DM Mitch Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:05:54 AM Pressi asks if anyone is up for the classic 3 halflings in a trench coat routine so they can get lunch.
Murphy says he could go for food if they hadn't had their hero’s breakfast not too long ago. Aside from that he is curious if anyone is going to stop and ask questions to get more information or if it is time to return to the air once more.
Succotash almost volunteers for being a part of the three haflings in a trench coat but ultimately finds it impractical so he’s for returning to the skies as well.
Kezzem tells Succotash to leave the comedy to the professionals or at least him and then says he’s for any plan that nets extra lunch.
Pru raises the idea of traveling openly as the giants are regular townsfolk and not guards.
Pressi notices the group has a rough tie with a possible tie breaker being Kezzem if they decide to grab lunch but she doesn’t think that is a good idea, she makes some plans accordingly.
Tali keeps pace with the group
Nikolai reasons that word most likely spread quickly and any attempt at asking questions of the denizens of the smithy district would likely not end well as they would be recognized for the ruckus causers.
Murphy prepares to fly again about another half mile further into the smithy district.
The storm Murphy wondered about was created magically by Pressi so does not move or extend farther than the spell’s reach. Is also may have timed out while the party rested depending on the duration roll.
Ketia points out, “Well Sashe could have wrapped folks in giant illusions no matter what their base size was but she was never going to go past the main gate with the rest of us as someone has to secure the dais for our way back and so that is what Sashe is up to.”
Though the party discusses landing there are several votes to stay airborne and unless people start detaching from Murphy he’s in the driver’s seat. They advance forward hidden in the smog for a while until they run into something. Literally. Murphy’s foresight warns him in time to stop, but the sudden change in motion causes the dangling passengers to swing and one or two bump into something in the smog.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:03:07 AM
(OOC: I forgot that someone might have enlarge person on their spell sheets. That might have worked.)
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Thursday March 3rd, 2022 12:13:22 PM
As Murphy comes to an abrupt halt, Succotash swings about, and slams into the "whatever". "Ooof", he grunts, though he is happy he didn't get hurt in the process. He checks Valerie over, and discovers she is fine, than asks, "Is everyone OK, and what in the names of the gods is this thing?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Thursday March 3rd, 2022 6:19:50 PM
"Well, I doubt it's a tree," Pru says drily. "Building or big rock would be my guess. Can we go around?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday March 3rd, 2022 6:27:22 PM
"My guess is it's the next thing we have to fight," Pressi replied dryly. "That's been our luck so far, thoughout life, right?"
There's not much Pressi can do until Murphy moves downward. (True seeing won't help in total concealment.) She can continue to monitor downward as they move back under the fog.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:15:40 PM
"Um, should I start stabbing the smog?" asks Kezzem. "I've heard of attacking the darkness before, but I'm not sure how that works."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:11:36 PM Wing & a Prayer
Tali goes along for the ride...seeing that appears to be the only choice.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=44 ; d20+43=46 ; Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:29:30 PM
Murphy does not descend - with a few folks having bumped against the obstacle, the noise may have alerted anybody below the ash cloud to look up. If it is a building they struck, then possibly those inside might have heard something. Instead, he works slowly upwards, letting the crew know his plan. He is mindful of overhangs. If he arrives at a place where the wall stops, he eases forward, using a light sense of touch. If there is a flat roof - or slanted roof - he conforms to the surface, his airy body just barely touching. Perhaps they'll meet another, higher, vertical surface. Whatever it is, his aim is to ascend one side, and then just as carefully to descend to the other side.
However, should it go up and up and up, with no getting over, then he will consider going first to the right to see if a corner presents itself. If all this feeling in the ashy air is of no avail, he will return to a place about 150 feet to the right of their abrupt stop, and slowly descend there.
For the sake of the riders, he maintains either a horizontal position, or a slightly slanted position (no more than 20 to 30 degrees off horizontal) so they don't need to slide around too much.
He moves about 30, not the 62.5 he could move and still be stealthy. ============= Stealth: 44 Perception: 46
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=37 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 12:10:07 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Slamming into 'something', Nikolai instinctively gets a 'feel' for what it could be.
DM Mitch Friday March 4th, 2022 7:18:23 AM Succotash asks if everyone is ok and wonders what they ran into
Pru doubts it is a tree, and that it is likely a rock or building and suggests going around.
Pressi suggests its the next thing they have to fight considering their luck so far and prepares to monitor downward should Murphy descend.
Kezzem asks if he should stab the fog since attacking the darkness is a thing.
Tali goes along for the ride
Murphy does not descend and instead makes a series of upwards and rightwards maneuver looking for either a roof, overhang, or corner depending on what he is looking for.
Nikolai tries to get a feel for what they ran into.
The party’s investigations soon let them figure out they’ve hit some kind of wall or gate. Made of stone and good construction, it is much smaller than the one ringing the city. That one was big enough for giants to patrol the top, this one is maybe wide enough for a halfling to do so but certainly no giant. It seems to have decorative elements as well, though you can’t see them and feeling them it’s nigh impossible to tell what they’re supposed to be - some kind of statue or something is the best you can guess.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=53 ; d20+43=47 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 11:40:34 AM
Murphy goes ahead and drops down to get a decent look at the wall from below the ash cloud, then takes the team up and over the wall to see what's on the other side.
He is open to suggestions from his friends as to directions to explore...
============== Stealth: 53 Perception: 47
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=30 ; d20+26=40 ; Friday March 4th, 2022 1:29:00 PM
Pressi gets off and begins looking at the gate for traps and ways in. (Stealth 30, Perception 40+1 for traps.) She also casts a round of detect magic and of clairaudio so she can hear if anyone is around.
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Friday March 4th, 2022 2:12:09 PM
"I guess the fancy part of town has a fancy wall to keep out the riff-raff," Pru says.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=37 ; Saturday March 5th, 2022 12:08:49 AM
"Well, they should get a refund on their wall then," says Kezzem, "as it didn't do a good job keeping the riff-four. We just flew over it."
Kezzem will activate detect evil and and look around.
Perception: 37 (38 vs. traps)
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Saturday March 5th, 2022 9:03:53 AM True Seeing
Tali, looking to be useful, casts True Seeing on herself, so she can see what the group is really looking at when it comes to this new wall/barrier or anything that might be guarding it.
Spells in Effect: 1x True Seeing 18 minutes
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Sunday March 6th, 2022 12:07:35 AM
Murphy will drop off whoever wants to be dropped off - whether to stand atop the halfling-suitable wall top, the area on the near side of the wall, or the far side of the wall - and is happy to continue to provide speedy transport to any who want to keep riding for now.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday March 6th, 2022 9:00:31 PM
Nikolai opts to drop off on top of the wall.
To Pru, "Obviously not a wall to keep out invaders, just a wall for privacy. No battlements, or defensive structures, or any way to get up here for defense."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+36=54 ; Monday March 7th, 2022 12:12:32 AM
Now that they are out of the high winds, Succotash casts airwalk on Valerie and saddles up. he descends enough to just stick his head out of the ash cloud to take a look around. (perception 54)
Daily Stuff: channel energy (10d6) 9/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 190/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
DM Mitch Monday March 7th, 2022 6:13:06 AM Murphy drops down to get a decent look at the wall from below the ash cloud. He is ready to get the party up and over but his wife disembarks when they land.and he drops off other folks as well while being ready to continue to provide a speedy transport to those that want it. Pressi gets off and begins looking at the gate for traps or ways in. She also uses detect magic and clairaudio to determine if anyone is around. Pru points out that the fancy part of town has a fancy wall to keep the riff-raff out. Kezzem suggests the giants get a refund on their walls as the riff raff can just fly over. He activates detect evil and looks around Tali casts true seeing and takes a look around. Nikolai suggests to Pru that this wall is merely for privacy as it has no battlements or defensive structures to deter would-be invaders. He gets off on top of the wall. Succotash saddles up Valerie, casts windwalk and pokes his head out from the ash cloud to take a good look around.
The wall is explored. There seems to be nothing to keep you from just flying over it. However Murphy’s foresight and other methods the party uses let them know they’re right over a gate in the wall and there are two bored looking giants below. There’s a high chance of the party being spotted if they exit the ash cloud.
The high winds do extend this far, though the wall serves as a windbreak so you get some relief from it while nearby.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Monday March 7th, 2022 12:33:33 PM "Well my friends, we seem to have two options. We can enter at the gate, or find a less conspicuous place to fly over the wall. Since we have been attempting the whole stealth thing, up to now, I would vote for the latter. I see no reason to change our strategy, limited though it may be, in mid stride."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Monday March 7th, 2022 3:10:32 PM
"I agree with Succotash," Pru says. "Let's keep sneaking. Let's find someplace to cross where we're less likely to be noticed."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Monday March 7th, 2022 8:31:06 PM I also agree with Mister Succotash & Ms. Pru," Tali chimes in.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Monday March 7th, 2022 8:37:24 PM
Pressi considers the people at the gate a little longer (what are they doing there?) but in the end, she decides to test along the gate on foot.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=36 ; d20+35=39 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 12:41:02 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai explores the top of the wall going away from the gate, looking for a secluded place on the other side where the party can gather up again, on the ground.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=46 ; d20+43=44 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:26:43 AM
"Let's continue another 350 yards along this wall, or until it rounds a bend, then figure out what we can there," Murphy suggests.
"Does anyone see anything here on the outside of this barrier, looking away from it? Or is it simply a vast unoccupied space as far as the eye can see," [which is, how far down here below the ash cloud?]
If unoccupied, is the ground just stone, or is there anything else mixed in? "I wonder if fire giants like to put lava into cups and drink it... yet with all this stone about, you'd think this place is run in part by stone giants."
Murphy will fly those who want the lift in the direction he indicates, leftward along the wall for ~350 yards, or until his foresight warns him to change some aspect of what he is doing. He observes to the right and to the left. Since at least Pressi is on the ground, he does not get very far ahead of her, keeping up a pace of about 30 or 40, and being stealthy. After a while he asks if she'd like a lift again.
Even though he is a very perceptive fellow, he somehow feels as though there does not seem to be very much to perceive around here so far. [i]"There does not seem to be much going on in this city that one might expect elsewhere. No fire giant families pushing strollers. No street minstrels. No vegetation. No bumps in the sidewalk. No church bells. No one hawking goods. No multi-level marketing schemes being pushed on others. A very plain, stony, hot and ashy city in a most uncomfortable pocket plane. I am unlikely to recommend the place to others," Murphy chatters telepathically.
============= Stealth: 46 Perception: 44
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=57 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:45:54 AM
"All this sneaking around's likely to level me up as a rogue instead of a paladin," says Kezzem. "Hey, can maybe we can go 'fourth' through that wall I just broke down."
Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 57.
DM Mitch d20=2 ; d20=2 ; Tuesday March 8th, 2022 8:36:32 AM Succotash points out they can either enter the gate or fly over the wall at less conspicuous area. Pru thinks they should keep sneaking and find an area to cross where they are less likely to be noticed. Tali agrees with Succotash and Pru. Pressi considers the people at the gate and wants to check things out on foot. Nikolai moves down the wall from on top of it. Murphy suggests they move further down Kezzem wonders about rogue levels and walls.
At the moment the guards aren’t doing anything at all, but presently someone approaches the gate and there is a brief conversation. From what Pressi can hear with her clairaudio the people at the gate seem to be making sure those entering have reasons to be in the affluent district
Looking around the area on the forging district side there continues to be a variety of open air forges and crafting stations. These ones seem better stocked and have more ornate half finished items about them - presumably the better craftsmen work closer to the noble district where their wares are in high demand.
On the opposite side of the wall seem to be a series of manors. The buildings are all large, with much more space around them then the party has seen elsewhere in the city. There are even a few decorative elements like statues, small gardens of plants that can survive the hot rocky realm, and even a decorative lava fountain. It’s nothing close to the splendor of other noble manors the party might have seen, still mostly utilitarian, but that makes them stand out all the more when no such things have been seen elsewhere.
Murphy examines the ground and finds that it is still solid stone with a layer of ash over it. The party is easily able to find a concealed place to cross and regroup - some private practice field of a noble’s son fitted out with practice shale amendments and target dummies all sized for medium creatures or a young giant. It has a what to the giants is a low wall for privacy, but it’s more then big enough for the party to be concealed behind even standing.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:26:08 AM
Succotash regroups with his friends on the other side, of the wall at the safe location. Using the telepathic link, he asks his friends, "How do we find Flamescorn's old home? That darn ash cloud makes ariel recon a lot harder, couple that with the fact that only Murphy can fly in these darn winds. Good thing air walk isn't flight, it's just walking on air, which allows Valerie to travel through the air, though we do get one heck of a buffeting. My suggestion is that someone cast invisibility on Valerie, myself and Murphy, and we go on a scouting mission, making sure to stay out of the ash cloud, so it doesn't give away our position. Anyone else have an idea? I'm open to just about anything at this point."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:33:18 PM
"I've got it!" says Kezzem excitedly. "Murphey, you can speak with plants, right? And Succotash, you can speak with dead, right? So together...you should be able to speak to dead plants, or wood, which is what houses are made out of. So can just ask the houses which one is Flamescorn's. Kezzem's a genius!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday March 8th, 2022 9:02:35 PM
With a sigh at Succotash's frustration and Kezzem's... Kezzeming, Pressi takes the time now to send her prying eyes through the area. They are generally invisible, so it shouldn't be an issue.
"We already know which house it is," she pointed out. "It's the one that can't be entered, probably boarded up or covered in yellow tape or something."
After a period of time, she causes the prying eyes to return.
-------------
Pressi Actives
Ritual of Warding Ritual of Healing Planar Adaptation Heroes Feast Moment of Prescience Shield of Faith Haste (from Pru)
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Tuesday March 8th, 2022 10:08:45 PM
"Do we know how big the noble's area is?" Pru asks. "Or how long it might take to search it?"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:31:28 PM The Noble Region
“Isbit our collective plan to search this section the same way we have done the others? Do we know how to determine the correct structure?” asks Tali.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=41 ; d20+34=41 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2022 1:04:42 AM
Nikolai sets up watch at the entrance, wherever that is.
Stealth +26 + 40(not moving, invisible) = 41 + 40 = 80 Perception + 35 = 42 keeping watch in case the giant kid decides to 'play'.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=42 ; d20+43=55 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2022 3:48:51 AM
"I could become a hedgehog, and see if I can talk to the giant boy," Murphy offers. He rests on the warm ground. If any wish to dismount, now is a good opportunity. "I think we either talk with someone - we better than a lad? - or fly in further, as Succotash recommends. Unless any object, or have a better idea, I will do the change in a moment."
He does want to learn what Pressi learns through her eyeball scouts.
Murphy peeks over the wall. Invisible. Stealthy. Peek! ============ Stealth: 42 Perception: 55
DM Mitch Wednesday March 9th, 2022 6:15:20 AM Succotash asks the others about finding Flamescorn’s old home and points out the difficulties the ash cloud is causing. He suggests they get invisibility cast on himself, Valerie and Murphy and they go scouting while staying out of the ash cloud. Kezzem suggests between Kezzem and Murphy’s communication spells the two should be able to team up and combine the spells speak with dead and speak with plants to get speak with dead plants or wood and just ask the structures which one belonged to Flamescorn. Pressi casts and creates another set of prying eyes seeing as her last set got destroyed by the wind and sends them through the area with instructions to return after a while. She suggests they look for the house that is boarded up or covered in tape.
(OOC: you don’t telepathically control the eyes once they are created but get to give one single 25 word set of instructions on creation of the flying eyes per the spell: "When you create the eyes, you specify instructions you want them to follow in a command of no more than 25 words. Any knowledge you possess is known by the eyes as well.")
Pru asks if they have an idea of how big the noble area is or how long it might take to search it. Tali asks if they are planning to search their current area the way they have others and if they have a way to determine the correct structure. Nikolai sets up watch at the entrance to their current location. Murphy suggests maybe trying to track down the child. Or just scout by the air.
As the party debates they review what the ogre told them. They know a general direction of where to look, it’s on the west side of the area, but not a street name. It’s a start at least.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Wednesday March 9th, 2022 1:31:30 PM If you want to send out your invisible flying eyeballs Pressi, I believe we have enough intel that you should be able to direct it in the right direction. It's may be worth the wait to have a better idea as to what we may encounter, as well as which direction to go."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Wednesday March 9th, 2022 2:15:54 PM
"It's worth waiting a while at least," Pru agrees. She asks Murphy to set her down.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d4+18=19 ; d20+15=20 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2022 3:15:56 PM
"Ok, let me think..."
Pressi considers that she's left with 25 words, and hopes she doesn't have to run this past a lawyer.
"Travel westward, maximum conical spread within sight of another eye, follow streets to end wall or one mile. Rotate 360 every 500 feet. Return directly."
Pressi releases 19 eyes per the instructions. Perception 20.
Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 8:11:59 PM
Murphy sets Pru down, and anyone else who wants to touch the ground.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=31 ; d20+35=46 ; Wednesday March 9th, 2022 11:23:23 PM
Nikolai keeps watch. If it looks like he can see from atop the closest house (won't be in the ash cloud), he climbs up to the roof for a better view of the street. Slippers of Spider Climb.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Wednesday March 9th, 2022 11:25:55 PM
Talk listens to the group as she keeps pace with the decisions.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday March 10th, 2022 1:35:24 AM
"We should just look for the scariest house," suggest Kezzem. "It's most certainly that one."
DM Mitch Thursday March 10th, 2022 7:21:01 AM Succotash suggests Pressi continue with the prying eyes in order to get a better idea of what they may encounter. Pru agrees it is worth a wait and asks to be set down. Pressi gives her eyes specific instructions and sets them off in a conical spread westward until they have traveled 1 mile or hit a wall Murphy sets Pru and anyone else that wants to be down. Nikolai uses his slippers of spider climb to keep watch from a perch atop the closest house. Tali listens to the group keeping pace with decisions. Succotash suggests they look for the scariest house.
Nikolai is able to find a nice perch up high to survey the area while Pressi sends her eyes out. A short while later they return and she starts catching them in her hand and absorbing the information they contain getting a pretty detailed view of what is westward for the next mile
Both of them note the area seems pretty quiet. Their are occasional patrols, but nothing like what was seen in the other districts. To be fair the other districts expected trouble, but the giants don’t seem to think there’s much risk here. Most of the nobility seem to either be staying inside or off doing whatever giant nobility does during the day and it’ll be easy enough to traverse the area without being spotted.
The eyes find a likely location as well. One of the manners is firmly sealed up. A big fancy lock on the gate with a sign. A thick layer of ash covers the yard, far thicker than anywhere else as if no one had cleared it up for a long time, and there are signs of damage and dilapidation to the buildings. With only general scouting instructions the eyes didn’t take a close look so you can’t read the sign or get better details - they just passed by/over it.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday March 10th, 2022 10:43:04 AM
"Ok, we got something. Let's move on out."
Pressi hops the wall and follows the route of the eye that grabbed the likely location, using some stealth along the way.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+17=18 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 12:42:53 PM
"Who says they're no eyes in team," says Kezzem.
Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invisible) = 38.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+21=30 ; d20+13=17 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 2:03:20 PM
Succotash's stealth: 30 Valerie's stealth: 17
Succotash is pretty sure the stealthyness of his dino friend is going to give them away, if they run into any giants, but there is nothing that can be done about it now. He follows Pressi's lead towards the house her prying eyes found, riding on Valerie, who is air walking 5 ft above the ground..
Daily Stuff: channel energy (10d6) 9/10 speak with animals 22/22 agile feet 13/13 dimensional hop 190/190 Quicken rod (normal) 2/3
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+28=48 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 2:19:08 PM
Pru isn't especially stealthy, so she makes herself invisible before heading out, which should at least give her a fighting chance.
[Stealth 48]
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Thursday March 10th, 2022 8:10:53 PM Damage and Dilapidation, this must be it!
Tali, to avoid issues with Stealth, casts Invisibility upon herself and then hovers above the ground towards this Damaged and Dilapidated manor after her companions. Once Tali arrives to this manor, she will cast True Seeing upon herself in order to determine what is real and what is an illusion. Whatever she "Sees" her, she will relay through the telepathic bond, to all of her companions.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=33 ; d20+35=40 ; Thursday March 10th, 2022 11:49:17 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai moves along the roof of the house until he needs to cross a street, where he comes down to street level and joins the group on the ground.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+45=51 ; d20+43=55 ; Friday March 11th, 2022 2:52:52 AM
"Changing clothing," says Murphy. He wildshapes into a raven, since he misses Mookie and Bliss. He thinks changing into a giant octopus might be a little more unwieldy. He still should be invisible, I think.
Murphy flies below the ash, and tries to keep below the windier parts of the wind.
He sees what he can see, mentally mapping as they go along, adding what he sees and hears to what Pressi was able to pick up city-layout-wise with her floating invisible ocular marbles earlier.
[need to adjust AC and a few other things, but am falling asleep] ============ Stealth: 51 [size bonus to stealth helps, as does invisibility] Perception: 55
DM Mitch Friday March 11th, 2022 7:25:31 AM Pressi suggests they head out using some stealth to guide the others towards the likely location. Kezzem follows Pressi’s lead asking who says there is no eyes in team. Succotash rides Valerie air walking 5 feet off the ground following Pressi. He’s concerned Valerie’s stealthiness or lack there of will give them away but there is nothing he can do for it. Pru makes herself invisible before heading out. Tali casts Invisibility on herself as well as the party heads towards the mansion. Nikolai jumps from roof to roof giving the party overwatch until they reach a cross street where he climbs down and joins the others Murphy changes himself into a Raven and stays low and out of the ash and wind. He observes the area as they move along mentally mapping and adding his observations to what Pressi described.
As noted the area is light on patrols. With their skills the party reach the manor in question without raising a ruckus. Now that they’re there in person they can read the sign and get a good look at the place.
The sign says, in giant, “This house is anathema and its scion is to blame. Their names are stricken from our history”. Through the metal gate you can see the front doors have been smashed in, as if an invading group forced their way in. Some of the windows, once filled with expensive glass, are broken out. Even in this quiet district the area seems quiet. Nearby homes show signs of less frequent habitation as well, as if other giants avoid this whole section of street.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=36 ; Friday March 11th, 2022 11:11:47 AM
"Well, this looks promising... under a certain definition."
Pressi casts detect magic and clairaudio to determine if anyone is inside. She checks the perimeter for traps (Perception 36+1 from trapfinding).
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday March 11th, 2022 1:02:42 PM
"Yup, definitely the scariest one," says Kezzem. "On the plus side, I doubt anyone will care when we completely wreck the place."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Friday March 11th, 2022 3:06:44 PM
Pru never invested heavily in "find things out" magic, so she hangs back and lets the others do their stuff.
"So, you're planning on completely wrecking the place?" she asks Kezzem.
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 Friday March 11th, 2022 8:29:40 PM This house is anathema and its scion is to blame!
Arriving at this manor, Tali casts True Seeing upon herself in order to determine what is real and what is an illusion. Whatever she "Sees" her, she will relay through the telepathic bond, to all of her companions.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Saturday March 12th, 2022 8:02:20 AM Nice place, if your into the whole haunted house look., He is about to cast some detection spells, but sees his friends have that covered, so he simply waits for the results, before he directs Valerie to air walk the two of them through one of the broken windows, assuming the coast is clear.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday March 13th, 2022 8:57:58 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai waits for the magical detection results and comments, "Well, at least we won't have to pick the lock to get in."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Sunday March 13th, 2022 8:59:36 PM
"Planning?" asks Kezzem. "Never heard of it. Wait...isn't it that the thing when Murphey and Pressi talk a lot about doing things while I pretend to listen?"
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+43=48 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 3:48:24 AM
Murphy flies up near to the outside of the building, looking in through the broken windows to see what can be perceived within without entering yet.
Perception: 48
DM Mitch Monday March 14th, 2022 7:22:14 AM Pressi points out that the house looks promising and casts detect magic and clairaudio to try to figure out if anyone is inside. She also looks for traps. Kezzem suggests it had to be the scariest one but no one will care when they wreck the place. Pru hangs back as the others check out the house. She asks Kezzem if he is planning to wreck the place. Kezzem tells her he’s never heard of planning unless that is the thing Pressi and Murphy talk about doing things while he pretends to listen. Tali casts true seeing in order to tell what is real and what is an illusion. Succotash suggests the place has the whole haunted house look and waits for the others to do their magical probing before asking Valerie to air walk over the gate and through a broken window if the coast is clear. Nikolai waits for the magical detection results and points out they won’t need to pick a lock to get in. Murphy peaks through a window.
Tali doesn’t see anything that is an illusion from the facade the house puts on.
Pressi doesn’t find any traps or people inside for that matter but she does notice the lock on the gate is ridiculously simple as if they don’t expect anyone to make a serious attempt to get past the gate with its ominous warning message.
Murphy’s look inside shows about what he’d expect. A dark, long abandoned room, perhaps a dining room, lays on the other side of the window. Other then the furniture being giant sized it’s much like any other long abandoned room, with cobweb covered furniture sitting in dusty disuse.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+20=26 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 10:46:45 AM
Satisfied, Pressi makes an attempt to open the lock on the gate (disable device 26).
If it works, she heads into the house, but continues to keep an eye out for traps.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+36=39 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 12:57:03 PM
Succotash and Valerie air walk through the broken window, and head over to open the front door for his friends. Assuming everyone enters the house, he closes the door behind the last person and takes a good look around the room. he is looking for anything resembling a clue. (perception 39) He than asks, "How do we want to search this place, and do we have any idea what we are looking for?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Monday March 14th, 2022 5:29:03 PM
Once inside the manor, Pru casts a quick Detect Magic. She is careful to point her gaze away from her companions, as the combined auras of everybody's magic items is sure to give her a blinding headache.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+43=50 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 6:22:51 PM
Sensing a velociraptor and mounted halfling going through the window, Murphy waits a moment to ensure they are all the way inside. Then he flits through the window, letting people know he is doing so via the mental link. If this is a dining room, he'll land upon the table and take a better look about him.
Perception: 50
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+28=29 ; d20+11=29 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 6:41:27 PM
"Wait, Pressi, you've got to search for traps first," says Kezzem. "Are you too busy casting witch spells that your forgot how to rogue?"
"Oh wait, you did that while I was talking," says Kezzem.
He attempts to open the lock (unless Pressi already did so).
Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 = 29.
"Apparently, I also forgot how to rogue. We need a support group for former rogues!"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+25=41 ; Monday March 14th, 2022 10:31:16 PM This house is anathema!!
If the others enter the home, Tali will follow hovering off the ground three feet and gliding inside. Tali will use her Spellcraft skills to detect any magic that might be inside.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday March 14th, 2022 10:45:37 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai observes with some bit of humor and a joke on his lips as Succotash and Valeri slip through a broken window and reappear at the entrance, bewildered that the front doors had been busted down a long time ago, and then pretend to 'open' them for the group.
Once everyone is inside the yard, he takes the lock and puts it back on the gate and locks it back, then asks Pru, "Honey, can you conjure up some dust and make this lock look like it wasn't touched? Just in case a wandering giant happens to notice the unusually somewhat relatively clean lock and wander what's up."
He'll be the last to go inside.
DM Mitch Tuesday March 15th, 2022 8:04:57 AM Pressi successfully opens the lock on the gate then proceeds to keep an eye out for traps. Succotash and Valerie head on through the broken window and pretends to open and close the busted doors as folks pile in. Pru casts detect magic careful to avoid looking at her companions lest their gear give her a headache. Murphy flits through one of the windows after the Velociraptor and Halfling. He does not find himself in a dining room. Well it could have been a dining room once but it is too hard to tell. The house is absolutely trashed on the inside. Kezzem suggests that Pressi forgot to search for traps then realizes she already did so and opened the lock. He suggests they both forgot how to rogue and that they should form a support group. Tali Tali tries to detect any magic auras once inside. Nikolai finds amusement from the antics of Valerie and Succotash and suggests they take steps to adjust the lock so it looks like it wasn’t tampered with. He takes up a position as rear guard.
Although the manor is largely trashed there are several passages leading underground that seem to be in better shape than the rest of the interior. Said interior has been damaged but not looted. It’s as if the giants burst in and searched the place without taking any valuables. Said valuables either sit in their place or are on the floor as if carelessly moved to check for hidden passages before being left to lay there. And there’s a lot of it - enough to fund a whole party of high level adventurers.
In particular there is an item that stands out. Amidst all the treasure an iron flask with a high woldian symbol for celestial. It's set assign in a room of it's own, with warning in giant not to open it without a way to compel the being inside. Spellcraft 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems to be an item designed to entrap extraplaner entities like demons. Judging from the inscription on it and it's aura it contains a powerful celestial, the type that would be dangerous to the evil giants but possibly a useful ally to the party}
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+10=18 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 1:10:22 PM "I can read the High Woldian symbol, it says Celestial, but I have no idea what this may be. Does anyone have a clue as to it's design? It is obviously something Flamescorn's family considered valuable. Why else dedicate a whole room to it?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+30=34 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 2:56:43 PM
"Because it's a celestial trap," Pressi recognizes immediately (no fail). "And from the looks of things, it's full of celestial."
(If anyone asks, she explains that it's a trap that contains extraplanar entities, an analogue to demon trap items.)
"As for why Flamescorn has it, I can't even begin to imagine. Though I can't imagine it cooperating with any of the giants here."
While the rest of the group focuses on the trap, Pressi looks in vain for any books or notes lying about. But she will open the trap if asked.
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=33 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:17:37 PM
[Spellcraft 33]
Pru nods at Pressi's explanation. "It might be friendly toward us," she says. "Us being the good guys and all. Or it might be so angry from being imprisoned that it attacks anybody on sight. Hard to say."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=46 ; d20+16=30 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:56:39 PM The INside
Tali looks around but doesn't touch anything, leaving that to the others. She does instead look at the Flask room using her skills of Arcana and perception as any other room that looks promising.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+21=31 ; d20+29=33 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:34:07 PM
Murphy nods as Pressi shares her insight. He sees a look of recognition also on Tali's face. Pru's comment is sagacious. He figures at least part of Succo's query has been responded to.
"I could see if foresight gives me a warning should I start to open it. Maybe just one or two of us should be in the room before a try is given. Shall we try? If I start to do it, and I get a warning of imminent danger, we'll, that may tell us something."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:53:45 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
"NO! Nikolai nearly shouts. "Why? Why open it here? Think! If it does not like us and attacks us out of rage, we've lost all the work to get here undetected! AND lost any chance to look around. However, if it be friend or foe, wouldn't it be better to let it out when we are being chased by giants while on our way out? C'mon! Think!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 1:06:43 AM
Kezzem will detect evil on the flask, just in case there actually is a demon or the like inside.
"If there's a Celstial in there, we have to set it free," says Kezzem. "Keeping him locked up would make us no better than thr evil giants that trapped him there in the first place."
"Wow, when did I become the group's conscience."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 1:06:44 AM
Kezzem will detect evil on the flask, just in case there actually is a demon or the like inside.
"If there's a Celstial in there, we have to set it free," says Kezzem. "Keeping him locked up would make us no better than thr evil giants that trapped him there in the first place."
"Wow, when did I become the group's conscience."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Wednesday March 16th, 2022 3:00:18 AM "I agree with Kezzem, we should free the celestial, but we don't have to do it here, if that makes you feel better Nikolai. I speak celestial, and can translate for the creature, assuming it doesn't know common, so how should we proceed?"
DM Mitch Wednesday March 16th, 2022 8:09:21 AM Succotash points out that the High Woldian symbol is that of celestial and he doesn’t know what it is doing there. Pressi says the urn is a celestial trap that is full of celestial and she too doesn’t know why it is here but that she can’t imagine it cooperating with any giants. She readies to open the flask if asked. Pru suggests it will either be friendly to the party or it might be so angry it just attacks outright and it is hard to say. Tali looks around but doesn’t touch anything. She observes the flask. Murphy nods at Pressi’s insight and suggests using foresight to see if he gets a warning on opening and if he tries to open it and gets the warning of imminent danger then they have learned something. Nikolai suggests they don’t open it here in case it is bad news after all and they should save it as a diversion in case the giants catch up to them for if it is bad news and they open it then all their stealthing around is for naught. Kezzem attempts to detect evil on the flask but he doesn’t find anything. He argues if it is a celestial they need to set it free and he can’t believe he’s being the voice of conscience on this. Succotash is also for opening it.
Ketia puts her two cents in. ”If you’re going to free it, do it now. If it’s going to attack then here where you can gang up on it is best, not when you’re already in another fight. If it is going to be an ally best do it here where you can discuss your goals, not in the middle of a fight where it won’t know friend from foe and might target the wrong people by accident.”
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Wednesday March 16th, 2022 12:14:07 PM "Ketia has a point. Unless we plan on waiting until we get back to the Sanctuary, or at least out of this gods forsaken pocket dimension, lets do it now. I know the odds are almost non-existent, but what if the celestial is Miss Piggy, she is a celestial beast after all? I miss that sow, wouldn't it be amazing to see her again? Valerie is amazing, and I wouldn't trade her for the Wold, but I would love to see Piggy again. Maybe when we have brought Flamescorn his just deserves, I will try to find a way to get to the celestial place in hopes of finding her."
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 2:35:09 PM
Murphy holds out his hand. "May I?" he asks, indicating the container Pressi holds. "Nikolai, I hope you're mistaken on this one. If not, I'll owe you a mug of Brock's Best Beer."
"Before I do this, can someone check to see if there are any wards set in this room which may be set to limit the actions or mobility of a celestial?"
If no such ward or similar device or aura is found, and if his wife did pass the iron flask on to him, he will do as he outlined. He will prepare to open it after first suggesting his friends stand back a ways. Tuned into the 9th-level divinitatory power of the foresight spell, he slowly begins to unstopper the flask. If the spell warns him or counsels him to modify his actions, he does so. Otherwise, he opens it, and holds it away from his face (and ensuring the space toward which he holds it is free of his friends and family).
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Wednesday March 16th, 2022 6:16:07 PM
Pru backs up to give Murphy space, and readies a Time Stop if something goes wrong. Of course, she's not sure what she'll actually do with that extra time, but at least she'll have it.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 7:36:22 PM
Kezzem will take a non-threating pose.
"Okay, I'm ready to diplomacy this guy."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=30 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+28=43 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 7:54:14 PM The Celestial
Tali giggles when she hears Kezzem suggest that he is ready to "diplomacy this guy!" Tali says aloud, "I'll back up Kezzem in case he needs additional Diplomacy!"
Upon release of the trapped Celestial, Tali will hove in place and offer her skills as a diplomatic liasson.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=45 ; Wednesday March 16th, 2022 11:21:39 PM
Pressi casts some detect magic and a last ward search (perception 45) per Murphy’s request.
“If people want, I can try mage handing it. Also, I would totally have freed it because it’s right, eventually. Just looking for notes on it.”
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday March 17th, 2022 12:18:04 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai shrugs. "I guess no point in discussing the best strategic position with military...er, uhm, handicapped. You have no guaranteed that whatever is inside will want to help or has not gone insane by this time. In the middle of a battle is the best time, giants are bigger, AND it knows who captured it, giants! But... open it. I've been wrong before."
Nikolai joins Pru and readies for the mystery to be answered.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Thursday March 17th, 2022 1:11:56 AM
With precautions taken and people ready, Murphy begins to unstopper the flask. If foresight does not put a crimp in his actions, he finishes by pulling off the stopper with a flourish. He speaks greetings in Celestial, then in Halfling, and Common.
DM Mitch Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:25:29 AM Succotash points out that Ketia has a point and that they should just do it now. He raises the possibility the trapped celestial is Miss Piggy. Murphy volunteers to do the honors, hoping that Nikolai is wrong and offers to buy the man a mug of Brock’s Best Beer if the monk is right after all. He asks they check for some sort of Celestial movement limiting device before going ahead. Pru gives Murphy space to work and readies a time stop if something goes wrong. Kezzem strikes a non threatening pose and says he’s ready to diplomacy Tali giggles at Kezzem’s words and then readies to back him up. Pressi offers to use mage hand to open it. Nikolai comments on the other’s lack of military experience. Murphy opens the flask.
After Murphy’s dramatic opening nothing happens for a moment. Then silvery smoke starts to billow out of the flask. More and more comes out, filling the room, before it pulls back and up, congealing into a humanoid form.
This mist turns into a great form, 9 feet tall with 6 wings of white. Dressed in full plate of shining silver, it matches the color of the creature’s skin, only visible due to apparent damage the armor had taken at some previous point. The helmet is missing and there are gashes and tears in it, as if before being sealed away the celestial was in a great battle, though any wounds are long healed.
Knowledge: Religion 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {} This is a Solar, celestials that serve as the right hand of the gods. Usually only appearing for Wold shaking events, the capture of one by the forces of evil is dire indeed[/b]
Looking about at the group with golden eyes, the celestial considers them for a moment before bowing. Kezzem instantly recognizes the look as the type of look he does when he detects evil. ”Thank you for freeing me, heroes. I must ask, what year is it? How long have I been kept from my duties?”
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Thursday March 17th, 2022 2:35:42 PM
"Well, your Holiness, this is the Fifth Age of the Wold." He goes on from there to give the current year, month and day. "We are in a pocket plane run by Fire Giants. We are in the wrecked home of a renegade Fire Giant called Flamescorn, who has been rejected by his people. We are trying to find him, and bring him to justice. As he has murdered multiple people, at least some of them innocents, has tried to kill us, and is banned as exceedingly evil by the fairly evil fire giants, justice likely will involve his death, or some other sort of long-term consequence.
"We here make up Humble's Sword, halfling adventurers of Humble's Ford in the Crescent Valley. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, one of the first members of the group. This is my wife, Pressi Silverglove. This is - well, let's let everyone introduce ourselves. Perhaps you can tell us how you would like for us to call you, oh Heavenly Warrior." He looks over at Nik and Pru. "Well, some of us are honorary halflings."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Thursday March 17th, 2022 3:13:36 PM
Pressi waved, as Murphy introduced her.
"Not even close to awkward. Can you tell us what year you were captured and how? What you remember of the person that captured you?"
Tali curtseys when it is her turn to introduce herself to the heavenly warrior. In her most Diplomatic expertise, Tali starts with, "Kind warrior, I am Talia, but prefer Tali since being spared by Lord Gargul. For as long as I can remember, I have been an orphan. I know nothing of my family. Since learning that my gifts are called Sorcery, I have been on a quest to discover my bloodline. I adventure with my chosen friends, The Humble Sword. If we can be of assistance to you, please ask and I will help where I can."
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:24:49 PM "Succotash Slenderstick, at your service, allow me to mend your armor." Succotash than begins casting mending on the celestial's armor until it is fully repaired. When the armor is fully restored, Succotash asks, "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come into your entrapment?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=32 ; d20+35=39 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 10:16:29 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai suppresses the humor of going back to the Citadel with a badge saying "Honorary Hafling" sewn on his Mailed Fist uniform, and the jocularity the Fists members in the Last Assignment bar would have with it. He keeps a straight face, yet Pru can sense his struggle to pin down a laugh.
Letting the halflings handle the diplomacy, he goes to the front door and watches for signs of any curious giant.
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=27 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 10:35:37 PM
Pru is awestruck, but tries not to show it. "I am Prudence Komonov," she says, "and this is my husband Nikolai." [Diplomacy 27]
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=47 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:52:13 PM
"I am Kezzem of Humble's Ford, a paladin of Gargul," says Kezzem. "It was a privilege to free such a noble being as yourself. We wouldn't want to keep you from your duties any longer, as I am sure they are very important. However, we would be honored to fight at your side if you would like to assist us in bringing justice to the corrupt Flamescorn, whose crimes are too many for me to list in full but he was the one who imprisoned you as well as the aforementioned multitude of murders."
To himself, he adds, "Aforementioned, Kezzem, you're so grown up."
Diplomacy: 47 (nat 20).
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+11=22 ; d20+16=31 ; Friday March 18th, 2022 9:54:11 AM
Murphy may not know specifically that he is a Solar, but does recognize him as a very holy personage from the realms of the Gods of Wold. He is suitably impressed. He wonders how Kezzem figures it was Flamescorn who imprisoned this holy warrior - Murphy himself is not so sure - perhaps this glorious fellow will let them know. He says nothing more yet, awaiting his response.
Knowledge, Religion: 22/30 Knowledge, the Planes: 31
DM Mitch Friday March 18th, 2022 10:28:19 AM Murphy gives a typical Murphy style explanation of what year it is, what they are doing and who they are. He is very impressed at the presence of the powerful celestial Pressi asks the celestial questions about its capture and captor. Tali introduces herself and asks if she can help the Celestial Succotash introduces himself, repairs the celestial’s armor and then asks how the celestial got captured Nikolai struggles with humorous thoughts of returning to the Citadel seeing as how he and Pru have been labeled Honorary Halflings. He goes to the door and stands watch seeing as how the others have the diplomacy handled. Pru diplomatically introduces herself and her husband Nikolai. Kezzem introduces himself, says they don’t want to keep the Celestial from their duties and reasons that seeing as how the vessel was in Flamescorn’s home it was Flamescorn that likely imprisoned the celestial and that they’d be honored to fight alongside the celestial in the quest to bring Flamescorn to justice. Then Kezzem, being Kezzem remarks at his own growth
The Celestial considers the adventurers and their questions. ”Flamescorn, a traitor? Truly the gods have a sense of humor that the ancestor of the giant’s greatest champion would become their greatest enemy. I was captured a few hundred years ago by a powerful evil giant named Flamescorn. Judging by this home he must have become nobility for the deed and led his family to prosper.”
When queried about fighting alongside Humbles Sword in bringing Flamescorn to justice the Celestial says, “Alas, my duties, which I have long been kept from fulfilling, do not allow me to deviate and go after this Flamescorn ancestor now. However, I believe that you, noble heroes, are up to the task. Although as thanks for freeing me, before I leave, I will create a temporary portal between here and the Catacombs as there is much wealth in this house that can be used to aid you in your quest. Take it and outfit yourself appropriately for the trials ahead. May the gods smile kindly on your endeavor.”
As promised she creates a glowing blue portal against one of the walls before fading from sight. There is enough wealth in the home to bring everyone up to 880,000 total wealth. For successfully infiltrating the city and reaching your goal everyone gets enough exp to hit level 20.
Once everyone is leveled and has shopped we will continue with your search of the home for clues on Flamescorn’s plans.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday March 18th, 2022 11:53:22 AM
"I mean, with a name like Flamescorn, the fire giants should have seen this coming. If there was a guy in Humble's named Halflingbane, I know I would be keeping an eye on him."
He turns to Hobie. "There isn't a guy in Humble's named Halflingbane, right?"
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Friday March 18th, 2022 11:59:50 AM
[OOC: Hold on to that level leap. We are at level 18. I don't want to see another skipped level as happened last year. We now should be going to level 19.]
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Friday March 18th, 2022 12:18:03 PM
"Thank you for this kindness," Murphy says before she fades from sight, and bows at the waist toward her for a moment. As he finishes his bow, he adds, as she did not ask his question earlier, "As we have freed you, would you do us the additional kindness of telling us who you are, and whom you serve, good lady? Please don't go until you tell us!" He will even go so far as to try to grab her leg armor if he sees her start to fade. "I must know!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday March 18th, 2022 5:06:30 PM
"Down, Murphey, Down!"
Tali curtseys when she realizes the heavenly warrior is departing. In her most Diplomatic expertise, Tali starts with, "Thank you for everything including this portal!"
{OOC: If we need level 20 to face Flamescorn, then so be it! Let us know, please! Is that 880K GP each?}
DM Mitch Friday March 18th, 2022 8:52:49 PM
Yes, 880k each, that's 20th level WBL. You are not skipping a level, you were supposed to advance to level 19 4 months ago. You are a little early due to outmaneuvering our plans ti make getting through the city difficult.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday March 18th, 2022 9:29:41 PM
OOC: I must have missed that Level Up To 19 memo as well, as i've been playing at 18 all this time. I guess it was in some fine print on a post back then.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Saturday March 19th, 2022 12:54:08 PM
OOC: If the Level Up To 19 memo was sent, it was not sent via game post as i've not found any reference to level up scanning the text from November through January.
By e-mail on Dec 2: We leveled to 17th on December 1, 2020. We then leveled to 18th on January 19th, 2021. Shortly thereafter (via a series of emails), it was decided we would simply wait until about December 2021 (or early January, 2022) to finally kick up to level 19.
By e-mail I have on Dec 12: Hugh and I discussed and the math checks out, you guys can level to 19 over the christmas break.
However I don't have an e-mail actually saying, "Ok, now you can level up to 19th."
How many of us DID level up to 19th over the Christmas break?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Saturday March 19th, 2022 1:04:39 PM
OOC: Basically, whether we did or didn't, we did skip 19th level since being 19th level for 3 months the way we play can't really count for any time at all.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Saturday March 19th, 2022 1:48:04 PM
[OOC: Taking leveling conversation to email...]
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Saturday March 19th, 2022 7:18:44 PM [Basically, in December we were told to level to 19. In January we were told to stay at 18. Now to 20. ::shrug:: Let's do 20... but please allow time for playing that 2 levels would allow - next December-ish?]
DM Mitch Saturday March 19th, 2022 10:00:26 PM
(OOC discussion is to be done in e-mails per Woldian rules. Please move this discussion to our usual thread where I have responded to peoples concerns)
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Sunday March 20th, 2022 10:31:20 PM
Murphy is waiting to see if Anonymous Solar Lady is going to let him know her name, or at least what we can call her. Or maybe he'll just hold on to her calf and find himself in another plane.
Apocryphal Post
"Who is that, ASL?" a booming voice inquires.
"It's the halfling that freed me after I spent decades in an Iron Flask, Lord Alemi."
"What does he want?" Lord Alemi inquires.
"He wants to know my name. I gave him and the rest of his group access to the Catacombs from the pocket plane of some fire giants. But he asked to know my name, or what he can call me," she replied.
"Well, why don't you just tell him, Lady Llanfihangel Tre’r Beirdd?"
"I doubt he'll be able to pronounce it correctly."
"Lord Alemi, well met," Murphy says, hanging on to the Solar's jambeau which protects tibia and knee. "Hey, good Lady, he said your name in the Halfling tongue!" Murphy said. "I can say your name!" He pauses for a beat. "Do you ever want me to say your name?"
He looks around this room full of celestial light. "And, uh, how do I get back to my friends?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday March 20th, 2022 11:40:04 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Meeting a Celestial should have been a jaw dropping moment for Nikolai, however that already happened when he met Pru back when they were two very shy raw Mailed Fist recruits.
They make quick work looting the place and is amazed at how fast halflings can grab loot! All that gold from his share could go a good ways at paying the Mailed Fist debt but he knows they still have to meet this Flamescorn and his unknown as of yet powers and who no doubt has followers of his own. So he starts making a shopping list.
DM Mitch Monday March 21st, 2022 7:31:44 AM Kezzem suggests that with a name like Flamescorn the giants should have seen this coming. If he saw a halfling named Halflingbane he would have kept an eye on that guy himself. He then asks to make sure there is no one in Humble’s Ford by the name of Halfingbane. Murphy thanks the celestial for her kindness and asks her her name. Kezzem tries to restrain Murphy’s exuberance with respect to learning their celestial benefactor’s name. Tali curtsys and thanks the celestial for everything including the portal Nikolaireflects that meeting a celestial should have been a draw dropping moment for him but this had already happened for him and Pru shortly after they were shy raw Mailed Fist recruits. He is astounded at how fast halflings can loot all the treasure lying around the mansion. While he reflects on how the gold could help repay the Mailed Fist debt he realizes that for the time being he has to still face Flamescorn and his followers so prepares a shopping list.
As the celestial goes to leave she notices Murphy grabbing her leg and says to him, “My name is (She says something unpronounceable) or that is as close an approximation as mere mortals could comprehend. Saying my true name might cause unintentional damage so I assume this satisfies you and you will let go of my leg so I can be off?”
With the celestial freed and loot gathered it's time to search the place for the clues your scrying indicated would be here (perception checks to search the manor please)
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+37=40 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 11:58:04 AM
Perception 40
Succotash searches the place, as best he can, looking for anything that resembles a clue. Of course he has no Idea what he is looking for, but he hopes that any clues found would be obvious to himself and his friends.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+20=25 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 3:03:53 PM
"Thank you, [and here Murphy comes up with a pretty close approximation to her 'unpronounceable name' - Linguistics: 25]! I would never want to cause you damage. Farewell, and good journeys, Holy Lady." Of course, he lets go of her leg.
After she left, Murphy said to Kezzem, "Funny guy!" He gives his friend a crooked smile.
He takes out a piece of paper and writes down her name using symbols to represent all sorts of sounds he learned while studying languages through the WLA. It includes markers for tones if present, stressed and unstressed syllables, gradations of sounds. With 17 languages under his belt, including Celestial, her name is not likely as unpronounceable for him as it might be for most people. Actually, after using the universal writing system, he then writes it in the Celestial tongue.
Then he joins in with his friends at inventorying and collecting the available loot, using detect magic - and being warned by foresight for another couple of hours should handling particular items be considered a dangerous or harmful action. He will also use knowledge arcana (+15) and similar skills to try to suss out the capabilities of what things they have found. As arcana is not as much his area of expertise as is true for some of his friends, he will generally rely on their findings over his own.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=27 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 7:02:21 PM
Pressi finally snapped back to reality, but struggled to understand where to go next. She didn't really understand what the celestial had to do with anything.
Maybe some things were meant to be unsolved.
Pressi moved around again, looking for non-treasure clues (Perception 27). She cast detect magic. She flipped through papers (can read giant, cast comprehend languages).
And then she had an idea. Casting Vision, she asked to view the night that Flamescorn left the building.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+44=62 ; d20+44=52 ; d20+44=62 ; d20+44=64 ; d20+44=61 ; d20+44=64 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 8:22:27 PM
Oh, perception checks to search the manor, I forgot. Here are six: 62, 52, 62, 64, 61, 64. (18, 8, 18, 20, 17, 20, each plus 44).
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20=17 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 10:41:28 PM
Pru isn't really good at looking for stuff, so she mostly helps by staying out of the way. Although she is always ready with a magical light source if anybody wants one.
[Perception 18]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=46 ; d3=2 ; d20+35=41 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=50 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=47 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 12:10:48 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Although Nikolai does not know what item they are looking for, he does know how to look for secret doors and hidden compartments, so starts looking for those.
Perception + 35 = 46,41,43,43,45,46,45,50,45,47
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 1:16:40 AM
And, as he goes through the dwelling, Murphy makes certain he is always with at least one other person - and recommends everyone pair up. "We don't want to have someone go into a room by himself, or herself, and disappear without us knowing where they have gone. It's much better if two people disappear, and that way, they have company, wherever it was they ended up." He maps out the manor as he goes through it.
DM Mitch d20=7 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 8:13:12 AM Succotash searches the place as best he can looking for clues. Murphy thanks the celestial and does an approximation of the name the celestial gave him. He then writes down the name or what he thinks the name is using sigils he learned form the WLA. He then joins his friends in cataloging the loot. He also suggests they use the buddy system when searching. Pressi snaps back to reality not really sure why the Celestial was there in the first place then starts looking for clues herself. She hits on the idea to cast vision on the night Flamescorn left the building. (You need to roll a caster level check to see if you succeed) Tali suggests now that they cleared the house of distractions they can find what they are looking for. Pru helps out to the best of her ability mostly staying out of the way but is ready to provide a magical light source. Nikolai isn’t sure what they are looking for so he looks for hidden doors as he is familiar with those.
The search is thorough and exhaustive. Now stripped of it’s treasures the building is a mere pleasant, well crafted home for living in. There are signs of many generations occupying the place, though oft disturbed as if by a previous search.
The key moment is when the PC’s are searching a large room with a fireplace and a picture of Sorkos Firesworn himself. It seems to be a living room, where him an any family or guests could relax. Moving the picture triggers a mechanism that opens up the back of the fireplace into a secret room. There don’t seem to be any traps that the party can tell, and the passage is large enough for the party to walk through comfortably though any giant would have to crawl through. With a fire in the fireplace it’d be almost impossible to spot even if someone activated the mechanism.
Down the short passage is a hidden study. Shelves upon shelves of books fill the cramped space, written in several different languages.
Pressi casts her spell while the others are searching and gets a vision of the small study, though she wouldn’t recognize it until after the party has found it. Sorkos is cursing to himself and grabbing things - supplies and reagents hidden away in the room. ”By all the gods when I find that dwarf I’ll skin him alive. Losing to halflings! With his giant unbeatable death machine! I was so close. If he had just kept his mouth shut I’d have the artifact and all our goals would be within reach.”
There’s a crashing sound - the sound of the front doors being smashed in? Cursing again he grabs one last thing and quickly casts an invisibility spell. In his haste he drops a book from the bundle in his arms. The invisible giant then presumably rushes back out of the hidden passage - Pressi can see that the fireplace is lit by the glow in the passage and it closes shut before the vision ends.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+37=55 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 12:36:10 PM "Hidden passage behind the fireplace? I mean really, who didn't see that coming. Besides the book case, that's like the oldest trick in the book. Speaking of books, this is a lot of them. Pressi, in your vision, you said you saw that Flamescorn dropped a book in his haste? I think that would be the best place to start looking."
Succotash than begins to search the floor of the hidden room for any books laying on the ground.(Perception 55)
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 6:10:48 PM
Kezzem resumes normally functioning after his shock of having to be the responsible one for a change.
"Hey, some halflings defeated him lackey! Maybe we can track them down and team up into a halfling super team. I mean, they'll certainly be willing to help us since we're half...lings...too.... He was talking about us, wasn't he?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 9:34:41 PM
Pru watches Pressi cast her spell. It's an interesting spell, one Pru hasn't seen in action before.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+18=37 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 9:35:36 PM
Sorry, my vision roll is 37.
Pressi feels like a quip here would be good, but she doesn't really have one right now.
So instead, she continues on, looking for the particular dropped book, but also casting comprehend language as she starts looking through the books on the shelf.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+22=42 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:15:05 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
"It sure makes it a lot easier when you can walk through fire" Nikolai muses, peering into the secret passage. "Why would this passage and this study not be build for the appropriate size?" he wonders out loud.
Looking at the dust in the room and he asks Kezzem, "How long ago was that?" and tries to deduce how long ago the fire giant fled the room.
Survival +22 (from the dust accumulation, deduce - wild guess - how long ago the fire giant left the room) = 42 N20!
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:40:46 PM
"Let's see, that was after the taxizomies and the time I died fighting giants, but before we farmed mushrooms on the moon and I was a shark. And of course that was before we used the iron giant against the other giants when they tried to invade. So by my calculations, it was still quite a bit ago."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+16=17 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=17 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:28:27 PM A Forgotten Tome
Tali will also search for the Forgotten tome within the room behind the fireplace.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+23=34 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 5:38:15 AM
"The unbeatable death machine was perhaps a month ago, Nikolai," Murphy addresses what he thinks the half elf's question is. "I'm not certain exactly what Kezzem is referring to."
He considers what Pressi just saw, trying to understand it as well as he might. "Sorkos is his name?" he asks her. Sense motive 34 on Sorkos as conveyed by Pressi. "What artifact does he seek?" he wonders aloud.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 5:46:41 AM "I think Flamescorn is referring to the Iron Giant Murph, though I could be wrong, and that was a few years ago. He did say dwarf after all, and that's the only dwarf controlled death machine, I can think of."
DM Mitch Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 7:16:07 AM Succotash remarks that the hidden passage behind the fireplace is an obvious passageway and looks for any dropped books per Pressi’s vision. Kezzem resumes normal functioning and ponders teaming up with the halfling super team Flamescorn mentioned in Pressi’s vision before realizing the giant was talking about them. Pru watches Pressi cast her spell not having seen it in action before. Pressi doesn’t have a quip, so she casts comprehend language and looks for the dropped book. Nikolai muses the secret door behind the fireplace is more useful when the person using the passage can walk through fire. He is curious why the passage is undersized for giants though. He tries to get a feel for how long ago Flamescorn was last here judging by dust accumulation. Kezzem suggests it was after the taxizombies and the time he died fighting giants but before he farmed mushrooms on the moon and he was a shark as well as before the iron giant or quite a bit ago. Tali joins the search of the room behind the fireplace. Murphy wonders if the machine was what they fought a month ago. Succotash points out that the dwarf mention makes it more likely to be the Iron Giant.
The dropped book is easy enough to find. It’s on the floor right near the exit. A look at the other books show they cover a lot of religion and history, with a special focus on the scab and the immortal powers there.
The dropped book is… confusing. It talks about every day normal activities, but in such a way those activities make absolutely no sense, especially inside the demi-plane. Ketia asks to look at it. Instantly she recognizes what’s going on, ”This is coded. Our cult uses it to hide things from prying eyes.”
She starts to read it to the group, though it is long and she skims and summarizes some. It seems to be a journal, starting with Flamesoorn’s early life and how he chafed at the restrictions and rules placed on him by the lawful giant society. He hated having to live up to the family name and the strict martial code of the fire giants. His joy at the discovery of the teachings of Scald, how freedom through murder and force appealed to him and he secretly converted.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 1:14:13 PM "Does it say anything else? I mean I'm all in favor of finding freedom from an evil society, but rebelling against a evil society, only to find "freedom" by acting even more evil than your society is kinda a non starter for me. Pressi's vision indicated we may find a clue as to how to find Flamescorn, is there anything in there, or do we need to keep looking?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:07:25 PM
"Well, there are a lot of books on the immortal powers in the Scab," Pru says. "Would any of them be likely to help a homicidal giant find a refuge?"
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:37:58 PM
"I still think he was talking about the juggernaut, guys, not the Iron Giant." He shrugs, "But maybe you're right." Murphy picks up a few books on the Scab and the immortal powers found there. He starts skimming furiously, pausing at points of particular interest. He gets a few empty bags from his high-capacity bag, and begins to fill them with books. "I am carrying on my role as a thief of bad guys' libraries." He places them in his portable hole, but not before jotting down the title of each tome in his journal. One or two books on immortal powers he keeps out for the moment for today's reading. But does not resume reading until the library is pretty well captured. If anyone wants to look at any of the books before he takes them, that's fine with him. To Murphy books are treasure, indeed.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 3:34:32 PM
Hey everyone!
Our discussion and information for the new game we will be starting and your PCs retirement will take place on the Emerald Tapestry board. Go there now and read your options along with all the information etc.
I highly suggest reading and posting there daily during this process. Not a requirement of course.
My initial post is up!
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 9:21:21 PM Sorkos Firesworn
Tali begins with, "So, Sorkos Firesworn is the giant’s greatest champion, and yet somehow, Flamescorn is the ancestor of the would become their greatest enemy? Interesting!" Tali, continues with, " The coded book that Sorkos Firesworn dropped is somehow still coded in the same way that the cult coded theirs in? Seems a bit fishy to me!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 9:35:33 PM
To Succotash, "It's the universal constant. Dwarf, Halfling or Giant, we all rebel against our parents."
Turning to Ketia, "My vision mentioned that he was looking for 'The Artifact' and seems to have been stymied by events. Any idea what the artifact might be?"
If Ketia isn't sure, she turns back to the bookcase for clues, focusing heavily on Scald religious objects.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:11:57 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai shrugs. He has no idea of who Sorkos is or his importance to the giant community, nor how this Flamescorn fits in with this Sorkos. So, he leaves the halflings to their digging and goes back outside into the living room. With his +2 Kama, he cuts Sorko's picture from the frame (ooc: obviously, if the picture is a small one that can fit into his Handy Haversack, he'll take picture, frame, and all) and puts it into his Handy Haversack to put up in the Mailed Fist hall of trophies. Then returns back to the secret office to see what's been discovered.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:17:35 PM
"Wait, did he change his name to Flamescorn or did the giants do that after the teachery?" asks Kezzem. "Now I am picturing him as a teenagerwearing all black and acting all angsty."
DM Mitch Thursday March 24th, 2022 7:55:24 AM Succotash asks if the book says anything else. He says he’s all for finding freedom from an evil society but doing so by acting more evil is a nonstarter for him. Pru points out there are plenty of books about immortal powers in the scab and asks if any in particular would help a giant find refuge Murphy still thinks Sorkos was talking about the Juggernaut not the Iron Giant but is willing to entertain other theories. He then starts burgling the library of its books. Tali makes an observation about Sorkos Firesworn being the giants greatest champion and that some how Flamescorn is the ancestor that becomes their greetest enemy. She asks if the book is somehow still coded. Pressi suggests the universal constant is children rebel against their parents she then asks Ketia what the artifact might be. Nikolai shrugs at the discussion goes outside and cuts the picture of Flamescorn down and puts it in his handy haversack to go with some of the other mailed fist trophies. Kezzem ponders who was responsible for the name change likening Flamescorn to an angsty teenager wearing all black.
Ketia looks mildly annoyed. ”I’ve barely skimmed through the start, this book is huge and seems to be some sort of memoir. It covers his entire life.” At Tali’s question she checks something and says ”Did I say Firesworn? Sorry, his family name is Flame scorn, but it says here at some point he started going by Scaldsworn everywhere but here and I must have mixed up the two.” (Or rather us DM’s did XD)
Clearing her through she continues. ”Lets see here, once he joined the cult he was active in it for years. Mentions of other cells he met and/or worked with. Oh it looks like he knew Anur. And Giantbane. He also worked hard to maintain his cover and gain power here in giantland.
Ah here we go. The Iron Giant. It looks like Sorkos didn’t approve of the plan once he heard of it. Didn’t think any one big construct would be able to wipe out all opposition and free Scald, especially when the cult usually operates in secret. He was making his own plans to steal some artifact. He mentions making elaborate plans - maybe one of those books Murphy’s gathering? The artifact attunes to the old ones and empowers them, letting them have more reach. Apparently that’s how they maintain this pocket reality. It says he it took years of work just to get to the point where he was allowed to see it’s resting place.
Then the Iron Giant plan failed, which he was smug about. Then he heard through a friend that someone was spreading lies about him. He figured, and later confirmed, that Anur had sold him out somehow. Told the dwarves who uses it as a bargaining chip to stop or reduce the giants from attacking them. He wrote about taking his vengeance on Anur and the halflings who convinced him to betray the cult. It looks like it ends with him unable to follow through on his plans and the other giants coming for him.”
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Thursday March 24th, 2022 1:47:23 PM "So it was the Iron Giant after all", Succotash says, without even a hint of I told you so in his voice. "So he is after some device that gives immortal powers even more power, and it's here, maintaining this pocket dimension. The attempted theft that we heard about, must have been an attempt on that device. So what do we do now? If we weren't dealing with a race that considers halfling a tasty appetizer, I'd say we could go to those in charge here and offer our services to stand guard."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Thursday March 24th, 2022 5:11:24 PM
"Wait, let me get this straight, he rebelled against following a strict code of law by changing his name to Scaldsworn?" asks Kezzem. "Wouldn't searing an oath to Scald just be a different sort of strict code to follow? I mean, this one's (Ketia's) whole deal is you don't have to follow laws, so maybe that's why he's not getting along with the rest of you Scaldies. Guess the fire giant apple didn't fall very far from the fire giant tree."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 Thursday March 24th, 2022 6:30:05 PM Flamescorn's vengeance
Tali repeats, "So Flamescorn aka Scaldsworn writes about taking his vengeance on Anur and the halflings who convinced him to betray the cult. Anur is dead, and we are the not. Also, It looks like it ends with him unable to follow through on his plans [to kill the halflings] and the other giants coming for him. Any idea where he is now?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d100=5 ; Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:43:17 PM
"We'll find out in a minute," Pressi said as she begins her divinations work. (Divination roll pass).
She begins to ask her godess, "Where is the artifact now?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Thursday March 24th, 2022 10:55:55 PM
There was a lot going on, and honestly Pru is having a hard time following it. The Iron Giant seems to have been some past adventure the halflings had had, and it was tied in with this Flamescorn fellow, who in turn is connected to this artifact. Or at least, he was seeking it.
Pru just hopes Pressi's divination bears fruit, because if Pru has to think this through she's going to get a headache.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday March 24th, 2022 11:54:20 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
While the halflings discuss past adventures tied to the present, Nikolai listens and gives a light shoulder massage on Pru. "Don't try to follow their ramblings. We can only just listen for something that makes sense when they are done," he smiles.
Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 Friday March 25th, 2022 1:26:10 AM
Murphy takes a measure of pity on Nikolas & Prudence. "We've had a fair amount of involvement in recent years in the Scab, at least the southern parts. I won't bore you with a full recounting. But the Iron Giant is an ancient artifact created in... the Second Age? - I think. By a power.
"One day a dwarf comes into town, huffing and puffing. He says the iron giant is coming our way soon, and we all should flee. He would not give his name, but said that Anur is crazy, and won't listen.
"We talked it over with some of the leadership of Humble's Ford. They worked on organizing the citizens to flee, or hide - some combination.
"We headed out to see what was coming. Long story short: A 250-foot-tall machine made of iron with various alloys was walking, taking steps about sixty feet long, leaving deep indentations in the soil. We found an entryway through the heel. We worked our way up through the hollow giant, encountering and overcoming resistance along the way." He pauses, remembering the details. Then he shakes his head, telling himself not to drown his listeners in them.
"A dwarf named Anur had visions of conquest and grandeur. Humble's Ford was to be a testing site to prove the Iron Giant could take out anyone. But with inside help from his rather twisted adoptive son - a too-clever-for-his-own good gnome, we got to the head of the giant, and defeated Anur. We showed mercy, and with a vow on his part, and from his wife, we sent them back home to the Scab. And had ourselves an Iron Giant.
"And then, it ran low on energy. A trip back to the ancient source of its power re-energized the governing gems, and it was restored to vast power. Meanwhile a thousand giants marched down to take over Crescent Valley, because the set of Giant Towers guarding our land for almost 200 years was damaged due to the loss of the tower just north of the Ford. Our people worked on rebuilding it, and were trying to figure out how to re-empower it. One of Humble's Ford's mages realized, in cooperation with the sapient gems of the Iron Giant, that they could bring it to pass.
"Sorry, this is a long story - it fills a book. But the timing of when tuning for the power transfer could occur drew near as the giants came close. Close enough to attack the town. If we'd had even another ten to 20 minutes, both the Iron Giant could be kept and the Giant Tower re-powered, and the invading giants killed."
He looks over at the dwarf. "Ketia here had been sent to take back the Iron Giant from us. They intended to use it to advance their cult, and free their power.
"She and hers killed a few of us. And their actions, and the council of the sapient gems, drove us to realize that saving the Iron Giant would lose the tower and the valley to the Giants. But to fuse the Giant Tower and the Iron Giant would save the tower, slay the giants, and render forever useless the Iron Giant, other than to serve as a glorious, dead artifact. That which would have killed our people, and left the remant enslaved, instead saved our people, and enabled the Giant Towers to disintegrate about a thousand enemy giants."
He turned and indicated Succotash and Tali. "These two gave their lives to allow the fusion to occur. These my friends, and those who fought with us that day, are true heroes." He shrugs, looking first at the couple from the Iron Fist, then his eyes sweep over Ketia, and to the other members of the party. "These could tell you more. But, Succotash, I think, is right. The Iron Giant was the artifact."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 Friday March 25th, 2022 5:42:03 AM
Header update to level 20 druid [still updating sheet, but the link should be good]
DM Mitch Friday March 25th, 2022 8:30:30 AM Succotash mentions it was the Iron Giant after all and now Sorkos is after the device that gives immortal powers more power. He asks what their next step is considering they are dealing with a race that consider halflings tasty appetizers so they can’t just offer to stand guard. Kezzem is perplexed as to how Sorkos could rebel against a strict code of honor by swearing an oath to Scald thus choosing a different strict code to follow. Tali summarizes the last bit of the story and asks where Scaldsworn could be now. Pressi casts divination asking Where is the artifact now. Pru feels a little lost by the talk of the Iron Giant seeing as how she wasn’t with the party at that time. She hopes Pressi’s divination bears fruit or else she’s going to have a headache. Nikolai gives Pru a shoulder rub and suggests they listen to the halflings for something that makes sense when they are done. Murphy gives a summarization of the events concerning the Iron Giant for the party members that weren’t present during the attack.
Ketia nods along at the explanation and smirks slightly as Murphy talks about heroic deaths. ”And yet they’re still here to complain about it. While all of my comrades remain dead. At the time our interests competed, now they align. As for swearing an oath to Scald, it’s the difference between a deal freely chosen and servitude forced on you since birth. Scald asks his followers to swear to work to free him. In exchange we get power to pursue our own interests. Both parties benefit, which is more than can be said of many relationships to the divine.”
Looking through the book and frowns. ”He didn’t write anything about where he would go if caught, not that I can see at least. I mean he wasn’t stupid so I’m sure he had contingencies, but he didn’t write them down here. It sounds like his plan to steal the artifact was completed but he didn’t get a chance to use them before he was caught. You said earlier an Ogre told you someone broke into the city again later, that might have been him trying to get it, but we have no way of knowing if he succeeded do we?”
If anyone else wants to examine the book she’s willing to teach them the cypher to let them read it.
The answer Pressi gets from her divination is “Ask the Giant Priests of Fhorge”
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Friday March 25th, 2022 2:21:03 PM
Succotash chimes in when Ketia mentions her friends not being resurrected, "As a cleric, here in the Wold, you know very well that Gargul honors those who act heroicly with resurrection, should they fall in battle. Maybe that says something about the nature of your beliefs. I'm not judging, I'm just pointing out what seems obvious, well at least to those who strive to act heroicly. You can still chose a different path, I'm sure any of the gods or powers , who honor heroics, would be happy to take you as a priest."
"So we offer our services to a fire giant priest, and hope he doesn't think we are offering ourselves as an appetizer. Sounds wonderful!"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 Friday March 25th, 2022 5:06:44 PM
"I would love to learn the cypher, Ketia!" Murphy says.
"Say, is anyone hungry? I'm feeling a bit peckish myself. Time for second breakfast?" He pulls a small sack from his big bag, and brings out a dozen apples. "Here's a start."
Meanwhile, he will attend closely to what Ketia is teaching him.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Friday March 25th, 2022 9:14:29 PM
"Yeah, that's not happening," Pressi replied to her own less than great Goddess. "These giants aren't exactly nice to halflings who DON'T blow a hole through their wall, so I'm not exactly ready to join them for tea."
She plopped next to Ketia, groaning. "You know, we could always brutally murder you up and then bring you back. It' not my first choice, but it's really beginning to sound like you feel you're missing out. I don't suppose there are any non-evil not murderous and smaller priests of Fhorge. Maybe some fluffy bunnies of the north."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Friday March 25th, 2022 10:42:39 PM
"Maybe I could talk to them," Pru says. "I'm not a halfling. I wasn't with you guys for the Iron Giant or any of that. And I can be pretty persuasive. Also, I'm pretty much fireproof, so at least I'm kind of on their level."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Friday March 25th, 2022 11:54:14 PM
"Yeah, I'm not trying to critique your religion and all, but that whole requiring you to swear an oath things doesn't instill me with confidence that he really cares about your freedom of choice," says Kezzem. "Maybe it's best none of us find out what happens if he actually gets free."
"Press, it's never fluffy bunnies. And if it is a fluffy bunny, I can guarantee it will be no ordinary rabbit. Now that I think about it, maybe I should pop down to the Catacombs and pick up some holy hand grenades just in case."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Saturday March 26th, 2022 12:52:38 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
"I agree with Pru. It makes more sense. First, we have this book here as somewhat of proof. Two, she, and I, can present ourselves as Mailed Fist. The giants may not know anything about the Mailed Fist but it is better than a half dozen halflings responsible for so many giant deaths. Three, who can refuse to listen to someone of such beauty and fire brazen to approach a fire giant priest in his own temple?"
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 Saturday March 26th, 2022 5:04:58 PM
"Sounds good," Murphy replies to what Prudence and Nikolai propose. "May I come as some sort of bird resting upon Pru's shoulder? Or on yours, Nikolai?"
He looks around. "What do the rest of you think?" he asks.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday March 27th, 2022 8:07:57 PM
Nikolai gulps loudly, "Can you turn into a bird that doesn't poop?" then chuckles and slaps Murphy on the shoulder. "Sure you can. But mind you, I'll charge for any cleaning." he grins.
DM Mitch Monday March 28th, 2022 6:46:52 AM Succotash points out that Gargul honors those who act heroically with resurrection should they fall in battle. He then asks if they should offer their services to a fire giant priest and hope said priest doesn’t see them as an appetizer. Pressi opines that seeing the Giant priests isn’t happening, jokingly offers to brutally murder Ketia and bring her back as it appears that Ketia seems to be feeling like she is missing out and then asks if there might be smaller, gentler priests of Fhorge somewhere else. Pru suggests she could try to parley with the Giant priests seeing as how she isn’t a halfling, is persuasive and pretty much fire proof. Kezzem suggests any religion requiring an oath to be sworn doesn’t really care about freedom of choice and then points out that it is never fluffy bunnies and if it is a fluffy bunny it is no ordinary rabbit. He considers adding Holy Hand Grenades to the shopping list. Nikolai likes Pru’s idea and expounds upon it saying that with the book for proof and Nikolai and Pru presenting themselves as representatives of the Mailed Fist instead of a half dozen halflings who have bad blood with giants plus who could say no to someone of such beauty and brazenness as Pru. Murphy tells Ketia he’d love to see the cypher. He then asks if it is time for second breakfast. He asks Pru and Nikolai if he could accompany them as a bird on on of their shoulders. Nikolai asks if Murphy can do non-pooping bird.
Pru, Nikolai no skill check; Everyone else DC 15 Knowledge[Local, Nature or Nobility] Highlight to display spoiler: { Nikolai and Pru’s former retired adventuring group The Agents of the Fist had a Talented Morphling of Ma’ab named Anna Morphling in their ranks. She was known for taking the form of plant creatures, animals, humanoids and magical beasts. If Murphy became an animal, plant or magical beast he could attempt to represent himself as her in polymorphed form. Seeing as how she is currently one of the Knights Commander of the Mailed Fist running things at the Citadel you likely aren’t to run into her in this pocket dimension. } Pru, Nikolai no skill check; Everyone else DC 20 Knowledge[Local] Highlight to display spoiler: {If Murphy didn’t want to run the risk as being pointed out as not being Anna, Anna is currently training up a group of recruits specialized in shape changing similar to herself with a focus on combat readiness on land, sea and in air. Perhaps a better cover story would be for Murphy to represent himself as Anna’s protege that she assigned to Nikolai and Pru as backup because she couldn’t be there herself.}
Knowledge 20[Religion] Highlight to display spoiler: { from what you’ve seen of these giants, their faith, and what you know of Fhorge you suspect that any attempts to communicate with the giant priests will involve a trial by combat.}
Ketia frowns at the copies of his plans. ”If you want to make a deal with the giants as the divination indicates then perhaps head to where they keep the artifact? That’ll let you check if he actually managed to steal it as well as make it most likely you’ll meet the giant priests who will be willing to deal with you to protect the artifact they’re sworn to safeguard.”
Eating is discussed and there is a kitchen, so the party can prepare food they have if they have any. Any food left in the building is long spoiled. Ketia wanders off at some point to use the lavatory and feed herself. Always happy to debate religion, she's happy to continue the discussion of Gargul, why he won't let most people come back, and why random adventurers get the privilege when other, equally righteous people do not. Complete with examples.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+11=24 ; d20+11=15 ; Monday March 28th, 2022 11:28:11 AM
knowledge nature = 24 pass knowledge religion = 15 fail
"Hey Pru and Nik, didn't you used to travel with a morphling named Anna? Murphy, maybe you can pretend to be her if you travel with them. Normally I would applaud such an idea, but without the ability to teleport in if things go sideways, I'm really not sure I'm comfortable leaving you three without a means for instant backup."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+12=23 ; Monday March 28th, 2022 1:53:45 PM
"But I thought we didn't know where they kept the artifact," Pru says, confused. "Isn't that one of the things we're trying to find out?"
[Knowledge Religion 23]
Oh, by the way, she tells Nikolai through their shared link, they're probably gonna want a trial by combat. And it'll probably be one of those "magic is cheating" deals, so that's gonna be you.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+14=15 ; Monday March 28th, 2022 2:14:56 PM
Knowledge Local Roll 15
"Presumably, this means we head back to the temple," Pressi responds to Pru. "That's where the last theft was, that's where they'd normally keep an artifact from god, and that's where we'll find a bunch of priests. And if we're wrong, it's a place most likely to lead us in a correct direction."
Listening to the plan, "I dunno, I think we're making a lot of assumptions. And I'm still unclear as to the backstory here as to why the giants would even know what Agents of the Fist are. But I am willing to go along, and I'm pretty good at being instant backup, with or without magic locks."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 Monday March 28th, 2022 10:16:41 PM AH!
Tali is going to play a low-key position here as she is the one that gave the command to power the Giant perimeter wall, vaporizing Giants dumb enough to be close enough to it when its power went 100%!
Speaking to herself, "Perhaps I'll go invisible and just keep pace flying."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday March 28th, 2022 11:13:18 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai answers Pru, "Well, if that's the case, best get our priests here ready to buff me up with Strength, Agility, Wisdom, and a lot of Luck! Maybe we can lead them to a game of chess?" he shruggs.
"Well, folks, I don't know how many temples there are in this city, but the bigger the better. So let's eat something and go looking for the biggest temple they've got here."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday March 28th, 2022 11:17:27 PM
Nikolai turns to Pru, "Succotash might pull it off. Wasn't one of her most common forms that grotesque slimy plant tentacle thing? Yeah, that just might work." He eyes Succotash like an artist eyeing a hung of clay to be shaped into a masterpiece.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 d20+22=35 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+22=29 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2022 2:11:26 AM
[Made all the DC checks]
"Well, Nikolai, I can drink a lot of water before I wildshape, keep things nicely runny if you'd like," he responds to the anti-poop warning.
"I met Anna a few times in the Ghost," Murphy says. "And have heard of her a few times elsewhere. I can look like almost anything and anybody myself, up to medium size, and huge or even bigger in a few wildshapes. Elemental, bird, beast, plant, serpent, what-have-you."
"Say, what happened to that painting of Sorkos? I was going to sketch of copy of it," he tosses out as he enjoys the shared grub.
DM Mitch Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:36:51 AM Succotash inquires as to the possibility of Murphy impersonating Anna Morphling if Pru and Nikolai present themselves as Agents of the Mailed Fist. Pru voices her confusion as to where the artifact is kept and warns Nikolai of a potential trial by combat situation. Pressi suggests heading back to the temple although she is unclear of why the giants would treat with the Mailed Fist however she is good in a pinch at providing backup locks be darned. Tali as being the one who powered up the giant wall will keep a low profile considering going invisible and flying close by Nikolai tells Pru he could use some buffs and then maybe they could challenge the giants to a chess match instead. He suggests they eat something before heading for the largest temple and drops a comment about Succotash bearing a resemblance to a Tendriculous, one of the forms Anna took in combat Murphy promises to drink lots of water and makes a sketch of the painting.
After some discussion things are clarified a little. The party came here to learn more of Sorkos, as they previously only knew he had a grudge against them and attempted to kill them all. Learning he was a fire giant who lived here in the past, divination indicated they would find important information about him and his location.
Now you are in his home you have learned that he has far greater plans then just harassing the heroes. The giants here use an artifact that empowers the old ones bound in the Scab such as Fhorge and Scald, and use it to maintain their city. Sorkos seeks to use it to instead empower his own god, maybe even allow him to break free of his prison, which could mean nothing good for the Wold from what the party knows of Scalds nature.
However, these notes and information say nothing of where Scald is now. Nor is it certain if he even has the artifact to enact his plans. His notes tell you exactly where to find where the artifact is kept by the giants, and divination seems to indicate talking to the high priest will get you the remaining information you need to stop Sorkos permanently.
Reviewing the notes it looks like the artifact is underground at the back of the Temple district. A great vault rests there that Sorkos has elaborate plans on - with his notes you can avoid all of the security except the guards at the front door and the security of an unrelated vault that lets you bypass other, stronger security measures. I will assume someone does some further divination to determine the location of the giant high priest and learn he is almost certainly in the vault.
While the party is debating, investigating, and otherwise making plans it suddenly dawns on them that Ketia has gone missing. A note is found on the table outside the secret passage from her.
”Dear heroes,
It seems our paths must diverge from here. Our purposes aligned when it seemed Sorkos Scaldsworn was a traitor murdering my fellow cutlists. From everything we have found here it seems that belief was mistaken - those murdered were themselves the traitors, and the vanished have likely joined him at his secret base. Sorkos’s goal to empower Scald matches my own so our partnership is at an end. I thank you for the help though, and though I know we shall again be enemies next time we meet I hold no animosity towards you. I will leave you with one final piece of advice - though the plan prevents teleportation and scrying into it, it does not prevent teleportation out of it. Should you find yourself overwhelmed you can always magically escape back to the entrance. I would wish you good luck, but I both doubt you need it and would profit from your deaths so you’ll have to forgive me if I hope you all die before I have to kill you myself.
Yours truly,
Ketia.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells Tuesday March 29th, 2022 12:11:50 PM "I knew we couldn't trust that dwarf! If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have had to brick Madam Gem, so I'm glad we can finally avenge her."
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:14:00 PM Ketia
Tali says, "So now Sorkos Scaldsworn's & Ketia's agendas are aligned? What the heck is that all about?!!"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:33:27 PM
"Well when she's frees her god and he tries to eat her or whatever, let's hope we're all there to tell her 'I told you so!'" says Kezzem. "Oh, and maybe also save her from her own folly? That would be the paladin-y thing to do, right?"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 9:00:10 PM
"That would be the paladin thing to do," Pressi agreed. "But I'm still leaning towards killing and resurrecting her so she stops feeling left out. One witch helping out a rhymes with... you get the idea."
"Well, what's done is done, and we don't have time to worry about her, except for the likelihood that she might try to find this scald or the artifact first. Also, this feels like a 'let the heroes find it for us and then we can try to take it' ploy, so we need countermeasures, including a teleport as soon as we get the artifact, and maybe a dimensional anchor in case they try the same."
"I assume we'll do the flying through the ash trick again? It's been working out for us so far, and I don't know if Ketia will give the giants any countermeasures. I assume that we'll try to talk through to the guards, and in the meantime...."
---------
Under Pressi's mental command, Harper (who has been staying with Ketia's caster all this time) is tasked with keeping an eye on/following/tracking that caster, particularly if Ketia shows up. Harper, in return, provides an image of whatever she sees.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 9:05:57 PM
"Oh, does anyone want anything special prepared before we go," Pressi asks. "I was thinking maybe control weather again, in case we need to hit the building itself hard. Or maybe a mind blank on one of us, so they can't just learn more?"
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 11:02:30 PM
"Wait, so we're sneaking in?" Pru says. "I'm not sure there's a need for that. Ketia isn't going to find any allies at the temple, and the divination did say to ask the priests. I'd still like to try to do that."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 11:30:01 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai looks a Murphy, "I kept getting the impression his eyes were following us around, so I took it down. Here, sketch a copy, but remember, I got the original. NO making money off the copy without my share eh?"
"If we are to present ourselves, some of us at least, as emissaries of the Mailed Fist, sneaking in would not be very diplomatic. We sneak up to a corner out of sight of the guards, then the Mailed Fist emissaries approach the guards. If passage is not granted to the priests, then some knock-out action to remove that obstacle. Let's get moving."
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 2:10:28 AM
"Making money off a painting? Never thought of that one. I paint things to help remember, and to teach others. Sometimes to share with the WLA. And for things to refer to for this and that down the years. In truth, I've been planning a portrait of you two at some point here. But, first things first. We have another artifact to find. I met Scald once, and don't think we want him out. I did feel a little sorry for him - but not sorry enough to make tens of thousands of people sorry for his release.
"Getting back to your profiting off the painting... Is there some sort of law that allows you to profit off of copies, when you took the original from someone else without paying them for it? I'm not a lawyer, but I'd be interested in hearing what a competent one might say."
He's glad that Ketia at least told him enough to understand the cipher. Too many things to pack in all at once, but he takes about five or so minutes to skim the journal, relying upon his knowledge of the language for one, his memory for two, and his pretty healthy mind for three. He is salting his memory, to let it savor the flavor of the words that race past his eyes as he finds moments of reverie here and there.
"Has anyone taken the stuff we gathered to the Catacombs yet? I should pop over there at least briefly before we pop away."
DM Mitch Wednesday March 30th, 2022 7:39:15 AM Succotash remarks he knew they couldn’t trust Ketia and is glad they can finally avenge Madam Gem. Tali is perplexed that Ketia and Sorkos’s agendas are aligned. Kezzem suggests that when she frees her god and it tries to eat her they can at least be there to say I told you so or do the paladinly thing and save her from her folly Pressi agrees that that is the paladinly thing to do but she is all for killing and resurrecting the word that rhymes with witch. She suggests they watch out for the old let the heroes do the work ploy but in the meantime they go with the fly through the ash trick again. She also takes spell preparation requests. Pru would prefer to try to ask the priests rather than sneaking in. Nikolai explained why he took the portrait down and tells Murphy not to sell the original without him. He then suggests that since sneaking in is not diplomatic they’d sneak to a corner near the entrance, present the emissaries and if entry is not granted switch to knock-out action. Murphy is surprised by the idea of getting money for art. He asks about the law on it and is not a fan of the idea of Scald getting out.
With the plan presumably set and nothing else to keep the party in the manor they head out. It’s easy enough to find the temple district - a section of the city with shrines and temples to the various gods. It seems while Fhorge is their sworn lord worship of the rest of the pantheon is not outlawed, just secondary to Fhorge. There are small shrines to just about all of the main pantheon sandwiched in between large temples to Fhorge. They come in all sizes and shapes, enough to count as a district unto themselves and probably enough that the entire city could come worship here regularly.
Sorkos’s notes indicate the artifact was kept in the very back in a vault buried in the side of the volcano.
Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells Wednesday March 30th, 2022 12:25:41 PM "Do we try on of these temples, or head directly to the vault, ans how are we supposed to know which priest we are supposed to seek out?"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:43:03 PM
"Yeah, I'll leave the countermeasures to you magic people," says Kezzem. "My best countermeasure is stabbing them to death. Maybe I should try aiming for their hands. You casters are incapable of casting spells if I disable your hands, right?"
Tali (JPWard) -- Tali(JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:44:54 PM High Priestly
Tali replies to Succotash, " Probably the one with the biggest most flamboyant & fireproof hat!"
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) Wednesday March 30th, 2022 9:11:08 PM
Pressi continues to try reaching out to Harper mentally.
To Kezzem, "It's like you keep forgetting I'm a biter. Can you at least detect evil on occasion, to make sure nobody is following us?"
To Succotash, "A large temple near the volcano itself is probably the best way to go."
Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) Wednesday March 30th, 2022 9:54:09 PM
"I agree with Pressi," Pru says. "The temple closest to the volcano is probably also closest to the vault. We should try there first."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday March 30th, 2022 10:51:34 PM
OOC: DM, Nikolai keeps possession of the original, and warning Murphy not to make copies of it to sell without giving him a cut. :)
Also, we already dumped the loot of the mansion and got 880K each for it, right?
IC: Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air) Ki pts 13/13
Nikolai laughs at Murphie's comment. "Yes, there are laws that govern profiting off a work without the owner's permission. And right now I'm the owner. As far as it being stolen, consider yourself in possession of 880,000 gp worth of stolen goods. What would your lawyer say about that? Eh? The Mailed Fist are experts in writing contracts, I can whip up a contract for the reproduction of this painting and the sell thereof of the copies as soon as I can get my hands on a few dozen parchment sheets!" And Nikolai chuckles at Murphie's concept of the painting being stolen but the rest of the stuff they pillaged from the mansion oddly enough, NOT stolen.
"To the Temple then. The biggest one. Here, Pru, take that journal. It's out passkey, I hope."
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 10:52:45 PM
"They're pretty much all evil here," says Kezzem. "I need to talk to Gargul about getting the ability to detect capital E evil."
Kezzem will detect evil.
Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 11:53:40 PM
"Nikolai, I never used the word 'stolen,'" Murphy responds. "That likely is just your conscience assigning that word to it. I was not complaining, but you introduced a new concept to me. When you travel with others in a party, and you share an adventure, and then you indicate that you want to charge another member of the group for documenting the image of the fellow who has been causing great harm, and intends further harm, and there are others who might benefit from knowing what the bad guy looks like, and then you want to charge me should I make further copies of the image on the painting, that just seems a bit off-centered to me, that's all. However, I will be happy to forward a sizable sum of coins to you should I make additional copies. I'm thinking twenty copper pieces per copy. Or, I could just promise not to poop on you."
"As for the journal, you mean the one I've been reading, and know how to decipher? Would you like to give me 20 copper pieces for each usage of it, if I unilaterally declare myself its owner, which, just for the fun of it, pre-emptively, I shall do 'I, Murphy, am the owner of this journal,' - there - so that you and I play by the same rules of your game?"
DM Mitch Thursday March 31st, 2022 7:23:51 AM Succotash asks if they try a temple or head directly for a vault and how are they supposed to know which priest to talk to. Kezzem tells Pressi he will leave the countermeasures to the magic people as his best countermeasure is stabbing people to death before asking if he should try aiming for people’s hands. Tali suggests they find the priest with the biggest most flamboyant fireproof hat. Pressi opines that the large temple near the volcano is probably the best way to go and asks Kezzem to detect evil on occasion. She successfully contacts her familiar (Neither DM remembers you telling Harper to follow Ketia, but even if he was he would have just witnessed her teleporting out with no way to follow) Pru agrees with Pressi that the temple closest to the volcano is also closest to the Vault. Nikolai discusses contract law and the concept of stolen with Murphy before giving the journal to Pru. Kezzem says they are pretty much all evil here and needs to talk to Gargul about getting detect big E evil. Murphy tells how he never uses the word stolen and suggests its Nikolai’s conscience getting to him. He then offers either 20 coppers a copy on the painting or the promise of not pooping on him. Since turnabout is fairplay Murphy declares himself owner of the journal they want to show to the priests and asks for 20 coppers.
The party confirms that all the loot was sold off and they each have 880,000 gold from the proceeds (that’s total wealth, including items you had before, not 880,000 on top of whatever items you had before)
Heading deeper into the temple district it seems strangely quiet. Everywhere else in the city there were giants going about their daily business. Here you’d expect priests tending to their temples or petitioners making offerings at shrines but there’s no sign of anyone anywhere.
They make their way towards the back and the largest of the temples. Set right up against the mountain, it’s the most important one in the city and Sorkos’s notes indicate the vault is inside it. There are other smaller temples around it, and the front door seems to be guarded by a squad of giants.
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