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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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."
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
LOG ON