?" offers Kezzem in compromise. "You can even sell one to me for a copper now so it wouldn't even be a lie."

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:17:26 PM
Bliss looks forward to heading out with Miss Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 7:32:29 AM
Succotash smiles at Kezzem’s compromise. He loves how the Paladin has such a simple and uncomplicated outlook on life. He chuckles to himself as he says, ”OK, that seems possable-ish, Here, this ones one the House, but you’ll have to pay for the next one!” He than tosses his friend one of the mushrooms Murphy found, while trying not to bust out laughing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 8:51:09 AM
(Wait so doesn't that make Succotash the mushroom salesman, not Kezzem?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 10:05:23 AM
(OOC... Kezzem is Succotash’s bodyguard)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=26 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+2=19 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 12:47:43 PM
The Menagerie

Invisible Tali using her skills {Skill checks - see below} will stick close to Mister Murphy as she casts a Message spell between her and him.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I casted a Message spell between us..I'm hovering invisibly near you as reinforcement in case you need an emergency Sorcerer in a fight!

Spells Cast

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 26
Fly: 36
Perception:16
Sense Motives: 19

Spells in Affect

Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:23:41 PM
Murphy scans the crowd. You see families with children. You're not sure whether it's three families or two--or possibly one extended family. They all seem to know each other. You can see that the half-orc is wearing a chain shirt, and a fancy belt that is probably magical.

Hobie (with invisible Tali hovering nearby) pays his admission and asks the employee what his favorite exhibit is, and what shouldn't be missed.

"Ah, sir," the man replies, "all the exhibits are marvels. Fascinating and one-of-a-kind. Don't miss any of them!"

Hobie also eyes the half-orc's longbow. It is a good bow, well-crafted. You start to cast a Detect Magic, and that doesn't go well.

"Hey!" yells the admissions-taker.

"None of that!" growls the half-orc, drawing his scimitar. "No spells!"

Meanwhile, Succotash and Kezzem are refining their cover story, while Pressi and Bliss prepare to go in as a traveling cat-act.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:31:26 PM
“Oh sorry sir!! I’m just so excited by new things and your bow is so interesting to me!!!! Is it a maaaaaaaagic bow! ? My grandpa had a magic bow when I was but a tiny gnome. Well, a tiny-ER gnome!!”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:36:07 PM
As the time continues, Pressi continues to wait and listen... to Kezzem and Succotash, apparently.

If nothing of note happens within a half hour (twenty minutes if needed), Pressi begins moving her cart and horse down towards the town below. Dancing lights, firework sounds and other prestidigitations fire off as she attempts to attract a crowd. (In the cart, with Bliss and Mookie, Harper begins to whine.)

At last, she makes her way to the front (or to any particular worker). It is here that a rather uncommon accent begins to leave her lips. "You take me now to boss, you take me, yes? He wishes to speak with me, even if he somehow knows me not."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:00:10 PM
(OOC: Sorry, posted when Kathy posted.)

If Murphy warns her in advance, Pressi changes out of her armor into her actual entertainer's outfit (adjusting AC accordingly).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+14=29 ; d20+15=35 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:25:01 PM
Murphy/Bombo was hoping to be INSIDE the tents by now. "Boss, let's just go inside and look at the fun things. Sheesh! Sorry fellas, he just gets excited when he sees a bow. He likes blue ceramic bowls, too. I'll keep an eye on him for you. I'll bet you six worms he could barely pull back the string on your arrow, sir. I mean bow. Don't let him get started on his youthful adventures. Caw! Can we just go inside, sirs? That's why we're here, boss, to see the fun things inside, right?"

He holds up a wing to give a loud stage whisper as an aside to the man and orc. "I should get paid extra to take care of Francis, here. Really, he's pretty harmless - just curious all the time, and he makes silly comments. And he casts detect magic almost every day." He returns the wing to his side, and says, "Francis, pay them an extra silver for the trouble, and promise not to cast that spell again while we're here! Promise? I'll tell Pookie if you don't promise! Caw! And you won't get your bedtime story. And tell them you're sorry." He looks up at the ticket taker. "Are any talking animals inside? It's all right if there's not, but one can always hope."

He turns his attention to those still waiting in line. "You think this is fun? It's gotta be better inside, any day! Sorry for holding up the queue."

He hopes that Hobie plays along with him, and doesn't take offense at his attempt to defuse the situation. Who knows, maybe the druid is making it worse, himself.

Murphy/Bombo telepathically relays to Pressi, "Hobie decided to cast a spell in front of the ticket taker and orc muscle before we got in the tent. Hoping they'll just let us get inside. Sheesh! We'll need to hold classes on how not to draw undue attention to yourself when going undercover. So, I decided to add to the undue attention by talking as a raven. So, be ready to bring your best act, Press!"

============
Spellcraft: 29 (Murphy knows Hobie was casting detect magic)
Diplomacy: 35 (nat 20) to persuade man and orc to give them a break

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=52 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 9:06:43 PM

Bliss starts performing with his acrobatics, especially with flips and backflips.

Acrobatics 52

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday January 26th, 2020 4:23:24 AM
Francis will go into his coin purse and get an extra silver like Bombo suggested.

“The bird is right, I don’t mean to make any trouble, I just love seeing all kinds of new things!!!! And I really love seeing the magic behind those things!!! I promise I was only detecting the magic auras!!!!!”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday January 26th, 2020 11:01:47 AM
"Well Kezzem, my friend, I'd say I've always wanted my own personal body guard, but that would be a lie, as I've never even considered having one, but this could be fun!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Monday January 27th, 2020 6:20:53 AM

"Yeah, yeah. Calm down, and we'll get you some hot cocoa later," Borbo says to Francis. "We'll just go in and look around. Y'know, without bouncing up and down on your toes."

"I'll try to help him pipe down," the raven tells the ticket taker. "Never knew how excitable purple eyebrows might make one."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=18 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+2=13 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 10:05:34 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali, using her skills {Skill checks - see below}, Tali will hover close to the tent top in order to cast Detect Magic in a 60 ft. cone to cover as many items as possible for 3 rounds of concentration. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast last round.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I just cast a Detect Magic spell on a 60 ft. cone for as much as possible within this tent. I will tell you what I found after 3 rounds of concentration!"

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 28
Fly: 34
Perception:28 {NAT 20}
Sense Motives: 13

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

The Menagerie

DM Kathy
Monday January 27th, 2020 1:08:13 PM
[Ghaa! I've been planning to change the scene for days. I finally remembered! Everybody take 20,000 XP for the previous scene.]

Murphy's attempts to smooth over things with the admissions-taker and the guard almost make things worse. The men are aware that there are talking ravens, but this is a talking raven! Extensive vocabulary! Complete sentences! They look on in uncomfortable, wide-eyed silence.

Hobie recovers, pays an extra silver, and apologizes. The men exchange glances, then the admissions-taker accepts the extra coin. "Thank you, sir. No trouble at all." He nods toward Murphy. "That's a remarkable bird you've got there." He exchanges another look with the guard before waving you into the tent.

You step into the first tent, which is actually one of the ones Murphy scouted yesterday. You pass between two cages, on opposite tent walls. On your left is a cage of tropical birds. A family group is clustered next to it, oohing and aahing. A sign affixed to the cage says THE BEAUTY! On the opposite wall is the cage of stirges. Its sign says THE HORROR! There are no visitors at that cage at the moment. After the stirges and the birds, you come to a large open area where the rolling cage full of halflings is stationed. Signs on and near the cage read HALFLING CANNIBALS!, SAVAGE HALFLINGS!, CAUTION, and KEEP WELL BACK! The halflings are milling about in the cage, looking, as people have said, not particularly savage. A family group is looking at them curiously, the parents keeping close hold on the younger children to keep them from getting too close. Near the halfling cage, a draped opening leads into the next tent.

Invisible Tali, hovering above the tent, detects magic within. You have to sort out the auras belonging to Hobie and Murphy, of course, but there remains an aura unaccounted for. It is a Moderate aura. Knowledge: Arcana DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Its school is Universal.} If you make that check, it is a Spellcraft check to determine the actual spell.

Meanwhile back at the staging area, the next group is preparing to start down the road into Crofters Crossing. And which group will that be--Pressi and Her Amazing Cats, or the Oddly Well-Armed Mushroom Farmers?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=33 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 1:46:40 PM
The next group is Pressi and her amazing cats.

Preparations only slightly modified from before, which I remind here. Pressi switches out from her armor into her old and actual entertainer's outfit and red haired wig, keeps her whips and chains, and uses a disguise kit to cover her face as an entertainer would (and to touch up some of those arm tattoos so they are harder to identify.) She hides the circlet of persuasion using a wig, slips her holy symbol and into a pocket, and hopes nobody else will look too closely at her belt or headband. (She considers taking off her boots and shades, but figures she can pass them off as part of the circus equipment.)

Pressi rides on the horse, while Harper, Bliss and Mookie ride in the cart. Various cantrips should attract the attention of staff and onlookers as the cart comes near. The key to talking her way to management, Pressi surmises, is to put on a show.

Once she reaches a proper entrance (a service entrance in the back?), she breaks out a (vaguely eastern european) accent, and begins to talk her way through (Bluff 33). She introduces herself as Misty (last name Calle), animal trainer and stage magician extraordinaire. She is funny, she is flirty, and she is quite clear that she will not take "no" for an answer, at least, not without a tryout.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=39 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=41 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 3:43:19 PM

"Hey, Boss, let's see what marvels are here," the Raven suggests to Francis. "Uh, would you mind reading the signs to me? How about we take a lap, look at everything quick, look at the other tents likewise, then decide what to stare at longer? Hi, little girl. Yep, it's me, Bombo, the Talking Raven. Don't worry ma'am," he says to her mother. "I don't use cuss words. That's a lovely dress, ma'am." He spots the aviary and exclaims, "Hey, fellow feathered friends!"

He does look for a moment at the pitiful halflings, making certain he sees Hendit Littlefoot's wife with the reddish-brown hair, but not dwelling on looking therein otherwise more than in passing.

Murphy basically encourages Hobie to do as he described - walk quickly through all the exhibits and avoid behaving in a way that will cause them to get kicked out. He relays what he sees to Pressi. He likely does not talk in the tent with the dark elves, and keeps to birdlike, non-loquacious behavior in that one, unless circumstances call for other tactics. He likewise is unlikely to talk in the other tent, either.
==========
Perception 39 -1st tent
Perception 42 - 2nd tent
Perception 41 - 3rd tent

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 27th, 2020 6:04:50 PM

Oh, Mookie is not part of the act! He stays behind, looking for a perch in which to hide, sometimes flying over the tent, checking in with Bliss via telepathy from time to time.

Bliss is ready to go in as part of Miss Pressi's act, and he continues his antics as she fast-talks her way in.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20=16 ; d20=15 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 7:01:22 PM
“Well Kezzem, if Pressi is heading for the back door, why don’t we head to the front?”, Succotash asks his “bodyguard”, then heads towards the tent, but before he does, he slips his mace into his handy haversack. He figures with no visible weapon, and his breastplate under his clerical robes, he may have a better chance of pulling off the role of a traveling priest. He walks up to the ticket taker, and pays his and Kezzem’s entrance fee. While doing so he says, “Hello, I’m Father Ricardo, I’m a traveling priest, and this is my protector Herman. We have heard tales of savage halflings before, but had heard they dwell in the Sargrass Plains. Well, when we heard that you had some in display, we had to see them for ourselves!” Bluff 20, Diplomacy 28

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 12:05:08 AM
"Don't forget to ask about the mushroom discount," says Kezzem. "After all, we are small and don't take up much room. Also, we have mushrooms."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:15:28 PM
It takes him a moment, but Murphy does spot Hendit's wife and children in the cage, toward the back. He urges Hobie to move on to the next tent, and your DM will assume that happens.

The next tent is the big one. The lioness is the first animal you see as you enter; she is pacing back and forth in her rolling cage. Her sign says FIERCE LIONESS!, with a smaller legend beneath saying she was captured in the Jungles of Cthonia. There are also some CAUTION signs. Next to her is the bear, also in a rolling cage, also with CAUTION signs. A small area next to the cage seems to have been set up for performances, with several balls and a hoop. The bear is sitting with its back to you, not moving (although you can tell it is breathing). Opposite them are wire cages, larger than the stirge and bird cages. One's sign says AMAZING AND AMUSING MONKEYS! There's another family group in front of this cage, the children bouncing and giggling with excitement. The other cage says JUNGLE OCELOTS, and does contain several ocelots, along with much-clawed branches for them to climb on. They all seem to be sleeping, because cats.

Meanwhile, Pressi (and Bliss) arrive at the menagerie. You aren't able to find a back entrance, so you need to start at the front. You explain your purpose to the admission-taker, and he seems impressed. "A moment, if you please," he says. Turning, he calls "Ho! Brae! Torvin! Somebody come take coin!" After a few minutes, another employee hurries forward to take over. The original admissions-taker says "follow me," and guides you around the show tents to the camping area behind them. "Name's Arvin," he says. "It's nice to meet you, Mistress Calle. And your cats. We've got cats in the show already; do you think you could do anything with them?" He leads you to a spot near one of the wagons, then says, "wait here, if you please, I'll see if the boss is available."

As she waits, Kezzem and Succotash approach the menagerie, and express an interest in seeing the savage halflings. The admissions-taker looks dubious, but says, "one silver apiece, good sirs."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+21=30 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=12 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:28:34 PM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali, using her skills {Skill checks - see below}, Tali will hover close to the tent top in order to cast Detect Magic in a 60 ft. cone to cover as many items as possible for 3 rounds of concentration. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast last round.

Tali learns {
Knowledge: Arcana (DC 20) | 30 {Successful check}} that the school of Magic being used is the Universal school, and then she checks her spell-craft to learn the spell being used {Spell-craft: 29 }.

Tali continues to concentrate with her cast spell, Detect Magic for at least 2 more additional rounds. Tali pointing in the rough direct of Mr. Murphy, says to him via Message spell, "Hey, Mister Murphy, the auras are from the Universal school of magic. I'm awaiting addition skill checks and concentrations before I can determine additional information. Spread the good word!"

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Knowledge: Arcana (DC 20) | 30 {Successful check}
Spellcraft: 29

Acrobatics: 17
Fly: 37
Perception:12

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:37:20 PM
Hobie walks along and follows the advice of Bombo. He excitedly oohs and aahhs at all of the exhibits. While doing so he is taking stock of everything that could be dangerous in the menagerie, particularly guards, dangerous animals, and he's keeping stock of what creatures might seem to be enslaved and what creatures might be willing to fight for their captors if combat were to break out at some point.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 2:24:06 PM

Sitting quietly as Arvin tells them to wait, Bliss casts a still silent See Invisible spell. That uses a 4th level slot, and will last a couple hours. He mentally keeps Mookie up to date so that the bird will not worry.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 3:47:25 PM
"Yeah, I might have thought some other things through," Pressi thought to herself. "Like what if they want to add their own cat to the mix? Or what exactly I want to ask of or get from the boss, besides distracting him as long as possible."

(OOC: The best option is probably charm monster, which would at least keep the cat calm.)

Pressi continues the act while staying where she is. She mixes with the crowd, waves to any other employees, and tries to keep an eye out for any more information.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 6:34:54 PM
"Thank you sir here is payment for both myself and Herman". Succotash says with a smile as he pays the man. When he enters, he waits a few moments to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light of the tent interior, than makes a point of showing horror at the sight of the Stirges, and appreciation for the tropical birds. He doesn't hang out, with the birds/stirges to long, as he already claimed to want to see the savage halflings. He moves into the area that the halflings are being held, and has to swallow his anger at the site of fellow halflings in cages. Turning to Kezzem he says, "Except for their garb, they really don't look any different than us, and here I though they would have claws and fangs or something like that!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=26 ; d20+23=35 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 8:14:40 PM
"It that 1 sp price before or after the mushroom discount?" asks Kezzem.

Diplomacy: 26 (ignore second roll)

"Oh, he already pair. Hey priest, I think you forgot about the mushroom discount!" Kezzem chases after Succotash.

"Fangs?" asks Kezzem. "I don't know about that. Have you ever heard of the Snaggletooth Blacklyng clan? I heard they are pretty savage, though as the name might imply, they don't so much have fangs as much as they have, well, snaggleteeth."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=20 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=27 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 8:52:33 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali,continues to concentration about detecting magical items within the tent.. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast two rounds ago.

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 20
Fly: 21
Perception:27

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 11:42:22 AM

Murphy/Bombo takes it all in through his raven eyes. In particular he considers the various animals he witnesses with an eye to forms for wild shaping in the future. Also, for tactical purposes over the near future. He does a quick visual assay of the apparent health of the animals, especially the slumbering bear. Is its fur indeed patchy?

"Caw, next, next, caw!" he encourages Francis the happy gnome to continue their scouting into the next tent - the one he has not yet been in.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 1:15:23 PM
Oh, and as they pass through the flaps between the 2nd and 3rd tents, Murphy closely observes how the canvas drapes open and calculates the best way to navigate back out should he feel the need to beat a hasty retreat as a raven, when no one happens to be holding open the passageway. Grab that corner with the beak, flip it over the shoulder, push it aside with a talon, or simply use the beak as a wedge to open a way to slip through, that sort of thing. He does not actually perform this - he simply looks and figures.

He also keeps a mental tally of the number of townspeople who are in the tents along with them, and of workers within. Note that Murphy's feathers have a bluish sheen. When he had wild shaped before, when he had examined two of the tents, his feathers had been black - a slight variance, should the charcoal-bearing worker who shooed him out before be around.

As before, he passes on summaries to Pressi. Just as Hobie approaches the drapes, he quietly messages back to Tali that he received what she said, and tells her they are going into the big baby tent.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 1:52:20 PM
Tali is able to identify the magic aura as a Permanence. With a little more study, she is able to identify Silence as the spell that has been made permanent. Which probably comes as a surprise to nobody, but it's nice to have it confirmed.

Hobie and Murphy continue their tour. In the large tent, you do see an employee (not the same one Murphy saw yesterday) scattering fresh sawdust on the ground. The ground is a little wet, probably from the rain seeping in under the canvas walls. Murphy notes that the bear is missing patches of fur, as are a couple of the monkeys.

You move into the third tent. The first thing that catches your eye is the WORLD'S LARGEST BABY! (according to the sign). The baby is propped up in a cart, very similar to the cart Murphy acquired a few days ago to transport the extra gear (the one Pressi is using now). The baby has dark skin and black hair, and appears to be asleep. You also see a peacock and peahen, not caged, wandering around the tent. On the far side of the tent is a raised platform, on which as sort of library or study has been set up. There is a bookshelf with a few books, a writing desk, a globe, and an easy chair. In this area are two dark elves, one in the easy chair and one at the desk. They are wearing mage's robes--well, they are wearing the kind of mage's robe you might find in a theater. They're a little gaudy for everyday magicking. The dark elves look up as you enter, and one of them gives you a slight nod.

Studying the entrances, Murphy figures his best bet for getting through them as a raven is to fly down to the ground and hop through on foot.

Kezzem's remarks about a mushroom discount gain nothing but a puzzled frown, and he follows Succotash into the first tent. You approach the halflings, and maintain your cover with a scientific discourse. The family group now looking at the cage doesn't seem to notice anything remarkable about you, and the employee passing through the tent mostly looks bored.

Pressi and Bliss pause and look around them. Bliss casts a spell. Pressi looks to interact with the other employees, but doesn't see anybody at present. You wait for several minutes. You see a man come around from the front of the show tents--it's the man who had relieved Arvin as admissions-taker. He gives you a slight frown as he passes, heading in the same direction Arvin went. Then Arvin himself, and an intimidating-looking half-orc, come back toward you. They meet the other employee, and there is a low-voiced conversation. They are several yards away, and keeping their voices down, so you only catch a word now and then. The new admission-taker says something about "halflings...cat trainer...odd," then Arvin says something about a gnome, and all three start to look worried. The half-orc says something you can't hear at all, and the other men head off in different directions. The half-orc then approaches your cart. "Mistress Calle?" he says in a deep voice. "I am Olog Breaktooth. This is my menagerie. Arvin tells me you have cats you would like to show?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+22=26 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+19=28 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 3:09:01 PM
Pressi telepaths an alert back to Murphy, but otherwise keeps her demeanor up. She studies Olog and Arvin carefully, looking for keys, studying his gear and hoping the study continues to sell her friendly nature (Perception 26). She also takes a moment to reach out her hand, inviting him to kiss it. (If he does, she uses her Lorekeeper abilities to scan him, touch attack hits AC 28, Knowledge Check (all) of Olog=31).

In response to Olog's request, Pressi opens up the cart. Out bounds Harper, who stands on one leg before giving Pressi a fist bump. Pressi beckons Bliss out as well, and the three of them do a handful of tricks and cantrips.

"I am looking for... how you say... piece of action? Not so good with the manager stuff, but good with animals and jumping, no? You give me shot, I take 10 percent of gate, we both get the rich. You no give me shot, I walk away and bankrupt you in two weeks. I kid, I kid. But still, can see chance, correct?"

(Diplomacy 28).

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

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=51 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 4:18:18 PM
Bliss is excited to put on a show. It may well be that he has missed his calling. It makes him think back years ago when he was a dancer.

Acrobatics 51

Bliss's routine of flips, somersaults, pawstands, and more -- always at the direction of Miss Pressi! -- turns out swell.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 4:33:53 PM
Hobie will speak to the Dark Elves in magic robes “OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH ARE YOU MAAAAAAAAGES!?!?!? What kind of magic can you do!?!? please show me!!!!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 6:47:09 PM
Succotash whispers to Kezzem, "So how are we supposed to know when to act, do you think we should just do something?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+10=15 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 9:10:44 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali learning that a Silence spell has been made permanent, she relays this new information to Mister Murphy using her Cast Message spell. "Mister Murphy, the only spell cast in the main tent has been Silence, and it was made permanent."

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent the rest of her group is in.

Spells Cast
Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level {15 minutes}

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception:15

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:37:29 AM
"Listen for someone shouting something like 'Get those meddling fools!' That is usually a pretty good indicator," whispers Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+16=36 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+39=44 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:55:41 AM
"Thanks for the update, Pressi," Murphy telepaths. "Looks like the recommended staggered 20-30 minute arrivals were significantly compressed to maybe 5 minutes and 2 minutes. That alters options considerably, and raises suspicions quickly. They may move on us soon, or at least check us out more deeply. I'll improvise. Was hoping to draw many witnesses from town for the great reveal. May have to happen with a smaller audience. Giving the halflings a voice. Have fun out there."

Bombo the raven has been looking for an alternative way in/out of this last tent, just as the prior two tents provided. He hops down from the shoulder of Francis, and pecks among the sawdust. He hops over, pecks again. If the peacock or hen get territorial, the raven will use that as an excuse to flap/hop over to the entrance to this tent. If they don't, he still goes there. By the description, it seems there is not line of sight to the dark elves from here. He feels bad about leaving Francis/Hobie alone, yet trusts he'll be fine for the moment.

He enters the halfling tent, looks at the halfling prison as it relates to the top of the tent, and exits the way he entered yesterday. Once outside, he briefly whisper-relays (via her message spell) to Tali his immediate plans, and likewise telepaths his intentions to Pressi. He gives them about 15 seconds to try to talk him out of what he intends, or into altering this plans.

IF THEY DON'T, here is what he does: Bombo the Raven puts roughly 80' of distance between himself and the tents, finding a bush or rock or stump or tree or something to hide behind. He casts upon himself, quiet as he can, and round by round: Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin; Bull's Strength; Cat's Grace; Owl's Wisdom. Then, looking before he leaps, he flies back to the tent. He knows right where the 'cannibal' halflings are relative to the tent. He casts a targeted greater dispel magic (35 - the +16 was supposed to be a +15: d20+level - note nat. 20), centered at the caged halflings' feet level inside the cage, and aimed to get rid of the permanency and silence spell there.

The halflings from Thaelhaven should now be able to hear. And be heard. The cleric and paladin and family and worker may notice. From above the tent, he flaps to the next tent, entering, perhaps discretely, by the way he discerned earlier. Kezzem and Succotash may react with suitable dismay and disbelief to what the halflings say, or as they wish. Murphy/Bombo looks to see how things fare with Hobie, but, for the moment, at a distance. He listens.

==========
Perception: 44
Dispel Magic: 35
Stealth: 20

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 35m
Longstrider: 14h 34m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 35m
Freedom of Movement: 2h 28m
Stoneskin: 2h 28m
Bull's Strength: 14m
Cat's Grace: 14m
Owl's Wisdom: 14m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 19m

from Tali:
Message 2h 20m

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 1:20:34 PM
Unaware to what anyone else is doing and getting very impatient, not to mention angry due to the sight of caged halflings right in front of him, Succotash decides to start something. ”Hey, what gives?”, Succotash begins to yell, ”These aren’t savage halflings, that one there is my Uncle Freddy, and the only thing savage about him is his smell after eating to many beans!” Succotash points to a random male halfling as he yells.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 30th, 2020 2:25:40 PM
Pressi gives Olog her hand to kiss. He doesn't kiss it, but he does shake it, giving her the opportunity to use her ability. You can tell that he really is a half-orc, that he has some fighter levels, and that his armor and weapon are magic. She and Bliss put on a very good show, and Olog seems impressed in spite of himself. "Very nice," he says when you finish. "I have to ask, though--does your act include your gnome friend? Or the two other halflings who just paid their way in?" You now notice that Arvin has returned, and he is not alone. Three tough-looking guards accompany him.

Tali is still flying invisibly over the tents. Clarification: the permanent Silence was in the first tent, not the main tent. You try to go to where your party is, but they're not all in the same place. [See below]

In the last tent, Hobie asks the dark elves if they are mages, and begs for a demonstration. "Yes, we are masters of the Arcane Arts," says the one in the armchair. He has the thickest Elvish accent you have ever heard. You're pretty sure it isn't real. "We will do magic today, but perhaps later, yes? It is very tiring."

Perform (any) DC 12 (trained only) Highlight to display spoiler: {He has a trained voice. He is a singer, or an actor, or some other kind of professional entertainer.}

Murphy, his raven companion, flies to the ground and hops casually to the opening to the big tent. He is able to go through and fly across it to the entrance to the first tent, where the halflings are. He hops through this one, too, and finds himself in the first tent with Kezzem and Succotash.

Kezzem and Succotash are momentarily at a loss for what to do, but then Succotash decides to take matters into his own hands. He starts shouting. The family group looks startled and starts backing away. The employee hurries over to Succotash. "Is there some kind of problem, sir?" he asks.

Where everybody is (because it might be important): Tali is flying invisibly above the tents. Kezzem, Succotash, and Murphy the raven are in the first tent, with the halflings, the tropical birds, and the stirges. Hobie is in the last tent with the dark elves, the giant baby, and the peafowl. Nobody is in the large central tent at the moment. Pressi and Bliss are in the employee camp area behind the show tents, along with Olog Breaktooth and three guards. The fourth guard is presumably still out front.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 4:19:36 PM
"Is there some kind of problem, sir?" asks the employee.

Kezzem backs away for Succotash. "Don't ask me," says Kezzem. "I'm, uh, er...with him!" Kezzem moves to stand by gnome Murphey.

Kezzem gets ready to Quick Draw! his daggers.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 5:23:18 PM
Valerie, the rat, instinctively climbs down from Succotash’s shoulder, and places herself between the employee and Succotash. Meanwhile, Succotash continues to yell, making sure that as many people as possible can hear him, ”Of course there’s a problem! I paid good silver to see savage halflings, and instead I see my uncle Freddy, ah heck Auntie Myrtle is in there too, well at least they’re together, but what I want to know is are they there willingly? Hey Uncle Freddy and Auntie Myrtle, did yo guys chose to be in that cage?” He than dismisses the beast shape spell on Valerie, turning her back into a velociraptor.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=45 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 5:47:52 PM

With Succotash's voice providing cover, and Kezzem thinking that a lurking crow is a gnome [that's Hobie, as Francis, two tents away], and while having Kezzem's body between him and the distracted employee, Bombo the Raven/Murphy casts the greater dispel magic as outlined in the prior post (without all the intervening spells). He hops back through the passageway, and flies out the middle tent, hugging the outline, and ending on top of the halfling tent, listening. He chooses a side away from sight of the folks with Pressi. And makes a small rip in the fabric with his magic fang enhanced talon, for the peep show. Only he doesn't peep immediately just in case someone saw / heard the rip amidst all the hubbub below. He waits for a couple beats, then turns his eye downward... while looking elsewhere every few seconds in case someone with bow and arrows might be coming around the outside of the tent.

"All right, Pressi, the halflings can hear, and speak, and Succotash is raising an uproar, and Kezzem is undergoing identity confusion." Murphy mentally sends.
========
Dispel Magic: 35 - as per prior post
Perception: 44
Stealth: 20

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 35m
Longstrider: 14h 34m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 35m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 19m

from Tali:
Message 2h 20m

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:40:06 PM
“My common is not so good, not sure I get what you mean. But... I say yes, I can ask more from cover? Wait, gnome has scar and curly hair? You ask him where’s my money. You ask him now.”

Pressi passes the image of Arvin and the thugs to Murphy. Whatever you’re planning, better do it now, she thought.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 31st, 2020 11:27:56 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent the rest of her group is in. Using the message spell, she asks Mister Murphy, " Mister Murphy, what should I do, as I am invisible and flying above the tents! I am not sure where the group is! How may I help ya'll?!"

Spells Cast
Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level {15 minutes}

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception:15

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=22 ; d20+10=27 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 1:33:35 PM
(OOC: Sorry for delay in second part. Needed to decide what to do, but also needed computer to help set up and track resources. Also looked to see if Bliss or Murphy wished to act first.)

Pressi continues to watch the group carefully. "Ok, fine, you win," she replies dropping the accent. "Though I don't know what you mean by gnome. The two halflings are my brother and... lets call the other one my brother's lifelong companion, neither of whom are exactly supportive of 'dishonoring' the family for fortune and fame. So I'm sure one or the other got a little ornery looking for me, but I KNOW that they didn't do anything wrong."

(Bluff 22)

"So I'd like to know what, exactly, you think we are doing that requires a bunch of guards. Do you typically need to stop people from buying tickets or seeking employment, because I've really got to hear your marketing strategy, then. Also, I can take a hint so if you don't want to talk further, I will take my act elsewhere. Or maybe you'd like to put aside whatever narcicism and paranoia and hear me out. But if you think I'm part of some grand conspiracy with a bunch of halflings and gnomes, maybe some you don't even know about, with the purpose of nefarious ehhh, well, I don't know what to tell you. Except that if I did believe that, I probably wouldn't just let them spread through the park, bunch up my security, and then just outright attack one while the rest can burn everything down."

Harper added to Pressi's speech with a number of growls (Intimidate 27).

Pressi readies an action if any of the circus people come a step closer or draw a weapon. She flips out her holy symbol (move action), casts quickened mage armor (swift action), and hits Arvin with a Charm Person (Will DC 18). "If your boss won't listen to reason, perhaps this circus needs a leader with greater vision, and an understanding of a dollar.)

---------

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper
+4 to armor for Pressi if triggered Mage Armor

1/7+1
0/5+1
0/5+1
0/5+1
1/4+1
0/2+1
0/1+1

DM Kathy
Friday January 31st, 2020 3:20:43 PM
When the employee approaches, Kezzem backs away and claims to be with Murphy-the-raven.

Murphy, meanwhile, casts a Greater Dispel. It has an immediate effect. The halflings all wince in pain and put their hands over their ears. Some of the smaller children start crying. After weeks of silence, every sound seems unnaturally loud. Murphy hops back into the middle tent.

Meanwhile, Succotash continues his loud protest. The employee looks at the now-audible halflings, and at Succotash continuing his tirade, and takes a step back. "HEY, RUBE!" he yells at the top of his voice.

A second later, the armed half-orc rushes through the main entrance.

Pressi, seeing the guards, drops her accent and begins an indignant tirade about narcissism and paranoia, which is unfortunately undercut by the shout of HEY, RUBE! from the first tent. The guards immediately start heading in that direction.

Their path will take them right past the cart where Pressi, Harper, and Bliss are. They are not looking at you; they are clearly responding to an alarm. Do you try to stop them?

In the last tent with the dark elves, Hobie can clearly hear the shout of HEY, RUBE! The dark elves get to their feet. "My friend, there is trouble," one of them says. "You stay here, yes? Out of harm's way."

Tali, flying above the tents, and Murphy, in the large tent, can both hear the shout of HEY, RUBE! In addition, Tali can see what is happening in the employee area. You can respond as you prefer; your icons are on the first-tent map.

Map of the first tent.

Map of the employee area.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=52 ; d20+18=20 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 4:40:50 PM
CatBliss hisses and watches the guards move by. When he thinks one is at its closest, he yowls and leaps into one.

AoOs avoided with tumbling: 52

With a swift action to activate a Quickened SLA Divine Favor AND a Free Action Rage Activation, CatBliss behaves in a catlike way to get tangled in the guard's legs and trip him.

CatBliss does provoke an AoO in making his trip attempt. CatBliss's AC is 27 with no Shield of Faith and raging. His trip attempt is at +18 ... ugh rolled a 2, gets a 20 to trip.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=49 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 6:31:38 PM
Murphy flies up and out of the middle tent through the passageway he had used the day before, navigates to rest at a point a bit to the side above where the halflings are. He casts transmute metal to wood to envelope their cage, changing all the metal parts of their platform to wood. Metal bars? Wood. Metal nails? Wood. Metal belt buckles? Wood. Wedding ring? Wood.

The altitude of the center of the spell is 40' above the ground, touching the ground, about 15-20 feet* north of the south point of the front of the halfling cage. Due to the curvature of the spell effect, it will be a few feet above the ground, even with the front edge of the platform floor

*The spell center depends upon the height of the halflings' feet above the ground. If, say, their feet are at a height of 5', then that is the height of the spell effect at the front (south?) edge of the display cage. Where Succotash stands, the effect is at a height of about 10', and at 12' where Valerie is. Everyone else is outside the area. Am assuming the squares on the map are 5' per side.

If there is time after all this, Murphy makes a little tear in the canvas to be able to peer below. He does not immediately look through it. Rather, we waits a moment, then looks, initially at an angle, then, if he does not perceive anyone facing up there, then more directly.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Saturday February 1st, 2020 11:38:58 AM
"'Hey rube?'" asks Kezzem. "Well, I suppose that's close enough 'to get that meddling fool.' See Succo? I told you they would signal us when it was time to act."

Kezzem draws his daggers and moves to intercept the half-orc. He also activates detect evil on him to determine smitability.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=21 ;
Saturday February 1st, 2020 3:59:12 PM
"Cut that guy off, and help Kezzem", Succotash orders Valerie, then he casts shield of faith on her. Valerie quickly obeys her masters request, putting herself into a flanking position with Kezzem, and blocking the door to the tent. She doesn't attack without Succotash's order however she readies a talon attack if the bad guy chooses to attack either her or Kezzem. However the readied attack will miss if activated (Nat 1)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday February 3rd, 2020 7:56:10 AM
I'm not sure where Hobie is with the dark elves as far as map goes

When the dark elves tell him there's trouble, he assumes somethings going wrong with his friends in the other tents, and he wants to keep the dark elves from leaving this room.

He immediately draws his bow and casts Black Tentacles which covers a 20 foot radius. He absolutely will place it in such a way that the exit is blocked, and if possible, also to also catch one or more of the dark elves in the effect.

(I can't find it anywhere, but I thought I remembered we could spend a Hero Point for an extra action, is that correct? If so:)

Hobie will then cast Greater Invisibility on himself, and disappear.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+12=27 ; d6+4=10 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 8:10:55 AM
Any creatures entering Black Tentacles will face a grapple check of 27 against their CMD.
If it succeeds, they take 10 points of damage and are grappled.

CMD for escaping Grapple = 22

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=20 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+10=15 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 10:22:43 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent with the halfling display in it. Using the message spell, Tali states to Mister Murphy, " Mister Murphy, I'm on my way!"

Once Tali makes it to the tent top, Tali cuts/ rips a small opening in the tent to see the actions from above. When able, Tali will cast Wall of Force to place a cylinder of force around the enemies coming into the tent as tall as 10' shorter than the height of the tent inside the tent, and as wide as needed to encase all the guards coming this round.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 20
Fly: 27
Perception: 15

Spells in Affect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy d20+18=19 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+15=21 ; d20=1 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:00:13 PM
In the first tent, Murphy casts a Transmute Metal to Wood. This damages a lot of equipment, but nothing collapses immediately. He makes a little tear in the canvas tent.

Kezzem moves, drawing his daggers as he goes. He detects for evil, and yes, the half-orc guard is evil.

Succotash orders Valerie to get into position, and the velociraptor maneuvers behind the half-orc.

Tali moves to the top of the first tent. She wants to make herself a peep-hole, but she can use the one Murphy just made if she prefers. She wants to cast a Wall of Force. [There is only the one guard this round, and Kezzem and Valerie have him flanked. It would be a challenge to bottle up the guard without catching either the paladin or the dinosaur in the effect. Do you want to attempt it anyway?]

The half-orc takes a 5-foot step to get out of flank, draws a scimitar, and attacks Valerie. He misses with a natural 1! Apart from the scimitar, he has a light wooden shield and a chain shirt.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Bliss pounces on one of the guards as they pass. He attempts to trip the guard, provoking an AoO. The guard attempts to grab the angry cat, but can't hang on. Bliss's trip attempt likewise fails.

Pressi brings out her holy symbol, casts Mage Armor, and casts Charm Person. Arvin fails his save, but doesn't seem to know quite what to do.

One of the guards takes a few steps back and draws his bow. The other draws his rapier. Olog Breaktooth steps up to Pressi and draws his flail. "Call off your cats," he says.

"Whoa, boss! Let's not get hasty!" Arvin says. Olog ignores him.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie casts Black Tentacles. The two dark elves scream and struggle ineffectually against the grasping tentacles. [There is a map now; feel free to add your spell where you want it.] Hobie then casts Greater Invisibility on himself.

Map of the last tent

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=56 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:36:12 PM

Bliss sees what's going on. Miss Pressi is trying to calm and control things with enchantments. The last thing she needs is to have her friends attack. The first thing she needs is help with her enchantments.

Bliss tumbles away from the guard he had been trying to trip. Acrobatics 56 to avoid AoOs.

Then he ends his rage. He'll be fatigued for this round and next round.

Then he casts a Still Silent Ill Omen on the chief, Olog. There's SR but no save. For his next three d20 rolls, he rolls twice and uses the worse result.

He hears noises, maybe, and telpathically asks Mookiewhat he sees.

Since he has See Invis, does he see Miss Tali? Is she outside the tent, or inside but near the tent top?

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:44:18 PM

Pressi takes a step back and calls her cats back. She says to Oleg, "Look, I have a proposition that will earn you a LOT of money. Here's 100 gold just for the trouble of your time. I suggest we all go sit in your tent and talk this over, friendly like."

Pressi is casting a Suggestion Spell. It's a third level spell, Pressi has two feats to boost enchantments, and her Int mod is +5, so call that a DC20 Will save, maybe 21 or 22 for a reasonable request, and he has to roll twice and take the worse result.

Harper readies an attack if anyone attacks Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 2:09:27 AM

Murphy quickly describes to Tali a good place for a wall of force. "Make a wall a little way out from the halfling cage, but with room to spare - and so that we can fly out through this tear in the tent," he tells her in halfling. He describes the dimensions as shown on the map in a light purple rectangle. "Make it about 20 feet tall, and up to the top of tent at least along the two sides in line of sight of the half orc. The villagers will become wee birds, and we'll fly them to freedom."

He dives through the tear in the tent top, and comes along the back side (I'm assuming there are bars along the whole circumference - correct my understanding if otherwise), grasping the wooden poles with his talons.

Is there enough room for a raven to fly through, or at least squeeze through? If so, good. If not, then Murphy will see to that in a moment.

In halfling, he says, "Hendit Littlefoot sent us to rescue you, and get you back to Thaelhaven. I have a trick for you. Y'see, I'm not really a bird, but I just look like one, and can fly. I'm a halfling. But, how about if we all become birds, and fly away? Don't worry - we'll go back to being halflings. And don't be afraid. It will be fun. Is everyone ready for that?"

He lets Pressi know what he's up to.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=28 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+19=32 ; 2d6+19=27 ; 2d6+12=20 ; 2d6+12=21 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d8+12=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d4+12=13 d4+12=16 d6=2 d6=4 d6=3 d6=4
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 5:44:59 AM
Succotash hearing Murphy talking to the halflings yells out to Valerie, "He had his chance to surrender, take him out!" He than walks over to the cage, to assist Murphy. He chimes in, "If your planning on using animal shapes, I can handle 15, do you have more than one casting prepared?

OOC.. Kindly DM, how many halflings are in the cage?

Valerie doesn't hesitate to obey her master, and you might almost swear you see a smile on her face as she goes into a full round attack.

First Talon 28 for 20 damage +1 frost & 3 shock
Second Talon nat 1
Bite 25 for 17 damage +4 frost & 1 shock
First Claw 37 for 13 +2 frost & 4 shock
Second Claw 32 for 16 +3 frost & 4 shock

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+17=25 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+15=32 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=34 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+22=28 ; 2d6+22=31 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 6:29:27 AM
The Black Tentacles roll a 25 to maintain the grapple on the dark elves. Grappled elves take 6 damage

Invisible Hobie takes aim at the grappled Elves with his Merciful Bow, beginning with the talented singer.

He sends the arrows flying, and makes sure to move from one elf to the other if one falls unconscious. He'd rather not kill the elves unless necessary, but they are clearly working with those who captured the halflings. He needs to take them out, and if they die, they die.

Arrows against AC minus DEX bonus (unless they can see invisibility)

Manyshot =31
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 3 = Total 30
Nonlethal Piercing 34, Electric 3= Total 37

Rapid shot = 37
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 6 = Total 38

(Man, I really hope the first elf is unconscious by now, because if not the Crit probably sends him way past his con)

Haste = 45 (Natural 20, Confirmation Roll =28)

Nonlethal Piercing 29,28,31, Electric 1= Total =89 (If Critical confrimed)
Nonlethal Piercing 29, Electric 1 = Total 30 (if critical unconfirmed)

Iterative 1 = 25
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 5 = Total 32

Iterative 2 = 32
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 1= Total 33

===================================
Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 1/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents’ Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Rounds of Black Tentacles used 1/7
CMD 22 to escape Black Tentacles

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 8:58:01 AM

As he awaits a reply from the halflings, Murphy casts Freedom of Movement on himself. He then answers Succotash, "Just one, for 15, myself. Say, can Valerie attack in a non-lethal manner? We don't want excessive bloodshed, right?" This is says in halfling.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=27 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+10=25 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 10:37:48 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali, still invisible, looks through the rip in the tent to realize this location is tilted in favor of our team.She pauses to consider the use of her spell at this location. Pivoting is mid-air, she flies back to the "Employee Area" as she feels this is more pressing as we are out numbered there.

Once back above the employee area, Tali will assess her options for battle. When able, Tali will cast Wall of Force to place a rectangle of force around the three (3) enemies.as needed to encase the guards. The rectangle is 2 x 5 squares in circumference. Height will depend of the size of each square, but I'm trying to bring the top into a cone formation to encase the three (3) guards. See fuscia colored rectangle on the employees area map.

Does this action make me visible? How large are the squares?

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 27
Fly: 35
Perception: 25

Spells in Affect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy d20+20=27 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=10 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:16:51 PM
In the first tent, Murphy suggests a use for Tali's Wall of Force, but she has other ideas. Murphy flies down to the halfling cage and is able to squeeze through the wooden bars. You try to speak with the halflings. This proves difficult. Most are in actual pain from the sudden onslaught of noise after weeks of complete silence. You see a few people trying to concentrate on what you're saying, but you're not sure if your message is getting through. Murphy casts Freedom of Movement on himself.

Succotash orders Valerie to take out the guard, then joins Murphy at the halfling cage. Hendit had told you there were 23 people living in Thaelhaven. Nobody asked whether that number included Hendit himself, but either way, there are probably more than 15 people in here [let's say a move action to actually count them]. Some are children, and you see one infant. Most people have their hands clapped over their ears; many of the children are crying.

Valerie, meantime, is attacking the guard. Her left talon and her bite miss; the other blows hit. The guard is bloody but still fighting fit. He attacks in turn, but misses.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Bliss casts Ill Omen on Olog. You can definitely see Tali at this point; she has joined you back here.

In an uncanny act of coordination, Pressi then casts a Suggestion. Olog seems to resist briefly, but then relaxes. "Sure," he says. He calls to the guards, "you boys go see what the trouble is; send for me if you need me." He begins leading the way back toward his wagon. Arvin, looking relieved, beckons for Pressi to follow.

Tali joins the group and casts her Wall of Force. She can encircle the three guards, but she can't quite make the tapered lid she wants. Of course, the wall is invisible, so it's not clear the guards realize that. Right now they're just trying to figure out what happened. There's a lot of pounding and yelling. The archer fires an arrow, and nearly hits one of his companions with the ricochet.

Hearing the shouts, Olog stops and turns. He hesitates for a moment, then his eyes lose focus and he turns back toward his wagon.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, the Black Tentacles continue to do damage. Hobie begins firing arrows. Your Manyshot drops the first elf. Your Rapid Shot drops the second elf. There is no reason to fire the remaining shots unless you want to.

Map of the last tent.

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:37:30 PM

[Not sure if Melvin needs a sub. If so, here is a post.]

Melvin and Harper agree to travel back with Olog to his tent to keep him occupied until all the other threats are neutralized. She says, "I have some secrets to tell you, Olog. Please, let's have Arvin come along and stand at the door. Just because I sure would hate to be disturbed." She motions to Arvin to come along with her and Olog and Harper.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+33=50 ; d20+26=27 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:40:26 PM

CatBliss sneaks into the shadows and follows the other guard moving toward the ruckus, keeping alert.

Stealth: 50
Perception: 27

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 4:53:05 PM
Invisible Hobie will run toward his friends in the first tent (He will make it to the large tent in this round, what is happening in that tent?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=25 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=24 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10+3=10 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 8:40:51 PM
Kezzem takes choking on the dust that got kicked up in the tent and takes step after the half-orc. He activates SMITE EVIL on the nasty half-orc slaver. "Well, you can either take my daggers, or bacon grease to ya're face."

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 5 = 21.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 4 = 20.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 1 = 17.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 24.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 17.

Assuming AC 30 hits, Kezzem also Two-Weapon Rends:
Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 10.

"Should have taken the grease."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+10=23 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 11:36:58 PM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali flies to be diagonal with the top of the Wall of Force spell enclosure. Tali when able this coming round, drop another spell inside the enclosure. Tali will cast Stinking Cloud spell to be centered on the inside ground of the Wall of Force spell.

Tali then updates Mister Murphy by using the Message spell casted earlier. While pointing towards Mister Murphy in the first tent, she says, "Mister Murphy, the guards enclosed and dealt with here in the employee area."

Once Tali, realizes she is finished here in the employee's area with respect to the "Glass Menagerie", she rejoins Mister Murphy in the first tent.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 32
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d8+5=12 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 2:35:31 AM

Murphy singles out the 15 children and adults who seem to be coping least well with the sudden auditory onslaught, and casts mass cure light wounds on them, hoping that by channeling the positive energy, their delicate hearing apparatus will be healed, and they will be able to take in a normal level of noise without additional suffering. Each receives 12 hp of healing. That leaves six who may still be feeling edgy. He does take the time to enumerate a census.

"So, our rescue plan involves helping you to change into birds for a short time, so we can fly out of here together, through a hole in the roof of the tent I just made. I'm Murphy, a halfling like you, but, for the moment, magically changed into the form of a bird. You should try it. It's much more fun than being kept prisoners in a traveling menagerie. Any questions?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d6=5 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+19=21 ; d8+12=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d4+12=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 5:49:07 AM
Succotash follows Murphy's lead and spontaneously casts mass cure light wounds, targeting those Murphy wasn't able to get. healing 20 hp, he than takes a quick head count. He answers the druids question by saying, "Unfortunately her amulet of mighty fists doesn't have mercy on it, though it is something I will be adding in the future, but it looks like Kezzem's daggers aren't acting very merciful either". Meanwhile Valerie continues to attack her prey.

Left Talon 25 (Miss)
Right Talon 24 (Miss)
Bite 33 for 17 +5 frost & +3 shock= 25
Left Claw 38 for 16 +1 frost & +6 shock= 23
Right Claw 21 (Miss)

OOC... Hey Kim, Mass cure light wounds allows you to add +1 per level with a max at 25 not 5 so Murphy's spell should have healed 20hp.

DM Kathy d20+20=38 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+10=20 ; 2d6+16=23 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+43=59 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:00:05 PM
In the first tent, Murphy casts Mass Cure Light Wounds, but it doesn't seem to have much immediate effect. You count 22 halflings. You outline your plan. One of the halfling men, looking around at the group, says "I think we're going to need a minute." He starts moving around the cage, trying to calm the other halflings.

Kezzem steps up to smite the half-orc, but only manages to hit him twice. You are able to rend.

Succotash can confirm the headcount of 22. Valerie continues her assault. The half-orc is badly wounded, but not down yet. Now fighting for his life, he lashes out at Valerie again. He only hits once, but it is a critical hit for 23 damage.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Pressi follows Olog back to his wagon. You ask that Arvin be tasked with keeping watch, and Olog agrees. You are moving at normal speed, not combat speed, so you only just reach the wagon by the end of the round.

Bliss hides in the shadows. At the moment, there is nobody to follow. Olog is going with Pressi toward the wagon; the three guards are contained within the Wall of Force. You cannot see the fourth guard from here; he is in the first tent.

Tali fills the Wall of Force enclosure with a Stinking Cloud. The three guards are no longer visible.

That is until one of them jumps clean over the wall! He takes a step toward Olog. "Hey, boss!" he yells. "We got a situation here! Snap out of it!"

But Olog, still under the Suggestion spell, merely waves a hand. "I'm doing something important right now," he says. "You boys handle it, whatever it is."

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie moves toward the central tent. You lift the canvas covering and can look into the larger tent. You can see a knot of confused visitors milling around in the center. The animal cages are all still there, and the animals seem to be all right, although some of them are agitated.

You start to leave the last tent, but pause as your conscience begins to bother you. [This is your DM hitting the Pause button to point out a few things from maybe a different perspective. The dark elves are unarmed. They claimed to have magic abilities, but you haven't seen any yet. What you have seen indicates that they are performers playing a role. The extent of their involvement with the capture of the halflings is unknown. They took no hostile actions toward you--on the contrary, when the commotion started, they urged you to stay where you would be safe. From a metagame perspective, you were able to take each of them down with a single shot, suggesting that they don't have a lot of hit points. This tent wasn't part of the initial combat map. And sure, maybe it's because your DM is a senile old woman who forgot, but maybe it's because you weren't in combat. Right now, the dark elves are unconscious in a field of tentacles. If you don't dismiss your spell, they will die.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+11=21 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:18:07 PM

Bliss activates his Ritual Shield of Faith, a mental action.

Then CatBliss walks up to the guard who called to Olog, right into his square like any cat would. That provokes an AoO, but I'm hoping the guard will not take it. He says "Meow" most adorably.

Bluff 21. Maybe there is a bonus because after all CatBliss IS adorable.

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:20:21 PM

In case Melvin still needs a sub ...

Pressi follows Olog into the tent and asks him where he keeps his drinks. "I want to make a toast to the rishes that you and I will soon share," she says.

Harper settles down casually and starts purring loudly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=32 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=27 ; 2d6+12=15 ; 2d6+12=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20=6 ; d6=4 ; d8+12=14 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; d4+12=13 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 6:06:42 PM
Succotash waits for the verdict from the caged halflings while Valerie tries to finish of the guard.

left talon 32 for 15 +1 frost +5 shock= 21
right talon 36 for 16 +4 frost & +4 shock= 24
bite 30 for 14 for +6 frost & +6 shock= 26
left claw miss
right claw 27 for 13 +5 frost & +6 shock= 24

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=48 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 7:30:45 PM
Murphy flies to the side of the cage closest to Succotash, his beak poking through the bars away from the halflings. [b]"DON'T let the saur kill him. We want NO deaths here!"[b] Murphy cries out in the Common tongue.

He realizes that his emphatic voice may hurt tender ears. But death can be rather permanent, too. "Kezzem, what can you do to disable, but not kill?" he asks in Halfling.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+10=27 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 11:03:16 PM
Menagerie Encounter

Watching one of the Olog's men jump out of the Glass Menagerie, Tali stays in the employee area. From her vantage point, tali cast another Wall of Force to be a flat cover to the first spell, if this is possible, allowing only the smallest of gaps to allow them participants to breath.

Tali then updates Mister Murphy by using the Message spell cast earlier. While pointing towards Mister Murphy in the first tent, she says, "Mister Murphy, I'm going to stay here in the employee area. There is still a possibility of violence. You do what you need to and I'll try and catch up with you later."

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect

2x Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

1x Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

1x Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
1x Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
1x Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
1x Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday February 6th, 2020 3:07:44 AM
Hobie will dispel the black tentacles and moves through to the first tent.

(Thanks, I definitely didn't want to kill them I just forgot to dispel the tentacles. I was actually really surprised at how little HP they had. To defend my thinking in that situation, I was thinking about their perform skill that was pointed out, and I never considered that they were just actors, my brain just jumped to assuming they were Bards, and I wanted to take them out before they could get to their friends and make the battle tougher.)
=========================================================================

Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 3/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents’ Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+25=45 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=23 ; d3+15=18 ; d6=2 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d6=5 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=16 ; d6=2 ; d10+3=10 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 10:39:17 AM
Kezzem steps to flank with Valerie.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank) - 2 (TWF) = 45. Natural 20.
Crit: 1d20 + 25 = 31. Crit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 18 + 2 = 20.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 44. Natural 19.
Crit: 1d20 + 25 = 34. Crit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank) - 2 (TWF) = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 18 + 5 = 23.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 2 = 18.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 23. Miss.

Two-Weapon Rends:
Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 10.

Total Damage: 137 (Youch!)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 6th, 2020 1:29:03 PM
As Olog goes towards the drinks, Pressi keeps an eye on both him and the guard.

"But before we can make you rich, obviously I need some details about your budget and operations so I can fine tune them. So... lets start with you telling me where and how you got those halflings...."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 6th, 2020 1:29:46 PM
(OOC: Thank you, Bliss for your posts. But the kid is better and going to school, and I am ready to begin posting again.)

DM Kathy
Thursday February 6th, 2020 2:12:25 PM
In the first tent, the guard falls under the combined onslaught of Kezzem and Valerie.

Succotash and Murphy continue to watch the halflings. They seem to be recovering. Hendit's wife approaches you, children in tow. "Get us out of here," she says. Her voice is quiet but firm. Other halflings also seem to be warming to the idea. "If we have to be birds, we'll be birds," one woman says.

Not everyone is on board, however. There is an older couple still huddled together, looking frightened and confused. The young man who spoke earlier is with them, trying to encourage them, but they don't look ready to leave. The woman with the infant is looking frightened and uncertain--as well she might. Baby birds can't fly.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Pressi goes with Olog to his wagon, which is a wagon and not a tent. Inside the wagon, Olog produces a bottle of whisky and two glasses, which appear clean-ish. From her current position inside the wagon, Pressi cannot see outside to where the guard is. She'll just have to trust Bliss and Tali to deal with him. You ask about the halflings, and get only a sly smile in return. "All in good time," he says. "What do you propose?"

Meanwhile, Tali drops a lid on the Wall of Force. The wall is invisible, even to you, which makes placing the lid a bit of a challenge. Of course, the Stinking Cloud helps considerably. You wind up placing the lid a bit too high, so it falls into place with a bang. It's difficult to tell whether you've left an air hole or not, but you probably have.

As you watch, you see the trapped guards together at one end of their enclosure. One of them seems to have created some kind of wind effect that is blowing the Stinking Cloud away from that end. The men are still trapped, but they are recovering from the effects of the cloud.

Bliss, in cat form, approaches the guard. It's the same one you tried to trip earlier. He doesn't attack you, but he does try to shoo you away. "Stupid cat," he mutters. He rushes past you, clearly heading for the entrance of the first tent. He will reach it next round.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie dismisses his spell. [Ha! I probably should have made them bards, but I didn't think of it.] As you turn to leave, you see some menagerie employees enter from outside. One of them goes immediately to the dark elves. Another says to you, "sir, there has been a disturbance. Please follow me to the exit." You ignore him and go through the large tent. There's an employee here now, too, herding the guests toward the last tent, and ultimately the exit. You push past them and wind up in the first tent. [You are on that map now.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+18=28 ; d20+24=32 ; d3=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=37 ; d2+20=21 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+26=34 ; d6=5 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 4:16:36 PM

CatBliss was in the guard's square when he rushed away, so that means re-raging Bliss gets an AoO as the guard tries to leave a threatened square, right?

Bliss tries to trip the guard with that AoO. He provokes an AoO himself when he does that, but Bliss is a fearless tiny cat with AC31 and CMD 33. (AC usually 33 but subtract 2 raging).

Bliss's roll to trip the guard is a 28.

Next it is Bliss's turn. He uses a swift action to turn on his Arcane Strike. But did he trip that guy?

(1) IF Bliss does not trip the guard, he charges up to 80 ft to catch up and bites the fellow (provoking an AoO as he enters the fellow's square). His bite (at +2 charging) (roll hits AC32) inflicts 27 nonlethal damage.

(2) IF Bliss does trip the fellow, then the cute kitty has a full round set of attacks against a prone foe! The bite, using the same rolls as above, hits AC34 for 27 nonlethal damage. In addition two claws hit AC41 and AC37 for 21 and 21 lethal damage. THEN, if the guy tries to stand up, that provokes another AoO which hits AC34 for 30 more nonlethal damage.

FINALLY, IF the guy attacks Bliss, then the bloodwitch activates his Plant Domain Bramble Armor ability as a free action (you can use free actions even when it is not your turn). On any successful hit, the enemy takes 1d6+4 damage from thorns.

Current Active Effects
Still Silent See Invisible spell (4th level slot)
Rage (round 3 of 17 used)
+3 Divine Favor Quickened SLA (used 1 of 2, round 4 of 10)
+5 AC Barkskin (lasts hours)
+4 Shield of Faith Ritual Power (used 2 rounds)
Still Silent Ill Omen on Olog (3rd level slot, maybe still has a roll or two left?)
Arcane Strike activated every round unless Bliss needs that swift action for something else.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 2d6+12=17 ; 2d6+12=15 ; d8+12=14 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+12=16 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 5:44:17 PM
"Sorry Murph, Valerie doesn't understand the difference between subdue and slay", Succotash says as the guard falls He then calls Valerie over to attack the now wooden cage, so as to bust the bars asunder. "Stand back everyone", he says to the occupants of the cage then Valerie goes into shred mode on the cage bars.

left talon 17 damage
right talon 15 damage
bite 14 damage
left claw 14 damage
right claw 16 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d8+1=3 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 11:41:38 PM
"And neither does Kezzem, apparently," adds Kezzem. He takes out a wand of cure light wounds and uses one charge on the half-orc if its not to late to stabilize him.

Healing: 3.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=9 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+10=23 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 10:34:29 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Watching the one of Olog's men that jumped out of the Glass Menagerie, Tali stays in the employee area & tracks him. From her vantage point, Tali will cast Hold Monster if that guard of Olog's moves against his team.

Skill Checks
Fly: 28
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

1x Hold Monster -
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Target one humanoid creature
Duration 1 round/level (D); see text {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes

2x Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

1x Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

1x Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
1x Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
1x Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
1x Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

{OOC: please ignore the first roll was distracted and click the wrong button -- at work}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:39:19 PM
Just outside the wagon, Harper watches the pair quietly.

Inside the wagon, Pressi takes a sip of the offered whiskey with the sincerest of gratitude. Inside her mind, she attempts to collect her thoughts, scrambling to come up with a better way to discuss these things.

Finally, she lets out a smile and begins to sprinkle a little stage magic on some nearby papers and cloth.

"Imagine a circus that truly provided an immersive experience. That truly gave the common man himself the feeling that he could fly through the air or connect with the majestic beast. An experience that could compete with the power of blood grass itself."

Thus began a spun tale of acrobats spinning to the top of the tent itself, animals leaping at the flick of a wrist, and entertainers bringing shock and delight to crowds larger than Olog has ever seen. She spun tales of ravens that could recite Shakespeare (its getting him to shut up that's the trick) and fireworks through the skies and and and...

"But before I go further, I need to make sure I am not just wasting your time. See, I can supply the technology, the magic, the artistry. I need you to supply at least some of the talent, and... well, I don't have to tell you that we need a lot of staff - a few towns worth - and they need to be cheap and they need to be... lets call it replaceable.

"Hence my questions from before. How you got the halflings, the elves, the dark baby? Whether we could get so many more? I just need you to give a sign of understanding."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=57 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:48:53 PM

Murphy gives a raven's sigh at the death of the guard, and Succotash's and Kezzem's explanations. "Yeah." He tells the Hendit's wife, "We will, ma'am." And to the woman who indicated she is fine with the notion of them becoming birds, he says, "Don't be afraid of it. Once your body changes into bird form, flying will seem natural. We..." Murphy's explanation is interrupted as Valerie launches an attack on the now wooden bars. He interposes his fairly small body between the shattering poles and the people inside in an attempt to absorb some of the flying debris.

"Right. So, Succotash, some will need another way out. The elderly, the babes. Can you teleport those who do not become birds?" he asks. All of this is in Halfling "How about to the room we stayed in, you think? Maybe you have a better idea."

He turns to the group. "Everyone who is willing to become a bird to fly out of here to freedom, stand on this side," and he points to the west (assuming top of map is north). "Everyone who wants to try another way out, stand on that side," and he points to the east end.

When the groups are sorted, he casts animal shapes to change them into ravens - up to 15 of them. If more than that are in the 'willing to change' group, then Succotash will have to help with that.

He briefly communicates mentally with Pressi their status.
==========
Perception: 57 (nat 20) - listening, observing

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:53:05 PM

A note: He changes them all into black ravens, not blue, as Murphy himself is. That way, they should be able to tell whom to follow.

DM Kathy d20+13=17 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+4=23 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 4:33:34 PM
In the first tent, Kezzem attempts to Cure Light Wounds on the downed guard, and finds that it is, in fact, too late to help him.

Succotash calls Valerie to the cage and has her start breaking bars. However, we are still in combat rounds and Valerie had to move, so she only gets one attack.

Murphy identifies about a dozen halflings ready to be changed into birds. Of course, all that takes some discussion and shuffling around, and we are still in combat rounds, so you haven't had a chance to change them yet.

In the employee area, Pressi accepts a drink and begins spinning a tale of a big, immersive circus. Olog frowns thoughtfully. We are still in combat rounds, so you basically are just getting started.

Bliss tries and fails to trip the nimble guard. You charge after him and attempt a bite. This time, the guard takes his AoO, but misses. Your bite hits and does damage. The guard swings around to try to attack you. Tali's Hold Monster gives him pause, but he makes his save. He attacks you, but misses.

Map of the employee area.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=53 ;
Saturday February 8th, 2020 3:40:15 PM

"You will be able to hear and understand me, but it will be hard for you to talk. I've had lots of practice," he forewarns the people. "In order, say your name," he says as they line up, starting left to right among the volunteer changers. He focuses hard on remembering their names, and tries to correlate their halfling names with their bird forms once the spell takes place. He also attends to the look, gender, and approximate age of each volunteer. He has had several rounds already to look over the various halflings.

He sees Hobie come in. "Everything all right?" he asks him - if there is time to ask.
======
Perception: 53 - to try to get everyone's name.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=14 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+10=15 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ;
Sunday February 9th, 2020 11:00:29 AM
Menagerie Encounter | Employee Area

Tali flies to be verticle to the free guard {call it A17}. Now that he attacked, Tali, defending herself will attack back! Tali casts the Magic Missle directly into the free guard. "This guard has been blessed today to receive all five (5) as my special treat!" giggles Tali.

Damage
Missle 1: 4
Missle 2: 4
Missle 3: 3
Missle 4: 4
Missle 5: 3

Total Damage: 18 points of force damage.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 14
Fly: 38
Perception: 15

Spells in Effect

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 2d6=5 ; 2d6+12=20 ; d8+12=15 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=16 ;
Sunday February 9th, 2020 4:52:30 PM
"I would be happy to teleport the none ravens away, but I prepared Animal Shapes instead of greater teleport, and beast shape III instead of teleport this morning. I can dimensional door them to the center of town where they should be able to find a constables office, but it may take me a bit to get back". Succotash sees Hobie and asks him if he has a couple of scrolls of teleportation he could borrow explaining that he would take them directly home, and pop right back. Meanwhile Valerie continues her assault on the cage's wooden bars.

left talon 17 damage
right talon 20 damage
bite 15 damage
left claw 16 damage
right claw 16 damage

total= 84 damage

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 9:40:19 AM
Invisible Hobie speaks up "Absolutely, Sucker. I have two scrolls of Teleport, though one scroll isn't enough to get everyone away. If you used one and I used one, we could probably take everyone directly back to their village, and then I could teleport the two of us back using my free spell slot.

=========================================================================

Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 5/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents’ Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 9:45:41 AM
ooc: oh shoot that doesn't work. I forgot Teleport is 5th level not 4th, so I can't actually cast it without a scroll.

"Absolutely Sucker, I have two scrolls, but one isn't enough to take everyone back. Either you could take most of them back to the village and use the second scroll to come back, or two of us could take them away and have no way back until tomorrow"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+22=33 ; d3+22=23 ; d6=6 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=32 ; d2+20=21 ; d2+20=21 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 11:49:52 AM
Bliss continues his kitty-form assault on the guard.

Bite hits AC33 for 29 nonlethal damage.

He claws and claws ACs 28 and 32 for 21 and 21.

He hisses in anger as he fights to put this guy down.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=26 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 2:09:55 PM

Pressi ponders her choices. Information gathering was proving... difficult, requiring a lot of activity. But she couldn't just put down her drink or ask him to do something else. (Suggestion spell: have a drink with me. If the drink ends, he reverts to normal.)

As she continued her sales pitch, she continued to look around the wagon. She hoped to spot any further clues about his actions (Perception 26).

---------

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper
+4 to armor for Pressi if triggered Mage Armor
Charm - Alvin
Suggestion - Olog

1/7+1
0/5+1
1/5+1
0/5+1
1/4+1
0/2+1
0/1+1

DM Kathy
Monday February 10th, 2020 2:30:50 PM
In the first tent, Murphy changes the group of about a dozen halflings into birds. They begin trying their wings, hesitantly flying short little hops.

Valerie continues her work on the cage, removing two bars. Succotash discusses options for the remaining halflings.

Hobie confirms that he has scrolls of Teleport available.

In the employee area, Tali launches a spread of Magic Missiles at the active guard. She is now visible. Bliss continues his assault, and the guard drops after the second claw attack. Because his damage was mostly nonlethal, he is unconscious, not dead.

Meanwhile, inside the Walls of Force, one of the guards is boosting the other one up, to try to get over the wall. He has encountered the lid, and is currently feeling along its edges in the hope of finding an opening. It's slow going, because he can't see the walls.

In Olog's wagon, Pressi continues to chat while looking around. About all you can tell at this point is that Olog is a lousy housekeeper.

[For the moment, foes are either dead, unconscious, contained, or distracted, so I didn't update any of the maps.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 10th, 2020 3:01:28 PM

Murphy encourages the halfling crows in their initial attempts. "That's it, right! Spread the wings, feel the air. As you move forward, the wings will lift you through the air."

"Valerie, that's enough, thank you." With four or five bars broken, that should give enough room for halflings to exit. If she stops, he flits up to stand upon the broken base of one of the poles.

"In a moment, we will fly out of this cage, and up through a hole in the tent. I'll be right back." He flies up to the hole, and opens a wider tear to make it easier for the dozen to make it through. When done, he returns to the pole. "Who feels ready?"

[Question: There was another way out of here, right, besides the entrance and passage to the next tent?]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday February 10th, 2020 3:20:30 PM

Having put down the guard, Bliss changes to halfling form and stops raging. He looks up at his fellow caster hero. "Thanks, Miss Tali! Good job. We have to gather everyone else and get ready to take out the leader, Olog, and one more guard."

Bliss heads into the tent to get his friends and gather the posse. He has Mookie help him in that.

When he realizes that the party druid is leading the former slaves to safety, he nods. "Good idea, Mister Murphy! YOu keep on with that while the rest of us finish taking out the boss. We can't leave him too long alone with Miss Pressi."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 4:27:47 PM
Succotash thanks Hobie’s, as he takes the two scrolls of teleportation. ”I should be able to take the remaining 10 home and be back in a moment”. Speaking to the halflings that haven’t been turned into birds, he says, ”Hold onto each other, and at least one of you hold onto me, and I’ll have you home in literally a few seconds!” he then turns to Valerie and using his speak with animals ability, ha tells her well done, and asks her to follow Bliss. He makes it clear that unless the others engage in combat, she is to refrain from attacking. Than assuming the remaining halflings wish to be teleported home, he uses a scroll to teleport them to the city center of their hometown.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=12 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=23 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 7:52:30 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Tents

Tali listens to Bliss, and then heads towards Miss Pressi while casting Invisibility on herself again. At this point, Tali flies toward the Wagon meeting spot so as to be 15 above it, show she"hell need to rain down "Hell & Brimstone" upon Olog.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 12
Fly: 21
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

[u]Invisibility/u]
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 10th, 2020 8:21:52 PM

"Succotash - If you do that, check out their home site to ensure it is safe for them before you return here," Murphy counsels. "If Hendit Littlefoot is there, and he says it is safe, then, fine, return right away. Otherwise - check carefully, all right?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:25:44 AM
“Hey Murphy, tell Pressi that I’m coming in, but I won’t look like myself.”

Hobie will walk over and look carefully at one of the guards, before casting Disguise Self to look exactly like the guard.

When out of sight from the guard, he’ll dispel his invisibility (don’t want the guard to see his doppelgänger and freak out)
He will then head into Olog’s tent, without saying a word, and if possible, stand behind Olog, over his shoulder, acting as if he means to be support for Olog. If he can do so without Olog seeing, he winks at Pressi.

(This is more than one round probably but just let me know how far I get”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 5:37:02 AM
Succotash, realizing, he mentally confused the number of people he can teleport, with the number he can animal shape, says, ”My bad, I can only take 1/2 of you, my brain must’ve shut down there for a moment!” He ponders a moment and says, ”I can escort you, on foot, to the constables office, getting the authorities involved would probably be wise anyway” he scans the remaining halflings and if he sees any who seem as though they would be to weak to walk, he allows up to two to ride Valerie. If there are more than two who can’t walk, he will summon 1d4 dire crocodiles to carry the rest. The summoning will be a last resort, as he worries he may frighten the children.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:57:14 PM
Pressi continues to give her sales pitch.

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:57:28 PM
In the first tent, Murphy encourages the halfling-birds to try their wings. He opens a wider tear in the roof. The tear in the roof, the main entrance, and the entrance to the large tent are the only exits. But, the tent is just canvas walls, and it wouldn't be too difficult to create another exit if you want one.

Succotash gathers the remaining halflings together, believing he can Teleport them all at once. He realizes he is mistaken, however, sparing his DM from having to deliver the bad news. You look over the remaining halflings. There is the woman with the infant, along with her husband and some other children, presumably the baby's siblings. One of the younger ones is still weeping and holding his hands over his ears. There is the older couple, who still seem a bit confused, and the halfling man who was trying to calm them down. You end up putting the older couple on Valerie, and trusting the parents to manage their children, and you set out to find law enforcement, somewhat hampered by the fact that you don't know where it is.

Hobie wants to study a guard. There is one lying dead right here, another one unconscious around the back, and two more around the back enclosed in a Wall of Force. Which one do you choose?

In the employee area, Tali turns herself invisible again, and flies over to Olog's wagon. Inside the wagon, Pressi continues keeping Olog busy. Bliss heads round to the first tent to gather the rest of the crew--or as much of the rest of the crew as he can get--possibly running into Hobie on the way.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:58:27 PM
Pressi also takes some time, once again, to ask for information about how they got their staff. (I assume that, as halflings come into range, it will become time to get some exposition.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 5:47:30 PM

Bliss continues to gather the party (including Mookie) and urges everybody to converge on the tent where Miss Pressi is delaying the big boss. There is a guard (charmed) at the tent opening, he warns his friends, who will have to be dealt with first. Does anyone have Silence?

If not, Bliss can just sneakup in cat form and then POUNCE on the charmed guard, taking him down before he can give a warning!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=14 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+10=17 ;
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 11:24:41 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

While hovering over the Olog wagon, Tali waits like a lion stalking its prey. Tali will await signs of aggression from Olog towards Pressi or any living creature where Olog would be acting like a bully. In the meantime, Tali will remove her L1 - Wand of Entangle from her Handy haversack on her shoulder, to prevent Olog from becoming a threat. When he becomes a threat, Tali will cast from her wand, Entangle at Olog.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 14
Fly: 25
Perception: 17

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:36:49 AM
Moving out of the tent, Succotash start leading the Halflings towards the center of town. If I remember correctly, it should be daytime, so I would assume that there are people coming and going. He will try asking any townspeople he comes across for directions to the constables office, and head there as fast as his train of halflings can go. As they are walking, he tears a couple of small squares of fabric off the winter shirt (Presumably wool) he is wearing under his breastplate, which is under his clerical robes, and hands them to the parents asking them if they would want to use them as ear plugs for the child who is still suffering from sensitive ears.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:03:38 AM
Hobie uses Disguise Self to take on the visage of the dead guard, and then moves into the office with Olog.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 1:50:20 PM
Pressi watches as her friends enter the room.

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 2:33:34 PM
In Olog's wagon, Pressi asks how staff are acquired. Olog shrugs. "I just hire 'em," he says. "Farmers, mostly. Wanna travel and see the world and all." You realize that he is talking about his ordinary staff, the ones who drive the wagons and feed the animals and collect the money and shovel the poop.

Hovering over the wagon, Tali is alert for signs that Olog is doing anything untoward. However, unless you have some kind of x-ray vision, this is going to be difficult. Olog's is a closed wagon--something like the one in this article. You can't see into it from above.

Hobie disguises himself to look like the dead guard and drops his invisibility (right?). He joins Bliss and they approach Olog's wagon. It is a wagon, despite Bliss's repeated insistence on calling it a tent. As you pass by the guards inside the Wall of Force, they pound on the walls and yell for "Muuldran" to let them out!

Olog's wagon is being guarded--however, it is being guarded by Arvin, the ordinary employee who had been collecting money when you arrived. Arvin is not armed, he is not wearing armor, and he is not one of the four "tough customer" guards. "Muuldran!" he calls. "What's going on? Everything okay?"

Meanwhile, Succotash is leading a group of "savage cannibal halflings," some riding a dinosaur, through the streets of town. It is causing quite a sensation. In fact, you may not have to go to the constabulary; they may be coming to you! You are able to get direction to the sheriff's office, and start heading that way. The earplugs for the young child are a flop; he throws them at his mother and is generally being fractious, as young children sometimes are.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 2:56:43 PM
Hobie disguised as Muuldran replies to Arvin "Everything's fine. Some customers created a ruckus, but we've got it under control. You keep your post here. I just need to inform Olog."

He will just walk past Arvin and into the wagon. In the wagon, "Muuldran" will attempt to just walk up behind Olog without speaking. Acting as if he is just extra muscle supporting his boss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:10:01 PM

"First, fly to the roof of the cage, like this," Murphy says, then demonstrates. If many do so, he follows up with praise and encouragement. "Next, fly up and out through the hole in the tent roof there, then wait on the top for all of us birds to arrive."

He coaches those who are struggling with the notion of flying, giving them pointers. He could just slash a hole in the wall of the tent, or walk out through the front, but he wants the fledglings to learn to catch air. Not try to walk to freedom.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:13:19 PM

Murphy adds, "Kezzem, hide the fellow you helped cut down, or a great uproar will soon ensue," he encourages the paladin, who has been seemingly just standing and staring.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+12=27 ;
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:32:41 PM
"Hey, I heard cut him up and take him out, so that's what I did," says Kezzem. "You guys are sending me some mixed messages."

Kezzem looks for a curtain or something to hide the body.

Note sure what kill that is, but I'm guessing Stealth.
1d20 + 12 = 27.

OOC: Sorry for the crappy posting this week. Been swamped at work lately and next two months or so. I'm going to do my best to keep up and get a post out every evening, but realistically thinking I'm probably going to miss one now and then just from behind exhausted and it slipping my mind (Monday's are especially bad for me).

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:08:33 PM

Bliss, having changed back into a cat, turns on his buffs and pads behind Hobie entering the miniwagon.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 13th, 2020 5:30:57 AM
Realizing he and his entourage make quite the spectacle, Succotash almost hopes that law enforcement will meet him half way, as he continues to lead the group towards the sheriff's office.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=17 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+2=9 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 1:25:53 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

Tali will descent so see can see into the wagon.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 17
Fly: 21
Perception: 24
Sense Motives:9

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=23 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 1:40:07 PM
“Of course, of course. But I was thinking about the dark elves. And the giant baby, what even is he?”

If Olog answers, Pressi continues.

“And what of those dreadful... savage somethings?”

Diplomacy 23.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+26=44 ; d20+33=38 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 3:53:17 PM

Bliss tries to keep alert in cat form as he sneaks in ... perception 44 stealth 38.

DM Kathy
Thursday February 13th, 2020 4:40:15 PM
In the first tent, Murphy is encouraging the transformed halflings to fly through the hole in the tent. Hesitantly, they follow your lead, flying first to the top of the cage and then out the hole. You exit last, to find a few perched on top of the tent, and the rest on wagons or a nearby tree.

Kezzem looks for something to conceal the guard's body, but doesn't see anything right away. A growing commotion outside suggests you aren't going to have a lot of time to look.

In the employee area, Tali descends to try to see into the wagon. Bliss, in cat form, accompanies Hobie as he tries to get past the employee. Arvin readily steps aside. "And what about them?" He gestures to where the two remaining guards are still trying to free themselves from the Wall of Force. "Guess I'll go get a ladder or something," Arvin says in answer to his own question.

In the wagon, Pressi asks about the dark elves. "Met them in the Culverwood," Olog says. "Entertainers, but they wasn't doing so good. We cooked up this notion, see, to show them as 'mysterious dark elves,' and pay them part of the cut. Kind of like what you're asking' for." You ask about the giant baby. "Got her in Bigtown," Olog says. "She's a giant. Not sure what kind." You ask about the halflings. "Well, I had this harpy, see--" Olog begins. Hobie enters, disguised as Muuldran. "Everything under control?" he asks.

In the town, Succotash almost hopes law enforcement comes to him. You get your wish. A man approaches your group, accompanied by some agitated townsfolk, and another man you recognize as a menagerie employee. The sheriff is an unremarkable-looking man wearing a leather vest with a brass star pinned to it. His gaze drifts over you, the "savage" halflings, and Valerie. "Afternoon," he says mildly. "I'm Polen Vree, town sheriff. Is there something I can help you folks with?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday February 13th, 2020 4:58:51 PM
Unable to find anything in the room to conceal the half-orc, Kezzem attempts to hide him behind Valerie.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+22=34 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 7:02:58 PM
Seeing the Sheriff Succotash quickly explains the situation:

"Thank you Officer Vree, you saved us some steps, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a cleric of the Woldian pantheon, and member of the adventuring group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us? we have gained some amount of fame after slaying a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains. Anyway, these mistreated halflings and I were heading to your office. These fine halflings that the menagerie have been displaying as "savages" are no more savage then you or I. In fact they are the residence of a small town only a few days journey, to which they can attest. They have been kept against their will by brigands, and unable to share their plight with anyone due to a spell of silence, which we Swords have dispelled. We were attacked when we tried to foil the nefarious plans, and were forced to slay one in defense. I know not how many others may be involved, or how many more ruffians are left to be dealt with, as my priority was to free these good people, and get law enforcement involved. Now that you're here, I was hoping I could leave my charges in your care so that my dinosaur and I may return to aid our friends. We will do our best to avoid anymore death, as that is something we abhor and use only as a last resort, and bring the brigands to your office, if we can take them alive.

Diplomacy 34

If Sheriff Vree is OK with this arrangement, he will help the elderly couple off Valerie, and cast dimensional door to return Valerie and himself to the tent with the cages, as he hasn't seen the other areas, and doesn't wish to take unneeded risks. If Sheriff Vree is not OK with this arrangement, he will continue to converse with him, until they can reach a conclusion.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 14th, 2020 3:29:45 AM

To the ones waiting on the tent, Murphy says quietly, "Good. You can fly. Wait here, I'll get the rest, and we'll fly as a flock." He flies to the ones in the tree. "You flew far. Good. Follow me, and land near where I do. We need to stay together." To the ones on the wagon, he lands, and whispers. "Good. Follow me." He flies back to the tent.

His aim is to have them know they need to stay close to him. Once all are gathered on the tent (rounding up any who may be confused or recalcitrant), he says, "All right. We fly toward the dinosaur, and land off to the left." Blue-raven Murphy leads the way, with frequent backward glances, toward where Succotash et al are now. He lands about 50 feet away from the gathered people, and carefully enumerates the crows who are with him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday February 14th, 2020 5:04:14 AM
Hobie will turn to respond to Olog. "Yeah boss, everythings great, except one thing. There's this halfling out here calls himself 'Hobie.' (If possible without Olog noticing, he will wink at Pressi) He's making a stink, and keeps saying to deliver a message to the boss. He says "Hendit's package has been delivered" He keeps saying the boss will understand."
He maintains the same pace and register in his voice so as not to make Olog suspicious, but at this point he turns his posture toward Pressi and continues.
"What do you say boss, want me to put the guy to sleep?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=28 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+2=12 ;
Friday February 14th, 2020 11:01:17 AM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

Looking into the wagon, Tali tries to determine what Olog is doing now that another Humble stumbled into the scene. Tali decides to spook Olog, by casting a message spell between herself and the Target, [Olog. After casting the spell, Tali whispers to Olog while pointing and in a ghostly crackly voice....Olog! You've been very very Naughty! Those halflings have cursed you....someone dispelled the silence area spell and they have cursed you.....you will be haunted by [b]Rats!....I see them...them are coming for you....to devour you...your soul....run![/b]

Next round, Tali will cast, from a wand stored in her Bill's Pants of Plenty front pocket, Ghost Sounds of Rats! a Large volume of Rat sounds...followed by a casting from another wand in the same pocket, Silent Image, of Rats! Lots and Lots of Rats!.

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 28 {NAT 20}
Fly: 24
Perception: 20
Sense Motives:12

Spells in Effect

2nd Message Spell | Duration 150 Minutes { 900 round} || 900 rounds left -- between Tali & Olog

1x Magic Missiles - instantaneously
1x Hold Monster - target made save.

Invisibility | Duration 15 Minutes {90 round} || 0 rounds left -- used a action & lost invisibility
Invisibility | Duration 15 Minutes {90 round} || 87 rounds left

Wall of Force | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} || 8 rounds left
Wall of Force | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} || 10 rounds left

Stinking Cloud | Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds} || 9 rounds left

Detect Magic | Duration 15 Minutes { 90 round} || 80 rounds left
Message | Duration 150 Minutes { 900 round} || 890 rounds left -- left between Tali & Mister Murphy
Overland Flight | Duration 900 Minutes { 5400 round} || 3240 rounds left
Mage Armor | Duration 900 Minutes { 5400 round} || 3240 rounds left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 14th, 2020 3:16:35 PM
Pressi takes a moment to signal to Murphy that he should keep a look out.

After a moment of watching this new "guard" carefully, Pressi weighs her options.

"I beg your pardon, this seems important and none of my business. But it does remind me of this time when I thought a package was delivered only to see it destroyed by a sudden storm I hadn't tracked. Speaking of things that might shake things up, how on earth did you manage to get a harpy in the first place and why isn't IT an exhibit?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+33=53 ;
Friday February 14th, 2020 4:15:34 PM

Bliss sneaks under Olog's chair.

Stealth 53!

DM Kathy
Friday February 14th, 2020 4:50:57 PM
Kezzem has a brilliant idea to hide the corpse behind Valerie. Unfortunately, Valerie is no longer in the tent; she is out on the town, meeting the sheriff. You think, however, you may be able to partially conceal the body behind the stirge cage.

Murphy gathers his flock. You see right away that asking everybody to perch atop the tent is probably not going to work. The sloping canvas is impractical for perching, and there isn't room for everybody on the tent pole. You gather on one of the wagons, instead, before flying off to where Succotash is.

Succotash explains the situation to the sheriff. He turns to the menagerie employee, who is looking uncomfortable. "Do you have people there against their will?" he asks.

The man squirms. "Um....maybe. Look, I'm not in charge. Talk to Olog. He's the boss."

"I will," the sheriff replies. To Succotash, he says, "I'm sorry, young man, but I'm going to have to come with you and see all this for myself. Can I ask you folks," he looks at the townsfolk who were with him, "to escort these nice halflings to my office? Deputy Vale is there; she can look after them. Let's go." He heads back toward the menagerie, keeping a close eye on the increasingly uncomfortable employee.

Hobie and Pressi talk in a careful code. They seem to have lost Olog's attention, however, as Tali's spells take effect. Olog suddenly jumps to his feet. "What was that?!" he says. "Who said that? Who's talking?"

Bliss hides under a chair, and everyone in the wagon begins to hear the sound of scurrying feet and little squeaks.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Friday February 14th, 2020 8:14:57 PM
Kezzem has a great idea to hide the half-orc behind the stirge cage. Then he has the even better idea of hiding the half-orc INSIDE the stirge cage. That way, if in anyone finds the half-orc dead, maybe they will think the stirges got him (you know, with their daggers and velociraptor-sized claws). He will attempt to move the half-orc inside the cage and shut the door behind him.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday February 16th, 2020 11:44:28 AM
“That’s fine Sheriff, it’s probably wise for you to be there anyway, but allow me to save us a few steps!”, Succotash says as he lays a hand on Valerie (after the elderly couple dismount) and his other hand on the sheriff, and casts dimensional door (1000ft range) teleporting the three into the tent where Kezzem and the body are.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday February 16th, 2020 2:15:46 PM
When Olog jumps up and starts shouting, Hobie thinks its time to go to work.

He grabs Prowler, holds it out toward Olog, and casts Glitterdust at him. He's aiming to not get Pressi in the blast, but if its not possible, Hobie trusts her Will is strong enough to avoid the blindness.

DC 16 Will save for Olog or be Blinded for 7 rounds.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=48 ; d20+26=32 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 1:49:52 AM

"So, Hobie should be showing up in a different guise," Murphy tells Pressi, mind to mind. "Succotash and the Sheriff just left the field, back to the tent, I think. I'm with a flock of ravens - halflings all, and with another nine or ten unchanged. Townsfolk are taking those in halfling form to meet with Deputy Vale, a woman I think." He pauses. "More later. Need to attend to my flock, or conspiracy. Are various people's actions causing chaos as usual?"

He messages Tali, "We flew out to the field, near the halflings who are in their normal form. How goes it?"

To the flock, he says, as the other halflings begin to accompany the townsfolk, "I think we are going to be fine. Let us fly ahead, land on a building, and wait for your neighbors to draw close. Stay together with me, for safety." As he spoke, he made certain that his back was to the unchanged halflings and townsfolk, again about 50 feet away from them. If you are ready, then, let us fly again." He takes what measure of them he can. If he discerns distress, or the like, the raven druid does what he can to provide comfort and encouragement. He takes off, heading in the general direction the townsfolk begin to walk toward, aiming for a building at the edge of town. He glances back to ensure they all follow.
============
Perception: 48
Sense Motive: 32

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+12=21 ; d20+22=37 ; d6=6 ; d3=3 ; d20+20=27 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+20=23 ; d2+20=21 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 8:45:37 AM

Bliss, hiding as a cat under Olog's chair, uses Spellcraft to ID the spell Hobie is casting. The DC to do that is 17. Bliss has a +28, so he can't fail that check.

Thus, as soon as Hobie starts to cast Glitterdust, Bliss thinks, "Well, that takes some chutzpah, to cast an area spell in this little tiny wagon!" Bliss immediately focuses HARD on the situation [enters Rage as a free action].

Bliss tries to save vs Glitterdust: a 21, thank goodness!

Well that means it is time to do the job at hand. He bites and claws at Olog.

Bite hits AC37 for 31 nonlethal damage.
Claw hits AC27 for 21 lethal damage.
Claw hits AC23 for 21 lethal damage.

[The above is not modified by any bonuses for attacking with surprise, unseen, vs a potentially blinded foe.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday February 17th, 2020 1:20:48 PM
{traveling this weekend to the house to see and spend time with our daughter. No proper computer . iPhone will have to do.}

Olog

Tali will await Olog’s exit from the building, especially to see what his friends will do.

DM Kathy d20+8=21 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=15 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 3:00:29 PM
In town, Murphy updates his companions and then begins leading his flock of transformed halflings. This proves to be pretty straightforward. Your group can fly faster than the people on the ground can walk, so you can fly a short distance, perch and rest, then fly again, always keeping the group in sight. You move from building to tree to building and so on. You aren't acting precisely like natural birds, and a couple of the townsfolk seem to notice, watching you with puzzled frowns. They don't say anything, though, and soon turn back to what they were doing. By the time the halflings reach the sheriff's office, your group is already perched along its ridgepole.

In the employee area, Tali keeps an eye on Arvin as he walks over to the Wall of Force. "I'm gonna go get a ladder," he calls to the trapped guards. "Get a pry bar, too," the one with the rapier calls back. "There's some kinda barrier on top." Arvin nods and walks toward one of the larger wagons, even as the other guard throws up his hands. "What's a pry bar gonna do?" he asks Rapier.

In Olog's wagon, Hobie casts Glitterdust. The interior of the wagon is relatively small; the spell has to cover the entire space or none of it. Bliss makes his save; Pressi needs to save as well.

Olog is not blinded. He draws his flail and picks up his shield. "I don't know what's going on," he says. "But everybody needs to---augh!" Before he quite understands what is happening, Murder Kitty is all up in his business. Bliss's second claw does not hit, but his other attacks inflict a lot of nonlethal damage.

In the first tent, Kezzem decides to hide the body inside the stirge cage. He carries the body in and closes the door. The stirges, of course, are not going to turn up their proboscises at a free meal, and they immediately swoop to attack! Three of them hit, finding gaps in Kezzem's armor, attaching themselves to his neck and wrist. Kezzem takes three points of Constitution damage.

At that moment, Succotash, Valerie, and Sheriff Vree all appear in the tent.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 17th, 2020 5:28:16 PM

Murphy says, "You are amazing, my new friends. And brave. I will enter with your friends to see Deputy Vale. Hendit's wife - you are in charge here. I will return in a few minutes - and make certain your neighbors are treated fairly."

He flies down and through the open door as people enter. If someone tries to shoo him away, he says in the Common tongue, "I think you're going to want me to be here. We were sent to rescue these kidnapped and enslaved halflings. I am Murphy, and I am more than just a blue raven."

If questioned, he will answer - but thinks that the halflings might best be able to tell their own story.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 5d8=17 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 6:07:05 PM
Succotash blinks a few times as they arrive in the tent, only to see Kezzem getting his blood sucked by the stirges. "What the! On second thought, never mind!" Succotash says as he sees his friend getting attacked by the stirges. he casts Holy Smite on the stirge cage knowing that Kezzem won't take any damage, but he is pretty certain that the stirges are neutral, so they will only take half damage. half of 17 is 8 holy damage, DC 20 will save for half.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d4=2 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 7:17:09 PM
Once Kezzem is outside the cage (and the door is secure), he will cast Lesser Restoration on himself.

Con Healing: 1d4 = 2.

Cayzle Comments: Sorry my friend, you broke the board by putting too many characters into the post name field. If you want multiple links in your post header, use a URL shortener like bitly to make them shorter first please. Or just put your extra links in your post.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+23=41 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d6+22=26 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=26 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 2:48:21 AM
Hobie goes to drop Olog. (Preferably Hobie will take a 5 foot step to make sure he's out of Olog's melee range before shooting, but I know we are in tight quarters so if not possible, Hobie will just take Olog's attack of opportunity.)

All arrow damage is nonlethal piercing, and Hobie will stop firing as soon as he sees Olog drop. His preference is not to kill.
For damage below, the format is (Nonlethal Piercing) + (Electric) = Total.

Manyshot - AC 41
26+3 = 29
28+3 = 31

Rapid shot - AC 33
26+3 = 29

Haste - AC 38
29+5 = 34

Iterative 1 - AC 37 (Critical Threat(Nat 19)- Confirm= Nat 1)
27+4 = 31

Iterative 2- AC 22
29+5 = 34

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+22=24 ; d3=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+20=34 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+20=27 ; d2+20=22 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 11:53:02 AM

If Olog is unconscious, then Bliss changes back into a halfling and calls for everybody to stand down.

If Olog is still up and fighting, CatBliss keeps on until he is defeated ... Bite hits AC24 for 27 nonlethal. Claw 1 hits AC34 for 21 lethal. Claw2 hits AC27 for 22 lethal.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=12 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=17 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 12:26:16 PM
Menagerie | Olog

Tali will fly up a bit higher into the sky to watch Arvin. As soon as Arvin gets close to the Wall of Force enclosure, Tali will cast with her wand, Entangle onto Arvin! Of course, doing so, makes her visible again...oh well! Tali shrugs, then messages Mister Murphy by pointing to the first tent and explaining what she's done to Arvin & Olog. Then, she points at the wagon, and making more eerily-haunting noises, says to Olog, "I'm coming for your Soouuulll...my rats will devour you!"

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 12
Fly: 24
Perception: 17

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+11=28 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 2:45:20 PM
Apologies, computer not working well, tapping on phone.

Pressi resists the glitter dust, knocking the bottle to the ground. The best she can do is watch Harper hop in to flank Bliss (someone roll for her if needed, thanks).

Pressi prepares a slow curse if Olog tries to run or Arvin comes in.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:18:19 PM

Murphy likely does not hear Tali, as he is now nowhere near the first tent, but rather a way into the buildings of the town. Earlier he had messaged her that he had flown out to the field, near the escaping halflings.

DM Kathy d20=7 ; d20=15 ; d20=13 ; d20=11 ; d20=20 ; d20+20=30 ; d20=13 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:21:50 PM
At the sheriff's office, Murphy tries to fly in through the door. One of the townsfolk starts trying to shoo you out again, at which point, you explain yourself. The townsfolk stare. The rescued halflings stare. The deputy--a human woman who doesn't look old enough to be out of school--stares. Finally, the deputy speaks. "What--what is all this?" And everyone starts talking at once.

Seeing Kezzem in the cage, Succotash wastes no time in casting a Holy Smite on the area. All but one of the stirges drop to the ground, dead. The remaining stirge, badly injured, flutters to a high corner of the cage.

Kezzem leaves the cage, closes the door, and restores some of his Constitution damage.

The sheriff looks around, seeing the tropical birds flying agitatedly around their cage, the dead stirges, the dead guard, and the wreck that used to be a rolling cage. "Was that one of your ruffians?" he asks, nodding toward the guard's body. He sounds a mite skeptical.

Just then, one of the menagerie employees comes into the tent. "Sorry, folks, you'll need to--" he begins, then looks around. "What? What happened in here? And whose dinosaur is that?"

In the employee area, Tali casts Entangle and becomes visible. The spell is from a wand, so the save DC is pretty low, and Arvin is not entangled. He stumbles out of the area of the spell and looks around, bewildered. He does not look up, however, so he does not spot you. You continue "haunting" Olog, but he has other problems now.

In the wagon, Hobie fires his bow at Olog. There isn't enough room to avoid an AoO, but Olog misses with his flail. After your hasted shot, Olog drops to the floor, unconscious.

Bliss turns back into a halfling and tells Hobie and Pressi to stand down.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 4:24:46 PM

Since all the halflings already were at least somewhat acquainted with the talking raven, Murphy finds himself amused at their reaction.

"Deputy Vale, are you?" Murphy speaks loudly over the hubbub from atop a cabinet. "This traveling circus, though educational in some ways and amusing, is also responsible for kidnapping nearly a whole village of innocent halflings from many towns away from here. They came at night, killed their dogs lest they give warning, subdued these people, and a dozen more than these you see, and placed them into a cage with a permanent silence spell. They represented them as vicious cannibals - which they are not. The husband of one of the women - his wife is nearby - he sent us to find and rescue them from their evil captivity and bondage.

"I am Murphy, of Humble's Ford, with the adventuring group Humble's Sword.

"I could tell you more, but, please, let them tell you their own story," and he extends a wing toward the halflings.

He mentally reports the situation to Pressi, if she has the ability to get the message in the midst of her current circumstances.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:08:27 PM
Bliss ties up Olog with anything he can find. Maybe there's a bed with a blanket he can cut into strips or something.

Then he drags the man out of the wagon and tries to gather all his friends together.

Maybe Mookie tells Bliss telepathically that he saw Murphy and the freed halflings headed into town? Maybe he saws the sherriff? If so, Bliss brings the ringleader to the guy with the star on his vest.

Speaking of badges, he makes sure his WLA pin is prominent.

"Come on, we gotta get this guy to the local lawman."

If Bliss sees any other defeated foes lying on the ground, he tries to make sure they do not die, if possible.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:11:50 PM
Hobie pulls out his manacles and Superior Lock (y’all made fun of me for buying those about 3 years ago, and finally I get to use them!) and binds Ologs hands behind his back.

He turns to Pressi “Well that sure moved quickly. Want me to bring him back to consciousness with my wand so we can interrogate him?”

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:14:00 PM
If we are moving out of initiative rounds, Hobie will also detect magic on Olog and remove any magical items from his person before waking him.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:19:41 PM

Overlapping posts!

If Bliss has heard from Mookie that the Sherriff is on the scene, he talls Hobie and Pressi and suggests that we should bring him in.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+22=41 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:11:35 PM
Succotash sighs as he sees the situation: ”Sheriff, allow me to introduce my friend and fellow sword, Kezzem, Paladin of Gargul. Yes that is the body of the ruffian that attacked us, but by the gods, I have no idea as to why Kezzem was putting it in the stirge’s cage. The rest of the ruffians, and Swords, I believe are this way” he says as he opens the curtain to the next tent.

Diplomacy 41

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=32 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:37:09 PM
Kezzem attempts to aid another on the Diplomacy check.

1d20 + 23 = 32.

"You shouldn't assume that just because I was trying to dispose of a dead body in the stirge cage that I am not a paladin. I'd hate to use the c-word, but that is very classist of you."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+19=22 ; d20+10=25 ;
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:23:25 AM
Menagerie | Aftermath

Tali will drop down to hover three (3) feet off the ground, now that she is visible and join her fellow Humble Swords. Tali also makes sure her WLA pin is proudly displayed on her overalls.

Also soon as Tali realizes that this Masquerade is over and Olog is in shackles, she will drop the two (2) spells -- Wall of force & Stinking cloud, but be perceptive to those two (2) guards in case they should start trouble.

Skill Checks

Fly: 22
Perception: 25

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 3:29:39 PM
Pressi stared down at Olog, thinking of all that he had done. She barely heard Bliss speak of the sheriff.

"You know what, Hobie. Why don't you wake him up."

Energy sparked in between Pressi's fingers. A readied Pain Strike.

"I'm thinking it's time that he and I had a more... productive chat."

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 3:38:39 PM
In the sheriff's office, Murphy explains the situation. The deputy takes in the gathered crowd, looking uncertain. "Well." She clears her throat. "Well. Mistress Knowles, Master Finbar, Master Teede, thank you for bringing these folks to my attention. You have certainly done your civic duty." She's laying it on a bit thick, but the townsfolk are looking pleased, so maybe she knows what she's doing. "Sheriff Vree and I can take it from here, and I certainly don't want to keep you any longer. If we need more information, we'll know where to find you."

The townsfolk look less pleased--they were clearly hoping to hang around and pick up some juicy gossip, but the deputy is firm, and eventually they leave. "You folks find seats; make yourselves comfortable," she tells the halflings. With a little sigh, she adds, "I'll start taking your statements. And you," she says to Murphy, "please don't fly away. I'll want your statement, too."

In the first tent, Kezzem assures the sheriff that this isn't what it looks like. The sheriff frowns, but you and Succotash are both very persuasive, so he nods. The menagerie employee is less easily mollified. "Hey!" he says. "You can't just go bringing strange dinosaurs in here! We have valuable animals! How'd you get in, anyway? You're going to have to leave."

"The boy's got a point," the sheriff says. Looking at Succotash, he adds, "Why don't you take the dinosaur outside and tie it up somewhere while me and the paladin," he looks at Kezzem "get that body out of the cage before more evidence is destroyed. As for you," he says to the employee, "don't go nowhere. I've got some questions about those halflings."

In the wagon, Bliss begins industriously ripping bedsheets into strips, but stops when he hears the clunk of Hobie's manacles locking into place. Mookie has indeed informed you of the sheriff's arrival, so Bliss, Hobie, and Pressi leave the wagon to head around to the front.

Outside the wagon, you encounter Tali, who drops nearer to ground level and begins dismissing spells. Because the Walls of Force are invisible, the guards don't immediately notice. They do, however, notice Hobie, still disguised as the half-orc guard. "Muuldran!" the archer calls. "What's going on? Where's the boss?" Arvin, over by one of the wagons, has noticed Tali. "Um...." he says. "Um....begging your pardon, Miss, but have I done something to upset you?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 4:16:47 PM

Bliss gives Miss Pressi a hard look. "Now Miss, remember that we are the heroes here, and there's a sherriff right there, so no, that's not how we roll, right?"

Mookie just stares at Bliss. "Kid," he teleps to his master, "I think that's one for the books. Standing up and saying no like that. I wonder if you're growing up after all, Mister Peter Pan."

"Welp, I'm just trying to be like the leader of the Iron Dragons, Captain Hook!" Bliss grins.

"Come on, let's bring the ringleader to the sherriff."

[OOC: I'm gonna keep referring to Olog as the ringleader until someone chuckles.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 4:30:01 PM
"Man, I'm getting lots of mixed signals here," says a very confused Kezzem. "Kezzem, don't kill the slavers. Kezzem, kill the half-orc. Kezzem, you shouldn't have killed the half-orc. Kezzem, hide the body of the half-orc. Kezzem, don't hide the body of the half-orc."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday February 20th, 2020 12:35:21 AM

"Very well, Deputy. I did promise my flock I would return soon. If I may step out for a moment to explain things to them briefly, I promise to return here within a handful of minutes. If someone could get the door for me?"

Should someone open the door for him, he flies up to the waiting ravens. "Deputy Vale is inside with your friends and neighbors. She wants me to testify as to what has happened, as well as the others. Do you want to come with me to see the deputy? She seems smart, and fair-minded.

"I will point my wing at you, one at a time. If you want to come with me, then caw once. If you do not want to come, then caw twice. So, 'yes' is 'Caw!' And 'no' is 'Caw-caw!' Understand?"

If need be, he will explain it again. Then he goes, one by one, until he has a clear answer from all. He begins with the auburn hair wife - who is now a black raven.

Once the results are in, he instructs all to follow him to the ground. Once all are there, he explains another thing to them - something he did not want to explain when they were in a high place. "The spell that helped you to change into a bird will last for many hours. About fifteen. So, if you want, you may remain as a raven. If you want to change back into your normal self, though, you can do so. You won't be able to change back into a raven, though, at least not today, and at least not without help. But, you will be able to talk, and walk, and all that.

"If any of you want to change back into a halfling now, then lift one wing." To any who lift a wing, Murphy helps them with the change. "Everyone stand back a few feet," he warns those around. "Just say to yourself, 'I want to change back into myself, now!' - just say that in your mind. If you believe it, it will happen."

He adds a warning to those who have not changed - "Only ever do what they just did if you are on the ground. It would hurt very badly if you did that while up in the air. But, it's fine on the ground."

When those who change have changed, and those who plan to try out the bird's life a little longer do so, he asks one who has changed to open the door. If none has changed, then he pecks at the door a few times to notify those within. Once the door is open, he enters with his flock and any halflings among them. "I'm back as promised, along with these other victims of Olog & his crew," he says to Deputy Vale.

At the appointed time, he gives his testimony, as he listens to the stories the others tell the bewildered yet astute deputy. "If you need help writing things down, good deputy, I can help."

If she takes him up on the offer, he says, "All right, I'm going to return to my normal halfling self." He makes sure there is adequate space, then does so. He reaches into his haversack, pulls out pen, ink, and paper, asks if he may sit, does so with permission, then begins to take the next person's statement. His handwriting is very neat, his transcriptions accurate.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 20th, 2020 5:39:17 AM
Succotash is about to protest, feeling more than a little insulted by the idea that Valerie may be a "strange" dinosaur, after all, to him, she's his close friend, but he decides to overlook the slight and at least partially agree to the Sheriff's request. He tells her to go outside and stand guard, and that she isn't supposed to attack, but alert if anyone tries to enter the tent. "Will that suffice? Valerie is better trained than any guard dog, and will stay right where she is until I relieve her, besides rope isn't going to stop those teeth, and I refuse to chain her like some slave or criminal!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 20th, 2020 2:10:33 PM
Pressi drops her spell as Bliss speaks up and the sheriff comes in. "I was just going to see if I could throw a scare into him," she told Bliss rather unconvincingly.

Walking outside, she sees Arvin hanging around and sighs. "Arvin, I need you to go to the sheriff and tell them what you've seen here. They will take care of you as long as you are honest. And its the only way to stop all these disruptions."

Turning to the other two guards. "It's over." Harper, leaping out, growls in agreement.

If either of the guards do anything other than stand there or turn themselves in, Pressi hits one of them with a deep slumber (will DC 20) while Harper trips the other.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=43 ; d20+30=32 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 2:57:44 PM
Arvin

Using her Charm, Wit , and fluttering eyelashes, (plus her skill set of bluff & diplomacy) , she asks Arvin,” What so ever do you mean, sir?!”

Skill checks:
Bluff:43
Diplomacy:32

DM Kathy d20+4=16 ; d20+6=11 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 4:08:56 PM
In the sheriff's office, Murphy asks to leave. "You have a flock?" the deputy asks, confused. But one of the halflings opens the door for you and you are able to fly out. To preserve what's left of the DM's sanity, I'm going to say that all the transformed halflings are though being birds, and change back into themselves. This leaves you with the teensy problem that there isn't enough room in the small office for everyone. The deputy is talking to each adult halfling and going as fast as she can, but there's only one of her and she's writing everything down. It's going pretty slowly, and in the meantime about a third of the group is out in the cold.

In the first tent, Succotash offers to have Valerie guard. "If you're sure she'll stay outside, that's fine," the sheriff says. He leads the confused Kezzem back to the stirge cage. "What happened here?" he asks, looking at the dead stirges on the ground.

The employee, who had followed him over, lets out a gasp. "Oh, no! Spike! Stripey! Mok-mok! What happened to them? And is that Muuldran?" he turns to look at Succotash and Kezzem. "What did you do?!"

In the employee area, Tali is trying to play it coy. "I mean the tangling grasses and the invisible walls and suchlike. That was you, wasn't it?" Arvin says.

Pressi, with Bliss and Hobie by her side, tells the two remaining guards that it's over. The archer frowns, puzzled. "Muuldran?" he asks, "why are you all sparkly?" The one with the rapier is in no mood to chat. He draws a knife, but before he can throw it, Pressi hits both with a Deep Slumber and they drop to the ground, sound asleep.

Pressi tells Arvin to go talk to the sheriff. He looks at the sleeping guards, the unconscious monk, the sparkly people, and the big cat. "Um....yeah," he says. "Yeah. I'm....just gonna go talk to the sheriff." He heads around to the front, taking several anxious glances behind him.

Olog is secured, but now you have these sleeping guards, plus the monk Bliss knocked out earlier. The sheriff has not made his way back here yet, and to go to him, you'll either need to leave the guards unsecured, or take a moment to deal with them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:50:16 PM
"Don't worry Sheriff, she won't go anywhere unless I tell her too", Succotash answers, then adds, "Sheriff your my witness, you saw me cast the spell that harmed the stirges. I did so out of reflex to protect my friend, who was having his blood sucked out of him! I didn't mean to kill them, I even used a fairly weak spell, I was just trying to maim them so they would let go of Kezzem."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=35 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 7:56:43 PM
"The half-orc was killed by some halfling," says Kezzem "and placed in the stirge cage. I was trying to help, but the stirges attacked me! My friend her blasted them with some magic to protect me, though I think he overreacted. I'm quite sturdy!"

Diplomacy: 35.

OOC: Despite his old high bluff score, Kezzem never did too well at Bluffing people. He's been much better at misleading people by sort-of telling the truth!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=34 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=13 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 10:06:01 PM
Menagerie | Aftermath

Tali uses her Level 01 wand - Entangle wand to secure these sleeping guards, plus the monk Bliss knocked out earlier while hovering 3 feet above the ground to secure the guards and the monk.

Tali says, "you run along after the sheriff. I'll stay here with these three. I've got this!" giggles Tali.

Skill Checks
Bluff: 34
Diplomacy: 32
Fly: 37
Perception:13

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 149 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 539 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 539 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 21st, 2020 7:55:36 AM

Murphy helps write reports. He gets each person's name, age, family relations, and report of what happened. [And he would love to know some names - especially Hendit's wife and kids.]

He maintains contact with Pressi, and Tali if he can, and asks her (or both hers) what's going on over at the menagerie. Let's them know what he's up to.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+25=45 ;
Friday February 21st, 2020 1:55:13 PM

Bliss for sure stays put to make sure that everybody stays calm and safe and in custody.

"The Sherriff will get here in good time," he says, "and then we'll get it all untangled."

Bliss ties up the captives and guards them.

Perception 45

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 21st, 2020 2:32:13 PM
Pressi hangs back to help secure the various unconscious as well. Before heading around to the sheriff, she makes sure Harper is sitting on at least one of them.

As she walks, she gets updates from Murphy about how the group is secure and she passes along information about what they've been up to as well.

When she finally meets the Sheriff, she introduces herself and gives a quick overview of the situation. If he brings up anything about dead bodies or dinosaurs, she shrugs. "Forget it, chief. It's halfling town."

Now What?

DM Kathy
Friday February 21st, 2020 4:15:13 PM
[Everybody take 26,000 XP for the previous scene.]

In the first tent, Kezzem explains that the guard had been killed by "some halfling." You are diplomatic, and Sheriff Vree seems to like you, but that doesn't obligate him to believe everything you tell him. "'Some halfling,' huh?" he says, looking from you, a halfling, to Succotash, also a halfling. "I suppose next you'll be telling me that all those people look alike." He studies the corpse. "And I suppose those aren't dinosaur claws either." He shoots you a sideways glance. "I need to talk to the people here, but you and I will talk again later, and I expect to hear the truth. From a paladin."

In the employee area, the sleeping guards are Entangled and watched over by Harper so that Tali, Bliss, Hobie, and Pressi can, at last, come around to the front and talk to the sheriff.

For the next several hours, the sheriff and his deputy are hard at work, talking to witnesses, examining the menagerie, securing the prisoners. At one point, a messenger is sent to the Crossroads Inn to arrange accommodations for the rescued halflings.

By suppertime, Olog and the three surviving guards are in the lockup. The halflings are at the inn, sorting through the clothes Murphy was thoughtful enough to provide. The menagerie has been closed to the public, and the employees (including the dark elves) cautioned against skipping town. The animals remain in the care of the employees. Your group has likewise been advised not to leave town. You do not presently have accommodations, but there are rooms available at the Crossroads, and two more inns in town. There is also space to camp near the menagerie.

[If there are things you wanted to do that afternoon, of course you had time to do them; go ahead and state those actions. But I thought it was a good time to fast-forward.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 21st, 2020 6:18:35 PM

Murphy again sought to get actual names of the rescued. This is important to him (I'm sure he got them, but it would help to see at least a few of them in writing :-) ).

He confers with his friends as to what all they were doing as the team was scattered. Not widely, but scattered enough - and for good reason. He tells them his perspectives on what he was involved with.

He asks permission, as a druid, to communicate with the animals of the menagerie. "I'm particularly concerned for the bear, you see. Patchy fur."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Saturday February 22nd, 2020 11:58:48 AM
Hobie will take the time to go to Hendit's wife, and tell her all about how he loves her and how it was him who deserves the full credit for finding Humbles Sword and bringing about their rescue. He assures her that she will be reunited with him soon when this is all sorted out.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 22nd, 2020 9:06:59 PM
"Okay, you got us, we killed the half-orc. Succo here was all like 'these aren't savage halflings!' and he was all up in face and then Valeria was all slashy-slashy and he was like 'I'm going to kill your pet' so I had to get all stabby-stabby on him. And then Murphey was all Kezzem, you shouldn't have killed him, you better hide the body, so I Iooked for a curtain or a bunkie or something, then I tried to hide him behind Valerie, but she and Succo were out prancing about, so then I saw the stirge cage and thought to myself it would be a good idea to hide him behind the cage, but an even better idea to hide him inside the cage, and that's when you and the sheriff came in and asked what happened, I told you more or less, but you wanted more details, so I told you how Succo was all like 'these aren't savage halflings!...."

Kezzem will continue looping this this run-on explanation until somebody stops him.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 5:34:55 AM
"I think the Sheriff understands Kezzem", Succotash chuckles, "He's right though sheriff, knowing ahead of time that the halflings in the cage were not who they were being displayed as, I started to make a fuss claiming I recognized a couple of the halflings in the cage, and loudly declaring that the whole thing was a sham. That's when this foolish individual came in", He says refering to the body, "Valerie, under my command, and Kezzem surrounded him to restrain him, but the fool lashed out at Valerie, and then, well you can see the result. We had hoped to take him, like the rest of his ilk, alive, but he wasn't interested in going without a fight.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 6:13:31 AM
The giant baby is weighing on Hobie as he reflects on the menagerie, and he will go to Olog in the jail and inquire about where they got the baby from, how long they have had him, what happened to his parents, etc. Hobie is no friend to giants, but no child should be separated from his parents. Hobie is determined that now that the halflings have been taken care of, returning this baby to his family is his next priority.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 6:36:10 AM
If Olog doesn't cooperate, Hobie isn't above threatening him. He's got a nonlethal bow that should be firmly planted in Olog's memory.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=26 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=28 ;
Monday February 24th, 2020 10:14:28 AM
Menagerie | When the Party is Over

Tali will rejoin the group in the main tent and offer any assistance she can, if and when asked.

Skill Checks
Bluff: NAT 1
Diplomacy: NAT 1
Fly: 24
Perception:28

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 149 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 539 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 539 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday February 24th, 2020 1:19:49 PM
With things wrapping up, Pressi searches for cotton candy.

DM Kathy
Monday February 24th, 2020 1:28:56 PM
Murphy does indeed have a list of everyone's name, including Bryony Littlefoot (Hendit's wife) and Arn Sandyman, the man who took the initiative in calming people down when you first freed them. You ask permission to speak with the animals. There's no objection, but the menagerie staff do ask that you wait until tomorrow, as many of the animals are still somewhat agitated.

Kezzem, with help from Succotash, offers the sheriff a better explanation for the guard's death. He nods. "Well, if that's the case, you've got nothing to worry about. Don't leave town just yet, though."

Hobie wants to ask Olog about the giant baby, but the half-orc remains unconscious for most of the afternoon. However, you discover that before you got to Olog's wagon, Pressi had already asked him about the giant baby. Olog said he'd acquired the baby in Bigtown, and consistently referred to the baby as "she."

Tali helps where she can, but soon finds that the main tent--and indeed all the show tents--are being jealously guarded by menagerie staff, who say that the animals are upset and people need to leave them alone. By mid-afternoon, the action has moved to the sheriff's office and the Crossroads Inn.

Pressi searches for cotton candy, but alas, this menagerie is woefully backward when it comes to tasty carnival food. They don't seem to sell food at all, in fact. A definite oversight on somebody's part.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday February 24th, 2020 2:36:12 PM
No way is Bliss leaving the prisoners just to Harper to guard. He stays too, sending Mookie with his friends to keep him in the loop via telepathy.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:38:15 AM
Unless the sheriff or deputy need him for anything, Succotash spends the rest of the day getting to know the halflings at the Crossroads Inn he books a room for himself and his friends, and pays for the room, as well as the evening meal for each of his friends. He thanks the innkeeper for their generosity in housing the rescued halflings, and gives a 100gp tip to show his gratitude.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=44 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=25 ;
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 9:54:43 AM
Menagerie | Aftermath

In town, Tali will continue to hover 13" inches above the ground. Tali uses her perception skills to take into account all situations she comes across in order to protect herself and her friends.

Now that Tali realizes the group has moved into town & into the Crossroad Inn, Tali helps Succotash where she can, lends a hand where needed. When she needs to interface with someone, she will use her Charms and Wits to gain the upper hand. {Bluff & Diplomacy skills}.

Skill Checks
Bluff: 44
Diplomacy: 46
Fly: 37
Perception:25

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 148 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

{OOC: what time is it since we left the tents?}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 12:12:24 PM
Kezzem hears Pressi complaining about the lack of carnival foods.

"I've got some mushrooms!" he offers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 1:22:20 PM
There isn't much else left. Pressi eventually makes her way back to Bliss, helps officers take their prisoners, and gives her opinion as needed.

Eventually, she makes her way to the sheriff's office to give whatever statements she can.

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 1:39:47 PM
Bliss is concerned about leaving the prisoners with only Harper to guard them, but finds he doesn't have to worry. The prisoners have been taken to the sheriff's office and placed under lock and key. The sheriff and his deputy now have the responsibility to guard them, and they seem able to handle it.

Kezzem offers Pressi mushrooms as sort of a consolation prize.

With some help from Tali, Succotash makes arrangements for the group at the Crossroads Inn, leaving a ridiculously generous tip that has the staff scrambling to get you anything you want.

Now that you have a place to stay and some time to reflect, there are any number of questions you can discuss and try to answer. For example:

Olog and his guards had some pretty snazzy gear. Now that one of them is dead and the rest are (presumably) bound for some kind of prison sentence, what will happen to the snazzy gear? And could any of it come your way?

On a similar topic, did Olog have any valuables stashed in his wagon? If so, will he forfeit them? If so, who gets them?

Also, what happens to the menagerie? Perhaps a final determination will need to wait until Murphy has a chance to talk to the animals tomorrow, but you could begin discussing it now.

The dark elves can presumably look after themselves, but what about the giant baby? Are you going to try to return her? If so--she came from Bigtown, which is at the foot of Shadow Mountain, which lies to the west. Thaelhaven, where the halflings want to go, is to the east. Are you going to try to escort both? If so, how will you manage it? If not, what other arrangements will you make?

Your DM would be happy to railroad you through all of this, but perhaps you'd like to make some of these decisions yourselves?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 3:35:10 PM

Bliss has a-lots of questions and opinions!

"First off, I want to hear the story of the halflings who were abducted! What happened??"

"Number Two, we should confiscate the menagerie and sell it and distribute the profits to the victims!"

"Third of all, I'll confiscate all the magic items and wealth we can find from these criminals, identify it, and then decide what to do!"

[OOC: Bliss has Detect Magic and Spellcraft +28.]

"And D) The Giant Baby should go to a bigun family to raise, but if there are none, then me and my coven will do the job. My mom adopted me and raised me, so I better pay it forward if I want to be even half the hero she was!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:34:03 PM
T o speed things along Hobie will help Bliss identify the magic items found (Hobie’s spellcraft is +25)

Hobie will speak up regarding the baby. “It’s a horrible thing that these criminals took a baby to use as a form of entertainment. The baby needs to be returned to her family. There could be a mother and father out there believing their child dead. I won’t stand for it. We have to return this child. Even if I have to go alone I’ll see it done.”

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:40:12 PM

Olog said he'd "acquired" the baby. If he stole it, okay, Bliss is up for trying to bring it back. But what if the family is evil and hates halflings? Are we sure?

If the parents sold the baby or if it was abandoned, then Bliss is not so sure returning it is a good plan.

He asks Olog for the whole true story!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 5:38:08 AM
Succotash is open to the idea of returning the child, and since he has never been there, offers to use greater teleportation to make the trip safely, bringing up to 4 volunteers. (He can carry 5 but he won't leave Valerie behind without good reason) He also would like to join Murphy in talking to the animals, He would like to free those animals who wish to be freed, and those who are too domesticated, he would like to offer them a home at the Sanctuary, where they will be well taken care of. He feels that animals don't belong in cages, but either in the wild, or as beloved members of a family.

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 2:13:59 PM
Bliss is able to ask the halflings the story of how they were abducted. It happened in the middle of the night. Thaelhaven is a peaceful place, and the residents don't lock their doors, so the first warning most of them had was being yanked forcibly out of bed by Big Folk. The few who managed to put up a fight were in nightclothes with no weapons, so their struggles didn't amount to much. The whole thing was over in less than ten minutes.

Bliss also goes to the sheriff's office to ask Olog about how he got the giant baby. Olog isn't exactly in a talking mood, but eventually he says that he bought the baby from "some ogre woman" in Bigtown. He paid 10 gold.

Hobie wants to return the child, and Succotash offers a Greater Teleport.

Hobie and Bliss go to the sheriff's office, and are able to get permission to identify the gear. The bad guys had:

+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), scrolls of neutralize poison (2), wand of cure moderate wounds (20 charges), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, +1 scimitar, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of striding and springing, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves’ tools.

In addition, a strongbox was found in Olog's wagon, containing 200 gold and a little statuette that proves to be a Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin).

However, although you have identified all this stuff, none of it is actually in your possession. The sheriff has it at his office. If you want it, for yourselves or for the halflings, you'll need to make a case for it.

The next day, Murphy and Succotash are able to talk to the menagerie animals. Give me some idea of the kinds of things you want to ask about.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 3:36:47 PM
"OLOG BOUGHT THE BABY FROM AN OGRE?!"
Hobie is incensed that not only is Olog terrible enough to enslave a baby, but some ogre there is trafficking babies. Hobie really wants to get to the bottom of this, go to BigTown and find the ogre and bring them to justice.

Regarding the treasure, Hobie would like to argue that they are the ones who brought these criminals to justice, that the towns police were willing to just let them go on enslaving people and profiting in the town. The treasure should belong to Humble's Sword as a finders fee.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:04:35 PM
"Is it an ogre baby? How big would that be? That's got to be at least as big a halfling, no?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 10:19:53 PM
Pressi gives an impassioned speech to the Sheriff about why they should keep the stuff (to be written tomorrow morning).

Regarding Bliss' desire to keep the baby, "Really, you want us to raise... this? Because I thought I was kind of nuts because I wanted to adopt that human street urchin." Turning to Murphy, "You've always wanted a big family, right?"

More seriously, "Just because an ogre woman sold her doesn't mean the ogre bought it or found it abandoned. It sounds to me like yet another kidnapping and slavery."

As for which way to go, it sounds increasingly like the group is planning to split up. Pressi waits to hear from the rest of the group.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=53 ; d20+26=34 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:16:13 AM

"A big family?" Murphy laughs. "Yes, yes, indeed, but I was rather thinking of another kind of big," he replies to Pressi.

He picks up the general thread of discussion on the topic, and adds, "There is an ogre living in Hovel, his name is Lomar. My sister Selinthe, brother Kendry, sister-in-law Airin, and several others befriended him some years back. He helps out quite a bit, and is the only bigun, aside from elves on the outskirts of Angel Springs, who lives in the valley. I don't know whether he'd would be open to raising the ogre girl child - or what exactly the rest of the community might think of that. Oh, and Lomar is half ogre, half ogre mage - but of good alignment, despite that heritage.

"He is a bard of the drum and song and writes well. That may be an option. Returning her to her ogre mother who sold her? I am not terribly excited about doing so, but see a degree of merit in the notion of at least asking her if she wants her back. Oh, Hovel also has a goblin, Bobbles, Lomar's little green buddy. He plays great rhythm with spoons."

Murphy checks in town before the day is done to see if he can buy some fish, fresh goat meat or lamb or mutton, and other items which would be appropriate for food for the various animals in the menagerie, for pickup on the following morning.

In the morning Murphy memorizes several speak with animal spells.

Any workers on site he will speak with cordially, asking in particular about the animals, what they like, and don't like. Get a read on their personalities.

He speaks first with the bear. He asks if he (she?) would like some fish - and provides it if the bear affirms a desire. "What were you doing before you began to travel in this cage?" he asks. He will follow up with additional promptings to try to get the story of his time with and treatment in the menagerie.

He follows a similar tack with the lion, but offers goat (or mutton or lamb, depending upon what was available). The druid tries to find out what part of the Wold the various birds and animals came from, as well as what they desire. A return to where they came from? A new place to live, outside a cage, with room to roam?

He discusses the whole matter with his companions in Humble's Sword, and finds out if there is anything they want asked of or communicated with the fowl and beasts.

If Pressi wants help or moral support in talking things over with the Sheriff, he will lend such.
==============
Perception: 53
Sense Motive: 34

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:41:53 AM
Succotash is undecided on what to do about the child, but will go with the flow. he says to Pressi, "Between Tali and myself we can take everyone to Big Town, if that's the consensus, there is no need to split up" As for the halflings, he points out that they are grown halflings, and should be able to take care of themselves, to some extent, and barring getting jumped in their sleep they should be OK. Though he is willing to go on an escort mission if that is also the consensus.

In the morning, Succotash will go with Murphy to talk to the animals. As Murphy asks about their past and treatment, he gets to the point and asks if they would like to be set free, and returned to their land of origin, or if they are too domesticated, he offers them a comfortable home, with no bars, at the Sanctuary. If for some reason they would like to stay with the menagerie, he will respect their decision, though he would do so reluctantly, as he believes that cages should only be used to house criminals.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday February 27th, 2020 9:14:39 AM
Aftermath

Tali will go along with the group, but makes sure she can meditate at least 2 hours before the next major outting.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=36 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 11:02:00 AM
Diplomacy 36

After explaining what happened, Pressi, currently in her full gear, takes a step back.

"As for the gear and treasure that was confiscated, I think we can agree that it must go where needed, and that it should go based on justice. And as someone who had to learn to ask for what she needed, I hesitate to do the "non-hero" thing and ask for what is ours.

"But you need to take a step back and look at what we face. An entire town was kidnapped and brought as slaves past town after town, and not a single sheriff looked up. Now, I know you did your best, and I know that you have other things to deal with, but you didn't even look up. So then you haven't seen the things we've faced, heard the armies we've stopped.

"This region can't just rely on the small town sheriffs and the kindness of townsfolk. This region needs heroes, it needs armies. It needs someone to stop both the slavers and the giants. That army, for better or for worse, is us. And we need your support, in kind. We need this gear to survive. We need this gear because the next guys who come through here won't stop at a single town."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday February 27th, 2020 1:23:03 PM

Bliss just wants to get the halflings home. After that, he'll go along with the group, although he has deep reservations about trying to give the baby back to the parents what sold her.

DM Kathy
Thursday February 27th, 2020 2:36:47 PM
Hobie and Pressi go to the sheriff's office and make their case for a share of the loot. "You make a good point," Sheriff Vree says. He waves a hand at the gear. "And truth be told, we don't have much use for all this, and no good way to sell it. So you may as well have it. But I have other plans for the cash. Including giving some of it to those halfling villagers of yours to help them get home.

[OOC: The loot listed in yesterday's DM post is all yours! Let the divvying up begin.]

You discuss the giant baby. Hobie is indignant that the baby was sold, and Pressi points out that it could be a symptom of a larger problem. Bliss is reluctant to give the baby back to parents who sold her, but Kezzem wonders whether the baby is actually an ogre baby. She almost certainly is not. Ogres are Large in size, but the baby is nearly Large already and is obviously still an infant. She will probably be Huge when she grows up. In fact, anyone who succeeds at a DC 23 Nature check Highlight to display spoiler: {can tell this is a baby storm giant}. Whatever relationship the ogre woman had with this child, she was not the mother.

The next day, Murphy and Succotash go to the menagerie to talk to the animals. First, you talk to the staff. You find that they are mostly former farmers, and you realize that they have genuine affection for the animals they care for. You also realize that, deeply though they may care about their charges, they didn't have any experience with exotic animals when they were hired, and there's been nobody to really teach them. With the best will in the world, they haven't been giving the animals the best care, because they just don't know enough.

You talk to the animals. You begin with the bear, who is female. You try to talk to her, and...it doesn't go well. Captivity has taken a mental and emotional toll on her; her mind is fragmented and it's difficult to talk with her. She is neurotic and obsessive, rambling on and then abruptly changing topics. She can't even answer the question about whether she wants to be freed, but it would be highly irresponsible to free her in her present state. There's no telling what she would do. She needs time and care if she is to recover at all.

The lioness, called Mowa, is easier to talk to. She doesn't like her cage. She doesn't like captivity and wants to be free. She's not sure where she came from in relation to here, only that it was warmer there. You know that lions prefer warmer climates, and that this region is probably a bit too cold for her to really thrive in the wild.

You talk to the monkeys. Their principal concern is boredom. They are fed okay, according to them--although you think they'd do better if they got more fresh fruits and vegetables and less "people food." But they sit in their cage all day and there's nothing to do. They need stuff to climb on and play with! A couple of them were born in captivity; the others know they come from the Taur Isles. They actually don't mind being exhibited; watching the people is really the only form of entertainment they get. They seem divided on whether they'd like to be freed; freedom is nice, but there are fewer people in the wild, and people are interesting. Like the lioness, they would need to be freed in a warmer climate.

You talk to the peafowl. They are silly, vain creatures who love being put on display and don't want to go back to the wild. They are doing pretty well on their diet of chicken feed, supplemented by the tasty bugs that wander into the tents.

[OOC: to avoid making this a giant wall of text, I'll do the remaining animals tomorrow.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+12=21 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 3:05:53 PM
[Not quite good enough at knowing nature!]

Bliss thinks we should make a zoo back home in Humbles.

Maybe Brother Succotash can cast Heal on each of the animals, especially the bear at least.

As for the loot, keep the wand of CMW as party loot and sell the rest? Bliss does not want any of it, and the armor is likely sized for bigguns anyhow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+7=12 ; d4=2 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:05:57 PM
Does Kezzem think a Lesser restoration would help the bear?

Heal: 1d20 + 7 = 12.

If he thinks it will help with Mental Damage, then he will cast it.

Lesser Retoration: 1d4 = 2.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 27th, 2020 7:04:17 PM
After talking to the bear and realizing he has some mental damage, Succotash takes Bliss's advice and casts heal on her, hoping to heal her brain. He likes Bliss's idea of a Humble's Ford Zoo, but only if the enclosures are nice and large giving the animals plenty of room, as though they were in the wild. Of course the animals that want to be returned to the wild, he feels they should take them home.

Succotash asks if anyone wants the boots of striding and springing, if no one objects he will take them. Other than that he agrees with Bliss on the rest of the loot.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday February 27th, 2020 7:30:24 PM
Humble Sword Decisions

Tali, when given the chance, will explain to her group, "that she believes all of the rescued animals that do put up a fight and all of the halfling should be welcomed to the "Humble Sword Compound", at least until they are hardy enough to travel to once they came, or until at least the next Spring has come for the Halflings.

The place is pretty large enough for all, and we could use a living staff. For the animals, Mister Murphy could do his best to rehabilitate those in need before we return them to their preferred habitat.

We could each donate a small sum of monies to get the halfling families up and running, and perhaps they could start a farm for us?!

As for the "Giant Baby" -- probably is a GIant of some sort. Don't need too much of a brain to figure that out...Perhaps the childs return might spell a new relationship for us...after all...but it can't be me to deliver the child, my one swell act turned the wall back on incinerating dozens of Giants! I'm sure they don't like me much, although there could be the chance the baby's parents lost their lives at the wall."

The Spoils

Here's the treasure:

+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), scrolls of neutralize poison (2), wand of cure moderate wounds (20 charges), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, +1 scimitar, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of striding and springing, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves’ tools.

In addition, a strongbox was found in Olog's wagon, containing 200 gold and a little statuette that proves to be a Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin).

Tali says, "With the gold being kept for the Halfling families for a restart, I'll accept whatever you chose to bestow upon me, as I do not think I can actually use all of it. Perhaps you can liquid my share and use it to help rehabilitate the halflings and the animals. I believe I will spend some time getting to know the new Pantheon."

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+13=22 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 12:58:47 AM
Hobie isn't quite sure what kind of giant this is, but he knows it's too big to be an ogre. He replies to one of the ideas he's heard coming from his party.

"This is someone's child, we cannot keep it or just give it to whatever giants we find first. Imagine if your own child was stolen and someone found her and just said 'oh here's a random halfling, I'll just give it to them.' At the very least we know where Olog purchased this baby and we need to at least inquire about it's parents. And frankly I'd like to find this ogre trafficking babies and put an arrow or two into her."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday February 28th, 2020 1:00:37 AM
In response to Tali, "Its not a terrible idea to invite the halflings back to Humble's Ford. The whole village minus Hendit was enslaved, and it might take them a bit to get back on their feet. "

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+19=36 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 3:57:19 AM

After taking a closer look at the giant lass, he notes a few characteristics in early development. "Might be wrong, friends, but I believe this big little girl is born of storm giants. They are among the largest of giant-kind, and most are of good character and disposition. You don't, however, want to get on their wrong side."

"If she hasn't yet a name - how about 'Tymestl Dawel'? Calm Tempest." "Perhaps we can make inquiries, Hobie, and learn if there are some storm giants who would want to adopt the babe. Or, perhaps, if we're lucky, even find her parents."

"Having the halflings join us in Humble's Ford?" reflects Murphy. "What a capital idea! If they will, that is. Their sense of security in the home from which they were kidnapped may be eroded."

Regarding the treasure, Murphy says, "I should like the +1 scimitar. Whatever else others wish to claim is fine with me - what remains we can exchange for coinage toward other purchases, no? Also, someone who would like to be able to fly from time to time would do well to claim the bronze griffin - that figurine of wondrous power." [Question: The amulet of mighty fists would not stack with greater magic fang, would it? If it does, Murphy would be interested, otherwise, no.]

"A place for the animals to live? Sounds good. Perhaps we can petition the town for formal grant of the parcel to our north - which we've been using lightly for crops, and some tunnels, and efforts to grow mushrooms. I can plant and grow there trees, bushes, other plants.

"The monkeys would be fun to have around, methinks! Who would like to be in charge of building a play and exercise area for them?" he asks the group.

The towheaded druid seems pensive for a moment. "The bear could benefit from a period of care, I believe. She can be my project - plus, one of my sisters does very well with animals, if I can persuade her to spend some time with her."

"The peacock and peahens should do just fine wandering around our compound.

"Mowa, we'll want to find a place with a warmer clime, and other lions about. I'll ask for a suitable spot."

He speaks with the workers who have been caring for the animals. "Now that it looks like the menagerie is breaking up... might any of you want to help out with the animals further? None of you have to. We live in Crescent Valley, and, aside from a few elves, plus other sorts who wander through from time to time, we are all halflings there. You are human - biguns, we call you. But, we have rich farmland, and, though some animals we shall try to place in climes more suited to their design, some of these animals will come with us, who agree to it, that is. Let me talk with some more. Kick around the notion among yourselves."

Murphy goes then to speak to more of the animals.

==========
Knowledge, nature: 36 - Murphy has a clear notion of the very large baby's parentage, race.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday February 28th, 2020 9:33:35 AM

"Oh, the bronze griffin is pretty sweet," Bliss says. "I'd like that I think."

"Mookie, want an action figure?" Bliss asks telepathically.

Mookie grins -- okay, that's physically impossible, but he manages it somehow. "Good one, Kid!"

[OOC to Murphy: No Amulet of Mighty Fists and Greater Magic Fang both offer enhancement bonuses, so they do not stack, sorry!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+15=17 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 1:36:35 PM
Pressi should have no problem identifying the giant if she's allowed to scan for it. (Attack Roll 17+touch AC if she can see the baby.)

The big things Pressi eyes are the scrolls of neutralize poison and the ring of protection +2 upgrade.

As for splitting up, Pressi suggests that maybe she goes in a different direction from Murphy so the two groups can continue communicating with each other. Assuming that the party wants to split.

DM Kathy
Friday February 28th, 2020 3:15:01 PM
You begin to formulate plans, or at least the beginnings of plans. Bliss floats the idea of a zoo back at Humble's Ford, an idea that gets support from Succotash, Tali, and Murphy.

Tali further suggests that the Thaelhaven halflings could be brought to Humble's Ford, possibly to start a new farm.

Hobie isn't quite able to identify the giant baby, but he's sure she isn't a baby ogre, and he's still keen to get to the bottom of what happened. Murphy and Pressi are able to identify her as a baby storm giant, and Murphy proposes a name for her. Presumably, her parents already named her at some point, but perhaps she could use a temporary name.

As for the treasure, Succotash is interested in the Boots of Striding and Springing. Pressi has her eye on the scrolls of Neutralize Poison and the Ring of Protection +2. Bliss suggests that the Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds be kept as party treasure, and is interested in the Figurine of Wondrous Power for himself. Or possibly Mookie.

At the menagerie, Succotash casts Heal on the bear, which helps her out quite a bit. Kezzem can save his Lesser Restoration; it doesn't seem to be needed. She says her name is Grnta, and that she doesn't want to be put on display anymore because people are mean. She barely remembers life in the wild, and isn't sure she wants to go back there. She still seems very timid.

You talk to the remaining animals. The tropical birds are not doing as well on chicken feed as the peafowl are. You spot several health problems--minor ones, but definite indicators that they need a better diet. They could also use more things to do--more perches, some fun toys and things. They could probably be released in the wild, but they are tropical, so they shouldn't be released here.

The lone remaining stirge is injured and frightened. She doesn't understand where the other stirges went, and she is scared all by herself. When you ask whether she wants to be free or remain here, all she says is that she wants to be where other stirges are.

You talk to the ocelots. They turn out to be a family--parents who really were "captured in the Jungles of Cthonia" and three of their offspring. They are healthy enough, but like many of the other animals, they could use more stuff to climb on and play with. The parents want to remain in captivity--they remember life in the wild and this is easier. The more timid of their sons would also like to stay. Their other son and only daughter are keen to have their freedom, but their parents say they wouldn't do well in the wild because they never learned how to hunt.

Murphy also talks to the workers, who are looking a little bewildered at the rapidly changing events.

Just as a reminder, nobody has spoken with the dark elves yet. You don't have to; just a reminder that they're still hanging around.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d8+5=13 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d20+26=36 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 5:58:25 PM
"Wise call, Bliss," Murphy smiles as Bliss takes the bronze griffon as his own.

"That makes good sense, Pressi. Here, this feather will become an oak if cast to the ground. When you feel it is time to use it, stand back if you let it go! It can give the means for me to get to you quickly should the need arise, love - assuming we go to two separate places."

Murphy hands a short list of fruit, vegetables and seeds to one of the workers. "See what you can find from this list in town. It's for the birds - their diet needs a bit of augmentation." He gives 11 gp. "Please get receipts for the purchases, and bring the change, less 1 gp for your efforts."

He tells the stirge he will help her feel better, and casts cure light wounds (+13hp) on her. "It may take a little time, dear winged one. I will try to find out where others of your kind may be found."

The druid thanks Succotash for healing the bear, and to Grnta, he says, "My sister is a druid, and once spent time with bears. She is very kind. Until we figure out what to do together, I will see if she can see to your care and protection, and then we will figure out what seems best."

"We can prepare a good and fun place for you, ocelots of Cthonia. And perhaps arrange for hunting lessons, if you think it wise."

Murphy asks who wish to join him in speaking with the dark elves. He introduces himself, and lets any who joined in to introduce themselves. "We're sorry for the pain you experienced as we worked to rescue the halflings. It seems Olog and his armed muscle are responsible for their kidnapping and forced imprisonment and their false and public humiliation." He looks to see if they still seem wounded. If so, he offers to help mitigate their wounds, at least somewhat. He provides up to (5+7) 12 hp for one, and (5+4+5) 14 for the other with 5 applications of his wand of cure light wounds. "How was it you came to join this traveling enterprise? Are you bards? Or, something else? I'd love to hear your stories." He tries to be polite in his queries, gauging their responses [Sense Motive 36]. He also asks as to what they might wish to do at this juncture. "We understand this all will be changing several people's plans. If we can ease those changes...?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 29th, 2020 12:31:28 PM
Kezzem will talk to the dark elves. He speaks SLOWLY and LOUDLY so they can undstand.

"HELL-O! MY....NAME...IS...KEZ-ZEM! WHO...ARE...YOU?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 29th, 2020 12:31:44 PM
Also, Kezzem will Detect Evil on them.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Saturday February 29th, 2020 4:01:28 PM
Lingustics

Tali will try to converse with the Dark Elves as she knows Common and Elven.

Tali asks both Dark Elves, "Do you wish to come with us to Crescent Valley, or would you like us to return you to some other place? Do you have a Home outside of the Menagerie?"

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday March 1st, 2020 11:23:16 AM
Succotash says to Grnta the bear, "You will never have to be on display again, if I have any say in the matter, but would you consider being a valued pet/friend? At our home that we call the Sanctuary, we have a large compound which you would be free to wander in safety, with only caring people a trent, and an awakened tree to interact with, plus you would have both Murphy and Myself, as well as Murphy's sister who can talk to you directly so we can better understand your needs".

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 2nd, 2020 10:35:23 AM

Bliss continues to push for a zoo or sanctuary back home -- right after all the former "cave-halflings" are either gotten home or wherever they want to resume their lives. (Bliss hints that life in Crescent Valley may likely be both safer and, well, funner for halflings. "Honestly, why even live in Izen when you can live in Humbles Ford?" he asks.)

As for the baby, well, Legend Lore to find out about the baby's mommy, Greater Scrying to see her, then Detect Evil to rule that out, and then talk to her if she is not evil, see if she wants her baby back, and if so, teleport there and home again. Easy Peasy. If we do not have those spells, well, there's always scrolls.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 2nd, 2020 11:50:43 AM
Pressi points out that some of those scrolls or materials (i.e. for legend lore) are missing, so she wants to know if they are taking the kid back to Humbles first.

She also points out that they have another easy peasy way to figure out where to take the giant child and whether to give her up. It's called go to the place they were pointed to and ask around. (In doing so, its sort of tipped that Pressi heavily leans toward getting the child back to the mother, almost regardless of what happened. At minimum, she seems to be giving the giant parents/family members more of a benefit of the doubt.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 2nd, 2020 12:01:39 PM

Bliss disagrees. "Being a hero does not mean being dumb. Why not cast a few divinations first so we don't have to walk into a giant town unaware. After all, we just killed a whole bunch of giants! We may have a rep. They may not be inclined towards friendliness. The baby has been in the menagerie for weeks or months, so one more day will do no harm."

DM Kathy
Monday March 2nd, 2020 2:11:04 PM
Murphy gives one of the employees money for fruit, vegetables, and seeds. Food is not expensive here; the worker returns later with a bulging burlap sack, handing you 9 gold pieces and a few silver. In the meantime, you heal the stirge and promise to find her more stirges to be with. You also talk to Grnta the bear, who remains timid and anxious.

Succotash also talks to Grnta, elaborating a bit on Murphy's proposal. She thinks maybe that sounds all right, but she still sounds very uncertain.

Tali, Kezzem, and Murphy go to talk to the dark elves. Kezzem starts by speaking loudly and slowly, which I'm sure they appreciate. You know, deep down. Tali speaks in both Common and Elven, and soon finds that they speak Common perfectly well, without the ridiculously over-the-top accent that Hobie heard earlier. They give their names as Malryth and Zirath Ivraes; they are brothers. They appreciate Murphy's healing, as they were still pretty banged up.

They are entertainers, though they hesitate to call themselves bards. [They do not have any levels of Bard.] They were down on their luck, and cooked up a scheme with Olog to join the menagerie and do a "mysterious dark elves" act. "But after a few weeks Olog stopped paying us," Zirath says. "We kept asking him about it, and eventually he sent one of his toughs to shut us up. We tried to leave--a few times--but they came after us and brought us back. Eventually we quit trying."

Tali asks if they have a home, and they do not. "Actually, we were talking this morning," Malryth says, "and we were hoping we could maybe take over the menagerie. Run it different; be nicer than Olog was. Not show sentient creatures; just actual animals. But I'm not sure we could afford to buy it, even if we were to somehow get the money Olog owes us."

Listening, Murphy is confident they are being truthful.

Meanwhile, Bliss and Pressi are discussing strategies for dealing with the giant baby. Bliss points out that the problem could be solved by just a few (admittedly quite expensive) spells. Pressi feels that shoe leather is a better approach.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday March 2nd, 2020 4:16:46 PM
Hobie is happy to go along with the divination plan, it seems like its a smart idea to at least check things out before heading into bigtown. Hobie's not afraid though should they have to go to the town, he feels like they are just easy targets.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 2nd, 2020 5:12:04 PM
Succotash is down with the divination plan, but points out that since he can't cast a message spell, someone else would have cast the greater scrying spell.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 2nd, 2020 6:58:44 PM

"One argument in favor of not taking the child to Crescent Valley is that the Giant Towers are again in working order, thanks to what you all were able to accomplish," Murphy responds. "Despite her innocence, I don't know that the magic of the towers can discern that. Perhaps the Sanctuary is far enough away that no harm would befall were she to arrive there via teleportation, but doing so without knowing could be a dangerous test. Regardless, let us see what we can learn, as Bliss is recommending. Meanwhile, having a few emissaries heading to the place she came from and making inquiries is not a bad idea. Pressi - which do you think is wisest? Start with onsite inquiries, or with Bliss's arcane or divine investigations?"

With the dark elves, the halfling druid raises a straw-colored eyebrow. "Interesting idea, Malryth and Zirath. You think you have what it takes to manage and run a traveling menagerie? Doubtless you have many talents. How might you deal with security? Recruitment? Oh, and how much does Olog owe you?" He waits for that answer, then asks, "Are you spell casters of some sort?" Murphy waits to hear others' queries to the pair. Toward the end, he asks, "What do you think about the notion of regrouping in Humble's Ford before heading back out on the road? Some of the questions I asked may be more fully answered given time."

With the change returned and the food provided, Murphy offers thanks, then lays out a small subset of the food to be provided to the tropical birds. How many such birds are there? He gives the separated food to the worker. "Once you're done with that, could we have all the workers gather here for a moment?"

He asks Tali if she can help him out on this. He hands her paper and pen. When the workers show up, he asks each of them to meet with Tali, and have her write down whatever funds they believe Olog may owe them.

"You have generally worked hard, it seems, to care for the creatures of the menagerie. Do you wish to continue this sort of work?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 2nd, 2020 8:11:54 PM
"Wow, you guys picked up the language right quick," says Kezzem. "I must be a great teacher!"

Kezzem says to Marlyth, "So, Zirath, now math was never my best subject, but I figure with all the money Olag owes you and your brother Marlyth, when one accounts for compound interest, accrued late penalties, and additional worker's compensation for having to work in a hostile work environment, I would say Olag owes you...say, an entire Mengagerie. Hey Succotash, can you have Valerie check my math on this?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:45:26 AM
"Valerie says your math seems accurate", Succotash chuckles, "I'm not a big fan of cages, in truth I believe that only criminals should be put in them, but if there are willing animals, such as the monkeys and peafowl, and who knows what else you may find, who are willing to live such a life I have no argument. Maybe we can figure out a way for you to talk to them, several potions of speak with animals would really help you understand the animals better, and if you understand them, well, you should have no problem keeping them happy and comfortable. However the animals who desire to return to the wild, will be returned, and the poor bear is coming home with us.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 12:32:12 PM
Accounting & the Ledger

Tali takes the pen & paper and draws up a ledger of sorts to help record the staff of the Menagerie and the pay owed, animals cared for and the upkeep needed to do so.

Tali enjoyed the process and learning what it takes to manage an attraction such as the menagerie!

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 530 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 530 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 1:34:12 PM
"You'll get no argument from me, either," Pressi replies as she enters the tent with the dark elves. "Consider it a special discount for hardship. The hardship of Bliss adopting and bringing everything in the region to our coven's front lawn."

Since they don't have legend lore materials, Pressi drops down to a simple divination spell (using one of her gold packs). "What is the name of the giant's mother?" Pressi asks.

From that, she casts a greater scrying, with a connection (the kid) and some familiarity (the name).

DM Kathy d100=45 ;
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 2:35:59 PM
Murphy asks the dark elves whether they have a plan for managing the menagerie. "Well, we have a pretty good idea what not to do," Zirath says. "We hope most of the employees will stay on," Malryth says. "And that you, good sir, will teach us how to better care for the animals. We will need to hire a couple of people for security--not toughs like Olog had, but people who can deal with trouble. Perhaps that sheriff has some suggestions; he seems a sensible sort."

The brothers admit that Olog only owed them about 25 gold--a significant sum to a non-adventurer, but nowhere near the total value of the menagerie. However, Kezzem and Succotash are inclined to let them take it anyway.

Tali takes pen and paper to make careful notes, because this is all complicated! Luckily, the regular employees are not owed back pay, so that all seems to be settled. You also make notes on the animals. The peafowl, monkeys, and tropical birds are all fine to continue with the menagerie. The bear is coming with you. The lioness wants to be released, but needs a warmer climate. The lone remaining stirge wants some little stirge friends, and it's possible you could find some that are willing to join the menagerie. The tricky part is the ocelots--mom, dad, and one of the kids want to stay with the menagerie. Two other kids want to leave; mom and dad are saying no. Though it should be noted that the "kids" are adults of their species.

You might also have suggestions for animals that might be easy to acquire that people would be interested in seeing.

Hobie and Pressi, meanwhile, continue to work on the mystery of the giant baby. Pressi casts a spell to ask for the name of the mother. Your reply is: Thalika Jouvelt

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:39:46 PM

Bliss thanks Pressi. "You are a hero, my friend, and it means a lot that you would meet me halfway."

Bliss (plus Mookie and Harper, right?) drop into a quick coven circle before Pressi casts. Bliss casts a Surrender spell to push two extra caster levels into Pressi's spells.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:58:37 PM
Succotash holds his breath in anticipation of finding the mothers location. He is ready to take half the crew via Greater Teleport if everything checks out, and is certain that Tali can carry the other half.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:25:55 AM

Dark elves and workers
"Here's a suggestion. Let us gather in Crescent Valley, near Humble's Ford. Let my sister, a druid work with you, if she will. I can help some, too. I come from a family of entertainers. My father makes musical instruments and toys. A brother is a bard. The town has additional talented people, some of whom may take an interest in the sort of life you have chosen. Spend a few months with us. We'll build out traveling exhibits that better account for the needs of the animals. Expand the offerings - and entertainment. Add some games, and teaching devices. Children love games - many parents do as well. If a game teaches and rewards learning, families will be drawn. Coin will be spent. Many wise teachings derive from observation of animals and their ways. Stories with morals.

"Perhaps a few young adventurers from those parts might be willing to join - to help out, and provide security. Well, much more to discuss. But for now - how best to get the caravan to Humble's Ford? People and animals we may teleport. But large carts and cages? Hmmm..."

"How would you two take to learning some basic adventuring skills that could complement the menagerie? One take up druidicism, and one become a bard? Some skills - and spells - could make your jobs much easier.

"What animals to add? Various snakes, canines, felines, avians, amphibians, reptiles, terrapins, marsupials, tunneling critters - there are many animals types to consider. Some like daytime, some like nighttime. Ponies or riding dogs for little ones to ride? Out in Hovel some of my friends and I got to take turns riding on the back of a sheep when I was about five years old. I fell off, but it was exciting while it lasted. That sheep was a lot tougher than we were at the time."

Murphy waits for their responses, thanks them, then says, "Well, we can talk more later."

Ocelots
A brief conversation with the ocelots: "Before you move to the wild, you need to learn to hunt, and survive where others may attack you. Are you willing to learn that before leaving your family?" he asks the male and female siblings who want their freedom. He asks the parents if that makes sense to them. He thinks about placing the two younger ones for such with his Aunt Nilli in the Culverwood.

Back to the Halflings
Murphy wants to talk with the freed halflings. "We have been kicking around some ideas. Folks, you'll want to think this over. You may want simply to return home, and take up life again there. That would be fine. There is another opportunity for you, though - really, a Wold full of opportunities. A specific one, though, is this. Come and join us in Humble's Ford. There is available land, land to live on, and land to farm. It is a valley of halflings. Some good folk of various races also come through from time to time. Sometimes bad folks try to get in. We just managed to kill close to a thousand giants who wanted to take over the valley. It will likely take them a few generations to get around to trying that again, so it looks like we're safe for now.

"But, if you would like, we could get you out there, let you take a look around. If it seems good, then you could make plans to join us in the valley - and we'll find those to help you do so. What do you think? Talk it over, let us know. It may take us a few days to finish sorting things out before we leave." He provides fifty gold pieces - 25 for Hendit's wife Bryony Littlefoot and the other 25 for Arn Sandyman to manage. "If you all want to do a bit of shopping, or have other needs here in town, that may help you out a bit. Also, one big coin for each of you - you may keep it, or spend it, as you choose." He gives one gold piece to each of the adults and children - so 72gp total. "If you have concerns, talk to me, or to Pressi. Really, any of us who is available. Anything before I leave for a few hours?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 7:37:52 AM
"Also, if you guys are strapped for coin, maybe you could sell snacks at your menagerie," suggests Kezzem. "We could even hook you up with some mushrooms. I know a guy."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 8:36:19 AM
The Big Baby

"Succotash, I'd pick up the slack, but I need a description of where I am going...enough to get there!", says Tali to Succotash.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 530 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 530 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 1:49:18 PM
Pressi stares at Kezzem. "I think that's enough mention of mushrooms. You know, unless you WANT to have a good connection to them. I think that can be arranged." (Evil laugh goes here.)

After getting in a circle with Bliss and their pets, Pressi begins to perform the scrying ritual. (DC 22+4 from both surrender bloods.) She focuses as hard as she can on the name "Thalika Jouvelt."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 1:51:30 PM
To Murphy, "I probably could have been nicer to Kezzem and gotten him to stop the joke. But I am a witch capable of amazing and terrible actions, and I just believe its good to remind my friends of that from time to time."

DM Kathy d20=16 ;
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:18:36 PM
Murphy speaks again to the freed halflings, and finds them determined to return to Thaelhaven. Their homes are there, and their fields, and they do not want to leave. Bryony Littlefoot is especially determined. "It took Hendit years to build up those routes, earn those customers," she says. "I'm not going to make him start all over again."

You offer the dark elves training and assistance in Humble's Ford. The brothers seem interested. "We could do with a place to spend the winter," Malryth says, "but it seems pretty far away."

You also offer to train the young ocelots. They scoff at the idea, claiming they don't need it, but their parents urge them to accept. The discussion is still going on.

Kezzem suggests offering food for sale, and the brothers seem interested. You offer mushrooms, and they seem less interested.

Meanwhile, Bliss assists Pressi in setting up her scrying. It takes a moment, but soon you are looking at a scene of a storm giant woman, sitting in a comfortably-furnished room. She is facing a window, though which you catch a glimpse of snowy mountain slopes. She has some sewing in her lap. Every once in a while, she adds a few stitches to her work, but it's clear that her heart isn't in it. From time to time, she raises her eyes to look out the window, but she doesn't seem to see the view--she is miles away. She looks sad.

You get a good look at the room, but you'll need to describe it very well to Tali and Succotash if you want a successful teleport.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:28:04 PM
Bliss whispers to Pressi, "Psst! Miss Pressi! Talk to her! Say who we are and that we have good news about her babby!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 4:08:50 PM
"I don't think scrying works like that Bliss. But Press, please study the location and we can teleport to her. We can bring her baby back!"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:04:29 PM
[OOC: You can cast a Message cantrip through a Greater Scrying, right?]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:41:50 PM

With Pressi
Back with Pressi & company, Murphy pulls out paper and ink and begins sketching based upon the description that Pressi offers of the mother giant's room and view. He works with her to make adjustments here and there until she feels it is as close as possible to what she has been viewing. He adds telepathic communication the better to understand any subtleties, perhaps to share the view to an extent. He will add additional views or perspectives to try to get as full a representation of the space as he can in cooperation with her. Maybe 3 sheets of paper until he has it just right.
[Profession, Artist: 32 - pretty good police sketch work]

With Thaelhavenians
"Good. It is a good thing to be committed to your hearth, your home," Murphy says, his face serious. "Perhaps this was just a small test - and you passed." A gentle smile touches his face, which then returns to a more serious mien. "We will help you get back within the next few days. Sorry for the delay - there are a few pieces we are putting together, and various intermediate matters to resolve."

With dark elves
"Yes, a few weeks by conventional travel, you're correct," Murphy answers. "If we simply have a few spaces prepared ahead of time, we can get all the animals there in a couple of days, and build up new carts, wagons, and cages over the winter in the valley - ones that will better accommodate the needs of the animals. The carts we would simply leave here in Crofters Crossing. Perhaps they can be sold."

Ocelots
Murphy lets the ocelot family engage in their domestic discussion without further interference for now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:31:17 PM
"Why are you making that face? Mushrooms are delicious! Like I'm always saying, mushrooms are the fruit of the earth. You can roast them, broil them, saute them...pan fried, deep fried, stir fried...there's cremini mushrooms, osyster mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, shittake mushrooms, porcino mushrooms, morel mushrooms....and that, that's about it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 5th, 2020 5:36:03 AM
Succotash waits for Pressi's description of the location and watches as Murphy tries to draw the scene, but he holds off casting Greater Teleport until Pressi messages the mother, so the Swords can determine if that is the best course of action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d100=53 ;
Thursday March 5th, 2020 1:46:14 PM
Kezzem's speech is drowned out halfway through with a casting of ghost sound: mariachi band.

Sorry, animals.

While in the trance: "Because I used scrying instead of greater scrying, I can message but there is a significant chance of failure. (It's 5% per caster level, Pressi has 12+5 assuming both surrender bloods stack. That's an 85% chance the message will go through.)

"However, I'm rather loathe to send a message to some complete stranger like this. I really don't know how we do it without freaking her out."

Since it's clear that people want this message, she gives it a try. (53, anything under 86 is success.) After some thought, she chooses to sing a soft melody, a lullaby from when she was a child.

DM Kathy
Thursday March 5th, 2020 3:17:23 PM
As Pressi describes the scene with the storm giant, Murphy begins sketching the room. Bliss suggests telling the mother that you have her baby! Hobie points out that TV doesn't work that way, sweetie.

Except, of course, sometimes it does. As Succotash waits for instructions, Pressi casts a Message and begins singing a lullaby. The giant begins looking around, confused. In Giant, she says, "Hello? Is somebody there?"

Meanwhile, Kezzem is extolling the many virtues (and varieties!) of mushrooms to the dark elf brothers. "We're actually very fond of mushrooms," Zirath assures you. "It's just....it would be a challenge to find a way to sell them out of a booth."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+14=25 ;
Thursday March 5th, 2020 10:08:47 PM
After finishing with the mother's room, Murphy begins sketching his friends and companions on a clean piece of parchment, beginning with Pressi, then Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, himself, Tali, and Kezzem. He adds a sketch of the baby, or babby, as Bliss puts it, at the center of the group. He adds also along the periphery Mookie, Rayya, Rumpus, and a certain velociraptor. He neatly writes the name of each person or critter next to their image. He adds this by the baby image:

Storm Giant Baby 'Calm Tempest'

[Profession, Artist: 25 - not a bad sketch]Murphy writes a letter to her, too. On the left side of the page he writes in the common tongue, and on the right side of the page he writes the translation in the giant tongue.

Hello, mother of Calm Tempest. My name is Murphy, a long-time member of Humble's Sword. While rescuing a group of kidnapped halflings, we found whom we believe to be your child, and now return her to you. My friends can tell you more about the circumstances under which we were able to find and rescue her. We have given her the name of 'Tymestl Dawel,' which means 'Calm Tempest' for we do not know the name you have for her. May she prosper under your watchful care and love henceforth.
--With respect and prayers for you and your child,
Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood
[and his signature]
Humble's Sword members:
Pressi Silverglove - Kezzem - Bliss

Hobie Browncloak - Succotash - Tali
[and their signatures]

Under their names he leaves room for each to sign his or her name

Murphy hands in turn to each person a pen prepared with ink, a separate practice page to write on, then this letter for each to sign.

The order of names is the order in which each person joined the group (and Pressi and Kezzem tied in that regard).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 5th, 2020 10:35:05 PM
Kezzem signs his name.

"Wait, shouldn't Blisd be listed first?" he asks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 6th, 2020 1:42:48 AM

"Oh, you're right, Kezzem. Bliss and Alleah showed up at the Dancing Pig after we got back from defeating Idafeatyu the ogre mage at the Parley House in the Red Hills. Whereas you and Pressi showed up sometime later outside a large oak in the Culverwood on the morning of shemini atzeret." Murphy looks down at the list. "All right. The first line after mine is in reverse chronological order, and the second line is in straight chronological order. You've an eye for detail, Kez, that I had overlooked!" He does not change the document, as the matter is likely of no import to the storm giant matron.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 5:28:16 AM
Succotash signs his name to the document/drawing, while waiting for Pressi's and the Giant's conversation to begin.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday March 6th, 2020 8:18:51 AM
Calm Tempest

Tali signs where appropriate on the drafted document, Mister Murphy creates. Afterwards, Tali approaches, the rest of the Scry team - Bliss & Pressi to determine if she can get a good a destination picture as possible for the trip!

"Bliss, Pressi?! Where is this place we are going? I need details please!" asks Tali of the Scry Team.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 12:00:53 PM
Hobie signs his name on the parchment and gets ready for the trip. He gathers his things up, refills his quiver, and spends time preparing his spells.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 12:12:09 PM
Hobie's signature

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 6th, 2020 2:45:01 PM
Pressi eyed the document carefully. "I don't exactly know what you're planning here. Why cant I just say this through the message? Are you planning to deliver it really really fast? Is this supposed to be a contract? Oh, I get it. She can trust the voices in her head now because there's a piece of paper."

Sighing, she impresses her arcane mark at the spot by her name.

In response to the giant's query, Pressi softly mentions that she has the child and they are returning. "Where are you?"

DM Kathy
Friday March 6th, 2020 4:10:23 PM
Murphy makes a sketch of the group, and the giant baby, and writes a short explanation with places for everyone to sign. Kezzem, Succotash, and Hobie all sign.

Tali signs too, reminding the others that she is waiting for teleportation coordinates.

Pressi wonders what the paper is for, as does your DM. But she affixes her mark before telling the mother you have the baby. She looks ready to weep. "But....I don't understand," she says, still speaking Giant. "Who are you? Where are you? How are you talking to me? You have Lonia? Is she all right?"

You ask where she is, and she says, "I'm at home. Are you bringing her here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 6th, 2020 4:51:44 PM

"Those who go can take this with you to give to Mama," Murphy says of the letter. He awaits with interest what will come next.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 6th, 2020 5:08:17 PM

Bliss signs with a special Glyph in Old High Blissian.

"Good one, Mister Murphy," he says.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 6:17:56 PM
"At the very least, the note will be something she can hold on to, to remember the folks who brought her daughter back. I think it's a nice addition."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Saturday March 7th, 2020 2:33:54 PM

"Oh, Pressi - ask her if there are any oak trees nearby her - and try to find out where in the Wold her home is," Murphy quietly requests. "That is, if you deem it not unwise to ask either question."

Meanwhile, he has written "Lonia - storm giant baby girl" and "Thalika Jouvelt - storm giant mother" on the first room sketch he made.

He thinks that even a large oak tree might or might not be of sufficient size to transport the large baby, but could be an auxiliary transportation resource to take several halflings at once.

He also thinks to himself, "Surely there are ocelots in the Culverwood." He loves the beauty of those cats.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 9th, 2020 5:27:22 AM
"Like Tali said Pressi, we need details, you gave us a pretty good description of the place, and Murphy's drawing helps a bit, but knowing the name of the town would be the icing on the cake so to speak", Succotash adds to Tali's request for information.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 9th, 2020 12:39:58 PM
Calm Tempest

"Okay, team, what's the plan? Can we leave after a two hour mediation period or after a good nights sleep?" asks Tali of the group? "I need to regain my spells before we deliver "Calm Tempest" to her rightful clan!"

DM Kathy
Monday March 9th, 2020 1:32:50 PM
Most of you think that the sketch with your signatures will mainly be a souvenir, and you're fine with that.

Murphy thinks there must be ocelots in the Culverwood. You know that ocelots prefer a warmer climate than the one found here in the mid-Elennian Peninsula, which would argue against a Culverwood population of them. On the other hand, the elves are well-versed in nature magic. It's not impossible that their druids have created a warmer pocket, deep in the Culverwood, where tropical plants and animals might flourish. If such a place exists, however, you have not heard so much as a whisper of a rumor of it.

Tali tells the group that she will need to rest and prepare spells at some point. Indeed, depending on how much your group is planning to teleport, you may need a few days to get it all done.

Pressi's conversation with the storm giant mother continues...

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 9th, 2020 2:03:02 PM

"Pressi! Miss Pressi!" whispers Bliss, "Tell her we are magic-users and adventurers and we want to teleport to her so we can give back her baby. But she has to tell us where she is so we can get there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 9th, 2020 7:31:36 PM
"Forget it, forget it," says Kezzem as Bliss brings up magical transport. "No more Shadowwalking. This time I'm gonna walk."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 1:54:58 AM

Murphy waits for Pressi to respond to Big Mama. He thinks about animal placement, training animal care people, getting halflings back home, and scheduling a teatime with McGregor HeadWise back in Humble's Ford.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 5:23:06 AM
OOC... Is this still the day of the fight, or have we rested? I can't remember.

Succotash waits patiently for Pressi's conversation to provide the needed details to make Greater Teleport work.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 8:41:02 AM

[OOC: We have rested. The fight was yesterday]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:44:44 AM
(OOC: Apologies for the delay. Yesterday was one of those days where posting got pushed off and pushed off, and I didn't think a one sentence post would do it justice.)

Pressi pauses, thinking about what to say... and what not to say. For now, mentioning that they are halflings... seems like a bad idea. And she'd like to avoid getting into details, if she can.

"Uh... suffice it to say for now that we are powerful magic users out to right the injustices in the Wold. We found your baby, Lonia, safe and sound, and we have dealt with those that purchased her from an ogre.

"Can you give us some idea of where 'home' is and how we can get there. We intend to reunite your child with you at the greatest speed, and you may wish to meet us halfway. But we need to know where you are, if there are cities along the way, if anything blocks say a teleport? Whatever information you can give us would be appreciated."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:45:18 AM
(OOC: re spells. I really should take some time to track what they are.)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 12:48:22 PM
Prep for the return of Calm Tempest

"Kezzem, this is greater teleport spell silly, we're not using he druid way! We're using magic!" says Tali....

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 2:31:46 PM
Pressi has questions for the storm giant mother, but she's a little distracted. "You have Lonia? Is she all right? Is she eating? Is she warm enough?" It takes a bit to get her to focus.

"Home is...well, it's here. On Shadow Mountain. Umm....the closest town is Dhahe; it's about three miles away. Cities? Well, there's Nag-Fohrrah, of course. Probably Kulki, depending on which way you're coming. Which way are you coming?" You ask her about things that might block a teleport, and she doesn't know. "We're not mages," she says. "I don't know anything about travel magic."

Reminder for those listening: you can only hear Pressi's side of the conversation, and she is speaking Giant.

Pressi (or anybody, if she passes along the name Nag-Fohrrah) Knowledge Geography 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Nag-Fohrrah is the Giant name for Bigtown.}

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 3:23:34 PM
Hobie eagerly listens to Pressi as she talks with the mother, "Okay, do you have it, you have the info? Let's get moving. Do you have enough info to teleport? If not lets get on the road. We don't need to waste any more time sitting around."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:25:04 PM
"'Tell-pork?'" asks Kezzem. "So how does that work, you find a pig and say where you want to go? Nevermind, I don't care, just as long as there won't be evil shadows trying to steal our shadows cause I don't want to do that again."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:33:53 PM
Succotash shakes his head in amusement at Kezzem's query, and says, "No Kezzem, it's tel-a-port, not tell-pork. all that happens is Tali, myself, or in this case both of us, cast a spell, and we instantly arrive at our destination.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+5=25 ;
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 8:38:12 PM
(OOC: ability to make untrained knowledge rolls thanks to WLA)

Sometimes, things just fall into place and nobody knows why.

Pressi continues to pass along information, and she is on fire. She even knows that Nag-Fohrah is giant for Bigtown.

Noting Kezzem's objections, "Ok, but we kind of built your next birthday party around the concept so thanks for telling me after we lost the deposits. Look, believe it or not, shadow walking is a quite acceptable form of transportation and from now on I'm going to demand we all sign waivers."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:41:56 PM
The Return of Calm Tempest

While the rest of the team that decided to return the babe gets ready, and since it is the next day, and assuming we all slept / or meditated as I do, I will cast my morning spells:

Overland Flight & Mage Armor

...while awaiting the rest of the team.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 11:35:54 PM

Bliss laughs. "You guys are too funny," he says.

"Yeah, a regular laff riot," squawks Mookie, and somehow you can tell he said "laff riot," not "laugh riot."

Bliss smiles and adds, "Okay, so let's go! Blip us there, oh wonderful teleporter-casters!

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:02:32 PM
Hobie is impatient to get going. Kezzem seems to be thinking mainly of lunch, but he isn't a fan of shadow walking. Bliss is also ready to go. Succotash and Tali are ready to cast their spells.

Pressi ponders on how things just fall into place and nobody knows why. Although, in this case, Bigtown was first mentioned yesterday, so it's likely the group has discussed it since. At any rate, you seem to have all the information you need, or at least you haven't asked any more questions that your DM can answer.

So, it seems that a lot of people missed it, but you have spent one night in this inn after rescuing the halflings. Please update your spells and effects accordingly. After spending the night, and doing whatever normal morning stuff you guys do, Murphy and Succotash (and possibly others) went back to the menagerie and talked to the animals, the employees, and the dark elves. Pressi cast her divinations. We never did establish where this was happening; I kind of see it back at the inn, but there's no reason you couldn't have done it at the menagerie encampment.

All that took a while; it's probably getting on for noon.

Wherever you guys are now, the giant baby is still at the menagerie encampment, so if you're not there, you'll need to go get her before any teleporting happens.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+11=22 ;
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:26:37 PM

"Pressi, how accurately does my drawing reflect what you saw in your scrying? How about colors? Relationship of furniture in the room? Where Big Mama was sitting? The window and scenery beyond? And how about this other part of the room?" Murphy will prompt his fiancée for corrections, enhancements, clarifications. Based upon her guidance, he will, if necessary, redraw the space for Tali and Succotash to get a clear understanding of the target.

"Bigtown - on the East Slope of Shadow Mountain - is heavily populated by hill giants, but there are also ogres, ettins, trolls, and stone giants, plus many non-giants. However, especially since Tali has greater teleport, I recommend we not walk there. Let her take Pressi, and Lonia, and maybe a couple others to the reunion. Succotash - do you also know greater teleport? Or just regular teleport?"

"Sounds like you need to take your two hours of meditation, Tali. Are there other preparations any of us need to take?" he asks the group.

"I would love to go along, but, as you said, Pressi, communication between you and those left behind will work better if I stay here."

He takes about fifteen minutes to talk with the workers who have been caring for the 'biggest baby in the Wold' about her, the type of care and feeding they have been providing, and the babe's personality so far. He spends another bit of time with Lorna. If she is awake, he'll play with her.
=============
Knowledge Geography 22

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 4:37:49 PM
Hobie spends his time preparing his spells.

ooc: Did anyone handle the loot situation?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 5:41:49 PM
OOH LOOT! Mookie will help sort that out. He loves the flashy stuff.

Bliss asks the drows to look over the menagerie, and to bring it to Humbles Ford. There we'll take the animals that do not want to be on display and find/make homes for them.

Then with the baby in the menagerie, it is time to teleport.

Bliss slowly comes to realize that Murphy is proposing to stay behind. "Mister Murphy, really? What if you stay behind, and this turns into an adventure?!? Please come with us! We need you. Don't go off on your own!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 7:08:23 PM

Murphy smiles at Bliss, but then turns serious as he understands his friend's concerns. "Thank you, friend. This is not Murphy's plan to go off on his own, or break off from the party, or abandon anyone in need. It's just that Pressi had talked about returning here after the baby is delivered with a few of you, and some of us staying behind - me, specifically, to remain in communication with the delivery folks, as the rest of us finish sorting out things here with the menagerie and rescued halflings.

"I already gave Pressi a feather token which, if cast to the ground will transform into a huge oak tree. Should the need arise for the rest of us to join the rest of you, then I can get there quickly enough if that is in place.

"If, when you get there, you find a need that requires our attention, well, we'll get there spit-spot, right? Let's take advantage of your concern, though, Bliss, to decide among ourselves: Do we all stick together on this? I think if Succotash has Greater Teleport, then we ought to be able to do so. If not, then baby plus four go first, then, via the oak tree, the rest can follow shortly.

"However, we have promised the halflings to get them back fairly soon. And, there are animals and such to consider. And workers. Our two elves have mentioned just how far away our home is. Surely a couple, maybe three days of teleports and oaken travel can get everyone sorted in good order. If you or Pressi can communicate with your coven the need to set up some cages and animal play areas in advance of sending the animals... I can communicate with my relatives about lending a hand. I am just thinking that the current - what would you call it? - situation? opportunity? embroglio? is still a bit on the messy, unresolved side. Given the few days I mentioned, all can be resolved... unless we want someone else to clear everything up in ways that take much more time, and possibly much greater risk to the non-adventurers."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 12th, 2020 1:34:13 AM

"Oh, and if Succotash has Teleport, but not Greater Teleport," Murphy adds to his list of thoughts, "then perhaps he should go with the baby-delivery service via Tali's spell, so that, should there be a need to return there by that means, he will have been able to study it closely. What do you think, Succotash?"

Loot update for Bliss / Cayzle (by Kim)
Thursday March 12th, 2020 3:42:31 AM

Boots of Striding and Springing - Succotash
Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin) - Bliss
+1 Scimitar - Murphy
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds (20 charges) - party (who will carry it?)
Scrolls of Neutralize Poison (2) - party (who will carry them?)
200 gold in strongbox - to the rescued halflings

Left over to sell:
+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves’ tools.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:51:43 AM
Succotash reassures Murphy that his domain gives the ability to cast both teleport and greater teleport once per day, assuming he prepares them, which of course he did. He also looks sternly at Murphy and says, "Between Tali and myself we can easily accommodate everyone, so you have no reason to stay behind".

Since our amazing DM has mentioned that all prep time is done, I take that to mean spells have been prepared, and Tali has had her meditation time, so he tells everyone to hold hands, as he lays a hand on the baby, then with a nod to Tali, indicating that they should start casting, he casts Greater Teleport, trying to deliver the crew to the baby's momma's front door.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 12th, 2020 6:24:14 AM

Before the group has fully formed, Murphy responds with equivalent sternness to Succotash. "We don't leave our friends in the dark. We tell them, before we leave them. Once we've done that, then I'm fine to go."

Without delaying further posting, this will take about 30 minutes game time. He gets a few hairs or other identifying mementos from one or two of the leading halflings, likewise from at least one of the dark elves and a worker or two for distance communication. He feather-token plants an oak tree near where the menagerie is located, and explains its purpose - as a means for him quickly to return to them.

Murphy communicates similar things to the dark elves and the menagerie workers. "Now we need to return the baby to her mother, and may need to investigate who stole her in the first place." As he himself has fronted money to the halfings and for other things, he asks his friends if they will kick in enough to provide 100 gp for the halflings, and a suitable amount for traveling expenses to the elves for the menagerie. "If we are not back within 3 days, and you have not heard from us, then it may be well to make your way on the road back towards home," he tells the halflings. "If you choose to start prior to that, it's up to you." He provides the halflings the cart and pony for carrying things, and for those who are challenged walking.

He makes some quick recommendations to the menagerie folk to keep the animals happier as they travel. He uses his last speak with animals spell, and tells the animals he will keep the promises he made, but must first return the baby giant to her mother.

And he feels really bad about leaving so many matters regarding their miscellaneous somewhat unfinished rescues. But Murphy will go with the party - now!

"All right, cleric of many, and sorceress of talent," Murphy says to the two casters - "sorry for the delay. But abandonment without explanation is a thoughtlessness we ought to avoid where possible." He extends his hands to join with his friends.
============
[And, sorry for the multiple posts. I shall restrain myself now.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 12th, 2020 12:25:41 PM
The Return of Calm Tempest

"So what's the plan / time frame?"asks Tali of the group?

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 12th, 2020 2:47:31 PM

(OOC: recharged spells - will update later)

(Pressi's location is the menagerie. I was assuming she had contact with the baby because that makes the scrying easier.)

Pressi attempts to answer Murphy's questions about the layout of the house as best as she can, but the sheer number just begins to overwhelm her. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure you understand the limits of scrying or my own mental capacity. I can't tell you where the paint is chipped in every room of the house, even if scrying was itself that detailed a picture. Besides, I really don't get the need for such detail, even if you are hoping to just break in and leave the kid."

Pressi also describes the location to the best of her ability. At the same time, she gives some final reassurances and goodbyes to the mother. As they describe where to teleport, Pressi leaves it to the group, but legitimately asks if it would be easier to teleport to a nearby town rather than to a particular house that can be overshot. As for fears of handling giants and ogres, "It's true that we would be walking into the lion's den, but we can dress as lions and parade a lion cub."

Pressi watches as Murphy wonders whether to come with them or help out the halflings and animals. "I respect your decision either way, but I need to remind you that my original plan assumed the halflings and animals were worse off than they actually are. I now believe that we can let them go on their own and stick together, and I don't want you making a decision based off my faulty analysis." She smiles as Murphy chooses instead to stick to the group.

Pressi assists as best as she can. For Murphy, she helps get the halflings and animals ready for transport. After that, she gets some preparations together for helping the child travel - food, rigs for pulling, whatever can be used as makeshift diapers - and hopes she doesn't get stuck with full babysitting.

As for loot, Pressi takes the scrolls of neutralize poison, the ring of protection +2, and the frost keen rapier. She reminds Murphy that Bliss asked for the CMW wand.

At long last, she sends the animals and halflings on their way with a goodbye. Afterwards, she prepares for magic travel that even she has trepidations about.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:07:39 PM
“From the gear we’ve collected, I would be interested in this Cherry bow” Hobie says pointing at the MW longbow with +2 STR. “It never hurts to have an extra bow for emergencies, and I quite like the craftsmanship here. The tension is also a bit weaker than Prowler, which could come in handy if I lose strength from a spell or poison. Or if I decide to shrink myself.”

“I would also like this belt of incredible dexterity +2. I’m thinking of giving up this belt which boosts my strength and dexterity, in favor of more Dex”

DM Kathy d100=44 ; d100=16 ;
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:48:39 PM
You make your preparations to depart. Murphy uses a Feather Token to plant an oak tree, and explains what it's for. He and Pressi speak with the halflings, the menagerie staff, and the dark elves, letting them know where you're going and what to do if you're not back right away.

Murphy, Bliss, and Hobie discuss the loot. Most of it will probably end up getting sold, but that's can wait until you get back.

When you are all gathered, Succotash and Tali cast their spells, and the next thing you know, you and the giant baby are all standing in an enormous room, looking at a dark-haired giantess who seems very startled. She lets out a shriek.

Then she lets out another shriek, this one of joy. "Lonia!" she cries. In an instant, she is kneeling next to the baby, then picking her up in her arms. "Oh! I can't believe it!" she is laughing and crying at the same time.

You are all Small. The giantess is Huge. The size difference is significant. Pressi's description and Murphy's sketch didn't quite prepare everyone for the reality. The room was proportional to the woman, so it wasn't as obvious as it is now. You are mighty heroes, but in this room, you are teeny.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 6:23:39 PM
Already so small, it might not even be noticeable, but Hobie steps forward and kneels before the giantess.
He takes off his hat and places it over his heart and speaks up toward her.

“Our deepest sympathies go to you miss. Taking someone’s child is about the most vile thing any creature could do to another. We are so pleased to return her to you, but we know the grief you’ve suffered won’t simply go away.

We’ve seen to it that the low down dirty orc who purchased your daughter is seeing justice, but he claims to have gotten her from an ogre. If it’s alright by you, I’d like to see that this ogre sees justice as well, preferably by my own bow. Is there any information you could give us that can help us reach that end? Can you walk us through what happened when she was taken from you?”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 12th, 2020 7:18:15 PM
"Well now I know what a McNugget feels like," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 13th, 2020 1:52:54 AM

Murphy gestures toward Tali and Succotash. "Tali and Succotash brought us here to you just now." Then toward Pressi. "Pressi found a connection between your daughter and you, and was able to speak to you because of that connection. We did not know your daughter's name, so called her 'Tymestl Dawel,' which means 'Calm Tempest.'"

He holds out the letter he wrote and his friends signed, along with the sketch of the group of halflings around Lania. "A memento for her mother from us, Humble's Sword. I am Murphy."

After giving it to her, he steps back.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 13th, 2020 5:50:03 AM
Succotash, never one to let his small size hold him back, gives a quick bow in his usual fashion, than say:

Succotash Slenderstick. Cleric if the Woldian gods, and member of Humble's Sword, at your service! As Murphy has mentioned, we are the adventuring party known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we did slay a dragon after all, and those sort of things tend to get noticed. Anyway, as Hobie mentioned we brought an end to the wicked schemes of the individual who bought little Lonia, well little to you anyway, and we would love for a chance to bring the kidnapper to justice as well, but I must remind my friends that we have some unfinished business we need to attend to before we can start out on another quest. Luckily, those prior engagements shouldn't take to long, so if that is your wish, and you have any clues as to where to begin, we should be able to begin the investigation in a few days.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 13th, 2020 11:31:11 AM
After Murphy introduces her, Pressi slowly moves forward. "Hi, I'm the one you spoke with, nice to meet you. And, uh..."

Pressi moves the child towards the mother. "I don't think anything more needs to be said. May you and your child find better grace going forward."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+6=16 ;
Friday March 13th, 2020 1:28:34 PM

Bliss is personally less devoted to finding giant baby-nappers, but he just stands patiently, not wanting to intrude on a mama-child moment.

Mookie looks around to see what kind of place this is, and if there is anything to see.

Perception 16. Mookie is not very perceptive!

DM Kathy
Friday March 13th, 2020 3:53:10 PM
Looking around the room, Kezzem feels an unexpected kinship with the mighty warriors of Clan MacNugget. Who knows? Maybe he'll start wearing their tartan.

Murphy explains who you are and how you got here. He offers the paper to the giantess mother. Looking bewildered, she accepts it. It looks very small in her hand.

Pressi introduces herself briefly, but lets the others carry the bulk of the conversation.

Bliss doesn't speak at all, and Mookie is occupied studying the room. He notices that this would be a fine place to challenge other ravens to race! Think how much fun it would be, flying around up by the ceiling! And the room is so big! You'd hardly knock over anything!

Hobie pledges to find the person responsible, and Succotash elaborates on the theme.

"Oh!" says Thalika, still holding her baby tight. "But we already knew who took her. You see, we hired an ogre woman as a nursemaid. I felt sorry for her, poor thing, so I gave her this job. And you see how she repaid our generosity! She stole some things from us, valuables--but worst of all, she stole poor Lonia! My husband was beside himself--oh! I have to tell Vurus that Lonia is back!" She stands and rushes to the door, then seems to remember her manners. "Oh. Make yourselves comfortable. I won't be a moment."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 13th, 2020 5:13:18 PM

Being in such a spacious place, Bliss thinks that he would just be more comfortable if he were smaller. So he changes into a cat.

He lays down to tend his fur and waits for the huge lady to come back.

He says via telepathy to Mookie, "I'm glad these giants live far away on a big mountain, not in the Scab. Maybe the giants from the Scab are the bad sorts, and the ones here in Bigtown are not so bad."

Mookie cocks his head and remarks loudly to everyone in common, "The Kid says he likes his giants like he likes his women: Less Scabby."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=39 ;
Saturday March 14th, 2020 2:17:50 PM

Thalika was given two pieces of paper - one with the sketch, and the other the letter.

Murphy walks to the window to look out and take in the view. Are there any large trees in sight? And what else of significance can he observe?
========
Perception: 39

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday March 14th, 2020 7:48:46 PM
"That reminds me of a joke."

Kezzem makes a mouth with his hand.

"Knock knock," says Kezzem,
"Who's there," says the hand as Kezzem blatantly moves his lips.
"Ogre."
"Ogre."
"Ogre you glad I didn't say...wait, that's not how it goes."

"In any case, I say we track this ogre nursemaid," says Kezzem. "Stealing babies is evil. Maybe not I want to turn everyone into a member of my undead army and kill everything evil, but it's up there. With murder and arson and assault and waiting-in-line-but-not-thinking-about-what-you-want-to-order-until-you-get-to-the-front."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday March 16th, 2020 1:03:59 AM
“I’m with Kezzem. Let’s track this ogre lady”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 16th, 2020 5:40:32 AM
Succotash looks around the room in hopes of taking the giantess up on her offer of getting comfortable, and spies, what he assumes would be, a sofa sized throw pillow, on the floor leaning against the sofa. Of course the thing is practically big enough to be a small sofa for a halfling. With help from Valerie, he drags the pillow out into the open and offers to share with whomever wishes to have a seat.

As Hobie is getting ready to rush off after the ogre, Succotash reminds them that they have unfinished business back at the menagerie still. He points out that the ogre hunt would diffidently be something he would be on board for, but he feels they should finish what they started first, before setting off on a new adventure.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 16th, 2020 9:19:30 AM
Pressi agrees to the food out of politeness, but she can't entirely suppress the edge she feels.

After she leaves, she does remind the group that halflings and giants can be friends after all. "All we have to do is have all the halflings save the kids of all the giants out there and we'll be all set." :-)

As for tracking the ogre lady, she puts it aside for the moment, wanting to follow the mother's lead. Also, she's torn between her justice and soft sides herself.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 16th, 2020 10:59:45 AM
Giants!

Tali hovers above the floor keeping busy and trying not to be impolite.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

{OOC: I apologize for the missed post. Was traveling on Thursday and got home this morning. Still looks likes several months before we can go home, unfortunately, no way to know how this pandemic might slow that to a crawl!}

DM Kathy
Monday March 16th, 2020 2:06:44 PM
Bliss changes into a cat while Tali hovers comfortably.

Murphy goes to a window. You are able to look out by scrambling up onto a nearby ottoman. The effort leaves you oddly breathless. Looking out, you see a snowy landscape. You see no other houses nearby. The trees are mostly pine and juniper, with a few bare deciduous trees you are eventually able to identify as aspens. Based on the trees, and your own shortness of breath, you conclude that you are at a considerable altitude.

Kezzem and Hobie are keen to go after this ogre woman; Pressi isn't so sure.

Succotash tries to provide seating for the group by dragging over a cushion. Like Murphy, you find that exertion here leaves you breathless a lot more quickly than it usually would.

After a few moments, Thalika bursts in, still holding the baby, followed by a storm giant man. Like his wife and daughter, he has dark skin and black hair. From time to time, he reaches out to caress the baby's head, as if trying to assure himself that she really is there.

"This is Vurus, my husband," Thalika says.

"Thank you for returning our child to us," says Vurus. With a puzzled frown, he adds, "You are very small."

"Vurus!"

"I didn't know they were so small!" He sounds defensive. "I though humans would be bigger." Looking at you, he adds, "how did you even carry her?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 16th, 2020 3:30:46 PM

Bliss says "Meow!"

Mookie says, "The kid says that we are not even humans at all!"

"I'm Mookie," the small-size raven continues. "And the cat is named Bliss. Pleased ta meetcha!" The bird bows.

Then he nudges the cat, and Bliss bows too.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+26=28 ; d20+37=54 ;
Monday March 16th, 2020 11:13:53 PM

"You've a lovely view from this side of the Mountain," Murphy says from atop the ottoman. "Mookie and Bliss are correct. We, none of us, are human. Most of us are halflings, out from Crescent Valley. If one of us stands on the other's shoulders, we might reach the height of a human. We came from a ways away, but needed not to carry your wee one, only touch her hand lightly, that she might join our teleport from one place to another."

He hops down from the ottoman, and momentarily lowers his head in a gesture of respect, then looks back upward.

"Perhaps your wife told you a bit. Your daughter was sold by an ogre woman to an orc who ran a traveling menagerie - of beautiful birds, a bear, ocelots, a lion, stirges, two dark elf brothers, monkeys, a couple dozen kidnapped halflings whom they held in a cage of permanent silence and falsely labeled cannibals, and the one whom they deemed 'the biggest baby in the Wold.'

"We had been told of the disappearance of the halflings, and set out on a rescue of them. We followed the trail of the kidnappers, eventually caught up, helped free those captured, and there found your daughter. We thought it would be folly to try to raise her ourselves, and thought it best to find her parents. There are others here who can tell you how we did so.

"We are members of Humble's Sword, of the little town of Humble's Ford. Dedicated to defend those who need defending, rescue those who need rescuing, battle those who would oppress others, and bring life, light, joy and freedom where we are able. Thank the heavens above, in this case, we may have met all those goals.

"I am Murphy, the last of the first of this group of adventurers." He takes a step back, yielding the floor to whomever chooses to speak next.

He takes in as much as he can of the parents, trying to get a measure of their souls, as well as their exterior, with an artist's eye to recreating the way they look later with his drawing tools - yet without staring overmuch. Some things are perceived through peripheral vision.
============
Sense motive: 28 - soul measurements
Perception: 54 - artistic viewing for use later

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 16th, 2020 11:47:32 PM
"I am Kezzem, the roguish paladin or paladin rogue, depending on who you ask, stabber of the undead, fiends, and overall not-very-nice people."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 5:37:43 AM
Jumping off his cushion, Succotash gives a bow and says, "Succotash Slenderstick, Cleric of the Woldain gods, former Paladin of Pantheon, and member of the Humble's Swords, at your service". Standing up strait and looking up at the giants, he adds, while scratching Valerie behind the ear vents, "And this is Valerie, my trusted friend".

Valerie considers offering her rope toy to the giants, but one look at the over-sized humanoids, and she tries to hide behind Succotash.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 12:10:05 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika

Tali decides to rise up to look at both parents upright, so she flies to their level. Tali says as she curtsy, "Good Day to both of you. I am Tali of the Humble Sword's group. I am a Sorcerer and used my skills to help bring and reunite your family. As I do not know of my family, I felt it best to do everything in my power to make sure little Lonia knows her family!"

Tali continues, "I am overjoyed to learn we have found her true home!"

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 1:14:53 PM
Pressi eyes the new giant carefully, but she remains polite.

"Pressi Silverglove. I'm the one that contacted your wife from several days out. I think you'll find as you're older that size doesn't matter. Perhaps your wife told you already."

Harper lets out a really long sigh.

"But I digress. We thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and we are glad that we could correct such a fantastic wrong."

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 2:40:13 PM
You introduce yourselves to the giants, and Murphy offers an explanation of what happened. They look impressed.

"You are heroes!" Thalika says, holding the baby tight.

"Yes," agrees Vurus. "Um. Sorry about the 'small' thing. I just wasn't expecting you."

Thalika looks hesitant. "Can I offer you tea? Something to eat? And--I'm sorry; I don't know much about magical transportation. Do you need rest? A place to spend the night?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 2:52:07 PM
"I would rather get to finding this ogress and put a stop to her before she kidnaps other babies. She could be quite accomplished it foe all we know. You might even say she was an ogre achiever at kidnapping."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 10:32:13 PM

Mookie bobs his head in thanks for the hospitality. Bliss meows.

"The Kid says thanks, anything you have would be nice, maybe a little bowl of milk? Personally, I like worms, or spaghetties, or noodles, or anything that's skinny and wriggly."

Then the bird hops over to Murphy and whispers: "Murph Old Boy! You're the smooth talker. Askway emthay boutaway eethay ewardray!"

The cat rolls his eyes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+26=38 ; d20+37=39 ;
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 1:54:30 AM

"Tea and a bit to eat would be lovely, indeed. And you are very nearly as large as we are small! We've been so busy the past few weeks - it would be nice to sit with the parents of so sweet a child - you know, she really did not fuss at all! - and you can tell us about yourselves, life in the mountains - have you other children? How did you two meet in the first place?"

"Kezzem, Hobie, rescues and justice, and frustrating the machinations of the wicked, are all worthy pursuits. And so is making new friends, learning a bit more about life from others' viewpoints. Now, we are not going to rush off in the next five minutes or sixty. These parents have been deprived of their daughter for - how long has it been?" he looks up at Vurus and Thalika to learn how long ago their child was taken.

Whatever their response, Murphy shakes his head and says, "Oh, my." After a beat, he says, "As you can tell, there are among us those who wish to race away and mete out just deserts. Would you not think, though, that it is sometimes better if things are done at a meet time - that is, at the proper time, in the right manner, in order to gain full effect?

"If it is not too much trouble, yes, let us sit and talk. You can tell us more about yourselves, your friends. Could you help us better understand your relations with other giants in the area? We have known giants who were good to us, and ones who were bad. We already can tell you are of the former.

"Lady Thalika, you must have a very kind heart. A heart now wounded by betrayal. And you, Lord Vurus, how must the theft of your child from one trusted in the household have raised your ire and shaken your very soul - to steal a child! Who, thank the heavens, is now doubly precious -- lost, yet now found. Time it will take to think through these things. How now will you choose to live with what paths lie before you? You need not answer this to us, of course. Please, yes, tea!"

He does not discount Mookie's counsel, nor Hobie's and Kezzem's desires, nor Succotash's concerns to follow through on prior promises made. As they join the immense storm giants for a 'bite,' he speaks here and there to his friends, to matters of timing. He thinks before they go racing off, they together weigh the wisdom of each course of action. You know, boring stuff like that!

And he never discounts Pressi. And he always enjoys Tali's enthusiasm. He does not bring up Mookie's recommendation on asking for a reward. He loves Mookie, though. And he takes a moment to scritch Bliss behind the ears.

As they join in whatever repast is prepared, Murphy asks, "Did you know we called Lonia 'Calm Tempest?' We knew her to be a storm giant, yet her very young character - what we saw of it, was without fear, without fuss. We think, given time, she may wield enormous power."

[Mental aside to Pressi: 'Perhaps, at an apt time, you might inquire as to any personal belongings of the ogre woman, for future scrying efforts.']
==========
Sense motive: 38 - further soul searching of Papa and Mama
Perception: Looking to find stray hair, eyelashes, etc., which may have derived from the giants

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 6:01:40 AM
Succotash , in true halfling fashion, would never turn down a bite to eat, and though tea is fine he asks, "You wouldn't happen to have any ale would you? I enjoy tea fine enough, but I fancy myself a connoisseur of ales, and would love to try some shadow mountain brew, and if you have anything brewed by your people, I would love to try that, never had storm giant ale, or any giant ale, for that matter, though I had some lovely dwarven ale".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 12:49:58 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika

Tali continues, "Yes, please! I would love a spot of tea and some polite conversation."

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 1:05:23 PM
Pressi allows the giant husband to back off, reassured that there won't be any sudden violence. And with that, she allows for a bit of rest and food.

Murphy seems to be gearing up for a fight, but it looks like the consensus is to stay and chat.

While the conversation remains light, Pressi does take some time to try and determine what they know about the battles between halfling and giant, or about the necromancers that somehow also seem involved. She doesn't expect much in the way of answers, though, and doesn't press too hard.

Towards the end, she does ask some questions about the ogre nursemaid, including whether they still have any personal objects for scrying or tracking.

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 3:00:17 PM
Murphy asks how long the baby had been gone. Thalika doesn't even have to think about her answer. "Two months, one week, and four days," she responds promptly.

Tali accepts the offer of tea, while Succotash requests ale and Bliss asks for a saucer of milk. "I'll see what I can do," Thalika says, and leaves the room, still holding tight to her baby. While she's gone, Vurus removes his coat and hat, and answers Murphy's questions about giants.

"We don't have any--halflings, you call yourselves?--on Shadow Mountain. It's mostly giants on this side, though there are humans and taurs living in Bigtown. There's fighting here, sure--mostly with the frost giants, those mangy pests!"

When Thalika returns, she has an enormous saucer of milk for Bliss, and a massive teapot. Giant teacups prove to be too much for you to handle, so in the end she serves you tea in saucers, which are at least shallow enough for you to reach the tea. She also brings out huge slabs of bread and jam, which she cuts into smaller pieces for you. Succotash gets, not ale, but a rather aggressive porter, which is quite good if you like that sort of thing.

Pressi and Kezzem want to know more about the ogre nursemaid and how to find her. "Oh, don't worry about her," Vurus says. "She's dead. Nobody steals from us!"

"I wish you'd found out what she did with Lonia before you killed her," Thalika says.This is clearly an argument they've had before.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 3:46:39 PM
"Hey Press, you're creepy sometimes," says Kezzem. "Can you question the ogre's corpse or something? Maybe she was part of some kind of organized crime ring or even a disorganized crime ring."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 5:03:13 PM
Ooc: I don’t know what happened I swear I wrote a post yesterday, responding to the giants offer of food.

Hobie gladly accepts the offer from the giants, and let’s them mostly guide conversation, but he pays attention when the topic of the ogre is brought up.
“She’s dead? Well then my vow of bringing you justice falls a bit flat if you’ve done it for yourself. I would have liked to know why she did it though. Do you know any of her associates?”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 5:33:46 PM
Succotash thanks their host and hostess for the bread and jam, which he finds very flavorful. He takes on sip of the porter, and a huge smile comes across his face, "This is marvelous! your brewer should be proud! When Keaaem asks Pressi about speaking to the dead ogre, Succotash chimes in, I'm not sure if witches can cast it or not, but there is a talk with dead spell, which I could prepare in the morning, but it requires the corpse of the one you wish to speak to.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 6:02:54 PM

Bliss laps up some milk and looks at Mookie.

Mookie says, "Yeah, you're right Kid. We're done here. The villains are no more. The baby is back with her family. It is enough that we have done our best, righted a wrong, and come to the close of this good deed, one for which no reward at all is needed."

Under his breath he adds in a whisper, "Evidently."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 19th, 2020 1:31:09 PM
Pressi reminds the group that she can speak with dead. (It's one of her domain spells.)

"However, I need to remind everyone that there's no real evidence of a baby stealing ring, nor that she did this more than once. I'm pretty sure the market for stolen giant babies is rather limited. Also, I'm pretty sure its been a while so its not like I'm just going to head to the body."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 19th, 2020 1:31:41 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika Storm Giant

Tali hovers over to the tea in the saucer and drinks it bu hovering horizontal and sucking it in just over its shimmering surface. This is surly a great batch of tea, may I inquire as to what it might be? Thank you for your hospitality of the Bread and jam. It's been a while since I've had such niceties."

Pointing to Mister Murphy and casting the message spell, Tali mentally prods Murphy to explain to the parents about the Menagerie.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

DM Kathy
Thursday March 19th, 2020 2:23:14 PM
You enjoy your refreshments. Succotash praises the porter, and Vurus smiles delightedly. "Yes! I've always said Xedor is the best brewer on the Mountain!"

Tali, meanwhile, asks about the tea. "It's Aisilduran, I believe," Thalika says. "Tea doesn't grow this high up, of course."

Hobie asks whether the ogre woman had any associates. Vurus shrugs. "None that she mentioned. Of course, we didn't chat for very long."

Kezzem wonders about speaking with the dead, which Pressi could theoretically do. However, it would involve finding the ogre woman's corpse, and Vurus doesn't know what happened to it.

Bliss is content with his milk. Mookie is somewhat less content with the lack of reward, but sometimes when the forces of the universe plan a whole adventure for you, and you short-cut it with a teleport, you lose some treasure in the process. It's a well-known occupational hazard.

[You can continue role-playing here as much as you like, but your DM would like to know, from a game mechanic perspective, whether you need to rest or whether you could, if you wanted, teleport back to the menagerie today.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 19th, 2020 2:33:25 PM
Space-Time Hopping

"Tali is up to travel anytime, isn't that right Mister Murphy?!" says Tali.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 19th, 2020 3:32:16 PM
"I'm good to go," says Kezzem. "I don't run out of daggers. Even when I throw them away."

Kezzem throws his returning dagger at a target to demonstrate it's properties as if you have not seen him d that plenty of times before.

"So if you spellcasters have got enough spells, I say we press on! Where? I don't know. He's on third, and I don't give a darn."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 19th, 2020 5:06:14 PM
“We should head back to the menagerie, and finish our business there”, Succotash says as he stands to leave, “We should leave this lovely family, and not wear out our welcome”. Turning to the giants he says, “Your hospitality has been pleasant beyond words, and it is a thing of beauty to see your family reunited, but we should be on our way, we have some work to do still.

If everyone is ready, Succotash will tell everyone to hold hands and then with a nod to Tali, he will cast teleport to return to the menagerie, knowing she will do likewise.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:38:40 PM

Bliss hisses at Mookie's rudeness, then bows to the giants.

"Uh, bye," says the halfling-sized raven, looking abashed.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+16=33 ;
Friday March 20th, 2020 2:32:53 AM

"Wait, wait, just a few minutes. Lord Vurus and Lady Thalika. We have returned your child from a distant place," Murphy says. "We have given you a memento - two, I suppose. A letter from us, and a sketch with us and Calm Tempest - Lonia. But, we have no memento of you. May we take a few minutes, that I may make a drawing? I'd like one of you three together, that we might take that with us, to remember you by. We have a place in our town where we dwell, and are planning a hall of honor. It seems suitable to include you, a small family of very large storm giants, whose love brought into the Wold a daughter, I believe destined for greatness - and to place a drawing of you within that hall? By the way, you would not have a fair-sized parchment, or large sheet of paper? If so, it would be wonderful to draw thereupon. If not, well, I do have more paper of the size I've already given you."

If they are agreeable to the request, Murphy will draw Papa, Mama and Lonia. He asks how they would like to pose, and suggests a few options. One could be standing before the window, looking out upon the mountain, the child in Thalika's arms, and Vurus' hand upon his wife's shoulder. Another could have them seated in a more formal style. The third could be as they sat together during the meal we ate together. If they have trouble deciding, he suggests going with his first idea. If they have another preference, he is fine with that.

"Say, Succotash, you play a musical instrument, right? There's a bit of musical talent among us, no? How about you play something nice as I work on the drawing?"

Murphy's artistic talents have grown over time. After a few minutes of preparation and consideration, he casts two spells upon himself (with a bit of warning and permission ahead of time). First owl's wisdom, to aid him in the composition. Then, as he begins to move toward detailing the work, he casts cat's grace, to help keep a steady and well-directed hand. He frames the composition rather nicely, and chooses appropriate hues, lighting, perspective. He seeks to convey the mother's compassion, with a hint of mist in her eyes, and the strength of the father, newly alert to threats his family faces, and resolute countenance to henceforth fully defend and protect them. The baby's face is calm yet brightens as she looks toward her father, and plays with her mother's dark hair in her hand. [Profession: Artist: 33]

Once he is finished, he gives it to the family to inspect. "Does this seem suitable to put in a place of honor, that we might the better remember you?"

If they seem pleased, he asks if they wish anything else of Humble's Sword before we go.

If not, he offers this. "Should you need our help in the future," and he plucks a couple of hairs from his head. "Ouch!" He rubs the spot. "Find one among you able to scry, and reach out to me - have them use the hairs of my head." He takes out a small spare bag, and places them within, draws the string, and hands it to Vurus. "Have the scryer tell me the nature of the help you require. Now, one last question. Should we ever need your help, might we ask? I would not oblige you to agree to what is asked, should a need ever arise, but at least to hear our request. Does this sound fair to you, and honorable?"

That is as close as Murphy is coming at the moment to acquiescing to Mookie's request.

Finally, when all seems settled, he will ask permission, then give Lonia a farewell kiss upon the back of her hand - if he can have some help reaching it. Then join with his friends, that they may leave the way they came.

[Sorry, friends, for missing a post or so, and not responding in a timely manner to all going on]

Pressi (Sub by Cayzle)
Friday March 20th, 2020 2:46:31 PM

Pressi wonders aloud if Brother Succotash and Tali have another two teleports in them today. If not, we'll have to shelter in place here with the nice giants for the night.

"Do we need to impose on these good folks' hospitality?" she asks. On the up side, she bets they have lots of TP, in the mega-roll format.

She glances out the window to see if there are any brooks, creeks, or rivulets. "If we have to stay here, at least we might have something streaming," she says.

DM Kathy
Friday March 20th, 2020 4:23:39 PM
You begin to think it is time to go. Murphy takes the time to make a quick sketch of the family. You end up with them posing in front of their fireplace, Thalika seated and holding the baby, Vurus standing behind her. They admire their portrait, and agree that it is excellent work. "Though why you would want a picture of us, I can't imagine," Thalika says with a little laugh.

You ask if you can call on them at need, and they agree wholeheartedly. "Just say the word," Vurus says. "If there's a problem that can be solved by a storm giant with an axe, I'm your man!"

Pressi does wonder whether the casters have additional teleports available, but they seem to think so, and your DM isn't going to contradict them. Assuming the spells can be cast, then, Succotash and Tali whisk you back to the menagerie.

It has been a couple of hours since you left, but nothing much has changed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday March 21st, 2020 11:22:37 AM
After returning to the menagerie, Succotash asks his friends, "What next? I can't do anymore teleports today, so the animal deliveries will have to wait until tomorrow, unless Tali can still handle the deliveries".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Saturday March 21st, 2020 2:41:09 PM
Space-Time Hopping

Tali explains to her group, Humble Sword, "Well, I have a total of five (5) spells I can cast per day of that level, I have used two (2) thus far, so yes, I have another round trip in me!"

"What are you thinking of sending and to where?" asks Tali aloud.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Sunday March 22nd, 2020 3:48:50 PM

Murphy discusses logistics
Murphy replies, "We'll need to do some preparation at our place for the animals. I can take up to five at a time along with me through the oak there. How about if some of us go on ahead to begin preparations there? I can go there and come back here again later today. Should we take either Malryth or Zirath Ivraes to help with preparations? For tomorrow, to help in transport, I can memorize transport via plants multiple times. There are animals and people to consider. Let us take a census that we know the numbers. As the teleport spell, as well as the transport via plants spell, are almost instantaneous, we can talk with and coax the birds and the ocelots - anything else? to enter into bags of holding, and let them out on the far side with no harm.

"In Humble's Ford, we can marshal family, townsfolk to help us out. Foreman George, if he's available, could work with his crew to help in putting up at least some temporary animal shelters. It might even take a few days before we had those ready to go, so let's not tell people that everyone is leaving tomorrow. With all the logistics, this may be a three-day operation, which is better than the time and risk of land travel for several weeks. It should not take more than that if all pitch in, and may be less. Oh, we cannot forget the halflings - we have two targets of quick travel.

"What if I and a few others travel today via oak to the Ford, and Tali take as many as she can to their home in Thaelhaven? They were the reason for our coming, and we owe them expeditious treatment, I think. Tali, if you take two trips to Thaelhaven - maybe a few halfling kids would enjoy a brief ride in a bag of holding, to increase your carrying power, and on your return from the second trip stop in Humble's Ford. Then you could ferry a few of us back here to Crofters Crossing. That would let me take some more to Humble's Ford before the end of the day. Again, we need a count of the workers to ferry. Some need to stay with the animals until they are moved, some could help in Humble's Ford.

"Bliss, you were going to take care of the Catacombs exchange. Perhaps you can come along to get that going through Pirnook Deeppockets' general store - or there may be an outlet here in Crofters Crossing.

"Who can help on that side? Hugo & Primula Pipeleaf maybe could help with metal for a few of the animals. I'll talk to my folks. We should talk with the mayor and community leaders about our plan. They may have questions, even objections for us to answer. Having a dark elf show up for a surprise visit may alarm some.

"In the next few days, we need to put our heads together to determine the best ways to keep promises made, and ensure the welfare of those who at the moment are in our charge."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 23rd, 2020 6:46:03 AM
"Hold on Murphy, I, and I believe Tali, was referring to the animals that want to be returned to their natural habitat.", Succotash says, trying to slow down his fast acting friend, "I was thinking that a perfect place for the lion would be the Sargrass Plains. Remember when we meet there? that sounds exactly like the kind of place a healthy lion would flourish!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 23rd, 2020 11:04:07 AM

"Ah, good thought, there, Succotash," Murphy replies to his friend. "I concur with that. I do ask if there is a particular part of the Sargrass would be best to locate him, though. She could just pop him anywhere she can think of there without further ado. However, as we'd be sending him likely to unfamiliar territory, might it not be good to do so on a full stomach, that he have time to figure things out? But, sure, yours is an excellent idea."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:07:31 PM
“Is far as I can tell, anywhere in the Sargrass Plains would be fine, though being away from civilization, may be wise, so no where near Rattledam”.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:51:04 PM

"Yep, sound counsel. Oh, and, Mowa is a lioness. Don't know why I said 'he.'"

Murphy talks with whoever was in charge of feeding Mowa and asks them to take care of her before her trip. He uses a pearl of power to cast one last time Speak with Animals, and explains to her the grassy plains in a warm climate in the Sargrass far to the south. "Would you like us to take you there? If we do, it will be through magic. You will need to let Tali here touch you on the shoulder. She will say some words, then, before you know what happened, you will be with her in the Sargrass. You will be on your own to fine other lions. We cannot help you there. This fellow here will give you some food so that you are not hungry right away. Do you wish to go there after you eat, with Tali? She may take a few other people along with you, make sure you're safe when you arrive. If you don't want to do that, we can take you to our place in a few days."

He includes Tali in this conversation, make sure she is there as they talk with the lioness. If the lion agrees to go, he tells the other animals it is time to say goodbye to her, and for Mowa to say goodbye to them.

"It's up to you, Tali, as to whether you wish to take others with you. If we go soon, I could come along - maybe even change into a lion for a short time." He realizes he can communicate with Mowa without another spell if he wild shapes into a lion. "If a few come with us, we could then go to Humble's Ford, and get things rolling there. You could teleport a few halflings to Thralhaven if that seems agreeable to all."

"Pressi, what are your thoughts on all this? You often have insights I may lack. Hey, maybe someday, we could spend part of our honeymoon in the Sargrass." And he asks the others for their perspectives on the operation.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:51:25 PM
Pressi tries not to feel too woozy with all the teleporting. "And I thought... shadow walking... was insane making....

"Seriously, it's a nice day. Can't we just... you know, walk it? See some sights?"

Pressi otherwise stays out of the disussions on where exactly to place the animals, but reminds the group that they were kind of promised to the "dark elves" workers. Wasn't getting the town back what they were trying to do?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 23rd, 2020 3:11:30 PM

Bliss stands up in halfling form and says, "No way!" We can't send a lion to the Sargrass! I know a bit about cats, and that's no place for one. There's no water, period! There are grasses like knives! There are monsters that are super duper dangerous! And most of all, there are NO other lions! We were THERE, don't you remember? You would be sending this poor cat to a quick lonely death of thirst!"

"Sheesh!"

Bliss agrees with Pressi. "Yes, let's just take everybody home, please. We can do that tomorrow."

DM Kathy
Monday March 23rd, 2020 5:30:45 PM
You discuss your next steps. Murphy can take people and/or animals to Humble's Ford using plants. Tali still has teleports left for today, if you want to use them.

Succotash thinks the Sargrass would be the ideal place for Mowa the lioness, but Bliss reminds you all that there is no water there.

Giving it some thought, you begin to think that maybe the Eastern Wilderlands would be a good option. The jungles of Cthonia would be a good place for the ocelots, and the plains beyond would be a good place for Mowa. Yes, the more you think about it, the more a journey to the Eastern Wilderlands sounds like a good idea! Why, it's almost as if the forces of the universe were pulling you in that direction!

Before you do that, of course, there are people and animals to be returned. For people, there are 22 halflings that need to go back to Thaelhaven, plus 2 dark elves and 8 human employees that want to stay with the menagerie--wherever it goes. The menagerie has a bear, two peafowl, a lioness, 5 ocelots, some tropical birds (I think I gave you a number earlier but now I can't find what I said!), a stirge, and some monkeys. It also has draft animals--horses, mules, and oxen--along with wagons, tents, and cages.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 12:49:03 AM
"You know, the more I think about it, a journey to the Eastern Wilderlands sound like a good option!" says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:09:24 AM
"The road was safe, I think with some proper rest and the extra funds we've supplied them with, the Halflings can find their way safely back to Thaelhaven on their own right? And let's just let the menagerie continue on, led by the elves. I'm ready to get moving, let's go off to the Eastern Wilderlands"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:27:15 AM

"Halflings home first. Then perhaps the next leg of our journey. We were sent on a specific task. Let us finish that, then I'm open to other possibilities," says Murphy.

"Tali, I have a portable hole. How many wee halflings might fit within? You take me and at least four others - plus whoever can fit in the bag. Let's say about five at a time in the hole, easy. So that's nine of them, plus you and I. We get down there, I plant a tree. You bring me back. You take about ten more down. I bring the last three to five through the tree. You bring us both back, with my portable hole of course. You still have one greater teleport left at that point and I still have one transport via plants left. Sound all right to all? If it takes one more trip there and back again, well, between the two of us, we can swing it today."

"If the party agrees, then the proposal needs to be made to the Thralhavians. Who wants to discuss it with them? I'd be happy to be in on that, but not solo. They're going to have questions, maybe a few worries.

"If they agree, though, then that way, we've kept our promise to Hendit Littlefoot. You did agree to get them back to him, didn't you? I wasn't there at the time. But just sending them on their way - remember, we had to fight a huge monster on the way that could have killed us - would that be responsible? We can talk over with the workers, and with the elves, and tomorrow with the animals the notion that has just arisen. Shoot, while Tali and I do the ferrying, you all can chat up the menagerie staff. The Eastern Wilderlands. Who among us came up with that idea? It just seemed to arise by itself among us! Was that you, Kezzem?

"Bliss, you want to check in town and see if there's access to the Catacombs? Turn things in. If we're going on a long traipse, we'd better get ready for that. Besides, I'm running out of trees."

"How does one more night here in town sound, then we take whatever is the next step in our adventures together? Do we need to develop our own circus acts?"

The druid adds, "And Pressi, do you mind terribly your fiancé running to and fro across the Wold with Tali?"

"And, if anyone has a better method for getting the halflings home safely and keeping our word, well, let us know!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:05:25 PM
Succotash says, “I to feel the need to head to the Easter Wilderlands, yet for the life of me I can’t say why, it must be the gods directing us that way”.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:44:32 PM
Space-Time Hopping Making things right!

Talia exlaims, to no in in particular, "Tali is ready to make things right! Just let me know when & where we are going!

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:16:50 PM

"Humble's Ford is between us and the Eastern Wilderlands, last time I checked," the druid mentions. "Pressi, Tali, Succotash - you're all experts in your own right on magical distance travel. Kez, Hobie, Bliss, you're welcome too. Let's go talk with our hardy not-cannibal halflings, explain our proposal to get them back home this afternoon... then do it.

"Tali, did you listen to me as I explained the procedure?" If need be, he explains it to her again (read Murphy's 4:27am post on teleport relays to Thaelhaven - I think I've been misspelling it).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:24:15 PM
Pressi wrinkles her nose, ignoring Murphy's joke.

"I'm less than thrilled, as a distance traveler, with putting halflings in bags, even if they are portable holes. But if they are game, I certainly won't stop it. Also, I can shadow walk a good dozen on my own, if need be."

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:45:50 PM
You discuss your options for long-distance transport. You put your heads together, and realize that you can get the Thaelhaven halflings back home this afternoon. So you do that.

They are grateful for your help, and express their thanks over and over again. They want to offer you something more than thanks, but they have very little. They can't even offer you tasty homemade baked goods, since they have been away from their kitchens for over a month! But their gratitude is sincere, and the reunion between Hendit and his family is very touching.

Back in Crofters Crossing, you have some decisions to make. There had been some talk of bringing the menagerie animals, the dark elves, and the employees back to Humble's Ford for the winter, so that you could teach the people to take better care of the animals, and teach the ocelot siblings to hunt before you released them into the wild. Do you still want to do this? If so, what are you going to do with all of the wagons and stuff.

Or, do you just want to return to Humble's with the lioness, the bear, and the two ocelots to be released, and allow the rest of the menagerie to continue on its way, trusting that the new owners will find ways to learn how to take better care of their animals?

Either way, the lone stirge wants some little stirge friends--what are you going to do to find them?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:56:28 PM
"Murphey, please tell me you portable hole isn't what I think it is," says Kezzem.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 10:18:26 PM

Bliss is happy to treat the caravan as the two new owners prefer. If the Drow want to come to Humbles Ford, we'll put them up for so long as they want, until they are ready to hit the road. OR if they want to wash their hands of us and just get a move on, fine.

At his first chance, Bliss makes a run to the Catacombs.

"We should stop by Humbles Ford first, then head out. Do we want to walk along the coast of the Scab, or sail across Dragon Bay?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 11:14:45 PM

Nuanced Definitions?
"No doubt whatever you think it is will bear some semblance to the remarkable mind you have, Kez." Out of patient kindness, or something, Murphy lays out the magical black cloth, spreads it out upon the ground, and, looking within, Kezzem can see it goes down about ten feet, with a diameter of six feet all the way down. He closes up the hole before he explains, "If you want to jump in, you can find out how far I can carry you before you run out of fresh air. But DO NOT GO IN if you have any sort of bag of holding or handy haversack or transdimensional pouch or Bill's Pants o' Plenty. You and the contents, and maybe I and people and things nearby might be scattered among various planes, and I don't mean the grassy kind. You heard of what happened in the Giant Tower with the experiment performed by the Second Dinner Club, right? It involved a portable hole and Koshe-Marr."

At Thaelhaven, at the last delivery with Tali
Murphy is happy to help reunite the families with their village. "Maybe in time we can stop by for some good pie after you've had a good chance to settle in and get back to normal life. Say, I'll bet you can be good friends with crows from here on out."

As they are in the village, he takes a good look around over the course of half an hour. He is very happy to meet Hendit, whom he had never seen until now, only heard about. He says about the oak he planted (he first asked the early-arriving villagers where to place it) for transport if they think it should be called 'Hendit's Oak'. "Maybe you can put up a rope swing for folks to enjoy under its leaves. And, who knows, maybe I'll pop out of that tree some day with a good collection of my mother's and aunties' bread surprises!"

"Tali, let's shake everyone's hand, say any words you have to say, then head back. We have more rescues ahead of us!"

Crofter's Crossing - What's the next item on the agenda?
"Humble's Ford is east of us. The Eastern Wilderlands are way farther east of us. A few options. We take all the animals and cages the conventional way, and get back to Humble's Ford in several weeks. Or, we find someone who can shrink down the cages, and reduce the animals, then travel magically to get to Humble's Ford. Spend a little time there, figure out our next steps. The animals willing to stay need better environments. The ones who want to return to or go to the wild, need help.

"Tali, Hobie, could either of you use a wand of shrinking? Who knows the reduce spell? Bliss, Pressi, do you know shrink, or reduce? Hobie? Succotash? Does this seem a reasonable way to do things? Kezzem, what do you think?"

In answer to Bliss's question, he says he is open to either. "Though sailing - I'd love to get to know the sea better. Do dragons still attack boats over there?" "Yes, let us ask the brothers their preferences."

What are Good Guys doing with Bad Guys?
Murphy thanks the Sheriff and Deputy for their good work. "Could you tell us the disposition of those arrested for kidnapping, enslavement, trading in giant babies - well, one giant baby - deceit, unlawful imprisonment, corruption, assault, battery, fraud? Despite having a pretty engaging display."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 1:30:54 AM
I can only Reduce Person, which wouldn’t quite be powerful enough to help with that. Do we need to travel with the menagerie though? I believe the road is safe and they are clearly experienced travelers. I don’t think they need an escort. We could just go back to Humble’s on our own and let Roscoe know that they will be coming.”

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:29:59 AM
“Murph, you goofball, reduce animal is a Druid spell!”, Succotash chuckles at Murphy’s forgetfulness, “Of course that only helps with the critters, the carts and such are something I have no idea how to accomplish, of course, Hobie’s idea has merit”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:57:34 AM
Off in the distance, Pressi casts another scrying spell.

As much as the Wold and the rest of the team might wish to move on, her mind can't move from the poor orphan child they met on the way here, the one that helped them. The one they couldn't help. She needs to... at least make sure....

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

Pressi is pretty sure getting the menagerie anywhere is fairly trivial. (Bliss and Pressi may not have reduce animal but they do have polymorphs and baleful polymorphs. Also, they can always ride the animals as mounts.)

Personally, she'd rather just let the menagerie go on its merry way, but that seems off the table. So she leaps upon traveling to Humbles Ford first. As for sailing... She reminds the group that they've had less luck with THAT than with shadow walking.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 1:56:30 PM

Bliss listens to what the Drow prefer.

As for the travel to the jungle and the wide grasslands beyond, he is inclined to walk along the coast.

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 4:45:26 PM
Murphy stops by the sheriff's office to see what will become of the prisoners. "I think we have it worked out," the sheriff says. "They'll stay here for a time, and we'll put 'em to work. Chopping wood and fixing things in the winter, then helping with the planting come spring. If they behave themselves, they could go on their way as soon as harvest-time. If they don't...well, they'll be here a mite longer."

Pressi finds a private spot and casts her scrying spell. You see Kesti, the girl from Salbe, in school. She is reading something, and the classroom is pretty quiet. Kesti looks much the same as you saw her before. She seems to be doing okay, but it's hard to know for sure.

The rest of you discuss logistics. The dark elf brothers are content to pack up the menagerie and travel overland to Humble's Ford, where they can spend the rest of the winter.

Your group can pretty easily travel back to Humble's via teleportation and plants. You probably want to bring Grnta the bear, Mowa the lion, and the ocelot siblings with you. And you'll want to find some stirges before you go.

A basic plan begins to coalesce. Some of the more nature-focused among you will go find some stirges that want to be part of a traveling menagerie. The dark elf brothers, and menagerie employees, will pack everything up so they can begin their journey once the stirges arrive. The rest of the group will blip over to Humble's Ford, and probably get some enclosures ready for the animals before you bring them. Then everybody can return to Humble's to await the arrival of the rest of the menagerie. While you wait, you can start Grnta's rehabilitation, and teach the ocelot siblings to hunt on their own.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 5:01:30 PM
Mookie uses telepathy to say to Bliss, "What's with all the stirge-lovin'? Aren't they, well, big mosquitoes that can kill people?"

Bliss thinks back, "Yeah, why aren't we just swatting it? It's a pest, not a nice animal like the others."

But Bliss does not want to offend Murphy, so he is quiet about that.

Bliss has his own opinion about how to divide up the treasure, but service can be slow in the Catacombs, so he has nothing to say about that either, for now.

When we get back to Humbles Ford, Bliss takes a quick daytrip to the WLA. He hopes to ask about the availability of maps of the area between here and the vast eastern plains [OOC: Not really looking for anything beyond what's on the wiki, unless the DM has something for us ... ]

Bliss also suggests that maybe they should get a folding boat or some pearls of the sirens in case we do end up in the waters of Dragon Bay.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:19:49 PM
AfterMath

Tali wonders aloud, "Why can't we just relocate the Stirge to its native habitat? On another note, when we get back, do we have time for a trip to a Catacombs shop?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 450 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 450 of 540 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 11:19:00 PM
"Catacombs! Catacombs! Catacombs!"

Kezzem breaks into song.

"We're Knights of Humble's Ford
We dance whene'er we're board.
We do routines and chorus scenes
With footwork impeccable.
We dine well here in Catcombs.
We eat ham and jam and spam with gnomes
We're Knights of Humble's Ford
Our shows are formidable,
But many times we're given rhymes
That are quite unsingable.
We're opera mad in Catacombs.
We sing from the diaphragm in poems.
In war we're tough and able,
Quite indefatigable.
Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable.
It's a busy life in Catcombs.
I have to push the pram in homes."

"On second thought, let's not got to Catacombs. 'tis a silly place."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 11:29:09 PM
Bliss shrugs. "Mookie's already at the Catacombs, waiting to be served, in the weird way that the magic shop warps time and space. Service is slow."

Mookie cocks his head and caws. "I am? Oh yeah, I am!"

"Good song though,"Bliss adds, smiling. "Gotta offer up some mad props!"

"Props!" Mookie scoffs and adds, "It's only a model."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 26th, 2020 3:02:55 AM

"Bliss, sometimes it seems you want to tell me something, or I think maybe you're upset or disagree about this or that. Always feel free, friend, to tell me your thoughts if you think I'm going in the wrong direction on something or the like. There is a proverb among some humans: 'As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.'

"Tali, you can head right to the Catacombs here in Crofters Crossing right away. Time there is relative. It's almost like you're in two places at once. Pick up what you need. The stirge told me she'd like to stay, but not to be alone. Let's check with the brothers." And he does. If they want to display stirges, he'll go find some and bring them back. If they don't, then he will take lonely stirge, find some others, and take her to them. He should be able to find some in the Culverwood, where he was born and lived a few years.

Murphy has figured out a way to get animals over to Humble's Ford. To keep things short, I will not explain the intricacies. Before he does so, though, habitats need to be prepared. He suggests that one of the elf brothers and one of the knowledgeable workers come with him, plus up to three party members to communicate with the authorities and craftsfolk to help get things ready over the next day or two to the north of the Sanctuary.

He also lets the group know he has figured out a way to get the whole menagerie, horses, carts, wagons, cages and tents to Humble's Ford over the course of two or three days, if anyone thinks that may be less dangerous than the menagerie traveling without protection from people with weapons and defensive skills. Because sometimes there are monsters or brigands.

"Pressi, will you join me in talking with the mayor and his wife? We can tell them, 'Hi. We rescued some kidnapped halflings, and ended up with a menagerie. Can some of them stay over at our place for the winter?' Likely you'll have better words and questions than that."

The druid from the musical family really enjoys Kezzem's song. Silly, funny, definitely Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 26th, 2020 10:27:41 AM
Succotash asks his friends, “Anybody know where we may find some stirges? I’ve heard they can be found in swamps and marshes. Anyone know where we can find either of those?”

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 26th, 2020 12:44:03 PM
Hobie will go with the first group who blips to Humbles Ford and he will take some of his recent earnings to the catacombs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 26th, 2020 2:54:13 PM
"Yes, I should have no problem putting it more diplomatically, and asking where to find stirges."

DM Kathy
Thursday March 26th, 2020 4:15:13 PM
You discuss going to the Catacombs, which prompts Kezzem to break into song.

[OOC: If your character needs to visit the Catacombs, go ahead. You have the means to get there, and I want people to have plenty of time to sort out their gear.]

You ask the dark elf brothers about stirges, and their preference is to continue to show them--especially since they will be losing their lioness and bear. It takes several hours, but you are able to locate small colony of wild stirges, and persuade a few of them to join the menagerie. The lone stirge flies excited circles around the cage when the other stirges show up. It's kind of cute. Almost cute enough to make you forget that they're a bunch of blood-sucking pests.

You take a preliminary trip back to Humble's Ford to arrange for the menagerie to winter there. Those arrangements take a bit of time, but you are able to make them. Bliss is able to go to the WLA and get some maps.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday March 26th, 2020 10:51:26 PM

Bliss comes back from the Catacombs and passes out loot.

He also shows off his maps, on which he has scratched some notes.

"On second thought, look! It is much the longer route to walk the beach along the Scab! Maybe we should boat or teleport across the Bay of Dragons. At the narrowest point it is only about 30 miles."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday March 27th, 2020 12:08:43 AM
"See, Mookie gets me," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 27th, 2020 5:31:59 AM

Murphy's ramblings
So now we have 4 stirges? 5? 6? Murphy conducts an annoying insect census. But he does talk to them and welcomes them. And how many monkeys have we?

In Humble's Ford, Murphy gathers as many as are willing and able to help get dwellings for the animals. George the lead builder. Hugo and Primula Pipeweed for metallic parts. His father Samell 'Fingers' Pipewood for exercise and play things for the animals. We've been using the 300' square bit to the north of our official 300' square bit. Our dwarf mushroom-raising friend is using part of it. We expand the usage, as shown on the North of the Sanctuary Map. A monkey cage with plenty of things to climb on. A slide. Multiple platforms and trees for the ocelots. And a slide there too, with a curved ramp going up to it. Each spot also has one or more places of shelter, where they can be largely out of sight of those who may be outside the habitat.

Murphy thinks hard about something for the bear, and the lion. For the bear, who does not wish to be placed on display, he makes a hut, with an underground den within along one side. The bear may come out of the hut if he wishes. Outside there are a few long big logs to rest against, or scratch himself upon.

He asks others about ideas for an aviary for the beautiful tropical birds.

"Let's think about traveling dwellings which may be expanded further when camping or for shows, to allow for movement and exercise." He asks for input and suggestions from the dark elves and the workers. We heard some of the worker's names before. T'would be nice to know them all (in due course).

He changes into a lion with a mane and hangs out for a bit with the lioness.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday March 27th, 2020 11:56:13 AM
"Hey Press, I think Murphey's got a new girlfriend," says Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 27th, 2020 1:22:39 PM
Succotash pitches in where ever he can, whether it is speaking with the critters, or helping with building enclosures. He is antsy to got the lioness and other critters, who wish to be released, to their new forever homes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 27th, 2020 2:47:36 PM
Harper pretends to be completely uninterested with the new cats in town.

Pressi looks over her gear, trying to determine if she can actually afford her new rapier. (Will work on this over the weekend.) She also looks over Murphy with annoyance before reconnecting with the coven for help.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 27th, 2020 2:58:12 PM
"Hey, Pressi... here's 4,500 gold pieces for you. I just got back from the Catacombs," Murphy says. "I'm fine gear-wise. And, say, if you get annoyed with me over something, call it out. What, you don't want me, a druid, trying to take care of the animals? Likely not so much, eh, if I'm not taking care of you?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday March 27th, 2020 5:00:07 PM
Rayya

As soon as Tali arrives back at Humble Sword's compund she searches for Rayya. As the space Tali and Rayya took up was small compared to the size of compound, finding Rayya was easy. Tali finds Rayya sitting on her pearch sleeping. In one fell swoop, Tali sweeps Rayya off her pearch, into her harms and snugglesRayya as if she never had.

"Oh, Rayya, I have missed you so! How have you been?!"

The rest f the conversation takes place between the two telepathically, one Master to one Familiar. The two end of snugglings and sleeping for about 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards. Tali does her usual spell prepping after her two hour sleep / meditation.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 27th, 2020 11:33:16 PM

Bliss is tired, and he takes the chance to catch up on his sleep before the next adventure begins.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Sunday March 29th, 2020 3:25:42 AM

Murphy asks his mates, "Would it make sense for us to spend a week and a half or two here, take care of domestic issues, and get ourselves prepared for our journey eastward? I know some of you would start feeling antsy if it took us longer than that to get back on the road again. Unless you want us to winter here, and take off again as spring approaches."

Should the group concur with the short or the long notion - Murphy wants no more than a fews days to pass before he spends a day or so with Pressi, to talk about where they are, and what their plans may be.

Also, he has been trying for about the past ten levels to meet with McGregor HeadWise. He'd love to have some tea with him, and get his advice and counsel on a few matters [even if such a meeting were to happen off-board].

At least one full day he will spend taking down more of the stoney walls left by the volcano power that tried to inhabit Humble's Ford, to allow even a more free flow of air into the town.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday March 29th, 2020 5:03:49 AM
Hobie took a trip the catacombs and upgraded his belt of Incredible Dex, so he's feeling quite more dextrous (and he's at 21, so when we reach level 16, he'll be even MORE so). He's a bit more accurate with his bow, and a bit better at avoiding damage.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday March 29th, 2020 6:47:36 PM
Succotash likes the idea of a week and a half to two week furlough, and takes the time to teleport to Merrydale to try to finally face his father. He isn’t sure if he is seeking his approval or his forgiveness, but In his heart, Succotash wishes to heal the wounds he created the day he left home.

DM Kathy
Monday March 30th, 2020 12:34:33 PM
The next two weeks are very busy. You make arrangements for the animals, building large enclosures with toys, places to hide, and things to explore. You use teleportation magic to bring the animals to their new (in some cases temporary) home.

You visit the Catacombs and upgrade your gear.

You take care of personal business. Tali reunites with Rayya. The little owl is glad to see you, and curious about the new animals. Murphy finds time to sit with MacGregor Headwise. Succotash goes to Merrydale. Bliss catches up on sleep.

The dark elves and caravan employees are traveling overland from Crofters Crossing to Humble's Ford. The way is relatively safe--with the possible exception of the last bit over the Red Hills. They are able to stay in contact with you, and let you know if they need help. So far, their journey has been uneventful.

Eventually, of course, you will be leaving to take the two ocelots and the lioness to their new homes in the Easter Wilderlands. Before that happens, the ocelots will need to be taught how to hunt so they can survive in the wild. That is really your time limiter at the moment; once you decide the ocelots are ready, you can make your departure.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 30th, 2020 2:25:50 PM
Shopping

Tali asks Rayya is she wants to go with her shopping for new addition to her gear. "Rayya, my lovely friend, wanna go shopping with me to the Catacombs? Might be able to find a new juicy treat for you!" says Tali to her friendly owl.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 900 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 900 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 30th, 2020 4:32:21 PM
Pressi is quite appreciative of Murphy's gift, and quite happy with her new weapon.

She also does take some time to discuss where they are and what the plans are. (I took the discussion offline, but I'm appreciative of the downtime for the characters.)

Harper does what she can to train the animals in the way of hunting.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 30th, 2020 5:59:30 PM
Succotash starts walking down the roads of his childhood heading to the home he grew up in. Nothing that he can tell has changed since his departure 7 years or so ago, “Everything is as it should be”, he thinks to himself. He reaches for the knocker on the door, but then pulls his hand away, “I’ve fearlessly faced Giants, Dragons, and death, and yet I fear what’s behind this door!”, he mumbles to himself. Finally he reaches out and knocks on the door.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 30th, 2020 11:28:58 PM
"Hey, look what I can do!" says Kezzem excitedly as he uses his new FLAMING dagger to set dead vegetation on fire, then uses his frost dagger.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 2:33:21 AM

Murphy can play prey for the ocelots, as well as predator, working with Harper sometimes, sometimes just letting Harper do their training all by herself - occasionally watching from afar. He figures Harper is the master in these circumstances.

He does offer tactical training. Such as chase the prey toward the hiding partner.

The druid delivers an update to the Journal of Humble's Sword. With a tiny bit more free time, he does some editing, jots notes and additional information in some areas.

Following Bliss's example, he makes some inquiries regarding the lands they plan to visit. He offers to deliver messages to a few folks out in that area if such help is needed.

He admires Kezzem's hot and cold attacks.

Murphy will attend religious services as led by Sarabella Lovesong, and others offered in town as well. He approaches various religious leaders about the shrines still under development at the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword to get their ideas and recommendations for finishing and dedicating each shrine.

He checks to see how Kade is doing with tunneling and mushroom growing. He also inspects the series of tunnels he built with help a while back. Any weaknesses he will work to repair - using judiciously dampening, some rock to mud, and mud to rock here and there.

But mainly, he looks for time to spend with Pressi.

And, as availability occurs, he gets together individually, as asks each member, "What are we as Humble's Sword doing well? What can we do better?"

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 4:56:29 AM
"That's great Kezzem!", Bliss says while clapping his hands, "Now freeze um, and fry um!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:14:45 PM
In Humble's Ford, Kezzem shows off his new daggers, to Bliss's admiration. Tali brings Rayya to the Catacombs with her, which is sure to cause a sensation.

Pressi and Murphy help the ocelots learn to hunt. You know that ocelots in the wild are solitary hunters, so you work with the siblings separately. However, given that they were raised together well into adulthood, it's possible that the two ocelots will want to share territory, so you also teach them some team tactics.

You also spend some time with Grnta the bear, who is slowly acclimatizing to her new surroundings.

In Merrydale, Succotash pauses before knocking on the door of his childhood home. There is a long pause, and you begin to think nobody is home, and then the door opens. You don't immediately recognize the person who opened it, but then it clicks. You haven't seen your cousin in years, and he's grown up from the weedy youth he used to be. And for the life of you, you can't remember his name. His real name, that is. You usually called him Blockhead. He frowns, not immediately recognizing you either. "Succotash?" he says at last.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:57:24 PM
while the others are out hunting with ocelots, Hobie spends time out riding his pony Pippa in the fields around town. He also gets in some practice with the bow, particularly he will spend time casting the spell Fly, and hovering while shooting. He tries to chase birds and shoot them out of the sky. Anything he kills he will bring home to his cousin, Constable Roscoe.

He enjoys what time he has, as he knows it’s once again going to be just a few days at home before running off on another adventure

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 6:11:07 PM
Bliss helps in the ocelot training, since he has some experience hunting as a cat.

Succotash (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 6:20:51 PM
As he recognizes his cousin, Succotash is about to address him by his childhood nickname, but realizes that may not be a good thing at this time, and since he can’t for the life of him remember his name, Succotash simply says, “It’s been a long time cousin, how goes things here on the home front?” He leaves Blockhead some time to respond, than asks, “Are my parents around, I would really like to see them, especially, I suppose, my father?”

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 8:31:02 PM
(More to come tomorrow morning.)

Pressi continues to spend time with Murphy and with her coven. She also gives Kezzem and Hobie a thumbs up on their rather impressive numbers.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 4:56:00 AM

Murphy decides to renounce druidism and become a bricklayer. He says he's going to check with the WLA to see if he can pick up a few skill points in laying bricks, slathering mortar, and using a plumb line.

"What day is today?" he asks as he ponders his career change.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 1:05:55 PM
The Shopping Trip

Upon return from the Catacombs, Tali returns her Owl friend to her perch to recover from the CataCombs.

After removing the dust from her clothes, and washing up, Tali will mediate for two hours, resting up for the next assignment / trip.

Upon waking Tali will doing her standard daily process. If 24 hours have past, will cast her two (2) favorite spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+28=39 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=46 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=29 ;
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 1:27:10 PM
Hobie fires at ten birds as he flies around. Eight surely hit their mark, but two find themselves off course by just a hair. He is a bit frustrated at being only 80% accurate. After collecting his prey, he'll take some time to fiddle with his bow string, thinking it must be just a hair off.

DM Kathy
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 2:03:41 PM
What with one thing and another, you find yourselves spending several weeks in Humble's Ford. The ocelots have to be trained, and the other animals tended to. When the menagerie employees arrive, space has to be found for them, and then they need to be taught how to better look after the animals.

Grnta the bear continues to improve, but it's clear her menagerie days are over. She grows to like and trust the security of her enclosure, and doesn't want to leave. Sometimes she consents to come out and let people look at her, but that still seems to make her a little uncomfortable. Still, the local halflings seem to like having their very own bear, and many of them grow to become quite protective of Grnta's privacy.

In Merrydale, Succotash learns that his cousin Bachedt (right! that's his real name!) is being taught to take over the silversmithing business. You spend a cozy afternoon with your mother over tea, and a somewhat less cozy conversation with your father at his workshop. It's clear he's still somewhat resentful of how things turned out, and would much rather be training you than your cousin Blockhead. Er, Bachedt.

Murphy plays a merry prank to lighten the long winter days.

Finally, you reach the point where you feel you can leave Humble's Ford once again. The menagerie is ready to go come spring. The ocelots know how to hunt. Mowa the lioness is becoming very impatient. You have your new gear from the Catacombs, you have repaired your old gear, and you are ready for your next adventure!

One final question remains: are you taking the cats (the two ocelots and Mowa) with you on your travels? Or do you plan to find a suitable spot, then teleport back here and get them?

Okay, two final questions: are you going to travel overland or by ship?

[Everybody take 4,000 XP for this scene. We will start our new adventure tomorrow, so please wrap up what you need in Crescent Valley. If your character is still in the Catacombs, that's fine; you will have your gear when you depart.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 11:34:51 PM
Pressi reminds the group that going over land might be better. Otherwise, she prepares for her trip.

As Succotash comes back from his visit from his dad, Pressi makes a decision. She writes a letter to her family saying she's ready to see them again... and leaves it on a tree stump in the middle of an open field.

She doesn't even turn around before knowing a family member took it,

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 1:12:51 AM
"So long, and thanks for all the fish," says Kezzem as the Sword are ready to depart,

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 3:55:40 AM

Murphy wild shapes a few times. As a lion he talks with Mowa, and offers her a choice. "Would you want to travel with us? You won't be in a cage. We all likely will face danger. Some of us may die. You may die. But you could travel, and see much. We will defend you. Perhaps you will defend us. Until we find a place you want to call home.

"Or, you can wait here. Just as we used magic to move you from one place to another, so we would do again. It likely would be safer for you, and less complicated for us. But, Mowa, you get to decide."

As an ocelot [yeah, yeah, a reskinned leopard or the like], Murphy talks with the adventuresome youngins. He offers the same choice as he offered Mowa. And finds out their names (or makes up names for them if no one else does). If they (and Mowa) choose to join the party, then he gives them each the chance to say farewell to the other animals. "We leave in the morning."

Murphy and Pressi have been having many private conversations.

He has spent time with his family, and welcomed his friends to do so, as well. His folks and family love to be with his adventuring friends, and ask all sorts of questions, and sometimes offer advice as former adventurers.

Murphy checks in with the mayor and his wife, and Roscoe, to see how things go on the political and law enforcement areas of Humble's Ford. And, he visits Tiana, seeing how she is faring, and expressing deep gratitude for her key role in saving the whole valley from massive death, destruction and slavery. "Without you, Tiana, we would have been lost." He apologizes for leaving, or, really, being whisked away just before things were wrapped up. Doing so was so far from his will that... well, he is just sorry he was not there. If she will, he asks her to tell him her perceptions of the event, and the aftermath.

He joins Hobie in helping him out in archery practice by tossing things in the air for him to shoot down. And helping to organize kids and adults who want to practice at the archery range at the Sanctuary.

He thanks foreman George for the additional work he and his crew have accomplished in providing housing for the menagerie, and helping shape up the shrines. He sees how Kade is doing with the mushroom cultivation.

The druid casts a few instances of plant growth to touch on the town and surrounding farmland to help insure abundant crops over this next year. He plants in a variety of places three oak seeds in proximity to each other - with enough space to have room to grow. He casts targeted plant growth at the various sites he has done this. Not often, though, will the acorns be planted so as to form equilateral triangles. The challenge and offer to join a druidic order still rests in the back of his mind.

In the morning, friends gathered together, he asks Succotash to offer up a prayer for their journey together. Then he is ready to travel eastward.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 8:41:23 AM
Return from the Catacombs

After returning from the Catacombs, Tali puts Rayya to bed, dons her new gear, and then proceeds to meditate for two (2) hours, while wearing her new gear, especially to get use to the goggles and the newly upgraded belt.

Upon waking Tali will doing her standard daily process. If 24 hours have past, will cast her two (2) favorite spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Then Tali searches out her companions looking forward to the next chapter.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 900 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 900 of 900 minutes

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 10:24:00 AM
Bliss makes it clear to everyone that he is ready to go!

Succotash (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 10:33:28 AM
Succotash thanks his mom for a lovely tea and gives he a giant hug, telling he loves her. In the workshop, he breaks down saying:

”Dad, I know you may not believe me, but I tried as hard as I could to follow in your footsteps. The problem is, I simply don’t have a knack for working the silver, and every time I tried, I would end up more frustrated, as I wanted to honor you out of love. The stronger the frustration grew, the stronger my wanderlust grew, until I couldn’t take anymore. I hate how I left, and our last words together, but I truly love my life as an adventurer, and I’m overjoyed that a Slenderstick will be taking over the business in the future. I have to leave, but know that I love you and mom, and I hope someday you’ll understand”

He tries to give his dad a hug, and then says farewell, as he teleports back to Humble’s Ford.

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