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The Sages

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:16:39 PM
The wedding, the reception, the guests, and the gifts are the talk of Humble's Ford for days. What people wore, what they said, what they ate and drank, is the subject of endless gossip and speculation.

However, new excitement is replacing the wedding talk. When Pressi and Murphy return from their honeymoon, they find that the town is buzzing over some very important visitors. Sages! From the Sage's Guild all the way out in the Floating City! Here, in Humble's Ford!

And, of course, they want to talk to Humble's Swords. The town is consumed in a wave of curiosity. What could it mean?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:17:59 PM
"Ah, that makes sense," Murphy responds to Pressi's dragon transformation. "No lack of style have you, Pressica."

Once they return home and look over the many gifts people kindly provided, Murphy jots a quick note of appreciation to each person who gave them something. "Lobster forks? We forgot to include lobster on any of our menus during our honeymoon, dear. We'll have to remedy that shortfall one of these days."

Upon their return, his brother Kendry comes to him. "Brother, you have some potential followers. A few were former whiteshirts. Some have areas of competence. Some seem clueless. But they want to learn from you, help you, and further your causes, and those of the Swords. One fellow has collected three thousand acorns and wants to plant oaks in your name all over the place. Another calls himself a 'natural architect' and wants a place to grow up trees for people to dwell in, placing rocks and shaping earth and plants for habitation and defense. He heard of the rock castle you and the elementals and George put together. Anyway, I told them you'd meet with them as soon as you've had a few days back from your honeymoon. Two said they'd like to help you by serving as handmaidens to Pressi. Might want to run that notion by her."

Due to Pressi's questions about the staff of earth and stone versus replacing it with some other rod or staff, though feeling some small reluctance, he will give up his notion of keeping it in the party, if she can better benefit from a replacement with something else.

He'll work with the party members to see if everyone has settled on treasure division. The ioun stone is the only thing he claims.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:48:06 PM

[nearly simultaneous DM/Kim post above - Kim's post there should be in prior section]

"Sages, eh? Floating City - rather famous place, that," Murphy responds. "It has changed its location once or twice, or so I've been told. Giant turtles ferry people about. How many levels are there? Seven? Nine? So, let's go meet with them, and see what they need, or have to tell us."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 5:41:20 PM
"Of course I'm your favorite," says Kezzem. "I'm the best!"

----

"I hope the sage guild isn't here to perform any cleansing rituals," says Kezzem. "Everything reeks of sage for a full week afterwards!"

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 8:17:03 PM

[OOC: Per Woldian House Rule, "Dragons Are Special"! You need a scale from an actual dragon to assume dragon shape. And even then, doing so frivolously is a recipe for disaster!]

Bliss laughs and declares, "You are definitely MY favorite, Wise Sir Kezzem!"

He goes looking for Granny Barleyrow and lets her know that there are sages coming to visit. "I'm sure you know better than me how to get ready for important visitors, thank you, Granny, ma'am."

[OOC: I added some info on Granny, once Bliss's follower, now his cohort and second-in-command, to Bliss and Pressi's Followers Page (scroll to bottom).]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 9:02:45 PM

(OOC to Cayzle: admittedly after the fact and I forgot this rule, but Pressi does have a dragon scale. She still has the dragonhide buckler. And while going dragon is a recipe for disaster, so was carrying that thing around for seven levels. If needed, I'll specify drawing first and take the 5% fail chance.)

(OOC to Kim: New answer. She keeps changing into a black dragon because she carries a buckler from an umbral dragon. She just thinks she's making a choice.)

Pressi is a little put off by the idea of having Murphy's followers include handmaidens, in part because of her own past as a servant. But if they want to work at the Dancing Pig (need permission from the other owner) or for the coven (need permission from Bliss), she would be glad to take them on board. (Come to think of it, did Bliss ever set up his settled home?)

As for earth and stone, Pressi will consider it. (Does Kim want to sell me on it in an email?)

Pressi vaguely remembers some stuff about the Floating City, but it seems a bit out of the way even for people that seek the team out. She wonders what the sages want.

But before she can go there, Markrid takes her aside. "Ok, I think it's time we finally talked."

(And all welcome Markrid, Pressi's sister and new BW/Glory Cleric/Justicar cohort. I'll have more re her build tomorrow and I'll be updating Cayzle's follower sheet shortly.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 8:08:25 AM
OOC... Umbral dragons are dark purple, so if Pressi turns into one of those, she would be a purple dragon, though if the purple was dark enough, it could in theory be considered black.

Succotash answers Ponto, "In truth the whole thing is still a mystery to me. I was killed, during the giant attack on the valley, by a ill tempered she-dwarf cleric, and Lord Gargul felt I should be returned to life. The crazy thing is, when I came back, all my paladin abilities, my physical and mental attributes, and even my adventuring gear had be replaced with those appropriate to a cleric. Prior to my meeting with Gargul, I had always striven to be a faithful follower of Pantheon, but now I have gain a appreciation, and dare I say, reverence for all the Woldian gods. Why the gods created this change in me will probably always be a mystery, but I must confess, though I miss my old mount Miss Piggy, I find I cherish my role as cleric, and though Valerie doesn't have the intelligence Piggy had, she is probably a more accomplished fighter.

Succotash has never been to the floating city, but he has heard plenty of stories. "I wonder what the sages guild wants from us?" he thinks out loud, then makes his way to the meeting with the sages.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 12:36:34 PM
"That's strange," says Kezzem. "When I died and became a paladin, I kept my physical abilities, mental abilities, and gear! I just forgot how to be sneaky-sneaky and instead was a lot more hardy and could do paladin-things. Also, Rumpus became a celestial, and he didn't even die!"

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 3:02:18 PM
There is still some wrapping-up to do from the wedding, but the visitors catch everyone's attention.

Kezzem worries that the sages may use actual sage, which might not be entirely pleasant.

Bliss seeks advice from Granny. "Just mind your manners, young man, and pay attention," she replies.

Murphy and Pressi know a bit about the Floating City, but very little about the Sage's Guild.

Succotash just wonders what they want, as indeed you all do.

You arrange a meeting at the Dancing Pig, and soon sit down to meet with the representatives of the Sage's Guild. The elder of the two men is a neat, fastidious man with a neat, fastidious mustache. "Good afternoon," he says. He looks around the table. "Master Pipewood, Mistress Silverglove, congratulations on your recent nuptials. Master Browncloak, Master Slenderstick, Master Kezzem, Master Bliss, it's very good to meet you." He seems to have no trouble identifying which of you is which.

"My name is Osto Winkmann, and I am the Dean of Records for the Sage's Guild in the Floating City. As I'm sure you're aware, the Guild was founded by the great wizard Maruthian Sungh after the Great Cataclysm. During the first ten years of our history--"

"Dean Winkmann," the younger man says respectfully. He is a lanky beanpole of a human with brown hair and a scruffy brown beard. "I hate to interrupt, but time is of the essence. Perhaps we can move straight to discussing why we've come to Crescent Valley."

Dean Winkmann harrumphs. "That," he says, "is the Trouble with Young People Today. Always in such a hurry. The history of the Sage's Guild is valuable and fascinating information. However," he admits, "it is true we are in a hurry, so I will skip the background. Of late, we have been studying old records, attempting to gain scholarly insight on the events of the past so we may be guided in the future. Scholar Alree here was studying records from the Fourth Age, and found something alarming. Berg, please continue."

The younger man takes over, which honestly is a bit of a relief. The Dean is obviously a worthy and knowledgeable man, but he is boring. Scholar Alree clears his throat.

"My name is Berg Alree," he begins. "As Dean Winkmann says, I undertook to study some records from the Fourth Age. A group of mages and artificers, inspired by the Teucri, attempted to create...something. Their records were in code, and I only recently was able to decipher it. They appear to have created a device to summon a devil.

"The group took their device onto a ship, the Lotophagi Splendor, headed for Plateau City. But the ship never arrived; she went down in Dragon Bay. A search was initiated, but the Fourth Cataclysm captured everyone�s attention. By the time it was over, the sunken Splendor was lost in the dozens of tragedies great and small that resulted from the Cataclysm.

"As far as we have been able to determine, the Lotophagi Spendor is still at the bottom of Dragon Bay, with the device still aboard. Obviously this wasn't a good situation, but it got worse. We were contacted by priests from the Temple of Alemi, whose divinations had shown them that a group of Sahuagin were searching the bottom of Dragon Bay for some kind of powerful weapon. The priests asked us if we knew what it might be. Unfortunately, we did.

"So, that's the situation," Berg concludes. "The sahuagin are looking for the device, and if they find it, they can unleash this devil wherever they choose. Someone else must find the device before they can get their hands on it. And, since they've apparently already started looking, time is of the essence. Can you help us?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 3:21:14 PM
"Oh no," says Kezzem. "It's a guild of Murpheys."

"So, to sumarize, you want us to find this evil macguffin before the evil fish people find it and use it to do evil, right? I have just one question though: wjat does this have to do with sage? Do we burn it to deatroy the macguffin? What's the deal there?:

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 4:13:36 PM

Pressi can't help but smirk at Kezzem's comment. Of their introduction: "Well, I should imagine studying records from back when couldn't help but finding something alarming."

As Pressi's coven members continue to serve and stand by, a few things happen.

The very moment the Sage's Guild brings up the Teucri, Dolgrin lets out an audible gasp.

Pressi tries to wrap her head around just how dangerous this device is, and she has a number of questions, like how dangerous a single devil can be. On the other hand, "Do you have any idea what the original purpose of this device was? Or how they hoped to get around the offering requirement, because that is not easy in the thick of battle.

"Also, do you know any of the safeguards that currently protect the ship or the device? Because I can't believe that you or the Sahugin lack any of the divinations that I would happen to have."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:30:57 AM
"It looks like I'll be preparing water breathing again guys. I just hope we don't have too many underwater fights, as the vast majority of my attack spells involve fire!", Succotash says, as the Sages finish their story, When do we leave? Having never been there, I would have to use Greater Teleport to get half of us there, since speed is of the essence, then I can teleport back, after getting my bearings of course, and then use a scroll to teleport the second half, unless you have access to Greater Teleport Hobie, or have been to the floating city, in which case, we can do it in one go."

OOC... Has anyone made it to the catacombs to sell off the unused magical gear? Succotash could use a cash infusion to make a couple of purchases before heading to the floating city.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+16=28 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2021 2:05:35 PM

"Dean Winkman, Scholar Alree, it is a privilege to meet you," Murphy begins. "Sorry we are to learn of this threat. Honored we are to be asked to help. It does sound as though time is of the essence. We will discuss what time we may be able to leave on this assignment. Perhaps in a few hours, perhaps by tomorrow morning.

"Pressi and I were in Windhorn Hamlet adjacent to Dragon Bay just a few days ago. There is a stand of oaks at a corner of one the farms over there. I can get us all there quite quickly, without having to resort to teleportations." He does not bother to explain it is via the spell transport via plants, as his teammates have all experienced this form of transportation, and he assumes the sages will make the connection.

"Succotash, unless I am mistaken - and, gentlemen, please correct me if I am - we are being asked to go to Dragon Bay, not to Floating City.

"'Lotophagi'[/i[ - does that not mean [i]'eaters of lotus'?" Murphy asks the sages, drawing upon his knowledge of linguistics. "Also, might you gentlemen be able to provide us with whatever details you were able to acquire on the device modeled after Teucri technology? I have studied where I've been able bits and pieces of Teucri works, as well as a marvel of engineering and magic entwined known as the Iron Giant which now rests adjacent to the Giant Tower north of town."

==============
Linguistics: 28 (for figuring out what 'lotophagi' means)

DM Kathy
Thursday January 7th, 2021 4:50:31 PM
"I am unfamiliar with this term, 'maguffin'," Dean Winkmann says to Kezzem. "It is not a halfling word, I know, because I am fluent in halfling. Nor is it goblin, or dwarfish, or draconic, or gnomish, or sylvan. It doesn't sound like Undercommon, though I suppose it could be. What language is it, good sir, and what does it mean?"

"We don't use the plant sage," Berg adds. "Well, Scholar Jin does, but that's a personal preference. Interestingly. the words have different etymologies...But perhaps that can wait for another time."

Pressi asks about how the device works. "The offering is somehow tied into the device," Berg replies. "I'm not sure how. But the one using the device does not have to make the offering at the time of use. That much seems clear."

She also asks about protections. "I found no mention of any magical or mechanical protections for the device," Berg replies. "I believe the group intended to protect the device themselves during the journey. We ourselves don't do divinations," he adds. "What we have came from priests of Alemi."

Pressi is also curious about how dangerous a single devil could be, and a Knowledge: Planes check might provide some answers to that question.

Succotash is ready to talk logistics. Water Breathing would seem to be a must. He offers to teleport the group to the Floating City.

"Ah," says Dean Winkmann. "A misunderstanding. This is what comes, you see, of not allowing me to give a full background explanation." He shoots Berg an exasperated look. "The headquarters of the Sage's Guild is located in the Floating City. That is where Scholar Alree and I do our work. That is where we came from. However, it is not where the Lotophagi Splendor sank. Interestingly, the location of the Floating City has changed since the Lotophagi Splendor sank, so even if it had been in the same place, it wouldn't be anymore. If you follow. You see, at the time of the Fourth Cataclysm--"

"The Splendor is in Dragon Bay," Berg interrupts, with an anxious look at his senior. "I am sorry to interrupt, sir, but we really are in a hurry."

Murphy offers to transport the group via oak trees, having recently been to Windhorn Hamlet himself. He gives some thought to the name Lotophagi. It is, of course, the name of the ocean to the south of the Elennian Peninsula. The Taur Isles are in the Lotophagi, and the ports of Bonetown, Rum, and Dirt City all border on it. Whether the word itself has some meaning in some Woldian language is unfortunately outside your DM's knowledge.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:09:19 PM
"A maguffan is a Kezzem word," says Kezzem. "Or maybe it's a Pressi word. Actually, I am reasonably sure I learned it from her. A maguffan is an item everyone wants."

"Wait, so if you sell or use sage, why do you call yourselves the sage guild? That's confusing. It's like the Second Dinner Club all over again. I never did learn if they were a club that like to have two dinners, or if there was already a dinner club and they wanted to start a second one."

"Etymologies? That's the study of insects, right? What does that have to do with anything?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:12:04 PM
"I don't have any idea what Kezzem is talking about," Pressi intoned. "I've never used the word, personally. Though I do recall hearing the word once, in reference to an egg and cheese sandwich. And get this. They had a Belly Buster special, but they called it a quarter pounder with cheese. You call it a belly buster special? Nobody has any idea of what you're talking about...."

Pressi paused as everyone stared at her. "I mean, please continue kind strangers who don't know about certain briefcase related Justicar missions, and are polite enough to ignore strange ramblings."

In response to her questions, "I do have a discern location spell, plus a few abilities such as scrying or straight divination. If I keep the rod of alertness, I'll know the device's location before FIRST breakfast, and I'd be able to lay a prayer spell on the area to boot.

"And yes, yes, we are all familiar with the need of dragon wards in the fourth age and the recreation of the world following the rise of Martaeus in the beginning of the fifth age. Stop condescending to us. This isn't our first evil artifact retrieval and it's hardly going to be our last."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 8th, 2021 2:16:33 AM

"Yes, in Dragon Bay, as you said, as I said, as you said," Murphy responds with a smile. "Any idea, at least roughly, where in Dragon Bay?" He pulls out his map of the Wold as he painted it from the moon of Kerracles, points to Dragon Bay, and takes out a dry quill. "Might one of you point on this map to approximately where in the bay it lies, or used to lie? Things may drift underwater, depending upon currents, or get well lodged and stuck underwater regardless of currents. It's last known location would be at the least a starting place. Or, some of the folks in Windhorn Hamlet may have an idea about what they know of recent Sahuagin activity."

He looks to members of his party. "Does anyone here besides me happen to speak aquan? Most Sahuagin speak aquan and common."

He adds, "There is, I believe, a Catacombs outlet in Windhorn Hamlet. Perhaps we can take an hour to gather what we may from around here, and make any arrangements for folks to watch over things, then head over there, and gather what additional information we might from people who live on the bay. If someone can as soon as this meeting is over go ahead and take the lead on selling what we wish to sell at the Catacombs, get things started on the purchasing side - then let the Catacombs staff know we'll ratify the sale from the Windhorn Hamlet outlet.

"Does anyone think we need more than an hour before we depart? I know, memorizing a fresh set of spells before we leave could be handy, but mayhaps we can do that once we get over there."

"Thoughts, friends, sages?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday January 8th, 2021 5:33:45 AM
"I haven't prepared any spells today, but then, I never cast any yesterday, so I'm fully loaded, but if we want to breath while underwater, I'm going to have to prepare water breathing before we take the plunge. Also, I can, and I know a few others in our group can cast freedom of movement, which for our members who use melee tactics, such as Kezzem and Valerie, would be a huge boon." Succotash begins, then adds, "Like I said most of my current combat spells are fire based, so I would want to switch those out for something more useful, and if I get to the catacombs, I will know Aquan, as I will be upgrading my Headband of Mental Superiority, and adding linguistics to it, with Aquan being one of my learned languages. Of course Murphy, your idea of placing orders here, and picking them up there would work well, and if we wish to try to gain information in Windborn Hamlet, spending some time in prayer and recharging our spells there would also be fine. I'll cast greater teleportation, and since you know the place and have a place to transport to Murphy, give me a quick description of the area you wish to go to, and you and I can split the load, thus making it in one trip."

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday January 8th, 2021 6:49:08 AM

"Mmmmm." Bliss is thinking about an egg, cheese, and BACON maguffin. Mookie pokes him.

"Think about finding the treasure, Kid!" says Mookie.

"Oh, yeah, ok." Bliss ponders.

"We know the name of the ship we need, so we just have to scry or divine the location of the wreck, right? Miss Pressi, that discern Location is JUST what we need!"

"And we do well underwater, right Mooks ol pal? Mister sages, we are just the team for the job."

Mookie cocks his head and glares at Bliss.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Friday January 8th, 2021 1:48:02 PM
"By the way," adds Kezzem, "Maybe you guys should change your name to something less confussing. How about the the Guild of Murphies? Then everyone know you are a bunch of talky-guys and not herb sellers. Just a suggestion."

"Oh wait, not everybody knows Murphy. How about the Guild of the Old Talky Guys?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 8th, 2021 2:32:12 PM

"Kezzem, enough. You have changed from amusing to rude. Perhaps an apology to these gentlemen would be appropriate," Murphy says in a Murphy-like way. "Insults from a paladin with a short attention span should not be on today's menu."

DM Kathy
Friday January 8th, 2021 9:15:24 PM
Pressi offers to narrow down the location using divination magic. Succotash believes you would be best waiting until the next day, so he can prepare a better selection of spells.

Bliss assures the sages that you are the right team for the job! And as Pressi said, this isn't your first rodeo--er, dangerous evil item retrieval.

Meanwhile, Kezzem suggests changing the name of the Guild to the Guild of Old Talky Guys. Like Murphy, Dean Winkmann seems to take offense. But Berg merely smiles. "But I'm a young talky guy," he says. "And we're not all guys. And not all of us are especially talky. So, you see, it's not a good name. Entomology is the study of insects," he adds. "Etymology is the study of words. A lot of people get them confused. Entomology and Etymology, that is. Most people can tell the difference between bugs and words."

Murphy asks where on the map the Splendor went down, and the sages can narrow down the area for you quite a bit. It's in the southern part of the bay, about a half-mile offshore.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Saturday January 9th, 2021 1:13:04 PM
"Sorry, everyone, I did not mean to be rude," says Kezzem. "Guild of Talky People would be better. I did not mean to be ageist and sexist. Or is it the talky part you take offense to? How about Guild of Wise Guys...er, Wise People."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Sunday January 10th, 2021 3:33:58 AM

Murphy likes Berg's response. He appreciates his friend's apology. "Thank you, Kezzem. No doubt you will be consulted should they ever decide to change the name of the Sages' Guild."

He looks at where the end of the shaft of the feather points (map. [For clarification, would that be on the western side of the bay below (though north of) Plateau City, or the eastern side of the bay adjacent Cthonia? Would it be nearer to Windhorn Hamlet? Because if it's closer to Plateau City, Murphy would likely think that the druids' grove in Plateau City the slightly better place to go to, should Oak Travel be the means] "Ah, that helps immensely!" he exclaims.

"If we go to Plateau City rather than Windhorn Hamlet, then we can pick up your order from the actual Catacombs in that metropolis. The place I know, Succotash, for teleportation is the Druids' Grove along the north side of the city. I really could get us all there via oaks. I have the spell twice memorized, and once more in my staff. It would take a total of, oh, maybe two or three minutes to do so. Then, if we need greater teleport after we take care of business in the city, you'd still have it available."

"Pressi, what would it take for you to divine the location further?"

He turns to the petitioners. "Have you acquaintances in Plateau CIty, other sages, who may be able to let us know any more about the sahuagin before we take the plunge into the sea? Or is there more you could tell us about them?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Sunday January 10th, 2021 4:16:33 PM
"That works for me Murph!", Succotash says with his usual smile, "I was just trying to speed up the process, but your idea has merit."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday January 10th, 2021 8:56:24 PM
In answer to Murphy's question, "I can't say for sure how much narrower "discern location" can provide, though it can at least give us a heads up if it did move far from the current location.

"Beyond that, let's see.... Straight divination might give me a direct answer if she's not feeling punchy, scrying could give me a picture of what's surrounding it, prying eyes could let me cover a lot of "ground" while we stay on the boat. Retrocognition could tell us what actually happened to the ship, though that could take days or even weeks.... SO really, its about how fast you really want us to get out, or if you can wait for my spells to recharge."

For now, though, she tries out her new power, Discern Location (10 minutes cast time).

DM Kathy
Monday January 11th, 2021 3:52:06 PM
Kezzem apologizes, and suggests Guild of Wise People. Nobody seems especially keen on a name change, however.

Murphy checks the map, and finds that the wreckage is closer to Windhorn Hamlet than Plateau City. You ask whether there are sages in Plateau City willing to help. Dean Winkmann's eyebrows rise. "You mean besides the Great Library?" he asks. "The Great Library of Plateau City is the largest Branch Library in the Sage's Guild. It was established during the Second Age, and contains the largest collection of--"

"Dean Winkmann will be happy to write you a letter of introduction, if you think you will need it," Berg says.

Meanwhile, Pressi begins casting Discern Location. Per the spell description: "To find an object, you must have touched it at least once." Has Pressi been in contact with something that might be at or near the site of the shipwreck?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 11th, 2021 9:15:20 PM
Pressi stops short, remembering that she would need an object. She asks if the Talky Talk Guild and Bar has any such objects, but doesn't expect them to have any.

She figures any other divinations can wait until the Great Library... and will absolutely take that letter of introduction, thank you.

Anything else is the usual preparations and rituals as she begins to charge her abilities.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday January 11th, 2021 11:57:52 PM

"Maybe we can scry it and teleport nearby?" asks Bliss.

"Kid," asks Mookie, "You got a Crystal Ball in your pocket, or are you eating the magic mushrooms again?"

"Wait," says Bliss, "we're witches! We can use cauldrons to scry things, right? How about it, Miss Pressi?"

Bliss helps his fellow witch to scry the site of the wreck, if that's even possible.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 5:37:18 AM
Succotash waits patiently as his friends try to figure out the logistics of the trip. He offers, "I can cast "find the path" when we get there, it should lead us right to the location of the wreckage". He decides his trip to the catacombs can wait till after the demon summoning device is found and either destroyed, or at the least, placed in a safe location.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 6:02:43 AM

"Yes, as Pressi said, we would be most grateful for the letter you described for the Great Library," Murphy says to the scholars.

"Which of us would like to get things started in the Catacombs? Aside from the green ioun stone," and he points to the gem flying in a tight orbit just above his head, "I make no claims on the other items." [Kim is really busy this week, so I'm declining to have Murphy figure all the math and exchanges for the Catacombs] "Though I've argued in favor of us keeping the staff of earth and stone, but I'd be fine if it's traded in for something that may bring us more immediate aid, or strengthen us in other ways."

He considers the situation. "Let's see what divinations reveal. Following that, how about if we get ourselves to the Great Library in Plateau City, garner additional understanding there. Then get to Windhorn Hamlet. Perhaps the locals there can help us with a bit more local perspective. Tomorrow morning, after prayers and spell selection, we can boat out, dive, and see about taking control of the device, along with whatever is required to do so."

Murphy listens to hear what else the sages and his friends have to say. Then he says, "I need to drop off a few things, and pick up a few. How about we gather at the northeast corner outside the wall. I can use the oak near there to get us over to our first stop on this journey. Will one hour be enough time?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 1:23:27 PM
Hobie breaks his silence "I was not expecting us to go back underwater again so soon. Unfortunately my bow isn't so effective underwater, but I think I'd still be more effective with it than with a trident or something.

Sahuagin are nasty creatures. When I was younger we were ambushed by a group of Sahuagin on a fishing trip. That's where Roscoe got that limp. He took a trident right through his knee. Lucky for us, a Locathah called Niklowe Gishmill showed up and saved us. We owe our life to that stinky fish-man, I'll never forget it. Locathah are great people. Perhaps there are Locathah where we are going who could help us with this task. "

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 1:55:15 PM
"Well, I have some things to sell, so I'll go ahead and take care of that first. Someone else get this treasure split rolling."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 3:08:07 PM
You request a letter of introduction. There is a bustle as ink, quill, and parchment is brought to Dean Winkmann, and he begins to write.

Bliss suggests scrying. Succotash offers to cast Find the Path when you get close.

Hobie reminds his DM that archers are miserable in underwater combat, to which his DM says, "yeah, sorry about that." He tells the group about Locathah, who could be allies if you could locate any.

Murphy suggests divinations, followed by research, followed by travel to Windhorn Hamlet.

"Just so you know," Berg says. "When I first began this project, I wrote to each of the Branch Libraries asking for any documents they had about this group and their device. That was two years ago. About six months ago, I sent another letter asking for everything about the Lotophagi Splendor. All of the documents I received are back at Headquarters in the Floating City. Unless the Great Library deliberately withheld information from me, there won't be anything else about these events there. If you want to do general research about shipwrecks, devils, and sahuagin, of course, they will have resources for that."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+17=25 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 4:33:14 PM

To Hobie (and anyone else who wants to hear)
"Hobie, the freedom of movement spell can allow you similar attacks to what you can do in the open air - to an extent. Denser than air, water will slow up the arrows faster, so that will cut down on range for sure. If you traveled in an air bubble, that may help a little. But, yeah, it's a challenge.

"I wonder if there are locathah out by Windhorn Hamlet? I think the pants maker guy, Bill Troublefinder, said something about a sahuagin attack on Windhorn some years back, but I don't know the details. He was talking with someone else in the Giggling Ghost about it, so I just heard part of what he was saying."

To the sages, et al
"Ah. Well, that makes a difference, Berg Alree. Looks like we can skip Plateau City, then. Cuts down on travel time. I'm wondering, might you have a sketch of the Lotophagi Splendor? Or a reasonable clear description of it, if no sketch is available? Perhaps if you describe, I can sketch." If Berg goes with the description option, Murphy pulls out his drawing materials, and sketches. [Profession: Artist: 25]

As he sketches, he'll be happy to interact verbally with anyone who wishes to do so. He will also chat with Berg, and ask Dean Otto Winkman for a short version of the history of the Sages' Guild. "In time, I'd love to know far more than we have time to discuss now, but perhaps you can cover the salient highlights. And if there are more details that come to mind about your current request to us, I'm all ears."

To the Sword
To the members of Humble's Sword, he says, "So, how does this revision sound, friends? Let's leave in an hour, for WIndhorn Hamlet. Same meeting place - just outside the northeast corner of the wall of the Sanctuary. If you need more time than an hour, please say so now."

After he concludes the sketch (if that happens), Murphy takes 20-30 minutes in the Rock Castle to leave behind some things, and pick up a few. He lets Hazel and Alouryn know about their plans. About five minutes before the appointed time, he goes to the NE outside corner, and waits for everyone to show up.

Ready?
Once all are there, and before they leave, he asks those who have been divining information to communicate it to the group. If all are ready by the next post, he can take two groups of five - himself and four others at a time, unless a few people want to jump into a portable hole just before tree-trunk travel starts. Or some in a portable hole, and some in a bag of holding. Might be able to take the whole group all at once that way. Destination: The largest oak in the stand of oaks at the road-side corner of a local farm on the outskirts of Windhorn Hamlet.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 9:46:00 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Bliss. "I forgot that scrying only works on creatures, not objects."

(As was otherwise noted, though, we need to work out what's being sold first. I'll make a last decision about my equipment sometime tomorrow, unless someone already sold the excess wands/staves.)

To Hobie, "Eh, we all have our limitations in water. How's your underwater spell casting? Speaking of which, guess that staff of fireballs is out."

(For the record, Pressi, Bliss and Murphy should all have "Animal Shapes", so shark force away.)

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+7=25 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=13 ;
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 12:42:31 AM

Bliss is disappointed. "That's right, Miss Pressi. People, not places. Ugh. Stupid Scrying."

"Well, at least that Find the Path option should get us there, thanks Sir Succotash!"

Before we teleport anywhere, Bliss makes sure that all his usual spells are up and running ... Heroes Feast, Threefold Aspect, Extended Barkskin, on him and Mookie both.

Bliss tries a couple new things. He casts Magic Vestment on Mookie to overlap the existing enchantment on the bird's armor. Granny cures him after his use of a couple Surrender Blood spells. And he makes sure that if he casts Word of Recall, it brings him back here.

EVERYBODY LOG THEIR HEROS' BREAKFAST!

Bliss: Ugh, rolled a d20 instead of a d8. Reroll ... +9 temp hp
Mookie: 13

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 3:24:55 AM
ooc: from what I can see Freedom of movement and other Wold available spells don't work for ranged attacks. But I'm not too concerned, the only penalties I'll take are -2 for every 5 feet between him and his target, and no penalty on damage. So with all of Hobie's bow specific bonuses, he'll still be way more accurate using a bow within like 20 feet than he would be using any kind of melee weapon (and if he fired a bow at melee range he'd take no penalty anyway, just the AOO), and still hits with full damage. Plus the two extra attacks from Manyshot and Rapid Shot. Hobie will be just fine underwater.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells d8+7=12 ; d8+7=11 ;
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 5:38:34 AM
Succotash hero's feast 12
Valerie hero's feast 11

"I wish Clerics had some lightning spells, that would be helpful, but such is life." Succotash says with a smile. The cleric takes the hour to prepare his spells for the day, and pray. (Haven't reset spell selection yet, hopefully I'll get a chance to do so tomorrow evening)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 2:21:09 PM
"Should we go and do more research friends? Do we know enough about where to start or should we seek more information?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 2:37:24 PM

With the Heroes' Feast, that will set the exit time to about 2 hours from the close of the interview with the sages.

Murphy lets the scholars know they are welcome to stay at the Sanctuary should they desire to do so. Hazel and Alouryn see to their needs.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 3:30:09 PM
Murphy asks for a sketch or description of the Lotophagi Splendor, but there isn't one. "She was a brigantine," Berg says, "so in general she would have had a square-rigged foremast and probably a fore-and-aft mainmast. But specifics vary, and I wasn't able to find a particular description of the Splendor."

Pressi remembers that only people can be scried on, much to her and Bliss's disappointment.

Succotash wishes for Lightning spells, and Hobie wonders if the group is good to go.

Most of the group wants to wait until the next day so that fresh spells can be prepared. So, despite Murphy's optimistic forecast, you're not going to be leaving two hours after your meeting. It'll be the next day.

That seems to be fine with the sages. They thank Murphy for the offer of the Sanctuary, but they plan to return to the Floating City.

"When you have found the item," Dean Winkmann says, "return it to us in the Floating City. Or, if that is not possible, bring it to the Great Library in Plateau City."

With that said, they depart. Your group has time for a trip to the Catacombs if you can figure out what you want to do there. You are able to rest, and prepare spells, and Bliss serves his special breakfast in the morning. Assuming the Catacombs business is done at that point, you can depart once breakfast is done.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:20:39 PM

Murphy's thought was that we would leave today in what, mid-afternoon? With Murphy and Pressi having gotten back into town about mid-morning, then meeting with the sages...

"Look. I'm fine with waiting for actually going out on the water - and underwater - until tomorrow. But can we not get ourselves over to WIndhorn this afternoon? We do so, we make some contacts - we wrap up any Catacombs things we need to wrap up. Maybe we get a boat. We find a place to stay, we get up in the morning, say our prayers, eat a heroes' breakfast. We'll be closer then, may have some information, and can then head right out. Time is of the essence, no? Let's not lollygag around here. Let's go. Catacombs in Windhorn Hamlet."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:26:25 PM
Pressi doesn't think they need much more research for now, but expects to do some more research at this library.

As for gear, she figures she gets another 95K, of which 5K goes to cohorts and followers. The staff of earth and stone (she picks it because she feels bad Murphy lost, and figures it might have more emergency utility) is 85.8 so she has 4K left. She hesitates before putting the staff of fire in for sale but does so along with the other staves.

After her trip to the catacombs, Pressi gets ready along with Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:27:38 PM
She does second Murphy's plan, though it seems to be waiting at one end or the other.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday January 14th, 2021 5:17:01 AM
Since cats are not good in water, Bliss gives up his usual cat ritual and join in (or leads a) basic warding ritual, the one that gives +1 to AC and saves.

Spells cast, he is ready to go.

"How are we going there? Dragons Bay is not all that far if we want to walk. Or are we using magic?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 14th, 2021 5:34:25 AM
Succotash isn't sure what difference sleeping at the Sanctuary, or sleeping in an inn is going to make, also, if he casts "Find the Path" do they really need more information, as the spell will lead him right to the wreckage. Sure time wise they could in theory get a quicker start tomorrow, but literally only by a minute or two, but he isn't going to argue the point, and is fine with Murphy's plan, so he simply says, ""When do we leave?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:39:47 AM
I just had another idea. For about 11000 gold we can get a wand of beast shape, and then we could all go in stealthily as a school of fish. We could completely avoid detection until after we�ve found it

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast d8+7=10 ; d8+7=9 ;
Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:56:33 AM
Kezzem: 1d8+7 = 10.
Rumpus: 1d8+7 = 9.

"We've had one, yes. But what about Second Hero's Breakfast?"

DM Kathy
Thursday January 14th, 2021 3:33:48 PM
Murphy understands the need to prepare new spells, but doesn't see why you can't rest and recover in Windhorn Hamlet, so you're right there when the time comes to explore.

Pressi wants to do research at the library.

Bliss wonders whether you'll go magically or on foot, and the answer is probably magically.

Succotash can't see why you can't sleep in your own beds and travel tomorrow.

Hobie suggests getting a wand of Beast Shape so you can all become fish. Or, if Kezzem gets a vote, sharks.

So, it doesn't matter to your DM whether you spend the night in Windhorn Hamlet or stay in Humble's. But Pressi seems to think you're still going to the Great Library in Plateau City. Are you? And are you getting the wand in the Catacombs? Are you getting anything else in the Catacombs?

Eventually, you wind up on a beach near Windhorn Hamlet, ready to push your rented fishing boat out into the waters of Dragon Bay. But if there's anything that needs to happen before that, now's the time to mention it.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:30:38 PM

Problem with the wand, Bliss explains, is the duration. It might take a while to swim down and find the wreck. Longer than a beast shape spell lasts.

"Druids got it easy, right Mister Murphy?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d8+7=12 ; d8+7=9 ;
Thursday January 14th, 2021 9:12:57 PM
Pressi can't help but point out that animal shapes lasts several hours. "Hey, we witches do fine enough in the beast change stuff."

Oh right, the heroes feast. Pressi gets 12, Harper 9. Pressi joins Bliss in the warding ritual, and does her usual healing ritual.

Speaking to Murphy, "While I was in the catacombs, I kind of got into a conversation about how to produce dragon armor. That took a while to remember. Brought up some things, too."

She continues to push for the library visit.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 15th, 2021 1:53:47 AM

"The difference, Succotash, is in the preparation. Hanging out here for another half a day and full night does not do much in advancing us toward our cause."

"Right, wise Bliss. Druids got it easy, as far as changing shapes is concerned. Witches and a few others don't do so badly, though.

"And the beast shape spell lasts Hobie, what, about five to twenty minutes, more or less, depending upon the skills of the caster? It's a sweet spell, for certain, and could be useful, yes."

"I'm fine with a library visit, Pressi," Murphy replies, "but Berg specifically told us that to the best of his knowledge whatever was held concerning our assignment was requested by the Floating City sages some time ago, and presumably delivered to them. If we are to go visit the Great Library, though, we definitely want to get a move on to Plateau City. I'd say, now. Or in twenty minutes, if someone needs to grab something else before we enter the oak tree."

"Oh, just before we go, though," the druid says pulling out a scroll case, "my brother Kendry just lent me his copy of a 19-part map of Plateau City. I spent some time looking it over a few years ago, and can at least remember highlights, so I know where the Catacombs are, and where the Great Library is. And where a few Dragon groups dwell."

If everyone is ready, then we leave NOW. If not ready, then we wait for everyone to have a potty break, then we leave... NOW. To the Druid's Grove, in Plateau City. Murphy speaks with the druids there briefly after he and the first group come through, returns to the Sanctuary, picks up the second group, and everyone is there in Plateau City, ready to raid... rather, to walk through the city to the place we can use the Library Pass.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday January 15th, 2021 5:47:24 AM
Succotah climbs into the boat and coaxes Valerie to join him. This isn't her first time in a boat, but like the time on the moon, she is a bit hesitant. the dino eventually gets in and the two are ready to go. With all the talk of animal shapes and beast shape, Succotash, says, "If things get dicey, I'm pretty useless without a voice, so count me out in taking on an aquatic form, and since Valerie's main strength in a fight is her multiple attacks, I would rather hook the two of us up with water breathing, and freedom of movement. Speaking of water breathing, who's all going to want me to cast it on them, oh and when should I cast "Find the Path?"

Succotash hero's feast 12
Valerie hero's feast 11

OOC... I haven't had a chance to update my spell list. I plan on doing so tomorrow.

DM Kathy
Friday January 15th, 2021 3:51:13 PM
[Because people have things to do, we'll back up a bit.]

At Murphy's insistence, you leave Humble's shortly after your meeting with the sages. Murphy brings you to the druid's grove in Plateau City.

Pressi visits the Great Library. What are you researching?

Bliss remarks that Beast Shape doesn't last long, but perhaps it would last long enough. Still, nobody seem to be in a hurry to rush out and acquire the wand. Succotash just makes sure that he and Valerie are ready for what's to come.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Sunday January 17th, 2021 12:45:52 AM

Bliss enjoys the tourism and looks around with wide eyes.

Mookie is less impressed. "Meh, it was better back in the day."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Sunday January 17th, 2021 11:37:15 AM
Succotash runs off to the Catacombs before departure to have his headband of mental superiority upgraded, with instructions that he will be picking it up in either Plateau City, or Windhorn Hamlet, depending on where they actually head to.

After returning to the designated departure location, Succotash asks, �So, could someone explain to me why we are going to Plateau City, when we know that Windhorn Hamlet is closer to the wreckage, and that all information concerning the ship has already been sent to the Floating City, and now passed on to us? I mean I'm down with checking out the city, and even checking out the great library, but it seems to me that we would be wasting precious time, and we are already facing a time crunch."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=29 ;
Sunday January 17th, 2021 9:05:57 PM
"We are visiting Plateau City because I want to make sure I know exactly what we are getting into. And because if "they deliberately withheld information" crossed Berg's mind, then you can bet it crossed mine. Besides, what's the point of these bands if we don't hit the library from time to time."

Pressi is a dervish through the library, detecting and reading magic, asking about the ship and the document process to everyone who works there, flipping through anything they have on demon control, the ship, the teucri or the sahaugin war. Murphy doesn't need a link to know that when she gets like this, the question in her mind is "Why?"

But since every topic is 1d4 hours, Pressi focuses on three things
1) Who are these fish people and why would they search for such a weapon?
2) Why did this weapon get built in the first place?
3) Is there anything identifying that would allow her to find it even faster?

Also, if her Justicar Truth Test ability pings anyone (similar to Discern Lies, her holy symbol glows if anyone tries to deliberately mislead her), she focuses on that guy. And if her perception leads to any hidden passages or notes (Perception 29), she focuses on that as well.

But if the rest of the group gets antsy, she will cut the above short after a couple of hours.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d8+7=12 ;
Monday January 18th, 2021 4:16:28 AM
These are the bonuses to Murphy's skill rolls for various things some of which may be pertinent to his assisting Pressi with her library research. Rather than rolling for each one - we could take 10? Or, if DM Kathy feels one or another would be useful, I trust her rolls on Murphy's behalf.

Diplomacy 21
Knowledge (Arcana) 13
Knowledge (Engineering) 23
Profession (Engineer) 14
Knowledge (Geography) 14
Knowledge (History) 14
Knowledge (Local) 16
Knowledge (Nature) 23
Knowledge (Religion) 9
Knowledge (Technology) 15
Knowledge (The Planes) 23
Linguistics 15
Perception 40
Profession (Sailor) 14
Sense Motive 29
Spellcraft 16
Use Magic Device 16

Among other things, Murphy questions the staff about membership or visiting privileges, and what fees and other accommodations may be asked of those desiring to visit for research and study purposes from time to time.

He also inquires about providing a copy of the Journals of the Humble's Sword adventuring group. "Might this contemporaneous record of some significant actions and discoveries be of interest to those who oversee the Great Library? It deals with Wold-shaking events, time travel puzzles, a journey to the moon via Teucri artifact, rescues of circus slaves, passage through the Culverwood, a battle of halflings against over a thousand giants from the Scab, including some Mountain giants, trade negotiations with the biguns of the Red Hills, an assassination of a beloved high priestess of Flower, attendant false accusations and innocence proved, The Grove of Discord, raids of goblins and ogres, negotiations with and combat versus ogre mages, dealings with a miscreant taxidermist-necromancer, attempts to reform a two-headed troll, bribery through venison jerky, lusty woodland flying gnomes, a beautiful dryad, and other adventures. Oh, fighting a rare dragon. And getting to know wolpertingers."

"Could the contribution of such a volume go towards future visiting privileges?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast
Monday January 18th, 2021 2:11:39 PM
"Being a sharp is fun and all, but I think I'm probably better off just using my daggers."

DM Kathy
Monday January 18th, 2021 2:45:29 PM
Bliss enjoys the sights and sounds of Plateau City. Mookie is somewhat less impressed.

Succotash urges his teammates to hurry.

Kezzem contemplates being a sharp. Or possibly a shark. Or maybe a sharp shark. In the end, he decides to stick to his daggers.

Pressi makes a beeline for the library and researches like a mad thing. Of the questions she wants to focus on, she isn't able to find anything on why the weapon was built or how to recognize it. The librarians regretfully explain that those records are currently in the Sage's Guild Headquarters in the Floating City, to support a scholar in a specific research project. They offer to contact Scholar Alree on your behalf to request an update. You have better luck with your first question. You learn all about sahuagin. You also learn of the Merfolk-Sahuagin War, which has been raging in the waters of the Wold for about three years now. There are a lot of documents on the war, but unfortunately it's too new for any handy summaries to have been written, so you have to plow through individual records of individual skirmishes. The war doesn't seem to be going well for the sahuagin. Some of them seem to blame the surface-dwellers for this, for reasons that are a bit unclear, but seem to have something to do with Dirt City. Under such circumstances, it's understandable that the sahuagin might go looking for a super-weapon to turn the tide.

Your Truth Test only pings once, when a librarian murmurs, "no, no, it's no trouble at all," as he goes to fetch your sixth batch of war records.

Murphy assists Pressi, and also has questions of his own, about the inner workings of the library. You are able to find out the rules for joining and advancing in the Sage's Guild. You ask whether there would be interest in the account of your group's adventures, and there definitely would be. Given its location in Plateau City, city of adventurers, it's something of a specialty of this Branch Library. It seems to be unrelated, however, to the question of access.

When the research is wrapped up, you travel to Windhorn Hamlet to spend the night there. You are able to secure accommodations at Grog�s Happy Half-Ogre Tavern and Inn, where proprietors and patrons alike seem delighted to have "real, genuine halflings" staying there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:13:37 PM
"Succotash, I could use the waterbreathing spell. And Freedom of Movement too if it's possible, or better would be something that just helps me swim, as I don't believe Freedom of Movement will help me fire my bow.

I suppose I could also just tie myself by rope to someone else who can swim. Anyone want to tow me?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:20:31 PM
"Actually I forgot I have waterbreathing, so I can cast that one on myself Sucker. But I also have prepared Teleport, so if we need to get out, I've got that ready."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:34:40 PM
His SHARP daggers, naturally.

"Yeah, I don't have any spells to breath water or turn into sharp-tooth-shark or turn into a sharp-tooth shark that breathes water."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 6:32:50 PM
"Unfortunately, I don't have any spells that can help someone swim, but Murph is pretty good about towing us while in water elemental mode, assuming he plans on taking that form. I prepared water breathing 3 times, which is enough to give everyone who need it the ability for several hours. I also prepared freedom of movement twice, I plan on casting it on Valerie, but the second casting is up for grabs. let me know who wants it, and we'll make sure the person who can best benefit from it gets it. I'm glad you have Teleport ready Hobie, if things get dicey, having two teleporters would be nice."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+29=30 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+40=41 ;
Monday January 18th, 2021 8:29:34 PM

"I can help you with Freedom of Movement, Hobie, when it looks like we might be approaching an area where combat may be imminent - maybe in sight of the ship, eh? It should last ten minutes shy of three hours," Murphy offers. "Pressi and I have Word of Recall, which will take us back to our Sanctuary. She can take about half of us, and I the rest. It's good to have more options, though, so I'm glad you have Teleport, Mister Wizard. And you, too, Mister Cleric."

"Kezzem, I wish I could help you turn into some sort of swimming critter, but that is beyond my power. So far, at least. Yep, Succotash, and Hobie, and Kezzem, I'd be happy to provide the tow rope. And if you'll provide the initial water breathing, I can offer backup on that for all should we have to remain in the water long enough to let the skin of our fingertips get all wrinkly."

"Bliss, Pressi? And Mookie - any other thoughts on what's coming up and how to prepare?"

===== Talking with folks in Grog's Inn =====

Pressi and Murphy had gotten a pint at Grog's during their recent honeymoon, so Murphy introduces everyone to him and any others with whom they had made acquaintance. "You guys ever hear of the Grey Knights?" he asks his friends. "They got their start here as the Windhorn Hamleteers, and dealt with the Sons of Dread. Grog helped them out at various times, according to Bill Troublefinder, said my brother Kendry who spent some time with Bill."

"Uh, just what do you mean, 'real halflings'? Have there been pretend halflings here in Windhorn?" Murphy asks the folks at Grog's Inn.

He will take time to ask them as well if there are things known or rumored about recent sahuagin activities. Any locathah? And merfolk?

He asks about renting a boat large enough to hold at least 12 to 16 people. Or buying it, if it's seaworthy, but not too expensive.

============
The roll from my prior post I forgot to identify - it's the temp hp from boat launch day's Heroes' Feast - 12hp.
Sense Motive: 30 (to get a general sense of what people are about as they talk with the locals)
Knowledge, Local: 20 (Acquaintance with what's happening around Windhorn Hamlet - perhaps aided slightly by having been here less than a week ago)
Knowledge, History: 24 (the Grey Knights, Bill T info)
Diplomacy: 30 (Talking with locals, working on gathering info)
Perception: 41 (General awareness of surroundings, situation, people)

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday January 18th, 2021 11:16:23 PM
In the morning, it is the same routine as before. [I'll keep my Heroes Breakfast temp hit point rolls, since I did not use them yet.]

"So how are we getting out to the wreck?" Bliss asks. "Renting a boat seems like a good idea, Mister Murphy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:31:39 AM
Pressi herself moves on from the books, trying to decide what to do with what she has learned.

Beyond that, there isn't too much prep work. But she does take some time to ask as well about activity around the lake or sightings of creatures.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:44:45 AM
"Kezzem, do you want to me to turn you into a shark? I can cast Beast Shape on you, but it will only last nine minutes. I'm personally prepared to cast Alter Self on myself and turn into a sahuagin or merfolk should a fight break out underwater, but I can't cast that on you as it only works on myself. "

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