Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday December 20th, 2023 10:55:14 PM
Time slows down for Armalad as she waits to see the results of her most recent arrows.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday December 21st, 2023 7:29:48 AM
By which of course I mean it's the stunned Stohp that'd dinner for the crawlers.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 162/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 d20+23=26 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+27=31 ; d8+21=25 ; d6=5 ; 2d8+42=51 ; d6=5 ; d10=10 ; d8+21=24 ; d6=5 ; 2d8+42=52 ; d6=4 ; d10=7 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 9:52:12 AM
Zanderallen grunts as the creatures try to make him dinner. He steps forward quickly and strikes fast and true. =============== Divine Bond: Speed, Flaming Burst
5ft step to K11
Full Attack Crawler 4 26 hits, 25 damage plus 5 fire 37 potential crit, 26 confirms, 51 damage plus 15 fire 28 hits, 24 damage plus 5 fire 10 misses, 40 potential crit, 31 confirms, 52 damage plus 11 fire
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 d20+28=30 ; d20+28=47 ; d20+28=35 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=14 ; d8+24=28 ; d6=1 ; d8+24=31 ; d6=2 ; d8+24=29 ; d8+24=27 ; d8+24=27 ; d6=2 ; d10=9 ; d10=7 ; d8+24=28 ; d6=2 ; d8+24=32 ; d6=1 ; d20+16=20 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 10:57:34 AM
Delia steps forward to make sure both her targets are within murdering range and unleashes another storm of arrows on their foes.
If any are still alive, Hawky swoops for a second try, but misses even the blinded aberration.
30 to hit; 62 damage (28+1 + 31+2) 47 potential crit, 35 confirms; 101 damage (29+27+27+2+9+7) 40 to hit; 30 damage (28+2) 29 to hit; 33 damage (32+1) 14 miss
Hawky 20 to miss
Bunch of dead carrion crawlers (DM MikeK) d20+11=26 ; d20+11=14 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 4:30:52 PM
Armalad, Bartomus, Stock and Zanderallen combine to bring down Crawler 4.
Delia brings down Crawler 5 on her own.
Nothing breaks the ensuing silence for several moments.
From behind Delia comes a small voice. "Wow," breathes Pip, after witnessing the Shields at work.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 2d8+2=9 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 10:06:23 PM "Let's go get that book before any others come about," Bartomus said with a bit of worry in his voice. He hadn't processed the fact that he had gotten bit, in spite of the adamaite armor spell he had cast before entering the pit. Bartomus fished out a potion and swallowed the contents of the vial, but it didn't have much of a kick. He tossed the empty vial towards one of the pits and started off in the direction that Pip had originally pointed towards when Bartomus had asked about using fire.
Realized I hadn't deducted the damage at the start of the fight, did so and added the CMW potion result
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+21=38 ; Thursday December 21st, 2023 11:56:27 PM
Armalad says to Pip, "You should have seen us fight the Druid we captured and her companions. It was really something else."
With the Crawlers dispatched she takes a look around for the tome if she sees it. (Perception: 38)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 162/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Friday December 22nd, 2023 12:11:38 PM
Zanderallen cleans his blade and looks around, "Well that was unpleasant. Pip, what's the bearing on the tome?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 120/120; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 Friday December 22nd, 2023 12:12:27 PM
Delia shrugs at Pip's wonder, "We have our skills. But if someone asked me to study a old, dusty book to learn how to stop an ancient, evil, whatever-Karkasan-is, I'd go crazy in 3 minutes. Your locate spell still up?" She ushers him forward to help find the tome and reclaims her arrows. She also double checks that the Crawlers are dead-dead since they were regenerating while alive.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20=6 ; Friday December 22nd, 2023 5:57:48 PM
'"Well if there are more we should probably deal with them since we said we would." Stohp points out. She'll keep her eyes and ears peeled for more.(27 perception)
Tome Recovery (DM MikeK) Saturday January 6th, 2024 3:14:44 PM
The Silver Shields have disposed of the carrion crawlers in Trash Bin 7.
Pip, the WLA librarian who is responsible for everyone being down here in the first place, gawks at Armalad’s comment about an even more impressive finds, ducks his head in thanks at Stock and Delia’s encouragement regarding his own skills, and nods decisively at Zanderallen’s question.
“My spell is up. I believe the tome is in the cave.”
The party dutifully makes its way to the trash cave. It’s exactly as one would imagine an area hollowed out of a hill of trash would look, and smell. Nothing else appears to threaten the group.
They soon locate the missing tome, thankfully still intact and none the worse for wear. In addition to the book lost by Pip, two additional manuals are also in the cave.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+21=34 ; d20+26=35 ; Sunday January 7th, 2024 7:46:43 PM
Armalad takes a look at the other 2 manuals they discovered.
(Perception: 34 (Linguistics: 35
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) d20=6 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 5:27:08 AM
Stohp will do a quick circuit around the little cave and try to double check that they got all the crawlers. It'd be a shame to report the job done only for a dozen larva they missed to grow up and eat one of the trashmen. (27 perception)
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday January 8th, 2024 9:55:38 AM "Armalad - would it be possible for you to study those in a place with a better smell? Come on Shields. Lets head back."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 162/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday January 8th, 2024 12:38:20 PM
Zanderallen stands watch outside the cave after the interior is determined to be free of danger. "Let's not spend too long here. I don't know if gelatinous cubes can smell blood but something tells me Fred, or Frank, or whatever they named it will be by here soon to clean up. I'd rather not become supper."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 d20+30=44 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 1:18:29 PM
Delia join Stohp in another quick check of the cave to make sure there are no more shinies or threats, but is also quite ready to leave Trash Bin 7 and not have a run in with Frank.
Perception 44
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+16=18 ; d20+4=23 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 4:08:17 PM
Bartomus made an attempt to see if there might be any other things of interest and then looked over Armalad's shoulder at the other two tomes found in the cave area.
"Anyone else think it is a bit odd that three books were in the cave?" Bartomus just had to ask what was crossing his mind. He followed the others back towards the main door.
Perception 18; Appraise 23
Tome Recovered (DM MikeK) Monday January 8th, 2024 6:20:52 PM
Armalad picks up the other two manuals and gives them the once over. She doesn’t have much time as Stock and Zanderallen are especially keen on moving on to a less aromatic locale.
Fortunately, she makes them out quickly. Both are magic items designed to enhance one’s attributes!
Manual of Quickness of Action +1 Tome of Understanding +1
While Stohp, Delia, and Hawky engage in a brief search for more crawlers, or any other dangers, Bartomus wonders aloud about the oddity of only books existing in the cave. The answer may never be discovered.
No further creatures are found.
The Shields make their way back to the Bin’s office, avoiding any places that might contain a Frank.
Stock and Zanderallen work the keys and soon enough the party is once again assembled in the small office along with the veteran dwarf and the young elf.
“How did it go?” the dwarf asks.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday January 8th, 2024 10:15:19 PM
Armalad says, "We killed the Carrion Crawlers, secured our missing tome and these other two magic books."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 12:04:58 AM "No sign of your friend Frank though," Bartomus added to Armalad's answer. "Thanks for accommodating our request."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:24:06 AM
[b]”I wouldn’t say there was NO sign. I mean there was that cleared path that looked like it could have been Frank’s handiwork. But in truth I am glad to be out of the trash heap.
Pip- this is the book, right?”[b]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:34:19 AM "Well, signs of him but we avoided him after we found his trail." Stohp muses.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 162/200 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 11:28:47 AM
Zanderallen hands back the key, "Pest control complete. We checked out their lair as well and no signs of more of the creatures. Should be just Frank until somebody drops something new down a chute."
His eyes widen as Armalad explains what the other tomes are, "Those are quite something. Looks like there's some reading to be down. But first, Pip let's see what this tome has to offer about our present situation."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 4:55:49 PM
Delia gives the dwarf a respectful nod, vaguely including the elf as well, "Five carrion crawlers killed and all Shields and Frank accounted for should mean no more paperwork for you. As far as this particular situation goes."
Reward (DM MikeK) Tuesday January 9th, 2024 7:01:41 PM
The Shields report to the dwarf that the carrion crawlers are slain, Frank is still lurking about, and the team was successful with their own personal mission.
The dwarf smiles broadly. He signs a piece of paper that was already sitting on his desk and presents it to Stock with a flourish. “Our chit for 5000 gold pieces”, he declares. “Redeemable at the Guild Office, the Treasury, or the Giggling Ghost.”
With that, he tips back in his chair, hands folded behind his head. “Told ya,” he tells the elf. “Silver Shields. No problem.”
Zanderallen asks Pip about the contents of the lost tome relative to the team’s present situation.
The halfling takes the book reverently. Turning to the paladin he asks, “perhaps we could bathe first?”
Depending on Zanderallen’s answer, there’s not much more to do here.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 8:32:08 PM
Armalad says to Zanderallen, "I agree let's hit the baths but not take the tome into the tub. If it needs to be cleaned up I can use prestidigitation."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:37:12 AM
Stohp is also agreeable to this notion. Everyone is probably filthy and they can perhaps discuss the book over one of their free meals at one of the taverns after they're fit for public.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 11:28:02 AM
Zanderallen laughs as he realizes the wisdom of Armalad's and Stohp's advice regarding their stench, "We are quite a mess aren't we. Bath and food sound like excellent first steps. Then we can peruse the tome clean and on full bellies."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 1:09:03 PM
Delia shrugs; she's smelled worse. But a meal sounded like a great idea. She's ready to head out, clean up, get some food, and try not to let all the crazy lore about Karkasan go over her head.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 3:44:05 PM "Here I thought that smell was just Stock," Bartomus said with snicker. "Pip, you and those tomes, especially the one I lent you are coming to Shields Headquarters so they don't go missing again. We can feed you, probably find something you can ware, and then work on what you might have been working on. Sound good?"
Bartomus followed the others out of the area and then added.
"Maybe we can ask one of the runners we have used before Stock to pick up for us food from Happy at the Ghost?"
Time for revels? (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:36:03 PM
A bath sounds good to most, and food sounds good to everybody.
Appropriately, the Shields make their way back up to the Fence Level and Shield HQ.
Waiting for the group is a human teenager wearing Catacombs livery. “Package for Simpleshears, shars, shares. Something like that. Well, like, here’s your package.” He disappears with a BAMF.
The package is Stock’s Catacombs purchase.
Pip is relieved of the Karkasan tome right there. Bartomus would also like the rest of the items brought back as well. Pip reluctantly acquiesces to the request.
The group hits the baths and come out warm, clean, and mostly free of the stench of death.
Then, its to the Giggling Ghost.
The party gets about three steps into the door before Happy bellows, “Patrons of the Ghost! I give you … The Silver Shields!". The tavern erupts in ‘huzzahs’ and cheers and general happy yelling. Patrons crowd around. Drinks are pressed into the hands of everyone, even Pip, who does not turn them away.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 9:04:39 PM
Armalad says, "We need to turn in the chit to get the rewards for beating the carrion crawlers." reminding the group as she takes her drink.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 10:56:47 PM
Stohp is a little nonplused at the greeting - they eat here every day - but politely interacts with their fans for a bit before sitting down to eat.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Thursday January 11th, 2024 9:23:02 AM ”Stohp- just remember the price of fame. While you eat here every day and people recognize you and thank you every day…to any of these people you are still a sign of hope and justice and that person may never have seen YOU before. It’s a weird asymmetry that a lot of people forget about.
Despite his words though, Stock gruffly pushes past their fans and ends up ordering his usual glass of milk from Happy.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday January 11th, 2024 2:51:42 PM "Happy are you and that mead you got there is a sight for sore eyes, on and order something stiff for our friend Pip here. He had a day of it. Not recommended to lose something and have to go scrounging for it." Bartomus said with a big smile and patted Pip on the back.
He followed the others and waited for the most delicious, nearly ice cold honey mead in a taur sized tankard. He nodding towards Pip as Happy and his staff went about getting things for their party.
"Don't make his too stiff, we need his mind to be fairly clear when we are done. Armalad has the bill or a way to pay the bill. Right?" Bartomus looked about for their meal ticket. ;-)
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 Thursday January 11th, 2024 2:59:45 PM
Delia somehow vanishes from the middle of the Shields and the press of patrons at the shouts. She sits herself down at the table and waits for the storm of attention to pass to order food and drink. (minimum stealth of 46 and hide in plain sight in urban terrain)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday January 11th, 2024 4:16:46 PM
Zanderallen greets and shakes hands with the other patrons, happy to spread a little joy. He enjoys his food and drink heartily before pushing back his plate. "Alright, now back to the original order of business. What did you find in that tome about Karkasan?"
Pip's tale (DM MikeK) Thursday January 11th, 2024 9:17:03 PM
Zanderallen and Bartomus actively interact with the adoring crowd. Stohp does her shy best to do the same. Stock pushes through. Armalad reminds all about the chit. Delia manages to disappear and be waiting for the group at their table.
Happy takes the chit. “Trashmen now? A little bit of everything for the Shields, eh?” He doesn’t leave, or apparently talk to anyone. Yet, in a few moments, a staff member sidles up with a bag of gold. Inside is 5000 gp. Happy also waves off Bartomus’ talk of a bill. “Your gold is no good here,” he chuckles.
Pip is clean, fed, and has a pint in his hand, making him about as happy as he can be.
To Zanderallen’s question, he answers, “Much of it I’ve told:
The lich you defeated in It’lal believes Karkasan was responsible for the ancient war between the progenitors of the Lizard Fok and the earliest drow of It’lal. It also writes Karkasan was defeated and bound to the Crying Wood. Karkasan’s body was entombed in the Heart of the Wood, and his soul bound to the forest. Over time the evil of Karkasan warped the awareness of the Crying Wood to what it is now.
We also now know Karkasan can be freed. A certain spell with certain components cast over the entrapped body in the Heart of the Wood.
The components are Sarr’s Armor, Largon’s Dragon Crown, and the Scepter of the Dead.
The lich apparently planned to gather the components, reincorporate Karkasan’s soul into his body, and then kill him. And then make him a zombie servant. And then, well, this lich plans are quite a lengthy and imaginative list which I will not go into here.
There is a description of Largon’s Crown….an artifact in the shape of a crown with twin metalwrought dragons around the bottom edges.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday January 11th, 2024 10:16:33 PM
Armalad asks Pip, "Does it say what this dragon-crown artifact does or did? Or who this Largon was or what he was known for? Maybe if we knew any of that we'd know where to look for it?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Friday January 12th, 2024 6:55:23 AM
Stohp considers things. "If the descriptions are detailed enough we might be able to use magic to try to locate the remaining artifacts, if not us then one of our contacts in the Float. Finding them will lead us to our enemy, or at least let us deny them more tools to their ritual."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Friday January 12th, 2024 8:36:36 AM ”Stohp- just remember the price of fame. While you eat here every day and people recognize you and thank you every day…to any of these people you are still a sign of hope and justice and that person may never have seen YOU before. It’s a weird asymmetry that a lot of people forget about.
Despite his words though, Stock gruffly pushes past their fans and ends up ordering his usual glass of milk from Happy.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 32/19/26; CMD 42 Friday January 12th, 2024 10:44:39 AM
Delia leans back, stretching out her legs and sipping her own pint. "Any mention of what caused the people who fought Karkasan before to bind him instead of destroy him? Defenses they weren't able to overcome? Something bad happens if he gets dead dead?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Friday January 12th, 2024 3:57:24 PM
Zanderallen listens to Pip, "So we know Stohp's armor is one of Sarr's Armor, but that other pieces are around. So they can get around that. Largon's Crown though. That sounds pretty unique. If we can secure it then we can stop the ritual, or control the ritual..." Zander drifts off as he thinks about this last piece of information. "So hear me out. We don't know why Karkasan was only imprisoned instead of destroyed but this lich seems to think it's possible to kill him. And we know Karkasan's bound soul is the source of much of the evil in this area, and will remain a danger as long as he exists. What if we hunted down these three artifacts and used them to destroy Karkasan?" He looks around at his companions, waiting for a response.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/123 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Friday January 12th, 2024 8:07:27 PM "Odd question, but any of remember how to contact that dragon-son we helped with the temple and all? Kinda feel he could be a source of info for us on a dragon crown?" Bartomus was thinking about their firmer adventures and the child or offspring that just had to Karkasan's.
He took a bite of one the pasties and a drink of his mead.
Discussions (DM MikeK) Saturday January 13th, 2024 3:56:22 PM
Pip relays what he knows. The Shields have questions.
To Armalad, the halfling makes a helpless gesture. “None of the documents I’ve reviewed contain more than a name and description of the Crown.”
Stohp wonders if the description is detailed enough for a locator spell to work. Pip doesn’t even bother answering that one. He’s not a wizard, after all.
To Delia, Pip is slightly more help. “The lich mentions in several places something along the lines of ‘now I’ve have the means to destroy him utterly.” This seems to indicate the powers at the time couldn’t kill Karkasan. Binding him was the best they could do.”
Zanderallen is thinking more strategically. Pip’s mouth drops open at the paladin’s thinking. “Uh,” replies the non-adventurer doubtfully, “what if he kills you?”
Bartomus heads outside the box again, wondering about the location of Malici, the half dragon they helped retrieve a magical medallion for and who then ended up king of a group of lizard folk. As far as the Shields know, he and the lizard folk founded a village a couple days upstream of the southern river.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday January 14th, 2024 11:28:46 PM
Armalad asks, "Do Lizardfolk normally keep records of dragon crowns?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday January 15th, 2024 9:39:36 AM "It would be great to be able to eliminate the malice of the woods, but it's a terrible risk to take. If we fail then it could be catastrophic."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Monday January 15th, 2024 11:03:46 AM
Delia shrugs at Pip, "Karkasan is killing other people now, even if his weakened state. Summoning him to kill him is a risk, but if we leave it alone, he's going to keep trying to get free with his minions. And, with whole Norella thing, he's already shown he is completely willing to domineer and kill innocents just to get his way. And our attention. And maybe also just for 'fun.' We at least have to do something about Karkasan and I'm all for ending the problem permanently."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/244 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Monday January 15th, 2024 2:57:47 PM "Malici, yea that's it. We might need to go see him. I mean we are taking about his daddy, I think." Bartomus offered with a nod of his head. "But, I gotta get a few of these aches and pains healed up first. "
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday January 15th, 2024 4:05:08 PM "I don't wish to under risk for no reason. I am fully aware of the consequences of failure. We first need to research how this lich thought he could kill Karkasan. If he had the means then I'd rather us find them and end this threat rather than wait to let Karkasan break free when there may be no one able to stop him."
Zander ponders for a moment, "We're going to need sources of old information. Any ideas? Drow city, archives, Overlord? Are their any rumors of Karkasan era ruins we could go seek out? Surely since the Crying Wood retreated their has to be something out there to find."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday January 15th, 2024 6:11:08 PM "Besides Pip - don't worry about us. For the most part nobody has figured out a way to kill one of the Silver Shields. There was just that one time...but that ended ok anyway."
More discussions (DM MikeK) Monday January 15th, 2024 7:18:41 PM
Zanderallen's observation sparks more conversation as each of the Shields makes their own comment or asks one another questions.
Pip latches onto Stock's hint of a really good story, taking on an attentive expression.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Monday January 15th, 2024 8:45:40 PM
Armalad says, "I could check what records we have at the Star Mages guild on any of this. I'm not sure if they have anything on any of the topics we are looking into or not but it probably wouldn't hurt to look."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Tuesday January 16th, 2024 8:53:42 AM ”Not much of a story really. We were underwater in this lake when Big Z got killed. Well it turns out that when you die, you’re better off being a hero of some renown in a troubled world where the Gods can control the powers of life and death. So we petitioned on Z’s behalf and before we knew it, we were back and Z was with us.”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 9:16:08 AM "Zander, I think the Drow delegation here didn't have much to offer when we last approached them about Karkasan. But, it could be worth asking them to contact their elders and scholars." Bartomus said. "I agree with Delia that this is a danger we do not want to have unleashed on the Float or the greater Wold. I am willing to head over to their delegation."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 1:06:31 PM "Being armed with knowledge sounds great. Pip, the lich's book didn't mention anything about how to kill Karkasan just that it could be done?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Tuesday January 16th, 2024 3:08:01 PM We'll just have to keep doing what we are doing, keeping in touch with our contacts and see what happens. I'm sure the enemy will show up sooner or later, we'll just have to try to react quickly to minimize casualties since we have no way to track them down."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 3:39:45 PM "Maybe they didn't know because we were asking the wrong questions. What we really need is ruins that pre-date the Float. Ancient places lost in the forest, relics from Karkasan's time. There has to be a way to find something." Zander takes a couple deep breathes and settles down. He realizes he's getting overly excited putting a name to this faceless evil they'd been fighting for so long.
Big Z (DM MikeK) Tuesday January 16th, 2024 5:34:05 PM
Armalad offers to go see if the Star Mages have any information, though she is pessimistic.
Stock is not a great story teller. He gives Pip the super condensed version of Zanderallen’s death. Pip was obviously hoping for more, but refrains from pressing.
Bartomus thinks another swing at the delegation from It’lal might be worth it.
Delia asks Pip another question. He shrugs helplessly again. “It wasn’t in the material I reviewed.”
Stohp and Zanderallen both feel continued pursuit of this subject will yield results. The group has stumbled across multiple ancient places both in the current Crying Wood and its older footprint. It is not unlikely more are out there.
Supper is done and the dishes are cleared away.
Happy swings by again. “Anyone for dessert? Got a raspberry pie you wish your mama could make.”
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 d20+27=41 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+13=19 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 9:05:35 PM
Armalad asks for a piece of raspberry pie.
She then sets out for the Star Mages guild to research the following
Largon’s Dragon Crown, the Scepter of the Dead. Karkasan Malici
(OOC: Don't know if I get some kind of circumstance bonus to these rolls?)
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Wednesday January 17th, 2024 9:17:11 AM
Stock raises his hand to Happy to order a slice.
"So it's unclear to me - do we have any clues to run down now? We know Karkasan wants to come back and that to stop him we need the Crown and the Sceptre...right? But nothing more actionable than that. We never asked Norella what who or what was searching for those items and where they were searching...maybe I'll head up for another interview with her...We still have a bunch of her property. I can bring that up to her as well."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 88/111 AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:12:00 AM
Stohp finishes eating and heads out (I should be leveled now)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:25:16 AM
Updating HP in header, which was several levels out of date apparently. Again.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:58:00 AM
Delia perks up at Zander's mention of ancient ruins. She'd be useless at book-research, but running around a haunted forest to find things is right up her alley.
She also orders a slice of pie, smiling at the plate when it's set down in front of her. "We have a description of the Crown, but no ideas of things that match that description so far."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 3:51:16 PM
Zanderallen happily takes a piece of the offered pie, enjoying it heartily. "Alright, let's go find some ancient ruins. I will visit our friend the Overlord this afternoon and update him as well as ask if any official records point to any potential points of interest."
Investigations (DM MikeK) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 7:02:45 PM
All hands go up for pie. Happy obliges.
As he’s setting the plates, he offers, “If you’re looking for old stuff, I hear the Lads are in It’lal region. Guessing they’ll be back in a day or two.”
The Shields consume dessert, which is delectable, and go their separate ways.
Armalad visits the Star Mages, asking to do some research.
The mages have nothing on Karkasan. The lich’s library under It’lal, most of which was retrieved by the Shields and placed with the WLA, seems to be the only currently known source.
The news on Malici is based completely on the Shields’ reports - a half dragon who showed up with a medallion, got the Shields to accompany him on a quest that ultimately revealed him to be a lost king of the lizard folk, then settled quietly on a riverside.
The Scepter of the Dead gets some hits. It’s an artifact level device created by a demilich known as The Dread. It is believed to be one of the tools it used to strip the souls of powerful warriors and forcing them into a kind of phylactery. When The Dread was destroyed, the Scepter was lost. Rumors have placed it both in the Tower of Boydos in Cinnamon Valley, and the Shadow Realms between the Wold and the Lands of Rest.
The only Largon to be found was a sorcerer underling of the great dragon Parnoth, who ruled a section of the southern Culverwood known as the Emerald Kingdom. Largon escaped to the east when Parnoth was defeated.
Stock swings by Shield House, picks up Norella’s gear, and then accompanies Zanderallen up to the Overlord’s palace. The dwarf finds the druid is still incarcerated.
Zanderallen and Delia make a call on the Overlord. There is a bit of a wait, but eventually the man ducks into a side room to get an update. Initiative to Zander and Delia regarding what you tell him
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:06:12 PM
Armalad heads over to wherever the rest of the Shields are to give them the news about what she found regarding Largon and the Scepter of the Dead as that information seems the most different from what they have.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Thursday January 18th, 2024 8:57:42 AM
Stock keeps the meeting with the Druid brief. ”I left your stuff with the guard. Once you are released, they should give it back. Here’s a list of what I gave them. Make sure they give it all back to you. Anyway, I do have one question I was hoping you could help with- we never discussed who or what was searching for the crown and scepte nor did we talk about where they were searching…what do you remember about this?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Thursday January 18th, 2024 12:10:55 PM
After exchanging the customary greetings and pleasantries Zanderallen gives an update. He doesn't go into their potential plans for Karkasan but fills in who he is, what he's up to, and the items he's looking for to free himself. He explains how the Shields are looking for old ruins and other potential sources of ancient information to try to find more information on Karkasan and the relics he's looking for. He asks if there are any old record in the Float or any information comes in of other ancient sites in the forest come up that they be shared with the Shields.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Thursday January 18th, 2024 1:55:04 PM
Delia goes with Zander to provide completely unnecessary moral support. Though initially confused by not sharing their full plans, she realizes halfway through the conversation that most people would react with similar concern as Pip to the idea of releasing Karkasan, no matter the purpose. So, she listens in relative silence for what information the Overlord may have.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Thursday January 18th, 2024 2:56:31 PM
Stohp will check in with various local contacts to see if they need anything and generally do smaller stuff to help out. They're asking a lot of people for help and it's good to show that street goes both ways.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Thursday January 18th, 2024 3:43:27 PM
Bartomus departed and got distracted visiting with an old friend amongst the various merchants's stalls that he used to frequent much more often when he had such a stall. He realized he needed to go visit the Drow consulate's office on the Float. He got himself back to the HQ, changed into the court attire he was gifted by the Drow leadership, and dashed off to their facilities on the Float.
He approached the guard at the door and introduced himself. He explained he was yet again coming to inquire about matters of great importance to not only the Float, but the Drow homeland and all that Lady Yasume and her court hold dear. He then waited patiently to be seen and share the information they had learned about Karkasan.
Meetings (DM MikeK) Thursday January 18th, 2024 8:40:55 PM
Armalad shares her news.
Stock has a question for Norella. She considers, lifting an eyebrow and gazing toward the ceiling in an effort to recall the memory. “Kar-tiss said something like ‘his brothers’ were collecting the other items. All he ever said about them was they were needed to free Karkasan. I got the feeling one was searching north of here.”
Zanderallen shares the findings, but not the plans, of the Silver Shields. Delia catches on, and listens in relative silence. The Overlord rubs his chin in thought. “An entity responsible for the Crying Wood. Now there’s a revelation. To be honest, most sites turned up out there have been discovered by you. I’ll direct someone to dig into our archives and see if anything interesting turns up. If so, you’ll be the first to know.”
Meanwhile Stohp makes herself useful. She finds a rather common reaction to a minotaur offering assistance. Nearly everybody has large, heavy objects they need moved up, down, or over.
Bartomus gets into his finery and heads up to the Drow’s consulate office. In no time, he finds himself in a small side room with a cup of tea in hand. Lady Yasume Mylyl perches opposite. After an appropriate amount of time, she gets around to the topic at hand. “And what brings one of the famous Silver Shields to our door,” she inquires politely.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Thursday January 18th, 2024 9:52:14 PM
Armalad says, "The way I see it we need to check 4 places. Place 1 with Malici, Place 2 is east of the Emerald Kingdom, Place 3 is the Tower of Boydos and Place 4 is the shadow realms."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 d20+14=29 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 10:04:59 AM "Lady Yasume Mylyl, truly I am grateful for your hospitality and willingness to hear me. The Shield has responded to the rise of an organized effort led to resurrect a being of ancient legend bound by strong magic into what we call the Crying Wood." Bartomus said this without a great deal of emotion or particular emphasis. This was in his mind an attempt to report to the Drow's lead emissary on the Float the potential threat to the Float and the greater Wold.
"It is my understanding, aided by various sages here, that Karkasan's minions are searching for various items to unlock their master's soul. A vile creature whose anger would be unleashed upon all that currently inhabit the remnants of the world that chained him for greater than a millennium." He held the teacup in both hands and set it down as he looked up at Lady Yasmne.
"I also believe ancient ancestors of your people may have played a part in binding this dragon, or dragon-born threat, into the Wold with others." Bartomus eyes held the woman's gaze as he continued. "We fear that if this Karkasan is released and the items associated with his power are recovered by his minions. Destruction and strife will undoubtedly find their way to the luxurious halls of your nation's palace and workshops."
"We, the Shields, well," Bartomus paused for a moment. "I would say all of us, need to know if there is any information be it in ancient tomes in an archive, legends, whispers of folklore, anything that your nation might be able to share regarding this Karkasan and the items associated with his binding by those ancient heroes so long ago."
He locked eyes with hers. Then he let out a slow sigh and looked down at his teacup and its delicate form.
"We know there is a crown, Largon's Dragon Crown and Scepter associated with Death itself," Bartomus said with some hesitation. [/b]"But, we need to know more about those, where they might have last been seen, and any hint as to how they might be used. We also know that we are playing catch up to those that are trying to restore Karkasan unto the Wold."[/b]
As Bart doesn't have a high diplomacy skill modifier, he will utilize (a) a hero point for a plus +8 Luck bonus to his roll, and (b) utilize performance skills he has for the roll. So if that roll is needed, I rolled a D20 with the +6 perform and +8 luck bonus. Rolling - 29
Delia (Hannah) HP: 124/124; AC 29/21/23; CMD 44 Friday January 19th, 2024 10:40:59 AM
Delia nods gratefully to the Overlord. The Shields needed all ears to the ground for this one.
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Friday January 19th, 2024 11:08:53 AM "Some place to the North. Ok that's a good start. Thank you Norella and you take care."
Stock takes his leave and connects with the other shields. Along the way, he spots Stohp lifting boxes and snickers as he passes. "Nice job Stohp. Glad you are helping out wherever you can. Truly well done."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Friday January 19th, 2024 5:28:28 PM
Zanderallen graciously thanks the Overlord and after the proper dismissals returns home. He eagerly awaits word if any one else's contacts turn anything up.
Places to Check (DM MikeK) Saturday January 20th, 2024 4:29:31 PM
Lady Yasmue drinks her tea and listens to Bart attentively. When the taur finishes, she takes another sip, considering.
“That is quite a revelation,” she says at last. “And, of course, what is ancient to you may only be a few generations for us. I must confess, I have not heard the name Karkasan nor of a binding of a creature to the wood. But, I am young relative to many of my peers in It’lal. I shall make inquiries, young taur, and promise to relay what I discover.
With that, Bart returns to Shield House.
He meets up with the rest of the Silver Shields.
Information is relayed and plans form.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 97/144 AC 21; (150/150) Glv +16 2d8+2 Slng +14 CMD 11 Melee 12/7/2;Perc+16;Heal+11 Sunday January 21st, 2024 3:53:26 PM "We will all be grateful for what help and knowledge that you can share with us, Lady Yasume." Bartomus smiles relieved that things went better than he thought they might. He finished he tea and then excused himself as quickly as possible to allow the consulate to return to her duties.
On the way home, he popped into the Ghost and purchased a cold cask of the sweet honey mead. Wrapped in burlap, he hoisted it onto his shoulder and brought it into Shield Headquarters.
"Now, don't let the dwarf tap that before I get back down," he said as he set the cask on the big meal table. He dashed up the stairs and in a few minutes returned in his street attire versus the spider silk clothes he had been wearing.
When the others got about the table, the cask was tapped, and the mead shared along with the results of his efforts to learn more from the Drow.
"Still thinking a visit to the Lizard Folks and our friend is the next step," Bartomus offered after a taste of the mead.
Armalad (Hugh) HP 121/134 AC 25 / Touch 19/ Flat 18 CMD 27 Sunday January 21st, 2024 9:09:40 PM
Armalad says to Bart, "And that is why I included it with the 3 places I've gleamed to be historically significant to the crown and the scepter. Apparently the owner of the crown fled east of the Emerald Kingdom. Perhaps the Lizard Folk can give us a more definite destination. The shadow realms between the wold and the lands of rest is also kind of vague so I think the Tower of Boydos should be our second stop unless the lizardfolk give us a better lead."
Stock (JonM) HP: 238/238; AC: 27/25/14; DR 4/-; CMD: 39; Rage: 1/41 used Monday January 22nd, 2024 8:57:02 AM "That's more than I found out, Armalad. All I heard is that we might need to go north of here. Not the most descriptive of directions if you ask me."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 147/147AC: 27/15/23 CMD: 26 (+4 vs grapple,+6 disarm, trip) Monday January 22nd, 2024 9:39:23 AM
Stohp gets home frightfully annoyed. She thought people knew her, being a famous adventurer, and lifting things is something she is entirely incapable of doing. She's more useful as a bureaucrat and problem solver then a pair of muscles.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 209/209 AC: 32 T: 13 FF: 31 CMD: 33 LoH 14/14 SE 6/6 Monday January 22nd, 2024 2:31:52 PM "Shadow Realms you say... We've already made some friends there. And I use the terms friends very very loosely. The Emerald Kingdom lead sounds like it has potential. Well let's all get a good nights rest and if no other leads come up looks like we may be taking a trip."
Zanderallen spends most of the rest of his evening with Pepper, apologizing for having to run around so much the past few days. He shares as much as he dares about Karkasan with her, knowing that this kind of knowledge is dangerous to those who know it.
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