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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!

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