DM Kathy Friday March 19th, 2021 10:40:49 PM
[Everybody take 90,000 XP for the previous scene.]
You decide to relieve the skirmisher of most of his gear, and wind up with a Belt of Physical Might +2 (Str and Dex); 4 +1 short swords; and a +1chain shirt.
You decide to stop by the Lotophagi Splendor again to see what you can salvage, and the answer is "not much." Unless you're into shipwreck memorabilia, there really isn't anything of value.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 d20+43=50 ; d20+43=62 ; d20+43=54 ; Sunday March 21st, 2021 3:37:05 AM
Among the 'not much' to salvage - well it's exactly shipwreck memorabilia Murphy is into at the moment. He wants to add bits of historical understanding where he might. If there is any remnant of a ship's log, he will take that. Ship's bell. Ship's wheel. Sextant? Compass? Brass lanterns. Brass or other metallic fittings. Personal items which have survived the effects of seawater. No more than about 15 minutes spent on the exercise. If others have ideas, go for it. *Note for DM below.
Once done with that light retrieval exercise, back to the topside boat, back to shore. To the one who let them use the boat for so small a price, Murphy pays an additional 100 gp, and gives one of the recovered brass fittings. "This is at the bottom of the bay, from the ship called the Lotophagi Splendor. Thank you for your kindness to us in lending us your boat, good man. You may have helped prevent a great deal of bloodshed."
If people of Windhorn ask, Murphy will give a brief recap of the highlights, leaving space for others to fill in where they will.
"So, folks, how now to the Floating City? Succotash, you have greater teleport, right? Hobie, teleport? Can we get ourselves and our critters over there? Or do we want to do a two-step, drop off some of us in Humble's Ford - I can take myself and four others via tree walking." By 'tree walking' he means transport via plants.
============ Perception, once per five minutes of ship search & trinket retrieval: 50, 62, 54 - Very good in first 5 minutes, wonderfully excellent in 2nd 5 minutes, quite good in 3rd 5 minutes, as far as discerning what may be found among the wreckage.
*Note for DM Kathy - If you figure some of the items listed would not have been found, let us know.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Sunday March 21st, 2021 9:44:23 PM "I do have greater teleport available, as well as teleport. One casting of each to be exact. Where do we wish to head, the Float, or Plateau City? Both have Sage Guild branches, as well as many other locations. I've heard that the Tree of Parting even recently installed a branch. It doesn't matter to me which branch we decide to report to. That said, I can take up to six of us, so if the rest wish to join, either Hobie will have to help out, or you Murph."
OOC... As one of the DMs in Tree of Parting I can attest that they did in fact recently add a branch.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Monday March 22nd, 2021 12:44:40 PM
"I'd love to visit the Float, but don't know if they have any oak trees there. Tree of Parting - there have got to be oaks near there, I'd wager. Plateau City, no problem. Easiest, and most certain for me is Plateau. If Pressi comes with you, though, Succotash, she could take a look anywhere you end up and let me know of any oaks. Or take an oak feather token, and plant one for me to target to get the rest of us here. I mean, there.
"Which place, friends?" Murph asks for group counsel.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday March 22nd, 2021 3:45:31 PM
"Yeah, I have no problem with going with Succotash to the Float... though I assume we might just try and find out they have oaks.
"Don't forget, though, that we should return the boat. And we don't really need to race the clock right now. A couple of us could just sail or tow it."
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Monday March 22nd, 2021 4:41:52 PM
"Oh, absolutely Pressi," agrees Murphy. "We return to Windhorn Hamlet with the boat, THEN we teleport. I guess to the Float, then. I'll give you the right feather token once we get to Windhorn."
DM Kathy Monday March 22nd, 2021 7:03:22 PM Murphy explores the wreck, and is able to retrieve the ship's bell (broken into two pieces), a lantern (covered in barnacles), and a leather-bound logbook (whose pages, alas, appear blank when they are finally dried out; the ink has completely washed away).
You talk about where to go next. You are inclined to visit the Float, but of course you have to return your boat first.
So, you make your leisurely way to the surface, and are eventually able to locate the boat. It's a nice day; no need to rush. By the time you bring it to shore, it is mid-afternoon and nobody has had lunch.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Monday March 22nd, 2021 9:40:01 PM
"But, where were we supposed to meet those sages? Did we fail to establish that before we left? Ugh."
Bliss thinks for a bit.
"Maybe we can scry the sages and then message them to find out where they are?"
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 12:24:41 AM
"We should report to the old talky guy who was annoyed by me," says Kezzem. "I want to annoy him some more."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:59:09 AM
Where ever you all decide, it makes no difference to me, but as far as oaks at the Tree of Parting, and the Float, I believe the Tree of Parting is a lone tree in the Izen plains, so unless it's an oak, and I don't believe it is, if the stories of it being a slumbering ent are true, and I'm not sure how they would feel at the Float if we just showed up and decided to plant a tree. Plateau City is not only the closest, we could walk there really, it may be the most prudent, but that's just my opinion.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:54:07 AM
"If one of us can use a scrying spell now, yes, Bliss, I think that the wisest course," Murphy concurs. "Sounds like Tree of Parting won't easily allow my mode of travel. Pressi, Bliss, anyone else - can you scry now? I could on the morrow, but not today. That's a point well taken about Plateau City, Succotash."
When they get to shore, Murphy moors the craft, tying it down. He does as described earlier - thanking the one who rented them the boat, and paying him 100 gp in addition to the paltry sum earlier asked.
"Let's eat lunch at Grog's," he suggests. "All of this swimming and fighting and flying and sailing has left me quite hungry."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:56:12 AM
"No worries about that broken bell Murph, first thing in the morning I'll prepare Make Whole and get that thing fixed right up for displaying. "
He will then take out his dagger and grab the lantern, and spend the time to pry off the barnacles while the boat travels.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 1:51:05 PM
If Pressi wants to cast Scry, Bliss is happy to let her. If not, he'll cast it, though he might have to borrow her cauldron to do it.
"What, you don't even have a cauldron?" asks Mookie, incredulous. "You ARE a witch, right, Kid?"
Bliss blushes. "I used to have one around here somewhere."
[OOC: Either way, before the DM post, please consider that one of the witches has cast Scrying on the old seer, and Message to ask him where to meet him.]
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 3:01:11 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Bliss. Not that she uses a cauldron for scrying.
That's what the mirror is for.
As they wait for the warm up, Pressi points out that Grog's might take a while, even with mass transit. She does have some rations available if people want to eat now.
To Kezzem, "We are going to have to tell them we almost let a pit fiend loose on the world. Let's take it back a little bit, please."
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:28:07 PM
"Great, Hobie! I was wondering about how to do that." Murphy is happy those things will be taken care of.
"It didn't take us that long to get out to where we anchored the boat, Pressi. It shouldn't take us that long to get back. Thanks for the rations offer, but Grog's has pretty good food, and I'd like something hot. Besides, part of our payment for the usage of the boat is to fill them in on what just happened out there."
"Kezzem, you want to take the lead in telling the story? Hobie, you fill in some details, then Mookie and Bliss can offer commentary. The rest of us will stuff our faces." He says all this with a smile, just joking with his friends.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Wednesday March 24th, 2021 12:03:37 AM
"Yeah, but we didn't unleash a pit fiend, and know he can't come back here for like 101 years or something," says Kezzem. "That's how those things work, right? Plus nobody else can use the artifact to summon him now, yes? So you could say...we did better than our original mission!"
"Yes, I will tell them story!" says Kezzem. "Wait, what are details?"
DM Kathy Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:08:24 AM Bliss asks whether anyone remembers where you were supposed to report. Kezzem is looking forward to annoying Dean Winkmann some more.
There is some talk of scrying, but as you discuss the conversation you had with the sages, you remember they asked you to report to the Floating City, or to Plateau City if you couldn't make it to the Float.
That resolved, you repair to Grog's for a hearty meal. Over baked ham and fresh-baked bread, Hobie offers to restore the bell Murphy salvaged. You regale the folk at the tavern with the tale of how you defeated the Sahuagin. Pressi suggests being a bit circumspect about the whole Pit Fiend thing, but Kezzem insists that's the best part.
The people seem to enjoy the tale, and then (of course) there are rounds of drinks, and what with one thing and another, it's pretty late in the afternoon by the time you're ready to head to the Float.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:23:24 PM "I vote we spend the night here, then head out in the morning. I wish I could prepare teleport and greater teleport more then once a day, but alas the gods only give one casting of a domain spell per day. I should invest in a staff of teleportation or something one of these days. Since we were asked to head to the Float specifically, or Plateau City as an alternative, I guess we should head to the Float. If Hobie prepares teleport tomorrow, I can get 6 of us there with greater teleport, since I've never been there before, making sure Hobie is one of those 6, then use teleport to get Hobie and myself back, and Hobie can take the rest of us back, unless your able to cast greater teleport, or have been to the Float before, Hobie, then we can just do it in one go.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:39:31 PM
Murphy enjoys the convivial banter and celebratory mood at Grog's Inn this afternoon. He pays for a round of drinks.
When time comes for the transportation routine, Murphy offers to stay behind to bring those whom Succotash cannot teleport. "You'll need to take Valerie with you. Anyone else, up to five besides myself, I can carry. Pressi - if you'll go with Succotash, and - oh, here is a tree feather token, in case they have no oaks of adequate size there. Anyway, find a fair-sized oak if they have any and tell me about it, or see if you can get permission to plant this one from the feather.
"And of course, we'll need to find out what level the Sages' Guild is on.
"So, I'll be ready when you let me know.
"Who will go with Succotash? Valerie and Pressi for certain. Who will tree travel with me?"
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:45:37 PM
[We posted the same time, I didn't see Succotash's until mine was up.]
"Succotash, I wouldn't mind staying here overnight, but so long as you have the one Greater Teleport, what I described can let us be off now," says Murphy. "Let's do it that way, all right?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 9:28:52 PM
"I also would not mind getting to the float as soon as I can. And the plan is a sound one."
Regardless, Pressi takes some time to walk around, and to get a bit of fresh air. If anyone else is outside Grog's, she nods politely. Otherwise, she mostly keeps to herself.
She simply cannot shake the feeling that this was not a win, though she can't quite articulate why. Maybe, deep down, she found the fight too easy herself. Or maybe because today was a day she remained in the back.
She wondered what the Sage's would say about the shipwreck. It was uncovered by the events of the Sargrass, and she wondered if they would bring that up... and the team's own part. Or the part about the ongoing war. Maybe that was why she felt things were... unfinished.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:13:07 PM
Bliss likes it here and gorges on any sweet desserts.
"We can go in the morning," he says.
The next morning, we can either greater telep or shadow walk to the Float.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Thursday March 25th, 2021 12:58:34 PM
"So, two votes for now, and two votes for tomorrow. I've already laid out how now is possible," Murphy says. "Bliss prefers tomorrow. Succotash suggests tomorrow. I'm fine either way. Kezzem? Hobie?" Then he adds, "This is a nice town. Maybe one of the Grey Knights may show up."
Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Thursday March 25th, 2021 4:41:07 PM
I'm down for tomorrow.
First thing in the morning, Hobie will prepare Make Whole along with his other spells and he'll cast in on the bell.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:09:27 PM
"Very well, let us enjoy this town until the morrow. Pressi, want to walk with me out to see the Sentinel Head by the water? Used to be, when dragons ruled Dragon Bay, every year people would gather and in a ceremony collectively share their, I don't know what, exactly - energies? Spiritual strength? Whatever - and this would infuse the Sentinel Head with renewed power to keep the Dragons from encroaching on the land where this town lies.
"If any care to join us, please do. Along with the Sentinel - which they say floats just above a concave stone pillar - is a statue raised in honor of the group of adventurers who helped to turn back time after sahuagin attacked the Sentinel celebrants just as the ceremony began, and stole the head. They managed to get it to a place on the other side of the bay - or to an island? I'm not sure. But those adventurers managed to recover the head, bring it back, renew the ceremony, and protect Windhorn Hamlet anew. There may be something about Marteus mixed in there, too, though I'm rather hazy about that part of the story."
He asks the farmers how the crops are doing. He offers to cast plant growth to help ensure a good harvest over the coming year. "I'll do that in the morning, before we cast off."
And, in the morning, he will offer the transport via plants services as described in a prior post, once the first group goes and a target oak tree is identified on the Float via Pressi-gram.
DM Kathy Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:26:48 PM
You discuss various options for getting to the Floating City. You decide you really aren't in a hurry, and a night in Windhorn Hamlet might be nice, so you secure rooms at the inn and head out for a little sightseeing.
The next day, you get yourselves to the Floating City. Your DM doesn't have a lot of experience with the Float, but we'll say the Sage's Guild is on the Gold Level until somebody comes along and tells us otherwise. There's also a WLA branch on this level, and an entrance to the Catacombs.
You do need to report to the Sages, of course, but perhaps some of you have other errands you'd like to run as well.
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:43:01 PM
"Hey Murph, let's do a test run," says Kezzem. "I'm thinking something like this:
"'Good news, everybody! Remember that evil devil summoning artifact? Well, they summoned it, but don't worry, because we (and by we I mean mostly me) stabbed him until he went back to where he came from. Also, the artifact is in pieces, so nobody will be using that again! And if my WLA correspondence course has taught me anything, he's like banished from our realm for 100 years, so you're welcome!'
"Was that annoying enough, or should I work on it some more?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday March 25th, 2021 9:46:32 PM
Pressi is polite enough to stop wandering alone and join Murphy.
------------------------
The next morning is the usual routine. Daily rituals, capture of wold's blood, eye rolls at the planning, and preparations to meet with the Sage's Guild.
There will also need to be time for WLA training and it may be time to look over the collected loot.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Friday March 26th, 2021 3:59:54 AM
"Marvelously annoying, Kezzem. Do it just like that," Murphy answers his friend.
He has a drinking contest with Bliss. After one drink he says, "You win!"
When they arrive where the Sentinel statue stands, the druid walks around it twice. "This long protected this place, and helped keep a spirit of unity among the people." Then over to the statue of eight figures looking out across Dragon Bay. "These were, according to the fellow who invented Bill's Pants o' Plenty, those who gave their lives in protecting and defending the Sentinel. adventurers Borbo Pastna, Galahad Quivelio, Branze Bones, four of the militia men who fought off the sahuagin, and a cleric Bill knew a very short time, Ahkum Ellison." After a few moments of silence, he adds, "I think Marteus was somehow tied up in part of it, but Bill was not very forthcoming on all that part."
In the morning Murphy prays, changes up his spell selection [I'll get to that this weekend on his CS], casts plant growth to enhance local crops for the next year, does his part in group transport [DM Kathy - did Pressi need to plant an oak tree, or was there one there already? -Kim]
And... Floating City! Murphy asks around. "Is there some sort of map or guide to the city we can get hold of?" he asks about - oh, there's the Woldian League of Adventurers - they should surely know. He walks in and asks, displaying his WLA emblem, "Where can we find the Sages' Guild here in town?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Friday March 26th, 2021 9:39:51 AM
In the morning, Succotash, after an hour of prayer and spell preparation, takes his friends, via greater teleport, well 6 of them anyway, to the Float. He tries to get as close to the Sage Guild library as possible, but since he's never been there before, close is up to the DM's interpretation. He marvels as he looks about the legendary floating city, and makes a mental note to find out how the whole thing floats.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Friday March 26th, 2021 1:47:32 PM
Bliss looks around in confusion. "How did I get in a drinking contest? I swore that stuff off after losing a drinking contest to those dwarves!"
He looks in his glass. "Is this a milkshake drinking contest? I'd be up for that?"
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Friday March 26th, 2021 4:18:03 PM
"I dunno, you're not rubbing your head in frustration," says Kezzem. "I'll workshop it a little more."
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Friday March 26th, 2021 6:22:04 PM
"Yes, Bliss, milkshake drinking contest, indeed," Murphy responds with gusto. "And I won't stop at just one!"
When Kezzem talks about workshopping his report on their latest adventure, Murphy rubs his head in frustration, and even pulls out three hairs. "Now, Kezzem, SEE what you made me DO!!"
DM Kathy Friday March 26th, 2021 10:27:55 PM
You don't need to plant any trees in the Floating City; they have trees and anyway you had enough Teleportation spells to cover everyone.
You check in at the WLA and learn that the Sages Guild is fairly close by. You head in that direction, as Kezzem workshops ways of telling the tale.
The Sages Guild is a large, impressive building. You state who you are and why you're there, and are escorted into a parlor of sorts, and asked to wait until you can be seen. The parlor is equipped with comfortable furnishings, a decanter of wine and several glasses, and of course lots of books.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Friday March 26th, 2021 11:56:54 PM
Bliss greets the sages when they arrive and tells them all about the quest for the artifact. He dwells a bit more on the exciting parts than the sages want to hear, maybe, but covers all the main points.
"And here's the shards! Maybe we can Make them Whole?"
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Saturday March 27th, 2021 2:38:53 AM
"So we found these shark-men, and they had shark mounts, and I was all why-didn't-we-polymorph-Rumpus-into-a-shark-mount, but Pressi suggested a flying skateboard instead so I could jump over the sharks. Then we found the priest, and we were all "You won't summon a pit find," and he was like, 'Do you seriously think I would explain my master stroke to you if there were even the slightest possibility you could affect the outcome? I summoned it 35 minutes ago.” ' And then I stabbed him a bunch of times--the pit fiend, not the priest--and I killed him so hard I sent him back to hell, and he won't be able to come back to the Wold for 100 years. And the priest was then all like, 'Oh no, you foiled my plans,' only not, because he was, you know, also dead. Also, the artifact sort of got destroyed or something. So...you're welcome."
Kezzem gives the sages two thumbs up.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Saturday March 27th, 2021 3:45:44 PM
Murphy adds his own brief comments to fill out the tale, with a good deal higher degree of accuracy than Kezzem's colorful spins. He agrees that the paladin's rendition is highly amusing, if counterfactual at points.
"I'd like to see if I can study what the sages know about the capabilities and nature of pit fiends, as well as other devils and demons. I think we may encounter more as time unrolls."
He also sketches a series of maps showing the route to the ship, noting other ships along the way, the narrow passageway, and the alternative route to the surface they took in pursuit of the cleric and artifact. He also sketches the ship from several perspectives. "For your archives," he says. Then he makes two more sketches of Humble's Sword, first battling the sahuagin and sharks, and second the sahuagin cleric, skirmishers, and pit fiend. "Also for your archives." He plans on painting a full-on triptych later showing elements of the whole underwater journey.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Saturday March 27th, 2021 8:22:39 PM
Pressi finds herself equally drawn towards the wine and the books. Eventually, she makes her way towards both.
Thinking about Bliss' and Murphy's drinking contest is enough for Pressi's eyes to roll but she keeps quiet about it.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Monday March 29th, 2021 11:02:38 AM
Not being much of a scholarly type, Succotash pours himself a glass of wine and takes a seat. He nearly snorts a drink of wine, out of his nose, as Kezzem gives his rendition of the ordeal, due to laughter. "Kezzem,you know, that was a much more entertaining version that what really happened, maybe you should try describing our adventures together in a book. You know, part history, part comedy, part embellished truth. You could create a whole new genera of writing, and call the books dime novels, whatever a dime is."
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Monday March 29th, 2021 7:22:15 PM
"Writing sounds too much like work to me," says Kezzem. "Plus, you get locked into a particular version, and then someone comes by and say what you wrote here contradicts what you wrote a year ago. I prefer to contradict myself midsentence!"
"Also, do you think it was weird that the shark men had shark mounts? I mean, I guess not. That would be like us having monkey mounts."
"Hey guys, we should totally have monkey mounts!"
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Monday March 29th, 2021 11:10:08 PM
Bliss pours himself a small glass of wine. In fact, he pours for everybody.
"Let us raise a toast," he says. "To friends both sage and humble!"
"Well that covers me," croaks Mookie. "But what about you losers?"
DM Kathy Monday March 29th, 2021 11:34:35 PM
While you wait in the parlor, you avail yourselves of the wine, but are less interested in the books.
After a time, a page comes and escorts you to a a neat, precise office where Dean Winkmann sits behind a desk, with Scholar Alree standing by his side.
"Ah, you have returned," Dean Winkmann says. "Do you have the artifact?"
You explain. Well, Bliss explains, Kezzem embellishes, and Murphy provides visual aids.
"A thorough report," Berg says, looking a little dazed.
Dean Winkmann looks unimpressed. "How adventurers ever accomplish anything I shall never know. I have never heard such undisciplined ravings."
"But," Berg says, clearly trying to keep the peace, "the artifact is no longer a threat, and that was our ultimate goal."
"Our ultimate goal, Scholar, was to study it!" the Dean retorts. "Nevertheless, it is gone now. Perhaps you would be good enough to describe what you saw when the artifact was activated?"
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:05:36 AM
"I saw a big horny guy getting stabbed with daggers," says Kezzem unhelpfully.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 2:47:12 AM
"I had imagined the artifact might have been something larger, easily discernible," Murphy weighs in. "Instead, the sahuagin cleric had it hidden among his robes. Perhaps 30 seconds into combat - I'll tell you, some of us were trying to figure out where the artifact was - he pulled out some sort of orb of green glass, somehow broke it, and the pit fiend was released. Since the glass shattered, and was kicked around in the sand of the foot-deep water during battle, we likely did not manage to recover every last speck. We tried. Succotash, can you pull out the bag which holds the fragments?"
"Ah, and to describe what happened? Hobie was peppering the priest with his potent arrows - which do a fair bit of non-lethal damage. The cleric seemed to be wavering under the assault, beginning to crumple. Yet just before he slipped into unconsciousness, he pulled out the green globe and smashed it."
Elaborating, he continues, "There was a tremendous roar, and suddenly a devil loomed over the unconscious priest. His wings were aflame. Malice smoldered in his eyes. It took several attacks on our part to take down the pit fiend. I am glad it did not choose to summon additional infernal forces against us."
"So, good sages, you have the artifact now to study. At least the shards which remain from it. Perhaps you might have done better than us had you faced the sahuagin and devil, since you are far more disciplined than you esteem us." Despite Murphy's generally irenic disposition, the druid does not care for Dean Winkmann's disrespect for what they went through. Granted, he muses internally, the dean's description may be fitting as regards Kezzem.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Tuesday March 30th, 2021 9:37:27 AM
At Murphy's request, Succotash produces the shards of the device. "Careful, they're sharp!", he says as he hands them over to the sages. He's miffed that the Dean would rather study the device then see it destroyed and a have it's threat nullified. He stands up on his chair, so he can look Dean Winkmann in the eye and says, "Listen hear you over educated stick in the butt! We risked our lives to deal with this threat, and if we or another more powerful adventuring group hadn't been there, there would have been great loss of life, because eventually the fish dudes would have released that pit fiend on the Wold, and the carnage would have been horrible! If you think you could have done better, than next time get off you rump and go do it, but if things go sideways, don't come crying to us!"
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:17:08 PM
"And if you wanted ramblings naned, why did you hire us!" adds Kezzem. "Inane ramblings is right there on our business card! Humble's Sword: Do you need the services of a creepy Witch, a talkative Druid, a dinosaur Priest, a magic archer, a really cool and handsome paladin, and whatever Bliss is? Then call us! Inane ramblings are our specialty."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:49:19 PM
Pressi gives Kezzem a sidelong glance. "We prefer to be called edge stylish."
Another sidelong glance goes to Succotash. "Settle down. Our good friend is entitled to his feelings and I agree that we could have taken fewer risks, being unacquainted with the technology. A potential hair trigger might have been a nice warning. At any rate, what's done is done.
"And if you think I would have ever allowed you to even glance at a pit fiend releasing device with a hair trigger, let alone figure out how they did it, then let me assure you that you are crazier than I am. No offense. I just have this weird hangup about letting world ending weapons just float about with questionable people who find them too interesting, and quite enough spells to make sure my opinion is heard. So..." She keeps an eye on the Dean. (Back to Kezzem: "Style.")
That said, Pressi backs down and gives the best description that she can, and some rather pointed questions of how anything that can summon a pit fiend can possibly fit in someone's pocket.
DM Kathy Tuesday March 30th, 2021 9:50:19 PM Murphy describes what happened, and then Succotash speaks his piece and things get contentious. Kezzem delivers a few pithy comments on the nature of adventurers, and Pressi points out that she wouldn't have let them play with such a dangerous toy anyway.
There is some yelling, and blustering, and Berg's attempts to smooth things over fail miserably.
After a rousing discussion, you are escorted from the premises.
"Thank you for your help," Berg says. "Sometimes 'talky guys' get too caught up in the pursuit of knowledge, and forget about real-world consequences. I, for one, am glad you were able to stop the pit fiend."
And with that, your mission is complete. You are in the Floating City, and there is a Catacombs entrance here, as well as a WLA branch. And probably a tavern or two. What would you like to do next?
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:15:11 PM
Bliss suggests that maybe a make whole spell could put the pieces back together.
He thanks the sages for their hospitality.
=====
Bliss has a great idea!
"We're here in the Big Float! You can use the great teleportal to go to the South Continent! I think we should go to Hook City to look around, and maybe meet the Iron Dragons!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Wednesday March 31st, 2021 9:25:21 AM
"I think heading south would be fun, Bliss! though I must confess I've already met many if not all of the Iron Dragons at the Giggling Ghost, I did attend their retirement party after all."
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Wednesday March 31st, 2021 6:03:11 PM
"Well, there is someone I hoped to meet in the South Continent. We were chatting in the Giggling Ghost back at Yuletide," says Murphy. "Meanwhile, though, I need to check in at the WLA. Training, anyone? What would you like to do, edge stylish wife?"
DM Kathy Wednesday March 31st, 2021 10:31:59 PM
You discuss possibilities. A jaunt to the Southern Continent? A quick look-in at the WLA? Epic pub crawl?
Soon enough, you'll be back to the serious business of adventuring, but for now, your time is your own.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday March 31st, 2021 11:12:27 PM
“Somehow, I get the feeling that there’s time before our next job,” Pressi replied. “I have no problem with seeing some sights this time. Southward it is.”
The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB Thursday April 1st, 2021 12:31:19 AM
"I still don't know what those guys have to do with sage," says Kezzem.
Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 Thursday April 1st, 2021 1:23:56 AM
"Very well. I need to spend a few hours here at the WLA. It might be nice to have the electrum tour of the Float - you know we can go into the Giggling Ghost here, right? I'd love to enter through the front door at least once. How about a day on the Float, and in the morning, southward?" Murphy asks the team.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Thursday April 1st, 2021 2:09:46 AM
"Well sure, do let's catch up on our training."
Mookie pecks at Bliss.
"Oh yeah, and we have loot, right? Somebody wanna volunteer to drop it off at the Catacombs and share the proceeds around?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:16:10 AM "Murph, that's a great idea! I've never been here before myself, and would love to see what makes the Float tick, so lets check out the city today, and shoot south in the AM!"
DM Kathy Thursday April 1st, 2021 10:22:59 PM
You come up with a tentative plan, and spend the afternoon seeing the wonders of the Floating City. Some of them are here on the Gold Level, so you drop in at the WLA, then head to Silverwing's Palace of Lavation for sumptuous baths.
You head up to the Open Air level to see the temples and the parks, and gawk for a while at the Black Dragons' castle. Then you head down to the Fence level to visit the Wold-famous Giggling Ghost.
It is late by the time you make your way to your inn, but you have had a very full and interesting day.
Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:48:27 PM
Bliss orders a famous Flaming Green Gnomish at the Giggling Ghost!
He does not remember much of what happened after that.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Friday April 2nd, 2021 9:55:20 AM
At the Giggling Ghost, Succotash looks around and says, "So this is what it is like to enter through he front door!" He heads to the bar, following Bliss's lead, Succotash orders a Flaming Green Gnomish.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells Friday April 2nd, 2021 2:34:46 PM
(sorry to be MIA, I had a nasty virus and should have asked for a sub but it was out of mind)
Hobie will run along with the group, exploring the city
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Friday April 2nd, 2021 6:17:21 PM
Pressi cracks open her flying broom for much of the sightseeing, getting a rather rare view of the city.
DM Kathy Saturday April 3rd, 2021 11:59:08 AM
After a fun day of exploring, and a fun night of....well, after the Green Gnomishes you're not quite sure, but you get the feeling it was epic. Anyway, after that, you wake to a new day in the Floating City. You get the sense that your next adventure is just around the corner.
[Everybody take 15,000 XP for this last scene. It's been a pleasure being your DM.]
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