DM MikeK - The Tower Monday January 4th, 2021 8:00:54 PM
Micah heals Stock. The dwarf can also use Bartomus' potions if he wants, but it doesn't seem necessary.
Sid looks around for wasps, perhaps fearing that all of the exhibits were freed at the downing of the trolls' wall. While admittedly a great idea, it seems Caerylon didn't think of it. No other creatures can be seen moving about.
Stock wonders about what they may have been infected with, and Zanderallen and Micah fill him in. The disease takes about a day to kick in, meaning the Shields should have time to finish what they are doing and still get healed.
The group returns to the center building, and again ascends the iron staircase to the top of the tower.
Again, on the north side of the tower (ie - facing towards the portal from which the group entered this plane) stands a stone pedestal, 4’ high and 2’ in diameter. On the top of the pedestal is inscribed a plus sign, with the High Woldian symbol of Caeroldra at its center. The disk Sid is carrying looks like it would fit quite nicely into this space.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Tuesday January 5th, 2021 8:15:58 AM
Stohp tries to remember what all the exhibits were. It was listed somewhere right? She consults said list if it exists to help them decide what to release and what to purge.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Tuesday January 5th, 2021 10:13:36 AM "But, don't we have some avatar running loose? Or, do we just purge the hornets, trolls, and such and worry about them as this all collapses?" Bartomus asked as they looked out on the various buildings. "Also, is it like instant? The minute we take care of all of this, we run like rabbits to get out and back to the Float?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Tuesday January 5th, 2021 10:41:02 AM "If I remember right, the options are: Right - Destroys all exhibits. Left - Return exhibits to individual collection points. Top - Release exhibits into zoo Bottom - Dump exhibits into City.
My preference? Probably destroy all exhibits and head back out. If you guys want to return exhibits to collection point though, I can go along with it."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 91/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Tuesday January 5th, 2021 12:22:26 PM "I believe one of the papers listed out the exhibits. Release exhibits into the zoo and dump exhibits into City but end up with a horde of creatures on Lakeview. So neither of those is an option. I would feel alright returning some of the creatures to their collection points but the only choice is all or nothing. And some of these exhibits are way too dangerous. The bloodgrass changed the Wold the first time it got out, there is no way we can let it out a second time. I think my vote must be to destroy the exhibits and then we make a run for the portal.", Zanderallen is grim as he makes his statement. ----------------- A - Tall Men-Sargrass..........B - Empty C - Wasp-Great Prairie........D - Winter Wolves-Ice Vein E- Dragon Turtle-Turtle Lake...F - Clockwork Automatons-Plateau City
"I am inclined to destroy the exhibits," agrees Micah. "However, I am concerned that there might be some ramifications from destroying an avatar. Does anyone have any knowledge about the potential impact of such an act?"
The priest then takes a moment to inspect the health of the others. Seeing that Zanderallen is bit scratched up, more so than Stock, he uses the wand on the paladin. Satisfied that nothing else is too serious, he does no further healing.
=========== Knowledge religion 35 should it be relevant to the avatar question. Cure Zanderallen for 8 hit points. One charge of the CLW used.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday January 5th, 2021 6:35:39 PM
"Well, I don't like the idea of just destroying them, but if the rest of the exhibits are infected it might be the only recourse." As he talks Sid gets his eyes open and looks about for any sign that any of the traps reset.
DM MikeK - Decisions, decisions. Tuesday January 5th, 2021 6:54:03 PM
The Shields discuss options and repercussions at the top of the tower.
Stohp tries to recall what the exhibits contained. Zanderallen replies with the list from the scroll.
Stock also reminds everyone of the options.
Micah finishes off healing the party.
Everyone offers ideas, and wonders about ramifications.
Sid wonders if traps have reset, but the only trap involved the Stone Golems. And they are still smashed.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Wednesday January 6th, 2021 6:55:17 AM "Guys, you're missing an obvious solution. We can either manually destroy the exhibits we don't want to release before releasing all the rest to their point of origin or we can go manually release what we don't want to destroy before destroying the rest."
She looks over the list. "Most of these are native to their homelands and releasing them back shouldn't cause any more devastation then the rest of their kind. The only one I'm super concerned about sending back is the blood trolls. We released and fought those, and though they may regenerate hitting destroy has no guarantee of taking them out now that they aren't in the status spell. Are there any others that would be super dangerous if sent back where they came from?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Wednesday January 6th, 2021 10:34:57 AM "I disagree Stohp. I mean Rakshasa? Kraken? and Clockwork Automatons are native to some wizard somewhere. I'm not sure we can actually destroy those manually. There are two more options:
1. Somehow destroy the gate out of here to The Float. That way the exhibits are trapped here. 2. Hand over the place to The Float and have them deal with it. We've made it 'stable', they can do the legwork and take any risk in dealing with the exhibits."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Wednesday January 6th, 2021 11:41:10 AM
Zanderallen ponders the implications of their actions, "But even if they were native when they were captured, are they still native? I have no clue how long ago some of these creatures may have been taken, and the Wold has changed. Imagine if somebody turned a dial and the Crying Woods went back to how they were before the Sargrass Cataclysm. The beastfolk and lizardfolk would be wiped out in an instant. And the Float is in Turtle Lake, I'm not so sure how a dragon turtle would react to being released from stasis. As for the additional options, it seems that Caeroldra for reasons unknown made the Float the dumping grounds for this plane. I don't know what it would take to change something created by her as it collapses. I'm not keen to pass responsibility back to the council, we were brought to deal with the problem. But I am open to options, I don't relish the thought of destroying everything."
"Stohp's suggestion has some merit," offers Micah, "But even with better tactics, I am concerned that some of those specimens may be too much for us. I also wonder about the aquatic species. Are they in some type of aquarium or suspended in a dry exhibit?"
He paces a moment before considering, "As much as I dislike it, I do not see a safe way to save some, but not all, of them."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Wednesday January 6th, 2021 6:11:30 PM
"Well, I'll go with the group, but Kraken's, at least in the stories, are no joke. Can we send some of them home or is it all or none?"
DM MikeK - What to do, what to do Wednesday January 6th, 2021 7:15:45 PM
The Shields continue to debate the problem before them.
Destroy the exhibits? Release the exhibits? Perhaps a little of each?
Stock states the place is 'stable', but one look to the north confirms that it is not. As they watch, more of the first two buildings tumble into nothingness.
No, this plane is clearly collapsing, and presumably, each exhibit so released will follow the example of the Tall Men, and end up on the streets of the Fence Level.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Wednesday January 6th, 2021 7:58:04 PM "Send them all to the void, it's more humane having this thing do it than us trying to figure out the way to do it battle by battle in and about the Float," Bartomus said. His mind was set and made up. "We can't save them. We can't and this bubble is collapsing. I say we do the least terrible option and then make our way down through this - grab things from Caerolda's collection of artifacts below and give those to the Paragon to figure out what to do. THEN WE RUN!"
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Wednesday January 6th, 2021 8:00:05 PM
Watching the buildings crumble Sid does some roughmath on how long might be left, pulling out quill and paper. "One moment guys."
Knowledge(Engineering):Taking 10 = 20((For rate of planar decay))
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Thursday January 7th, 2021 6:29:25 AM "Fine, most of them are wild animals or dangerous monsters and we can destroy them but I see no reason we can't go free this Aisildur guy first. Fey King Avatar sounds like a high ranking priest or something and killing him just because he's in the same prison as the other creatures would be wrong."
[link hre"[f="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-MlAFslu6hFyE90EbI0hAU9ZlSoSrnMLQw5IUCeWzTk"]Micah[/link] (John) HP: 90/90 AC: 27/12/27 CMD:20 Thursday January 7th, 2021 8:46:56 AM
Agreed," replies Micah when Stohp mentions the avatar. "It appears there is no longer a custodian, so let us retrieve the items of power here and go visit the avatar exhibit. On the way, I would like to look at one of the aquatic exhibits to see how they are housed." Micah then heads down, renews his detect magic and heads toward the magic items they initially left alone.
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:10:57 AM "Agreed" Stock takes the lead heading back towards the Kraken exhibit which seems to be close to the Fey King's Avatar.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Thursday January 7th, 2021 2:16:25 PM "That seems like a reasonable compromise, let us see this fey avatar. Then we will purge this place and leave before the entire thing comes crashing down on our heads." Zanderallen helps collect any items and joins the others heading down the avenue.
Sid eyes the edge of the collapsing plane, finds some paper, and does some figuring. When he's done, he figures that the slowly collapsing plane will reach the next set of buildings in two days, and then another set every two days after that.
the rest of the Shields compromise on first gathering up some goodies, finding out how the kraken is actually being held, and then investigating the avatar.
The group makes their way down the stairwell and into the museusm area, where Micah recalls finding three magic items earlier. His Detect Magic locates them again.
In one case lie a pair of iron rings, each about 18 inches in diameter. In an adjacent case is a hollow mithral tube about 1 foot long. Next to the tube is a folded piece of some kind of silken cloth.
The party proceeds southward, and enters the Kraken exhibit. Like the other buildings, the walkway surrounds an interior yard 120' square. Unlike the other exhibits, the floor has been dug out to a depth of 15'. Adding another 10' to the ceiling gives the enclosure a total area 120 x 120 x 25.
And its all full of water. No one can see an type of fencing or anything. By any logic, the water should be flowing right out of the place. But, its not. Its just a wall of clear blue water on the interior side of the walkway.
The enclosure is also full of one extremely large squid, with odd markings and malevolent eyes that are unsettling to look on. 120 x 120 x 25 is a large space, and this thing pretty much fills it.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:09:11 PM "Ok, we've seen it...can we just leave it be? I mean, not sure having that in the Lake would be in anyone's interest. Though does it say anywhere where it was from? I mean if it is from some far off ocean?" Bartomus shrugged as he asked.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:20:55 PM
"No one throw anything at it. Remember the magic seems to shatter easily."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Friday January 8th, 2021 12:29:01 AM "Or touch it. Or breath to hard in it's direction." Stohp adds.
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Friday January 8th, 2021 10:21:08 AM
Stock was just inching forward to touch the water out of curiosity but then subtly pulls his hand back when the others point out the danger.
"Those eyes are unsettling. Yep. I've seen enough. Let's see this Avatar...strange how this feels like sightseeing all of a sudden..."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Friday January 8th, 2021 12:01:18 PM
The scale of everything in this place has been bothering Zanderallen since they arrived. Seeing a creature that matches the scale of the buildings up close visibly upsets him. "The kraken is listed as coming from Rum City. I would hate for that to reappear in the main square. That is frankly terrifying." Zanderallen shudders a little and fights back a flash of panic as he looks at the Kraken. Memories of the deep ones and his death threatening to overwhelm him. With a few deep breathes he leaves the enclosure, ready to see the fey avatar.
Micah stares in awe at the Kraken. When Bartomus suggests they leave, he readily agrees.
"Catching alive is even more difficult than slaying. Imagine the power of who caught this," he comments as they walk away, unable to keep looking over his shoulder as they do so.
As they walk, he comments, "Something about this exhibit does not seem right. It does not make sense that the containment field should be so easily broken. It seems entirely to unstable and dangerous."
DM MikeK - The Avatar Saturday January 9th, 2021 10:47:52 AM
The Shields decide its best to let sleeping kraken lie, and make their way to the avatar exhibit.
Along the way, Micah wonders about fragility of the containment field. No answers seem immediately available.
The sign outside the avatar exhibit reads: Fey King Avatar - Aisildur
The building is identical to the rest.
Inside the interior courtyard has been altered so that all the edges gradually slope upward toward the center, forming a hillock in the middle of the space roughly on the same elevation as the walkway.
Standing on that hillock is a creature with a humanoid torso, head and arms. At it's waist, it is joined to a spider's body. The spider portion is large, about 10' across. But the lines is sleek and graceful, reminiscent of a black widow's body, while upper torso is a beautiful female with a sylvan face and long raven hair.
The spider's front two legs are raised, and the avatar's arms positioned as if in the midst of casting a spell.
Her expression can only be described as enraged - brows creased, eyes flashing, and lips pulled back in anger, revealing sharp fangs in her mouth.
As with the other exhibits, the creature isn't moving. And the party makes out the now familiar distortion of the field on the interior side of the walkway.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Saturday January 9th, 2021 7:50:25 PM "Aisildur," Bartomus read the name aloud and stood looking at the creature. She was a combination of beauty and fear as he was not a fan of spiders let alone spiders bigger across than he was tall. He walked to the side to get a better look and tried to figure out how she was an avatar of Eberyon.
"Um folks, so if she is an avatar of Eberyon, I kinda feel we need to figure out why she was imprisoned in this place. Not going to have the time needed to figure this out, but I gotta think that my lord Eberyon would want his avatar purged by one of his own."
The Taur paused for a bit and walked to where he could look at the trapped avatar from the side. "Remember when we were trying to save the princess under the lake? Eberyon lent us an ally. Could I call on an ally and ask them to get some insight from him?'
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Sunday January 10th, 2021 11:04:57 PM "My assumption is that they were imprisoned just because it was the builder's passion to capture rare creatures and what's rarer then a spider lady serving Eberyon? Perhaps we shouldn't all be in the same room. A large group of heavily armed people surrounding her could lead to a fight I'd rather avoid, especially since she looks so angry and probably last remembers the fight leading to her capture."
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used d20+2=21 ; Monday January 11th, 2021 9:09:34 AM
"Bartomus - Somehow I believe you should be in the first rank to help talk this lady down. Maybe Micah as well? I'll stand off to the side."
Stock will move off to the side about 60' and look for a place to stay out of sight.
========= Stealth 21
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Monday January 11th, 2021 10:25:07 AM
At the sight of the avatar Zanderallen almost reflexively enters a combat stance. Remembering the stasis effect he relaxes slightly but is still on edge. He holds up a hand to the others, "Bart, I know you esteem Eberyon but I must caution there was a time when he was quite dangerous. And even now he is still the fey king. Avatars often represent an aspect of the entity, if she represents the wrong aspect breaking her out of stasis could be a death sentence for all of us. I suspect the stasis effect will block my divine sense but I will give it a try." Zanderallen looks for a spot to get within 60 feet of the avatar without breaking the line around the exhibit. If he can he then uses Detect Evil focusing on the avatar.
Micah stares a moment at the immobilized avatar. He starts to raise his shield in a defensive posture before checking himself and bringing it back to resting position.
He turns to the druid, "Bartomus, I am all for more information. I think asking for it now is a good idea. I I must admit: in the absence of any further information though, I am inclined to destroy this thing while we have the chance."
Also, did Micah's 35 knowledge religion check on January 5 reveal anything about avatars.
DM MikeK - I'll stand off to the side Monday January 11th, 2021 8:02:57 PM
Bartomus is conflicted, and asks if the others think his Planar Ally spell would be helpful in figuring out why this creature is here.
Stohp and Stock offer their thoughts.
Zanderallen moves up as close as he can to the field, and detects for evil. He finds none.
Micah seconds Bartomus' idea. The cleric also thinks back on his lessons. The Fey King spent eons locked away by Maab, only to emerge a few decades ago. He made a serious attempt to turn the Wold into a land where chaos reigned, by sending out avatars of himself to wreak havoc on those places where nature did not run free. The avatars, and the King himself, were ultimately defeated by the Woldian heros of the time.
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Tuesday January 12th, 2021 7:37:04 AM
Stock stays in cover, waiting to see what happens. While he's waiting he quietly pulls out a potion from his bag but holds on to it for now.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Tuesday January 12th, 2021 7:45:56 AM "How about one diplomat and myself talk to her. They talk her down, I restrain her if necessary." Stohp suggests.
Micah (John) HP: 90/90 AC: 27/12/27 CMD:20 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 11:04:17 AM
Something had been bothering Micah with the mention of a Fey King avatar, but it wasn't until he saw it for himself that he remembered what it was. With an involuntary reflex of shock, he explains to the others, "The Fey King spent eons locked away by Maab, only to emerge a few decades ago. He made a serious attempt to turn the Wold into a land where chaos reigned by sending out avatars of himself to wreak havoc on those places where nature did not run free. This is obviously one of those avatars."
He pauses for emphasis, [b]"This one needs to be destroyed, not talked to." He then backs away, not wanting to disrupt its containment.
"Here is my proposal. It occurred to me that this is a rare opportunity to see some rare and dangerous beings without me using up all my wands on Stock,. He continues without hesitation and no outward change in expression, "I would like to take a look at each one--carefully. Then I say we go back and destroy them all."
If he receives no objection, he quickly heads toward the next exhibit.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 11:27:35 AM
Zanderallen clutches his sword hilt and also backs away at Micah's words, "So you're telling us this thing was created to destroy cities? Let's hope Caeroldra was thorough with the purging spell. This seals the deal on purging this place. This avatar is certainly above our weight class and if it gets out it's bad. Since we have time before things collapse I'm alright with seeing the other creatures here." Zanderallen doesn't take his hand off his sword until everyone is out of the building.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) d20+12=17 ; d20+17=30 ; Tuesday January 12th, 2021 5:00:45 PM
Sid compares his knowledge of the Float and his knowledge of history to what others have been saying to see if what Micah is saying sounds right.
DM MikeK - a rare opportunity. Tuesday January 12th, 2021 8:31:08 PM
Stock and Stohp are ready to go ahead with talking down this avatar, but Micah recalls some unsettling facts about it.
Sid's recollection matches Micah's.
Both Zanderallen and Micah opt for visiting the other sites, but then returning to the tower to destroy exhibits.
Bartomus is lost in his thoughts.
While the taur considers, the group moves to the exhibit opposite the avatar.
The sign for this exhibit reads "Treants - Culverwood"
The central area here has been dug down 20'. Huge tree trunks run floor to ceiling, forming a half circle.
Inside that stand six tree-like figures, each somewhat resembling a different kind of tree. Even in a 20' hole, their heads nearly touch the ceiling. All face the entryway, as if surprised by the party's entrance.
None, of course, are actually moving.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday January 12th, 2021 8:59:07 PM
"Yeah, I have to go with Micah on this one. The trolls were bad enough, but they are really just icing on the cake. It's not like we have any enemies to dump them on either."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Tuesday January 12th, 2021 11:32:37 PM
He followed along, truly lost in the thought of what made sense regarding Eberyon. He recalled being told that the Fey King was not always considered being on the side of what people would say was "good." However, his patron was always helpful to him and Bartomus used his help for what he thought was a better purpose. He pondered and followed the Shields to the next exhibit.
This was a pit filled with Treants. Creatures of the forest held in frozen silence. He just couldn't see purging all of these creatures. He stepped back and and asked if anyone knew where Culverwood might be in relationship to the Lake and the Float.
Then he cast his spell asking for Eberyon to send him an ally in this strangest of places. He offered two gems worth well over five hundred gold for the summoning and two others of equal value for the task he had in mind. "Eberyon, I an ally to request of you directly, how might we release your Avatar and these Treants to a place where they would do no harm to the Float, the Lake and the communities associated with the Shields or else they face a purging into the darkness."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Wednesday January 13th, 2021 4:21:43 AM "Did they detect as evil? If not then they are not malicious, merely servants of their god. A god who has changed his viewpoint considerably since his return. Besides which, we don't know when this avatar was captured. Eberyon was freed a long while back and surely has avatars beyond the ones summoned to attack and destroy cities."
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:16:56 AM
Stock's attention starts to waver and he strolls around the avatar's cage, examining it and thinking on their current position. He sees the gems Bart pulls out and his eyes raise a bit. He wanders over to see what is going on and eyes the spaces to the side a bit unwarily, waiting to see what just happened.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Wednesday January 13th, 2021 12:21:40 PM "Stohp, I did not sense any evil. But I have no idea how a stasis field would affect such an attempt. Let us see what Bartomus' questioning yields." Zanderallen stands respectfully to the side as Bart summons a fey creature to answer his questions. He gazes in wonder at the Treants, wondering how they would respond to the changes in the Crying Woods.
Micah stares in wonder at the treants. "A shame," he mumbles to himself as he considers what they are about to do.
He considers Zanderallen's information about not detecting evil.
================ Knowledge Arcana 21 to determine if the stasis field would prevent evil auras from being present.
DM MikeK - Planar Ally Wednesday January 13th, 2021 7:09:14 PM
Bartomus casts his spell. A ball of light appears, as was somewhat expected. Then, it just hangs there, which was not expected.
The druid is left to wonder if something has gone wrong. There is supposed to be something coming out of that ball.
Seconds pass, then nearly a minute.
Finally, a voice comes out of the light. "Did you say an avatar? And purging?"
Another pause. "Move over. No. No, you get over there. I'm taking this one."
A very small man steps out of the light, and stands in mid-air. He's about a foot tall, and is wearing an all brown, three piece suit with long coattails, and a brown derby. He takes in Bartomus, then the rest of the party, then the treants. A puzzled expression builds on his small features as he takes in each group.
"A game perhaps? I'm seeing treants, but I'm not seeing an avatar. Is this a game? Costs a lot to play, apparently. And what's this about getting purged?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Wednesday January 13th, 2021 10:24:51 PM
Stohp just points behind the creature to indicate said Avatar. She lets Bart do any talking.
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Thursday January 14th, 2021 9:06:23 AM
When the gems vanish, Stock just sighs and shakes his head mumbling, "I'm glad I don't have to do that..."
He walks around the short man, inspecting him and nodding at his patrician bearing.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:02:30 AM
Bartomus watched in confusion as the light appeared, and the nothing but well an orb, and then it seemed there was a bit arguing.
Then a small man was hovering in the air in front of him and quickly identified the treants and was a bit puzzled as to the nature of his summons.
"We need to take a bit of a walk and as we do so, could we maybe update you on the situation we have encountered here. I may need Micah or Zander to add details, but, the summons made, the offer accepted, now, let us show you are dilemma." Bartomus pointed to the Treants and then turned walking back to the Fey King's captured avatar.
As he walked, he quickly gave a summary of their situation to date and approaching the exhibit of Aisildur he paused. "As a follower of the Fey King, who has aided me and them a few times in our endeavors, I do not feel comfortably with the option of just purging one of his avatar into the void consuming this place. NOR, do I feel that we can release all of these creatures into our area of the Wold, or any where there are inhabitants that could be harmed by a few of these others. Purging the blood infected trolls, and the hornets, I have no problem with at all."
There was a tone of ice to Bartomus' voice when he expressed his feelings regarding the trolls and hornets.
"Do you all want to add to this situation to our good friend here, oh I am sorry, I am Bartomus, member of the The Shields of the Float, druid of the Fey order, and you are whom?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:30:14 AM
Zanderallen walks alongside Bart as the taur talks to the fairy. He feels no need to offer more unless the fairy asks any questions. Even with as big of heroes as they had become, this place was making him feel quite small. Probably was good for him, he thought.
Micah extends his hand to Bartomus indicating his approval of how the taur is proceeding. He then walks along to observe the reaction to the avatar exhibit.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:31:29 PM
Sid just stands back and watches things unfold as he keeps an eye out. I mean, someone has to be paranoid, he thinks.
DM MikeK - Robin Goodfellow Thursday January 14th, 2021 7:27:04 PM
Stock performs an inspection of the little man, eliciting a raised eyebrow and knowing smirk from the fellow.
Stohp, Zanderallen, and Micah defer to Bartomus.
Sid keeps an eye out, but sees nothing approaching.
As Bart starts walking and telling his tale, the fairy floats up so that he is at eye level with the taur. From this height, he circles once around Stock, changing his gait into a remarkably good imitiation of the dwarf, and then nodding soberly, before breaking into a giggle and rejoining Bart.
The group is off. "Some call me Robin Goodfellow," he replies to Bart's question. "It's a good name, so let's use it."
It is a short walk to the Avatar exhibit. Bart is just finishing up explaining the situation, as they arrive. The fairy shoots ahead into the building, and returns just as quickly, with a somewhat incredulous look.
"Well give me a copper and call me loaded, it really is Ebeyron's avatar. His Majesty is gonna be tickled when he sees this."
Hands on hips, he hovers in front of Bart. "Well, Shield Bartomus of the Fey Order, that was some right smart thinking calling for aid on this one. I'll take the Avatar home, and throw in the treants as well. And, I'll see to it your name comes up a time or two at the court. Oh, you can keep these."
The fairy negligently waves a hand, and the gemstones Bart used reappear in his hand.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:42:10 PM
They had walked about and when Robin Goodfellow flew away as they approached the building with the avatar, Bartomus shook his head. He sighed and before he really could do anything more, Robin Goodfellow was hovering about him eye to eye.
Bartomus began to grin as the fairy's formality on his name was said aloud. When the gemstones reappeared in his hand his grin froze.
"Master Goodfellow, so we do have a bargain still even with the return of the full payment? Also, there is no place that the kraken could go, some far off sea with warm tides no boats or folk of foot, hoof, fin or tail?" Bartomus smiled did not change and he held the eyes of the fairy. He continued without hesitation or any sign of worry or concern. "Also, you do me a great honor bringing my name up to the Court, of course, I will be certain to that we share with all that Eberyon and Master Goodfellow were kind enough to aid our efforts, assuming, of course, the Lady Aisildur here, the treants back there, and if the kraken is also removed, they do no harm to the folk of foot, hoof, fin, tail or feather especially about the Lake, Float and their surrounds."
He shifted the gems into his left hand and raised his right out towards Master Goodfellow. "A bargain do we have in your name and that of the Good King of all the Fey?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Friday January 15th, 2021 9:28:28 AM
Stock smiles at the little man and mutters to Sid in Dwarven, "I like him." Situation resolved, he begins thinking through the remaining items -
-Dispose of the remaining exhibits -Head back to the Float -Inform the Powers that Be and probably get a guard placed on this gate -...there probably won't be any ongoing problems coming from this will there?...
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 d20+17=22 ; Friday January 15th, 2021 11:35:10 AM
Zanderallen is pleased with Goodfellow's proposal. Not angering an Immortal Power always ranked high on his list of priorities. He would have to congratulate Bart on his good idea. He doesn't trust the fey emissary entirely though and gives serious attention to his reaction about the kraken. ------------------ Sense Motive 22
Micah is impressed by the outcome of Bartomus' strategem and waits calmy while the discussion continues.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Friday January 15th, 2021 9:22:47 PM
Sid nods appreciatively at the goings-on and keeps quiet, still keeping an eye out.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Saturday January 16th, 2021 7:20:11 AM
Well problem solved.
DM MikeK - Robin Goodfellow Saturday January 16th, 2021 3:29:13 PM
The fairy's reaction to Bartomus holding out the gems for his new bargain is to purse his lips and regard the taur with an air of disappointment.
"You're not quite connecting the dots here, are you?"
Goodfellow holds up a finger, and disappears. Moments later, he reappears.
"Cards up, Shield Bartomus. I'm not who you were supposed to get with that spell of yours. I'm not really the type that gets summoned, or bought. I'm sorta the right hand man to their majesties. I saw your spell, heard about this avatar, and kinda sorta took your spell over to see for myself.
Meaning, I don't need your gems. I got gems out the wazoo. I got so many gems, even that dwarf would be going like 'man, you really need that many gems?'.
You found this avatar, and asked us to save it. That's a really, really, REALLY big deal. Seriously well done.
As your reward, I will take all the locked up plants and animals with me. That's everything here EXCEPT the giants, the automatons, and the rakshasa." He shudders theatrically at the mention of the last group.
"Nasty people. Oughtta stay on their own plane. Really."
He looks up, open palms toward Bart.
"So, we're good? I get to take the avatar home. You 'save' some of these creatures. Nobody gives anybody any gems. Yes?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Saturday January 16th, 2021 11:10:47 PM "Well we certainly have both an understanding and deal Master Goodfellow,'" Bartomus said with a warm smile and extended his hand out to the fey royal. "Very grateful that you responded Lord .Goodfellow and thank you for your help."
Bartomus then executed a deep bow and held if for a few seconds then stood back up.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Sunday January 17th, 2021 4:38:43 PM
Stohp mirror's Bart's bow in thanks to the fey.
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Monday January 18th, 2021 8:59:21 AM
Stock is still imagining how many gems the guy must have if he thinks Stock would be questioning their need...and then he notices the fey is leaving.
"Thanks Rob. Appreciate the help." Then, to the other Shields, "So now we dispose of the rest of the monsters?"
Micah (John) HP: 90/90 AC: 27/12/27 CMD:20 Monday January 18th, 2021 11:28:29 AM
Micah nods his head respectfully as Goodfellow departs.
He then turns to the taur, "Well done, Bartomus, an excellent resolution to our dilemma."
"I would say so," he replies to Stock as the priest starts back to the central building. "I assume Robin Goodfellow will be acting soon, so we will not have to wait on him."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Monday January 18th, 2021 1:54:55 PM
Zanderallen considers for a moment who this fey must be, and decides to bow respectfully as he departs, "Bartomus, that was a marvelously good idea. Too many more of those and you'll be able to put the Sage's guild out of the advising business. Nothing left here put to purge the undesirables." Zanderallen gives Bart a hearty clap on the shoulder, of as near to it as he can reach and flashes him a big grin before heading off to the center tower. He looks forward to getting out of this place and back home.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Monday January 18th, 2021 6:28:26 PM
"Z 'purge' is a bit of a nasty word, but I think it is apt. Once his lordship is done with the avatar and such we should burn it down and head home, in whatever order is needed." Sid looks out at the slowly crumbling plane. "Shame about it all. Lovely place."
DM MikeK - To the Tower! Monday January 18th, 2021 7:00:13 PM
Everybody is in agreement with Robin Goodfellow's plan.
"Fantastic." The small man gives Bart a lazy salute. "It's been a slice."
With that, he is gone. Should the Shields choose to look in on the avatar exhibit, they'll see she is gone, too.
Checking in on other exhibits on the way back to the central building will reveal the kraken and the other flora and fauna are gone as well.
Which just leaves the Shields again at the top of the tower, with a key, and a choice.
Right - Destroys all exhibits. Left - Return exhibits to individual collection points. Top - Release exhibits into zoo Bottom - Dump exhibits into City.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Monday January 18th, 2021 11:48:13 PM
As they made the climb back up to the top of the tower, Bartomus asked. "So now what makes the most sense? Release them all into the zoo or purge it all? And does that include this tower and building?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Tuesday January 19th, 2021 7:49:38 AM "Releasing them into the zoo is just releasing them into the float. Purge the rest as previously discussed, they're either dangerous monsters or mindless automaton."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:28:55 AM "Let's make sure and grab anything we desire from the rest of the tower. When we turn the dial there's no telling what may happen. This place is already unstable and falling apart. Releasing whatever magic is stored here may accelerate the process. We might need to be ready to make a dash back for the Lakeview portal. Is everyone ready?" Zanderallen looks around a little nervously, slightly worried about a control device created by the goddess of passion.
Micah starts to speak when Zanderallen voices the very concerns he had.
He then returns to the main chambers to start the process of gathering anything they wish to reclaim from the building before departing. He focuses on the scrolls located in the magical laboratory and any other written material rather than any of the many art objects in the main display room. He checks to make sure the Shields have taken any of the magical items.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Tuesday January 19th, 2021 5:44:31 PM
Sid will take his time making sure that all of the goodies go with them. "Not the best outcome and not the worst," he mutters to himself as he also makes sure that they aren't missing something.
Perception:(Taking 20) 36
DM MikeK - Is everyone ready? Tuesday January 19th, 2021 7:14:47 PM
Micah and Sid give the laboratory, the museum, and the living quarters a thorough going over.
Between the two, they gather up the reading materials, magic items, and portable valuables. DM will provide a list later
The group reassembles at the top of the tower, with pretty much only one thing left to do.....
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Tuesday January 19th, 2021 11:01:11 PM
Stohp is ready to do this. Press the button!
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 12:38:17 AM
Bartomus ran down and grabbed the well carved stone head and one of the hands of the finer of the two sculptures and the items in the glass case that were the symbols of the dead god. He tucked them into a large sack and carried them over his shoulder climbing back up to top of the tower. "Ready to leave all of this."
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Wednesday January 20th, 2021 8:58:36 AM "There's something sadly final about the feeling of all of this. After all, we're going to close the door to this plane and it will fall away into nothingness...Anyway. Let's push the button." Stock gets a good position on the balcony to watch it happen.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 12:07:09 PM "This place is such a good picture of Caeroldra, passion without restraint. Very beautiful but without proper restraint. Let us give this place it's proper send off." Zanderallen is ready to go, prepared to help everyone make a dash for the exit if things start to go south.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Wednesday January 20th, 2021 5:03:33 PM
Sid nods at Z's words and looks out over the scene as just a little bit of the edge in the far distance crumbles., "One of my favorite poets said, 'Oh to be the wild and free and laugh like the wind in trees'. It does make me think of that. Ah such a shame."
OOC to DM: I thought Sid had the key, but he did not say he used it. I think everyone is expecting it to be activated this post.
DM MikeK - Pull the lever, Kronk! Wednesday January 20th, 2021 7:08:28 PM
The DM takes pity on the Shields, and doesn't make them go another day waiting for someone else to take an action.
After everyone has gathered up what they wish to gather up, Sid drops the keystone into the engraving on the pedestal. Immediately, the pedestal recesses in the floor, leaving a center pillar, that will now act as a lever.
Someone then shove that lever to the right.
A fiery orange/red light flashes from each of the pavilions. This is followed by a force wave that blows out all of the columns supporting the walkway. The roofs of the pavilions collapse to the ground. The wave, and the sound of the explosions reach the top of the tower like a roaring wind.
But, the effect on the tower, and the rest of this building is limited to a loud noise, and a momentary strong wind.
It passes, and the Shields are free to depart.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Wednesday January 20th, 2021 10:22:21 PM "Well, now that was anything but normal," Bartomus said as his eyes remained wide open. He headed back down the stairs looking over his shoulder to make sure others were following him. "Now we double-quick it back to home, right? We can go home now, right?"
He continued on with the others looking forward to a drink at the Ghost.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Thursday January 21st, 2021 7:24:23 AM "Yeah I guess we're done here. Lets go home."
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Thursday January 21st, 2021 9:02:06 AM "I mean it would be kind of great to have a pocket plane of our own attached to The Float. But I suppose if this one is collapsing..." He then heads out.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Thursday January 21st, 2021 12:52:36 PM
Zanderallen watches the flash and collapse of the surrounding buildings. He didn't know whether he was expecting something more or less. But it appeared to have done the job. "Ah, let's go home. Nothing left but for this place to slowly dissolve into the void."
Micah shakes his head sadly as they depart. "What a shame."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 66/66; AC: 19/16/14; CMB: 7; CMD: 22 Speed: 30ft, Swim 30ft.) Thursday January 21st, 2021 6:11:32 PM
Sid nods and retrieves the disc if possible and quietly turns to head home.
DM MikeK - Emergence Thursday January 21st, 2021 7:04:22 PM
With a last glance at the decaying plane, the Shields carry items down the boulevard, and through the portal.
The darkness of the room is all the more startling after the sunlight of the demi-plane. And it takes a few moments to remember where all this started.
The group goes through the short hallway of the run down shack, across the front room, and out the door.
Out in the street, a cadre of guardsmen more or less keep watch.
As the Shields emerge, they stir. Helmets are hurriedly fastened, weapons retrieved from a wall, belts straightened, and a couple unlucky fellows kicked awake. A corporal approaches deferentially.
"Are we good?" he asks. "Nothing else coming out?" The nervous fellow suddenly remembers other orders. "Oh, Lord Belkior placed a guard on the hovel, to make sure you weren't bothered, and guards were available in case something went wrong." He gives a worried glance at the door. "Nothing's gone wrong, right?"
"Uh, his Lordship said he'd be at the Ghost, and you're invited to join him."
-- Haul from the Admin building:
set of Ring Gates Portable Hole Chime of Interruption
Gems and Jewelry worth 50,000 gp Jewel encrusted, non-magical dagger 1000 gp
Scrolls - Various treatise on unique monsters/creatures of the Wold. If anyone reads these treatise , which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of 6 days, they provide a +2 inherent bonus to any Knowledge skill check used to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities (NOTE - Does not allow PC to use an untrained skill. Must already be able to use skill for bonus to be applicable). Multiple people can read books to gain bonus. One bonus per person (can’t read it again for an additional bonus).
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 65/76 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +12 (16 Grapple, 14 Trip, 16 Disarm) CMD: 21 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Friday January 22nd, 2021 6:17:42 AM "All clear. Nothing left in there that could be a threat. Thank you for your diligence."
Stock (JonM) HP: 106/125; AC: 23/21/14; DR 2/-; CMD: 31; Rage: 14/28 used Friday January 22nd, 2021 8:47:56 AM "Yeah, nothing to see there. We came, we saw, we almost died, we conquered." Stock chuckles as he walks out of the shack.
"That was a pretty good haul we got in there. Hope the old owner doesn't mind us cleaning it out before the plane collapses. To the Ghost?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 99/119 AC: 28 T: 13 FF: 28 CMD: 24 Friday January 22nd, 2021 12:38:00 PM
Zanderallen salutes the corporal and replies, "At ease corporal. There's nothing left of any threat, only a few old buildings falling into the void. But let's keep anybody out until the portal stone is de-activated. Good work men." Zanderallen moves to follow the other to the Ghost, curious to see what the Paragon is up to.
Micah steps through the portal and releases a sigh of relief. He smiles kindly at the soldiers. "Thank you," he says to them as they depart.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 76/76 AC 19; CMD 20 Melee +8;Perc+12;Heal+9 d8+1 Friday January 22nd, 2021 10:03:51 PM
Bartomus followed the others through the portal and came out to the guards. "Wait, wait, nothing else came out? Really? Praise be to Eberyon! Be sure to make it known that we were helped by the Fae King, ok, no really. Cause if we hadn't been, things would have been really dicey for you all."
He looked at the others and followed them along to the Ghost carrying the parts of the sculptures he had snagged.
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