Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 Monday July 18th, 2022 11:31:46 PM
(OOC: checking in)
Armalad wonders what is next for the Silver Shields.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Tuesday July 19th, 2022 7:40:13 AM
Stohp wonders if there's some way around tradition that will let them watch over Drezz one more day so he doesn't get murdered during the parade.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday July 19th, 2022 8:58:25 AM “Good luck, Drezz. Just remember- with great power comes a great ability to squash the little guy accidentally. Don’t let that be you.”
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday July 19th, 2022 1:35:19 PM “Good luck, Drezz. Just remember- with great power comes a great ability to squash the little guy accidentally. Don’t let that be you.”
DM Robert - "...but wouldn't mind a good meal down at the Ghost." Tuesday July 19th, 2022 5:35:37 PM
Bartomus is caught up in magic probabilities. Stohp is aware what the day will bring. Armalad offers to help on the long missing diary. Delia is ready to return home. Zanerallen offers congratulations and encouragement. Stock gives a bit of a warning. _______________
It's a long walk back to HQ and even this early in the morning there are people about doing last minute things before the noon promenade. Hopefully Happy will have a place at the Giggling Ghost for you to have a healthy breakfast.
As you descend...
Open air level... Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the masked young noble, Baldric Rothchild (yes he's the son of the Lord Rothchild you've come to know and love) that was not in line for any inheritance that was looking for something to do with his life. When you spoke with him he was debating to how to get chosen. At least you assume it was him, he has the same mask you saw him buy.}
Merchant level... Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the a young female wearing the same mask as Zanderallen and assume it is Pepper Plate, at least the mannerisms are the same, wandering around on the merchant level. She appears to be dragging her feet a bit and er shoulders are slumped.}
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the masked young boy, Ulrich, that you helped get into a smithing family. He's walking slowly caring a load of groceries or some such. His head is a bit in the air as if he's lost in thought. He was one whose father neglected and beat him on occasion. The mother was picked for an undercrate 10 years ago.}
Fence level... Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the two masked men that were waiting at the bottom of the stairs at the southeast tower when you were high tailing it back to the HQ with Drezz. Delia snuck up on them and surprised them. Then they asked her about giving sneaking lessons. They are hanging around the bottom of whichever stairs you happen to pick to get to the fence level.}
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You spot the masked father of that young boy that you helped get into a smithing family. The father appears to be drunk already, at this early hour. Or perhaps he is still drunk and has not yet returned home to sleep it off.}
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=17 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=23 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2022 8:39:29 PM
Bartomus was still a bit lost in his thoughts as they left the palace and walked about the open area. The sky, trees, and buildings were distracting delights to the taur.
As they moved further down into the Float, he started looking about. The merchant level was a place he did business before joining the Shields and continued to do so. One mask stood out, it matched Zanders and Bart was pretty certain its was his girlfriend, but her mannerisms were odd.
"Zander - there, your girl, I think. What's going on there?" Bartomus said and pointed at her. He also caught sight of Ulrich, it had to be him. He called out his name and waived, but wasn't certain that he heard. He hoped things were better for the younger man.
When they worked down the stairs into the Fench, two men were waiting or appeared to be waiting for them. Bartomus felt his shoulders tighten and his hand did the same on his glave.
"Delia, your fanboys are up ahead." He said, then glanced about and caught sight of the drunken father well into his cups. Bartomus sighed and shook his head. His grip only tightened on his glave out of frustration at the opportunities the man was loosing.
Missed the first perception, scored the other four.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 d20+24=35 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=26 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2022 12:32:23 AM
Armalad casts Toros Taur Try - Minotaur on both her and Joker as they move through the city
Toros Taur Try - Joker / Amalad : +1 to Perception and Intimidate 10 minutes
Armalad calls out to Baldric, "I hope you choose a better lifepath for yourself than your father did for him."
Armalad waves to Pepper.
She watches Ulrich on the merchant level and also spots Delia's fan club as well as the father of Ulrich being drunk as she nears home.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) d20=2 ; d20=9 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2022 7:34:43 AM
Stohp notes most of the people as they pass them and doesn't really care. I mean she lives here and probably sees a dozen other people she knows even through their masks so 4 or 5 more isn't worth comment.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+7=10 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=18 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2022 10:38:16 AM
Zanderallen is lost in thought as they descend the Float, barely noticing what's going on around him. His senses had been on high alert for too long. When Bart points out Pepper he snaps out of it and waves to her, stopping to chat for a moment if she has time before moving on. ------------- Perception: all missed
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday July 20th, 2022 2:04:31 PM “Good luck, Drezz. Just remember- with great power comes a great ability to squash the little guy accidentally. Don’t let that be you.”
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday July 20th, 2022 2:09:09 PM
[i]Apologies for the double posts. I’m on vacation with spotty internet.[i]
Stock cruises down through the Float, basking in the approval of the citizens…or at least that’s what he takes it as. He is also vigilant as always.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Wednesday July 20th, 2022 2:19:34 PM
Delia notes each recognizable person as they pass, when they see Pepper she adds, "Hey Z, she looks upset. I hope getting embroiled in the Drezz mess didn't do anything bad..."
She smiles and waves at Ulrich, stopping for a short moment to check up on him. Ulrich's father is pointedly ignored so that he remains unharmed by anything other than his own actions.
========= Auto-succeed all perceptions
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday July 20th, 2022 3:33:53 PM
[i]Apologies for the double posts. I’m on vacation with spotty internet.[i]
Stock cruises down through the Float, basking in the approval of the citizens…or at least that’s what he takes it as. He is also vigilant as always.
DM Robert - "I hope you choose a better lifepath for yourself than your father did for him." Wednesday July 20th, 2022 5:41:34 PM
Bartomus spots a few people you've encountered. Armalad notices all the familiar masks (and people underneath them). Stohp is busy with being busy and really doesn't note too much other than the everyday traffic. Zanderallen is on the wind down from a long adventure and misses everything until he's nudged. He goes over to Pepper. Stock is his usually taciturn self. Delia notices everything and checks on Ulrich. __________
Pepper spins at Zanderallen's approach. She rushes to his arms. "Oh Zander, I'm so glad to see you. I've just been thinking. Normally I don't really think much about Mask Day, I mean the odds of being chosen are so huge. But then I got to thinking what if I'm chosen and you're not? I wouldn't see you for 20 years. And then you'd probably move on with your life, becoming a great hero, finding a castle or something to settle in...." She trails off and just hugs Zanderallen harder.
Ulrich nods to Delia "Hi mam. Things are going okay. It's a lot different than what I'm used to. I'm not very strong and stuff, so I'm not much of a help. They say I'll get stronger once I have a few more regular meals. Still smithing just doesn't feel like a fit you know?" He shrugs.
On the fence level you have the choice of three places to go eat, The Giggling Ghost, (tavern), The Fatted Calf, (tavern/Inn) and The Brass Toad, (tavern/inn).
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 Thursday July 21st, 2022 12:28:32 AM
Armalad says to Ulrich, "Have you ever thought about learning how to shoot a bow? Delia and I could probably teach you."
Armalad says, "Shall we eat at the Giggling Ghost or somewhere's else?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Thursday July 21st, 2022 8:15:36 AM
Stohp actually feels like visiting the Fatted Calf today.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday July 21st, 2022 9:11:16 AM ”Yeah - it’s the Fatted Calf for me”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday July 21st, 2022 10:09:36 AM
After some elbowing and smirking at Zander getting some cuddles in with Pepper, Bartomus joined in the conversation about where to go get something to eat.
"Alright, if that's the choice, why not. Fatted Calf it is."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday July 21st, 2022 12:29:57 PM
Zanderallen holds Pepper close, comforting her in silence for a moment. He speaks softly, "If that happens dearest I'll take the issue straight to Domi and get the ballot thrown out. And I would never move on without you, I'd pester the Star Mages until they froze me for 20 years to wait for you first. Come with me to eat lunch, all these assassins have taken up too much of my time recently." He offers an arm to take her to the Fatted Calf, pondering Happy's offer about a ring...
DM Robert - "Alright, if that's the choice, why not. Fatted Calf it is." Thursday July 21st, 2022 6:03:00 PM
Armalad asks about bow shooting and suggests the Giggling ghost. Stohp feels like going to the Fatted Calf. Stock is up for the Fatted Calf. Bartomus also agrees to the Fatted Calf. Zanderallen takes Pepper and goes with the group to the Fatted Calf. Delia? _____________
Grokk Greatbelly sees the adventurers enter and greets them. "HO! Welcome. It's been awhile since you've visited me. Though I guess really it's only been since the beginning of Mask Week right? Come come. I think there's a table over here." He leads you to the back and you can see the place is fairly busy. By no means standing room only and waiting in line but it seems like many have opted to have a big breakfast since the noon hour is going to stretch with ceremony. There's a lot of talking at the tables.
1 Perception 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {"I visited every temple while wearing my mask and maee a donation it shows my devotion and loyalty to the gods and I'll not be chosen."}
2 Perception 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {"I have a lucky token and only wear that token on Mask Day. It was passed down to me from my father. No one in our immediate family has ever been chosen."}
3 Perception 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {"I heard you should declare Wardd to be your patron. No known patron of Wardd has been chosen for 10 years."}
4 Perception 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Listen I gamble for a living and I'm telling you with the population of the Float the odds are 2500 to 1 that you get picked. That's like the longest long shot. It's just population density makes it more likely you know someone that got picked the lower you live on the Float."}
Grokk says "Now what do you feel like. You name it and I'll see to it getting made to order. Say do you have a favorite? I could name it the Adventure's Sandwich or something like that." He waits for your order.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday July 21st, 2022 6:52:47 PM
[I](ooc: sorry - work has been a mess all week and I totally lost track of this)[I] Delia frowns thoughtfully at Ulrich's discontent, "Tell ya what, stick with smithing for few months and then if it's still not working out once you're used to it, come find me at the Shield's HQ. I could teach you some woodworking - or, like Armalad said, archery - if you're more interested in that line of work. Or you think about what you're good at and we find something like that."
She then catches back up with the party and happily goes with them to the Fatted Calf.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Thursday July 21st, 2022 7:53:44 PM
Stohp suppose that it has been longer then usual, but usually they eat fore free here once a day so any absence would be noted. Takes her time to eat, idly listening to the random conversation around her (perception high enough to autopass)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=34 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=32 ; Thursday July 21st, 2022 11:50:05 PM "Lots of worry about being selected it sounds like to me. " He said as he tilted his head slightly to hear the conversations.
Perception rolls - 2nd failed with a 1 - all others made it.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 d20+24=40 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+18=32 ; Friday July 22nd, 2022 1:22:22 AM
Armalad renews her Toros Taur Try cantrip on both herself and her familiar.
Armalad says to Bartomus, "Well can you blame them? Who wants to give up their freedom for decades and not be able to see their family and friends."
Armalad says to Grokk, "Do you know how to make Elvish bread? I would like a peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwhich on Elvish bread with a glass of mead and a side of sliced fried tubers"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+7=22 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=11 ; Friday July 22nd, 2022 4:48:51 PM
Zanderallen jokes with Grott, "Sorry, we've been holed up dodging the Lords of Diamond and Happy is the only one that caters. But if you're going to name something the Adventurer's Sandwich it's got to be nice and hearty. How about some roast beef sandwich with all the fixings on some savory taur bread? And I'll have it for myself right now."
He listens to the dread of getting picked around him and tries to let it in one ear and out the other like past Mask Days, but this one seemed different. The picking of the Overlord seemed to have started something, something that maybe shouldn't end until the whole practice was thrown down. But maybe that was just his stomach talking. ------------------------------ Perception: 22, 21, 26, 11
DM Robert - "Lots of worry about being selected it sounds like to me." Saturday July 23rd, 2022 5:27:37 PM
Delia offers some advice and hurries along. Stohp eats and listens. Bartomus mentions what he hears. Armalad makes an order. Zanderallen makes his order and wonders if the whole mask day is for the good. _______
Grokk takes the orders. To Armalad he says, "Hmm, Peanut butter and rasberry jam on elvish bread seems to lack some pzazz. But I'll get your order for you. To Zanderallen he nods "Well it sounds hearty enough, maybe some cheeze and fried onions on it as well, do you think an jou sauce or barbeque sauce?"
You get your meals and start to eat. It's a bit somber. Patty pokes at her food a bit but manages to eat some.
When the meal is over Patty stands. "Well I have to get back to the merchant level and take my place along the street for the procession." She gives Zander a peck on the cheek and dashes away.
There's not much left to do here but get ready to take your place on the street. Somehow the streets are arranged in a rough spiral on each level so that everyone has a place and the Overlord descending to become the new Underlord always manages to pass everyone.
Unless you want to do something then there's not much but to take your place in the streets with your masks....unless you feel like making a bold statement and appearing without your masks....
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Sunday July 24th, 2022 5:22:55 PM
If someone else suggests it then Stohp would have no problem being maskless, but she's lived her long enough that the idea wouldn't come to mind without someone else suggesting it.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Sunday July 24th, 2022 10:20:29 PM "So we are masking? Or, do we want to do something a bit more rebellious?" Bartomus asked the rest of the Shields as he held his mask in one hand. He looked about at the others and shrugged in a questioning manner.
Will go with the group on this one
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 Monday July 25th, 2022 12:13:53 AM
Armalad says, "What is the penalty for not wearing a mask when one is required? Is it a fine or jail time or do you automatically become Undercrat for decades. We elves are long lived but some of the other races noble or ignoble are noticeably not."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Monday July 25th, 2022 8:25:58 AM "The masks are just a tradition. People don't want to be selected and out of that came a superstition that if you hid your face it would decrease the chances of you being selected. It's pure random chance though. No penalty for not doing it."
Now that someone has suggested the idea Stohp rather likes it.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Monday July 25th, 2022 9:18:23 AM "As much as I like my mask this year, I'll join Stohp without one." He leaves his mask tethered to his belt in an open sign of defiance.
====== OOC - Apologies for missed posts last week. I'll also work on getting our loot sold.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday July 25th, 2022 10:41:58 AM
Zanderallen devours his sandwich, the thought of rebellion fueling his appetite. "My compliments to the chef the suggestions were perfect."
He gives Pepper's hand a quick squeeze as she leaves to her place. Thinking about it why was everyone required to stand in place, like slaves lined up for inspection... "If because this is the way it's always done is the only reason to do something, it's time to re-think it. And I think this tradition is tyranny." And with that statement Zander tosses his mask into the fire as they leave to take their place.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Monday July 25th, 2022 1:54:39 PM
Delia also leaves her mask on her belt, but voices some concerns, [b]"Now that I've actually thought about it, I can't say that I agree with how Mask Day works, but... Is it a good idea to give the middle finger to a core working of the Float - especially right after sticking our noses into the election. Does this mean we'll ignore if our Mask is chosen? Help an unwilling person who's chosen? People look to the Shields and I just don't want to start an angry mob."
DM Robert - "As much as I like my mask this year, I'll join Stohp without one.." Monday July 25th, 2022 5:58:57 PM
Stohp is ready and offers some insight on masks. Bartomus wonders about being rebellious and is willing to go with the group. Armalad asks if masks are required by law No. Masks are meant to 'hide' the wearer from the fate of having to serve as an undercrat. Somehow the custom developed that you could hide from fate or the gods will. Stock is willing to buck tradition. Zanderallen makes a statement by publicly burning his mask before the procession. Delia wonders about repercussions. ____________
At high noon, all the bells of the city go off. Everyone, and I mean everyone comes out into the streets along the designated path to face their fate once again. The people near you look are your maskless faces and whisper amongst themselves.
All the priests of the city lead this “procession” except for the priests of Flower. (The priests of Flower are stationed at the end of the procession at the gates to the core, in the Trash level.) Each level has a route planned that the Descending Former Overlord will travel. A loop of sorts through each level so that the Overlord’s Crown passes those it will select to be Undercrats. As the procession reaches each level, the bells on that level will sound telling everyone to stand on the edges of the street so it can pass by.
As it nears you, you can see former Overlord now Underlord Aerashkiel in the forefront behind the leading clerics. She is wearing a large crown with many points...maybe 20. Behind her you can make out 12 individuals walking behind Aerashkiel. Each of their mask glows with a soft yellow light.
Perception 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {From the dress and mannerisms, you can determine the following people have been summoned to serve. Florance DeChancy, Gerard Gilcrest, the lad Ulrich, Baldrich Rothchild, and of course 8 others you don't recognize.}
You each feel something strange in your head as the procession comes closer.
Stohp Highlight to display spoiler: {I've done this job for centuries. I've sorted high, I've sorted low. I've done the job through thick and thin.}
Bartomus Highlight to display spoiler: {It's time to play my part, You may call me worn and old, If that's all you truly see, But listen close and I will tell where you're supposed to be.}
Armalad Highlight to display spoiler: {Desire, cunning, a certain moral flexibility.}
Stock Highlight to display spoiler: {A thousand years or more ago, when I was newly born, there lived four wizards of renown, They shared a wish, a hope, a dream, but the price must be born.}
Zanderallen Highlight to display spoiler: {Trustworthy, loyal, and modest... all there, I see. And just a hint of tenacity, excellent!}
Delia Highlight to display spoiler: {Oh, know the perils, read the signs, the warning history shows, we must unite inside her or we'll crumble from within I have told you, I have warned you...Let the Sorting now begin.}
You see a flash from one of the tines on the crown and a small ball wends its way from the tine down the street toward you...
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=27 ; Monday July 25th, 2022 8:55:49 PM "What? Who said that?" Bartomus asked after hearing something as he realized he knew a few of those who had been chosen.
He looked about trying to get a sense of who said what he had heard and the looked back and caught the ball of light moving towards them.
"Um, what's up with that?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 d20+19=26 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2022 1:01:47 AM
Perception:26
Armalad says, "Oh my gosh. Ulrich and Baldrich Rothschild have been summoned to become Undercrats. Both seemed kind of undecided on what do with their lives and uncertain in their lot. Do you think being chosen for Undercrat has something to do with how they were feeling leading up to this? I'm not sure how to feel about Ulrich, I mean he was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his life but now that has been chosen for him. I was earnest in offering him training in how to use a bow. Well Elves are long lived. When the boy finishes his term I could still teach him to shoot a bow if he's interested. Also Forance DeChancy and Gerad Gilcrest have been chosen as well, I do not know how I feel about that"
Armalad says, "I don't know what you are hearing Bartomus but I am kind of getting an impression of desire, cunning and a certain moral flexibility, no words just that impression"
Armalad sees the ball of light wend its way from the crown and stands on her guard in case it is some sort of sneak attack from an enemy.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Tuesday July 26th, 2022 7:06:24 AM
Stohp waits patiently for the procession to reach them. Noting those Armalad pointed out and the weird voice in her head she frowns in annoyance, still expecting something to go wrong and waiting for it to drop.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+19=29 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2022 9:18:59 AM
Stock is staring off into the procession, lost in thought. He blurts, "Anybody know anything about four famous wizards? Maybe the first four wizards ever?"
He spots the ball of light and steps out in front of the Shields, protectively.
========== Perception 29
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+23=35 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2022 2:44:51 PM "At least he'll get to be with his mother again for a while,"" Delia murmurs thoughtfully upon seeing Ulrich.
When the voice starts speaking she tenses, bow seeming to jump into her hand and her other hand straying nervously to the mask hanging on her belt. The light moving towards them moves her hand off the mask and to her quiver and she shifts into her stance. She'll mutter, "Great. Crumbling from within sounds so fun."
=========== Perception 35
DM Robert - "What? Who said that?" Tuesday July 26th, 2022 5:27:53 PM
Bartomus looks confused then worried. Armalad identifies the ones you know in the procession. Stohp is uneasy. Stock takes a defensive stance. Delia is ready for action. Zanderallen? _______________
The drifting ball from the crown suddenly makes a right angle turn and touches the mask of a person standing on the other side of the street from you. The mask glows. The figure bows and says goodby to a few people standing nearby. Then as the procession approaches he joins the other figures with glowing masks in the line. You note that not everyone is wearing the same mask. In fact it's quite the smörgåsbord of types.
As the procession passes you see another ball of light lift from a tine of the crown and waft forward. In the back of the line you see Drezz and several palace guard. He waves to you and motions to you to join him in the procession. Drezz says to you, "As Overlord it is my duty to follow behind. When the old Underlord leads the returning undercrats up we'll follow them all the way up to the Diamond Cathedral."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday July 26th, 2022 8:48:59 PM "Well now, so that is how the selected are chosen, but I wonder why?" Bartomus said to no one in particular and watched the chosen person across the way join in the procession. He shrugged still somewhat confused by the entire process and then saw Drezz waiving at the Shields from within the group of palace guard assigned to him. Bartomus waived back and smiled.
"Sure thing boss man, why not." Bartomus steps into the street and moves join in with Drezz's part of the procession. All the while, he continued to watch the ball of light.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 Wednesday July 27th, 2022 12:58:57 AM
Armalad says, "I guess we follow Drezz. I don't know where the feeling or voices we heard come from nor how people get chosen and I mean I guess yay Ulrich gets to see his mom again but won't they both forget the time they spend together as Undercrats? Will she even still be alive when he gets out? It doesn't seem fair does it?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Wednesday July 27th, 2022 7:59:01 AM
Stohp is far more comfortable following along with Drezz. If something bad does happen then they'll have a chance to deal with it that way.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday July 27th, 2022 9:14:52 AM
Stock keeps his eyes open as he follows in line with the other Shields, this time taking up the rear guard. "I'm not sure I'll ever understand WHY this works the way it does...I suppose much of the mystery probably comes from what the Underlord and their workers actually do...which we also may never know."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+7=25 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2022 11:55:48 AM
(OOC: Since Mask day occurs every year is this procession any different than the 20ish Mask Day processions Zanderallen has been a part of in his years of growing up on the Float? Is the voice in the head new?)
Zanderallen tenses as he scans the selected undercrats, then breathes a sigh of relief as Pepper is not among them. No need to create more of a scene than their lack of masks already was. What was the selection process anyway? It seemed trouble makers were more likely to get picked, last year several of the leaders of the Fists of Love cult had been selected and disappeared. "What relation is Baldrich Rothchild to our dear friend Marcus Rothchild? If one didn't know better than almost seems like the city choosing his relative to serve as leverage against him doing anything drastic." He gladly steps into line behind Drezz, smiling at the invitation. ------------------------ Perception 25
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+23=34 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2022 3:46:11 PM
[I](OOC: Delia is also a Float native and is wondering about the different masks being chosen - because if I remember right, that is atypical)[/b]
Delia stays with the Shields to follow Drezz. She responds to Armalad, "Well, along with the memory wipe, people can be returned to the same age as when they left. So they'd have about 9 years together on the underside and then she could jump back 20 years in age. Maybe her husband would die of alcohol poisoning by then..." As she walks she keeps an eye out for balls of light coming towards her and anything else weird, repeating the line she heard in her head so she won't forget it.
============ Perception: 34
DM Robert - "Well, along with the memory wipe, people can be returned to the same age as when they left." Wednesday July 27th, 2022 5:54:59 PM heh heh, the voice is actually partial quotes from the Sorting Hat from the Harry Potter books. I made the crown sort of like the Sorting Hat. 20 tines on the crown 20 people chosen, a ball of energy/magic comes off each tine as that person is chosen.
Bartomus falls into step with Drezz. Armalad wonders about the fairness of the Wold. Stohp is ready to clobber something and follows Drezz. Stock has a philosophical bent. Zanderallen Yes, this is pretty typical, might be the first time you've heard the voice but you've heard others tell of it, at least others not chosen. Baldrich is Marcus's youngest child, but Baldrich has already stated he never got along with his father. is glad Pepper is not in the procession and joins with Drezz. Delia see above for part, but sometimes all of one mask are chosen and sometimes not. People just like to try to think that way to try and make sense of why some people are chose and some are not. she follows along still wondering about the mysterious words, but it makes a sort of sense with the Lords of Diamond outed and possibly taking a more up front status in Float politics, if Rothchild can be believed. _____________
You wind your way through the Fence level and return to the central stairwell to desend into the Trash level. There you see everyone lined up on the streets. The procession reaches the Underramp, however, you can see that there has only been 19 undercrats chosen so far. All the priests of Flower stand before the closed doors of the UnderFloat. You see the last light from the tine of the crown of the Underlord waft forward. The high priest of Flower, waiting for the ascension of the Underlord is chosen. She smiles ruefully, and takes her high priest garments and hands them to the younger man who has been her assistant. He bows to her and dons the garments as she joins the procession. The huge doors to the UnderFloat open. Inside the entryway is the 'old' Overlord and the returning undercrats.
Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {There aren't enough undercrats, you count only 16, then you see 4 caskets on carts at the back of the entryway.}
The Overlord and the 20 chosen enter and the returning undercrats and Overlord exit. Everyone cranes their necks to try and see inside, but there is a matching inner door that remains closed until the outer door shuts. This door opens and shuts by itself with no help.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=26 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2022 9:30:30 PM "You all saw those right? I thought everyone came back? Maybe we have a buyer for the diamond dust Zander?" Bartomus nodded to the area where the carts were.
"So now we work our way back up, right? There's going to be food there, right?"
Perception 26
Armalad (Hugh) HP 101/101 AC 24 / Touch 18 / Flat 18 CMD 25 d20+23=35 ; Thursday July 28th, 2022 2:39:27 AM
Perception: 35
Armalad says, "Yes I count 16 undercrats and 4 coffins in carts. I thought everyone came back as well. I wonder if there is some problem plaguing the undercrats that caused some of them to die this time. I wonder if this means Ulrich won't potentially have any time with his mother after all if one of them could come back in a coffin. Interesting that the Priestess of Flower was chosen to become the final Undercrat. As for the diamond dust well 50 gold pieces worth will allow me to cast misdirection and give us warding against scrying though a dedicated caster might be able to bypass my protection considering I'm somewhat of a multi-disciplinarian but I'm pretty good with a bow."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 94/94hp AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, +2 vs trip) Thursday July 28th, 2022 7:31:58 AM
Stohp shrugs. "Or some of them were old and died of natural causes. Lets not do anything until asked - there's supposed to be a whole time reversing thing happening, perhaps that will bring back the dead as well."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday July 28th, 2022 10:09:47 AM "If something did happen to them other than old age, they won't even remember it to ask for help. Does anyone who has contact with the undercrat world remember anything that happens down there to ask for help?"
===== Perception auto-succeed
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday July 28th, 2022 10:09:47 AM "If something did happen to them other than old age, they won't even remember it to ask for help. Does anyone who has contact with the undercrat world remember anything that happens down there to ask for help?"
===== Perception auto-succeed
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+7=17 ; Thursday July 28th, 2022 11:22:37 AM "Drezz, I always was told that the undercrats were returned after their service. With your new Overlord knowledge, is it typical for them to come back dead?" The more of this whole thing Zander saw the more it seemed to be a terrible thing. What was really going on in the UnderFloat anyway? ---------------- Perception 17
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d20+7=17 ; Thursday July 28th, 2022 11:22:37 AM "Drezz, I always was told that the undercrats were returned after their service. With your new Overlord knowledge, is it typical for them to come back dead?" The more of this whole thing Zander saw the more it seemed to be a terrible thing. What was really going on in the UnderFloat anyway? ---------------- Perception 17
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+19=26 ; Thursday July 28th, 2022 12:38:41 PM "Furthermore, is anybody else surprised they have a supply of coffins down there? Or maybe they just get them as they get their supplies...the logistics of this thing is fascinating. And then the Priestess goes ahead and disrobes...wait...that's not the right word...she doffed her vestments."
=========== Perception 26
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+19=26 ; Thursday July 28th, 2022 12:38:41 PM "Furthermore, is anybody else surprised they have a supply of coffins down there? Or maybe they just get them as they get their supplies...the logistics of this thing is fascinating. And then the Priestess goes ahead and disrobes...wait...that's not the right word...she doffed her vestments."
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