DM Mitch Monday September 6th, 2021 6:57:30 AM Succotash is glad that Jarry and the lizardfolk are ready to turn over a new leaf. He says if they ever need help to please reach out to Humble’s Ford. Pressi shakes Jarry’s hand and wishes them well. Bliss goes to ask Granny’s opinions on the matter of everything that has been happening lately. Kezzem rhetorically asks if the bear is Pantheistic in response to him being hungry. Tali decides to bring Rayya on her adventures here on out. She also wants to visit the nearest WLA chapter an a catacombs location. Hobie goes to cousin’s Roscoe’s and has a pint of mead and puts his feet up. Murphy gets oaths from the lizardfolk to reform and makes big plans to spend some time off building things.
The group returns home and proceeds with further plans. Tali visits the WLA and Murphy starts on some plans. Meanwhile Bliss gets some unexpected news from his cohort. Granny tells Bliss “I don’t know what to make of all that but have you tried talking to your guests? A miss Scaldstone and associate came to visit while you were all at Troll. She said it was a matter of utmost importance so I had her wait with her friend in the library. I prepared a light refreshment of tea and biscuits as well.”
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday September 6th, 2021 9:43:13 PM
Pressi made her way back to the dancing pig, still a bit stinging from her feeling of failure but finding herself glad to be home.
Not much was done at this time, besides working through the normal aspects of her job.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Monday September 6th, 2021 11:40:24 PM
Succotash decides to go to the library in hopes of finding an interesting book. When he arrives, he sees the guests Granny sent there and says, "Well bless my buttons, I didn’t know we had guests. My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my trusted friend Valerie. Is there anything we can do for you?"
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Tuesday September 7th, 2021 1:48:16 AM
Bliss gathers his friends and leads them to the coven library.
"Come on everybody, we have guests to greet."
DM Mitch Tuesday September 7th, 2021 6:20:56 AM Pressi makes her way back to the dancing pig working through the normal aspects of her job. Succotash goes to the library and starts to introduce himself when he realizes he has seen the two ladies before. Bliss leads everyone to the library.
Seated at the library table are a female dwarf and a female drow noble who are talking pleasantly to one of Bliss’s lesser cohort members. As the party enters the room they stand and give a respectful bow. The woman is immediately recognizable as Ketia.
She holds her hands up in a non-threatening manner. ”Parley?” she says pleasantly.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:57:17 AM
Seeing who the "guests" are, Succotash stiffens, as the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Sensing her masters discomfort and defensiveness, Valerie begins growling. "Down girl" Succotash commands, and even though she stops growling, she doesn't take her eyes off the two, staying in a position of readiness.
You have a lot of nerve showing your faces here, I owe you a visit to Lord Gargul, and should send you there now! Before I allow my scaly friend to disembowel you, say your piece! Only someone desperate or a fool would show up here after our last meeting, so which one are you?"
Tali says diplomatically, "Excuse my lack of memory, but who is Ketia, Succotash?" Apparently, I have drawn a blank as to the name. Using her perception coupled with her Sense Motive skills, Tali tries to decypher the reason why these two ladies are here and their true intentions.
Skill Checks Diplomacy: 36 Sense Motive: 14 Perception: 20
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:13:36 PM
"Once again, on the odd chance that this time I'll actually be listened to. We have GOT to start screening people. Like, at least have someone write their names on a piece of paper, maybe?"
Pressi sighed, looking across the room at the woman she once battled wits with to a stalemate, but she does take a moment to pull Succotash back and sit down herself. "Well, well, it's been a while, hasn't it. I'll save you some time. If that's your juggernaut out front, we already destroyed it for your convenience. Let us know if we have anything else of yours to destroy."
Pressi takes some time to detect magic and signal the coven and Harper to search the perimeter. "Not that I expect this to be an out and out attack, but I'd like to be sure."
At least this time, Pressi looks more... presentable, coming as she is in her work uniform.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:26:10 PM
Who Are These Women? Murphy endeavors to help his friend Tali understand. "You recall the Iron Giant, of course, right? After all, you fought there, and died there. I happened to have been whisked away to another plane, not in accordance with my will, shortly before these women and their entourage made themselves known, Tali. But I closely interviewed everyone in our group upon my return several weeks later. If not mistaken, I believe this woman," and he indicates the dwarf, "Would be Ketia, priestess of Scald. And the other woman," and he gestures toward the drow, "is an illusionist of sorts, who happened to have generated a number of magical walls up in the head area of the Iron Giant, along with various fantasms. Sashe - that is your name?" he asks for verification of the drow. Then back to Tali, "Did not your freed-from-the-body soul enter her body for a moment? Likely to no avail - I don't know that she gained any of your good nature, but we shall see.
"Pressi had told them at the time she was open to having them take the Iron Giant, but our group was rather busy at the time, defending our town and valley from an invading force of over one thousand giants down from the Scab, and the metal gargantua was key to our defense for a few more minutes. Heedless of any concern whatsoever for the far-outnumbered halflings, they would hear of no delay, but demanded immediate surrender of the ancient artifact, as Ketia claimed they were on a mission from their god. Really, had they waited ten minutes, our purposes would have been fulfilled, and there would have been no need for them to attack us. However, as they forced our hand, it was you, Tali, of whom circumstances demanded, as the new pilot, to issue the order for the Iron Giant simply to fuse with the Tower, having taken the place of our slain friend Succotash. Really, just three or four more minutes would have done, preserving the utility of the Iron Giant, and repowering the tower. But Ketia would not wait. She was relentless. And proved herself a fool, losing her goal through her own pride and genuine lack of wisdom. She is a tool, and ineptly bungled her assignment - though she is efficient at killing. Speaking of...
"Between the two of them, they killed Succotash, and you, Tali. Thus, meet your murderers. In fact, Ketia killed you twice, dear, after Pressi revived you once.
Murphy pulls few punches "Oh, and she took fingers from those of us she had laid low. Should we ask if she still has yours? If so, she really should return it, along with that of Succotash, and any others she might have happened upon. Especially if she wants to have a serious parley. She stole the Giant Tower from her god through her decisions. And some fingers."
He turns toward Ketia and Sashe. "Tali is brilliant, but forgetful of some things. Getting killed can affect one's memory. Some of us have not forgotten, though. Parley? About what?" He was strongly inclined to use a dire insult for a female dwarf against Ketia in her own tongue, but restrained himself. With some difficulty.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:27:26 PM
[I was writing the same time as Pressi's post came, so did not see it until now.]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:49:17 PM
"How many dwarves or drow does it take to screw in a light bulb?" asks Kezzem. "Beats me, they both can see in the Dark so neither ever bothered. No go away or I shall taunt you a second time."
Bliss squints. "Oh yeah, I remember. I was looking at the world through spider-kin eyes at the time."
Mookie says, "Sure, Kid, good job remembering these gals. Good brain you got there, that's the ticket."
"Thanks, Mooks old pal."
The raven rolls his eyes.
DM Mitch Wednesday September 8th, 2021 7:31:32 AM Succotash stiffens and orders Valerie to back down as she begins growling at their visitors. He says he owes them a visit to Gargul and he should send them there now but only someone desperate or a fool would show up after their last encounter so which are they. Tali asks Succotash who Ketia is and then observes the two. From what little Tali can glean considering all Ketia said so far was Parley the dwarf woman seems earnest in that at least. Pressi says that they have got to start screening people and in the future have their people write guests’ names down on pieces of paper. She informs the two that if that was their juggernaut it has already been destroyed and to let them know if they have anything else of theirs to destroy. She also casts detect magic and has her people check the perimeter. Ketia and Sashe’s gear radiate magic and they have some wards and other defensive buffs cast on them but she doesn’t get anything overtly hostile from her divination and her people checking the perimeter don’t find anything either.
Murphy reminds the others of their previous encounters with the pair now in their library and how they fought over the Iron Giant and because of their battle the tower and the giant was lost and how they killed Succotash once and Tali twice. He also reminds the others of the missing fingers taken from the dead and grills them about what they want to parley about.
Kezzem tells the pair to go away involving a joke about screwing in something called a ligthbulb Bliss says he remembers the 2 now and Mookie offers a backhanded sarcastic comment that the witch thanks his spirit companion for.
Ketia looks at Succotash and says, “Come now is that anyway to speak to your guests who have approached non-threateningly under a banner of parley? I thought you were supposed to be the good guys? As to why we came here well as Murphy has eloquently recounted our foolhardiness of the past, I can assure you that losing the Iron Giant for Scald was a learning experience that shall we say tempered our impatience. Still, though, desperate times do call for desperate measures.”
Ketia says to Pressi, “Rest assured that the Juggernaut you destroyed was not our device. In fact if my hunch is right I think we can help you get to the bottom of who made it in exchange for your consideration with respect to another matter which I will get into in good time..”
To Murphy Ketia says, “As I previously stated I regret the hastiness of my past actions and the outcome of losing the Iron Giant and I think I have learned some patience since our last encounter with respect to getting what I want. Perhaps that was the wisdom that Tali’s soul imparted? Regardless, I am earnest in my request for a parley and to that end I figured you might ask for those digits back, so I came prepared.” She takes out a small pouch and carefully unties the string before emptying the contents on the table they were previously sitting at but away from the tea service and food.
The fingers of Succotash and Tali, preserved with a gentle repose spell are the contents of the pouch. “I was saving these for a contingency that has not come to pass. In the interest of the spirit of our new cooperation let me return these to you as you requested.”
Ketia clears her throat and says, “Now that all that is out of the way. Let me reiterate that we mean you no harm, this time around.. We never would have come here, except it is a matter of life and death. As much as it pains me to say it, we do need your help. I think the same entity that set that terrifying metal contraption after your home is also murdering Skald’s faithful and I have reason to believe that I am next in line for the slaughter. Therefore, I propose an unlikely alliance of sorts in the interest of unifying against a common threat, figuring out who that threat is and then neutralizing them. What say you, heroes? I know you don’t like me, but I also know that whoever is behind the juggernaut threatens your home and to some extent this entire valley and you have no idea as to what their greater motivations could be or what their endgame is. Can you afford to let hostilities over events that happened in the past get in the way of dealing with the clear and present danger of a new evil? Would you be so petty?”
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:35:24 AM
Mookie eyes the contents of the pouch. "I've heard of tea and finger foods, but this is ridiculous!"
"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss, stifling a chortle.
Bliss turns to the guests. "Look, ladies, let's get down to business. We want to hear what you have to say. We'll probably do whatever it is you need in exchange for the info we seek. No need to draw this out. Fair enough?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:11:05 PM
Succotash growls, "Normally I would say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but I don't think that quite applies here does it? That said, though I owe you a nice destruction spell, or some other such life ending experience, I will consead, our need to work together. Through your foolishness, Tali and I we forced to stand before Lord Gargul, but you meant our home and the innocent halflings, living in the valley, no harm. This new threat is a threat to many innocent people, so I will set aside my desire for revenge and attempt to work with you. Tell us what you know."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:14:57 PM "By the way, you wouldn't happen to have the appropriate spell prepared to reattach Tali and my digits? I could prepare it a few times in the morning, but, I would like to be reacquainted with mine as soon as possible."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+24=35 ; Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:48:58 PM
"Honestly?" says Kezzem. "I'm more inclined to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you two. Nobody died when they attacked us."
Detect Evil
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 = 35.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Wednesday September 8th, 2021 1:37:07 PM
The befreckled towhead listens to Ketia's acknowledgements.
"When wisdom is gained, wrong is acknowledged and forsaken, forgiveness can be granted. I forgive you, Ketia, and if you'll have it, Sashe."
Murphy thought that his two friends regained the missing digits when life was granted them again by Gargul, but perhaps not? He double-checks to see if Succotash and Tali bear nine or ten fingers at the moment.
"Under the circumstances, if we face a common foe, it may be best to work together," Murphy states. "My father, though, taught me not to promise a thing if I do not know what the thing is. You said there is something you will get to in good time. So allow me to set a fence. First, we would know what that matter is. If you are reluctant to tell us now, then here are the boundaries. If what you request brings harm to our people, or to other innocents, then no. If we deem it of questionable morality or wisdom, then no. If what you ask is righteous, and just, and proper, and is within our power to do, then yes, we are open to considering what you plan to ask. That is not a promise to do it, but a statement of willingness to hear you out. If it meets these parameters, perhaps we will say yes. When I see a person in whom wisdom is taking root, I do not wish the destruction of that person, and am willing to do what I properly can to help. If you can accept that tentative arrangement, then, please, proceed."
He takes up a cup of tea and takes his first sip as he opens his ears.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Wednesday September 8th, 2021 2:18:17 PM
Hobie particularly did not like Ketia.
after the others speak up, he takes out an adamantine arrow and adds "my companions who are wiser than myself seem to think working with you is a good idea. But mark my words, if you turn on us in any way, this arrow will find itself lodged in your throat."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:02:18 PM
Pressi watched as the rest of the group put in their votes for whether to throw in already or break out the bombs and weapons right now. "See, now it's a parlay party. And yes, we would absolutely be that petty. Congratulations on meeting halflings for the first time, apparently."
Sighing, "You said that there's a foe slaughtering your people left and right, and you are correct in that I won't turn a blind eye to that, common foe or not. Regardless of our quarrels, we will help. For now. I should note that Skald related activity has been involving us a lot recently. Not your fault alone, but I'm expecting some very long discussions of what this religion is and what your people have been doing."
As to discussions of learning patience, Pressi lets out a scoff. Although... "For what it's worth, I do feel some empathy on how things must have looked to you. And I suppose that we all could have used a bit of patience that day."
With all that out of the way, Pressi signals that she is ready to hear Ketia's story.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Wednesday September 8th, 2021 10:53:28 PM Killers
"Oh, Thank you my friend for reminding me of these two beings"...says Tali to Mister Murphy. Turning to Rayya, silently, Tali tells Rayya, remember these two...for later.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:29:52 AM
[OOC: It's parley, NOT parlay. Parley refers to speech, conversation, negotiations, the setting of terms, and comes from French parler - to speak.
Parlay is a betting term. As a noun, it means “a cumulative series of bets.” The winnings of subsequent bets are bet again. As the bettor continues to win, the gains continue to increase. As a verb, parlay means “to use the winnings from a previous bet to make another bet.”]
DM Mitch Thursday September 9th, 2021 6:01:50 AM Mookie makes a joke concerning Tea and Finger Food Bliss tells his spirit companion to hush, stifling a chortle. He then suggests they ge tdown to business and asks their guests to tell them what they are after. Succotash says normally he’d say the enemy of my enemy is my friend but this time it is different. He still concedes the need to work together and says he will set aside his desire for revenge and attempt to work with them and asks for what they know. He also asks for the digits to be reattached. Kezzem says he’s more likely to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you. He casts detect evil on the pair. Ketia does not radiate evil, Sashe is moderately evil. He gets the feeling Ketia is being honest in what she is saying so far. Murphy listens to Ketia’s acknowledgements and offers forgiveness. He says if they do face a common foe it may be best to work together but first they must know what is being asked to verify it is something they can do. He also offers boundaries around what Humble’s Sword is willing to do. He takes a cup of tea Hobie whips out an adamantium arrow and threatens with lodging the arrow in their throat if they get betrayed. Pressi says that they would indeed be that petty and welcomes their guests to meeting halflings for the first time. She asks more about the foe slaughtering their people and suggests that they will hear them out for now and that maybe they all could have used some patience in the past feeling some empathy. Tali thanks Murphy for the reminder and silently tells Raya to mark the 2. Ketia says to Succotash, “I did come prepared for your second request and she ushers Succotash and Tali to approach.”
If they do she casts regeneration allowing the severed fingers to be reattached to the halflings’ hands.
Ketia says to Kezzem and Hobie, “I suppose those reactions could be warranted given what transpired last time. Let us hope the rest of your companions continue to be more reasonable and we can continue on in our spirit of cooperation.”
She then says, “You mentioned Skald’s faithful, well truth be told we are a secretive lot. The way we normally organize is in cells where few members of a given cell are aware of the existence of any of the other cells and even then no one in a given cell knows the full membership of any other cells but sometimes paths do cross between cells. I am aware of at least 3 other cells that have reported murders but the number could be greater than that given our organization’s secretive nature. I have heard enough to be worried as someone who is able to track down the very hidden members of our religion and kill them indicates someone incredibly powerful or someone with inside knowledge somehow. Recently 2 former members of my own cell who actually got out of the life were murdered in their home.
Simply put we want you to investigate their murders and report on your progress. It would be difficult for myself and Sesha to get close to the scene of the crime and if it turns out the murderer has ties to our religion we will assist you in your investigation in that direction. Given your many interactions with our religion as Pressi pointed out and the timing of the attacks on you and attacks on certain cells I do not believe recent events to be mere coincidence. Someone powerful and/or with knowledge of our religion is looking for something and for some reason their attention was turned towards both our groups. If we are wrong and the serial killer of Skald’s faithful is not the same person who attacked your group then we are still willing to offer information and other potential aid in your further inquiries to your assailant but I have strong reason to believe based on divinations I have cast querying Skald himself that in this matter our paths are intertwined.”
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:52:44 AM
Succotash flexes his now reattached finger, testing it for functionality. Satisfied with the results, he thanks Ketia, than says, [b]"Well, even if the person, or persons, responsible for your murders and the lowlife who threatened our home isn't the same person, we Swords can't turn a blind eye to the taking of innocent lives. Do you have any information that may assist us in our investigation, or at least give us a place to start?
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:18:50 PM
"If they are knowledgeable about your 'religion', which by your own words you describe as a secretive bunch *cough*cult*cough*, it would stand to reason that this is an inside job," says Kezzem.
Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells Thursday September 9th, 2021 3:46:53 PM
"Ok, so whats the first place to start in hunting this killer?"
"Well, tracking down a serial killer does sound like a good job for us," says Bliss. "What the heck, I'm in."
"Do you have any hints or clues about the killer? Maybe a drop of blood or a bit of thread?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Thursday September 9th, 2021 9:28:45 PM
Pressi listened carefully, hard as it was to hear again the question of power or inside knowledge. "If our quarry does have inside knowledge, he certainly has managed to infiltrate a number of camps. I assume that any divinations on him led to strange blanks and nobody got a good look at him.
"It's an intriguing mystery that I hope returns my confidence. But I'm not sure how you came to decide that a group of stranger halflings wandering a bunch of secret cells on high alert would be less conspicuous than two people already known within the camp. Because if the answer is mushroom farmers, I swear to spirit..."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:26:33 PM
"Come on, Press, we'll be wrapping up our adventuring careers soon," says Kezzem. "We've got to try the mushroom farmer bit one more time at least!"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY Friday September 10th, 2021 5:51:21 AM
"Scald and I spoke together once," Murphy says.
He hears what his friends and proposed allies have to say. "What do you suggest we do to infiltrate? How do we learn what we need to?"
DM Mitch Friday September 10th, 2021 7:30:40 AM Succotash is happy to have his fingers reattached and says that even if the two assailants aren’t one in the same Humble’s Swords can’t turn a blind eye to the taking of life. He asks if they have any further information to aid the investigation. Kezzem suggests the murders were an inside job. Hobie asks where should they go to hunt a killer Bliss is interested in tracking down the serial killer and also asks for any hints or clues. Pressi asks about strange blanks and no one getting a good look at the killer. She also asks what their cover will be if they are to investigate the different cells and that it better not be mushroom farmers. Kezzem says they need to try being mushroom farmers at least one more time. Murphy asks about infiltrating.
Ketia says to the group, “Well like I said the most recent victims were Anur and Shan former members of my cell who ceased being a part of my cell after a run-in with the law. They resettled in the Caverns of Glimstone following a jail sentence and I thought they’d be able to live the rest of their days in peace. However the Caverns of Glimstone aren’t a place where Sesha and I can just walk into so we were hoping you could offer the investigators there the help of the premier adventuring group of the Wold in solving their case. Should your investigation in Glimstone provide any evidence that point to any of the cells I am aware of or an inside job as Kezzem put it, I will help you in regards to investigating said cells but for right now the place to start is the Caverns of Glimstone, so no disguises needed. You can travel as yourselves and live up to your reputation of being heroes by helping the constabulary with their murder. Sesha and I just want to also be kept abreast of your progress when you have the chance of course.”
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=27 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 11:12:07 AM Killers
Tali will step forward to regain her missing finger. Tali diplomatically curtseys towards Lady Ketia and fails to pull it off, instead she just flys back to the group.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Friday September 10th, 2021 3:02:05 PM
Pressi snapped her eyes wide. "You most certainly did NOT mention before who the recent victims were, because that's something I would have commented... Okay... okay."
For a while, Pressi was silent.
"I am sorry for your loss," Pressi finally said, "though I suspect we both are feeling rather complex emotions about it all.
"Before we head off, are there any other clues that you have? Other things we should bring or be prepared for?"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Friday September 10th, 2021 3:03:27 PM "Well my friends, we have a place to start, when shall we leave?"
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20-1=15 Friday September 10th, 2021 4:17:57 PM
Bliss is careful to listen and try to get a gut check about these guys. They are not just sending us off on a wild goose chase, just to attack our homes when our backs are turned?
Sense Motive 15
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Friday September 10th, 2021 5:24:34 PM
"Wait, are we famous?" asks Kezzem. "No wonder the mushroom farmer bit never works."
Kezzem pauses for a minute deep in thought.
"Maybe we could be mushroom farmer adventurers?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Saturday September 11th, 2021 12:23:46 PM
"Also, if we are famous and are known for doing the mushroom farmer bit, if we don't pretend to be mushroom farmers, they might think we're not really us!"
Meanwhile, Bliss tries hard to recall where the Caverns of Glimstone actually are. Has he ever heard of that place?
Untrained Know Geography 5
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY Monday September 13th, 2021 3:16:13 AM
"There are a few preparations to take," Murphy says. "More on that in a bit, but I suggest we do whatever any of us need to do, and prepare to leave in the morning. If sooner is desired, we could leave at evening. I have a few things to set in motion here prior to our departure.
"Meanwhile, yes, please, Ketia and Sesha, any additional information, suggestions you may have for us, our ears are open. Sesha, we have not heard from you. What insights, perspectives, recommendations have you for us?" he asks of the dark elf who has so far been silent.
"Bliss, and all, you may recall that we visited the dwarfs who mine the gems of Glimstone to the north of us, and a ways inside later learned of the giants' plan to invade our valley. It was from there that we fulfilled the mission that Tiana Taithen set us upon. I planted acorns along the way between here and just before the entrance to the Caverns, and they are growing up, and among other things, I had planned to use plant growth to speed them along. A path from Humble's Ford to the Caverns of Glimstone demarcated by triplets of oaks along the way. I plan to use my wand of plant growth from here to there to grow them up."
He also reminds them, as Hobie well knows, of the multitude of scrolls they obtained from the Iron Giant, which contain a good deal of lore regarding the Scab. "It might do well for us to peruse those before we leave here." [Can give us a +5 on knowledge rolls regarding Scab history, geography, lore, and such according to DM Carl (if my recollection from 2019 is sound).]
There's a fair-size list of things Murphy needs to do prior to departure... will save for the next post.
DM Mitch Monday September 13th, 2021 6:27:24 AM Tali attempts to curtsy and flies back to the group Pressi says that Ketia did not mention who the victims were and then says she’s sorry for their loss. She asks for any other clues or anything to be prepared for. Succotash asks when they should leave Bliss listens hard to make sure this isn’t a ploy to lure them away from home for an attack and thinks about the Caverns of Glimstone recalling they are in the Scab. Kezzem suggests their fame is why the mushroom farmer bit never works then wonders if they need to be mushroom farmer adventurers or if they are known for being mushroom farmers if they aren’t posing as mushroom farmers people won’t think they are who they say they are. Murphy reminds the party they’ve been there once before and has lots of plans to make. Bliss gets the feeling that Ketia is telling the truth.
Ketia says, “I’m not really sure what else to add. I mean I did say the latest victims were two former members of my cell. I just didn’t specify which members they were until recently. So you can see with them being the target why I think I could be next in line. Sesha and I will travel with you to the Caverns but we will disguise ourselves once in the area and keep a low profile. We can figure out a place to meet and discuss your progress when we get closer. We should be fine if we don’t bring attention to ourselves but inserting ourselves into a murder investigation would definitely bring the wrong kind of attention so that is where you fine folks come in.”
Sesha doesn’t have any more information then Ketia and generally agrees with her.
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Monday September 13th, 2021 8:39:33 AM
"Oh yeah, I remember now, thanks Mister Murphy."
"What were the names of the dead people we're investigating? And what did they look like? Do you have any personal item they might have owned? If not, where can we get something like that? Did they have a residence? I have a spell to give us info, but the more we know ahead of time, the better."
"Remember to eat a good meal in the morning before we go! Successful adventures start with a complete Heroes' Breakfast!"
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Monday September 13th, 2021 11:39:42 AM "I'm ready to leave when ever. This evening, now, tomorrow morning, I'm fine whichever way."
"By the way, thanks for always preparing such a scrumptious feast every day Bliss, I could prepare it each morning, and I know Pressi can cast the spell as well, and we would probably be casting at a higher level even, but this gives us more spell options."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Monday September 13th, 2021 3:53:09 PM
"Here's the deal," says Kezzem, "if this is a trap, you die. If we find out any information you gave us is false, you die. If we find out you have personalized license plates, you die. If you cough without covering your mouth, you die."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY Monday September 13th, 2021 7:43:13 PM
"Bliss, Ketia gave us two names already, and we know a great deal about them. Anur Daron and Shan Shalutch. Anur was the monomaniacal dwarf who slew many dwarfs to take over and pilot the Iron Giant, and was bringing it on a battle-testing run to pummel Humble's Ford. Shan was his wife, with whom Pressi had a tęte-ŕ-tęte, before we killed her when we knew the conversation had headed south - but whom Anur later was able on the Giant to bring back to life through an ancient spell empowered by the wonders inside the artifact. The gnome Ix Revon, 'herald of Skald and right hand of Anur Daron,' was their adoptive son who helped and hindered us while we worked on taking over the Iron Giant, and whom Anur vaporized upon learning of his son's betrayal. So, we know two names. We still have Anur's abandoned holy symbol, if you want to use that as a focus - but, as he is now dead, I'm not sure how that would work. We have Shan's teapot, I suppose, too, as a focus.
"Regarding additional names, Ketia, if Bliss or others think it would be helpful to know before we leave, perhaps you can let them know. If not, you can let us know along the way or at an appropriate time."
"Sesha, along the way, would you be willing to talk with me about what drew you into devotion to Skald? Also, you are an accomplished - illusionist? - if I'm not mistaken. And you seem to have taken one type of creature, and altered its appearance to seem like a different, more deadly creature. I'd love to understand, at least theoretically, how you can accomplish that. Not that I'll ever be an illusionist - I just like to learn things from those more knowledgeable than I. Tali - can you cast illusions? If so, maybe you can swap stories." He has heard Ketia quite a bit now, but wants to know Sesha better.
"Kezzem, nobody dies for having whatever kind of plates you're talking about, or for coughing."
Thinking he was going to have more time to handle many more Humble's Ford-based tasks, he does the following, letting people know, "I can leave by an hour past sundown, or in the morning. I need to set several things in motion though before this evening." "Pressi here are the things I'm thinking of doing before we leave. Do you want to join me in any of them? And, have you any 'honey-doos' you want me to handle?" If any others wish to join him, say so.
BEFORE-LEAVING-HOME TASKS FOR MURPHY
Short list (You should have seen it before I cut it down!) * Ask our caretakers to have someone wash his adventuring clothing, and have them ready by evening. Even if they're still wet. * Cohort Kendry (his bardic brother) spends the day with Murphy. Among other things, they discuss leadership and how to work with new followers, get them engaged. * Talk with dwarf Kade about mushroom progress on the north field (mainly on the east side, but some deep under the center). (Should take ~10 minutes) * Meet with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his brilliant wife, and any others who wish to join in, and hopefully Foreman George, to discuss expansion of the land available to Humble's Sword's Sanctuary - with the notion of expanding to the west toward Hovel, to help accommodate his growing number of followers. IF they approve, then run some ideas through George about housing, etc. * Talk with BadApples and Roscoe about what sort of shape the tunnels are in. He intends, when time can be found, to shore up and expand the underground system. If the mayoral meeting did not extend too long, he wild shapes into a small air elemental, and quickly tours the tunnels for a once-over. * Plant Growth From Here To There: Wild shaping into an air elemental, then flying northward from here to just shy of the Caverns of Glimstone, and about every quarter mile (third of a mile? -gotta check archives) find each set of the three little oaks growing up where he planted them (back in 2019 external game time), each 35' apart, and use his new Wand of Plant Growth to accelerate their maturation. He flies very fast. If any want to join him (he's already bringing Kendry), then just say you'll go along. He'll carry you under an arm, or use the old rope-harness for you to fasten yourself firmly onboard. Once done, he races back. * Get home, change back into his adventuring gear - or, if we decide to leave in the morning, ask who wants to visit the Belly Buster for a good meal, then the Dancing Pig for socializing and such.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) Monday September 13th, 2021 8:57:52 PM
Pressi doesn't have any honey dos per se... Well, she does, but they all involve after they gain XP to level.
(I dunno, I always assumed that clothes washing and checking tunnels basically got handwaved.)
Focusing on the matter at hand, "the big thing is going to be protection against divination of our own. I can't cast enough mind blanks so we need to go with lead sheeting. Some alcohol for bribes will probably go a long way with dwarves. Unfortunately, we still don't know what his abilities are so we don't know how to best counteract them. We don't even know how our victims died, though I suppose I could try some divinations before we leave."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:09:10 AM
"Okay, okay, Murphey, nobody dies in those cases," says Kezzem before pointing at Ketia. "But that's still not an open invitation to cough without covering your mouth!"
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+15=34 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:47:35 AM
"Thank you, Murphy! I'd be lost without you!"
Bliss takes care to write down all he knows about the two victims. He gathers his writings and the personal possessions of the dead people together. He thinks long and hard on them.
Then he casts a Vision spell, concentrating on the murders of these people, and asking to see the crimes and those who are responsible.
Caster Level check: 34, woo hoo!
DM Mitch Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:37:21 AM Bliss thanks Murphy for the geographic reminder and asks more questions about the victims saying he has a spell to get them info but it works better the more they know. He suggests resting and having a good meal before setting out in the morning. Succotash states he is ready to leave whenever and thanks Bliss for making breakfast each morning. Kezzem threatens Ketia and Sesha if things turn out to be a trap or they are lying or if they have personalized license plates or if they cough without covering their mouth. Murphy reminds Bliss about the names they were just given and reiterates a little of their past dealings during the Iron Giant incident. He points out they have Anur’s holy symbol and Shan’s teapot to use as focuses for Bliss’s spell if they need it but since both are dead he isn’t sure if it would work. He queries Sesha more about herself and says to Kezzem that noone dies for coughing or having license plate. He also takes care of a lot of chores with respect to growing their stronghold and talking to a variety of folks who live among the sanctuary with a variety of different tasks including the mushroom fields, the tunnels and acquiring land for a westward expansion towards Hovel. He also flies around as an air elemental magically enhancing the growth of the oak trees he planted along the way to the caverns of Glimstone going there and back in his task.
Sesha says to Murphy, “We can discuss magical theory more in depth at another time. As for now I became a follower of Skald because Ketia’s cell took me in when I was cutoff from my own people. With respect to disguising one creature as another more deadlier creature it is a simple enough effect to manage if you know the right illusion spells. I have found that It helps to tie an illusion to a real threat so that those you employ said tactic against are surprised.” Pressi suggests they pick up some lead sheeting and alcohol for bribes before they go and also that they could cast some divinations before they leave. Kezzem reluctantly agrees to Murphy’s conditions on the license plates and coughing
Bliss is soon engulfed in his vision. He sees a cave, laid out like a small home. A pair of dwarves sit at a table eating a meal nad chatting pleasantly. A fire burns merily in a hearth on the other side of the room, and a tall bookshelf and thick carpet complete the homey look. Though Bliss hears nothing, something catches the dwares’ attention as they look at the door. Grumbling about the interruption, the male dwarf goes to the door and opens it. No one is there.
The Dwarf spends a few moments talking to empty air before stepping aside as if to let someone in. Closing the door, he motions to the table, possibly inviting the invisible guest to join them. He starts back to the table before halting and looking back to the space by the door. Both dwarves look concerned, then alarmed. The male reaches for a holy symbol that isn’t there. The female jumps off her chair sending it to the floor. One of them starts to object, saying something about it not being Anur’s fault, he only turned in… something. They are both immobilized by some spell before the sentence can be finished. Both are taken to the chairs and tied up there by whoever or whatever came into the room Bliss’s spell cannot detect. Once secure their deaths are slow and agonizing, but the magic prevents them from making a sound. The vision mercifully ends without showing the entire gruesome process.
Back in the real world Murphy has a busy afternoon of the chores planned out so that the earliest you could set out for the caverns is sometime in the evening or you could always decide to set off first thing in the morning.
If you decide to leave in the morning what do you tell your guests with respect to staying the night?
If you decide to leave in the evening is anyone going to keep Sesha and Ketia company while some of your number prepare or are you going to leave them to their own devices till you meet up at a designated point to set out for the Caverns later that day?
Does anyone besides Murphy with his tree growing bonanza want to formally cast any spells before you set off?
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:35:04 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his daggers.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:45:16 AM
Succotash says, "The evening it is than." than proceeds to keep the guest company company. He does his best to be civil, and put the past behind him, and for the most part, he acts the gracious host, offering food and drink at the appropriate times, as well as conversation. In truth, even though he is playing nice, he doesn't wholly trust the guests, and wishes to keep an eye on them.
Murphy (KimMc) Well, Murph's family and friends Tuesday September 14th, 2021 5:38:08 PM
Kendry the bard, Murph's brother, asks Allouryn (one of the first members of Humble's Sword, and a healer, and with her husband Hazel the caretakers of the Sanctuary) and his wife Airin (super tough adventurer, and engaging) to help accompany and entertain the dwarf and drow. "We have a nice guest room for you ladies," the very pregnant Allouryn informs them. "Or, if you would prefer, we have two rooms side by side. The bath is just down the hallway, the beds are made, there are towels and a mirror in each room, with a washbasin." She tells them of the two pubs in town, and gives a fairly good description of their character.
Airin has a pair of Murphy's followers (Lanky and his sister Daisy Plumcheeks) she knows from Hovel watch over her triplet toddlers when they go out bar hopping. They used to babysit for her back in Hovel. Airin tells some of the stories of her early adventuring life with Kendry, Podo, Selinthe & others, and asks the northern adventurers if they have any stories of their adventures to share. Airin also asks Succotash about his career so far.
Bliss manages to tell everybody what he saw; then he has to sit down and recover.
"Well, we know they are evil, that's for sure. They had no need to be so cruel."
Bliss tries to think back to the "blank spots" in his vision and figure out if the miscreants were small or medium in size.
In the morning, after a Heroes' Breakfast and his usual complement of casting and ritual, he is ready to go.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 Tuesday September 14th, 2021 9:34:45 PM Back into the fray
Tali meets up with Rayya, if the troupe are to leave in the morning, Tali will Meditate for two hours, then take the 2AM watch casting her usual spells after finishing her meditation.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:11:46 PM
Pressi is silent for a moment. "They... let him in. A couple of people with god knows how many enemies trying to live in retirement after trouble with the law... let him in..."
Pressi slammed the table. "I am so stupid. Of course our victims knew the murderer. This guy's probably been moving through the community all along. I just couldn't see it."
The rest of the time, Pressi mostly avoids the two dwarves. They can stay at the guild hall or the Dancing Pig until they leave in the morning, but otherwise, she avoids the group.
In the morning, she performs the usual rituals.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 Wednesday September 15th, 2021 1:33:55 AM
Additional space request for the Sanctuary: Murphy had met (if such succeeded) with Mayor Bumbleluck, asking about - essentially doubling the space, on the side of their compound along the route to Hovel, not wanting to crowd closer to Humble's Ford. He said they would be willing to pay who owns the land, wanting it to be a just and fair transaction. Did the Mayor and his collection of leading citizens accede to the request? Any questions or conditions?
==== Family interactions ====
In the evening, he also would ensure that he spend an hour or two with his family - father, mother, various siblings. He hopes Pressi will join them, as Leska Rose is there tonight. His father, Samell, has been working on the carousel for almost a year, and had taken a few of the remnants of the Juggernaut to help put some finishing touches. "Primula thinks she just about has figured the right temperature to allow the metal to be worked. It is very hard material. With the pieces you Swords let me take, I'm working to fasten together one of the faces that broke down the middle for one of the rides. When you all get back, our carousel might be about ready to try." Murphy has given up on trying to correct his father calling them the 'Swords.' "Yes, sounds like fun! The kids should really love it. And maybe lads pitching woo to the lasses."
Leska asks Pressi how she is faring with all the weight put on her shoulders, and those of the Sword. She is an empathetic listener. And she has a small wrapped box she offers as a gift. "Wait a few days to open it," she asks.
Mama Bekka offers some excellent pies, fresh cream, mixed berries, smiles, and a good ear.
Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:04:34 AM
Bliss sleeps very poorly. The scene from the Vision is still with him in its sad gruesomeness, and in his dreams it is his friends who are under the lash, brand, and knife.
In fact, he has no appetite at all for the breakfast he conjures up.
Telepathically linked, Mookie is reeling too.
"Kid, hero or no, your head is not in the right spot."
"I know, my old friend. between these recent bouts of forgetting stuff and this vision ... I dunno."
Mookie cocks his head and thinks hard.
"Executive decision," the halfling-sized crow declares. "You're sitting this one out. I'm placing you under Granny's care!"
Bliss is surprised. "But Mookie! Everybody needs me!"
"Nonsense. They are all big grown adults with as much power as you. And you need some rest."
Bliss does not fight too hard. "I am very tired, my friend."
Bliss tells everybody about "his" decision and gives them best wishes. He's obviously a bit torn up about it. "But I just need a break."
[OOC: Real life concerns are hitting me, Cayzle, hard these days, friends. I'm walking away for at least six months. I'll still be around the site helping Jerry, and playing my easy PC in Culvers. But I'm taking a break from Bliss and DMing. Thanks for a great great time.]
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