Trifecta (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 17th, 2022 7:34:26 PM
“Bamf.” Same half-ogre. Same Catacombs livery. He glances about, hangs his head, and shakes it slowly. “Delivery for Bartomus and Delia,” he utters in a defeated tone. The half-ogre drops the packages. “Bamf.”
Bartomus, meanwhile, introduces himself to Pip. The halfling pulls himself out from the pile of papers, and gives Bart a rapturous look. “You’re the fellas that brought back the lich’s library from It’lal,” he coos. “Oh, what a fine month of reading that was.” Pip proceeds to recite long passages, and is probably prepared to give the taur the whole thing, should Bart let him.
Some salient points do emerge:
1-The Crying Woods has long been sentient but it was not always evil. In fact for many decades the drow and the lizard folk lived peacefully within it. After the forest began to reach out to attack the sentient species within its borders, the drow found a solution by enchanting crystals that would keep the forest at bay. An alliance between drow and lizard folk was established based on this trade. The drow crafted these crystals that adorned many lizard folk and surrounded their cities, and the lizard folk supplied them with food and goods taken from the forest. This alliance lasted for many years as both drow and lizard folk empires flourished.
2-The lizard folk turned on the Drow and seemed to be working with the Crying Wood. A war ensued that lasted several years. The drow were defeated and had to return to the mountains.
3-However, the lizard folk were actually not willing participants in the war. The lich appears to be searching for something/someone called Karkasan, who he blames for the war. Karkasan apparently was experimenting on reptilian races in an effort to build powerful servant races, and in some manner forced the lizard folk into the fight.
4- The lich also believes this Karkasan has something to do with the Crying Wood’s change in demeanor from ambivalent to malevolent.
5- The lich believes this Karkasan is still around.
Pip takes the book from Bartomus, and glances through it. “I’ll start on this today,” he promises. “Should be done when you come back.” OOC - Can you email DM regarding when you got the book? I don’t remember off hand.
Armalad and Delia continue practicing their archery.
Stohp and Stock mosey about, looking for nearby warehouses for sale. Nothing sticks out yet.
Zanderallen goes hunting for Pepper. He drops by Rosebud Publishing. No one there has seen the spunky woman for at least a day. Her boss, Barbara Daneel, grows concerned as Zanderallen asks around. “I thought she was with you,” she confesses. “Should we check her apartment?”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 18th, 2022 12:52:43 AM
Unless any Shield has specifically given Armalad any information about Pepper or what Pip discovered in the Lich's notes she continues to practice archery with Delia.
She replies to Delia's observation on the greaters of archery, "Well I can assure you they radiate an aura of moderate transmutation so they must do something. I would like to think this improved ability with the bow is more than merely the placebo effect."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday August 18th, 2022 9:28:09 AM
Stock continues to tag along with Zanderallen, keeping up the basics of a conversation in Dwarven, correcting him when the human's pronunciation is especially bad and also laughing when the pronunciation is so bad that Zanderallen says something unintentionally funny.
Eventually in the common tongue he says, "It is good to be about and see our Neighbors. It's a reminder of why we carry the weight for them."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:00:15 AM
Zanderallen feels the bottom of his stomach drop out but only through iron determination does he keep a calm demeanor for Barbara, "I'm sure it's nothing, I'd go check her apartment. She probably just got caught up on some lead. She'll turn up with the next headline, wondering why everyone was worried." He finishes his statement with a growing sense that everything he just said was a lie. But with the dread mounting he heads to Pepper's apartment, hoping to find her safe and well. But anyone who knows him recognizes the tell tale signs of anxiety as he tightens and adjusts various straps and buckles on his equipment.
Arriving at her apartment he knocks. If he receives no answer he'll try the door and ask the neighbors if they've seen Pepper recently.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday August 18th, 2022 12:30:07 PM "Wow, Pip, you've done a lot of reading. Gonna Shays all of that with the Shields. Borrow this and we'll connect about it when your done. The picture s are incredible which is why I'm gonna keep it." Bartomus explained as he did the item over to the researcher. He looked about and then thought for a moment.
Then Bartomus shared with pip what happened in n their last journey into the crying woods and the children of the dragon lord. He wondered aloud if that might be this Karkasan the litch was talking about.
"Pip, if you find anything about how to take out that person or thing, you send word to the Shields as soon as possible, ok?"
Bartomus reached into his inner pich in his doublet and fished out two gold coins.
"buy yourself some good food and something equally good to drink. You've earned by me!"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday August 18th, 2022 4:46:13 PM
Delia thanks the dead inside half-ogre as he disappears and she fastens on her shiny new belt. She flexes an arm curiously as the belt imbues her with greatly increased strength. "Hmm... I'm going to have to be a little careful with my bow now. Its draw weight is no longer the max I can pull... but hey, this will be easier to swing around now." She draws her sword and swings it experimentally before sheathing and going back to archery practice with her newly boosted stats. She looks over at Armalad, "I wonder if the bracers stabalize your arms somehow? Or... I don't know. Magic was never part of my education."
Mounting Dread (DM MikeK) Thursday August 18th, 2022 8:16:55 PM Delia and Armalad continue their evening at the archery range, discussing bows and magic.
Bartomus gives Pip a thank you tip. The halfling skips away, obviously looking forward to good food, good drink, and a good book.
Stock switches from tagging along with Stohp to tagging along with Zanderallen.
Thus, the dwarf is present when the paladin knocks on Pepper’s door, and then again, and once again, but receives no reply. He is also present as Zanderallen questions neighbor after neighbor, none of whom have seen the reporter in at least a day.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Friday August 19th, 2022 12:31:34 AM
Armalad says, "Yes well I upgraded the draw weight of my bow when I updated by belt of physical perfection. All in all I should be 15% more likely to hit thanks to the bracers and belt and upping the draw weight will also let me do more damage in concert with the bracers since the belt improved my maximum. As for how the bracers do what they do who can say but as long as they do what they do I'll continue to improve."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday August 19th, 2022 8:54:56 AM
Stohp continues to work on her new project blissfully unaware that the rest of the party is turning up problems.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday August 19th, 2022 10:21:35 AM
Bartomus headed out of the WLA headquarters and worked his way back to Shield headquarters. He replayed the conversation with Pip and was pretty excited to share the information about Karkasan that the litch had discovered. He grabbed a few things to eat as he walked from food vendors along the way.
He came back to headquarters and it was pretty quiet.
Hello? Hey folks, where is everyone?" He called out from the larger room on the first floor. It was still in the midst of being repaired, so he was still able to see where the fight had occurred to protect Drezz. "Anyone home? Shields?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday August 19th, 2022 10:58:53 AM
With each neighbor's shaking head the knot in Zander's stomach grows larger. After several of them he finally admits defeat and hangs his head. "She's gone Stock, they took her." Saying it out loud finally makes Zander accept the fear that has been growing. Defeat and despair have no chance to told hold as anger surges forth. Zander fight and contains the urge to break something, visibly shaking with emotion. He growls to Stock through clenched teeth, "I'm going to break whoever took her. We need the others." Then with little warning he breaks into a pounding jog back towards HQ, only slowing to make sure Stock is able to keep up after a few hundred yards.
When they reach home he bursts in the door yelling in a voice shaking with exertion and anger, "They took her! I'm going to kill them!"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Friday August 19th, 2022 11:36:38 AM
Delia opens her mouth to respond before slamming it shut as she sees Zanderallen pounding towards HQ with Stock in tow. "Trouble," she says to Armalad before racing down the steps to meet them in the lobby. She grabs Zanderallen's shoulders as he barrels in, "Who took her? Took Pepper?" She guesses. [b]"Who was the last person to see her, and when?"
Missing Person (DM MikeK) Saturday August 20th, 2022 8:57:25 AM
The Shields congregate on their own back to Shieldhouse, and none too soon.
Zanderallen arrives in a state, with Stock trotting along to keep up.
The highly agitated paladin relays that Pepper is missing.
Leaving the Shields to figure out how to find her.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday August 21st, 2022 10:56:06 PM
Armalad says, "By they do you mean The Lords of Diamond?"
She then asks, "Have you tried scrying on her location?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday August 21st, 2022 11:17:28 PM
Stohp tries to be a calming influence. "We don't know anything for sure yet so lets calm down a little. If our emotions run hot it'll just make it more likely we make a mistake.
Lets see what our magic can find out, if anything. Then we can pull on our resources to try to track her down - we have a lot of friends in both low and high places."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday August 22nd, 2022 12:23:12 AM
Bartomus had decided to go grab something to drink and found himself coming back with a mug full of ale as the others came storming in. He listened and found himself agreeing with Stohp and liking Armalad's idea.
"Can we call upon some of the folks about here to start snooping about on our behalf? But, I think we should act like we know nothing and scry what we need for information." Bartomus looked over at the Armalad.
"Can you do they scrying or do we need some others to help?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:44:20 AM "Ease up, Big Guy. Leave the Rage to me. She might just be out reporting on a case or something." Stock is definitely concerned, despite his words. Their enemies have killed those close to the Shields before.
"...and should something have befallen her. Rothchild, Gilcrest, Dechancey - those are our suspects."
======= Is Z's relationship with Pepper common knowledge around the Float? In case it matters, take 10 on Knowledge Local for 15
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:55:32 AM
Delia stays very calm on the surface and starts asking questions. "If she is missing, who was the last person to see her and when? We already know who might target her because of us, but is there anyone in her life who would want to hurt her? If we can find any part of her trail, we will find her."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday August 22nd, 2022 2:27:19 PM
Zander takes several deep breathes and answers the questions, "All of us are pretty high profile and we haven't been secret about our relationship, I'd say anyone who is watching us knows Pepper and I are involved. As far as I've found out so far no one has seen her since last night, I don't know when exactly the last time she was seen was. Neighbor's haven't seen her all day, Rosebud doesn't know where she is, and while this wouldn't be the first time she's missed a date it is the first time she's missed a date without leaving a note."
"Scrying, contacting people. good ideas. Do you need me to help with the scrying? I could also go talk to Lieutenant Lestrade and file a missing persons report."
Scrying, contacting people. good ideas (DM MikeK) Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:08:02 PM
Armalad assumes “they” is The Lords of Diamond, and asks about scrying.
Stohp tries to be a calming influence, and also speaks of magical location.
Bartomus agrees with Stohp, and asks if anyone in the Shields have scrying capability.
Like Armalad, Stock has a list of suspects running through his head.
Delia asks about the last person to see her, confident that if a trail is found, it can be tracked.
Zanderallen forces himself to be calm, and answers his friend’s questions as best he can.
The Shields have thought of various next steps. All that remains is to start working.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:25:12 PM
Armalad says, "I can't scry but I might be able to get one of the other Star Mages to scry for me if none of you can. If you can get me within 800 feet of her I could figure out what direction to go though."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 7:35:12 AM
Stohp sees no reason to limit themselves to a single step. While Armalad and the other magically inclined try to scry or otherwise magically locate her Stohp heads off to see the city guard and file a report so they can start keeping an eye open and be ready to track down leads. Since Zander suggested it she'll probably let him take the lead if he goes with her.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:55:27 AM "I once knew a Dwarf druid who would scry on this woman he loved - or thought he loved. Bart - I would bet you could cast it."
Stock tags along with Stohp. He specifically asks the guard if there have been any other reports of missing people, specifically journalists. He will also tag along on any house calls the guard make themselves to try to track her down.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 2:23:32 PM "Ok, Stohp. Let's go to the guard. Maybe we can check her apartment on the way back. Some others can figure out how to scry her location." Zander goes with Stohp and whoever wants to come to the guard on the Merchant level to file a missing persons and ask after any reported disturbances. His plan is then to head back to Pepper's apartment to look for clues.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:26:31 PM
Delia will join the group going to the guard and then assist in investigating Pepper's apartment.
Apartment hunting (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:27:25 PM
Armalad can’t scry, but he knows some people who can.
The group doesn’t explicitly give him the go-ahead, but agreement seems implied.
Meanwhile, Zanderallen, Stohp and Stock head off to the Merchant Level to the city guard station there.
The hustle and bustle of thel guardhouse comes to a quick halt as the three Shields enter the room. While the trio is unfamiliar with this particular station, their reputations have proceeded them. Within no time, the lieutenant and ranking sergeant of the station have the group in an alcove, and listen intently to Zanderallen’s concerns.
“First step would be to check her apartment,” the lieutenant replies. “If you’re going to do that, you’re probably gonna do a better job than we can. I’ll have my team recheck neighbors and the streets.”
With the report filed, the Shields head to Pepper’s apartment. Zanderallen retrieves the spare key from Pepper’s hiding spot, and opens the door.
The interior of the apartment appears untouched. Everything looks to be in place. Pepper is not home. There is one oddity. Sitting in the middle of the living room floor is a stone diorama of an archway embedded into the side of a wall. The object takes up about a foot cubed, and weighs close to 30 lbs.
Know Local DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { It’s a replica of Lerntig’s Gate on the Trash Level.}
Zanderallen has never seen it before.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+8=16 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:48:28 PM
Bartomus just followed along with the group and peered into the room from the doorway as he was a lot bigger than Pepper and figured that having a Taur squeezed into Zander's girlfriend's apartment was not all that helpful. He looked at the stone gate in the middle of the room.
"Zander, did your girlfriend have some connection to the gate down on the Trash level?" Bartomus asked as he looked at it from his vantage point. "I just don't see her as the model building type, unless she was into that and that's cool and all."
KnowLocal/Float - 16
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+10=11 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=30 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 10:42:55 PM
Armalad says, "Was Pepper working on a new story having to do with the gates on the trash level?"
She then casts detect magic and examines the model in detail for any potential clue or hidden secret that might help them learn something new.
Perception: 27 Know(Arcana): 31 Spellcraft:30
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=37 ; d20+15=34 ; Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:22:02 AM
Stohp uses her perception and her skill at carpentry to look around and try to determine if there's any further clues or any hidden compartments in the furniture or the building. Anything from loose floorboards to cleverly concealed drawers (perception 37, carpentry 34)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday August 24th, 2022 9:07:59 AM
Stock is impressed by how focused Stohp is as she picks apart clues in the apartment. His attention returns to the archway and takes a close look at it.
========= Take 10 on Local for 15 How detailed is the diorama? I guess I'm trying to figure out if this is so detailed that it might actually be the real gateway, just somehow miniaturized? Perception Take 20 for 39
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:01:27 AM
Zanderallen thanks the guards. As they enter the apartment he scratches his head, "What were you working on Pepper? I have no idea what this is. But unless your magical inquiries reveal something we should go to the actual Lerntig Gate." ----------- Know(Local): 18 (Taking 10)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:58:44 AM
Delia carefully combs the apartment for anything that seems out of place. Checking windows for signs of tampering; mud, leaves, or gravel on the floor; anything that would look like someone took her.
Take 20 on Survival for 43 (+7 vs tracking, +4 vs humans)
What were you working on Pepper?(DM MikeK) Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:15:56 PM
As far as Zanderallen knows, Pepper was not working on a story about either the Trash Level or Lernitig’s Gate. Nor is she the “model building type”.
Stohp does a rather impressive job looking for clues and secret compartments and the like. She doesn’t find anything.
Delia does an equally impressive job searching the windows and doors for signs of tampering. She finds none.
Stock gives the model a good going over. The dwarf notes enough differences to assure him it is not the actual gate somehow reduced. The differences are noteworthy in that the model is a perfect version of what the gate probably looked like when newer. It has none of the scuffs, dents, abrasions, and accumulated dirt that the real thing has.
Armalad casts detect magic and examines the model in detail. It has no secret compartments. It is magical, and radiates a strong aura of conjuration. She is unable to fully determine the full magical properties of the replica, a fact that tells her whoever created it is pretty powerful. The best she can come up with is that the replica has something to do with planar travel, but is not itself capable of initiating planar travel.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 25th, 2022 12:23:01 AM
Armalad says, "That gate is magical and it radiates a strong aura of conjuration. I cannot determine fully the magical properties of what this does so whoever made this has to be powerful. It has something to do with planar travel but it cannot itself iniate plar travel"
She then says, "I have an idea but I'm not sure how we are going to pull it off and it involves spliting the partty. What if some of us go down to the gate and trigger it while others of us stay here and observe how the model reacts"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday August 25th, 2022 7:53:50 AM
Stohp shrugs. "We're in town, moving about everywhere as an 8 group is usually pointless anyway. Do you want to stay here while the rest of us head down?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:28:18 AM "I need to keep moving otherwise I get stir crazy. I'll head down. Who else is coming?"
========= OOC - Do we actually know how to trigger that gate? I can't remember if we've ever actually used it."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:06:08 AM "What do you mean it's linked to planar travel?!? What happened here?" Zander nervously adjusts a strap on his gauntlet before stopping himself. "Let's go to the real gate, this has to be linked somehow."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday August 25th, 2022 1:38:41 PM "ok, I'll go with these two and try to keep them from smashing things along the way." Bartomus offered and raised an eyebrow of concern when nodding over at Stock and Zander.
"Gotta ask though, anyone able to sense whose plane this might be? Meaning, do we have the gods at play here, or someone like that collector?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday August 25th, 2022 1:42:29 PM
Delia wonders if there is any indication of how long the gate has been there. Dust on it, the apartment is arranged to make space for it, dirty dishes set on top of it, etc. "I can stay with Armalad if she wants some backup, but I won't be any use if something magical happens unless it needs to be shot."
Splitting up? (DM MikeK) Thursday August 25th, 2022 7:40:23 PM
Delia wonders how long the replica has been in the apartment. The answer seems to be “not very long”. The replica is quite clean, with no signs of dust accumulation or insects using it or stuff piled on or about it.
The group determines to split up. Armalad and Delia plan to stay in the apartment, while Zanderallen, Bartomus, Stock, and Stohp plan to head down to the Trash Level.
Stock’s question is valid, however.
The group has no idea how to activate the gate. In point of fact, except for a very brief time just prior to the Sargrass Event, the gate has been considered defunct for decades. Even when it was active, it was one way: a magical gate through which strangers arrived regularly and very surprised.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday August 25th, 2022 10:51:22 PM
Armalad says, "Well that is the problem I can't determine what exactly it does, just it has something to do with Planar Travel but since it can't trigger itself and it is a replica of something that exists that maybe can trigger itself the question is does whatever it does act in sympathy to what it is a model of and if it does if we can trigger the gate would the model react the same way?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday August 26th, 2022 12:03:23 AM "Could we go ask the Star Mages?" Bartomus asked aloud. "Seem to remember they are into research questions and such. Might be something they have come across. Could also offer up some gift and see if Eberyon is willing to let a helper give us a few hints."
Bartomus went up and tapped on the gate. He asked it if it might send Pepper back or open. He waited and then shrugged.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday August 26th, 2022 7:26:25 AM "If nothing else this indicates the gate is important in whatever she was investigating. Lets look at it first, see if anything is different or active that wasn't the last time we were there, then we can take our findings to the star mages guild and see what they make of it." Stohp suggests.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Friday August 26th, 2022 8:23:08 AM "Yeah, like I said, who's coming?"
Stock is already halfway out the door. "By the way, is that thing heavy? I remember when we visited the Drow we needed a key to travel...could that be the key? Maybe we bring it with."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Friday August 26th, 2022 10:37:24 AM "Maybe Pepper is doing something at the gate? or someone there saw her. Maybe we should look there first and then play with the magic." Delia will change to heading with the group in case they find something at the gate area in need of tracking or shooting.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday August 26th, 2022 11:03:16 AM "Let's go to the gate. And unless no one objects let's bring the model with us as well." Zanderallen will try to pick up the model to test how heavy it is.
Lernitig's Gate (DM MikeK) Saturday August 27th, 2022 10:50:36 AM
Still at Pepper’s apartment, the party discusses some more.
Stock and Zanderallen test the replica’s weight, and find it weighs about 30 lbs. With dimensions of 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot, carrying it is a manageable, if somewhat awkward, exercise.
The general consensus is to head down to Lernitig’s Gate with the replica in tow. The group plans to follow up with the Star Mages afterwards.
The Shields proceed to the nearest stairway, down the steps, and soon enough arrive at an alleyway familiar to the four older members of the group.
Embedded in the wall is the archway known as Lernitig’s Gate.
As soon as the replica comes within 30’ of it, the Gate flashes, and becomes transparent. A window to another place. Or more accurately, a door. On the other side is a wasteland of black rock under an eerie, cloud covered, sulfur colored sky.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=26 ; Sunday August 28th, 2022 4:36:14 PM "Seems we found the key,"/ Bartomus said with a nervous shift of his head. "so," He started as he looked about. "does that mean we gotta carry that with us into where ever that might actually be? If so, we need to thing about how best to do that."
He then turned his attention to the gate.
perception 26 at the gate.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Sunday August 28th, 2022 8:38:05 PM "Ok, so this opens the gate. That doesn't mean we'll find Pepper on the other side. Lets back up so it closes, ask around to see if anyone's seen her. Perhaps send some magical scout through before we charge in." Stohp advises.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday August 28th, 2022 8:42:09 PM
Armalad says, "Does anyone know shrink object? I don't but if we did we could reduce the key down to something more standard key size. Also another question is where does this particular door lead and should we just walk blindly through it? How do we get back home once we go through the door?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+13=14 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 11:02:32 AM
Delia scratches her head, "Well that's... concerning. But if this thing was in Pepper's apartment, she couldn't have used it to travel through the gate. Stohp is right that we need to spend some time on this side asking around." She'll peer into the landscape on the other side of the gate, "Anyone know where it leads?"
=============== Know (geography maybe?) to get a grasp on where this could be: 14 (Delia knows nothing apparently)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+19=34 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 4:09:55 PM
Stock stands with his jaw set staring at the gate. He then pivots, looking around for local residences or anybody who may have seen recent activity at this gate. If he sees anybody he approaches them and asks if they've ever seen the gate open like that.
"Amazing. The gate's been dormant and we just stumble upon the key...or somebody stumbles upon it and leaves it in Pep's apartment. As my old foreman used to say, somebody knows something."
============ Perception 34 looking around for locals
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Monday August 29th, 2022 4:51:42 PM
Thoroughly upset after trundling the heavy replica through the streets Zander's heart sinks when the gate opens before them. "Why would you have a gate key in your apartment Peps? This isn't the gate that fey knight came out of was it? We have unfinished business with him..."
More Questions (DM MikeK) Monday August 29th, 2022 8:20:13 PM
At Stohp’s suggestion, the party backs up. Sure enough, when whoever is carrying the replica gets more than 30’ away from Lernitig’s Gate, the Gate flashes, and there’s nothing but an arch embedded in the stone wall.
Move forward, and a flash, and the view of the black rock wasteland.
As Bart surmises, it looks like the Shields found the key.
Zanderallen recalls the view before them now is the same one presented before that fey knight fellow stepped out during the Sargrass Event and rather unpleasantly Reverse Gravitied everybody. Lord Vanius, I believe his name was. Memory Lane See Nov 8 - Nov 14, 2017
Stock looks around for some locals. He spots a couple figures back at the entry to the alley watching the group. They look like local grubber kids.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20=8 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 9:11:30 PM "Hey, you kids, can you help us with something?" Bartmos hollers back at the kids lurking at the opening of the alley. He didn't give them the chance to respond before asking his next question. "You all see anyone come down into this ally in the past day or so? Lunch is on me if you can share what you might have seen."
He figured the offer of free food might be something to catch their attention and get them talking. Plus, he was a bit hungry himself. Things like this tended to trigger a want to eat or chew on something.
Rolled an 8 to see what might work - Bluff would make that a 16; Diplomacy an 8; Perform a 14
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday August 29th, 2022 11:36:45 PM
Armalad waits to hear what the grubber kids have to say. She is curious if they have seen anything useful to their investigation.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+16=18 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 7:52:56 AM
Stohp tries to use her local knowledge to determine the best way to get the information they need - who they should ask questions, what they should offer to get answers, etc (knowledge local 18).
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20-1=8 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 10:30:34 AM
Delia will glance around for any guards and approach them, "Good morning. The Shields are investigating this gate - You seen or heard anything strange with it?"
=================== If needed: Diplomacy 8 or Profession (Townguard) 16
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used d20+13=17 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 1:38:05 PM
Stock walks over to the kids, nodding at Bart's greeting and says, "Anybody been through this gate? Either you saw them or your heard about it happening?"
========== Sense Motive 17
Lunch is on me (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 30th, 2022 9:07:35 PM
"Hey, you kids, can you help us with something?" Bartmos hollers back at the kids lurking at the opening of the alley.
Stock walks over to the kids, nodding at Bart's greeting and says, "Anybody been through this gate? Either you saw them or your heard about it happening?"
Armalad waits to hear what the grubber kids have to say.
Delia looks for some guards to approach. But, this is the Trash Level. The guard pretty much leaves this level to its own devices.
At Bart’s call and with a dangerous looking dwarf approaching, several of the kids scatter. But two stick around. They are human boys, one around 12, and the other a year or two younger. They look very much alike. The younger one is ready to bolt, but the older has a hand on his shoulder. “You’re Silver Shields,” the eldest declares, knowingly. “Bartomus and Stock Simpleshard.”
Upon getting confirmation, he gives the younger boy a look. “Told you.” Back to Stock and Bart. “Jay saw something.” Back to the other boy. “Tell ‘em”
With a bit more encouragement, Jay gets the courage to speak. “I didn’t see no one. I wasn’t close enough. But, yesterday morning there was this bright flash in the alley, just like now. I went over, and heard some weird talking, and then nothin. I went to look, and there was nothing there. Then I was walkin out and just turned the corner and there was a flash again. So, I go back, and still nothin.”
Stohp thinks about how to get more information. Given their position in the city, The Shields have pretty much all the city’s resources at there disposal. The City Guard is still investigating. Magical aid could be requested from the Star Mages or the Circle of Alder. Heck, the guy in charge of the city owes you a favor. The coven from the Sargrass Event is probably around here somewhere as well.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=23 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 9:21:20 PM "Alright, you two did good, really good. Thanks Jay, and your name?" Bartomus asked the older of the two as his fingers shifted into a pocket in his doublet. He fished out two gold coins and held them up together with his thumb and first two fingers. "Now this is for the information. A good meal was promised. So, you two head up to the next level and head to the Giggling Ghost. Tell Happy that the Shields sent you for a good meal 'cause you helped them out today. One time deal and get the good things and ask for a take home bag too. Got it?"
Bartomus held out the two coins to the two boys. "Oh, if you want to earn one of these a month from us, you keep your eyes and ears open and send us word if you see anything suspicious. Got it? We can pass that on to the authorities, or some of us might come and deal with it. Interested in the job?"
Bartomus watched them closely for their reaction and winked at his fellow Shields.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday August 30th, 2022 11:58:47 PM
Armalad the polyglot and cunning linguist she is says to Jay, "If I said somethings in a variety of languages could you tell me if what I said sounded similar to the weird talking you heard?"
She then proceeds to give a language sample using the following languages in the following order until Jay either stops her because it sounded like what he heard or she runs out of languages:
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Wednesday August 31st, 2022 1:04:23 PM
Since there are no guards about and others in the group have the kids handled, Delia will instead thoroughly examine the gate and the area right around it for anything out of place. Maybe someone dropped something, left a bootprint with bizarre dirt, scuff marks, or really anything she can find.
========== Survival (take 20): 43 (+7 tracking; +4 vs humans)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Wednesday August 31st, 2022 3:18:52 PM
Zanderallen listens in wonder as Armalad rattles off a string of foreign tongues, cringing at some of more guttural ones. Unless one of them rings a chord with the boys he suggests they seek additional help, "I think we need to visit the Star Mages guild next. Maybe send a note up to the Overlord as well. I just realized finding a Gate Key is a really big deal. The Sargrass event is the only time I ever remember this gate opening. And it opened into the Shadowlands or some Fey place."
Zander shakes his fist at the memory of Lord Vanius, things would be different from when they met several years ago.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday August 31st, 2022 3:39:56 PM "Hey kid, does anybody else hang out around here you know of that might have seen the flash at the gate or gotten close enough to hear the talking or to see the people?"
"Armalad - could you cast any kind of spells that create an ALARM when somebody crosses through the gate? I also wonder if we ask the Star Mages for some kind of DIVINATION"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Wednesday August 31st, 2022 6:49:47 PM
Stohp isn't sure if Armalad's approach will work since only a few words were said but she'll add her Minotaur, Tauric, High Woldian, and Woldian Below to the list of languages.
Linguistics lesson (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 31st, 2022 8:22:14 PM
Bart offers some coin, and then offers some more it the boys keep their eyes and ears open. Jay, and his older brother, Kay, readily agree to the deal.
Armalad embarks on quite the list of languages, and Stohp throws in a couple more. Jay listens carefully, but eventually shakes his head. “It sounded like some of them, but not quite,” he reports seriously. “It was kinda like…” Jay proceeds to give a passable recreation of what Armalad and Bart recognize as an incantation. Identifying the spell is impossible, as Jay’s memory isn’t perfect - syllables are missing and the pronunciation is atrocious. But the phrasing and some words mark whatever was said as a spell being cast.
Stock asks if anyone else might have seen the person or flashes. Jay shakes his head. “I was closest,” he says. “I didn’t anyone else in the alley.”
Delia thoroughly examines the gate and its surroundings. She even drops to all fours to intently stare at the ground for minutes on end. Her attentiveness pays dividends. One humanoid, wearing boots, came out the gate. The same boots, weighed down by some kind of load, went back in. The boot tracks can be found near the gate, but definitely neither walked out of, or into, the alley.
Zanderallen and Stock think of some more options.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 1st, 2022 12:00:02 AM
Armalad says, "Well I do know the spell alarm, but the problem is I didn't prepare it today so I would have to cast it tomorrow. If I prepared it and cast it as long as I stayed within one mile of the gate I'd know if anyone disturbed it."
She then says, "As for divinatiion, the guild probably can help but they'll likely demand some sort of payment for the spellcasting service. I tend to prepare a loadout more suited to battle by default considering my skill with the bow and what I can do with arrows. I didn't expect anyone to be kidnapped or disappeared. Perhaps in the future I'll prepare some scrolls that we can use in these types of situations though honestly I'm a little light on gold right now having spent most of our recent windfall on my new bracers, improving the strength rating on my bow and upgrading my belt of physical perfection. It seemed like a good idea at the time."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:29:25 AM Alright so lets try to work out what's going on from what we know. Pepper had this item that serves as a key from the gate and someone seems to have found out how to activate it. They are brining things into the city from the other side. This may be some sort of smuggling operation that she found out about and was investigating, so if we can track down the smugglers we can hopefully track down Pepper.
Of course this could all be completely off, it's just my best guess for now. If there is something being smuggled in here rather perhaps we should check out the other side and see if there's anyone there who's sending the stuff through."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Thursday September 1st, 2022 9:55:48 AM
Stock looks awkwardly at Zanderallen and then says to Stohp, "Could be the smuggling type. Though they could also have been weighed down by Pepper...One other thing we think we know is that Lord Vanius tried to seal this gate and it supposedly goes to Harrowed Moon. It's clearly no longer sealed. It might be worthwhile doing a little learning on Harrowed Moon and The Lands of Rest before we enter...if we decide to enter that is."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Thursday September 1st, 2022 10:58:47 AM
After spotting the tracks, Delia will wave the group over, pointing out and describing what she found as she dusts off her knees. She also wonders how old the tracks look and if there's a substantial time difference between the in and out. "I would think a smuggling operation would be more than 1 person. And the weighted tracks are the ones leaving the city, so if things are being smuggled - it's out, not in." She joins Stock in giving Zander an uncomfortable look, "This fey lord, would he take Pepper to get back at you? And... could the gate/key thing be his calling card? We keep on saying Pepper found the key, but what if it was left by the person who took her?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Thursday September 1st, 2022 2:45:44 PM
Zanderallen's stomach drops as the answer seems to be before him. His faces drains of color as he stares at the now de-activated gate. He then touches his holy symbol, mumbling a faint prayer. Starting with his sword he starts checking equipment, straps, buckles, adjusting here, tightening there. Color returns to his face as a fire lights in his eyes. We have research to do on the Lands of Rest. It is becoming clear to me someone took Pepper through that gate. Whether a vendetta for some past wrong or a hired agent I do not know. Let's see if any special precautions need to be taken but I am marching through that gate tomorrow morning unless someone has a better idea." He then picks up the key and starts heading up to the Star Mage's guild.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday September 1st, 2022 4:31:24 PM "I gotta day, this was a grab and call." Bartomus agreed with the others assessment. "Grab the Zman's girl, and leave a calling card, expecting us all to run into a trap. Problem we now have is that if one person can use this thing, " Bartomus pointed over at the gate. "Then what protects the Float from a dozens of raiders pouring through that? That's what we need to let the Overlord know. Need this area watched by someone or lots of someones once we get onto the other side and find his favorite journalist!"
Bartomus too a moment and looked from Zander then over to the gate. "Star mage time. We pray their fee and send that invoice up to Drezz 'cause we have a bigger problem or opportunity that this Gaye presents."
A grab and call (DM MikeK) Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:17:27 PM
Armalad doesn’t have a divination spell handy, although he knows the Star Mages could cast one, likely for a price.
Stohp tries to work out what's going on from what is known. Stock, Delia, Zanderallen, and Bart fill in some blanks.
It all adds up to an unpleasant story.
Delia does some more thinking on the tracks. They haven’t been there long, and the gap wasn’t great. She can’t tell exactly, but figures the timing lines up with the flashes Jay saw.
Bart and Zanderallen are ready to move out.
Does everyone head up to the Star Mages?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday September 1st, 2022 10:27:34 PM
Armalad is a member in good standing with the Star Mages guild having attained the rank of Grand Mage so presumably she guides the others to the best diviner she knows in the guild and explains the group's need to said diviner.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) Friday September 2nd, 2022 7:40:53 AM
Stohp will pay one of the locals to keep an eye on the portal while they are gone just in case something else happens here.
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Friday September 2nd, 2022 9:06:47 AM "Ladies and Gentlemen - I'm going to head up to the WLA and ask some questions. I fit in better there than with the Star Mages anyway."
Stock waits a beat to see if anybody else is coming, then heads up to the WLA to see what he can learn about a few topics: 1. Lord Vanius - especially his known responsibilities and patron 2. The Lands of Rest 3. Harrow Moon - is this the same as the Lands of Rest 4. Lernitig's Gate - especially connections to The lands of Rest and why the gate stopped being used originally =========== Take 20 on Diplomacy to Gather Information for 23
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday September 2nd, 2022 11:18:47 AM "The guild has a good rsearcher there. They are worthy hi for me please. He's working on something for me." Bartomus said to Stock. "I'm going to follow our Star Lady here and visit their guild. I might learn something about them never having gone there before. "
Bartomus turned back to Jay and Kay. "Can you two keep watch here on the ally but on the download? If you need to employee a couple of your mates that ran off, I'm willing to pay them ten silver to help you two leaders."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+32=37 ; d20+23=26 ; Friday September 2nd, 2022 12:11:35 PM
Delia will clarify where and when the Shields are joining back together and then will stay at the gate in case anything weird happens. She finds a convenient, out of the way spot and hunkers down to wait until they regather. She smiles slightly as she watches people go about their lives. A good reminder as to why she does what she does. Even on the Trash level, hard as it can sometimes be, life goes on and people find how to make it work.
Stealth: 37 Perception: 26
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Friday September 2nd, 2022 2:32:39 PM "That's a good call Bart, portals opening up is something the overlord should be alerted to. Armalad can head up the group going to seek aid from the Star Mages, Stock is headed to the WLA, I'll head to the palace, and Delia can watch the Gate. We'll meet back up for dinner."
Zanderallen will make the trek up to the top, sending in his name to speak to the Overlord. If he gets an audience he will greet Drezz warmly and explain the situation. Pepper is missing, a gate key was left in her apartment, the Gate on the trash level is operating again, the Shields plan to travel through it to find out why, any information about the Lands of Rest would be appreciated, other members are checking with the Star Mages and WLA. But we thought the Overlord should know a gate is open.
Splitting up (DM MikeK) Sunday September 4th, 2022 2:28:50 PM
Armalad and Stohp make their way to the Star Mages. As Armalad is a member in good standing with the Star Mages, she is able to set up a visit with an elf named Galendral to assist in scrying for Pepper. She lets the pair know the standard cost for such a request is 500 gp.
Once paid (or invoiced to Drazz) Galendral settles down before a bowl of water with a mirror in hand, and begins the incantation. The process takes nearly an hour, and there are points where the elf is obviously laboring.
“Something is trying to interfere with the spell. Not the reporter. Otherworldly” But, Amalad picked out Galendral for a reason, and eventually the pool in the bowl shows a dirty and disheveled Pepper sitting on a stone floor, knees up with her arms wrapped around them, back against a stone wall. The surrounding area occasionally fades to grey mist before coming back into focus.
“Not her surroundings,” Galendral states. “That’s the interference.”
When the mist fades, the diviner rotates the scene. There isn’t much to go on. Pepper is alive, and apparently unharmed. She is inside a 10’x10’ pit of grey stone. The ceiling is an iron grate 10’ above her.
Stock and Bart visit the WLA.
Of Lord Vanius, the pair find nothing but Stock’s own report from their first meeting - A very pale, very good looking, male half elf, armored in breastplate and with a longsword sheathed at his side. Pretty much everything he's wearing screams masterwork level craftsmanship. Though shorter than an average human, he has a very commanding, regal presence about him. High level magic user. Probably undead. Said he was from the Harrowed Lands and his mistress was Fidelia.
The Lands of Rest are where souls go after death, whereas the Shadow Lands between leads from the lands of the living to the lands of the dead.
Harrow Moon is one of the realms composing the Shadow Lands. It is land of blasted rock and everdarkened sky, ruled without question by an ancient vampire named Fidelia. It is populated primarily by trolls and goblins. It is cut off from the gods, and thus divine spellcasters have trouble connecting. Magical detection and magical modes of transportation, even flight, are said to attract dangerous attention. The entire land is oppressive to the psyche, wearing down the will of would be heroes. There is one place of refuge, called The Inn, an unassuming building bathed in a warm light. Adventurers are said to be safe there, and it contains the only known portals out of the realm - one of which is said to lead to the Giggling Ghost.
Lernitig’s Gate has no known connection to Harrowed Moon, other than The Shields’ encounter with Lord Vanius during the Sargrass Event. Prior to that, it had been dormant for 50 years. Prior to that, an occasional traveler would suddenly appear at the gate, usually quite surprised. There is no indication that said travellers were from anywhere outside the Wold proper.
Zanderallen appearance, reputation, and countenance result in a quick audience with the Overlord. Drezz listens carefully, asks one or two intelligent questions, then nods. “You do what you have to do. I’ll make sure the Gate is watched, alarmed, and defended.”
Delia keeps watch. Nothing unexpected happens.
That evening finds the group back at HQ.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday September 4th, 2022 11:06:15 PM
Before leaving Galendral Armalad asks, "Just what do you mean by otherworldly? Something alien, celestial, demonic, infernal, fae, Imortal Power, God or do you don't really have a flavor to go with what is impacting the spell?"
Armalad will wait patiently for an answer if one is forthcoming if not she heads back to HQ and reports what they have learned.
She tells the others that something other worldly was interfering with the spell but eventually they were able to see Pepper. She tells the other Pepper is alive but she's in a 10 x 10 cell of grey stone walls with an iron grate above so it is kind of a generic dungeon location that could be anywhere.
She finishes with "I don't know if there are any places on the float that might match this description that we should search first before checking out the gate again"
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Monday September 5th, 2022 12:34:56 PM
Wishing he could have some mode of instantaneous communication with Armalad, Stock sighs and re-reads his own description of Vanius. He looks at Bart and says, "Probably a vampire or something. I gotta say, after fighting that Lich, I don't love the idea of another deadly undead."
Stock then makes his rounds and pays respects to the various guild masters before heading back to HQ.
========== Assuming Stock connects with Armalad to get an update, is it even possible to have a pit on the Float? I mean given it's unusual construction? Knowledge Local take 10 for 15 - are there any "pit-like" constructions that Stock knows of on the Float? Just trying to figure out if the pit is definitely not here
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 Monday September 5th, 2022 12:59:13 PM
Delia will head back to HQ at their set time. As she listens intently to Armalad's report, she will place a both steadying and restraining hand on Zanderallen's shoulder, "Was there any light from the grate? Did it look like torchlight, sunlight, weird light?" At the suggestion of checking the Float, she objects, "We know someone came through the gate around the time she went missing and left weighed down by something. They could, technically, not be related, but then why would a magic gate key be in her apartment? The longer we take to commit to going through the gate, the colder Pepper's trail gets. And the more time she spends as a prisoner of presumably this undead guy and his vampire mistress."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 Monday September 5th, 2022 8:29:44 PM "So, we got to deal with a lich or something worse? That's just lovely," Bartomus said with enough level of sarcasm that even Stock would note that. He waived off as Stock went about visiting with those he might know in the guilds.
Bartomus grabbed something to eat from a street vendor cart and then he walked back to the HQ building. When everyone got there and Stock shared his report, Bartomus added anything that Stock might have missed. "So what, vials of sunlight? Holy water blessed by various temples? What else might we need for such a thing?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 d3=1 ; d20+23=32 ; Monday September 5th, 2022 10:11:26 PM
Armalad thinks to what she knows of liches to add ideas for what to use against them. She'll share anything relevant with the team.
(Know: Arcana - 32)
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Tuesday September 6th, 2022 8:07:09 AM
Stock nods to Bart and says, "I don't know...but I do wish Micah was here. He always had some kind of way to fight back against undead."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20+17=31 ; Tuesday September 6th, 2022 9:11:51 AM
Stohp pays close attention to the vision and tries to pick out any and all details that might help the party locate the pit later. She thanks the Star Mage and convenes with the others. "It seems likely Pepper is indeed on the other side of the portal. We'll have to go through it to get our answers." she tells the others what she knows about the magical interference native to the realm they are likely going and brainstorms what work arounds they might manage.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 Tuesday September 6th, 2022 3:08:58 PM
Zanderallen thanks Drezz for the assistance and warns him the Shields will be entering the Gate in the morning. Joining back up with the others he listens intently to the various pieces of information. The others fear the table might crack under the force of his grip as he hears of the state of Pepper. His voice is almost shaky as he speaks up, "Thank you all for the support. I think the only path open is to go through the Gate. Delia is right, the trail only grows colder the longer we wait. Harrow Moon does not sound like the sort of place to go lightly, rest up well tonight and we'll enter in the morning."
Zander barely manages to follow his own advice, eventually falling deeply asleep. He is awake before the first crack of dawn and wastes no time preparing for the day. First to the roof for prayers and martial exercise, really one and the same to a paladin of Domi. Then he begins his arming ritual, following a ritual prayer over each armor piece. He eats a quick breakfast and is ready to depart.
We'll have to go through (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 6th, 2022 8:00:14 PM
Galendral shakes his head at Armalad’s question. “Not of the Wold is the best I can do.”
Delia’s question reminds Armalad that they saw no light sources looking up, merely an overall dusk like effect.
Stock, and everyone else, knows you can’t dig a stone pit in the Float.
Armalad shares what she knows about liches to the team. OOC - Feel free to read the monster manual entry on the Pathfinder site
All in all, the group determines that they’re gonna have to go through the gate.
A night’s sleep is taken.
Preparations are made.
In the morning, the Shields work their way down to the alley on Trash Level, and close to Lernitig’s Gate.
The Gate flashes, and becomes transparent. A window to another place. Or more accurately, a door. On the other side is a wasteland of black rock under an eerie, cloud covered, sulfur colored sky.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 115/115 AC 25 / Touch 19 / Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday September 7th, 2022 12:19:09 AM
Armalad says, "Well Liches are undead so they are immune to all mind affecting effects, bleed, death effects, disease, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, physical ability score damage, exhausition, fatigue effects, and they are not at risk of death from sustaining massive damage. That also means they don't eat, sleep or breathe. Liches particularly are harder to impact with channeling than most undead, and require magical bludgeoning weapons in order to bypass their damage reduction which is fairly high. They also are immune to cold and electricity and they have this thing called a phylactery that we have to find and destroy if we don't want it to keep coming back. It's touch attacks do negative energy damage, it possesses a fear aura that could make us shaken and if it hits you with its touch attack you need to physically resist or become permanently paralyzed though for all intents and purposes you appear dead and in order to remove the paralysis you need either remove paralysis or any spell that can remove a curse so we probably should prepare some of those spells or get some scrolls going into this and it probably wouldn't hurt to have some way to improve our ability to resist things physically."
Stock (JonM) HP: 172/172; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 34; Rage: 0/35 used Wednesday September 7th, 2022 8:50:01 AM
Stock looks at Armalad and says, "You sure you didn't miss your calling as an encyclopedia?" He then leads the way through the portal.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 101/101 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 24 (+4 vs grapple, disarm, trip) d20=3 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 9:23:49 AM
Stohp goes in behind Stock keeping aware of any possible dangers (perception 20)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 114/114 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +13;Perc+16;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+16=36 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 10:52:50 AM
He had gotten himself up and did his morning meditations with his focus on projectiles, healing, and strength along with flashes of fire and lightening. It was a meditation that sent him reflecting on previous battles and engagements and what had worked and what hadn't as well as he hoped. He made sure when it was over and he was gearing up, that he double checked his new gear and loaded the sling with one of the magic bullets before wrapping it about his hand. Grabbing his glave after he got his armor shifted into the right place, he headed down and joined the others. He made sure to grab a roll and some cheese to munch on the way to the lifts.
As they walked he reflected on what Armalad shared about liches. He had asked her a few things as they walked and he nodded in understanding as he heard what she said clearer this time. When Stock made his encyclopedia comment, Bartomus sighed as the dwarf stepped through the portal.
"Ya know, he does have a cute, softer side," Bartomus tried to say it sincerely and then started giggling at the thought. "Probably at the bottom of his left toe or something. What would an adventure be without someone playing the Grumpy type, right?"
Bartomus stepped through the portal scanning about as he did so.
Perception 36
Delia (Hannah) HP: 107/107; AC 26/18/20; CMD 32 d20+21=30 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 1:24:32 PM
In the morning, Delia went through her morning routine of stretching, exercising, and thoroughly checking her equipment. As they set out, she move next to Zanderallen, "It would be useless to tell you not to worry, but we will find Pepper." She awkwardly nods and then moves to the front of the group.
Delia tries to move through the portal first and immediately starts searching for the match of the tracks left on their side of the portal before their own footprints can muddy the ground.
===================== Survival: 30 (37 for tracking)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 149/149 AC: 31 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 30 d100=24 ; Wednesday September 7th, 2022 3:35:01 PM
Zander pauses just outside the gate, holding the key model. "Do we need to leave the key on this side, or take it through with us?" If nobody knows he steps through the gate last, holding the key. ------- OOC: accidental role
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