Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 10:48:51 PM
Armalad asks, "Can I get some of that tea."
She then postulates, "if there is an underwater reed city then maybe we'll need things like invisibility sphere and major image to create places we can hide?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:52:45 AM "I think we are going to need to know a lot more about what is down there. Hiding might be a good way to do that." Bartomus agreed with Armalad. He gave her a weak smile and a shrug and then went to fetch the pot of tea and couple of additional cups.
When he emerged with both, he filled her cup and pushed it toward the Star mage and then refilled his own. He pointed to the other cup with the teapot and looked at Delta with a questioning expression.
"What worries me is that a village or community, yea that might be a better word, of those reeds." Bartomus sighed and took a long sip of the tea. "We can't take on an entire community in a few hours and my approach to helping a group breath below the surface won't last but that for each one I work with."
He shook his head and twisted his lips to one side. "Really think we need more information. But, I like your thinking Delta. I am just not certain about the best way to go about this problem. I also have to say, I don't think any of the fisher folk are still alive, but still would bring them some closure to be able to bury their kin."
[/b]"I want to head out and find the druids. Ask them a few questions. Then maybe take a turtle out onto the waters after getting some advice on how to reach out to the King, or his daughter, and ask about the reeds. Get something to eat along the way too of course. You want to come along?"[/b]
He asked Armalad and Delta as he listened to what they suggested before firming up a course of action.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 11:12:25 AM
Delia's attention snaps back to the present at the clink of a tea cup on the table, she nods and accepts the cup gratefully. "Sorry. Trying to think of the best way to safely remove this threat. The question I keep coming back to is: Is this targetted or instinctual? It doesn't change how this needs to end, but it might change our path to get there. If these reeds have simply changed hunting grounds, our lives will be so much easier and we could likely hack away at it section by section and it won't learn. If this is targetted and there's an intelligent force behind it we need to wipe everything out at once. I can talk to plants if we think that would help, but they tend to be pretty dumb. And if this is a hive mind of any sort it could warn something we're coming."
She sipped her tea for a few moments, deep in thought, "Either way, I think step one is making sure all of us are ready for underwater combat at the drop of a hat. Water breathing and Freedom of Movement spells and scrolls, darkvision or good underwater light sources... that sorta thing."
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Wednesday March 8th, 2023 11:54:32 AM
Stock glances at his hands and arms and says, "Why do people keep confusing me with a taur...No I'm not Bartomus, I'm Stock. Anyway who knows about past run-ins with the wildlife at the bottom of the lake? Some locals were just jumped by some aggressive weeds we haven't seen before and I'm curious if the League has any records about similar sightings or attacks."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 1:17:38 PM
Zanderallen raises an eyebrow at the group of teens. He sighs as they being their line of questioning. So many points to balance but unknown rumors would likely guess things to be worse than the truth, "There was an attack, some type of carnivorous plant from the lake depths. Some of the fishermen and Lakeview Lads were taken under... We're investigating to make sure it doesn't happen again. Please excuse me, and Domi go with you." As he leaves the teens he realizes there somewhere he needs to go first. He turns aside from the path up and heads to the warehouse where the Lakeview Lads have set up base. He knocks on the door, waiting on a response.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:03:58 PM
Armalad asks for tea and then continues her conjecture on what spells might be best…. She feels confident about major image, but silently wonders whether the “spaces of empty water” might give an invisible person away immediately, or just make it slightly less effective than normal. Perhaps an experiment is in order… she considers… depending on how soon the Shields leave after changing spells tomorrow morning.
Bartomus agrees with Armalad’s focus on a “hiding strategy” and then goes to get more tea and cups. Bartomus expresses his concern that the size and number of the reedy mounds could be hiding a lot of reeds, or a few, but thinks it wisest to plan for the worse scenario. He details his meet-the-druids and meet-the-merfolk strategies a bit more, then waits for Armalad and Delia to chip in.
Delia comes out of reverie as her hands gratefully receive a cup of tea. The tea spurs the creative parts of her brain and highly detailed tactics and strategies spill forth, organized and marching like an army led by a general. Delia has laid forth her concerns about the best approach to deal with the Reeds, and sums up some of the team’s most useful magical options underwater.
Stock confirms he’s not wearing a Taurish hat of disguise – his hands and arms are still as Dwarven and sturdy as they ever were! Stock asks the half-elf woman whether the WLA knows of someone experienced with wildlife at the bottom of Turtle Lake, particularly ‘aggressive weeds.’
Zanderallen spares a moment more than Stock did, and gives the fanteens a few more details, including the loss of some of the Lakeview Lads before making his way politely past them. Then Zanderallen recalls Belba’s note about ensuring Xera, Yerikah, and Ceridan were being counseled and taken care of at the Lads’ HQ, and adjusts his course to that destination. He quickly arrives and knocks on the door.
Stohp doesn’t know what to make of Pravin’s misidentification. Caught off-guard she adopts a thoughtful face and Pravin waits patiently for “Stock”’s response.
(OOC – Mitch asked if anyone would sub for him this week. I would like that too…
Meanwhile, at stately WLA headquarters, the half-elf woman scrunches her eyebrows and thinks about Stock’s question. A tiny vein visibly pulses every now and then on the left half of her forehead as she ponders. She turns to a shelf of books, plucks one out and rapidly pages through it, finger-reading headers, then finishes, closes it, and scratches her head. Then she says, “Well Mr. Stock, I don’t think any of the current crop of adventurers have done that since our logs say the Shields were the last to go underwater like that… but we have kept what logs we could on all of the attempts to fight the Sahuagin, not just the Shields. According to the logs, the last group that tried to fight them mentioned they’d gotten some help from a ‘Syrdeth Redbow.’ I didn’t see that name near the logs’ entry on the Shields’ Sahuagin assault, but maybe that name’s familiar to you? If not, I don’t know how to find him without doing some asking around and research. Do you know anyone by that name? As for the prior group, they left the Float after failing to defeat the Sahuagin the way the Shields did. I could send messages to other WLA chapters, but that may take even longer than me asking around about Redbow.”
Back at the Lads’ HQ, all is quiet outside but for Zanderallen’s knocking… a moment… and then some scrambling is heard behind the door, things move, and then the door opens, without setting off the alarm. Taran stands before Zanderallen, and without a smile or a word then opens the door fully and steps back, beckoning Zanderallen inside.
Zanderallen sees the room somewhat full. In one corner, many chairs are gathered, and Xera, Yerikah, and Ceridan are each sitting with their back to the wall and an acolyte in robes of Domi sitting across from each of them. Xera and her acolyte have their heads close, and Xera is whispering in the acolyte’s ear, occasionally wiping away her own tears, blowing her nose, and so on. Yerikah is out of tears, but still sobbing on the shoulder of her acolyte, repeating one word over and over, “Jerma!” Ceridan sits quietly, listening to the consoling words of his acolyte… only occasionally ghost-drawing an arrow that isn’t there from a quiver that isn’t there.
Grysh and Duluth are sitting at the Lads’ big table, each drinking a mug of dark ale, sometimes looking over at their recovering friends, sometimes looking at each other, nodding, and then going back to drinking.
At the clank of entry from Zanderallen’s boots Grysh and Duluth look up, and for the first time in quite a while, Zanderallen sees them smile… the first time in quite a while he has seen any Lad smile… Out of the corner of his right eye Zanderallen thought he saw the beginning of a smile on Taran’s face, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Grysh swallows, sets down his ale, and says, “C’mon, sit. Have an ale with us. I… we… don’t know how else to thank you and the Shields…” Zanderallen hears the uncharacteristic mellowness in Grysh’s words. When the Lads were at Shields HQ, Grysh had on a tough face, a strong, proud stance even as he admired the Shields as much as the rest of the Lads. Now, Grysh wears the wisdom of sorrow that will forever inform his future approaches to battle… and to life…
Stohp (Hugh subbing for Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:45:38 PM
Stohp says, "I'm actually Stohp, not Stock. Stock is a Dwarf. Anyway could you direct to the shop around her that rents gear that makes the ability to breathe and move underwater."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:47:32 PM
Armalad says, "We need to do some experimentation with Invisibility Sphere and being underwater as I'm not sure if the water would negate the benefit of the spell or if it would only make it slightly less effective."
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:02:34 AM "Yeah, I know Redbow. Haven't seen him in a bit but he helped us last time. I'll go track him down. Thanks for jogging my memory." With little other ceremony, Stock departs the WLA, trying to remember where near the docks they met the man the last time they had to go diving.
======= Diplomacy to gather information near the docks; Take 10 for an 11 Stock is not the best at Diplomacy
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday March 9th, 2023 2:17:18 PM "I like those ideas, and Delia, those questions are part of the challenge we have. If these are creatures of the lake and they can do what we saw with that guys thumb, then we gotta have a plan." Bartomus offered to the others and took another drink of tea.
"But, if they have been here all along, then we gotta figure out what changed. Otherwise, we gotta huge problem on our hands." He sit his cup down and then sighed.
"Who wants to go visit the druids?" He was hoping that he might get some clue that would help figure out a better choice amongst what was appearing to be versuons of bad and bad.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Thursday March 9th, 2023 3:11:34 PM
Zander greets Taran quietly, clasping him on the shoulder as a comforting gesture. As his eyes take in the scene he nods to Xera, Yerikah, and Ceridan. He smiles back at Grysh and Duluth and join them at the table, setting down some of his gear. He takes an ale, "I'm glad to see you two recovering." He pauses conjuring up the pain of Rodrigo's Death (August 31st post), he chooses his next words carefully but let's his emotions show. "I'm sorry about Triggan and Jerma. I know, trust me I know, that nothing I or anyone else says will make that loss any less. But I want you to know this. They are gone, but they are still with you, in here." He taps his chest right over his heart. "And they died doing what they knew was right. Because of them and all of you those fisher men and women are still alive. And that matters. It doesn't change how much it hurts, but it matters. To Triggan and Jerma." He downs the last of his ale in toast.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday March 9th, 2023 3:57:22 PM
Delia takes another pensive sip of tea, "Hmm, yeah that plant was weird. Stocking up on some anti-toxins might not be a bad idea... and if we wait more than a day, I'm all for testing magic out too." She'll go with Bart to the druids to see if they have any insight.
Armalad tries to get someone to volunteer for her invisibility sphere experimentation. If no one does she could always just test it herself with herself and joker.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) d20=19 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:48:34 PM
Stohp gently corrects Pravin and asks him for directions to a shop that handles underwater gear.
Pravin’s cheeks flush red when he realizes his misidentification. “I’m sorry ma’am, the two names just sound alike… I apologize. A shop that rents underwater gear? Hmmm… well, not a shop per se, but there’s a man who does that kind of business strictly by word of mouth… his name is Syrdeth Redbow… I think he works for Lord Belkior or someone up there. He lives down at the docks, near Sailor’s Fork, and he runs the Shield Construction business in a warehouse. Probably easy to find once you get down there. Has a big sign, I think. Well, I guess we’d best be getting this stained-glass over to the temple of Domi… I hear they really like Zallenander, or some champion with a name like that.” And with that, Pravin and his fellow taur get back to their delivery. Stohp starts heading for the docks.
(OOC - Pravin sure knew a lot for a stained-glass deliverytaur...)
Armalad suggests testing certain spells, like invisibility sphere, in the water before going on the expedition so the Shields can be informed about which spells to select for the expedition.
Stock thanks the half-elven woman for jogging his memory and departs the WLA, heading towards the docks. He feels sure he’ll remember more the closer he gets.
Stohp and Stock are each about halfway to the docks when they meet each other at an intersection, almost bumping into each other.
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Shields, Bartomus compliments Delia on her strategies and tactics. He cautions Delia and Armalad on the potential dangers of the plants down there, especially based on the tiny plant that almost ate Hasan’s thumb. Bartomus asks for traveling companions to go visit the druids.
Zanderallen greets the Lads warmly, responding to each as they need, and sits down to drink ale with Grysh and Duluth. Zanderallen encourages the Lads to take heart from Triggan and Jerma’s sacrifice, and their own efforts, which led to saving so many of the fisherfolk. Zanderallen toasts the memory and actions of Triggan and Jerma.
A second passes… and Grysh and Duluth raise their mugs to toast as well. “To Triggan and…” their voices trail off, recalling who is nearby, still gently sobbing, and then both of them silently mouth “to Jerma!” so only Zanderallen and Taran can see their faces.
Delia sips more tea, continuing her strategizing, and suggesting anti-toxins… a moment and she recalls the Delay Poison spell can be quite useful too… Delia agrees to go with Bart to see the druids, all members of the Circle of Alder… but where did they last see them, was it on the Float, or on the shore? What if they’re gathering mistletoe on shore and the Shields need to take a Turtle to get there and more Reeds attack? Hmmm… well, easy enough to start with their quarters on the Float and see if they’re there before chartering a Turtle. There’s more than one Turtle to charter… Rick’s Turtle James probably wouldn’t have let a stranger like Taran direct the Turtle that Belba enchanted to help the Shields face the Reeds, so perhaps James is still healthy and ready to go if the Druids aren’t on the Float…
Armalad inquires again about testing out magic. Delia replies that she’s interested in it, but the Shields might want an extra day to do that. Armalad considers testing it with herself and Joker. Come to think of it, Armalad just needs to see what happens to one roughly humanoid-type shape… even a standard Invisibility spell would be enough for that… Delia and Bartomus seem set on leaving for the Druids next…
ARMALAD – head to the docks and test with whatever spells you have on hand right now, or go with Delia and Bartomus now, and prepare appropriate spells tomorrow?
SHIELDS – what do you do?
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Friday March 10th, 2023 8:31:42 AM
Stock looks up at Stohp and really looks at her. Then he looks down at himself. Then he looks at Stohp and says, "You ever think we look alike?" He then shakes his head and says, "Come one, we're probably here for the same reason. Let's find Redbow."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Friday March 10th, 2023 9:20:34 AM
Delia will down the rest of her tea and put the cup in the kitchen, "Armalad, we can swing by a bit of water somewhere on our way to the druids and test out your spells. If they aren't home, we'll probably have to go by the docks anyway."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday March 10th, 2023 10:43:13 AM
Bartomus led the way to the grove where he had communed with the druids of the Float. He looked about hoping to see a familiar face.
"Hello," Bartomus said softly. "Hoping to talk with a few of you about something the Shields have discovered."
He waited for an answer and if someone were to appear, he would quickly explain what he had seen in the lake and ask about the kelp forests and the reeds. He would also ask about traveling between trees like those in the grove and the kelp forests.
Stohp (Zach subbing for Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday March 10th, 2023 11:39:34 AM
Stohp snorts and raises an inquisitive eyebrow at Stock's question, "You'd think by this point people would know who we are, especially on the Fence level" She shrugs her shoulders and dismisses it, not worth worrying over. "Let's see if the elf is in, Shield Construction was his business I think."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Friday March 10th, 2023 11:43:59 AM
Zander sets down his cup and gives a sad smile to the Lads, "If you want to talk further, my door is always open." He then leaves them in the capable hands of the acolytes of Domi. There was no more he could do, they needed time and space to grieve. And while they did that he would take vengeance. He gets most of the way to the stairs before realizing he is carrying a heavy scowl and takes a moment to take a deep breath and settle his emotions. Still looking like a man on a missions he no longer wears to the look of a man of his way to kill someone. Up to the Open Air Level to alert the Overlord.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Saturday March 11th, 2023 11:35:49 AM
Stock considers Stohp for a long moment, asking her if the two of them could be confused for one another. Then invites her to head to Redbow with him.
Delia finishes her tea and cleans up her area. She offers Armalad and opportunity to test spells on the way to the Druids.
Bartomus leads Delia and Armalad to the grove on the Float where the Druids normally reside, on the open-air level in a park, resolving to stop by the Druids’ townhouse on the merchant level later if necessary. The Shields are greeted apparently by a new initiate of the Druids, based on the liontaur woman’s relative youth and clothing. “Hail and well-met Shields! I am Filippa.” she says, continuing, looking up at Bartomus, perhaps a head taller than Filippa, and then down at Delia and Armalad, “Wow… I never thought I’d get to meet the great Bartomus, honored elder of nature! I am so humbled to meet you! And… (turning) you must be Delia and Armalad, the Shields’ archers without equal!” The lion-woman appears to get everyone’s names correct. “ Shields, how may we of the Grove assist you?” Filippa finishes.
Filippa listens to Bartomus intently. “ Exalted Bartomus, I wish I could help. Cathbad, Carlo, and Jella have themselves tree-traveled to the mainland, following the latest clues to Jella’s father’s whereabouts. I don’t know exactly where they are right now. My knowledge of nature is not as great as yours… I have never considered the nature under our feet, on the lakefloor… how short-sighted of me. I will make sure to ask Cathbad and the others about it on their return. I can only think of this: what makes a tree a tree, and a plant a plant? The Lake “forests” of reeds and kelp sound more like overgrown plants than trees, but perhaps you could simply try using your tree spells and see if they work?” Filippa finishes and smiles, like a preciously bright student who has done the best with the novice-level knowledge they have and are hoping for a pat on the head from the famous visiting professor.
Stohp grumbles at being reminded of misidentification by Float citizens who should know better by now… Stohp agrees to go see Redbow with Stock, stopping by Shield Construction first.
Stock and Stohp make their way to Shield Construction relatively quickly, aided by Stohp’s nigh-perfect memorization of the Float’s layout, especially on the Fence level and on down to the docks. Soon they are before the massive warehouse with a recently-cleaned-and-painted sign towards the top level, simply “Shield Construction.” A dozen or so people of various sizes and species are going to and fro in front of and in and out of the warehouse. Off to the right is a retail counter set in the wall facing the street, workers visible in the background inside the warehouse, but no one at the counter. There is, however, a silver bell about the size of Stohp’s right fist sitting on the counter, and on the outside wall to the side of the counter someone has painted in white paint with block letters,
RING FOR SERVICE
Zanderallen smiles in a way that fully communicates his and the Shields’ condolences to the Lads, and then lets them know he’s always available to speak with. Zanderallen sees Duluth and Grysh and even Taran smile as he leaves, and the three of them begin talking quietly, perhaps returning to an earlier conversation. As he leaves, he takes a deep breath and refocuses himself on the situation, and in Domi’s teachings about how to approach difficult situations. Zanderallen makes his way out of the Lads’ HQ, across the Fence level, and makes his way from the Fence level to the ramp system that leads all the way to the top. Four levels of ramps takes a while, but Zanderallen is determined and in exemplary athletic shape, and arriving on the top level he pauses a moment to take in the beautiful mix of plants and architecture, reaching towards the sky and even the sun itself… no reedy tendrils reaching out to grab him here.
Having missed Bartomus and the others by mere moments Zanderallen is not distracted as he strides over to the several guards at the edge of the Palace of the Overlord. Several humanoid guards stand at the ready, ranging in height from 4' to 7' tall, their faces obscured by the internal shadows of their helmets. They part as one, allowing their sergeant-at-arms (by the visible insignia) to step forth to meet Zanderallen. Zanderallen is no stranger to taurs or to giant foes, but this sergeant is an especially imposing centaur man, perhaps seven-foot-six… or even a solid eight feet tall at the front, clad in full plate armor and barding. The paragon of centaurs towers over Zanderallen and his voice is a deep rumbling avalanche, “ Hail and well-met Zanderallen! My superiors told me you were a frequent visitor to the Palace. Your desire is written all over your face… tell me Zanderallen of the Silver Shields, for what reasons do you seek audience with the Overlord today?”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Saturday March 11th, 2023 12:51:38 PM "Well met Filippa," Bartomus greeted the woman with a warm smile and listened to her response to his questions. He nodded at her set of questions.
"Exactly that. Right? The kelp was growing tall with thicker stalks and their tops reaching for the light. What I don't want to do is try a tree walk for the shields that doesn't work. May need to experiment as you suggest as growing up on the plains gives me little in the way of experience with trees or large lakes either."
He chuckled at that confession and then reached out to shake the woman's hand in thanks. "I appreciate the time and the thoughts. He gave her a polite bow and looked about. [b]"Time to call out to the merfolk, I guess."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Sunday March 12th, 2023 7:16:19 PM
Delia lets Bart take the lead on talking to the druids, giving Filippa a polite nod at the start and end of the conversation. "Looks like we're going to be by some water and can test your spells out, Armalad. Well... probably. How do we contact the merfolk?"
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday March 12th, 2023 8:15:41 PM
Armalad says, "When you dealt with that errand for the druids you had my predecessor from the Star Mages guild with you who had a lot more and different spells than I do. As I said previously my spell book isn't really optimized for travel as it focuses on a lot of area of effect spells I can trigger by imbuing the spell in my arrow. Who has spells that let us travel via sea weed?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Monday March 13th, 2023 8:54:52 AM
Stock rings the bell and looks around the counter for anybody who can help. "Stohp - Do you see anybody?"
"Helloooo? Redbow?", Stock calls out.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Monday March 13th, 2023 6:01:21 PM
Zander nods his head to the centaur, "Well met, Sergeant. I do not know of news of the fishing fleet attack has reached the palace but I seek an audience with the Overlord or his aides to give an account and detail some discoveries made. The Shields are departing on a fact finding mission but due to the threat to the city I feel the authorities need to be aware of the situation."
Armalad makes sure she has an invisibility sphere prepared when they go to visit the water
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday March 13th, 2023 8:58:54 PM
Stohp sees lots of people just none obviously manning the desk. She waits patiently for them to be serviced.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday March 13th, 2023 10:53:31 PM
(OOC Checking in)
Delia asks Armalad some questions about why invisibility magic would work differently under water and how to spot the signs.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Monday March 13th, 2023 11:47:38 PM
Bartomus greets Filippa and considers the lore she offers, then politely turning to the Shields, suggests they next travel to the Merfolk.
Delia wonders how the Shields can contact the Merfolk.
Armalad considers the limitations of her spellbook and asks the Shields, “Who has spells that let us travel via sea weed?”
Delia asks Armalad why invisibility magic would work differently under water and how to spot the signs.
Stock grasps the handle of the oversized silver cowbell, with a handle made of a short but thick metal pipe – Stock’s index fingertip barely reaches his thumbtip on the other side when grasped. He rings the repurposed cowbell mightily and calls out for Redbow.
Zanderallen returns the strong greeting to the centaur sergeant, and states his business: to inform the Overlord of important details of the fishing fleet attack and related matters. The sergeant listens carefully, and backsteps to the side as he says, “ small details about the attack have made it here… including that the Shields are the only ones in any shape to discuss the matter without reliving traumatic memories. (He turns to a nearby page) You there, run and pass the word up the chain to the Overlord that Zanderallen brings information key to the Float’s security. (Turning back to Zanderallen) Noble Zanderallen, please walk briskly and do not run – give the Overlord time to realize your impromptu visit is imminent, and to prepare himself and his court. (He turns slightly to look at two nearby guards) And you there, Guards Zejd and Abele, escort Zanderallen to the doors of the Overlord’s court – ensure that no one blocks Zanderallen’s path!”
With that, Guards Zejd and Abele smile at Zanderallen and gesture for him to follow between them as escort. The three armored warriors make their way deep into the Overlord’s palace, Zejd and Abele keeping servants from remaining frozen in the middle of the hallway at the sight of the Champion of Domi, the great warrior Zanderallen! Through this hallway and that, up a full flight of stairs, down a hallway, down a half-flight of stairs, across a large room where many wait to see the Overlord, and up a half-flight of stairs, finally the three are at the entrance to the Overlord’s greeting complex. Abele and Zjed each step forward to greet and bow to the guards at the Overlord’s grand doors and speak their business, and that of Zanderallen. The two guards nod, and a third guard, briefly hidden behind a pillar, steps out and slides a small piece of metal, whispering into the small exposed hole, then slides the small piece of metal back, and then slips once more behind the pillar.
In a moment, grinding noises are heard behind the doors… it seems the Overlord must have enlisted some Dwarven engineers to create such a loud and grandiose mechanical system for opening doors… and for keeping them shut… since Zanderallen was last here.
Guards Zejd and Abele lead Zanderallen into the Overlord’s greeting complex, where he sits atop one of his many thrones throughout the palace, this one apparently designed to be less intimidating than the ones he uses for official decrees. Soon the three are in the Overlord’s presence, a mere twenty feet from him and his retinue of palace guards.
The Overlord’s voice booms as he says, “Zanderallen of the Silver Shields… it has come to my attention that there is more to this fishing fleet accident… or attack (?)… than is known to me. You are a loyal citizen of the float and have never lied to me before. Tell me what you know… and what you think it means for the Float!”
Armalad makes a mental note to change spells to include Invisibility Sphere before the Shields go to the water… and as it’s still not quite mid-day since the dawn attack, that won’t be until the next morning… She is beginning to think that perhaps the Shields need the next day for spell testing and the merfolk, and then can head for the weedy/reedy “town” the day after that, with the correct spells prepared.
Stohp observes the many people going back and forth while Stock rings the silver cowbell mightily, calling for Redbow.
Within a moment a worker finishes moving some block and tackle into place, and then hears the cowbell and jogs over to the counter. The worker is a female elf of unusual height, about six feet tall. The elven amazon is wearing a utilitarian heavy cloth outfit, apparently designed to prevent bruises, scrapes, and cuts as might happen in a construction warehouse. She’s somewhat youthful for an elf, and her hair is tied in a bun on the back of her head. Her wide almond-shaped violet eyes seem to take in the whole situation at once without her moving her head up to Stohp or down to Stock. She makes a slight smile as she says, “ Sir dwarf, lady ‘taur, if you want to speak with Syrdeth, fortune smiles upon you today, he’s here instead of off locating another supplier of construction materials. Now who should I tell him is… wait… a strong dwarf in mithral armor and a lithe ‘taur in light armor… you’re the Shields, aren’t you? (turns) Hey everyone, the Silver Shields are here, come see!!!” and with that, Stock and Stohp are quickly surrounded, at a few feet of distance, by awestruck Shields-fans, whispering and murmuring… “Is it really them? Of course it’s them you fool! It’s Stock the ‘taur and Stohp the dwarf! No no, you have it wrong, it’s Stock the dwarf and Stohp the ‘taur! Hey, no one can stop that ‘taur! I heard from the dockworkers she hogtied one of those plant-monsters with its own fronds! No she didn’t! Yes she did! How do you know? The dockworker overheard one of the acolytes after they helped some of the survivors! How do you know it was a plant monster and not just a story? Everything’s true where the Shields are involved! I dunno… (random gnome in the crowd turns towards Stohp) Hey, you there, Stohp! No uh… I mean… ma’am, Ms. Stohp, did you really hogtie a plant monster? (a young halfling) That’s not a real question for the Shields! Ms. Stohp, how’s the weather up there? A-ha-ha-ha-ha! (loud adult female halfling voice) Be quiet Fredwise! Don’t insult the Shields, they’ve saved every one of us many times over! I’m sorry Ms. Stohp… please forgive my teenage son… I think that gnome had a real question for you, though, about the plant monster… did you really hogtie a plant monster with its own fronds?”
STOCK AND STOHP: Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Through the chaos of the workers-turned-ShieldsFans, you see a familiar silhouette through the open-window counter, just at the wall’s corner edge, that of a male elf leaning against the wall corner, moving like he’s lightly chuckling.}
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used d20+25=27 ; Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:38:52 AM "Stohp - when did we become celebrities?" Stock spots the one he thinks is Redbow and walks steadily towards him.
"We need your underwater gear again."
======== Perception 27
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:07:33 AM "So, I could spend some time, and a good deal of gold asking an ally of Eberyon's to entreat with the King or Princess," Bartomus smiled at that addition and then pulled himself back into the present. "Ask for a parlay from atop a turtle and at least see if the reeds are a normal part of the lake or a new invasive. The latter could be a source for an alliance, the former a reason to ask for guidance."
Bartomus' stomach growled and he looked about for a place to grab something to eat. "Wanna grab something, cause I think calling for a fey herald to entreat a king might require a full belly."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 2:50:00 PM
Zander follows the guards as directed. He's almost grow accustomed to the pomp of the palace at this point, but still thinks it's all a bit silly. He nods and salutes politely to the various guards they pass. When the doors slide open he's glad it's one of the lesser throne rooms. He wondered if Drezz had really become so caught up in it all or it was necessary for the position. He bows to the Overlord but give him a familiar grin, after all he'd saved the man's life on more than one occasion, Safe House. "Drezz! Or excuse me, Overlord. How is palace life treating you? Not pulled you too high into the clouds I hope. I wish it were happier news that brought me to call upon you but that is rarely the way of things is it. I have been told you're aware of the attack on the fishing fleet this morning? Well what is not common knowledge is that Bartomus followed the trail of the monstrosities deeper into the lake. He did not risk getting too close but they seem to have come from some sort of underwater town or structure of reeds. We are preparing gear and magics so that we can investigate... But if some force is attacking the Float's fishing fleet, that seemed like information you needed to know."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:28:30 PM
Armalad says to Delia, "Well my fly spell was ineffective under the water and the question is if you have an invisibility sphere does it it end up leaving some sort of tell tale sign that something is amiss with the water? I mean if you are on dry land and someone hits an invisible person with something like flour you'd know someone was invisible."
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:15:24 PM
Stock is a bit unnerved about the intense public attention… affection… whatever it is, and complains a little to Stohp about it. Stock then quickly spots a lightly-chuckling male elf through the gap of the open window and manages to duck and weave and leap over the counter and into the warehouse, and says, without introduction, “We need your underwater gear again.”
Bartomus muses aloud that he might need to ask a favor of a fey herald to reach a merfolk king, which would be easier on a full stomach, and asks the Shields to join him for lunch.
Zanderallen follows along with the guards, keeping a brisk pace. Upon meeting the Overlord, Zanderallen inwardly chuckles at how quickly Drezz has become formal, putting on a show for the gallery of servants and attendees and guards. Stilling his inward chuckles, Zanderallen gets to business, detailing more on the attack on the fisherfleet by the Tangle/Reeds, and the possibility of the attack being targeted at the Float’s fishing fleet specifically.
Armalad explains to Delia some examples of how magic may be affected by the environs.
Stock, now with a better view of the male elf, can see clearly that this is Syrdeth Redbow, his elven complexion showing no change at all from the last few years.
Syrdeth says, “Stock, good to see you and Stohp again. I am kept informed by reliable sources (he smiles) of many, but not all, of the Silver Shields’ adventures, and I am pleased with how resourceful you all have become! I still have some of the gear I lent to the Shields a few years ago, perhaps half… but surely with powerful spellcasters among the Shields now you have no shortage of spells such as water breathing, freedom of movement and the like, especially with a powerful druid like Bartomus, whether Armalad knows water breathing or not. Still, spells do not last forever, but magic items may, so I understand your desire…”
Stohp realizes the window might be a tight fit without breaking anything belonging to Shield Construction, spots a set of double doors, works her way through the crowd and has just made it to Stock and Redbow at this point in the conversation.
Syrdeth continues, “Tell me Stock… Stohp… this attack on the fisherfleet… I have heard the tales of horror and woe as the acolytes of Domi counseled the survivors, but what was the battle like? What were these… reeds?”
The Overlord… Drezz… at first stares silently at Zanderallen. Then, slowly, near imperceptibly, a sly grin creeps across his face. He lets out an Overlordly guffaw, then some hearty laughter, and then stops and says, “ Ah, Zanderallen, always to the point, and here I thought you’d do me the courtesy of letting everyone think me an overly-formal, legalistic blowhard! No, it hasn’t pulled me too high into the clouds, though I like to let some think that way…
So, these reeds, they attacked the fleet from underwater, I deduce? There are things I can do, but I don’t exactly have the merfolk navy at my beck and call… still, the Float has options, and I will explore those, my thanks to you and the Shields, Zanderallen. In case this attack was a mere distraction, and the real threat might come from another direction… be careful on your mission Zanderallen… the Shields could be needed on the Float at any time! Go, and may Domi be with you!
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 11:36:05 PM
Delia lightly ponders the affect that terrain can have on magic of all types and then promptly shelves it when Bart mentions food. "I agree that talking to folks sometimes needs food to bolster you. Do we need a fey herald? I've never had to call about mer-royalty before."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20+22=36 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:02:30 AM
Stohp calmly does her best to deal with the fans and leave a good impression without having to sit there for half an hour explaining all their recent adventures (36 diplomacy). She also clarifies who is who. "I am Stohp, he is Stock. To remember just try to think that Stock is stockier then Stohp. she suggests.
Once the manage to make their way through the crowd she'll give a brief summery of events to Syrdeth. "We're more powerful and richer then we were before it is true, and could probably use our own magic or visit the catacombs for everything we need, but we're a bit short on time and the gear proved useful last time so here we are again. Honestly we should just keep a stock of underwater gear for stuff like this considering we live on a lake."
Stohp should have enough cash to purchase things instead of renting this time (her sheet says she has 30k loose gold, and adding up everything I've clearly been lax in writing down loot because she's only got 85kish in gear, oops)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:21:26 AM "Not sure how else we reach them to be honest." Bartomus replied to Delia. "Swimming on our own might not actually get us down that deep without some additional gear and such.
He talked as they worked their way to the stairs to the level below. He wanted to find a street vendor and those were not the norm up on the top level where linen napkins and waiters were the norm. His stomach growled a few times as they passed one of the higher-up restaurants.
"We need to meet up with the rest of the Shields and try to work out the details of a plan. Something still doesn't add up in my mind."
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Wednesday March 15th, 2023 12:30:08 PM "I think you've nailed the main issue here. Yes we have magic to fall back on but when going underwater, you don't want that magic to run out on you. We'll take whatever you will part with...and will bring it back afterward."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:22:59 PM
Armalad asks Delia, "Where are we going to get a fey herald from?"
She also says, "Let's do a working dinner and come up with plans." when Bartomus mentions regrouping with the rest of the Shields.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:11:04 PM
Delia agrees with Bartomus that a meal is in order, and asks for more info about the fey herald and mer-king.
Stohp manages to concisely summarize the Shields’ recent adventure in a way that occupies the ShieldsFans for several minutes as they try to mentally unpack all that she has told them, especially the part about who is Stohp and who is Stock! While they’re occupied, Stohp is able to excuse herself to join Stock and find Redbow. After Redbow finishes speaking, Stohp explains the urgent need for the Shields to use underwater magic items now vs. visiting the catacombs. Stohp thinks to herself that the Shields should just buy his complete stock of underwater magic items and be done with it, because this might not be the last underwater threat to the Float…
Bartomus led the Shields down some levels in the Float, seeking familiar food with more taste to it than the fare higher up. He opines that the Shields will want additional gear in order to get down far enough, even if some of the Shields wear armor heavy enough to sink like a stone. Bartomus mused aloud about meeting with the rest of the Shields soon to work out a plan and answer his niggling questions about the whole situation.
Stock tells Redbow that the Shields definitely want the reliability of magic items for this expedition, and would like to borrow whatever you have and we’ll return it all afterwards.
Armalad asks Delia where fey heralds can be found, and then suggests all of the Shields gather for dinner to make plans.
(OOC – ZANDERALLEN – your purpose seemed to be to deliver the news/warning to the Overlord so the Float can take steps to protect itself in the Shields’ absence. You’ve accomplished that; if you like, your next post can include any additional information you wanted Drezz to have, if you feel you didn’t tell him everything in the Tuesday post)
Zanderallen sees that Drezz is pleased with Zanderallen, but disturbed by the news. The Overlord excuses himself and sends Zanderallen on his way, directing the escorts to clear the path for Zanderallen’s important business. Zanderallen is whisked through the palace and out, with a large nod from the centaur sergeant as Zanderallen jogs out of the palace and heads down the ramp system.
It's at this point that the driven Zanderallen comes across a minotaur man, a human woman, and an elven woman – Shields!
(OOC – Zanderallen, Bartomus, Delia, and Armalad… Zanderallen has caught up with the rest of you on one of the ramps down towards the street food vendors; please start your next posts from this meeting.)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday March 16th, 2023 7:56:26 AM
Stohp will busy herself counting coins. The annoying thing with purchasing magic items is having to accurately count out thousands of coins and she couldn't precount without knowing what they're getting so she goes ahead and gets started while the merchant determines what all he has she can buy
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:41:52 AM
Stock raises himself on his toes to see into Stohp's hand and tries to "help" by counting along. Surprisingly to Stock, it seems that his counting keeps forcing Stohp to start over in her count. "It's alright Stohp-just get an accurate count. It's not like we're on a clock or anything."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:15:11 AM "Hey, Zander, Zander," Bartomus called out to the walking paragon of Domi in their group. He smiled at seeing him as he was more finely dressed and he suspected that was to see the Overseer.
"Hope you were more successful in getting some information than my reaching out to the Druids, who were mainly out doing what they need to do." Bartomus' explanation did not hide his disappointment with his efforts. He nodded towards Armalad and continued.
"My stomach is trying to scream about how hungry it is and she suggested a working dinner at HQ. So, how about we load up a few baskets of stuff to share and carry it back to HQ. You wanna invite your girlfriend?" The Taur grinned and winked at Zander. "What sounds good for a working dinner folks, we can find it all on the merchant level."
Bartomus spread his hands out over the scene as they continued their descent to the landing for that floor.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Thursday March 16th, 2023 12:04:29 PM
Zander smiles broadly, "Well I'll make sure and tell everyone you made me wait for hours and stand at attention for the whole ceremony. You are correct, the reeds seem to have come from the deeper areas of the lake. And don't worry about us, we're always careful. Take care Drezz and let us know if your sources turn up any additional information." Zander bows respectfully and follows the guards out of the palace. His mind keeps lingering on his promise to be careful, thinking back to his last trip under the lake. A shu
He waves as he joins up with his 3 friends. "I saw our old buddy Drezz. He's got some levers he can pull on his end and he'll let us know if he finds anything. We can see if Pepper wants to join us for dinner. She's probably about ready to kill me for not stopping by to give her the scoop on the attack." ===== Sorry, missed the submit button yesterday.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday March 16th, 2023 4:34:37 PM
Delia shrugs at Armalad's question, "Not sure. Bart said something about summoning one. Food first though." She points out a few of her favourite food stops to get a wide spread and enough for Stohp and Stock as well.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:52:47 PM
Redbow’s concentration was elsewhere, and perhaps it was on some magical means of communication, for without any callout by Redbow, a female liontaur comes from around the back, wheeling in a rather large chest. She smiles at Redbow, “Will that be all, sir?” and Redbow replies, “Yes Wilhelmina, thank you so much!”
Stohp and Stock’s concentration is so focused on counting gold and platinum that they almost miss the exchange, but then see Redbow stick his fingers into holes on either side of the chest, wiggle them around, there’s a click, and then he pulls his fingers out of the holes, grabs ahold of the lid and opens the chest. Stohp muses briefly about the locking mechanisms inside the chest.
Stohp and Stock see before them the following, which is a bit sparser than the last time Redbow offered to loan underwater magic items to the Shields:
2-Gloves of Swimming and climbing 1-Goggles of Night 2-Helms of Underwater Action 2-Fishscale flippers: Gain swim speed equal to your normal movement. (Boot slot) 1-Second Elder’s Wrath: A mundane-looking bow embedded with clusters of gems at either end and strung with kelp. This bow may be fired underwater at no penalty, and deals a bonus 1d6 piercing damage to any creatures hit while underwater. 1-Shell Armour: Full plate, Heavy armor. No movement penalty under water and provides some buoyancy. 1-Kelp Armor: When dry the kelp provides no more protection than light robes. But when underwater or wet it provides Full plate, heavy armor protection at no movement penalty. 1 - Underwater masterwork light crossbow. 3 - masterwork tridents.
Redbow says, “I know there’s a little less than last time, but it’s been a few years and adventurers pass through the Float fairly frequently. I could have sold it all, but I thought to myself, even as the Silver Shields grew in power it was possible they might still need some of the items to defend the Float. Once more you may borrow these, but understand I am a businessman… given how infrequently you’ve needed these, after your current mission you should offer to buy the particular items you really want, because I may need to sell the whole batch to the next set of traveling adventurers with more coin than sense to avoid the deep.” Syrdeth finishes with a smile. You aren’t entirely sure if he’s joking on this last point. “Well, I presume you’ll want to borrow the whole lot, yes?”
(OOC – I don’t know if DMs are allowed to offer magic item sales outside of the Catacombs, but if the Shields do buy some of the items here, please feel free to point the Catacombs salesbeing to this post and ask whether the post would speed up the purchase(s). You can also give them the link to the original post Redbow offered the items in years ago, if you think it’ll help. Worst case, get a catacombs ticket and buy things like normal.)
Bartomus greets Zanderallen, suggesting the four of them head for the merchant level to buy enough food to feed everyone at the working dinner at Shields HQ tonight, enough for Pepper too!
(OOC - flashback to the Overlord’s palace)
Zanderallen good-naturedly ribs Drezz about the pomp and circumstance. Zanderallen confirms Drezz’s suspicion, that the Reeds are coming from the deeper areas of Turtle Lake, and finishes by requesting Drezz pass along any info his informants can find out. Zanderallen assures Drezz he’ll be careful, thinking back to the last time Zanderallen went under Turtle Lake…
(OOC – back to the present with the Shields heading to the merchant level)
Zanderallen replies to Bartomus that he saw their old friend Drezz, who promised to pass along any information his informants find out about the situation with the Reeds. Zanderallen agrees to check on whether Pepper will join the Shields, considering that letting her sit in on the planning session might make up for him not giving her the scoop before the rumor mill spread facts and half-truths and speculation throughout the Float…
Delia shrugs at Armalad’s question about where to get a fey herald, then redirects the conversation onto food! Delia begins telling her fellow Shields some favorite food places, tasty and can sell enough to feed everyone!
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday March 16th, 2023 11:40:30 PM
Armalad is interested in joining Delia for food and would like to potentially call dibs on the bow that can fire under water when they learn about it.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday March 17th, 2023 8:23:28 AM
Stohp reviews the gear and decide's what she's buying and what she'll merely rent.
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Friday March 17th, 2023 9:14:41 AM "Come on Stohp, let's head back. This gear should give us a head start on visiting the deep again. Hopefully the others have figured out the magic they can provide that will help."
Stock waits for Stohp and then grabs the gear to take back and divvy up.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Friday March 17th, 2023 3:54:01 PM
Zanderallen walks with the others, thinking of food. And still wondering what was going on at the bottom of the lake.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Friday March 17th, 2023 5:58:20 PM
Delia would respect Armalad's dibs. As they collect dinner, she mentally runs through any of the magic she's been able to conjure previously for something that might help underwater.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday March 17th, 2023 11:11:12 PM
Bartomus nodded at what Zander had shared and pointed to one of the street vendors.
"Let's load up with some pastries there, grab some fruits over there, cheeses over at that vendor, and I can carry a cask of the sweet mead along with what we get from these vendors."
With that Bartomus began spending coin as he pointed at things that he wanted for the feast at the Shield's headquarters. He began loading things up and balancing the weight and followed along with the others back to their headquarters.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Saturday March 18th, 2023 4:13:21 PM
Armalad agrees with Delia on food (and can restate dibs once all the Shields are together and share their experiences).
Stohp gets right to work, noting items she wants and counting out coins, and noting what items are merely borrowed with an expectation to survive the expedition and return them to Syrdeth afterwards.
Syrdeth sees Stohp’s notes and says, “Stohp, you can scratch out the word ‘rent’ – lending these items to the Shields is my way of helping protect the Float these days… just succeed in the Shields’ efforts and the return of any items you don’t purchase will be enough for me.”
Stock encourages Stohp to hurry up with the writing and calculating, but waits patiently for her to finish.
Once Stohp is done, and gold and receipts are exchanged for the purchased items, Stock and Stohp gather all of the gear, say their farewells to Redbow, which he reciprocates, and then Stohp and Stock are headed back towards Shields HQ, Stohp’s “secret” shortcuts becoming more known to the Shields the more frequently she uses them.
Zanderallen, for once not in an urgent hurry but only a regular hurry, keeps up with the Shields, thinking of food… but the back of his mind ponders Bartomus’ report – was it a true “town” he saw, or one under construction? With reeds and seaweeds forming the construction material, how could the Shields even tell the difference?
Delia assists Bartomus and the shields in the selection of food and related items, mentally reviewing her spells and experiences for something, anything, that might prove as key to the expedition as her Freedom of Movement spells, which enabled Stock to fight as though on dry land, as well as to ignore the grappling efforts of the Tangle/Reeds…
Bartomus acknowledged Zanderallen’s report, turning it over in his mind. Then Bartomus’ nose caught whiffs of the fragrant aromas of food and sweetbreads, and he quickly led the Shields to the right vendors. Bartomus and Delia together picked out a most excellent feast for the Shields’ planning meeting!
Then the four Shields are on their way back to Shields HQ. Without Stohp along to guide them, they take the trusty and reliable roads that have always worked well enough.
Serendipitously, the six Shields all arrive back at Shields HQ about the same time, within a minute or two of each other.
Once inside, preparations for the meal and planning session begin!
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Saturday March 18th, 2023 5:30:11 PM "A working, feasting dinner," Bartomus said with a smile as everything was spread out on the large table at Shield's HQ. He turned to the inspiration for their current planning dinner "Great idea Armalad."
"I am still trying to figure out what the reeds are and if they have always been in the lake, or are a new arrival?" Bartomus started off as he reached for some of the cheese, a pastry, and a small bread roll. "Got nothing from the druids either and don't think the tree walking is an option. So that's frustrating."
"Before we try to deal with a whole village of those nasty, spikey, bitey things, I think we should ask for a meeting with someone from the merfolk." He turned to another thought as he filled his tankard from the cask of sweet ale. "I can ask Eberyon to send us one of the allies of the fey folk to visit the King and request a parley with us. It will cost time, gold, and a few gems. Which I am willing to pay if we think we could get some underwater information about the reeds."
The Taur shrugged and leaned back on the stool he was sitting upon. He reached for one of the sweet fruits and took a bite.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday March 19th, 2023 6:53:54 AM
Stohp will show off the provided items and pass them around. She will claim a helm of underwater action for herself.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday March 19th, 2023 8:37:01 PM
Armalad says, "Without the ability to use my spells and arrows I'm kind of in a whole so I was hoping to get the underwater bow. I need to figure out if invisibility sphere works underwater. I'm thinking I could try to go back to my original plan of illusionary sniping for sneak attacks."
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Monday March 20th, 2023 9:19:17 AM "OK Bartomus, lets hear from the merfolk. The problem is though I don't think Eberyon's ally will be able to get to the merfolk much quicker than we could. This will surprise nobody but I am ready to go take down these weeds immediately.
As for the gear, I already have some nice gloves that will help me swim. With some help breathing underwater from Bart and maybe some freedom of movement from Delia, I'll be set."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Monday March 20th, 2023 1:59:44 PM
Zanderallen takes a quick stop in at the Catacombs as they gather to eat supper, "I'm going to pick up a magic ring that grant me Freedom of Movement as well as the other underwater helm. That way I don't have to worry about being stuck underwater in heavy armor."
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Monday March 20th, 2023 8:54:14 PM
Bartomus admires the spread-out meal fit for Shields! He muses about whether the Reeds are invaders or have always been here. Bartomus suggests the Shields speak with the merfolk, perhaps even expending resources to send a fey ally to speak with the Merking.
Stohp shows the Shields the items she and Stock were able to get from Redbow, claiming one of the helms for herself.
Armalad requests the underwater bow, so that she can use her magical arrow powers, as though some or many of her spells will function mostly-normally underwater, cast as a wizard normally would cast them (presuming water breathing), the loss of her archery would be a significant obstacle to her contributing in combat as normal.
Stock agrees with Bartomus’ suggestion to contact the merfolk, though he’s ready to immediately enter battle with the weeds. He suggests some magical aid from the Shields will render him fully functional underwater.
Zanderallen places an order for magical gear at the Catacombs so that he’ll be able to function in heavy armor underwater.
(OOC – Zanderallen, in-story are you claiming the second helm of underwater action Stohp and Stock brought, or are you ordering a brand-new one from the Catacombs?)
Delia, like Bartomus, tucks into some of the food, listening to the Shields talk, and strategizing what she’ll suggest next.
(OOC – continue your planning dinner)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday March 20th, 2023 9:04:50 PM
Armalad says, "To clarify any area of effect spell I can cast I can imbue in an arrow and have that arrow be the vector for delivering said area of effect spell. Therefore having a bow that allows me to fire arrows underwater allows me to attach area of effect spells that work underwater to the arrow. Wait a minute that gives me an idea, if I attach cone of cold to an arrow and fire it underwater does the cone of cold make the water freeze?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:35:42 AM "So do we just go down there and knock on their weedy doors until we find the bodies? Armalad, didn't you have the ability to locate a creature? Or would that be ineffective underwater?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:50:47 AM "Yea, I am worried about the time factor too, Stock" Bartomus said looking across the table at the ever-ready, hard-smacking dwarf. "I just don't see how we take on an entire village of those things."
He took a swig of the mead and its smooth, sweet honey-based taste provided a momentary delightful distraction.
"Actually, hey, um Stock, I kinda like your thinking. Although, I think the bodies may have been food for the nasties. I really like that approach."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:50:52 AM "Yea, I am worried about the time factor too, Stock" Bartomus said looking across the table at the ever-ready, hard-smacking dwarf. "I just don't see how we take on an entire village of those things."
He took a swig of the mead and its smooth, sweet honey-based taste provided a momentary delightful distraction.
"Actually, hey, um Stock, I kinda like your thinking. Although, I think the bodies may have been food for the nasties. I really like that approach."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday March 21st, 2023 11:15:20 AM "I don't see why it wouldn't work under water. Worse case scenario we have allies in the lake we can get assistance from." Stohp points out.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 2:47:05 PM
(OOC: Zander is claiming the 2nd helm, just handling the transaction through the catacombs and buying a ring.)
"Unless we feel our preparations are not in order we need to get to the bottom of this quickly, tomorrow if there are no objections. The longer this goes the more risk of a second attack, and if the boats aren't going out on the lake panic is going to take the city real quick. We can scout it out first but we have to know why the reeds attacked. If someone sent them, then ask them to stop. And if they disagree we'll tell them to stop. We'll be prepared for underwater action this time."
Zander pats his sword hilt as he says 'tell them to stop' and keeps a grim smile on his face as he discusses the need for action. Flesh eating monster plants didn't even reach top 3 for craziest things to threaten the Float. Or was the bravado just to hide the gnawing dread of going back underwater... Zander shakes his head to clear such dark thoughts. Domi will guide me. he thinks to himself.
She smiles at Armalad, "I won't arm wrestle you for the bow. Your spells need it more. Just means I'll have to get up close and personal like last time. I'll take any combination of the flippers and gloves that others don't need."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 3:18:41 PM (OOC: Oops. Missed a bracket and messed up my link formatting. Repost for clarity's sake)
Delia looks up from her food and spell cataloguing, "If we get into too much trouble, I can use Water Walk to pull us to the surface. If we're close enough together for me to reach everyone... I can also be prepared to Delay or Neutralize poisons. And, plants are dumb, but I could talk to them and gather information or when we get past the point of talking, potentially Command Plants them. I'm also curious how Entangle works on semi-sentient plants. I will prepare everything that seems useful tomorrow and be ready to go."
She smiles at Armalad, "I won't arm wrestle you for the bow. Your spells need it more. Just means I'll have to get up close and personal like last time. I'll take any combination of the flippers and gloves that others don't need."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:18:28 PM
Armalad asks the others, "What did you think about my idea of using a cone of cold? Do you think it would freeze the water in a cone?"
(OOC: Checking In)
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:24:27 PM
Armalad further clarifies the limits and nuances of her arcane archery, and wonders aloud how much of the water might freeze from a cone of cold cast underwater.
Stock asks what the big strategy is going to be for the expedition, and before anyone can answer Stock also asks Armalad whether Armalad has magic to locate a specific creature.
Bartomus agrees with Stock that time is important, but again is concerned about the mere possibility that the whole set of “mound town” buildings are occupied by Reeds. Thinking it over a swig of mead, Bartomus agrees with Stock’s suggestion of a direct approach.
Stohp can’t think of a reason cone of cold would fail to work underwater, and then suggests the Shields consider their lake allies for help.
Zanderallen, having finished claiming the second helm from Stohp and Stock’s stockpile, suggests strongly that the Shields begin their expedition no later than the next day in order to act before any possible second attack by the Reeds and to reduce the amount of time the Float’s various civilian fleets stay docked for fear of Reed attacks. Zanderallen puts on a strong front while suffering mild traumatic déjà vu from his past adventures underwater…
Delia finishes listening to the various points made by her Silver Shield colleagues, and at an appropriate moment begins speaking, suggesting she have a Water Walk spell prepared for emergency evacuation to the surface, and spells to handle poisons. She muses about the possibility of even gaining intelligence from some of the underwater plants, or using her Entangle spell to interfere with the Reeds. Delia generously allows Armalad to claim Second Elder’s Wrath, as Delia can work somewhat close when she has to (and is skilled at taking far, or even underwater, shots…). Delia lays dibs on remaining underwater gear not critical to another Shield’s functioning underwater.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 10:02:57 AM
Stohp checks if there's anything else that needs to get done before they head out. The sooner they go the better and she at least has nothing else to contribute to the plan.
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 12:33:15 PM "I'm ok to go then. I think we just need to act and then re-act when we start to see what we're up against. It's clear none of our allies here have much in the way of knowledge on what we are facing."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 5:20:03 PM I agree Stock, this seems to be some new threat. And since we're moving into their natural habitat we'll have to be really careful. Best get some rest. Being underwater is very physically taxing." Zanderallen follows his own advice, turning in to bed early that night.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:54:31 PM
Delia helps clean up their dishes and then turns in herself, getting ready for the busy day tomorrow
(I will update my spells tomorrow or later tonight, just wasn't sure I'd get them in before the post.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 8:09:51 PM
Armalad also helps clean up the dishes.
(OOC: I too will update my spell list tomorrow)
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:01:40 PM
Stohp checks to see what remains to be done.
Stock is ready to go, and thinks that none of the Shields’ allies have useful information, or perhaps, might be too hard to reach given Bartomus’ suggestion of paying a significant cost to get a message to the MerKing, and how quickly Bartomus agreed with Stock’s plan for a direct approach.
Zanderallen agrees with Stock, and suggests the Shields all get well-rested before heading out. Zanderallen excuses himself to go to bed.
Delia helps clean up the meal, and then gets to bed early herself.
Armalad likewise helps clean up the meal.
Bartomous helps clean up the meal too.
The Shields follow Zanderallen’s lead and take to bed early, the better to have more time to select spells in the morning, and perhaps plan how they’re going to travel to the “mound town” of the Reeds.
The Shields all get a restful night’s sleep, and then it’s time to prepare spells, eat, and…
SHIELDS – what do you do to get ready for the expedition, and how do you go about it?
(OOC – here’s what I understand of the underwater items, based on dibs called thus far:
2-Gloves of Swimming and climbing (Delia claims 1; 1 left.) 1-Goggles of Night (No one yet – this is a Darkvision-granting item) 2-Helms of Underwater Action (Stohp and Zanderallen) 2-Fishscale flippers: Gain swim speed equal to your normal movement. (Boot slot) (Delia claims 1; 1 left.) 1-Second Elder’s Wrath: A mundane-looking bow embedded with clusters of gems at either end and strung with kelp. This bow may be fired underwater at no penalty, and deals a bonus 1d6 piercing damage to any creatures hit while underwater. (Armalad) 1-Shell Armour: Full plate, Heavy armor. No movement penalty under water and provides some buoyancy. (No one has claimed) 1-Kelp Armor: When dry the kelp provides no more protection than light robes. But when underwater or wet it provides Full plate, heavy armor protection at no movement penalty. (No one has claimed) 1 - Underwater masterwork light crossbow. (No one has claimed) 3 - masterwork tridents. (No one has claimed))
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:41:29 AM
Before retiring with the others, Bartomus looked at the various weapons and claimed one of the tridents in case he needed to fight while not swirling about in the form of whirlpool.
He walked into his room and gathered a stack of gold and a group of gems. Then he searched out the outcove with the tree they planted that hung out over the edge of the float. It was the perfect place to undertake this last task for the day.
"Eberyon, I Bartomus of the plains, a lad you accepted into your fold, call upon your help. We need a herald to request a parlay with one of the advisors to the King of the Merfolk about a matter within the lake's murky waters. Here is the offering I lay out for your servant. It will be at the foot of my bed if perchance I should discuss with the ally in my dreams."
Bartomus waited for a bit, and took some calm in watching the sunset across the lake. Then he gathered up his offering and headed up to his room to sleep and perchance to dream. He arranged the offering beside his bed, made a mental note to purchase some items from the catacombs, and slipped under the quilted coverlet.
Cast planar ally, lesser - domain for Fey druids as my last spell for the day invoking Eberyon. Offering upwards of $6k for the help with the parlay. Morning he will do his meditations and come up with a spell list (hopefully if I get home for lunch) for the excursion.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday March 23rd, 2023 1:08:15 PM
Stohp was pretty sure that it was at the latest just after lunch but if the others want to wait until morning she will not argue the point. It's highly unlikely anyone dragged below survived the hours it took them to fall back and plan unless purposely being kept alive, in which case a night's sleep won't matter anyway.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 3:57:38 PM
Zanderallen is up early and is less rested than he would have hoped. His sleep troubled by memories of the deep one. Waking up he banishes such thoughts with his morning devotions and exercise. He eats a quick bite of breakfast and then prepares his gear. Each strap and buckle set and every pouch double secured for the trip underwater. He waits in the common room for the others to be ready. ========== Spells Prepared 1st level (4) - Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil x2 2nd level (3) - Delay Poison x2 , Shield Other 3rd level (3) - Dispel Magic x2, Daylight 4th level (2) - Break Enchantment, Death Ward
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 4:46:00 PM
Delia straps on the gloves, hangs the flippers on her belt until such a time as they are diving, and takes the underwater crossbow as well, just in case.
Spells Prepared: 1st: Entangle, Delay Poison x3 2nd: Speak with Plants (12 min), Barkskin (120 min, +4 AC), Bear’s Endurance (12 min, +4 Con) 3rd: Command Plants, Neutralize Poison, Cure Mod Wounds 4th: Freedom of Movement (120 min) x2
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Thursday March 23rd, 2023 6:45:28 PM
Stock grabs the second set of flippers and a trident and then asks Bartomus, "So what will it feel like when I'm breathing water? Because last time when I used one of those helmets, I was just breathing magical air I think."
Then, when planning the expedition he says, "I suppose we get a turtle to take us out where the ambush was and jump in, right?"
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:13:01 PM
Bartomus, before retiring to bed, reviewed Redbow’s haul (slowly but surely being purchased by individual Shields), and claimed a trident. Next he gathered a significant amount of gold and gems, and set about making an offering to Eberyon, seeking contact with the MerKing via planar ally, lesser. Bartomus arranged the offering near his own bed, and then fell asleep, perchance to dream…
Stohp wonders at just how early the Shields were deciding to hit the sack, but she’s seen more unusual things from the Shields in her career. She muses that in any case, the taken were likely either killed immediately or held prisoner, and time is not of the essence, beyond the Shields’ wish to prevent a second Reedy attack. Eventually, it is even time for Stohp to sleep, too.
Zanderallen was first to hit the hay, and first to wake. His mind and thoughts are not as clear of his old memories as he would like, but he must ready himself! A short breakfast later, Zanderallen is preparing his gear as though he were aide to the Overlord’s best warrior… and then waits in the common room for the other Shields.
Delia straps on a set of the magical gloves, and hangs the magical flippers on her belt. She also grabs the underwater crossbow… and thinking about it, rummages around in Shields’ storage, going through items left behind by retired Shields, or perhaps those who simply briefly used a crossbow and bolts early in their careers. She finds four quivers, each holding 10 bolts, and makes room for them too, alongside the underwater crossbow.
Stock picks out the second set of flippers and a trident. He then muses with Bartomus about what it will feel like once Stock is breathing water. Stock suggests that the group should hire a Turtle to take them out to the ambush site, and then dive from there.
Armalad eventually falls asleep too, and in the morning thinks carefully about her spell selection, her thoughts bouncing around quickly from her years of study… fire spells can be a bit iffy underwater, but when they work, the steam they create is boiling hot… conjured acid is fully useless, immediately dissipating into the water… but cold, lightning, and sonic seem like fine, reliable choices. Magic Missile probably doesn’t care… most if not all of the usual protection and enhancing spells should work just fine too… Armalad finishes her musing and selects her spells.
SHIELDS - it's the morning and some (like Zanderallen) are already to go - how do you prepare and where do you go?
Previously, during the night
Bartomus dreams… and then not-wakes-up in a not-pine-forest at the edge of a not-grassy-plain and the edge of a not-large-pond… nature… is abstract… and painted in various pastel shades of green and brown under a pastel blue sky and pastel yellow sun… A watery shape coalesces out of the pond and stands on top of the not-pond and is the not-pond! It speaks in Sylvan… “Who is it that seeks… oh… Bartomus… you are known to the host of Eberyon… I am Aed Flirtypond… Your offering is pleasant, though I do not recognize the faces on the coins. The gemstones are quite nice… I will perform one task for you, in exchange for as much of the gems and gold as I please… What do you ask of me?”
(OOC – Bartomus, next post, both respond to the prompt above, and also skip time and describe what you do to prepare in the morning before meeting Zanderallen in the common room – kind of a double-post as it were, so the dream-negotiations don’t slow down the Shields’ posts about their morning prep before leaving Shields HQ.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:43:12 PM
Armalad prepares her spells and tries to get some practice in with the underwater bow if time.
0th - Ray of Frost, Light, Message, Detect Magic 1st - Magic Missile, Mage Armor, Mage Armor, Shield, True Strike, Detect Hidden Doors 2nd Selective Burning Hands (DC 17), False Life, Mirror Image, See Invisibility, Hideous Laughter, Invisibility 3rd Water Breathing, Water Breathing, Lightning Bolt, Invisibility Sphere 4th - Selective Fireball (DC 19), Confusion, Resilient Sphere, Black Tentacles 5th - Cone of Cold, Selective Shout (DC 20), Cone of Cold
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Friday March 24th, 2023 9:15:43 AM
Stock removes his boots as they will not work with the flippers and stands next to the door to Shields HQ giving subtle signals (at least for Stock, so really not that subtle) to the rest of the Shields that he's ready to depart.
"Anybody know how warm the water is in the Lake this time of year?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday March 24th, 2023 9:31:27 AM
Stohp is also up early and ready quickly.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Friday March 24th, 2023 2:25:03 PM "Everybody got there water gear? I've got to run and see Pepper before we depart. I'll meet you at the docks, maybe we can arraign for a turtle to take us out to the site of the last attack."
With that Zander slips outside and heads for the merchant level at a brisk pace. It was early but he enjoyed the sounds of tradesmen beginning their day. Pepper would probably just be arriving at the printing house when he got there. She knew what had happened last time and he couldn't leave without re-assuring her he'd be fine.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday March 24th, 2023 4:32:33 PM
[BARTOMUS 1/2 - Enter the Dreamscape] "Nicely met Aed Flirtypond," Bartomus answered within the dreamscaped pond and forest edge. He looked at the shape and smiled at its offer. "The challenge presented in response to my request needs a bit of refinement. I can offer you double the gems for sure, but the gold needs to be limited and not as to what you might please. So, if we can agree on twice the number of gems, and say four thousand gold coins that I have, then what I need you to visit the King of the Merfolk below the lake and ask him for a parley with myself and my colleagues to discuss the reeds that attacked the fishing fleet. Assist with that request and if he agrees to come, or send someone, help them locate us on the lake, and assist in translating if the need arises. Does the role of herald for us Shields to a King no less sound pleasing to you, Aed Flirtypond?"
Bartomus asked and smiled as he pointed at the gems already there. In his mind, he reached into his purse and dumped out the rest of the gems he had, and added the necessary gold coins he had counter-offered.
Bartomus awoke and was still processing the dream. He wandered off to the balcony with their planted tree and looked out over the lake. He sat down and began meditating on the tasks ahead. His mind swirled and returned to thoughts of healing based upon all they saw with the way the reeds attacked. Then he thought of things that might impact the reeds and their village. He still felt the need to know more and find someway to communicate with the creatures. Then an idea hit him from the time he took the form of a stone golem and changed stone.
When he was sure of his path forward, he smiled and offered another thankful prayer to Eberyon. Then he wandered down into the Catacombs to pick up a few things.
Spell List - 4/0, 4+1/1, 4+1/2, 4+1/3, 4+1/4, 4/5, 3/6, 2/7, 1/8 0 - Stabilize, Enhanced Diplomacy, Guidance, Know Direction 1 - Faire Fire, Entangle, Detect Snares and Pits, Cure Light Wounds x 2 2 - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Restoration - Lesser, Summon Nature's Ally II, Soften Earth and Stone 3 - Speak with Plants, Glibness, Cure Moderate Wounds, Water Breathing x2 4 - Cure Serious Wounds x2, Blight, Command Plants, Summon Nature's Ally IV 5 - Awaken, Cure Critical Wounds X2, Commune with Nature 6 - Cure Light Wounds-Mass, Move Earth, Summon Nature's Ally VI 7 - Heal, Sunbeam 8 - Control Plants
Trip to the catacombs for a few other things is the rest of his morning jaunt.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Saturday March 25th, 2023 12:59:47 AM
Delia will shrug and grab the Darkvision Goggles since no one else has. They might come in handy at the bottom of a lake.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Saturday March 25th, 2023 12:59:48 AM
Delia will shrug and grab the Darkvision Goggles since no one else has. They might come in handy at the bottom of a lake.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Saturday March 25th, 2023 9:16:27 PM
Armalad prepares her spells and takes some practice shots with Second Elder’s Wrath. The shots are accurate enough, just not magically accurate.
(OOC – This appears to be a Fate Item – does what it says on the tin, but lacks even a +1 enhancement bonus. It is Masterwork, however, so that +1 to hit is present)
Stock removes his boots in preparation for using the flippers, and perhaps engages in a bit of foot-tapping to move the Shields along. He asks if anyone knows how warm or cold the Lake is this time of year.
Stohp matches Stock’s example, up early and ready to go.
Zanderallen checks to see if everyone has equipped themselves with the underwater gear, then splits up from the group to swing by Pepper’s, suggesting as he goes that the group charter a Turtle. Zanderallen plans out a route through the merchant level, to the printing house where Pepper works.
(OOC – Flashback to Bartomus’ Dream)
Bartomus greets Aed Flirtypond, and counter-offers on the mix of gems and gold. He states his request for the one task the spell enables him to bargain for – deliver a message to the MerKing: The Shields request the MerKing, or one of his envoys, meet the Shields near their Turtle about thus-and-such off the northern edge of the Float to discuss the monstrous reeds’ attack on the Float’s fishing fleet.
(OOC – Bartomus is aware that the additional tasks are beyond the spell’s scope of “one task” so as the one who knows the full route to “Mound Town” Bartomus gives sufficient description of the area for natives like Merfolk to find the Shields; nothing to be done on translation as an additional task, short of another planar ally, lesser spell.)
Bartomus wonders if one of the other Shields’ spellcasters can cast a translation spell, or perhaps one of the Shields already knows the language of the Merfolk’s envoy?
(OOC – Flash to present morning)
Bartomus woke, drenched, and his bed and floor drenched, the floor absent of gems, and about 2,000 gold pieces remain from the pile of 6,000 gold pieces, still processing the dreamy negotiations and their result. Startled, he changed back to ‘taur from his Huge Water Elemental form. Bartomus, first drying himself and then pondering how to get all the water out of his bedroom, sighed, walked outside to the balcony, and meditated by the planted tree, overlooking the lake. Still disturbed by how little the Shields, and he, knew of the Reeds, and perhaps any motivations or feelings beyond HUNGRY, he focused on ways to impact the Reeds’ town, and how to communicate with them. Then, suddenly inspired, he arose from his meditation and headed for the Catacombs for some shopping.
Delia sees that the Shields did not claim all of the items, and selects the Darkvision Goggles for herself.
(OOC – Flashback to Bartomus’ Dream)
Aed smiles, if a fey/water elemental/water-something can be said to smile, at Bartomus and says in its babbling-brook voice, its alien-fey-water “staring” at the ‘taur, “Bartomus, your offer is too generous by far… so of course I will take all of it!” With that, Aed absorbs all of the water in the not-pond and, towering above Bartomus, lands upon him and the gems and gold with great not-force! Bartomus can only “Blub… blub… blub…” before turning into a not-water elemental and the “blub”-ing ceases… with the gems and gold long-since washed away, perhaps a distant flicker of gold in the not-pond before the not-water is once more clear and neither gold nor gems are visible. Bartomus-the-not-water wonders if Aed taking the offering means the deal was accepted. Perhaps so, but only time will tell…
(OOC – Flash to present morning)
At Zanderallen’s suggestion, Stock and Stohp take count of the Shields before chartering the Turtle, and find that Bartomus is not there, but Armalad and Delia are. Bartomus did leave a note about a quick catacombs trip, however.
As Zanderallen is known to be coming to the Docks once his business is done, Stock and Stohp leave a note for Bartomus to head directly for the Docks, where the Shields will charter a Turtle.
Stock, Stohp, Armalad, and Delia head for the Docks to charter a Turtle. When they get there, Belba is standing outside the Turtlemasters’ House, speaking with… Rick the Turtle-Driver, who Turtled the Shields to their last underwater adventure some years ago!
Belba turns and smiles at the Shields. Rick turns and looks at the Shields, pauses, “well, I remember you two, Stock and Stohp, care to introduce me to your friends, or is this another Shields emergency?” he finishes with a smile.
Back at the printing house, Zanderallen arrives and sees the staff bustling about here and there, the regular “thump” of individual printing presses and the high pitch of warning whistles when a press is about to come down, fingers and thumbs caught under it or not! Pepper charges Zanderallen from a flanking position and hugs his thickly-muscled right arm as tight as she can, but naturally his armor does not give. “So good to see you, handsome! Oh… that look in your eye… another mission away from the Float?” Pepper waits patiently for Zanderallen’s reply, still a double-hold/hug on his right arm.
Bartomus takes a ticket at the catacombs and waits in line. The strange monkey pops up from behind the counter and calls Bartomus’ number. “Bartomus… you again? What can I sell you today, fine adventurer?”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday March 26th, 2023 5:34:52 PM
Stohp introduces Rick to everyone he doesn't know and explains the situation. "If you're willing we'd like to chatter you to take us back out there so we can make sure this doesn't happen again."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Sunday March 26th, 2023 7:47:19 PM
Bartomus dried off and tried using his bed roll to sop up the water. He took the water logged bedding down to where it could be twisted to pull out the water. Then he hung it all up to dry, before getting himself ready and off to the catacombs.
He smiled at the monkey and was sure to call him sir before making his order of potions. Then when his order was taken smiled and worked his way back to the turtle drivers. He explained what he wanted to hire for the Shields and how it would probably be a two part trip. One part to parley with a emissary on the water and he wanted a captain that was not going to be concerned or surprised. The other part was whether or not the Shield's ship could be crewed and towed behind the same turtle. His idea was one of using that crew and ship to get the Shields close to the reed mound city and then hold off for their return from below the surface. He didn't want to see turtles attacked. A boat could keep itself alert and move about as the need arose.
Ticket submitted - one item uncertain about
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday March 26th, 2023 9:28:46 PM
(OOC: It doesn't have to be magic as Armalad is an arcane archer all the arrow's she fires become magical when she fires them)
Armalad says to Belba and Rick, "I'm Armalad. I am an arcane archer formally employed by the palace guards and now a member of the Silver Shields. We need to go on a search and recovery mission into the reedy parts of the nearby body of water."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday March 27th, 2023 12:57:09 PM
Delia gives Rick a firm handshake as she's introduced, "And this is Hawky. Seems like we've hopped from emergency to emergency since I've joined the Shields. But Zander had an errand to run first, so we have time. Nice to meet you, Rick."
If she's able to, she will wander off a little and meet the turtle they're going to ride, politely introducing herself and Hawky again.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Monday March 27th, 2023 4:04:29 PM
Zander hugs Pepper back, careful not to crush her with his full plate, "I'm afraid so dear. Can't have the fishing fleet scared to leave the docks. We're going for a little swim and then I'll be back and tell you all about it. Shouldn't be gone for long." He spends a couple minutes chatting with Pepper before disentangling himself with a kiss, "Sorry love, but the rest of the Shields are going to be waiting for me at the docks." He lingers for just a moment before hurrying off down to the docks.
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used Monday March 27th, 2023 4:13:14 PM
Stock harrumphs at the delay of Zanderallen. He wasn't too excited about going underwater and he'd rather just get it over with. He manages a slight grin at Rick which doesn't do much more than lighten the scowl he's wearing.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Monday March 27th, 2023 7:12:30 PM
Stohp introduces Rick to the newer Shields, explains the situation, and asks to charter Rick and James for this expedition to protect the Float!
Bartomus escaped from his drenched bedding with ease, twisting the water out of it, and then headed to the catacombs where the monkey took his ticket for potions and other bits and bobs.
Bartomus then joined the four Shields already at the Turtlemaster’s by serendipitous coincidence, and added more details to Rick’s proposed itinerary, including towing a boat and a planned meeting with an unusual emissary on the water. Bartomus also wanted to see if more than one Turtle would be needed to tow the Shields’ ship to the expedition drop area so that the Turtle(s) wouldn’t have to stay around and risk Reedy Attacks.
Armalad introduces herself to Belba and Rick, adding more details to the current mission.
Delia shakes Rick’s hand, introducing herself and Hawky, asking which Turtle they’d be riding.
Rick replies, “It’s great to meet both you and Ms. Armalad there, Ms. Delia. James is my Turtle, right over there. (He gestures) Belba was just telling me how James’ brother Turtle, John, off to the right, got pretty injured in your last mission, but Zanderallen and… Bartomus, right? They kept him alive and healed him completely after the battle. John is still a little shell-shocked, but I think James is thunderin’ to help you stop these darn Reeds.” Rick finishes with a smile.
With that, Delia and Hawky head over to James to introduce themselves. Delia and James hit it off right away – he’s quite calm and peaceful at her approach.
Zanderallen returns Pepper’s hug as best he can, being fully armored in dozens of pounds of enchanted steel. Zanderallen briefly explains the situation to Pepper, emphasizing the ease of such a mission. Zanderallen and Pepper enjoy a momentary kiss-in-shadow-silhouette, and then they say their farewells. Pepper watches him go, waving at him as he turns the corner, and then gets right to work writing the headline for her next Shields scoop… hmm… Shields Weed the Reeds!… too rhyming?
Stock mutters loudly about Zanderallen’s delay…
And then… Zanderallen is on the horizon, a speck. Stock idly eats an orange as Zanderallen gets closer… closer… eighth by eighth the orange disappears until suddenly Zanderallen is upon Stock, and, incidentally, the Shields!
Rick says to Bartomus, “As I was telling Stohp, of course I can take all of you to wherever you want to go on Turtle Lake. Towing your ship will slow things down a might, but James can do it. Belba, James would probably appreciate some of your ‘help’ if you know what I mean (winks at her). We can give you the normal rate – the extra you would have owed for the towing we’ll waive because of the danger to the float. Still, Rick and James have to eat, y’know?”
Belba chuckles a bit, then in a hush to James, but which the Shields can overhear, she says, “Rick, don’t be so open about that – can’t have everyone knowing the Turtlemasters’ secrets, now can we?” and then in a normal voice to the Shields says, “I recall your ship has a bit of heft to it – of course I’ll help James get going once you’re all set. Speaking of which, are all of you ready now? I see six Shields!”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday March 27th, 2023 11:33:01 PM
Armalad proceeds to introduce Joker to Belba, James and Rick. She says, "This is my familiar, Joker. He is a water mephit so he should be at home under water."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:57:14 AM
(We have a ship? I thought we just always borrowed one XD. Forgot or just wasn't paying enough attention)
Stohp is ready to go and does a headcount to see if anyone's missing.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 2:25:13 PM
Delia wonders if the turtle brothers were sired by a turtle named Zebedee and continues to talk with James. She hasn't used any abilities to make them understand each other, but she still promises him that, even though he was taking them into dangerous waters, they would keep him safe and would avenge the hurt done to his brother.
She is ready to go as soon as the Shields have gathered.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 3:57:45 PM "Assuming that the delivery can reach us, I am ready," Bartomus said looking back over his shoulder in hopes that the Catacombs delivery service would appear.
As to the ship, well, there was the pirate longship, but I think we turned it over to folks with the idea we might need to borrow it once with a crew." Bartomus explained with a bit of uncertainty in his voice as the memory was there, but just not super crisp "I think, and if that is the case, my thought defending a ship might be easier than a living, sentient being. Use the ship as a launch point for any adventure to the reed mound. Have the turtle hold off or return also ready to come get the ship and us when we need them to do so. If we have to pay the crew and such, that's fine too."
"Oh, and um," Bartomus added as an almost after thought. "We have a rendevous with someone from the merfolk too. Assuming Aed Flirtypond does his role as our herald as well as I hope. Need to do that first."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 3:57:45 PM "Assuming that the delivery can reach us, I am ready," Bartomus said looking back over his shoulder in hopes that the Catacombs delivery service would appear.
As to the ship, well, there was the pirate longship, but I think we turned it over to folks with the idea we might need to borrow it once with a crew." Bartomus explained with a bit of uncertainty in his voice as the memory was there, but just not super crisp "I think, and if that is the case, my thought defending a ship might be easier than a living, sentient being. Use the ship as a launch point for any adventure to the reed mound. Have the turtle hold off or return also ready to come get the ship and us when we need them to do so. If we have to pay the crew and such, that's fine too."
"Oh, and um," Bartomus added as an almost after thought. "We have a rendevous with someone from the merfolk too. Assuming Aed Flirtypond does his role as our herald as well as I hope. Need to do that first."
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used Tuesday March 28th, 2023 4:00:34 PM
Stock nods as the last of the Shields show up. He looks over at where their ship was docked and back at the turtle. He knew they were strong but that seemed like a bit much. "Don't worry Belba, your secrets are safe with us. Let's get on with it."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 4:11:29 PM
Zanderallen slows his brick pace as he spots the rest of the Shields negotiating for passage. He joins up with them and grins a little sheepishly at everyone waiting for him. "Hm, I hadn't thought about the dragon ship. Last time we pulled some rough hands from the taverns to row us. Always meant to setup a plan of how to crew her for emergencies but I don't think we ever got around to it. There wouldn't happen to be a small keelboat or something we could rent? Large enough for us to pull ourselves out of the lake but small enough to be towed around."
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Tuesday March 28th, 2023 9:52:21 PM
Armalad introduces Joker to Belba, James, and Rick.
Stohp is ready to go, and does a headcount. All six Shields are here, plus Belba (not going) and Rick and James (going).
Delia ponders the Turtle brothers’ ancestry while she speaks with James, promising to keep him safe. Delia then stands, ready for the mission.
Bartomus says he’s ready, so long as the Catacombs’ delivery service can reach him. Bartomus recollects aloud that the Shields’ ship might be in use, but also might have a crew that owes them a service in exchange for use of the ship. Bartomus informs the Shields of a meeting on the waves he hopes he’s arranged, for counsel with the MerKing, or his envoy.
Stock seems more at ease with the gathering of the Shields. He considers the Shields’ ship and the Turtle… and the Turtle pulling the 75’ longship made of heavy woods seemed perhaps beyond even the capabilities of the Gigantic Turtle! Stock assures Belba that the Shields will keep her secrets.
Zanderallen adjusts his pace down a bit as he comes up to the Shields speaking with Rick and Belba. Zanderallen enters the conversation as Bartomus and others are discussing the longship, the dragon ship. Zanderallen muses about the last time the Shields needed a crew for it. He suggests perhaps a smaller boat, just big enough for the Shields, would work best.
Belba begins chuckling, not quite out of control… She says, “Zanderallen, I guess you never learned why we are the TurtleMASTERs… Stock, I agree: let’s get on with it!”
Belba directs everyone to board the longship, and as the Shields look in that direction questioningly, figures previously hidden rise up from behind the half-wall on the top deck, from behind masts, and soon there must be a visible crew of at least 50! A voice calls from the side, and from out of the Turtlemaster’s office steps a familiar man, Hasan Brage. “Shields, you didn’t think you were going on this mission without us supporting you, did you? We can’t work, we can’t eat fish, we can’t do anything we want until those Reeds are dealt with! When Belba suggested we get your ship in shape for when you inevitably went after the Reeds, we jumped at the chance to help you and save our city, our livelihoods… FOR EDVARDS AND NURAY, FOR TRIGGAN AND JERMA, (screams) FOR THE FLOAT!!!!” at the last screamed oration the crew on the dragon ship as one raises their right fist to the highest, and their shouts of “FOR THE FLOAT!” easily reach to the Shields, Rick, Belba, and Hasan.
With that Hasan waves the Shields on and runs as fast as he can towards the dragon ship.
Spurred by the tragedy the fisherfolk didn’t all survive, and Hasan’s stirring speech, the Shields likewise quickly make their way to the longship!
Rick splits off and leaps aboard James.
In the half-minute it takes the Shields to race over, get aboard and get settled, Belba wastes no time! Spellcasting is heard in the background, a turned head of Shields along the way reveals that the first thing Belba did was summon an obscuring fog large enough for James, and Belba, to be hidden from distant viewers.
Spellcasting is somewhat loud, and some sounds carry, though the distance and the running keep the Shields from knowing exactly what is happening… at first…
As the Shields take their positions, with Bartomus giving Hasan and others directions to where the MerKing is supposed to meet the Shields, a cry goes out from amongst the ship, drawing everyone’s attention back to the Docks and Belba’s magical fog – emerging from the mists… it can’t be… but it is… James is no longer Gigantic, but twice that…. Colossal! James is surging forth on controlled turbulent waves, kind of a slipstream effect as his impossibly-powerful Colossal Turtle Flippers cut through the Lake like a hot knife through butter!
As Rick, Belba, and James approach, Rick gives hand signals to the dragon ship and the crew gathers ropes and with Rick’s help James is soon harnessed to the dragon ship, combining with the crew’s efforts on masts and oars to achieve the astonishingly fast speed of… about 15 knots/hour (OOC triple normal dragonship speed)!
Then Belba, with her small frame, easily hides behind Rick and obscures further spellcasting motions from the Shields. Soon after, the Lake’s drag on the longship greatly lessens and now James and the longship are moving at the absolutely ludicrous speed of 30 knots/hour!
A crewperson in the crow’s nest calls out a danger in the water ahead… looks to be a… whirlpool?
SHIELDS – what do you do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+20=36 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+24=40 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:08:57 PM
Armalad tries to get a good look at the whirlpool and see if it really is a whirlpool or could be something else.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:17:28 AM
There's nothing Stohp can do about a whirlpool but brace herself and leave it to the professionals so that's what she does.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=32 ; Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:10:00 AM
Bartomus goes up alongside Armalad and looks ahead. He was trying to get a sense of where they were on the lake. Were they near where he had told Aed Flitypond to meet? He asked himself. He focused his attention on the whirlpool and without looking away
"Captains, would the merfolk come with such an entrance?" Bartomus yells back over his shoulder. "I think we should ease up on the speed."
Perception 32
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+28=33 ; Wednesday March 29th, 2023 1:45:43 PM
Delia, perched at the bow of the ship, pulls out her spyglass and takes a look at the whirlpool.
================ Perception 33
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:13:18 PM
Zanderallen smiles broadly at the fishermen coming together. His smile darkens slightly at the mention of the fallen, but he pushes the sadness away. It was time for action. He gazes critically at the fog cloud a couple times and audibly gasps as the new and improved James powers out of the fog. "Hold on everyone!"
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:15:55 PM
Stock grabs his stuff and boards the long ship. When big James comes tearing out of the fog he roars, "Why didn't you use that earlier?"
Time slows down for Armalad as they approach the whirlpool
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Wednesday March 29th, 2023 11:38:31 PM
Armalad squints ahead at the whirlpool, attempting to gather more information about it.
Stohp braces herself and waits to see what the sailors do.
Bartomus moves up beside Armalad and also squints ahead, wondering if they’re already near the meeting spot – the ship is moving so unexpectedly fast and Bartomus wasn’t watching a sundial but… Bartomus loudly, to be heard above the near-constant Colossal Turtle Flippers, the oarsman drumming to keep the crew at speed, and the rush of apparent wind as one moves at 30 knots/hour, asks the Captains if this is how merfolk might make an entrance, and to perhaps ease up on the speed just in case…
Delia, perched at the bow of the ship, pulls out her spyglass, aiming it at the whirlpool.
Zanderallen was pleasantly surprised at the fisherfolk’s unity. He mentally nodded solemnly at the names of the fallen, but presses himself forward in their memory and names. Zanderallen attempts to arch one eyebrow at Belba’s first spell being the summoning of fog, but then once on board the dragon ship and staring again at the fog, his “What…” is at once cut off and answered in full when James’ Colossal head breaks the fog, and then the rest of him with Rick and Belba riding on top! All around Zanderallen hear him gasp in astonishment!
Stock in one motion vaults forward, grabs his huge backpack, and puts it on firmly, charging for the dragon ship with the others. Stock is near Zanderallen and hears him gasp, leading to Stock locking his eyes on the sight of James’ exit as well. Stock wonders-yells-aloud, “Why didn’t you use that earlier?” Stock is perhaps out-volumed by the fast and loud slapping of Colossal Turtle Flippers against the Lake for the moment, and realizing this, understands that he’ll need to find a quieter moment if he hopes to get an answer…
Delia is the first to see (thanks to her spyglass) a reasonably sharp image of a widening whirlpool perhaps a few hundred feet ahead. She adjusts her view as the Captains coordinate Rick turning James slightly to the right and the right-side rowers slowing to half-speed to cause the left-side rowers to turn the ship to the right, while deck hands also adjust the masts to accommodate. As the slight turn is completed, the Captains coordinate an overall slowing from 30 knots/hour down to 20, then 10, then 5, with many deck hands and crow’s-nest crew watching for more details (the crew lacks a fine spyglass like Delia’s).
Delia’s eyes only Highlight to display spoiler: { Delia sees shapes coming up and out of the whirlpool – horses?!? No… Giant Seahorses, complete with bit and bridle! Riding, being pulled by them, something, are several merfolk!}
Armalad’s and Bartomus’ eyes only Highlight to display spoiler: { Armalad and Bartomus squint well, but the distance is significant, yet still they see large dark shapes coming up and out of the whirlpool – a mish-mash of… horses, riders, and… Large Fish?}
Hasan shouts, “Shields! What are those… things? Another threat to the Float?!? The Merfolk you talked about?!?Should we ram them or run away? Just say the word and Rick and I will go back to full speed!”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20+17=18 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:26:05 AM
Stohp would love to answer but can't see much of anything (perception 18) so all she can do is wait.
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used d20+25=29 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:46:09 PM
Stock pushing his way to the front, finding a spot to stand where he can see over the gunwale. He squints at the whirlpool forming, "Delia, what do you see? Looks like trouble." =========== Perception 29
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:47:04 PM
Zanderallen resists the urge to push to the front, knowing his spotting will add little value. He waits for the scouts to report.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=36 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 2:49:50 PM "Slow Captain, Slow. Shields be ready, but I think we may have a royal retinue arriving." Bartomus wasn't sure as he shouted, but he was placing a lot of faith in the request he made to Ade Flirtypond and Eberyon in his position.
He continued to stare at the whirlpool trying to ascertain the figures appearing within its swirl of water.
Perception 36 - nat 20
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+28=40 ; d20+4=22 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 3:52:05 PM
Delia will turn and bellow her report, trying to be heard above other sounds, "Giant Seahorses with Merfolk handlers. Don't recommend hostile action."
She turns back to watch their approach, uncertain of Merfolk culture, but trying to gauge their bearing and formality of dress to see what she can gather.
Perception: 40 Sense Motive: 22
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday March 30th, 2023 9:14:33 PM
"Are that what those giant shapes are?" Armalad asks
She waits to see them get closer.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Thursday March 30th, 2023 9:50:05 PM
As the dragon ship progresses, at the slight turn, the distance closes some, but…
Stohp looks, but the distance is still too great to see more than dark, indistinct shapes of size.
Stock pushes his way to the front and squints enough to see the whirlpool, shapes, and… Stock’s eyes only Highlight to display spoiler: {horses?}
Zanderallen stands his ground, waiting for the scouts to report.
Bartomus asks Hasan to continue slowing, suspecting a merfolk retinue has arrived. As the dragon ship closes, Bartomus (eyes only) Highlight to display spoiler: {becomes somewhat more confident of his prediction, his eyes squinting well and resolving Giant Seahorses, complete with bit and bridle! Riding, being pulled by them, something, are several merfolk!}
Delia turns and shouts her report, confirming Bartomus’ prediction – “Giant Seahorses with Merfolk handlers. Don't recommend hostile action,” and then turns back to watch, trying to determine more about them – appearance, clothes, etc.
At Delia’s report Hasan and the crew breathe a sigh of relief.
Armalad, the dragon ship a bit closer, finds Highlight to display spoiler: {indeed that there are Giant Seahorses, complete with bit and bridle! Riding, being pulled by them, something, are several merfolk!}
Hasan calls out orders to the crew and asks Rick to slow James in turn so the Shields can meet the… envoys?
As the Shields and crew watch, the riders and their sea-horses (what Delia called “giant seahorses”) come closer, and at about 100 feet away, one of the riders raises an unclothed tan (?) arm holding something of size, white-ish, and then the sound of a loud horn comes forth! Some of the others do likewise, and as they approach, the sounds of something like a trumpet resound… though lacking the metal tones and rings some of the Shields might be familiar with from musicians on the Float…. What are these trumpets made of?
As the trumpets (?) play, the horses and their riders spread apart somewhat, and form a diamond of fourteen seahorses and riders around one larger seahorse in the center.
The diamond quickly draws near the dragon ship and at about 60 feet away for the crew (and earlier for eagle-eyed Shields) many more details are available – the Shields who once went underwater certainly recognize merfolk and some, like Delia and Bartomus are sure to point this out, perhaps even Stock too! Zanderallen is at a bit more of a distance, but eventually even he too can agree with the called recognition from the Shields.
Delia and other sharp eyes notice the variation on clothing the merfolk wear, often many strings of seashells, simple vests made of seaweed, decorative weeds and strings along their tails accentuate their appearance without overwhelming their natural colors. Some have skin and/or of deep, warm shades of brown, lighter shades of tan and gold, or very pale tones of peach and white. The scales of their lower bodies are iridescent and are mostly the green and blue shades of the sea.
The diamond has drawn close enough that with a slight squint you can make out the giant seahorse and its rider in the center, your eyes drawn in by the excess of shiny metals interspersed amongst her many shell necklaces, elegant seaweed… dress (?) and other gaudy baubles.
Shields who were on the previous merfolk adventure(s) Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It has been some time, but she appears to be the merfolk Princess Melanie!}
SHIELDS – What do you do?
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20+17=24 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 7:27:19 AM
Stohp will give a bow and call out in greeting. "Princess Melanie! It's been some time! Good to see you again." she'll turn to the ship's crew and those who were not on the previous adventure. The merfolk princess herself has come to greet us. No doubt she will be able to help with our problem - show respect everyone."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=25 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 5:22:52 PM "It's the Princess," Bartomus said like a star struck fan. He smiled at Stohp's hail.
"What she said folks. Best, very best behavior that would make your mum's proud when they hear talk of this event. " Bartomus said back to the crew.
"We are indebted to you and yours Princess Melaine for coming to hear and hope to advise us on a matter of the gravest importance." He smiled and .over closer to the arriving merfolk host.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+28=34 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 8:35:38 PM
Delia gives Princess Melanie a respectful nod and then gives up her position at the bow to others who would be speaking with her.
She will continue to keep watch.
Perception: 34
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 d20+10=27 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 1:05:33 AM
Zanderallen recalls the last time he saw the princess, having just rescued her from a sacrificial altar. He pushed back the memories of his own demise, rubbing at his chest where he often still felt the ache of the deep one's spear. He slips into protocol to bring his thoughts under control snapping out orders to the crew loud enough for the approaching merfolk to hear, "All hands attention! Royalty approaching, prepare a proper greeting for her highness the Princess Melanie, fairest under the Lake." He directs the crew into something almost resembling a proper salute
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used Saturday April 1st, 2023 1:07:34 AM
The ship almost capsizes with the force of Stock's eye roll at everyone's antics in greeting the princess. But royalty had the power to help them so he bows begrudgingly.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Saturday April 1st, 2023 9:43:57 PM
Stohp bows, and calls out a greeting to the approaching merfolk, loud enough to be heard, greeting Princess Melanie by name. Stohp tells everyone within shouting distance that the merfolk have sent their envoy.
Bartomus confirms Stohp’s proclamation, smiles, and then moves closer to the edge of the dragon ship.
Delia shows respect to the princess, and then moves towards the middle of the ship to allow those who know the princess to speak with her. Delia continues to keep watch while doing so, but sees no enemies for now.
Zanderallen’s memories of the Shields’ last mission with the merfolk come to the fore: the sahuagin, rescuing Melanie, being pierced by a fearsome foe’s spear, all the way through. Zanderallen pulls upon the fortitude, physical and mental, that Domi granted and grants him, and barks out orders to the crew, loud enough for the merfolk to hear – alerting the crew that it’s a royal visit and to prepare appropriately. The fisherfolk are not military-trained, for the most part, but manage to point several fingers at their temples and Zanderallen mentally calls it good.
Stock is completely unimpressed at everyone, in his view, bowing and scraping before the princess… but though royalty, she and her retinue may yet help the Float, and so Stock holds back disgust he might otherwise voice.
Armalad is observing and listening to everyone’s response to this princess she has never met. An eyebrow thinks about whether arching right now would be appropriate.
The merfolk diamond reforms and reforms and creates an opening at the front. One merfolk rider in slightly nicer shell necklaces than all but the princess rides forth and says in a burble of bubbles (Armalad’s ears only) Highlight to display spoiler: { (OOC - In Aquan, so Joker also hears and understands) Hail and well met Silver Shields! The Royal Court, even the MerKing, has heard your request for a parley. Her highness the Princess Melanie insisted on being the envoy and the MerKing has indulged her request. Please send your envoys to the Princess using one of your rowboats and the parley shall be held on the surface of Turtle Lake. And for the hearing of your crew, whom we do not know…}
The rider then dunks her head and neck in the water, perhaps breathing it as the Shields breathe the air, then raises her head again and says in Common, “Hail Silver Shields! The Princess Melanie requires your presence atop Turtle Lake. Come hither in one of your row-boats.” and finishes with a kind of bubbly burbly giggle.
The merfolk are close enough that for those looking towards Princess Melanie and her speaker, it appears Princess Melanie is mildly pleased with the crew’s attempt to be respectful.
SHIELDS – 1) who goes into rowboat(s) to meet and greet Princess Melanie, and if that's you, what do you do when you get there? 2) who doesn't go, and if so, what do you do?
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday April 2nd, 2023 8:07:48 PM
Since Stohp has met the merfolk before she will volunteer to be one of those who go out to meet them, though if her size is a problem she will grudgingly let others go.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday April 2nd, 2023 8:07:48 PM
Since Stohp has met the merfolk before she will volunteer to be one of those who go out to meet them, though if her size is a problem she will grudgingly let others go.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+20=30 ; Sunday April 2nd, 2023 11:39:48 PM
Armalad inspects this Princess Melanie. Perception: 30
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday April 3rd, 2023 12:28:56 AM "Alright, let's do this." Bartomus said as Stohp volunteered. He made his way forward and carefully stepped into the suggested rowboat and took a seat. His thoughts turned to how best to quickly explain the situation with the reeds and what appeared to be their village. He took some effort to calm himself and how best to greet the Princess.
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Monday April 3rd, 2023 8:54:04 AM
Stock mutters, "Typical royalty. Needing us to come to her even though she's come up all the way from the deep just so that she can show dominance..." Still though, Stock joins the rowboats.
Stock (Zachary H subbing for Jon) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used Monday April 3rd, 2023 5:13:25 PM
Zander isn't one to hang back when good talking is being offered. He clambers into one of the rowboats to meet the princess. He will offer a polite greeting when they arrive. "It is good to see you again, Your Highness. How are things under the Lake?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday April 3rd, 2023 5:28:24 PM
Delia, an eyebrow already raised at the jointly flighty and pompous behaviour of the merfolk, turns her snort of laughter at Stock's derision into a cough.
She looks between their own ship and the row boat a couple times with slight concern, weighing the relative danger of each group. If there's space, she will go with the merfolk group and leave Hawky with the ship, if not, she will send Hawky with the merfolk group and stay behind herself.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday April 3rd, 2023 9:12:50 PM
Joker says, "Hey boss, isn't it funny the merfolk first addressed us all in Aquan before Common."
Armalad says, "Aquan must be their court tongue."
Armalad and Joker will join one of the rowboats being respectful on the way to the parlay
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 4:18:25 PM
Zanderallen waits for an answer with anticipation. He wondered how the merfolk were getting on after the incident? Would there be any resentment that they had been saved by surfacers. Had they seen any of these killer reed tangles?
Armalad and Joker wait to see what the Merfolk want
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 9:08:50 PM
As they prepare to meet with the merfolk, Delia hopes that she won't say or do anything that would disrespect them. She can barely remember all the ways to not offend other humans local to the Float, let alone a whole different underwater culture.
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Tuesday April 4th, 2023 10:44:24 PM
Stohp volunteers to be among those who go down to greet the merfolk, so long as her taurish size doesn’t prove troublesome.
Armalad inspects Princess Melanie, gaining slightly more detail than others. Princess Melanie’s upper body is that of a graceful human-like adult woman, perhaps in her early 20s were she fully human, with a bedazzling number of shell necklaces and numerous bits and bobs of shiny metal here and there on many of the shell necklaces. She has long auburn hair with fully inky-black eyes and the hint of beige scaly patterns on her exposed arms and face. Her lower fishy half immediately transitions from human-like skin/scales to full-on fish scales, in an iridescent green-blue rainbow-among-shades. Her seaweed dress hides little of her fishy half, and seemingly serves as a way to ‘hang’ additional shiny baubles on her fishy self without needing to affix the baubles directly to her. Princess Melanie seems pleased to be here, and her gaze appears to fall most often on the longer-tenured Shields.
Bartomus agrees to go down to visit Princess Melanie, and takes a seat in the first rowboat. As this is a rowboat for a dragon ship, its about as wide as a fisherfleet vessel, but twice as long. Stohp is able to sit comfortably in it with Bartomus, but they can lean back in opposite directions and make room for up to two others, starting with Zanderallen, who bounds into the rowboat.
Stock continues to mutter to himself about the negatives of royalty, and perhaps comes close to considering forming an autonomous collective? Stock shakes off such a silly thought, shrugs and enters the rowboat with Stohp, Bartomus, and Zanderallen.
Delia barely covers her consternation with Stock with a cough, then looks for a second rowboat and finds it, entering with Hawky, followed soon thereafter by Armalad and Joker, who were talking about something in that wizard-familiar language unintelligible to Delia.
Zanderallen, sitting in the rowboat as it’s lowered into the water, finds his mind racing with questions.
Armalad and Joker likewise sit in their rowboat as it’s lowered into the water, waiting with calculated patience to see what can be learned.
Delia frets over protocol, hoping to avoid putting her foot in her mouth given that she has enough trouble remembering landlubber protocols!
The Shields’ two rowboats are fully in the water, and arrive within the Diamond about the same time, the distance being short and Delia and Armalad fighting less inertia than the heavily-laden first rowboat.
The merfolk riders expand their diamond and each of them turns to face the outside, occasionally dipping just below the Lake surface, vigilant for foes of any kind, but for the Princess’ speaker who now says first in Aquan, then again in Common, “Silver Shields, Princess Melanie will now speak to you.” finishing with a smile and then treads water backward and to the right a foot or so.
Princess Melanie lets out a sigh, and then begins simply and only in Common, “Please forgive my entourage… Daddy is so bound to tradition! Bartomus, the not-water elemental Flirtypond was a strange creature indeed, but as you can see it passed along your message. We in the Royal Council discussed your message at some length. We think we know what you’re talking about, but to narrow down the “Tangle/Reeds” that concern you and the Float, please tell me all about your encounter and what you learned… one of their “corpses” would be useful to see too, if you kept one or more for study.”
Princess Melanie pauses and waits for the Shields to respond.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:01:27 AM
Stohp will explain the encounter they had is as much detail as she can remember.
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Wednesday April 5th, 2023 11:08:22 AM "...and don't forget the way the little tiny weeds tried to eat that fisherman's arm. That was insane." Stock will add what details he remembers to Stohp's description.
Stock then says to the Princess, "Do you have any knowledge of some kind of threat like this?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+28=30 ; Wednesday April 5th, 2023 5:55:30 PM
Delia will take a moment to instruct a couple fisherman with Hawky's "alert" word and then tell him to listen to them, that way if the boats/turtle get into trouble, they have a way of alerting the Shields.
She will listen to the exchange between the Mer-Princess and the Shields, habitually keeping an eye out for danger.
========================= Perception: 30
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:09:43 PM
Zanderallen let's the others describe the encounter, laughing at Melanie's distress at being so bound by tradition.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 7:23:57 PM
Bartomus smiled at the Princess and let the others tell their story. Then, when they're was a praise, he raised his hand.
Princess Melanie, we are extremely grateful your l you and yours listened to our makeshift Herald. The situation is vexing in that my exploration under water led me to think that there is a larger population of these creatures involved."
He paused, then he went into previse detail to describe what he saw in the attacks by the four reeds, then in his scoring through the kelp forest and to the village he thought he saw. He took his time with his descriptions and particularly the village collection. Then he paused after a long sigh.
"contacting your kingdom just made sense as both a good neighbor, but also we are truly uncertain as to what these beings are and what caused them to attack a precious turtle."
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 10:25:02 PM
Armalad adds what she knows to the mix. "We were contacted by a ragtag group of adventurers when their escort mission of a bunch of fisherfolk went horribly wrong. We had to deal with the plant creatures previously mentioned and after some initial attacks on tendrils that had reached above the surface of the water we had to chase the tendrils under water. Eventually we were able to take care of them but the remains of the fisherfolk and adventuring group were not present. The fisherfolk wanted us to recover whatever is left if there is anything there and that puts us where we are now."
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Wednesday April 5th, 2023 11:06:27 PM
Stohp relates the Tangle/Reeds encounter as best she can.
Stock adds the bit about the tiny reddish plant that tried to eat Hasan’s thumb, and fills in any gaps he notices. He then asks Princess Melanie what she knows.
Delia sets up a couple of fishermen with a way to alert Hawky to any danger while the Shields are conferring with Princess Melanie. Delia settles into guard duty, listening to her fellow Shields retell the Tangle/Reeds encounter, and paying some attention to the interplay between Princess Melanie and the Shields who rescued her in the past. Delia spots no danger for the moment.
Zanderallen listens as Stohp and Stock give most if not all of the details about the Tangle/Reeds encounter, chuckling at Princess Melanie having to put up with royal traditions.
Bartomus listens as well, and as Stohp and Stock finish, enters the conversation, expressing the Shields’ gratitude for her coming all this way. He then elaborates on his concerns that the “moundtown” might be an actual community of the Tangle/Reeds. Bartomus then describes the battle in some detail, a bit more than Stock and Stohp because Bartomus was a water elemental at the time, freely moving about and looking above and below the Lake often at the same time. He finishes by emphasizing the Shields’ concern for their neighbors the Merfolk and his puzzlement at the Reeds attacking a turtle, as if they had an insatiable appetite, or perhaps were just inimical to animal life.
Armalad then adds her perspective on the encounter, beginning with the Lads, going through the battle, and then the loss of the remains of some fisherfolk and some of the Lads, and the fisherfolk’s desire for the retrieval of their loved ones’ remains for burial and closure.
Princess Melanie, and her speaker, listen intently to the Shields different perspectives and take a few moments after the Shields finish to consider.
Her speaker leans over and whispers in Princess Melanie’s ear.
Armalad and Joker only - Perception DC 25 (hearing) Highlight to display spoiler: {(Aquan)Princess, these tangles of reeds sound much like the Stranglereeds that plague some of our cousins in distant waters – masses of tangled thick reeds extending from bulbous pods split by wide, thorn-toothed maws. This is troublesome, Princess – they don’t normally travel such far distances and there has never been a report of them here in Turtle Lake.}
Princess Melanie whispers back.
Armalad and Joker only, if prior check made: Highlight to display spoiler: {(Aquan)Yes Lancer, I think you are right. I must tell the Shields at once. But what do you think about the tiny plant that tried to eat the man’s thumb? Small, some red… you don’t think…?}
Her speaker whispers back.
Armalad and Joker only, if prior check made: Highlight to display spoiler: {(Aquan)Princess, there aren’t many plants that fit that description, particularly the red color and the ability to eat animal flesh. Do you think we should ask them if the plant looked like it had a spherical shape of hundreds of long, thin blood-red petals or would it only confuse them since it was so tiny, and may not have grown all of its parts?}
Princess Melanie whispers back
Armalad and Joker only, if prior check made: Highlight to display spoiler: {(Aquan)Lancer, you’ve got to stop it with assuming air-breathers aren’t all that intelligent. Zanderallen and the rest showed smarts, courage, and bravery in rescuing me, and along the way paid dearly from what I understand. I will succinctly explain the details to them, so they can be on their guard when they inevitably make the trip below… our guards might be of some help against the Stranglereeds, distracting them at key moments, but the possible presence of Blood Lilies, one of the rarest and deadliest animated plants… even nigh-mythical… no, our guards wouldn’t survive a battle with them, if there are many fully-grown, even with the Shields around. I will tell them what we know, and offer to follow at a distance, recovering the remains of the lost and returning them to the dragon ship for burial so the Shields won’t be distracted by such mundane tasks.}
Princess Melanie and her speaker then turn to face the Shields, and Princess Melanie speaks in Common, “Shields, we think we know what the Tangle/Reeds were… translation to your language is… sometimes awkward… we call them… garrotte-reeds… lasso-reeds… perhaps there is a better word for when a reed or rope is tied around your neck and you cannot breathe, either water or air. These necktight-reeds normally like warm rivers or lakes, they can blend in with other plants so most cannot see them, and they are forever hungry. If you have magic to prevent them from encircling your neck that would be the best, so that you can focus on killing them as soon as possible. I am troubled that you encountered eight of them, maybe more given the trail of remains back to their “moundtown.” Normally they group no more than the fingers on one human hand, or so. They also aren’t cunning, or even intelligent – that is the most disturbing detail of all – their mindless insect-like brains is one of our key advantages when our distant cousins report occasional encounters in distant waters. A “moundtown” as Bartomus describes it… unheard of! But, cunning necktight-reeds are also unheard of… could there be a power behind them, or perhaps one of them is corrupted by foul energies and is controlling the others?
As for the small red plant… Lancer and I know little, but there are myths and legends… these… Blood Flowers… they can be identified by having hundreds of red petals, green vine-like arms, and like necktight-reeds can hide themselves among other plants… they too like warm waters and are insatiably hungry. It is said that they are cunning like some packs of carnivorous fish, can be patient and strike from cover when you least expect it. Like the necktight-reeds, they are supposed to appear only in small groups. But… none of us here have ever seen one or met anyone living who has. I speak of what we’ve learned through our oral traditions, but can offer no more than warning of fierce danger… It is said that to touch one is to die, though I know not if death would be from the sharpness of their petals or through some other means. Princess Melanie pauses, and watches the Shields absorb her words.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday April 6th, 2023 8:38:23 AM
Stohp nods. "Well, at least we know it isn't some new danger, though it's acting in new ways. There are many powers that could control and strengthen such creatures, we now we know to head in expecting some sort of druid or caster that might be behind whatever is going on."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday April 6th, 2023 10:42:30 AM
Bartomus listened intently after noting the whispers that went back and forth between the princess and her advisor. He sighed rather heavily when she shared about the neck-tight reeds and the bloodflower. It wasn't just one thing that was odd.
"Possibly working in concert with someone or something else. Though, some of this has me wondering when we had that massive shift with the Saragrass and such, did we have something get planted or changed within the lake?" Bartomus offered trying to remember the details of one of the near cosmic incursions that the Shields delt with some time ago. "But, Stohp, you've got the better idea and I wonder who would want to do this. Someone wants to cause a crisis I think for the Float and exploit that situation. Maybe another leadership challenge?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used Thursday April 6th, 2023 1:31:32 PM "Suffice it to say that we don't know enough yet - probably there is some force behind it and this is some kind of direct or indirect attack on the city...but it could also be something more benign but equally as deadly like a bloom in the waters are causing these things to reproduce.
Either way, we'd recommend to you merfolk to take the proper precautions and patrol your borders for migrating plants."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Thursday April 6th, 2023 4:16:36 PM
Zanderallen listens in horror to the description of these tangle reeds and Blood flowers. "Those Blood flowers seem familiar, similar to something we encountered with the Sargrass cataclysm. Could spores from that event have landed in the lake and never been dealt with? Guess there's nothing to do other than go down and have a look ourselves. Thank you Princess Melanie."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Thursday April 6th, 2023 9:22:54 PM
Delia continues to keep watch, throwing in the occassional grimace at the description of the reeds and their inclinations.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+20=28 ; d20+18=25 ; Thursday April 6th, 2023 9:40:09 PM
Armalad and Joker look at each other and then back at the Princess and says, "You say those blood lilies or flowers are nigh on mythical but it sounds like it could be what was also encountered besides the garrote-leaves of course. The tiny-ness of the plant made it slip my mind but at the time well I am pretty well versed in knowledge of nature and I couldn't place what that plant was. With respect to the blood lilies strength or power level just how confident are you that we The Silver Shields could potentially stop it being that you don't seem to think your guards could even assist us against it? Might there be a repository of knowledge your people have access to that has more information about what this blood lily or flower can do?"
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Thursday April 6th, 2023 10:59:17 PM
Stohp considers, and tells the group that it’s an old danger acting in new ways, and perhaps there’s a druid or other spellcaster behind the Tangle/Reeds’ cunning attack on the fisherfleet.
Bartomus tried to follow along with the whispers, but even the snatches he heard were not in a language he knew. He became concerned at the mention of possibly two threats instead of one. Bartomus muses aloud about the Sargrass incident and whether something could have happened then. He finishes by discussing with Stohp the possibility that the attack is a prelude to another leadership challenge.
Stock gets to the point – the Shields know more, but don’t yet know enough. Stock advises the merfolk to be on the alert on all of their borders for more of these monstrous plants.
Zanderallen is aware of the horrific descriptions of the monstrous plants, yet is drawn to the words like a moth to a flame. He offers that the Shields might have encountered something similar during the Sargrass cataclysm. Zanderallen resolves that the Shields must go down and end the threat, whether its source be Sargrass spores… or something unrelated…
Delia continues to keep watch, noting no threats, and occasionally shudders at Melanie’s descriptions of the monstrous plants.
Armalad and Joker listened raptly to Princess Melanie’s words… and perhaps too the faint whispers that preceded them. After Princess Melanie and the other Shields finish speaking, Armalad finally speaks up, discussing many finer details about the situation than any of the other Shields had perceived. One thing is immediately clear to the Shields and by the startled reactions, the merfolk as well – Armalad does not just have keen elven ears… she can understand the merfolk’s native tongue!
It was obvious to the rest of the Shields that Princess Melanie had a slightly-accented Common, and at times could not find an appropriate word. Armalad appears to have more skill in this arena.
The name “Blood Lilies” has been spoken aloud. The other Shields skilled in nature lore (Bartomus and Delia) instantly see in their mind’s eye blood-red lilies as large as the Tangle/Reeds, petals spreading forth for an attack… but… what kind of attack?
Bartomus and Delia quickly come back to Armalad’s monologue, wherein Armalad has perhaps forgotten she is speaking to royalty and is on a roll that no one soon stops. Armalad wonders why Princess Melanie is confident the Shields will prevail against the blood lilies when the Princess’ own guard would stand much less of a chance. Armalad doesn’t wait for answers, but finishes with asking whether the merfolk have some store of knowledge that might reveal more about the capabilities of the blood lilies.
There is stunned silence from the merfolk for several moments. Princess Melanie’s guards each keep one eye on their respective horizons and the other on their princess. The princess’s advisor simply has no words. The expression on her face is of one who has witnessed the most unthinkable social faux pas before royalty and is obvious to all.
Princess Melanie appears calm, her expression unmoving, though there may be clues…
Sense Motive DC 11 Highlight to display spoiler: {Princess Melanie is trying to hide the expression of a human girl caught with her hand in the cookie jar, here meaning if anyone previously had ever managed to eavesdrop on her, she never knew it happened… until now. The only deceit here is Melanie trying desperately to hide her embarrassment and not flush her cheeks, and today is not her day for success at that skill...}
Princess Melanie is finally the first to speak. Perhaps recognizing she’s not doing very well at hiding her emotions, she chooses to show them instead, beginning with a (protective) series of laughs.
Finally Princess Melanie speaks to the Shields, but looking straight at Armalad, “Shields, never in my life have I met a surface-dweller who understands our language, and now the first time it happens it’s one who can hear a pin drop above water! While Armalad might have asked more polite questions that showed more respect to visiting royalty, I will forgive her in this instance because the Shields will need even the tiny scraps of conjecture we can offer. First, storing knowledge underwater is hard – ink, even squid ink, doesn’t want to stay in one place, and rock carvings work best above water. We are more reliant on oral histories and practiced memories than anything else, but our writings can be tedious to go through. Also, we in the Royal Council also have our sages, with lengthy and accurate memories of recent and long ago histories. Individual merfolk have lesser defenses than the Shields – it’s not that the blood flowers are exceptionally resilient, but that warriors must be nigh-unkillable to survive whatever petal horrors they visit upon their victims. Merfolk wear light protection in order to function well in underwater fights, but these legendary monstrous plants are skilled in taking advantage of that.
Therefore, some of my guard will follow you at a distance and focus on recovering the remains of the last victims of the Tangle/Reeds attack while you Shields, now warriors of legend yourselves, put an end to these foul plants whose very touch may mean your death! How does a touch kill you? I do not know… the legends said only that their touch turned your own body against you! I wish we knew more, but on the bright side encounters with the blood flowers are so few and dimly remembered that once you defeat the monstrous plants in the “moundtown” I hope all of us never hear of them again during our lifetimes!”
With that, Princess Melanie gestures at several merfolk, about half of her guard, and directs them in the merfolk’s tongue at normal volume. Armalad: Highlight to display spoiler: {In Aquan, Princess Melanie directs the guards to do exactly as she offered to the Shields, to follow the Shields at a distance, recover any remains of surface-dwellers, especially remains the Shields point out, and return them to the dragon ship for burial. Still speaking in Aquan, she turns to Armalad and says, “you understood all that, right?” finishing with a smile.}
Princess Melanie finishes addressing her guards and then turns and continues in her native tongue, speaking directly to Armalad and finishing with a smile. The princess then turns to face all of the Shields, and says in Common, “My guards will follow you at a distance, as I said, and focus on the recovery of remains and delivering them to the dragon ship for burial. You need only point out particularly important remains as needed. If you need to speak to the guards, they don’t know Surface Common well yet, but Armalad can translate for you.”
Princess Melanie returns Zanderallen’s thanks and then bids the Shields farewell. She, her adviser, and half the guard mount their giant seahorses and dive deep and far under Turtle Lake. The other half of her guard mount their giant seahorses and ride at attention, all looking at Armalad for their cue to follow.
The Shields likewise say their farewells and row back to the dragon ship, board, and Rick, Belba, James and Hasan and his crew get things going again. James had shrunk to only gigantic size once the conversation went on long enough, but Belba once more steps behind Rick and casts a few spells, and Colossal James rides once more on a slipstream of water, towing the sailing/rowing dragon ship at 30 knots/hour once more, heading on that north by northeast direction Bartomus called out from his underwater exploration.
It does not take long before Bartomus calls out, “this is the spot!” and James and the dragon ship slow to a stop some miles north by northeast of the Float. Far enough that the Float is too tiny to be easily seen at this distance except perhaps by Delia’s spyglass. Water diffracts light, but the Shields (and the merfolk guard) are confident the Lake floor is between 80’ and 100’ deep here.
SHIELDS – What, if anything, do you do before diving the Turtle Lake deeps? (OOC – include all spells cast, such as water breathing, etc. and include an OOC line in your post with the names of each recipient, the duration for each recipient, etc. with this spell and with all spells cast)
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 7/38 used d20+14=22 ; Friday April 7th, 2023 9:39:32 AM "Bart - I will need some water breathing before we dive in. Likewise, Delia, you can save the freedom of movement until we know we are close."
Stock puts on his flippers and lashes the borrowed trident to his gear.
======= Sense Motive 22
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+4=17 ; Friday April 7th, 2023 11:37:14 AM
Delia mentally shrugs at Princess Melanie's obvious discomfort, if you're going to talk in front of people, don't be surprised if they understand you at some point.
"Sounds like these noose-reeds are what we ran into. You two's necks will be safe with Freedom of Movement," she nods at Stock and Zanderallen. "And I have some poison prevention prepared. If we're careful and stick together, we should be fine."
She double checks all her gear, especially the borrowed stuff, muttering about crossbows being so much less convenient than bows as she does so. She holds her spells until they are closer to combat so they last as long as possible.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday April 7th, 2023 1:15:38 PM
Stohp thanks the princess for the information she shared. When the turtle makes ready to dive she puts on her helm of underwater action, activating it as soon as her head hits water.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday April 7th, 2023 5:30:51 PM
When the expedition got underway, he scanned the horizon and paid close attention to the route they were taking. When he became more and more certain they were getting close, he signaled that fact to the Captain. Then when he knew they were there, he called out and the water-skipping turtle came to a stop. He looked about and nodded in agreement that this was in fact the place.
"Right Stock, who else needs such a breathing touch? You'll be able to breathe above or under the water. I think I will be going as a water elemental again. That worked last time." Bartomus said to Stock and then turned looking at the rest of the Shields. When those are noted he would ask them to gather about allowing him to touch each of them. Afterward, he would change himself back into a huge water elemental as he slid off of James' shell.
Water Breathing 1st casting of the 2 spell slots. 2 hrs/level - so 30 hours equally divided between those that need it.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Friday April 7th, 2023 8:11:42 PM
It takes a second for Zander to realize what happened, but then comprehension dawns that Armalad was replying to what the Princess thought was a private conversation. He winces a little at the break-down of social convention, but what was one to do? He just bows to the princess as she depart and re-boards the ship. When Bart announces their arrival he takes a few moment to prepare, making sure every piece of his equipment is secure. "I will save one casting for emergencies but Stohp I am going to grant you some protection from poison. It won't stop you from getting poisoned but it will delay any effects for hours." With that he jumps off the side of the boat activated his new helm and feeling the power of his new ring remove any hindrance from being underwater. =============== Spells Cast: Delay Poison on Stohp - Poison does not effect Stohp for 11 hours, at the end of 11 hours any and all poison in her system will immediately take full effect.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Sunday April 9th, 2023 6:51:12 PM
Stohp makes sure all her gear is secured well enough to not float away as they dive.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20=20 ; Monday April 10th, 2023 3:18:41 AM
Armalad says to the princess, "I'm sorry if I've given offense. Let's just say I'm a very cunning linguist and leave it at that. I didn't mean to cause any embarrassment or scandal and I probably could have been more tactful in how I spoke to you. I guess we'll just have to be careful not to let the blood flowers touch us."
Armalad then starts casting her spells.
She puts mage armor on herself and casts waterbreathing and shares it with anyone who wants it.
Mage Armor = +4 AC for 10 hours Water Breathing = 20 hours worth of water breathing, can share up to 9 other people, dividing the duration by those it is shared with
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used; 30 ft. Swim Speed Monday April 10th, 2023 9:23:39 AM Status: Water Breathing Stock lowers himself into the water. "It's cold today."[/g]
He then dips his face in the water and confirms that he is able to breathe. [b]"Ready to go"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 Monday April 10th, 2023 1:19:34 PM (ooc: forgot Zander got himself a ring of freedom of movement. Stock and Stohp, you will have my 2 casts, since it doesn't help archery.) (We have 50 hours of water breathing, divided among I think 4 who need it?) Water Breathing (some number of hours)
As they are preparing, Delia will take a moment to braid her hair back in preparation for going underwater. She snaps her darkvision goggles on, then follows suit of Stock, pushing past the mental block of inhaling underwater. She double checks her flippers and gloves, then is ready to go.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 Monday April 10th, 2023 5:09:45 PM
Zanderallen takes a minute to accustom himself to moving about underwater. He soon gets the hang of thinking himself through the water as the helm magically aid his swimming. He takes some experimental swings marveling as the ring on his finger warms slightly, allowing his arm and blade to swing freely. The air bubble around his head may get stale but he had been assured it would stay breathable. ======================= Spells in effects - Delay Poison - Stohp - 11 hours
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Monday April 10th, 2023 8:54:07 PM
Stock asks for Water Breathing from Bartomus, and asks Delia to delay Freedom of Movement until closer to encountering any Tangle/Reeds.
Delia is at ease despite Melanie’s uncomfortableness. She concludes the “noose-reeds” are what attacked the fisherfolk, and then suggests a battle strategy for protecting Stock and Stohp from the noose-reeds. Delia then goes silent, rifling through her gear, getting it in order.
Stohp thanks Princess Melanie. She then readies her helm of underwater action for the dive.
Bartomus carefully directed the Captains to the correct spot on the Lake for the dive. He agreed to grant Water Breathing at the appropriate time, asking for who else might need it. Once the Shields desiring the magic so indicate, Bartomus grants it, excluding himself, and then wildshapes into a huge water elemental form!
Zanderallen double-takes at Armalad’s sudden conversation with the Princess, only belatedly realizing what must have happened! The conversation finishes, and Zanderallen bows to Princess Melanie and wishes her well. He then secures his equipment following Bartomus offering Water Breathing. Zanderallen then casts Delay Poison on Stohp. (OOC – Duration 11 hours)
Stohp then secures her own gear as well.
Armalad gives Princess Melanie what might pass for an apology among scholars. Princess Melanie smiles in a way that perhaps indicates she in turn has given “scholar’s grace” for the social faux pas before she and her half of the merfolk dive and go on their way. Armalad notes aloud that the best defense against the blood flowers is “don’t be where they’re reaching for!” Armalad then casts Mage Armor on herself, noting that she too, like Bartomus prepared [i]Water Breathing, but agrees to partake from Bartomus’ Water Breathing this time.
(OOC – you’re going down 80-100 feet. Stohp and Zanderallen bought helms and Bartomus is a water elemental, so 30 hours divided by Armalad, Delia, and Stock is 10 hours each, which should be plenty, the Shields hope…)
Stock tests out Bartomus’ Water Breathing and finds it works! He declares himself ready to go.
Delia braids her hair back, to streamline herself for battle! Then she puts her darkvision goggles on and like Stock tests out breathing underwater… it feels unnatural at first, but Delia soon acquaints herself with it. Then she double-checks the flippers and gloves borrowed from Redbow, and declares herself ready.
Zanderallen practices moving around underwater – with the ring of Freedom of Action he finally understands what Stock was tight-lipped about when Stock received Delia’s spell – there is no longer swimming, only walking, running, and “pulling” oneself up or down “stairs” in order to change position, even depth! Could this be… even stranger than flying like a bird the way Armalad often does?
Now that Bartomus has cast Water Breathing the Shields gather on James the Turtle, and all but Bartomus and Zanderallen simply fall backwards into the Lake, allowing the weight and density of their weapons and armor to take them deeper and deeper to the bottom! Bartomus in water form effortlessly follows the lead-weight Shields! Then, any who find themselves too buoyant (due to lack of dense weights) simply grab a hold of Zanderallen, who briefly removes his ring so his full plate quickly drags them to the Lake floor! Sliding his ring back on, Zanderallen regains his balance and those who were too buoyant now have lungs full of water, and so perhaps only occasionally have to grab ahold of Zanderallen or Stock to stay along the Lake floor. The merfolk follow you down, and though most of the Shields are not accustomed to hearing chuckling underwater, there apparently is a way for it to carry, especially in Aquan. Though the Shields find it strange, those not in water elemental form eventually adapt to speaking, after a style – sound distorts quickly underwater… in Common. Zanderallen and Stohp find that with their helm-enabled air bubbles are able to speak Common normally within the bubble and then have their voices retain understanding at a greater distance than those with water-filled lungs such as Delia, Armalad, and Stock. Bartomus realizes he can still cast spells through water-shifting, but lacks any semblance of vocal cords… Bartomus Highlight to display spoiler: {(OOC – if only Bartomus could speak a language designed for such an unusual scenario… like Aquan…)} Armalad Highlight to display spoiler: {finds Aquan to be designed for much more effective use underwater than surface-dweller tongues reliant on air and its vibrations, and} occasionally gives direction to the merfolk in their own language, and for the rest of the Shields, the incomprehensible clicks and water-swishes seem to travel clearer and farther than anyone using Common, even in a magical helm.
(OOC – please roll with it on the underwater communications thing – this is supposed to be an alien environment for surface-dwellers, and magic handles a lot of it, but not all – chalk it up to “DM’s license” for this adventure. Yes, spell-casters can still cast spells normally, given water breathing, helms, etc. – enunciating the words is more important than whether anyone can hear you.)
The trip down leads the Shields, or at least some of the Shields, once more into the alien depths… the brightness of the sun begins to lessen some, though perhaps 100 feet of depth is but a drop in the bucket compared to the deeps of Turtle Lake wherein the merfolk dwell, and the sahuagin were fought. Occasional boulders along the Lake floor cast large shadows, making Delia and Stock happy to be able to see into it. Other than the Reeds, and perhaps these mythical blood flowers, and the sahuagin, the Lake simply hasn’t had that many predators that would attack people – plenty up and down the fish food chain, but without the midnight depths of the Wold’s oceans, well, this is “easy.” Bartomus leads the way, as best as water-in-water can lead, making currents to signal the path this way and that… but soon enough the now-lessened remnants of viscera still point out the gruesome final journey of Edvards, Nuria, Triggan, and Jerma…
There’s a lot of seaweed, kelp, and other vegetation down here, but with Bartomus retracing his “swims,” soon the Shields stand, float, or otherwise are present looking ahead at what Bartomus found the other day.
Bartomus Highlight to display spoiler: {”recalls discovering what may or may not be some kind of… underwater plant-town(?)… or maybe a plant-building or two amongst a building-complex-like weed/reed forest?” and then internally hmms at not being able to talk or yell to alert the shields and begins pondering “water sign language,” perhaps directing a sudden current (pushing someone lightly with a watery arm) towards a desired destination, or pushing a seaweed forest over, flattening the terrain in a specific path… but what would be best for what Bartomus wants to tell the group from time to time? (OOC – Rod, this is an opportunity for Bartomus to “play charades” with the Shields when he wants to give them direction – run with it!)}
The Shields see amongst the reedy and seaweedy “forests” along the Lake floor some… structures (?) if they can be called that – huge, irregular “domes” that could be called “woven” of reeds and the like, some rising 20 feet from the Lake floor, still far below the surface some 95 feet above your heads. The trail of viscera has increased slightly… a sign of the water’s wear on the corpses… or of the Reeds… playing with… or even eating… stomachs try to churn at the thought, but the Shields are made of sterner stuff than that… aren’t they?
The merfolk, never having met any of the victims, all manage to turn their heads in time to avoid having a severe reaction, but the Shields can tell (Sense Motive DC 15) Highlight to display spoiler: { that for these merfolk, battlefield carnage… is maybe a bit new – Princess Melanie may have left the most inexperienced guards with the Shields since they were just on corpse recovery duty it seems.}
(OOC – SHIELDS please include in your next posts whether your Shield has a sterner stomach even in the face of the mounting realization that you’re looking at strewn bits of some Lads and of Fabricia’s husband and daughter, or whether your Shield is new to such alien undersea horror and perhaps has a stomach not-so-sternly-resistant. This is a roleplaying choice, not a saving throw, but each Shield does have a reaction – describe it, please!)
SHIELDS, having recovered, in your own way, from the gruesomely increasing amount of viscera-decorated carnage, you see before you the trail of viscera leads towards a…. complex (?) of reedy mounds… either one mega-mound with multiple chambers, or multiple chambers that have grown together serendipitously. The trail then seems to stop about 30 feet from the complex. There are other, disconnected, mounds off to the left and the right, about three on each side.
SHIELDS – what do you do?
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20=6 ; Monday April 10th, 2023 11:01:25 PM
Sense Motive: 6
Armalad is oblivious to the merfolk's reactions or what might be their impetus for having them.
Armalad, herself is not a stranger to the dead, having served with the palace guards and being an academic had attended her fair share of dissections. The state of the viscera is somewhat disturbing though. Dealing with a dead body from combat or dissection things are usually more or less whole unless the person's cause of death was something spectacular or certain spells were cast on a corpse. She doesn't gag or retch or anything but she doesn't dwell too hardly on what particularly she is seeing.
Armalad asks the others, "Should we investigate those chambers off to the side before investigating the massive reed structure or circle back to them later?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 97/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday April 11th, 2023 7:11:30 AM
Stohp has been to the murky depths of the lake before and adjusts quickly to the oddities of underwater conversation and navigation. Similarly she has seen pllenty of corpses, both friend and stranger, in plenty of terrible states. She is not disturbed by the status of the corpses - rather she is disturbed by them being here at all.
"It's been most of a day. If the creatures attacked merely for food then their would not be all these traces left. Heck regular fish should have come along and eaten all of this by now. Whatever is going on it's no simple predator attack, and it ls likely keeping wild animals from this area."
Stock (JonM) HP: 203/203; AC: 28/25/16; DR 3/-; CMD: 35; Rage: 0/38 used; 30 ft. Swim Speed Tuesday April 11th, 2023 8:56:39 AM Status: Water Breathing Stock starts talking too loudly at first, not used to the effect of the water. He then shakes his head and brings it down to a more normal level. "It's just sad really. I was holding out hope that the victims were somehow going to be ok." True to his word, Stock's reaction is just sadness.
"My old campaigner instincts are to go for the smaller buildings first. Let's go right of the trail first." He looks to the other Shields to agree before leading the way forward.
"Delia - It feels like we're close enough now for Freedom of Movement. What do you think?" ----------- Sense Motive Autopass +14
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 123/123 AC 21; Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 11/6/1;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+10=27 ; d20+16=17 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 11:02:04 AM
Bartomus nodded and extended the spell to those that needed it and then slipped into the water. He changed into a moving whirl of water and found himself laughing. Or, at least he thought that was what he was doing. He looked over at the fins of the turtle and down at the diving Shields and Merfolk. He smiled and dropped down ahead of them and started pointing the way forward. He wasn't really certain that they could see him. He moved his hands but realized eventually he didn't have hands. Then he tried shouting again...what exactly did water elementals sound like, he then thought to himself.
"Think, think, think," the Taur turned Waterwhirl on a huge scale said aloud. Whether that came out in anything audible he had no clue and suspected that swirls of water rising may have been all that occurred.
Then he had an idea. He tried tapping one of the shields with a small ripple of swirling water and did the same to one of the merfolk. Then when it seemed he might have the helmed Shield, was it Stohp, had to be. He spun out two vortexes in the direction of where they had to go. He sent one forward. Then he moved forward and sent that one forward again. Then sent the second one ahead of the first. He looked about, would that still be over his shoulder he wondered. Eventually, the merfolk caught on and it appeared so did the Shields. He continued this approach to lead the shields along the lake bed. However, leading those underwater with water in the murky dark was a challenge. Without a doubt, someone started wandering slightly off and he found himself moving water whirls forward for one group, then gently pushing the wayward adventurer back in the right direction.
He picked up the initial sight of one of the viscerated fisher folk and used that grisly lodestone to direct everyone further along. He then saw a couple of initial forms that were the outskirts of the reed village, if that is what it would be called. The path of remains continued onward and he brought the two whirlpools together and tilted them to create a pointing set of streams towards the direction they still needed to go. When the two streams met, they canceled each other out.
"Don't cross the streams, apparently" He said aloud and tapped one of the merfolk gently who was avoiding looking at the increased gore and swimming in the wrong direction as a result. He was pretty sure that this merfolk had turned a deeper shade of greenish blue than the others. But, come to think of it, they were all a bit green about the gills and whatnot. It was vile, there was no doubt about that. But, sadly, he had seen worse, a lot worse. He sent forward a new water whirl and continued onward.
He stopped at the point where the center of the village if that is what it would be called seemed to rise up off the lakeshore. He took some time to focus on the reeds from his vantage point. But, got distracted, seriously distracted by one of the merfolk that was desperately trying to keep themselves together as they seemed wide-eyed, even more so for them, at one of the ghost white pieces of flesh. He moved over to that terrified fishlad and gently created a swirl of currents to move him, if not his eyes over to the much bigger problem they were facing. He managed to at least hear what the others were saying. He wasn't sure what was the best approach, so stayed focused on the shell-shocked merfolk.
Sense motive 27; Perception 17 which means Bartomus rolled a 1 for that check at the trail's end.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 159/159 AC: 15 T: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 31 LoH 13/13 SE 5/5 d20+21=39 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 1:59:48 PM
As they follow the little whirlpools across the lake floor Zander speak up, adjusting his voice mid statement as he adjusts to the underwater echo, "GOOD THInking, Bart. Now we just have to go with the flow."
As they come across the trail of viscera his stomach knots up, back in the early days it was nausea, but now it's anger. Anger at something that would just leave bits of the victims strewn across the lake bed. "What kind of monster just tears apart people for fun? If a predator had eaten them I could have understood, still would have tried to drive it off, but this... this is evil."
He notes the reaction of their guard, definitely would be keeping them out of harms way. No reason for more kids to get killed by whatever was down here, "If you gentle merfolk would like to hang back, I'd hate for any of you to fall to these creatures. We can handle it from here and call you back when we're finished."
"I agree Stock, check some of these outer buildings to get a sense of what we're up against, before becoming trapped inside. Lead on" ============== Sense Motive 39
Delia (Hannah) HP: 115/115; AC 29/17/23; CMD 39 d20+4=21 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 4:24:37 PM
Violent death is not new to her. She has dealt it to many and seen it dealt to many. But still... Delia reflexively reaches to touch Hawky for comfort, realizing too late that she left him stationed above the surface on the boat. She would not feel confident in his safety in these depths. The faces of Triggan and Jerma flash into her mind, and the faces of many others who didn't deserve to die such a savage death. She glances at the Merfolk, sensing their discomfort, but glad that others moved to comfort them as she wouldn't know what to say even while not grieving herself.
She agrees that investigating the outer "buildings" is the safest best. "Hold... on...." she burbles out, then makes a face at the thick feel of speaking through water. She swims to Stock, carefully casting Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) and then moving to do the same on Stohp (also 120 minutes).
================== Sense Motive: 21
(Freedom of Movement (abridged): This spell enables you or a creature you touch to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell. You cannot be grappled (but you can still grapple) and you auto-succeed any checks to escape a grapple. The spell also allows the subject to move and attack normally while underwater, even with slashing or bludgeoning weapons, provided that the weapon is wielded in the hand rather than hurled.)
Armalad (Hugh) HP 91/128 AC25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 9:27:52 PM
Armalad and Joker wait to hear what the others have to say. (OOC: checking in)
Underwater Plan-Weaving (DM Wayne) Tuesday April 11th, 2023 10:02:32 PM
Armalad sees the merfolk turning their heads away from the viscera, but thinks little of it. She mentally notes the unsettling presence of the viscera of Floatizens, but summons her academic training to avoid losing her lunch over it though she takes care not to dwell on the viscera beyond what may be necessary. Armalad gathers in close enough for her fellow Shields to “hear” her ask whether the Shields should investigage the mounds separate and to the sides, or follow the trail into the mound-complex (“moundplex?”).
Stohp relies upon her prior underwater expeditions and instinctively adjusts her positioning and manner of speaking based on her lessons learned. Jaded by past battles, the bodies of foe, friend, and bystander alike, her stomach is made of sterner stuff and she remains focused on the mission. Stohp, having already drawn near to the Shields and heard Armalad’s question, and adds, from her air-filled helmet, her observation that if the attack was truly about hunger, then every scrap would have been eaten, leaving virtually no trail. She speculates that normal fish are likely giving this area a wide berth.
Stock at first begins speaking like he’s on the surface, and then quickly realizes water, not air, is flowing in and out of his lungs whenever he tries to speak. Making adjustments, he too draws close to the Shields and notes his sadness that it’s clear now that all of the taken must be dead. Stock suggests the Shields go towards the smaller mounds on the right first, and then waits to see how his friends react. Then Stock asks Delia if now might be a good time for Freedom of Movement. Stock briefly considers the behavior of the merfolk and mentally makes astute observations.
Bartomus cast Water Breathing on the three Shields that need it and then slipped into water elemental form, and into Turtle Lake, down, down, down… realizing along the way that communicating with the Shields was going to be difficult without being skilled in alternative ways of making sounds underwater, especially speech sounds! Bartomus experimented with moving his Huge arms to make watery vortices that made Shields and merfolk alike feel like a directed current was “pushing” them without actually moving them, and soon caught on to Bartomus’ lead. Bartomus led the group past unfortunate landmarks of viscera he’d passed by the other day, and onwards until they reached their destination, guided by the “water-rails” Bartomus created for any whose swimming became misaligned. He saw concerning reactions from the merfolk, perhaps due to the scattered viscera, and focused on helping them keep it together while listening to the Shields strategize.
Zanderallen, too, follows Bartomus’s whirly vortices, and then speaks, with ease because of the air bubble, but with strangeness as his voice leaves the air bubble and enters the Lake! He congratulates Bartomus for finding a way to keep the group on course. As the viscera continued and led to the “moundtown,” Zanderallen’s stomach knotted up, not with the pain of a novice to battle, strife, and death, but with anger at the fate the monstrous plants visited upon the Floatizens. Zanderallen too, falls in agreement with Stohp, that hungry beasts, or monstrous plants, wouldn’t be too picky about what they ate – wild beasts in forests will clean a carcass down to the bone, with vultures to eat anything inedible… could these monstrous plants find part of people to be inedible? Zanderallen’s anger boils up, and he is convinced this type of killing is evil, not just for food. He observes the behavior of the merfolk and resolves that Princess Melanie was right – recovery of corpses is all that they should perform on this mission.
Zanderallen asks the merfolk to hang back, but they seem puzzled by his words. It is then that Zanderallen recalls that Princess Melanie said Armalad would be the one to tell the merfolk anything.
Shaking his head, Zanderallen moves near Stock and speaks his agreement with Stock’s plan, while gesturing for Armalad to come closer.
Delia is a ranger through and through – huntswoman that she is, in her training, and in helping others, she is no stranger to gutting fish for the frying pan or preparing and dressing an animal for roasting over an open flame… but this… perhaps this was for food, but she too senses something alien about the HUNGER of the monstrous plants, and reflexively reaches to Hawky for comfort, and then recalls he’s still above-water at the dragon-ship. The scattered viscera cause the faces of Triggan and Jerma to flash through her mind, among others. Delia notices the discomfort of the merfolk and is pleased by Bartomus’ wordless water vortices drawing their attention away from the viscera, saving her from public speaking. Delia agrees with Stock and Zanderallen that starting with the surrounding buildings would be best. She begins to speak, but is fumbletongued at first, unconsciously realizing that the glides and nasals of the Common tongue change significantly when your lungs and mouth are filled with water. She adapts her mouth and tongue movements as she swims over to Stock and then Stohp, not too far away as everyone had gathered to “speak,” and casts Freedom of Movement on each of them.
(OOC – 120 minutes on each)
With Zanderallen, Stock, and Delia aligned on heading to the three smaller, separate buildings to the right, the Shields agree to search the outskirts before perhaps going into the monstrous plants’ den!
Zanderallen takes a moment to have Armalad explain to the merfolk that they are to hide here at this vantage point until the Shields tell them to come in for corpse recovery, and Armalad does so, speaking the merfolk’s tongue once more!
Considering the whole “moundtown,” the Shields observe essentially a line of seven mounds, with the central one being the larger “moundplex” of them all, and the other six being single spherical mounds of approximately 50’ in diameter with some having a rough circular opening on the side facing you, and the others the Shields may have to swim around to find the opening. The “moundplex” is decidedly less-round, and yet not quite a square or rectangle, perhaps “four sides and a flat roof” is as much as can be said about it.
On the right, the two closest mounds do not have an opening facing you, and the rightmost mound does have an opening facing you, though it’s beyond darkvision range from your vantage point, so only those with lowlight vision can see what might be some kind of back wall… and empty space in-between? At this distance, you guess that opening is a lot closer to 10’ by 10’ than 5’ by 5’. Non-water-elemental Taurs might have to do some ducking, and water-elemental Taurs might have to “squeeze,” though that’s a much easier task when you’re made of water!
SHIELDS – 1) Please declare a “swimming order” (though three of you with Freedom of Movement are entitled to march!).
**and**
2) Pick your first mound on the **right**:
A) Nearest to “moundplex.” (more scouting required to find entrance) B) Between small mounds. (more scouting required to find entrance) C) Farthest from “moundplex.” (opening is visible from your vantage point)
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