DM MikeK - I wonder how much Briardoc likes working down here. Tuesday October 15th, 2019 8:13:34 PM
Micah checks the leader for some kind of identification, but doesn't find anything useful other than perhaps the Frost Amulet of Mighty Fists, which is distinctive.
Sid watches the figures, as he communicates via Message with Dorbin.
The figures appear to be tending the kelp, but don't seem all that motivated about it. Occasionally, one will rub at a discoloration, or trim back some of the plant with a pair of shears. Otherwise, they're generally listless.
The rest of the Shields stand off, waiting. As Zanderallen has noted, the group is awfully exposed to another sahaugin patrol.
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:29:09 AM
Stock looks at Stohp and says, "Yeah but only if everything else could fly. That's the difference here. We don't have to worry about one or two swimmers, they're all swimmers and can come down from above. Now get on with this meet and greet. From what you guys say, this merfolk is highly unmotivated."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Wednesday October 16th, 2019 10:58:48 AM
Dorbin agrees with Sid and tells him phrases for "Peace" and "Friend" in aquan.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 11:02:13 AM
Bartomus nodded in agreement with Stock about the assessment of the situation. He looked at Stohp and asked, "If they are related to elves and such, should we try the language of the Fae?"
He repeated in Sylvan, "we are here in peace, looking for a criminal that fled the Floating City. May we ask the way to your city?'
Then he looked at the group and said, "I can repeat it to that merfolk there and see if there is any response?"
If someone else goes forward, Bartomus would follow along offering to try his proposed greeting in both Sylvan and Druidic.
Listless whispers Micah to himself. Slightly louder, he says, "Shields, are we sure we are not in sahaugin territory? Those workers do not appear to be motivated. Could they be involuntary workers?"
He intentionally avoids the use of the word 'slave' in case the workers can hear and understand him.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+5=14 ; Wednesday October 16th, 2019 5:16:43 PM
Zanderallen mentally slaps himself for not thinking of it and responds to Micah, "You could be right. Especially having encountered the patrol so near. Eye open Shields" Taking his own advice Zander scans the area for signs of overseers or restraints on the merfolk. -------------- Perception 14
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:01:40 PM "Be wary of them calling for help. Even if they're slaves, we're strangers here and they might fear us and call for their slaveholders to protect them."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+15=16 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+12=29 ; Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:16:00 PM
Sid, communicating via message scans the group to look for the most trusting or the most leadery of the bunch before moving. Finding his quary he approaches saying, "Peace Friend." Slaps chest, "Friend... Peace!"
DM MikeK - Friend...Peace! Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:08:53 PM
Dorbin relays the Aquan words for ‘Friend’ and ‘Peace’ to Sid.
The group is more than ready to get into the kelp fields and out of the open, but still remain cautious.
Sid can’t see any leaderly activity, so he picks out a younger looking female to make nice with. Finding his quarry he approaches saying, "Peace Friend." Slaps chest, "Friend... Peace!"
The woman, girl really, recovers from her surprise at Sid’s unexpected appearance, and regards him closely.
Sid keeps repeating his phrase, and finally she lets out a brief laugh.
“You don’t know much Aquan, do you?” she asks, in Common, and then continues more warily, “Who...what are you?”
The rest of the Shields have been approaching gradually.
Suddenly, there is a high pitched call from somewhere else in the field.
The mergirl’s eyes get big, and she begins furiously rubbing at a mold spot on the nearest kelp plant. The Shields notice all the other figures in the fields have become much more energized in their activity, clipping and rooting and cutting, and farming like crazy.
Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Spots the shapes of another sahaugin patrol approaching overhead. }
The mergirl vigorously signals Sid to come over.
“Hide!” she hisses. “Hurry!”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d100=78 ; d20+12=27 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 1:05:07 AM
When the merigirl hurridly called them to her to hide, he didn't hesitate and moved into the grove. He glanced upwards and saw shapes moving overhead. He worked into the stands and stayed quiet ready to fade away in needed.
Ignore the d100 role, perception for 27,prepared to 'fade away' if the Shaugins come too close.
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim d20+2=5 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 9:41:12 AM
Stock things briefly about not hiding but then grumbles as he slowly makes his way into the weeds. "Yep, definitely slaves. It would be fun to liberate these guys."
==== Stealth 5
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] d20+8=15 ; d20+11=13 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 11:36:54 AM
Dorbin spots the patrol as the group approaches and quickly moves to try and hide behind some twisting and moving plants.
OOC: Perception: 15; Stealth: 13
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+5=9 ; d20-4=5 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 11:56:50 AM
A string of words make their way halfway out of Zander's mouth before he bites his tongue and heads for the densest section of kelp he sees. Half twisting to to look above he can't make anything out in through the murky water and instead focuses on trying to hide his bulky self. ------------------------------ Perception 9 Stealth 5
Micah looks up and sees the reason for the call to hide. Never having been one to develop hiding skills, he does realize he is in a kelp forest and dressed in kelp armor and hopes they can evade detection.
He takes cover near, but not next to, any of the other Shields. He tries to discern if this patrol is similar in size and composition of the one they already encountered.
=============== Perception 14 Stealth 6 (did not include an adjustment for armor)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20=15 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 2:18:40 PM forgot a stealth check - 15 as I was planning to do the fade away
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 d20+4=16 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:50:36 PM
Stohp really isn't expecting hiding to work out well, but if the enemy only sees a few of them then they might be able to catch them unaware so she ducks behind whatever cover she can find (16 to hide)
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+12=19 ; d20+15=22 ; Thursday October 17th, 2019 7:56:51 PM
Sid embarressingly goes to run his hand through his hair, but hits the helm, "Hahaha, yeah, my wizard friend taught me a few words. More of a Sylvan guy honestly. I'm Sid and I'm an elf, though this thing covers the ears," he smiles.
The horns blare out and fear crosses her face, He looks over and see the patrol and at her insistence melds into kelp, giving her a little wink.
DM MikeK - Hiding out d20+7=14 ; Friday October 18th, 2019 10:49:28 AM
Sid, and the rest of the Shields move into the kelp fields, and do their individual best to hide out.
The appearance of Sid’s teammates startles the mergirl, and some of the other nearby merfolk, but not enough to make them stop energetically working on the fields.
Bart, Dorbin, and Sid can see upwards well enough to make out another sahaugin patrol. Seven shark people glide past at the limits of their vision. As they move further into the gloom, another call comes from somewhere in the field, and all the merfolk relax.
The mergirl turns to look at the various Shields, and calls out a word in Aquan - Highlight to display spoiler: { Uncle! }
A few moments later, a few more merfolk, led by a older, but very fit male, emerge. None are armed. All are shocked to see the group in their midst.
The male takes in the Shields, surprise evident on his face.
“You are surface dwellers,” he states in Common. “Why are you here?”
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] d20+8=26 ; Friday October 18th, 2019 11:00:48 AM
As the group approaches, Dorbin whispers to the others that she has called for her uncle. Dorbin tries to remain hidden from patrols when the male talks to the group. He remains quiet and scans the water. (perception: 26).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 d20+17=29 ; Friday October 18th, 2019 2:23:40 PM
Struggling a little to maneuver himself into an upright position before the elder merfolk Zanderallen bows. "I am Zanderallen, and we are the Silver Shield adventuring party from the Floating city above. We seek out an enemy of ours who after murdering our friends escaped and has taken refuge with the sahuagin. It seems they are no friends of yours? Have you seen any other surface dwellers?" -------------------------------- diplomacy 29
Micah quietly swims into view of the merfolk, wary to take cover should another patrol come by.
Awaiting their reply, Micah then adds more information, "We have also uncovered a plot of this fugitive to assist the sahaugin in increasing their food production," he pauses a moment to look meaningfully at the kelp the merfolk are tending, then continues, "they have plans to use the increased resources to take over more of the lake, threatening your people even more than they apparently already are. It appears we might have aligned purposes. Any information you can share about your situation and the sahaugin would be most helpful and may prove mutually beneficial."
Autosucceed on aid another to Zanderallen's diplomacy check. Diplomacy is now 31.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+12=20 ; Saturday October 19th, 2019 9:02:38 AM
Sid bows to the girl and the elder, "I apologize I wasn't able to make introductions as we were rudely interrupted. We are a group known as the Silver Shields, I am Sid. This is... ", and Sid continues introducing everyone. "We have business here, but also would like to be of assistance."
PErception: 20(Keeping an eye out for patrols or other irregularities)
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim d20+1=4 ; Saturday October 19th, 2019 9:15:57 AM "Bottom line, we'd love to help you with any problems you're having with the sahuagin if it helps us reach our goals of cornering Lord Crimson...he's the drylander those guys are talking about."
======= Diplomacy definitely does not aid.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 d20+14=25 ; Saturday October 19th, 2019 1:07:35 PM
Stohp feels like the others have the conversation well in hand so she keeps a lookout for any more patrols (25 perception)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+12=28 ; Saturday October 19th, 2019 11:50:20 PM "Can you thank her for saving us all? Bartomus whispered to Dorbin. He continued to scan the kelp forest and the waters above them.
Perception 28
DM MikeK - We'd love to help you with any problems you're having with the sahaugin Sunday October 20th, 2019 9:18:28 PM
Dorbin quickly updates the Shields that the older merfolk was addressed by the girl as “Uncle”.
Sid introduces the group. Zanderallen introduces himself, and he and Micah explain the group’s purpose for being so far from home. Stock also jumps in, cutting to the chase.
Meanwhile, Dorbin, Micah, and Stohp keep a wary eye out for patrols. But, so far, so good.
The man returns Zanderallen’s bow. “I am Mallon. If you can help us against the Sahaugin, you are welcome. But, you will need great care.”
Mallon goes on to explain.
The Sahaugin came a few weeks ago, with strange allies from beyond the sea. “Not surface dwellers,” he notes. “Even more different.” These creatures seemed to have strange magical powers.
They came by surprise, overwhelmed the city defenses, and took the merfolk king and his royal family hostage.
All of the remaining merfolk warriors, and most of the city’s women and children, are now prisoners inside the castle, along with the King and his family.
The remaining merfolk are being kept as the workforce of the city, farming and the like.
“We cannot act. Not with our families at stake. But a few, strong warriors, unknown the sahaugin…” Mallon thinks a moment, and arrives at a decision.
“We can get you into the city, and even into the palace. If you can free our people, and our king, we will be free to act, and throw off these usurpers.”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Sunday October 20th, 2019 10:46:33 PM "What do these other invaders look like? Maybe one of us will be able to identify them and prepare us for what's coming."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Sunday October 20th, 2019 10:57:54 PM "We get to rescue like a Princess? Isnt that the stuff of tales for children? So, we get to be like maybe heroes?" Bartomus asked those about with a level of excitement that belayed his disbelief. "Could you describe these other world allies that showed up recently?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Monday October 21st, 2019 8:31:48 AM "Why do I feel like we'll get there only to be told by somebody...your Princess is in another castle."
"So we have these mysterious magical forces but have you have actually seen any surface dwellers? I want to make sure we can accomplish our goals down here too."
Micah (John) HP: 45/52 AC: 23/11/23 CMD:17 (Swim 30) Monday October 21st, 2019 11:11:06 AM
Micah smiles at the reaction of his friends, then focuses on what they obviously need to do. A clear objective in mind, he finds himself focused and mot6by the need to free these people.
He swims forward, extending his hand, "mallon, allies we are. We will do what we can. Now please, details on the castle, enemy forces, their deployment, and how you plan to get us in.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Monday October 21st, 2019 11:37:18 AM
Dorbin tries to think, based on the descriptions, of what kind of creatures the fellow might be describing.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Monday October 21st, 2019 7:28:30 PM "I wonder what kind of alliance Crimson has joined here. Don't worry, Mallon, you give us the details and get us in we'll free your families. Sounds like there's plenty of evil that needs setting straight down here."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Monday October 21st, 2019 7:41:45 PM
Sid claps Stock on the back, "That would just mean that's there's more than one castle. And Bart, if you don't think we're storybook heroes with what we've done so far I don't what will fit the bill. Ellie will thing I'm stretching the truth again," he ends with an ear-to-ear grin.
DM MikeK - So, we get to be like maybe heroes? Monday October 21st, 2019 8:01:59 PM
Stohp, Bart, Dorbin, and Stock would all like to know more about these outsiders, with Stock also grousing about another possible goose chase in the works.
Bart wonders about becoming fairy tale heroes. Sid points out they’ve been pretty darn heroic already.
Micah and Zanderallen offer the group’s help, and ask for particulars about the palace.
Mallon looks over at Stohp and Stock. “I have seen no surface dwellers. These strangers are water folk, like us and the sahaugin, but I have never seen their like before. They have arms and legs, like surface dwellers, but thick in the body, and with a face like a fish, with a large maw. Most are about this high (7’). But one...one is a giant. As tall as these plants, and just as thick.”
His description would put the big one around 30’ tall.
Knowledge Nature DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Mallon would appear to be describing a Deep One - an aquatic monstrous humanoid with an ability to use wands easily. They also get bigger as they age...and they’re immortal..so, well, they can get awfully big.}
As Micah gets down to business, Mallon follows suit. “We can get you through the city in a cart. We just pile harvested kelp on top of you and swim through. The guards have stopped checking the carts. There is a secret entrance to the palace, just down the street from the warehouse. Also, I have a map of the castle itself.
We take you to the warehouse. Narla (the mergirl) will get the map and meet us there. I will show you where our people are held captive, where the King is, and where the sahuagin leaders often meet with the strangers. But, I do not know the where the guards are.”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+4=19 ; d20+4=16 ; Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 12:12:37 AM
Bartomus tried to think as to who Mallon was describing, but the world of the lake was something new to him or rather affirmation of the tales told in the taverns of the float that he never believed to be anything other than the result of too much drink.
"We may need help, right? Maybe? I have an idea, but it's going to have a cost, maybe a big cost." Bartomus shared. He fingered one of his pouches, it had a lot of gems in it from their adventures. [/b]"But, if I were to ask for the help of something, from Eberyon himself, we would need to know what task we want to have that help perform. Maybe a distraction of the sahaugin? [/b]
Intent is to call for a planar ally if we need it.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 8:33:19 AM
Stohp is amused at Bart's hero comment. Bart, since you joined we have stopped a zombie plague, a wold ending red plague, forged an alliance between two races to the benefit of both, and stopped a megalomaniac from taking over our home city. If it takes rescuing a princess to make you feel like a hero you should pay more attention. Also, how do we keep winding up dealing with plagues? It's not like we're priests of Alemi"
To the merfolk she says, "The plan seems sound. Anyone else have thoughts or shall we get going?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim d20+7=11 ; Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 9:39:27 AM "Just wish I knew more about what happens under the waves is all. Let's get going...Bart, if you have any way to call for that kind of direct aid, please do so and then explain why you've never done so before."
======== Knowledge Nature 11 Stock's just giving Bart a hard time because he has no sense of magic
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 9:41:05 AM Also Stohp - it look like your character is still level 7...you've owed yourself another level for at least 6 months.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 2:12:20 PM
Dorbin ponders the description. He doesn't have any knowledge that can help him figure out what that would be, but he stores the knowledge to share with the Sage's guild when, if, they return.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 3:57:03 PM "The plan seems sound except for a final step. Are you and your people ready to fight for your freedom Mallon? Once we free your king and take down the Sahuagin leaders and their allies we'll be in the middle of a city full of angry sahuagin. Is there a way we can signal you from the castle to rise up and overthrow your oppressors? If so pass the word for the merfolk to be ready, we will remove the bonds holding you down." Zanderallen says decisively before looking to his equipment.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 7:03:37 PM
"You know," Sid says, "I've been worried about all the plagues as well. Shoot, I forgot to sign the paperwork with the warehouse. Eh, if he can start something with all the gold I gave him then I have a bad partner. Hey Dorbin, do these bird tokens work underwater?"
DM MikeK - How do we keep winding up dealing with plagues? Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 8:42:24 PM
None of the Shields recognize Mallon’s description of the strangers aiding the sahaugin.
There is some banter around attracting their fair share of plagues, and Bartomus reveals a new spell.
Zanderallen asks about the ability of the merfolk to rise up.
Mallon nods decisively. “Free our people. Free our King. Their release will be our signal, and we shall rise and make the sahaugin deeply regret this plan.”
At the Shields’ agreement, Mallon leads them through the kelp fields. The carts - really large shells attached to really large catfish - await. Before getting into the carts, the group is treated to a view of the merfolk city
After that, no one sees much.
Kelp is heaped atop the group lying in the carts.
Fortunately, the ride is smooth - a benefit of traveling through water rather than overland.
After a hour, or maybe two, the kelp is removed, and the group finds themselves in a dimly lit warehouse.
Mallon is there, along with three other merfolk.
“Narla will be here shortly,” he says. “You have a small time to prepare, if necessary.”
Micah (John) HP: 45/52 AC: 23/11/23 CMD:17 (Swim 30) Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 9:20:36 PM
Micah has been quiet throughout the discussion.
Still wanting as much tactical information he can obtain he asks his questions, "can you tell us more about the size of the sahaugin garrison the number of these allies, what tactics, weaknesses, and abilities. The sahuagins and the others have? also, what about the timing of their patrols? Finally. Are there any areas of the kelp forest or city your people are restricted from or any place in the castle that is more heavy guarded?
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 10:47:26 AM "It's the price, that is why, just the price...plus we need to know what we will be asking of the help. Seems that we need to have be pretty specific request." Bartomus replied. He felt for his coin pouch as well. It could be really expensive he thought, he just had a feeling.
In the darkness of the kelp covered shellgon, he kept his thoughts and his idea rolling about his mind. Occassionally, he had to whisper an ask, "can you move that sword pommel please?"
When they arrived and got pulled out of the shell and its kelp cargo, he listened and looked at the City in wonder. It was a huge place and large central spire that moved up towards the light. Mellon had said, "Free our King."[/b] That stuck in his mind.
"Folks, what if we had help in that aspect? Protect from violent harm their Royal Family? It's a specific request, I think if we called a creature of water, it should have some interest in that place there and its rightful rulers." He paused. He needed to get an answer and needed to reach out to Eberyon.
[i]Planar Ally - summon a medium sized water elemental with the objective of having that hover about the city and protect the King and his family from any violent harm - attempts to kill of the leader while we attempt to free/release. I am thinking this is going to be like a 3-4k wealth and so Bart would offer the bracelet he got from the IronDragons, gems, and gold.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 1:04:25 PM
Dorbin looks around the space nervously. He mumbles, "I guess we're as ready as we can be."
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 1:19:09 PM "Yep. Let's Go. I guess Sid takes point on this one to sneak down the street? Sid - How good are you at blending into the surroundings on an underwater street?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 3:21:54 PM
Zanderallen grins fiercely at Mallon's conviction on being able to drive out the Sahuagin once the king is free. Clutching his trident he loads into the wagon thinking on Bart's suggestion and the beauty of the merfolk city. Once they arrive at the warehouse he gets out and makes sure his armor is clear of kelp strands before turning to Bart, "That sounds very expensive, and I'd rather not have something circling the top of the castle while we sneak in. If it could accompany and fight with us it could be helpful. But couldn't you summon a big shark with Summon Nature's Ally without having to pay such a fee?" Zanderallen holds back until Sid can clear the street.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+15=27 ; Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 7:11:00 PM
Sid stares at the giant catfish for a moment and then climbs into the shell and lays under the kelp. It was a surreal and kept him quiet through the journey. Walking around the warehouse he stretches, "Well, this is the time when I usually trip over my own two feet, but I'm sure it'll be fine. So once she brings the map we'll be good!"
After the Narla brings the map and he knows where he is going he will take point.
DM MikeK - I guess we're as ready as we can be Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 9:38:54 PM
In the dimly lit warehouse, Bartomus again brings up paying a fee to call on a planar ally. Zanderallen is unsure if such a spell is needed.
Micah grill Mallon, whose determination becomes much less certain in the face of such questions. Sense Motive DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { The merman is obviously not a soldier, and Micah’s questions are a bit much for him. }
“Which patrols? The ones around the fields come by every few hours. The ones in the streets more often. But, you’ll be in the castle. We’ve no information on patrols there. There are perhaps a hundred sahaugin? And a handful of the strangers.
Narla arrives, and rolls out a light colored map made of some kind of plant material.
On it is an outline of the castle.
Mallon highlights areas. He points, but the DM shall add room numbers to the map and to his speech to make this a bit easier on everyone.
“There is a secret door in the wall of this warehouse,” he says, pointing to an area about 40’ off. “There is no need to go out into the stree.”
“It leads to a room in the catacombs, here (K40). Our people are being held in the dungeons, K75, K76, and K69. There are often strange purplish lights coming from K55. Also there have been air bubbles escaping the castle from K10,11, or 12 as well as K50.”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 10:06:28 PM "I assume we can take this with us? You've been very helpful, thank you."
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Thursday October 24th, 2019 10:07:59 AM "Nice. I like secret doors. Can I see it? Air bubbles you say? That could be the surface dwellers. Shields - as I see it I think we have to prioritize freeing the captive merfolk so they can start their civil war. Then we can take down Crimson. Otherwise we will have to fight our way through Sahuagin the entire way to Crimson."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Thursday October 24th, 2019 10:20:51 AM "I know only what I know, but, maybe I can turn into one of those sahaugins or even a large shark? That might be a double win for us?" Mallon, is it rare to see air bubbles coming from the palace? Bartomus answered Zander and gave a bit of a shrug. He fished out a few of the gems - the larger ones that he knew would have a good value up in the stalls of the float.
"Eberyon, we need your help. We have a monarchy to rescue, enslaved merfolk to release, and a bunch of nasty sahaugin that have some other help. We need your help. I offer these gems for aid in our efforts to help Mallon obtain the release of those enslaved, and restore the rightful rulers of this here city. Bring forth something to help us." He continued repeating the phrase over and over as they had Mallon explain things. The air bubbles caught his attention and to some degree his focus. "Mighty Eberyon, where there is bubbles of air, there are those that cannot breath in water - alien to this here world. That weakness could be something that could be exploited by that which you provide us for help."
His efforts took time, so he continued his request as the others talked. If they entered the secret supply passage, he kept it going.
So I dont have that spell or skill on my sheet - so I am assuming since Bart started his relationship with the Fey, he's more of Fey druid learning as he has from things in the float. But, Wild Shape is a good option, I think. Casting Lesser Planar Ally for something of help 6 HD or less. Protect the King, pull out the air??
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Thursday October 24th, 2019 12:52:27 PM
Dorbin looks around and gets lost in studying the map.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Thursday October 24th, 2019 2:09:54 PM "I agree with you Stock, get in, secure the merfolk prisoners, take down the sahaugin allies, and then hunt down Crimson. Any other plan of action puts the merfolk at risk, as much as I want to bring him to justice."
Midway through the conversation, Micah realizes his error in thinking the merman is a warrior. He nods gratefully as he finishes and studies the map as the others discuss, careful not to get in Dorbin's way.
He looks up to nod his agreement to focus first on the prisoners, then returns to review the best routes in and out.
As a thought occurs to him, he turns to Mallon to ask, "What are the walls constructed of?
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday October 24th, 2019 7:46:49 PM
Sid studies the map and nods with Stock and Z, "Agreed, civilians and monarchy first. The revolutionary liberation from tyrannical forces that can begin afterwards will be a nice bonus. Also, Secret Doors! This just gets better and better. Hey," he says looking at the elder, "what is the name of the king? I feel that would make a good chant later."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Thursday October 24th, 2019 9:16:05 PM
Stohp has a little trouble understanding the map. Maybe something to do with the difference between underwater and on land castles.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Friday October 25th, 2019 12:22:20 PM
Dorbin keeps looking at the map, trying to help Stohp understand parts of it.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Friday October 25th, 2019 2:07:58 PM
Zanderallen is a little lost studying the map and leaves it to the smarter heads. He's confident they'll be able to direct the group where they need to get. As is his habit he checks the straps and buckles of the unfamiliar shell armor what he thinks is one last time as they prepare to head in.
DM MikeK - Eberyon, we need your help Friday October 25th, 2019 8:21:52 PM
Bartomus casts a spell. It’s a long one, so the rest of the Shields have time to peruse the map, locate the secret door Mallon spoke of, and generally get ready.
Stohp asks if the group can take the map with them, and Mallon nods vigorously.
The Shields agree on a general strategy of freeing the merpeople first, and then going after Crimson.
Micah asks about the walls. “Stone, of course,” Mallon replies. “The doors are coral, grown and groomed for their purpose.”
Bartomus finishes, and waits.
There is a swirling in water, and a green skinned male humanoid, about 3’ tall appears. He looks over at Bartomus, and begins speaking in Sylvan.
Sylvan Highlight to display spoiler: { He wants to know what it is you want him to do. And he’s looking to negotiate the price. Please note the spell description. Given the distances involved, anything you ask is likely to take at least an hour. He’s not all that excited about fighting Sahaugin directly, and so asking him to do so will require some more in price.}
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+12=26 ; Friday October 25th, 2019 10:55:36 PM In Sylvian, So, not wanting to fight, and I get that, but we need some what to protect the King and the King's family - keeping them safe. Obscure them from sight, hide them away in a safe place once freed and until we have banished the ones helping the shaugin. Also, if you could flood the area that is leaking air with water? Does that all seem like something you can do, without risking a fight with those brutes?
Bartomus waited, and looked at the creature trying to determine what type of humanoid the sudden visitor was.
Understood with the time, that should give us time to find and free folks. The proposal doesnt have him fighting Shahaugin, but trying to hide and avoid them while protecting the King and kings family. Also to flood the chamber that is releasing air bubbles. PERCEPTION - 26
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Saturday October 26th, 2019 11:57:04 AM "Ok...so if I'm reading this right, when we enter, there should be a stairway up a little way on the left. We should be able to take that all the way to the level where the King and his family are held...fairly close to one of those rooms too (K75/K76). I think we make a beeline down there. If the king isn't there, we work back up to the other room (K69)...It looks like we enter near the top (K40) and work downwards. Is anybody else seeing that?"
Micah (John) HP: 45/52 AC: 23/11/23 CMD:17 (Swim 30) Saturday October 26th, 2019 9:31:25 PM
While bart is casting. Micah uses the time to pray for a new spell or two.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Sunday October 27th, 2019 10:29:21 AM
Stohp nods along at Stock's explanation, though she still can't make heads or tails of the map. Hopefully the others know what they're doing.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+11=21 ; Sunday October 27th, 2019 11:34:15 AM
((Andrew looks at the map: Yep, I'm lost))
Sid looks at the map and nods thoughtfully. Trying to leverage his understanding of stories and tactical approaches he adds anything relevant to the conversation.
Knowledge(Dungeoneering); 21(To make sense of the map at least tactically)
DM MikeK - So...about this map... Sunday October 27th, 2019 6:31:05 PM
Bartomus tries to figure out what sort of creature Eberyon has sent. Knowledge Natrure DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { It’s a nixie, although it seems more toughened than your average nixie. }
“You can call me Timor. And I can’t very well tell you if I can do those things without having a look for myself. I can go out and scout on my own, but that would be part of the task. Scouting the castle and reporting back will cost 2000 gold, and then we would be able to discuss what I can and can’t do about this King and these air bubbles.
Or I could just follow along, at a safe distance, and when you got to wherever you needed me, we could bargain some more then.”
While Bartomus deals with Timor, everyone else tries to figure out the map.
It it Sid who realizes that the reference to “K40” is actually K84, sub-room 40. OOC - Sorry ‘bout that
Thus the prisoner part of this mission can be handled with just Castle Map 1 At the bottom of that map is the catacombs room, K84. Vault 40 is on the southeast corner, at the very bottom of the map. This is where the team would enter through a secret, and unmarked, door.
The bulk of the prisoners are being held on that same level, in cell rooms K74 and K75.
Only problem is, there is no direct route. The group will need to move diagonally through the catacombs to the northwest corner, and take the hall along the northern wall to K80, down the stairs to K78, up the adjacent stairs to the landing (K79). and continue up to the next level (K72).
Then through rooms K70 and K67.
Then, a choice. There are prisoners through the south door of K67 (K68 and K69)
And the rest of the prisoners are accessed through the east door of K67 (K62) The south door in K62 leads to circular stairs going back down to the lowest level (K21) and into the cells.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 d20+4=17 ; Sunday October 27th, 2019 6:44:03 PM
Bartomus had heard of the type of creature that now had appeared, "Timor, that makes a great deal of sense, actually, a scouting could be of great help to all of us. Gold it can be, or gold and gems if that works as well, yes the price seems fair to me, Timor."
Bartomus took in the creature before him, as it was one of those that he had only heard about and to actually see a nixie was something new to him. "A deal then, Timor?"
Know Nature - 17.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Sunday October 27th, 2019 8:19:39 PM
Stohp considers. "How stealthy is your new friend Bart? Can they find the patrols without alerting them?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Monday October 28th, 2019 9:49:50 AM "Good call Sid. I'm glad you could straighten me out on those map details." He then cocks his head sideways and looks at the "ally" Bart called forth. "That guy drives a hard bargain..."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Monday October 28th, 2019 11:25:21 AM
Dorbin helps to point out the route on the map and suggests the group head south to the bottom and work their way up from there.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Monday October 28th, 2019 3:28:04 PM
Zanderallen follows the route Sid lays out to get to all the prisoners. He whistles as the complexity of the raid sinks in. "That's a lot of tight spaces to maneuver through. And if the alarm ever gets raised it could mean serious trouble. We'll have to move fast and hit hard. Micah, Bart, Dorbin we might have to rely upon some of your spell casting to close off escape routes or prevent alarms. But as long as we keep the prisoners moving with us we'll have a secure point to hold at the final rescue point until reinforcements arrive."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Monday October 28th, 2019 7:43:27 PM
"I'll start forward to look for traps and guards and the like if that's alright. I'll be ready for spells and things to come over my head. Elder," he says to Mallon, "do you have anything I can use to quickly mark floors? I usually use chalk, but I'm afraid that doesn't do well with water."
DM MikeK - Moving fast and hitting hard..after we get some paint Monday October 28th, 2019 8:28:46 PM
Timor bows gracefully to Bartomus. “We have a deal. Either gold or gems will do just as well.”
With that, the nixie swims off.
Pretty much everyone notes he is not taking the secret door route, but instead swimming into the open. With one or two powerful strokes, he is out the warehouse, and gone.
Sid’s question sets Mallon to thinking, and he sends Narla off again. She returns in about ten minutes with a tube. Sid finds it contains a fluorescent goop that should meet his needs quite nicely.
Now the question becomes - Does the group wait for Timor’s return, or start off?
Micah rises from his prayers. Listening to the plans, he nods and sets off with the others. As they get close, he casts comprehend languages on Zanderallen, explaining "You will not be able to speak, but you will be able to understand any written or spoken languages. Hearing the orders of our foes may prove useful."
=============
comprehend languages 80 minute duration
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim Tuesday October 29th, 2019 9:48:01 AM "As I see it there is no need to hurry. I think we wait for Bart's friend to rejoin us and then we go."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Tuesday October 29th, 2019 12:36:56 PM
Dorbin nods to Stock in agreement, his mind elsewhere.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 52/52 AC: 19; Melee +7;Perc+12;Heal+9 Tuesday October 29th, 2019 3:46:54 PM
Bartomus nodded and watched Timor head off at a quick pace. He turned when asked about Timor alerting the guards, and realized that was a really good question, but whe he turned about Timor was well on his way and shouting after him would probably do the thing that underlied their concerns. "Well, now we hope that Eberyon knows better than us in choosing who to help us. I think we can count on the King of the Fey when it comes to helping his watery own."
Bartomus turned to Mallon, "how long will it take for us to use this secret tunnel into the palace? Also, should we await Narla's return?"
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday October 29th, 2019 6:32:03 PM
When Narla gets back Sid smiles and gratefully takes it and gets a little on his finger and marks the floor. "Very good thank you. Now, are we ready?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Tuesday October 29th, 2019 7:30:04 PM
Stohp is all ready to go but with Stock's suggestion she settles back down to wait.
DM MikeK - Now, are we ready? Tuesday October 29th, 2019 8:54:31 PM
Most of the Shields decide to wait for Timor’s return.
Bartomus asks about Narla, but she had already returned with the fluorescent goo stick for Sid.
The taur also asks about the distance to the castle.
Mallon answers. “From this wall, the corridor to the chamber in the lower catacombs is about 600 feet.”
Micah prepares to cast a spell on Zanderallen, but holds off for now.
Another hour passes, and then Timor returns. He swims up to Bartomus and reports in Sylvian. DM assumes the taur translates for his friends
“So, this bubble area (K10-K12) is some kind of plant lab, with a halfling in it. I can drown him, no problem.
The ones up here (K49 and K50, Castle Map 3), there’s a human and five or six Deep Ones. Deep Ones breathe water or air, and most are a match for me.
Not much I can do for the King, either. He and the merfolk nobility are held in these cells here (K69). And this room (K67) has another five Deep Ones guards.
Also, up here (no map yet, but the level above Castle Map 3) is a really big, really old Deep One with a merfolk girl chained to a table. He’s got some others with him, and looks like they’re getting ready to do something that is probably not good.”
Knowledge Nature DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Deep One - an aquatic monstrous humanoid with an ability to use wands easily. They also get bigger as they age...and they’re immortal..so, well, they can get awfully big.}
If the group tells Timor they don’t want to drown the halfling Highlight to display spoiler: { Timor volunteers that he can get the halfling out and to the surface - for another 500 gp }
Stock (JonM) HP: 88/88; AC: 24/21/15; DR 1/-; CMB: 12; CMD: 27; Rage: 18/22; 30 ft. Swim d20+7=16 ; Wednesday October 30th, 2019 9:56:06 AM "That halfling would be Briardoc. He is a hostage in this situation and technically our ally. Don't drown him; although we'll have to find a way to get him to the surface eventually.
I've heard of those Deep Ones. They breathe air or water if you believe it. I had a children's book when I was growing up that showed a picture of one holding two wands.
Thank you for your scouting, Timor. To me it seems we beeline for the king."
======== Knowledge Nature 16
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 76/88 AC: 23 T: 13 FF: 23 CMD: 22 Swim: 30 Wednesday October 30th, 2019 12:26:08 PM
Zanderallen pulls out 500 gp and offers them to Bart to give Timor as well as translate, "Get the halfling out of there, on the surface near straight above us should be a giant turtle with a human riding it's back. Drop the halfling off with him."
Hearing the rest of the report Zander motions to Sid to get moving. "You heard Timor, we've got a girl, maybe a princess, they're probably getting ready to ritually sacrifice or something. We got to move. Secure the hostages then take out the big Deep One. I will have to reserve some of Domi's judgement for him."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:53/53 CMD:16 Swim: 60] Wednesday October 30th, 2019 3:34:37 PM
Dorbin agrees with Zander, "We should probably see to the princess first, though I'd really like to free up some backup to help us."
Micah (John) HP: 45/52 AC: 23/11/23 CMD:17 (Swim 30) Wednesday October 30th, 2019 3:40:56 PM "what are these deep ones?" asks Micah, through Bart if necessary. "You say they are a match for you. Can you tell us what there abilities and weaknesses are?" He turns to the others, "Are these deep ones, the Sahuagin allies?"
Again, he asks, "Any idea what would motivate them to ally with the Sahaugin?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) swim speed 30 Wednesday October 30th, 2019 6:35:37 PM "We might have it backwards, perhaps the Sahagin have been made to serve the Deep ones. They sound powerful enough to possibly be the ones in charge of this whole thing."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Wednesday October 30th, 2019 8:00:59 PM
"Still, sounds like the order of operations is Baridoc, King, Princess. I feel both rage and insult that he's chained her up. Unfortunately I don't think we'll be quiet enough to take him out, but I feel we have the right of it now yes?"
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