WoldianGames Homepage WoldianGames Homepage
WoldianGames Homepage
  LOG ON

Keepers of the Vale Archives


Return To Index


An Unusual Visitor


Qaphsiel (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 11:00:48 PM
A few hours pass, and you hear a pure note of perfect tone, in perfect pitch with the Wold, and then a few more making a simple melody. Then your expected visitor appears! She has the face of an elf maid, as you expected but she is a winged snake from the waist down!

She holds up her hands in peace, and says, “Please, pardon my intrusion. I'm Qaphsiel.”

Before you is a snake-taur, with wings, beautiful colorful wings. Her greatsword is sheathed, and from the waist up she seems elven. As you come to your senses, what do you do?

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 5:51:56 AM
Tishe’ is amazed, she didn’t think any poly-Spell could be permanent, and she has to remind herself that Spellweaver aren’t the only ones who can bend magic around to new purposes. Her head is still spinning when their expected visitor Is an Outsider from the Lands of Rest, that she blurts, “at last, something normal.”

And then her confusion to THAT statement, makes the normally curious woman introspectively quiet.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 6:35:14 AM
V sags with relief as Emrys' spell seems to work. "Well done Emrys. Well done." V continues to be consistently amazed by the abilities that Emrys possesses, both for giving life and taking it.

V is momentarily surprised by the visitor, but quickly disregards it, realizing little should surprise him anymore. "Welcome Qaphsiel. Would you like a seat or some refreshment before we discuss what you have you have come here for?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)

1st: Mage armor(extended)-C, Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X3, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2-Cx1, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly-C
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, rev gravity, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold, banishment
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 5:10:33 PM
Edson's nose scrunched up as he thought how the snake taut would sit. He turned to ask Velarin, but instead remained silent.

" pleased to meet you Qaphsiel"

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 8:30:04 PM
It warms Emrys' heart that he used his powers for creation instead of destruction. Too many times, his power has been weaponized and used to do devastating things. This act gives him a rare feeling of joy ... or what he thinks joy to be. This produces a smile he just can't contain. It doesn't last long. This brief respite is broken by a freakish snake woman with rainbow hair. Daemon is completely enthralled by her. Being able to hear his thoughts, Emrys scolds the viper, "Control yourself!"

Daemon replies, "She is the best of both worlds. I was unaware the heavens could slither ...ahhh!"

Hoping she didn't hear that, Emrys greets their visitor, "Welcome Qaphsiel ... I am Emrys Myrridanmyl."

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 8:35:47 PM
Lanliss introduces himself but keeps the introduction short as he is eager to hear what the elven lady has to say.

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Thursday June 4th, 2020 11:25:53 PM
Ill at ease with mundane matters of cleft palates and worrying mothers, Tishe’ is relieved to have a more “normal” encounter.

Velarin barely as time to process what Emrys has done when Qaphsiel suddenly appears. He quickly adjusts though and offers their guest hospitality.

With a smile, the serpentine creature pointedly scans her form before replying, “Thank you for the offers, but a seat is unnecessary and refreshments similarly are not required. I’m watching my figure.”

Edson, Emrys and Lanliss offer greetings. With a slight inclination of her head, she replies, ”And I am pleased to meet you, Edson Kazil.” Then turning to face each in turn, greets them by name. “Emrys Myrridanmyl, scion of an honored sire. Lanliss Drakeguard, a paragon of kindness and humility. I am honored.”

Barratore, now cleaned up after his labors, enters and takes in the scene.

Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Qaphiel really seems to enjoy being the center of the Keepers’ attention.}

Knowledge Planes or Religion DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Outsiders (including azata, archons, demons, devils, and many others) live in the outer planes, which in the Wold means the Island of the Dead, and the Lands of Rest / Estates of Unrest. See planar map here.
}

Knowledge Planes or Religion DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Azata, kin to this one, live in the Lands of Rest, aka Haven Far, where the goodly folk dwell. Souls may linger in the Fields of Memory, enjoy the Gardens of Contentment, Toil in the Fields of the Righteous, or lose themselves in the Forests of Fate. Everything is more REAL there -- the grass is sharp, the light blinding. Unprotected, mortals soon “burn out” due to the surfeit of positive energy.}

Knowledge Planes or Religion DC30 Highlight to display spoiler: {There are other outsiders who live in Haven Far. Comparable to Azata are Devas and Archons. Archons tend to serve Domi and Alemi. Devas, Alemi and Ffloy. Azata, Flower. But there are many “independent” outsiders as well.}

Knowledge Planes or Religion DC40 Highlight to display spoiler: {Azata have been known to ally with cult gods, greater powers, and other interesting allies. One was known to work with Caeroldra back in the day, and several have allied with Maab.}

After exchanging greetings, the Azata wastes little time getting down to business. “Congratulations to you on an impressive defense of Effacia. It did not go unnoticed. With out revealing too much I can tell you that Certain Forces Above were very impressed, which is why I am talking to you now.”
“You should know that certain personages think you are just the heroes the Wold needs at this moment in time. As it turns out, there is an opportunity for a job to be done, but it cannot be performed by anyone openly allied with the Gods and it cannot be seen as a move by the Dragon Consortium. This job needs to be done competently by independent agents. Unfortunately, those who sent me wish to remain anonymous, so I am unable to tell you who this commission is from.”

“Their identities I cannot reveal, but I am prepared to answer other questions you have.”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs)  d20+5=15 ; d20+29=42 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 8:30:59 AM
Unable to sense determine motives worth a squat, V glazes over her actions, but telepathically shares eveything else he knows about her origins and the background of her race with the group.(Sense motive 15, know planes 42)

"Obviously, it is a bit awkward for us not to know who is behind what you are asking, so I guess the first question that needs to be answered is what's the job?"

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Friday June 5th, 2020 11:00:21 AM
(OOC: I illustrated that planar map many years ago ... rather quickly I may add. It could have been much better. Back then, I teased Jerry that he was a Flat-Wolder.)

Cayzle Comments: It's still one of my favorite Wold graphics!

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday June 5th, 2020 4:23:03 PM
Edson harumphs to himself when the word Dragon Consortium was said. When they were first ignored, Edson took it as a nothing more then a small slight. But as time moved on and the Keepers did more and more good.. that slight grew in the pit of his stomach.

" Clandestine from the DC... I'm in." Edson answers before any more questions can be asked.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Friday June 5th, 2020 8:06:32 PM
"I am in as well..." , Lanliss says after Edson.
'Good or bad, we just entered into a very very important game in the date of the Wold', Lanliss thinks

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Saturday June 6th, 2020 10:44:28 AM

Velarin, perhaps taking a cue from their visitor, gets straight to the issue.

Almost before he can finish asking, Quapsiel responds, “It should be simple for heroes such as yourselves. First, sneak into Marteaus's Palace in Koshe Marr,” lifting up a finger. “Second, steal a certain artifact called The Keystone”, as she continues the count with raised fingers. “Third, get out with it.”

She ponders a moment, then adds with increasing enthusiasm. “Oh, and defeat any guards you have to but engage fast and quiet-like and don't let anyone raise the alarm. Also, don't let Marteaus catch you!”

This last is said with such sincere excitement, you have no trouble perceiving that she is quite delighted to be telling you the scope of the quest.

Edson, given the perceived opportunity to slight the Dragon Consortium, needs no further convincing.

Quapsiel answers with, “That’s the spirit.”

Lanliss needs no further convincing, contemplating the implications of being contacted in such a way.

This gets a knowing nod from the messenger before them.

Tishe’, Barratore, and Emrys are quiet as they take this in.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d20=13 ;
Saturday June 6th, 2020 1:33:46 PM
Barratore takes in the scene and finds his chair. What the creature is and what the creature's true motives, if hidden, would be coming from the others. It was the reason to part of something larger in the first place. V relays what the creature is and Barratore mentally nods.

Koshe Marr, he thinks. He knows little of the place, other than wild stories. Hearing the objectives and why the Keepers puts a more stern look on his face. "Expendable is word, I think, she was looking to avoid Edson."

The fighter leans forward and refills his tankard. "You certainly found the right combination of stupid to try this." He says dryly, "But i do have a few follow up questions."

Barratore takes a drink, "What does the Keystone look like? How do get to the palace and back again? What is known about the forces protecting the palace and the Keystone? How much assistance are you and or those making this request going to offer? What is the commission upon success?"

Barratore pauses between each question, not to get an answer, but to let the question sink in and that he has a few more following it.

"Lastly, what connection can you make between this and a Canine personage or enemy?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+10=14 ; d20+3=5 ;
Sunday June 7th, 2020 7:33:25 PM
Tishe’ doesn’t know about Quasfiel, and is happy for Velarin to give more information. And happy that Barratorre said the questions she wanted known too.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Monday June 8th, 2020 7:19:02 AM
While waiting for the answers to Barratore's questions, V can't help but telepathically comment "Yeah, we are known for quiet like and sneaky. What we are best at is facing our enemy head on and beating them down before they beat us down. This does not sound like a job that works with our strengths."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday June 8th, 2020 10:21:24 AM
Barratore mentally chuckles, Worry not V. I have mastered the art of moving so slowly that I appear invisible to the naked eye. Edson and Lanliss, going to need you two on this in a big way

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Monday June 8th, 2020 3:22:17 PM
Edson's eyebrow arches at Barratores comment. Mentally he adds, " Of course Barry. "



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Monday June 8th, 2020 8:38:34 PM
"What happens if we let Marteaus catch us ?" , Lanliss asks.
Lanliss adds to Barratore question, regarding The Keystone.
"Is it heavy ?", he asks/adds.

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Monday June 8th, 2020 11:48:44 PM

Barratore is more pessimistic than Lanliss and Edson. Then again, he’s been grouchy lately. He has questions:

"What does the Keystone look like?”
It’s a gem, a big gem, very powerful. Very big. Almost certainly a gem.

“How do get to the palace and back again?
If you go to Koshe Marr and find it, you’ll be one step ahead of anybody else. Nobody goes there, nobody has seen it. Basically, good luck! Plus, don’t forget that getting out of Koshe Marr is nearly impossible -- who knows if you can even leave the Palace? Not me! But the guys in the head office think you can do it.

What is known about the forces protecting the palace and the Keystone?
You got one thing going for you. No Marteus, unless you mess up big time. We got a way to distract him at just the right time. So no fighting the god himself, please.

How much assistance are you and or those making this request going to offer?
Assistance? We’re giving you guys LOTS of assistance. Like I was saying, we’ll distract Marteus so he is not home. And we got you protected from divinations and detects, of every kind!

What is the commission upon success?
You can name your reward. If it is possible, it is yours.

"Lastly, what connection can you make between this and a canine personage or enemy?"
Um ... you know something I don’t know? I mean, are there wolves in Koshe Marr? Sure. Does that have anything to do with finding and raiding the Palace? No idea.

Velarin wonders if the Keepers are really the group for this job. Does he ask that question?

When his taur friend mentions that this quest will put the party rogues to excellent use, Edson agrees readily.

Tishe’ is glad to hear the being’s answers.

Emrys just listens so far.

Lanliss asks, "What happens if we let Marteaus catch us?" and also, regarding the Keystone, "Is it heavy?"
Heh, if HE catches you? Well, best possible outcome would be he puts you to the test and you pass somehow. If that happens, consider converting or volunteering to be a Dreadlord. But more likely, just that you all die and he grabs your souls and tortures them in Koshe Marr for several ages of the Wold, or until your souls wear out. Is the Keystone heavy? Um, maybe? Probably? Better count on it.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 9:28:02 AM
The entire scenario does not sit well with V. He speaks telepathically with the others. "Sneak into a God's palace, steal his prized item, and get out without not creating too big a ruckus.And doing it at the request of an unknown party for unknown reasons."

V furrows his brow and frowns at the entire scenario, and then directs his next questions at Qaphsiel. "for what reason are we doing this? This scenario doesn't really play well to our strong suits or our reputation, so why us?"



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 5:44:23 PM
Tishe’ wasn’t interested at first, but she is getting more so after the questions. “It doesn’t sound so much like a sneak, rather a lightning strike. And the gratefulness of the beings of the Lands of Rest sound like just about the most fantastic reward possible. And Quaphsiel already said why us: we’re the only heroes in the Wold who are both powerful enough to do it and obscure enough to not get noticed when we leave.”

“This is our chance. To do something the Dragon Consortium can’t do. How many times are you gonna hear that?!”

The Spellweaver turns to the beautiful snake-taur. “OK, if it’s nearly impossible to get in and out, how do we get in? I’m assuming here that it will be up to us to figure out where the Keystone is, how it’s guarded, grab it, and how to get out of Koshe Marr with it and us in one piece.” The woman pauses without much hope that Quaphsiel will refute any of her last sentence...

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 6:06:16 PM
Lanliss feels scared.
Sneaking into a gods place could not be troublesome enough....but he might steal something heavy and possible face a endless torment by an evil god.
'just great', Lanilss thinks.

Lanliss asks "Are you going to help us or are we going to get anything else that might help us apart from some information that you might have ".
'hopefully we get something that helps us', Lanliss thinks as he asks this question out of curiosity.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 9:04:57 PM
Edson cant hide his smile when Tishe says the line about the dragon consurtium. He nods to, just to accentuate the point.

Telepathically, " This is it.... we've litterally done all we can to help the good of the wold. How cool would it be to walk into a gods palace, and steal out from under him, all while thumbing our nose at the DC. Thats it... thats my perfect scenario. "

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 9:25:43 PM
(ooc:sorry, ive been wiped out the past few days.)

Emrys continues to listen carefully to the unraveling of the plan. He always contemplates quietly as the thousands of possibilities race through his mind ... counting a number of these events that will lead to his ultimate demise. This is the most he's ever counted. There has to be a reason for his unnatural existence, this could very well be that reason. At some point, he confuses his thoughts with the voices of his friends in his head. Maybe that is the answer.

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 11:05:31 PM

Velarin expresses some doubt: “For what reason are we doing this?”
Qaphsiel smiles. She says, Now we come to the heart of it -- what Marteus plans for the Keystone! He is working to make a new forge. Not the Soul Forge of old, but a new Disease Forge. When it is finished, with the Keystone in place, he will use it to infect all creation with a disease that will wipe out gods and races! Stealing the Keystone will foil his plans.

Knowledge Religion or History DC30: Highlight to display spoiler: {You have heard that when Marteus killed Domi and established the Gods of Testing pantheon, he did so by using a magical machine called the Soul Forge.}

Velarin continues, “This scenario doesn't really play well to our strong suits or our reputation, so why us?”
You have two of the most experienced rogues in the Wold, a fighter second to none, and three talented casters. What’s more, you have no cleric, no druid, no ranger, no paladin. Nothing ties you to higher powers, nothing leads back to the gods. Okay, a pact with a minor godling that has no interest in divine politics and no impact either, beg your pardon, no offense. You are truly independent agents, but your actions -- cleaning up the Dreadlands, saving a town from evil invasion -- mean that you are clearly heroes. Overlooked heroes. Heroes who would be willing to put a stop to plans of genocide and worse. How is that not suited to you? Heavens, don’t be humble, you are exactly what we need.

Tishe’ begins to get enthusiastic. And she has some questions. “OK, if it’s nearly impossible to get in and out, how do we get in? I’m assuming here that it will be up to us to figure out where the Keystone is, how it’s guarded, grab it, and how to get out of Koshe Marr with it and us in one piece.”
I was briefed to answer certain questions. How to find the Palace was not one of them. I assume learning this is within your capabilities. If you are asking how to get to Koshe Marr, well, it is easy to get to there, but so far as I know, no mortal has ever entered Martaeus’s Palace, no one knows what it looks like, and you’ll have to find your way through Koshe Marr to get to it. However, for people with your capabilities, just entering Koshe Marr should not be difficult. The hard part is finding the Palace, and them leaving Koshe Marr. You may need a plan for that.

Like Tishe’, Edson finds his enthusiasm growing.

Lanliss, a little scared by the implications and consequences, asks, “Are you going to help us or are we going to get anything else that might help us apart from information?”
Sadly, she shakes her head as she replies, Information is what I have to offer -- in addition to the aforementioned distraction of Marteus and the immunity to detection and divination. I would not wish to treat you as mere mercenaries by offering you advance payment. That said, I have a blessing for you before I depart.

Emrys tries to listen carefully as he looks ahead and ponders the threads of fate that lay ahead.

Barratore is content to let his friends push forward with the questions.

The azata asks you for permission. “If you do not mind, I will cast illusions to show you a couple of the things we have discussed.”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs)  d20+27=39 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 8:20:46 AM
V understands what Marteus did with the soul forge, but says nothing, just nods. The wizard listens to her answers, and comes to understand she was right, The Keeper's were the perfect group for the job. Where moments ago, he was thinking they should send her on her way and have a drink, he was now all Elven ears as the realization that they would be doing this sunk in.

As she asks for for permission to cast the illusions, V says "Please proceed" and watches carefully to observe what she casts.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 9:20:18 AM
Barratore glances over at Edson, he was excited, more excited than Barratore had seen him in quite some time. The fire of adventure and mischief was lit in his heart and Barratore could feel it. Barratore knew they were going, even V had perked up a little, though the fighter squinted just a bit as it was blatantly laid out that the group had also no divine backing, which of course linked to a very finite amount of healing capabilities.

"Another question on information. Will you provide some factual information on Koshe Marr itself. The place is reported to one of nightmares and multiple areas and rather big." Barratore assumes the others will have some plan or ideas for finding the palace that no one knows where within the entire realm of Koshe Marr that was not simply wandering about and hoping they bump into it.

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 11:37:41 PM

Velarin instructs Qaphsiel to proceed.

She concentrates briefly, her eyes closing for but a fraction of a second as she uses hallucinatory terrain. Suddenly the chamber is filled with images of the old Soul Forge and the Keystone.

Barratore asks for more information about Koshe Marr. To which she responds, her voice oddly without inflection considering what she has to say, “It is a realm of terror. Things you see that did not adversely affect you before, such as the mass carnage of your last battle, could mess with your mind differently there. Depending on where you are, the types of terror involved, and how severely it affects you, you could become angry, depressed, panicked, be deluded into thinking that your team members are your enemies, or any other mental aberrations. You are more experienced than anyone I know of that has ever attempted to go there, so it will be interesting to find out how you react to Martaeus’s plane and,” she pauses a moment in reflection, “How it reacts to you.”

“Additionally, note that there are an unknown number of “pocket realms” in Koshe Marre, each separated by veils of mist, each ruled by an individual Darklord. You must travel the mists to get from one to another, and that is not easy, and you may have to deal with any Darklord whose realm you attempt to cross.”

She stops momentarily, her graceful coils repositioning themselves, an unconscious indication of her seriousness as she proceeds, “Note that death works differently in Koshe Marr. If you die in Koshe Marr, where Gargul has no control, the appeal may be answered by Marteaus or another local, likely horrific, power. It is even possible that such an entity will snatch a soul away before a Breath of Life can save you!. Should you die -- even briefly -- the consequences could be terrible!”

[Important OOC note: Play in Koshe Marr is intended to have a different tone from normal Wold action. Emotions run higher. Fears are sharper. Part of getting into the spirit of the setting is to accept this tone, its effect on your PC, and, while still being true to your character, enjoying the roleplay of being in a horror movie. We hope you all will have fun.]

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday June 11th, 2020 9:02:39 AM
Tishe’ listens and considers the challenges and perhaps the opportunities. “It’s another dimension, or even a series of pocket dimensions. That means magic may work different there, and there is no guarantee we could access any extra-dimensional pockets. Gonna need to ensure extra equipment is in non- magic pockets, quivers, and haversacks.”

“We should be prepared to get information from both friends of these Dreadlords, and unexpected allies. There is little need for a nightmare realm if there is no one to torture and scare, after all. The real trick may be identifying which is which. I plan on going back to the Catacombs and buying a wand of Detect Evil.”

Tishe’ can’t think of any other questions of Quaphsiel.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand  d20+30=35 ; d20+30=42 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 5:59:33 PM
Emrys finds one thing perplexing ... in all his Religious and Planes studies, he never recalls Martaeus being native to a place called Koshe Marr! He searches his mind for an answer. Has his father ever mentioned this mysterious land from his travels? (He was there several times :)

(Knowledge [Religion]: 35. Knowledge [Planes]: 42.)

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128  d6=6 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 6:36:54 PM
" Yeah, a pass to the catacombs has to happen. This is going to be intense. "

Edsons waits for any more info before heading to stock up.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Thursday June 11th, 2020 7:02:30 PM
Lanliss slowly accepts what has been said, slowly imagining the horrors.
He relies to the keepers, "Manolo is not coming" .
"Do you know what happens if we manage to kill a darklord?", Lanliss asks without thinking.

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Friday June 12th, 2020 1:04:29 AM

Velarin and Barratore ponder Qaphsiel’s words.

Lanliss asks, “What happens if we manage to kill a Darklord”
The celestial being grins. Perhaps you can destroy a Darklord. Perhaps the higher entities of Koshe Marr would raise it back up. Perhaps they would recruit you to take its place. It is not commonly known that Marteus created Koshe Marr, but his ethos -- one’s Great Need, the Value of Testing, the Thrill of Temptation, the Struggle to Emerge Greater Than You Were -- all the aspects of his diseased morality permeate the plane.

And this answers Emrys’s question -- he recalls that yes, Marteus created Koshe Marr, but also that few know it, and fewer talk about it. Bad things have been known to happen to those who bandy about the name of the former Greater Deity of the Gods of Testing. Nowadays, though, his reach is far shorter.

Tishe’ offers some thoughts to the group, but has no more questions for the divine snake-taur. She has plans for shopping though.

Edson shares her enthusiasm for a trip to the Catacombs.

Qaphsiel sticks her tongue out of the corner of her mouth. I’m just trying to remember anything else I should tell you.

She ticks points off on her fingers. Need an independent unalaigned group, check. Go to the Palace, steal the Keystone, shut down the Disease Forge, stop the Revenge Plague, check. Try to be sneaky, heist not invasion, then get out, check. Veil to prevent divinations, check. Be careful about dying, check.

Okay, I got one more bit of lore for you. One of the pocket realms is called Harrowed Moon, and the Dreadlord there is the Master of the Wild Hunt. On a few occasions, hero groups have been tricked into going there, because the Master wants fresh game. But he leaves a way out. If you can escape the Hunt and get to the Harrowed Moon Inn, you’re golden. I got two groups if you want eyewitnesses: Some of the old Blackbird Lake Crew, now retired, and some of the halfling heroes of Humbles Ford have been there. You can go ask them, maybe. Now, if there’s a faster way, take that -- you don’t want Marteus chasing you through Harrowed Moon, really you don’t. But you got the option.

ALSO, I got this pearl. When you are ready to enter the Palace, crush it, and wait an hour. We’ll know when you crush it, and that’s when we’ll put the distraction plan into effect. You’ll have maybe six, maybe nine, maybe twelve hours guaranteed to get into the Palace, get the Keystone, and get out with the Lord and Master not in residence. Who’s carrying the pearl?

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Friday June 12th, 2020 6:56:13 AM
(Ooc: Sorry. No power for two days now)

V nods at what she has to say and looks at Emrys to take the pearl. If Emrys doesn’t step forward, V will.

The first question entering the wizards mind was that the group still had no idea how to get there

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday June 12th, 2020 5:43:40 PM
Tishe’ nods. “Getting there will be no problem; I could cast Plane Shift from a scroll without the need for a material component, and get us all there. No telling which area or how far away from our destination. Once there, I think it is unlikely that the Sick One would allow escape that easily. We need more information. So how about weaving over to Humbles Ford or the Blackbird Castle?”

Tishe’ also expects Emrys or Velarin to take the Pearl.

“We May also need some Stealth magic to keep up with Edson and Lanliss.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday June 12th, 2020 6:59:21 PM
Edson watches as one of the others takes the pearl. This was going to be crazy, the thought of everything bad that could happen swirling through Edsons head.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Friday June 12th, 2020 8:36:54 PM
"Nothing else to ask", Lanliss says.
"Thank you ", Lanliss says as an afterthought
Lanliss tries to think who will carry the Keystone and how are they going to run from the predator that is going to catch them dead or alive...

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Saturday June 13th, 2020 10:28:51 AM

Well, that about wraps it up, says the lilend azata as she hands the pearl to Velarin. Just don't use that for an Identify spell!

Now it is time for the blessings!

She pulls a deck of cards out of thin air. She names it a “Deck of Many Good Things” and asks each hero to draw once. Each card is different. Roll a d100 and reroll if you get the same number as someone else.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d100=44 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 12:21:52 AM
Barratore takes it all in. Not sure if speaking to others about anything is a good idea. Seemed like the point of the keepers is to be under the radar. The less that know, the better. Marteus’s palace must be what they saw in the vision, but where in a multitude of pocket dimensions? Luck and happenstance seemed to be what the group was to rely on. It did not make for success

Barratore reaches out and grabs a card
44

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d100=100 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 6:08:17 AM
Tishe’ thanks Quasphiel for her information, and takes a card.

100

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128  d100=25 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 7:56:36 AM
Edson walks up and draws his card. (Card 25)

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs)  d100=84 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 10:05:42 AM
Velarin steps forward and draws a card. (84)

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand  d100=82 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 6:50:28 PM
'Oh my goodness, I think I have heard of such of things,' he thinks to himself as he looks upon the deck of cards. He almost tries to stop the others from taking one ... but that moment of hesitation ended that possibility. Apparently his friends are eager for such a gamble. With a bit more hesitation than the rest, Emrys tries to make a more educated guess.

His mind goes through a montage of possible blessings and curses. One after another, he sees his own death, each one more gruesome than the last. The nightmare of his own thoughts is quite graphic and unsettling ... even more so when his thoughts finally return to the parlor of the manor house. He stares down in shock and surprise to see an upturned card in his hand! "Um, how did that get there?"

(Card d100 = 82)

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141  d100=31 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 8:59:49 PM
Lanliss picks a card.
Not sure what good thing will appear or happen.
Card roll=31

Qaphsiel (DMs John & Cayzle) 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 1:45:05 AM
As you draw each card, you have enough time to look at it, and then it transforms ...

Barratorre: The Ace of Dice. This card transforms into a faintly glowing twenty-sided dice. It functions as a +2 luckstone and, once per day, you can ‘Take20’ on any d20 roll, used before the roll is made.

Tishe: The Ace of Eyes. This card becomes a unique pair of glasses, “Spectacles of Sorcery.” Once per day, this item allows a sorcerer to forget any spell known, replacing it with another from the sorcerer spell list. Over time, the user’s entire list of spells known can change. ALSO, the item grants Darkvision and the power of a permanent Arcane Sight spell. Even if not worn, this item uses the eyes magic item slot.

Velerin: The Ace of Robes. This card transforms into a robe covered in stars and eyes. It combines al the powers of a Robe of Eyes and a White Robe of the Archmagi. Uses the robe slot.

Emrys: The Ace of Gems. This card transforms into a spherical black onyx as large as a fist. The gem acts as a crystal ball with telepathy and true seeing. The activation time is one minute, not one hour. Once per day, the target only saves vs the scrying if a natural 20 is rolled (usually a target resists the magic with a DC20 will save.) Also, the orb can pierce the Divine Veil currently shielding the Party.

Lanliss: The Ace of Belts. This card becomes a slender belt with six buckles. When worn, it grants +6 enhancement bonus on all six ability scores. Uses the belt slot.

Edson: The Ace of Rings. This card changes into a ring of greater invisibility. When rubbed (a standard action), this ring functions as a caster level 20 greater invisibility spell, lasting for 20 rounds per activation. It also functions with a continual Pass Without Trace, and the wielder is invisible to scent. Can be activated at will. Uses a ring slot.

The celestial outsider bows and disappears, leaving you to make your preparations for this next great adventure!

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 8:37:10 AM
V returns the bow, and thanks her, and then turns to his companions after she leaves. "Well boys and girls... how we doing this? I have plane shift in my spell list, so once we know where we are going, we can get there. What else are we gonna need to pick up from the catacombs?"

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 3:47:22 PM
Edson's eyes widen at the sight of his new gift. "Thank you..." he says to the celestial before it leaves. He immediatly pops it on and disapears to try it out.

OOC: Is there a value for this.
Cayzle comments: No, It is a "priceless" fate item.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 7:35:42 PM
Lanliss is surprised, 'such magical items', he thinks.
She disappears before he manages to say word of appreciation.

"So what now?", he asks everybody.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 9:53:14 PM
Tishe’ is amazed. “These gifts are from the Powers themselves! I will use it well.”

Tishe’ also gives Quasphiel a bow, and watches the Outsider leave. Then she turns to the Keepers. “With this, I can cast Plane Shift, and many times in a single day. Well, starting tomorrow! And I still think we should look up Humbles Ford and Black Bird Lake. Neither of them are Dragon Consortium either. We may get valuables einformation while keeping under the tapestry.”

She looks to Velarin to make the decision.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 10:24:52 PM
Emrys can hardly believe what he is holding. This giant black gem will reveal so many secrets. He could really get into trouble with this one. "I have never held such an artifact! Nothing can hide from my gaze," he mutters. The idea makes him tremble a bit.

Daemon's voice enters his mind, "I know you're having a 'moment' right now ... buut you sshould really sshut your mouth if you're not going to eat that black apple. You look like a sslack-jawed yokel!"

After Qaphsiel (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 12:13:05 AM

The Keepers check out their “blessings” and think about what comes next. Velarin mentions that a Plane Shift spell might get the party where needed. Tishe’ is also thinking about a Plane Shift. The trick there is to get the right tuning fork for the spell to go to the right place.

Now is the time to plan and ponder, research and ruminate. What comes next?

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 8:19:20 AM
"Tishe' is probably right. we should try and find Humbles Ford and Black Bird Lake. We can go to the catacombs after learning what awaits us. Anyone have an idea of where or how to find them? I can't say I'm familiar with the groups."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)

1st: Mage armor(extended)-C, Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X3, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2-Cx1, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly-C
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, rev gravity, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold, banishment
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 9:49:53 AM
Barratore pockets the Stone, the gifts given would certainly help. Now unto planning the great stealth mission.
"The two groups mentioned have both been to this Harrowed Moon place, a pocket dimension within Koshe Marr, if I understood the lay out correctly. Humbles and or the heroes of Black Bird Lake could at least put some light on what to expect. Though I caution we do not reveal any information on why we want to know. The more that know of even our intention to go to Koshe Marr, the more likely the enemy hears of it."

Geography take 10 = 31

"The town of Humbles Ford is in Crescent Valley on the northern edge of the Red Hills and Blackbird Lake is in Eastern Aisildur at the border of Culverwood. How do we find either group without doing a great deal of asking around, which is exactly what we do not want to do."

"As to the Catacombs, I am penniless for intent and purpose and therefore I have what I have."



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 10:05:40 AM
"We have the perfect item to find and communicate with Humbles Ford or Black Bird Lake," Emrys says presenting his new black onyx crystal ball. "Name the person, I can find them and communicate with them telepathically."

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 6:56:50 PM
(Ooc: Sorry. No power for two days now)

V nods at what she has to say and looks at Emrys to take the pearl. If Emrys doesn’t step forward, V will.

The first question entering the wizards mind was that the group still had no idea how to get there

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 8:06:21 PM
"We've met them before havent we. That huge battle, with all the blood grass and the sick animals and creatures. I am pretty sure we even partied with them afterwards. I didnt doeak to any of them in particular, but did any of you speak to any of them? "

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 8:20:02 PM
Lanliss awaits for the group to decide as he didn't know how they are going to meet with the group who have been to this horrific place.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 8:33:09 PM

Velarin and Tishe’ suggest reaching out to the Woldian heroes who have been to Koshe Marr.

Barratore wants to do so while keeping a low profile.

Emrys is eager to try scrying.

Lanliss looks to his friends for ideas.

Edson recalls meeting the Humble halflings when the Wold’s heroes defeated the Saar.

The Blackbird Lake crew are fairly well known. They were busy in Aisildur, Dirt City, and other areas aroundabouts. For them, please do make Knowledge (Local or History) checks:

DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The BBL gang were Vorelle, ranger; Vauhwyt, grim; Joshua, paladin; Brahmah, known for inventing his tattoos, ranger; Jass, sorcerer; Mal, protector; and Aztyr, sorcerer. Another non-Dragon-Consortium group with no dedicated cleric.}

For Barratore and Edson only: Highlight to display spoiler: {You attended the BBL Retirement Party in the Ghost! [July 2013]}

DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The most high profile, post-retirement, is Vorelle, who runs a school in Dirt City.}

DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Brahmah, a sailor, is off somewhere on the seas. Jass works for the Dragon Consortium. Aztyr has popped up in the Ghost from time to time. }

DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Mal, Vauhwyt, and Joshua have not been heard of since retirement.}

DC35 Highlight to display spoiler: {Of these retired BBL heroes, only Vauhwyt and Vorelle actually were among those who went to Koshe Marr.}

For the Humbles Ford group, make a DC25 Know Local check: Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard something about a giant invasion that got put down in Crescent Valley. Probably the Humbles Ford bunch had something to do with that?.}

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand  d20+30=33 ; d20+30=49 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 12:28:05 AM
Emrys finally gets the hint from Velarin that he wants him to be the orb carrier. He's fine with that... he can carry the Onyx Crystal Gem and the Pearl.

(Knowledge [Local]: 33 Blackbird Lake. Knowledge [Local]: 49 Humbles Ford.)

Emrys knows about the two groups very well and each of the members. Especially Humbles Ford... he secretly owns all of their action figures. He's especially proud of his Murphy Leafwin Pipewood figure with the ultra rare freckle defect; only five are known to exist!

Emrys asks, "I can contact any of them right now. Do we know which one has the information we need?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday June 18th, 2020 7:05:19 AM
Tishe’ is pretty good at Local Knowledge and lends her support to Emrys (Aid Another for +2 on Emrys’ rolls; Know Local +15 auto pass). “Sieur Emrys jogged my memory; only Vorelle and Vauhwyt of Blackbird was ever part of the group that went to Harrowed Moon. Vauhwyt hasn’t been seen since retirement, but Vorelle is fairly prominent in Dirt City. We could take a trip there first. Sieur Emrys, please Scry for Vorelle. “

Tishe’ vehemently agrees with Sieur Barratorre to NOT discuss WHY they are asking with anyone outside the Keepers!

“Tomorrow, I will replace Limited Wish with Greater Teleport so we can all go straight to Vorelle: no need for Sieur Velarin to use funds on a Tele-Circle.”

Unless Velarin objects, Tishe’ carries out her part of the plan.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs)  d20+29=33 ; d20+27=30 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 8:07:33 AM
(ooc: Not sure where the last post came from, it was posted a few days earlier)

(Know local 33, knowledge history 30)

Velarin shares everything he learns regarding the two groups.

"Thanks Tishe' but I have greater teleport in my spellbook, and can cast it tomorrow with no issue. Do we wish to try and scry Vorelle first? Perhaps we should just go to dirt city. We wouldn't know where to find him, but he's going to be relatively well known, and like us in cinnamon valley, if someone came asking for us they would be directed to our manor. Really though, I could go with either option."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday June 18th, 2020 12:34:11 PM
Barratore recalls the retirement of the Blackbird lake group and share what he knows of them

The BBL gang were Vorelle, ranger; Vauhwyt, grim; Joshua, paladin; Brahmah, known for inventing his tattoos, ranger; Jass, sorcerer; Mal, protector; and Aztyr, sorcerer. Another non-Dragon-Consortium group with no dedicated cleric.
The most high profile, post-retirement, is Vorelle, who runs a school in Dirt City.
Brahmah, a sailor, is off somewhere on the seas. Jass works for the Dragon Consortium. Aztyr has popped up in the Ghost from time to time.
Mal, Vauhwyt, and Joshua have not been heard of since retirement.

With type of information, Barratore would like to track down Vauwht. "Us in Dirt City will be noticed like the noon day sun and in a city known for spies, rogues and wagging tongues. I think that spells advertise we are making a move. The Wemic hasn't been seen a quite sometime, and with Emrys' new toy, I think we can find him."

Barratore adds, "If we can't I think we hunt down the halflings. How hard could the only halflings in the Wold who adventure and take down giants be to find?"

Take 10 History DC 32


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141  d20+15=21 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 7:44:46 PM
Lanliss remembers....or he thinks he remembers the Blackbird Lake crew....
Probably a night in this mysterious Inn....what was....the name....
A headache....The Giggling Ghost it was.....
He remembers some names and he definitely remembered the crew from there.

Lanliss listens to Barratore explaining about the Blackbird Lake crew as he is too pained by this pain in his head and the realization the Barratore could drink way more than he could every handle......

Local Knowledge 21

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Thursday June 18th, 2020 8:54:07 PM
"Maybe its more sensible to see the halflings. Theres more of them, more minds, more eyes more info. " The elf says.

"Either way, its an easy hop, skip and jump away.. so why not both?"

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday June 18th, 2020 9:42:30 PM

Emrys is ready to scry / telepathy whoever is decided on.

Velarin suggests scrying Vorelle or teleporting there directly.

Tishe’ also suggests Vorelle as the best to approach.

Barratore prefers Vauhwyt.

Lanliss has vague memories of these heroes ...

Edson suggests visiting both!

With Emrys so eager, let’s move forward and have him try a scry. To succeed, you need secondhand knowledge of the person, and you have that for the BBL heroes. Emrys searches for Vauhwyt. He finds that she is just not available. Maybe she rolled a 20 on her save. Or she is dead, or shielded. The artifact, though powerful, is not infallible.

Who’s the next target -- one per day if you are using the special super-accuracy power of the ball. The rest of the time the DC20 will save is modified by the standard adjustments in the Scrying spell.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday June 19th, 2020 6:20:05 AM
Tishe’ has to use her fingers to count, using two for Barratorre before she understands what Velarin is saying. “Piggies! I’m totally sunbaked, but you CAN take all of us with one Spell now, can’t you?”

The Spellweaver is taken aback by a whole city of rogues with wagging tongues. “Aren’t Halfling tongues said to wag a lot too? I don’t think we ask any locals unless we are disguised. That said, I think you should try both the Humbles Ford and Vorelle. We have used magic all the time so using magic won’t break the Veil over us. And while I’m confident I can Plane Shift is to Koshe Marr without a tuning rod because, well”, and she points to herself, “Sorcerers all Eschew Spell Components. But they are the only ones we know who have gotten OUT, and I’d really like to have an exit strategy BEFORE we jump into the Rapke nest.”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Friday June 19th, 2020 7:04:09 AM
"Barratore makes a very good point about going to dirt city. I think we should try the halflings first and save Vorelle as the last option. We will have to wait for tomorrow, but I for one am quite interested in seeing how well that item works at it's best."

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Friday June 19th, 2020 12:38:58 PM
(ooc: I think I may have missed something. Was there a 24-hour attunement that I didn't know about?)

Cayzle Comments: See ...

The Ace of Gems. This card transforms into a spherical black onyx as large as a fist. The gem acts as a crystal ball with telepathy and true seeing. The activation time is one minute, not one hour. Once per day, the target only saves vs the scrying if a natural 20 is rolled (usually a target resists the magic with a DC20 will save.) Also, the orb can pierce the Divine Veil currently shielding the Party.

So you can use the usual modifiers (such as -10 if you only know them by reputation, see Scrying spell) any time, but the super special only 5% fail rate if they roll a 20 is only once per day.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday June 19th, 2020 7:00:09 PM
Edson scrunches up his nose when Emrys isnt able scry Vauhwyt. " Maybe shes passed on since last we seen them. "

He awaits for more scrying, and hopefully a successful go of it.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Friday June 19th, 2020 9:31:27 PM
Lanliss waits for more scrying as well....

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday June 20th, 2020 9:38:53 AM

You retire for the evening and it is a new day. Spells are prepped, items are used. You have the Greater Blippies you need to go most anywhere in the Wold. The scrying orb is ready to take a peek on almost anyone you have heard of. Who are you scrying today, my friends?

[OOC: We can proceed at any pace you folks like. This is really a sandbox portion of the module. This scene reads "The party investigates and learns more." Feel free to split up and pursue different avenues of investigation and research. Blip around the Wold and talk to people. Go read musty tomes. Consult seers or sages. Inspect some entrails or cast whatever divination you like (though only Emrys's orb is guaranteed to pierce the veil protecting you from Others)." The only danger is what you make for yourself. If you decide to kidnap and question the highest level priest of Marteus you can find, we'll play that out. Otherwise, go crazynuts!]

[ALSO: Add your new item to your sheet and update as needed. Let us know when you are done and we'll vet it.]

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Sunday June 21st, 2020 10:09:27 AM
Tishe’ gets a sudden hint that the Keepers are being too limited in thier pursuit of Koshe Marr knowledge. Sieur Barratorre, we don’t have to tell the WLA why we are doing research. How about a trip to Plateau City? Someone else can go to a branch of the Sage’s Guild to commission a treatise on Koshe Marr on behalf of the WLA. That should be indirect enough to allay suspicion. And didn’t you packmates mention you know a silver dragon pretending to be a farmer north of Magpie Crossing? Learning what the dragon knows is a completely different line of knowledge to tap!”

Tishe’ uses her Fate Item to switch Limited Wish for Greater Teleport and visit Plateau City. She teleports with others who want to go to Plateau City. Tishe’ will spend a couple of days in the main WLA library. If asked, she explains she wants to prepare for a scary story contest at the next Cinnamon Valley festival.

Take 20 for WLA knowledge
Local. 35
Planes 23
Religion. 23



Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 17(FF 14), hp 157/157, extended mage armor(24 hrs) 
Monday June 22nd, 2020 6:53:30 AM
(ooc: put the fate item on my cs, havent had a chance to go through all the bonuses and adjust the rest. will do in the next couple of days.)

V watches Tishe', and possibly Barratore pop off to Plateau city, but waits for Emrys to scry one of the halflings before deciding in which direction he should proceed.

"Good luck Tishe', and keep us updated, we will do the same."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)

1st: Mage armor(extended)-C, Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X3, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2-Cx1, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly-C
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst



(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d20+2=8 ; d20+2=18 ;
Monday June 22nd, 2020 9:53:38 AM
Barratore accompanies Tishe to Plateau City as he completely agrees. Being of the highest rank and having just spent a few weeks at the First Chapter House, The fighter figures he will be able to navigate any questions and Tishe's cover story was just fine and Barratore knew he way around as well.

Barratore begins looking into what the First Chapter House has on the Marteus of old, Koshe Marr and this place called Harrowed Moon

Take 20 for WLA knowledge
Local 32
History 41
Aid Another Tishe
Plane 8 fail
Religion 18 Sucess

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Monday June 22nd, 2020 7:54:27 PM
Lanliss awaits for another trail to follow and will accompany/ help them.....

OOC: Sandbox is scary for me right now.... >.<


Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Monday June 22nd, 2020 9:18:32 PM
Emrys will attempt another scrying the following day. Whoever his friends suggest. So he can inform that person that the Keepers of the Vale wish to meet with them and discuss a very important issue.

(Sorry, Im just too tired to read everything tonight and get caught up. I slept very little over the past 24 hours and I heading to bed while I still can.)

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Monday June 22nd, 2020 10:42:05 PM
Edson waits to see what Emrys comes up with, and whichever path they decide to take.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle)  d20=18 ;
Monday June 22nd, 2020 11:04:51 PM

Velarin awaits Emrys’s scrying ... of that halfling he mentioned.

Lanliss and Edson stay with Velarin and Emrys, but all this nightmare talk may be starting to creep Lanliss out.

Emrys puts his orb to use and seeks out the halfling hero, Murphy Leafwin Pipewood. You see him in a halfling-proportioned ... is that a menagerie? Tending to animals? That bear is twice his size, but seems friendly. Halflings, amirite? Murphy responds to the communication and is curious about why you are contacting him.

[OOC: If we’re lucky, Kim will post for Murphy on this board tomorrow, and multiple posts are allowed for conversation.]

After the teleporting, Tishe’ spends some time at one of the best libraries in the Wold. She finds this story: Once upon a time, the Powers of Koshe Marr were newly come to the demiplane of dread, and they were recruiting dreadlords to rule parts of the plane. A king of Castle Surrender wanted to rule his realm for more than ten years, which would be a record for the often-conquered town. He went to Koshe Marr, rumors say, and made a deal. He came back with a powerful artifact, but the price was that when he died, or after ten years, he would be drawn back to Koshe Marr as a new dreadlord. Maybe he rules there still! Tishe discovered that Castle Surrender is a real place, at the far eastern end of the Windbourne Hills, near the Scab. And she learns that there was a ruler, the longest who ever held the title, named King Mawtery, who had a famous whip he used to keep his throne, until he disappeared one day in a puff of smoke. Tishe’ notes that there is no mention of Marteus in this story.

Barratore hears some second-hand reports that WLA members have told about being in Koshe Marr. Mostly Harrowed Moon stuff. The Terror of the Wild Hunt. The quaint village of Harrowed Moon. The refuge of the Inn there. He also hears a fragment of a separate account, of lycanthropes in the mist, and of a dead companion who’s soul was trapped there forever.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford  d20=14 ;
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:28:14 AM

"Hullo?" Murphy responds to the mental probing. He looks around. "Who is there?" He pauses. "Are you friend, or foe, or someone else?" Emrys can see him casting detect magic. After a moment or two, he looks in the direction of the point of view of the caster. "Aunt Marigold?"

The halfling has wavy light sandy hair, freckles, a small gap between his teeth - common in his family. He wears overalls, which seem not representative of the fine accouterments which additionally clad him. Bracers, goggles of some sort, a broad finely crafted belt, a bejeweled headband. Some sort of folded cloth is wrapped about his throat, held in place by a knot. On this right breast is a badge of the Woldian League of Adventurers.

Right behind him a dog runs past, chasing a squirrel. Along the edge of view a leopard leaps from behind a clump of grass and bats at the dog's tail. The young druid - perhaps 25-30 years old - laughs as he glances in the direction of the canine/feline/fuzzy-tailed rodent action.

"Is this about Grandma Eglantine's rumberry pies caper?" he asks as he returns focus to the one who is trying to catch his attention.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 11:09:53 AM
V waits for Emrys to speak or acknowledge that the Scrying has worked or failed. He would very much like a sit down meeting with one of the adventurers that's been to Koshe Marr.(I'm assuming that only Emrys can see and hear the person being scried)

The Wizard also waits for any relevant updates from Tishe' or Barratore.

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst


Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 11:22:44 AM
Emrys gives Velarin a thumbs up. "I have Murphy Pipewood, from Humble's Ford."

He then turns to the Onyx Crystal Ball and telepathically replies to the halfling, "Greetings Sir Pipewood. This is Emrys Myrridanmyl of the Keepers of the Vale. I wish this was about the rumberry pies, but no. We need your guidance with a project we have currently taken on. We'd like to meet with you and discuss it. When is a good time for you?"

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 12:20:09 PM
[OOC: Keep in mind that your telepathy tattoos are intended to help speed communication along. I assume Emrys will pass along anything Murphy says to the group, and vice versa, even Tishe' and Barratore out in Plat City. Also, multiple posts per day are allowed if you so desire.]

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:08:14 PM
Edson sits idly by, lounging in a chair to make sure nothing weird happens with Emrys and his scrying. Halflings were good people, but they like to fool around a little too much for Edson. He doubted anything negative would come out of this, as the heroes fron Humbles Ford were honorable and good. Still, the elf waited for any news.. good or bad.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:13:11 PM
Barratore passes along the information after sifting through it, not simply blurting anything he comes across as he does so. How horrid would that be. Lycanthropes, that could certainly link into our vision with the canine teeth and as no one else we've talked to or asked have known a blasted thing, I think we can treat that as a good possibility.
Harrowed Moon has Lycans and our vision had canine teeth in it.

Emrys and V had the halflings and so Barratore continues to work through the volumes within the WLA library with Tishe

Edson, Lanliss. Perhaps you could discreetly move through a major city and see what underground type of information you can discover? Pick a mjor port, Rum, Emerald City, Plat, Ailsildur anywhere

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:15:55 PM

"Oh, Lord Emrys!" Murphy replies. "It would be an honor to meet with you and your team. Your place, ours, or elsewhere? How soon? Would 15 minutes from now be soon enough? I just have to finish up one little chore, grab something, and you can whisk me away to where you will, or, come on over to our place. If you need more time before meeting, that's fine.

"We're just getting ready for lunch. We always have room for friends. Um, we can move where we eat to a room with higher ceilings. Let me know."

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 3:58:34 PM
Emrys mentally announces to everyone that Murphy Pipewood of Humbles Ford is willing to meet with them. "Who wants to attend the meeting and I think it would be appropriate if we go to him to keep from being an inconvenience."

Emrys looks to Velarin and asks about when he'd like to teleport there. "Perhaps tomorrow morning, after everyone returns from their errands?"

He then speaks to Murphy PIpewood, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. When is a time most convenient for you? We don't wish to intrude if you're busy."

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 4:32:46 PM

"Me, busy? I'm always busy," replies the halfling. "But I also make time for fellow adventurers. You wouldn't mind giving me a clue as to what this is about? If it's hush-hush, I am pretty good at keeping secrets - but knowing the topic could help me prepare.

"We are knocking about here for a few days, so, you name the time, I'll be there. Or, you can come here. If you come here, you'll have more people to talk things over with, if you don't mind a bit of chaos and a bunch of jokes."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 8:47:14 PM
Tishe’, a Sorceress with Greater Teleport, can easily pop to Magpie Crossing, pop Lanliss and Edson to whatever city they want, and still pop back to Plateau City to vomit her research.

“Lanliss and Edson, ulyiu had bee in Floating City before Cinnamon Valley, yes? Try asking Happy of the Giggling Ghost or the Sages Guild”

“Sieur Barratorre, the Inn of Refuge sounds promising. Is that how heroes can get back to the Wold?”

Tishe’ herself, tries to learn more about the Whip King who lords over a version of Surrender Castle. “Maybe Surrender Castle in the Windborne Hills is a place to access the plane of Fear?

Ah, Murphy! Tishe’ remembers him from her dreams of The Giggling Ghost. She asks Emrys to ask Murphy how the Bimbles Ford got out of Koshe Marr?

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 9:28:14 PM
Lanliss accepts Tishe proposal.
"Not a bad idea", Lanliss comments.

OOC: thanks for the idea Steve

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 9:40:41 PM

The Keepers of the Vale engage a halfling hero in remote conversation ... and a meeting seems to be in the offing.

[OOC, thanks and welcome to our guest Kim. But please, this is not a crossover, so if you visit Humbles Ford, do let's assume the other small heroes are off on errands, training, and such, in a R&R time between modules. Again, please feel free to post as often as feels comfortable to you while we have a guest.]

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 12:37:43 AM

"Sure. Letting Tishe' know how Humble's Sword from Humble's Ford got out of Koshe Marr might take a bit of telling." Murphy replies. "Maybe we can dip our toes in our rooftop swimming pool as I go through that. 'Bimbles Ford'? Ha!"

"When I was a child, my parents called it 'Kashmar,'" he comments.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 8:45:27 AM
(ooc: CS is now updated to include the Robe of Stars)

"Tomorrow morning would probably be best Emrys. Any of the Keepers who wish to go with us will have until then to return. Unless those of us here just go right now which is also completely fine if Tishe' and Barratore are occupied. Fortunately with our telepathy, they don't need to be there to ask questions and find out what occurs. I'm ready to go now or in the morning."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst



(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 9:49:01 AM
Barratore is just fine staying where he is and trying to follow down the leads in research thus far. "You and Emrys go, V. Divide and conquer is our best bet here."

When Tishe returns from getting Edson and Lanliss to their destinations, he helps her clean of the vomit on her research. "To much teleporting eh?"

Barratore starts tracking down information on Surrender Castle and this Whip Lord
WLA take 20
History 42
Local 32

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 10:42:38 AM
Emrys replies to Tishe, "I wanted to avoid saying the name of the place in question ... Im not completely certain this communication is truly private. Velarin and I will go and meet with Murphy in the morning and discuss this in detail."

Emrys then turns back to his crystal ball and speaks to Murphy, "Velarin and I will arrive tomorrow morning. We can discuss this over breakfast. It involves one of your adventures in the outer planes and how you successfully returned to the Living Wold. I wanted to avoid saying the name in this communication, not without the proper wards in place."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 4:02:43 PM
Tishe’s mind is moving faster than her fingers, and the jumping around from multi teleports isn’t helping. Once she calms down in a more focused frame of mind, she slaps Barratorre lightly on the forearm. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you very much!” (Lightly because both she really doesn’t mean it and hitting him any harder would feel like striking a brick wall.)

With Lanliss and Edson to the Big Float, and Velarin and Emrys visiting Murphy, and Tishe and Barratorre in Plateu City, they seem to be at least all busy in finding out more: especially how to get out once done!

“Kashmar, Eh?” Tishe’ also researches ‘Kashmar’. “One never knows...”

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 6:41:29 PM
"Oh.. okay then. " Edson says when the idea of heading to a major city is given to them.
" The float. It had to be the float. " he adds, recalling the short but terrible time they had there. "

Okay.. i am ready whenever you want to pop us out.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 7:09:33 PM
"The Floating City", Lanliss says quietly.
"Don't worry Edson, We are stronger now", Lanliss says.

Lanliss is ready as well.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 5:03:47 AM

"Breakfast tomorrow is fine. See you then!" Murphy responds to Emrys.

Then he thinks about the planes he has been on. Several of late. Of course, too, there were the times visiting Lord Gargul. But, "successfully returned to the living Wold"? That -- must be the first plane he and his friends visited. But only Bliss and himself are left from the group who went, well, there.

He has some things to do to get ready. Plus a backup plan in case he has guessed incorrectly.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 7:38:25 AM
V does his best to get some sleep overnight, and in the morning, memorizes his spells and prepares to greater teleport himself and Emrys. "Emrys, I need a detailed description of the location you saw Murphy at in your scry in order to teleport us there. The more detail the better."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst



In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 7:54:05 AM

Velarin suggests meeting with the guest over breakfast. Oops, did not remember to specify “first breakfast” or “second breakfast”! Will hilarity follow?

Emrys tries to be discreet about the place they are researching, but the clever halfling hero gets the gist.

Lanliss and Edson head off for a research trip to the Big Float. What’s your plan there?

Tishe’ continues her research but discovers nothing new. [OOC: the first story was a freebie. After that you’ll have to get clever or make some rolls, my friend.]

Barratore hears a story about King Mawtery of Surrender Castle: His whip had the ability to create warriors out of shadow, like shadow conjurations, and he named his whip Need.

In the morning, Emrys and Velarin show up in Crescent Valley for breakfast with Murphy.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+3=17 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+13=15 ;
Thursday June 25th, 2020 8:25:22 AM
Tishe’ ‘ports Edson and Lanliss to the Giggling Ghost in Floating City, gives them each a quick hug, reminds them she is but a thought away, you know, for retrieval, and ‘ports back to Plateau City and the archives.

Then she gets down to some serious research.

She looks around the area where she’s studying to see if there appears to be someone who looks like they know what they are doing. “Excuse me”, she says, showing her WLA badge. “I’m preparing to meet some youngsters back at my hometown, and I want to tell them some really scary supernatural horror stories. Can you help me?” It’s a long thread, Tishe’ thinks, but every one is needed to form a tapestry.

......
(Or Take 20, if allowed by kindly DM)
Know Religion. 17. (23)
Know Planes. 16 (23)
Know History 14 (23)
Know Local (Koshe Marr local?). 32 (35)
Know Geography. 24 (35)

Sense Motive (to find someone) 16
Bluff (for story) 15

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 9:36:19 AM
Barratore focuses his research, not talking to people, but actual continued research in the massive WLA library on following up on the Whip. Marteus was the god of Need, as he understood part of it. The Great Need and the Whip being named such, did not seem like a coincidence

WLA take 20
History 42
Geography 42
Local 32


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 10:05:06 AM
"I guess we make our way to the Giggling Ghost", Lanliss simply states.
""Been a long time...since we been here", he adds while they make their way.
"Later we can check what other information we can get from the underground ...just like Barratore suggested"

Lanliss makes his way to the Giggling Ghost unless Edson wnats to split or have a better idea or wants to do something else.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 7:50:25 PM
" No the ghost is fine. Tishe mentioned a Happy.. hopefully his name is due to his friendly demeanor and not some reverse psychology thing. You know how a big guy goes by Tiny." Edson says, realizing hes blabbing on.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday June 25th, 2020 9:14:01 PM

Edson and Lanliss enter the famous Giggling Ghost. It is a big place, able to host a party for dozens of people, but right now the place is empty. Even the staff is scarce. But wait, there's an old liontaur next to a shimmering wall hanging. Looks like he is peering into it.

The spectacled greymane hears you come in, grins at the two Keepers, and asks, "Arre you two herre to enterr the Mithrril Tapestrry? There's rroom forr two morre, I think. It prromises to be an amazing adventurre. We have an assimarr paladin, a technomancerr, an awakened tarrsierr moonlighting frrom his job at the Catacombs, a young giant, a fighting rroosterr, a set of twins, and morre!"

"Wherre arre my mannerrs! Please, come in. What would you like to drrink?"

===== ===== =====

In Plateau City, Barratore does not find any more info. Tishe' is led to a number of texts on undead and curses. Not sure any of it applies.

===== ===== =====

Emrys and Velarin find that the hospitality of the halflings exceeds expectations. The chairs are low, but the spread is delicious, and features all the bacon you can eat. Murphy welcomes you and waits to hear what you have to say.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday June 26th, 2020 8:02:13 AM
"Thank you for breakfast Murphy. Your hospitality is wonderful. I will cut to the chase with our question. The Keepers are looking into a place called Koshe Marr, and even more specifically a castle there (V will describe the castle from their vision with Dulcet.). We understand that you have been there and returned, and were wondering if you could tell us how you got there, and tell us about your experiences there, and how you returned."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday June 26th, 2020 10:08:23 AM
Edson smiles, but puts his hands up...

"As much as I'd like to be able to say I teamed with a fighting rooster, we are pressed for time and need info. We were told to speak to one named Happy. We... I'm sorry. I am used to only speaking with my teamates and those we save.

This is Lanliss, and I am Edson Kazil. We're from cinnamon valley and group with The Keepers of the Vale. Perhaps you heard of us, perhaps not. Anyway, we're looking for info as we need to venture to an area not many have before. Particulary Koshe Marr. There is a castle there, and we need to venture to it. Are you the one named Happy?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday June 26th, 2020 10:43:36 AM
Tishe’, defeated, meets with Barratorre and plots their next possibilities, and keeps the other Keepers in the loop per the Telepathy Spikes. “I don’t think asking any religions or being more direct in asking others is a good idea because of the warning Quasphiel gave us. I could do a Legend Lore spell, but that is a spell that needs to be cast for 10 days straight! I’d prefer to try that once back at the Manor.”

“The only thing I can think of left to do is get Murphy’s info then Plane Shift and try to see if luck works.”

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim Mc), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Friday June 26th, 2020 7:33:41 PM

You have breakfasted by the swimming pool at the top of a massive hill of earth and stone. Built up by Murphy and earth elementals, with interior finishing by skilled halfling builders and artisans, it stands seven stories tall, giving a nice little territorial view. Bushes frame the outside edge of the pool - and help keep people from falling off the edge.

"Valarin, Emrys, I heard tales of Koshe Marr when a child. I learned it as Kashmar, a place where mares of the night come from.

"But, yes, several of my friends and I ended up there a while back. And found a way to travel through time, as well. One of them just brought in a slab of bacon a few minutes ago - that's Hazel. He and his wife Alouryn were among the first adventurers with our group.

"Another one of us, Bliss, also was on that journey and could tell you much, but he's off in Angel Springs today for some WLA training, I believe.

"Anticipating you might be asking me about Koshe Marr," he says, as he reaches into a bag at his feet, and withdraws a small book, "I separated out from a copy of our adventuring group's journal the portion of it relating to our visit to Koshe Marr, and some of what followed shortly after. This is a gift to you, the Keepers of the Vale."

He spoons some honey onto a warm biscuit. How much can a halfling put away at a meal, anyway? "Likely though, a brief oral recounting might save your eyes. It all started with the wizards of the Second Dinner Club, working spells and magic items together, in the Giant Tower a few miles north of town."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Friday June 26th, 2020 10:16:01 PM
Barratore shrugs. “Time to head home then. “. The fighter has nothing else to offer. “We go in blind, like always, and make it up as we go “

Barratore is fine with heading back to the manor and sitting in the sun and drinking

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Saturday June 27th, 2020 7:02:23 AM

"One morning, just a day or two after the wedding of Hazel and Alouryn, an explosion was heard to the north of town of Humble's Ford," Murphy says. "Some surmised it came from the area of the Giant Tower. It did. A purple haze flowed from the top of the tower to the base. Anyone who breathed too much of it fell unconscious.

"Making our way to the top of the tower's interior, we found the source of the haze. A pulsating mirror of great depth of field - which we shortly learned was a portal to the realms of shadow - in particular into Koshe Marr.

"Over time we learned it was an experiment gone awry. We got two different stories about the wizards' intentions. Perhaps one was keeping something from the others. Wizard Veseley explained to us... well, let me read what he told me."
'We did not intend to open a portal to Koshe Marr. We were doing some experiments involving portable holes and dimension doors. We were curious what would happen if we supercharged a portable hole with energy from the giant towers and then opened a dimension door on the hole. We were hoping to find a way to massively extend the bounds of dimension door's limited range. We hoped to stretch the portable hole and for the area inside of the hole, alter the definition of 880 feet as it pertained to the casting range of the portable hole spell. It seems that we stretched the range, but not in the way that we intended.'
"So, according to Veseley, what happened in the tower was one type of experiment that went awry, causing a massive explosion, and opening a portal to Koshe Marr. However, earlier, shortly after we arrived on the scene, the wizard Bazek Brezelee had described the beauty of what he had learned of Koshe Marr, and gave us a copy of a letter written by a paladin, which he explained had drawn him to try to open a way to this beautiful land. Bazek said, 'Read this... Perhaps then you'll understand... We failed generating enough magical power in our tower... But I just knew the tremendous power of the Giant Tower would enable us to find the land described in this diary'

"He handed us a couple of tattered pages from a journal written by someone named Roderigo Montoya, Paladin of Alemi... all I had time to read was this:
My guide has proven as good as his word. Though I was loath to trust the word of a goblin it seems I was wrong to be so suspicious. He has indeed brought me to the foothills of this mysterious realm.

When I began my quest to bring the Holy Word of Alemi to the forsaken souls of these far-flung Realms I anticipated that I would encounter horror and evil. I had heard rumors that this place was a province, ruled by some terrifying witch, that the populace were brutal, savage servants of their dark mistress. Terror was expected. What I did not expect was to be met with such serene, still beauty.

This land is a marvel. Beneath her eternal lilac moon the Realm exists like some bewitching twilight dream, her palette of purples, blues and deep velvet blacks a soothing tonic to the mind. I don't ever recall having felt so calm.

Everything here is strange. The air carries countless wonderful musky aromas whose source I can only guess at. Crystalline outcroppings tower over still, mercurial pools. There are many curious molds and fungi which seem to flourish in this half-light, delicate and elaborate. I must collect some specimens to examine further. My guide, clearly a superstitious type, claims that the plant life here can move towards light! I am looking forward to learning more of the folktales of these simple, happy people.

That has been perhaps my greatest surprise. To find a community made up primarily of Goblins and Trolls living in peace, harmony and happiness! I would have never believed that such base creatures were capable of building such a successful community.

By all accounts they have their Queen to thank for their conversion to civilization. They speak of her in glowing, even loving terms, and I am looking forward to meeting with her. The horror stories I was told are quite clearly the tall tales of the ignorant. After rest I shall visit her Palace. I am certain that with reasoned persuasion and pure heart she will prove a powerful convert to Great Alemi's cause.
Murphy rolls his eyes after reading the last bit. "There is a powerful seductress there, indeed. And deceit abounds. To fool a paladin - and have a supposedly bright wizard sucked into his delusions --" and here the little druid shakes his head. He breathes deeply in and out a few times.

"Be that as it may, a couple members of the group took it upon themselves to enter through the portal. All of the rest of us were pulled in along with them - and at that moment the entire tower imploded and crumbled into a huge pile of rubble. And we were in Koshe Marr.

"During our transit there, we saw many lovely, compelling images. And fearful happenings. A lovely elven lass slain by The Huntsman's large arrow. Memories of terrors of the night.

"As we took in our surroundings the third wizard, Tiana, she pointed toward a large, distant castle, and seemed to warn us away from it." Murphy stands. "Be right back." He leaves, and returns in about five minutes.

"Now, where was I? Any questions so far? If you've questions about the castle, I know next to nothing. But about some other matters, and our manner of escape, I do have more. The Huntsman. A beautiful and fearsome woman. A crystal forest. Graveyards, undead, wolf creatures. And the Inn."

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday June 27th, 2020 9:16:47 AM

Tishe and Barratore head back to their home base. They can participate telepathically -- I assume that they get regular reports from their far-flung friends, unless you say otherwise.

=====

In the Giggling Ghost, the old liontaur is embarrassed after hearing Edson and Lanliss. "I'm sorrry, I did not even give you my name. "I'm Zeoll, from the Taur Isles, Hook City, and Bonetown. It is nice to meet you. Let me get Happy."

He pokes his head into the kitchen, and soon a human with a belly and a smile emerges. "Ah, customers. How can I help you Gentlemen? I'm Happy, the innkeeper." He shakes hands. When he hears Koshe Marr, he shakes his head. "I've never even been out of the Big Float, myself!"

But then he has an idea, and he calls for the cook. As it turns out, the head cook here is remarkable. Brussels (that's her name) is a maralith, that is, a demon with a snake's body from the waist down and six-armed woman's body from the waist up. She has pointed ears and shiny eyes.

When she is asked about "Koshe Marr" she is abashed. "I really don't like to talk about those days," she says. "I'm not proud of what I was doing back then."

=====

Emrys and Velarin invite Murphy to open up with his tale of Koshe Marr. Wowsy, and he does! He pauses partway through his tale to answer questions. Got any?

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Sunday June 28th, 2020 10:09:52 PM
Tishe’ listens to Edson and Landriss. “Oh, please tell Zeoll ‘many shadows’ from me! We travelled together in Bonetown for an adventure or two.” She is very interested in Brussels, and urges the Rigues to ask the Maralith about a way in and a way out to Koshe Marr.

Listening to Emrys and Velarin’s recitation of Murphy’s story, the Spellweaver takes it all in. “So is this Inn the way out of the purple realm Murphy is speaking of?”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+29=49 ;
Monday June 29th, 2020 7:26:22 AM
Velarin listens quietly as Murphy tells his tale, amazed at the chain of events that landed him in Koshe Marr. It was apparent that The Keepers would not be getting to Koshe Marr the same way Murphy did. (V will use knowledge of the planes to attempt to determine if he can plane shift to Koshe Marr on what he currently knows. Check:49, nat 20)

"The question I would like to ask now Murphy, is did you meet this seductress? Or did you just heed and believe the warning of Tiana? How did Tiana know that the Lord of the castle was a powerful seductress?"

"I'm sure I will have more questions once I have heard the rest of your story, and once again, thank you for taking the time to share it with us, and your hospitality."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Monday June 29th, 2020 9:20:02 AM
" Zeoll. Pleasure to meet you." Edson stops, taps his head " Oh.. Tishe says many Shadows Zeoll."

When the demon comes out, Edson's hand twitches as if to go for his weapon, but he quickly changes his mind.

" Brussels.. well met. I understand it might be rough to talk about, but your words might help prevent more people being hurt. "

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday June 29th, 2020 1:50:45 PM
Barratore listens in on the conversation with Murphy and asks V and Emrys to perhaps direct the information a it.

Anything about a grand castle or did they hear anything about a Keystone and for Imod's sake, make sure you get details on how they got out and get more detail on the wolf creatures. We got Canine's in our vision

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Monday June 29th, 2020 6:48:15 PM
"We will need your help", Lanliss says.
"We never been there and we probably won't ever be prepared to the horrors that we will face", Lanliss adds somberly.
"But you can help us, anything that you might know....about going to this place or perhaps a way to escape this abysmal nightmare might help not only us but the Wold as well", He says with a tone that suggests that whatever the reason they wanted to go to Koshe Marr....it was a truly important one.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Monday June 29th, 2020 9:04:50 PM
Emrys is enjoying breakfast with Murphy and found it to be most informative and invaluable. After listening to his tale, it was easy to get caught up in Murphy's situation and forget about their own.

(OOC: Im still getting caught up on the information and reading everything. Will post again once I digest more. My brain is a bit addled from pain medication due to a flare up of trigeminal neuralgia.)

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp102/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, Spectral Hand 
Monday June 29th, 2020 9:32:39 PM
Emrys asks, "In my visions involving this place, there appeared to be a menacing entity with a particularly strong lupine quality. I do mean to say a wolf-like ... not the perennial, flowering plants of the legume family. I was filled with the sense of ravenous hunger and a desire for the hunt. Did you experience anything like that? There was also references to a keystone and a grand castle, much like castles you spoke about. Do any of these things mean anything to you? Also, how were you able to escape that place ... Koshe Marr? You're alive and well and having an excellent breakfast with us ... how did that come to be?" He says with a smile.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Monday June 29th, 2020 11:56:45 PM

Telepathically, Tishe’ sends greetings to Zeoll and asks Murphy about the Inn.

Velarin thinks a plane shift would work, with two caveats -- one, you need the right tuning fork, and two, the problem with plane shift is that it gets you to the plane, but where on the plane? As the spell says, “Precise accuracy as to a particular arrival location on the intended plane is nigh impossible.”

Edson passes along the greeting and tries to convince the demon that she should help because it would “prevent more people being hurt” Strangely, this argument appealing to the better nature of a demon is compelling. Brussels is clearly torn between her desire to help and her deep need for privacy.

Barratore urges Emrys and Velarin to ask Murphy how they got out of the nightmare realm, as well as other things..

Lanliss adds his own heartfelt appeal to Edson’s words, and together, they convince Brussels to speak. She pulls them into a private booth, even away from Happy and Zeoll. She whispers about her time in her youth before she came to the Wold. “First off, this will blow you minds,” she says in a hushed voice. “You know who MADE the whole plane of Koshe Marr? It was Marteus!” she looks to see your reaction. “I know it is surprising, but keep an open mind. I left the god’s service before he made it, but he planned it and plotted for the longest time. He was all full of ‘his great need’ and his desire to fill it with magical disease and undead. He ha d grand plans for his personal demense: it would be perfect and beautiful and sick at the heart. Marteus wanted his strong point at the center to be something huge, he said, and alive, and sick and strong and unique. He kept saying something about 'Two More! Two More!' That’s all I know, because I got out of there before he started the actual work on it.”

Meanwhile, Emrys politely engages Murphy and asks him about several things. We’ll see what Murphy says!

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 8:29:25 AM
V acknowledges Barratore's request for specific answers, and is about to proceed with the questions when Emrys does so. Waiting patiently for the response, V hears the running updates from Lanliss and Edson and is far from thrilled at what Lanliss is told about Marteus making the realm as sick, strong, and twisted as possible.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 10:35:59 AM
Edson mouths the only word that comes to mind... wow. As Brussels tells the story, edson relays its mentally to the others.

When she is completed, Edson thanks her profusely. "Is there anything we can do for you, in thanks of this great dead you did for us?"

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 10:41:20 AM
Barratore, enjoying a beverage and the warm sunshine, has a harder time getting into the dark and horrific mood as compared to Lanliss and Edson who are talking in whispered tones with a Marlyth, but he does pay attention.

Harrowed Moon and the Inn, may be our way in and out, but from what the demon is saying, it sounds like our objective is going to be in the center of the whole realm which, as I understand it, will require us to travel from the land of lavender to another part of the realm and that journey will require crossing the barriers between them that was mentioned. If that is the case, we need permission from the lands Darklord and that means striking some sort of deal with the queen of Harrowed Moon.

Barratore pauses for another drink

Does that sound about right to the rest of you?

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 9:03:51 PM
Lanliss feels the same thing but his reactions his different.
"So this Marteus it truly........powerful to make a plane of existance requires tremendous power.", Lanliss says that is which on his mind.
"A dangerous god and his plans whatever they may be are truly malevolent ", Lanliss says after Brussels finishes speaking.


Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 12:13:22 AM

"I remember the moon there gives off a lavender light, and makes our fair skin look a pallid grey. Shadows are deep and black. The air is cool, and seems to sink under the skin and chill the bones.

"For some, fear entered into us, for me, it was more - I was nervous. I don't easily scare, but the place puts one off-balance. But I remembered my nana counseled that when fear comes, look for the small things that can turn large things about. No, I won't tell you that whole story, but it's there in the booklet I gave you.

"Yes, Emrys, there are wolf hunters there, and The Hunter, who leads in the great hunt. It was ...

"Oh, Tiana? She said nothing. She never spoke while there. She just somehow got things through to us with a gesture, an expression on her face, the cast of her eyes. We just knew she wanted us to avoid the castle, but not why," he explains.

"Vargouilles showed up. We -- defeated them.

"From the direction of the castle we saw a large army. Undead? Ghasts? Flying things. Vampires! - marching our way, bearing tattered, bloody banners. They seemed to be trying to channel us in a certain direction. And succeeding in doing so. We came upon a single figure seated upon a red-eyed black steed. Bow in hand, a quiver full of arrows, he loosed an arrow that as it drew near seemed broad as a beam. The tip of the shaft transfixed Bazeck's body. He dropped dead. We realized the man could kill any of us at will, all of us in short order. "Why?" is what Alleah asked of him.

The Huntsman welcomed us to the realm of Fidelia. He said, "Why do you come here? Do you seek to destroy? Then, arrogant fools, you will meet your match... Do you seek to recover what was lost? The stolen child? The twinkling artifact? They are but mere bait... for it is you who are the prize, brave adventurers, and it is your suffering she craves...

"Find Amalee near the Old Cemetery instead and find your way home. You have 3 days for the Hunt to begin..."

He dismissed the army with a snap of his fingers, and they disappeared in mist and shadows. We went the direction he indicated, he the other way. Mookie, Bliss's very large crow, had been to Koshe Marr before, and told us about it.

"There is an Inn - Harrowing Moon, right? which, once you get inside, you find safety. I got the feeling you could stay there as long as you want. And they have delicious pies," which is an important feature for halflings. "Some say its location changes from time to time.

"So, early on, we thought we saw that inn. It was on the other side of a large cultivated mushroom patch. Two of us flew there in bird form, Bliss knocked on the door. We could smell the cinnamon, cake, freshly baked bread coming from within. But as the rest of the group drew near, the building vanished. Was it an illusion? Did the mushrooms cause it?

"Two others, young goblins, a girl and a boy ran up to the spot the inn had disappeared from, and sounded hopeless, discouraged. We spoke with them - a girl and her younger brother. Isra and Rais. We learned the Huntsman also had given them 3 days to find the old cemetary, to find the key to the Inn. We let them join us."

The druid scratches his throat. "I need some kvass! Do you two gentlemen want anything to drink? I'm just talking so much!" He pours from a pitcher, filling four ceramic cups with a tannish-colored bubbly beverage. He offers one to each of the two visitors, sits back down, and drinks it down, smacking his lips followed by a happy sigh, leaving the extra cup full. "Don't worry - I'll answer your questions."

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 7:55:50 AM

At the Giggling Ghost, Brussels scowls as she recalls the master of Koshe Marr, perhaps reliving some torment she does not choose to share. “What you can do for me? Strike him. Foil his plan. Don’t let him get his way. And stay alive! You know what happens to people who die there?”

Murphy gives some colorful detail on his own experiences in Kosh Marr.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 8:15:56 AM
Edson smiles. He knows this is rough for the demon to talk about. He laughs to himself at the humour of that thought.

"Brussels. I can promise you two things. One... we'll kill him. We as the Keepers are adept at taking care of the biggest of badies. And two, when we're done you can plan the biggest, baddest party here for us to celebrate. "

The elf thanks the demon, and makes sure to thank the iconic Zeoll on his way out.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 9:31:40 AM
Tishe’ is concerned about the Plane Shift’s ‘tuning fork’. She, being a Sorceress and having the Feat Eschew Materials, should be able to successfully cast Plane Shift to where they want to go without a fork. But what if things are different in those other planes? When they get back together, Tishe’ is going to experiment, but in the meantime...

“Ask if we can have a hair from Murphy and a scale from Brussels. I’m betting that Emrys can Tinker up a Harrowed Moon, Marteus Castle, and Wold Plane tuning forks that can get us to where we need without depending on our luck. From what they both say, our luck is going to be working overtime just to keep everyone alive.”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 9:58:59 AM
(ooc: V has eschew materials with that last knowledge of the planes check, would eschew materials negate the need for the tuning fork?)

"Sounds about right Barratore. Make a deal or fight. We may have to cross the lands of more than one dread lord."

V listens as Murphy continues his story, his grimace increasing steadily throughout. "Yes Murphy, I would love a drink. The more I hear, the worse it sounds. So the huntsman has his own realm there? As does the seductress? And It sounds like you are unable to enter the inn without a key.

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 7:31:49 PM
Lanliss is a little bit concerned.
'It is going to be that tough', he thinks.
'So what now, our brave hero, sire Edson,.
Anything else on your mind',
Lanliss relies to Edson humorously .

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 11:27:37 PM

Tishe’ and Velarin realize that the tuning fork is a focus, not a material component, and therefore Eschew Materials does obviate the need for one. It does occur to both of you that there are other spells facilitating travel between planes. Plane Shift could work, but it is not the only choice.

Edson promises to kill Marteus. Brussels shakes his hand. Sense Motive DC25: Highlight to display spoiler: {Brussels has more info. And a hunch on something.}

Barratore ponders this news.

Teasing, Lanliss calls his friend a “brave hero.”

Murphy continues to regal Velarin and Emrys with amazing tales of Koshe Marr.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 2:57:54 AM

Murphy seems to recall something. "The journal excerpt I just gave you. Here, let me find something." He opens it, and rifles through the pages, quickly coming to the spot he sought. "Yes. Perhaps you already know these things, but Mookie, the raven who accompanies Bliss, had some insights. I'll just read the notes I took for a moment."
AFTER the group is out of sight and hearing range of the Huntsman, Mookie cocks his head at Hazel, who asks, "Where the hell are we? Who was that guy?"

The raven caws. "I'll tell you where we are, but you ain't gonna like the answer. We're in Koshe Marr, the Realm of Nightmares and Terror. In this place, if you die, your soul likely won't ever get to Lord Gargul -- it goes right to Marteaus, and he makes Gargul look like some sweetheart pushover."

The bird looks at Alleah. "Maybe you can bring this dead meat back home, missy, but odds are that guy's soul is being used for a hanky by the god of sniffles and sneezes right about now."

"Seriously, don't die here. You really don't want to die. The Boss had a pal who died here once, and they let him stay dead rather than pay Marteaus's price. And he was a HERO, not some putz who got caught up in stuff, like Barty here."

Bliss perks up, as his natural ebullience reasserts itself. "What, my Mom was in this place? With her friends?"

"Sure, Kid, sure, and I was along for the ride. It wasn't this exact place. There was a forest made of glass trees. But we met that same Huntsman -- or maybe his evil twin cousin. He likes chasing folks. We barely outran him last time, and the Boss was fast, not like you short-leggers. Maybe that's why he gave us a three-day start, cause you all are so slow like. It's a sport for the Hunter -- it's all fun and games. Until he catches you. Then it's fun, games, and gore."
Murphy looks up from what he was reading. "The one Mookie called 'the Boss' was Vauhwyt, a Liontaur, who watched over Bliss. If you want to know more of his story - and hers - ask him someday."

He pulls a stone slab that has a small indentation to the side. He reaches in and pulls out a few bottles. "A nice red table wine from my Uncle Orby's vineyard. Here is honey mead from the elves outside of Angel Springs." He holds up a third bottle. "Really good grape juice just made a couple of days ago and kept cool here. And there's that extra cup of kvass that no one is touching. I'm fine myself."

He goes and sits at the edge of the pool, his legs up to mid-calf in the water. "You know how we have two moons? Kerracles and Wardd? Koshe Marr has but one moon, and it stays in the same place pretty much all the time. At least when we were there. The sun never rises. All right, here is some more..."

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 5:43:04 AM

"We walked for hours," Murphy continues. "We slept. We walked more. We drew near a forest. The Huntsman showed up on this black steed with purple smoke issuing it seemed from around the fetlocks. He road toward us, and with an arrow in his bow pointed a ways off - and bats appeared where he aimed. They flew to attack us, the huntsman less than 100 yards away. Veseley cast a fireball right at the Huntsman - who moved ever-so-slightly to dodge. Though some flames touched him, he seemed unharmed, yet angered. Isra and Rais, the goblin children, ran into the forest. Alleah ran in to protect them, and Veseley switched his attention to try to help them, Bliss and Mookie went that way, too.

"Really, I'm giving too much detail. But we learned it was a crystal forest. Sounds would make the crystaline leaves shatter and fall to the ground. Isra and Rais were struck. Alleah may have been lightly wounded. Rais died." He is silent for a moment. "The battle ranged widely. The bats were werebats. They were relentless. We did not give up. Alleah changed into a dinosaur and rode the injured Isra out of the deadly sharded forest, away from the group. The Huntsman left off from the party, leaving them to the werebats, and pursued Alleah - or rather, Isra. Alleah changed course, returning toward the party. The Huntsman left, for our three days were not up. And one of the two prey whose time was up had fallen. The Huntsman follows his own strange set of rules.

"After we healed up, we learned from Mookie that the cemetery looked to be on the far side of the crystal forest. And that forest spread out so far to the left and right of us, that it would take too long to reach the cemetery unless we headed straight through the woods. So we did. A fog rolled in. My druidical training helped us navigate. Shel, our sorceress, had a pendant which always pointed to the moon Wardd. In Koshe Marr, her pendant just kept spinning this way and that, never sure where to point to find that moon.

"We made it to the cemetery. We slept. Two of our group it turns out had been afflicted with werebat lyanthropy."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+20=22 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=22 ;
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 7:37:45 AM
Tishe’ goes back to studying. How can she make a planar tuning fork? For Koshe Marr, for Harrowed Moon, for Marteus’ Palace, and for the plane of the Wold?

What other spells allow for planar travel to specific destinations?

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128  d20+16=28 ;
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 7:56:44 AM
Edson catches the glance and feels there is more.

" Brussels? Is there something else you'd like to share with us. Any info can be the difference between life and death. "

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 12:04:59 PM
Velarin listens to Murphy's continued tale, and relays it to the others. The growing concern obviously showing on his face. He takes the offered Elven wine and pours a glass.

"Thank you Murphy. You definitely have us on edge. I look forward to hearing the rest when you are ready. It sounds like the Huntsman and the Seductress should be avoided if possible, but that doesn't seem likely. Were there numerous other wer-creatures in Koshe Marr as well?"

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 12:40:17 PM
Barratore tips up and then refills his drink, Sounds like all kinds of awful. Can a Gate spell get us in and out you think? Honestly, I am not sure we are any closer to knowing what we are getting into. We already knew Koshe Marr was horrid, we knew dying was extra bad an we knew that we didn't know where the Castle is that we are looking for. We have some additional info on the Realm of the Harrowed Moon, Huntsman and Seductress in charge, and that the Inn is our most likely way out and that the Inn could be by a Cemetery or a Mushroom forest and so it probably moves around.

Does Murphy know how to cross realms if we need to?

And What no one seems to know is where the Castle might be, other than our guess of, At the center Koshe Marr, but as it is made up of demi planes or realms or whatever, how does one find the center?

The Inn Keeper sent Humbles home, hopefully he can provide some insight

I think it is a fair bet that if we Gate in, we are not going to pop up in sight of the Inn and that will be our first obstacle

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 3:11:43 PM

"There's more to tell, but, give me an hour or so, and I can draw up a couple of reasonably detailed sketches of the inside of the Harrowed Moon Inn from different perspectives," the towhead druid offers as an aside. "Whether you would be able to use it as an aid to teleportation once on that plane, I do not know. There seem to be parameters in the realm of the Dark Lord that do not match those on our plane. But, it couldn't hurt to have that. But first I'll move toward finishing our story." Murphy opens the grape juice, and pours into his cup, and takes a measured sip.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 6:58:55 PM

Tishe’ ponders travel magic. With her experience and lore, some things are obvious.

It is not that making the Plane Shift tuning fork is hard for a skilled crafter to make, just that you have to know what note to tune it to. That’s the information one would need to get to Koshe Marr. Tishe’ knows that the note to Plane Shift into the Realm of Shadows, or the Elemental Planes, that’s a pretty easy Knowledge Planes check. For KM? Hmmm ...

On the other hand, there are lots of other ways to get to Koshe Marr, in two main themes.

(1) Travel through the Realm of Shadows. It borders the Realm of Shadows, so you could enter that Realm and “walk” to Koshe Marr. You could use spells like Plane Shift, Shadow Walk, Astral Projection, Gate, even Etherealness [but the duration makes it tricky] to enter the Realms. And you could Wish yourself into the Shadow Realm.

(2) Direct to KM. You could go direct to Koshe Marr, for example with Plane Shift (need the right note) or through a Gate (assuming the lords of the place allow it). This seems to be how Murphy got there, through the mishap of a lesser artifact misfiring. Maybe you could Wish yourselves there?

Edson convinces Brussels to tell a little more. She says, “That person, I will not even name him more than I must, he wanted it to be easy for people to arrive, but hard to leave, That was the test. He loves tests. But he did hate one spell, which he called ‘a cheat’ and had not found a solution to when I left his service. The cheat is the Astral Projection spell. When you die, the spell carries your soul away from Koshe Marr back to your body. Honestly, you don’t hear much about it because Lord Gargul is no fan either. And in theory, even if you do not die, you could end the spell and let the silver cord draw you back. Has he closed that loophole somehow? I don’t know, but he wanted to.”

Barratore offers his thoughts, though he seems discouraged.

Emrys listens to the voluble halfling, and Velarin has a couple questions. Murphy keeps on with the juicy details! That bird he mentioned sure sounded smart! And funny!

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 8:24:27 PM
Lanliss ponders about this astral projection.
They might have found a way to escape...that is, if who ever it was, the one not to be named, found a way to counter this spell..

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 7:19:30 AM
Having relayed Barratore's questions to Murphy, and receiving the best answers he was able to provide, V waits for the remainder of the story, and the end where they got out.

"Yeah Barratore, the Inn may be the key, but to enter, it sounds like you need a key. I'm sure that's going to easy to get, and then if the Inn moves finding it after it moves, and doing all of this quickly after finishing our mission and drawing Marteus's attention."

"Perhaps the best bet would be to all chip in for the 10,000gp diamond and wish our way in, perhaps even close to the castle of Marteus. If that works, we could always wish ourselves out, although from what Murphy says, it's harder to get out and the may not be a wish that's granted."

"Additionally, it's likely a lot of my normal spells will not work. Summonings, time stop, Sunburst, and mage's mansion come to mind."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 5:11:49 PM
Edson relays the info about the astral projection spell to the group.

Looking to Lanliss "Anything else?". If nothing he thanks Brussels, and Zeoll and makes his way back with Lanliss.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 6:24:46 PM
Tishe’ relays what she has learned to the others and recieves the reports of Edson and Lanliss on one hand, and Emrys and Velarin on the other.

“I don’t like Astral Projection. Will we actually grab the stone? Is it a trap? Far better to move to the Shadow Plane and then move to Koshe Marr from there.”

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 6:36:55 PM
Emrys Posts

“I can perform Gate, Astal Projection, or Shadow Walk for all of us”, the half-elf intones after conferring with his viper familiar. “I believe Gate won’t work. A deity can deny entry to his demense, and all that realm is the Sickened One’s playground.”

“For Astral Projection, we enter the Astral Plane, then leave the Astral Plane, forming a new physical body (and equipment) on the plane of existence we have chosen to enter. Each astral body is connected at all times to your physical body by an incorporeal silver cord. If the cord is broken, you are killed, astrally and physically. Luckily, very few things can destroy a silver cord. When a second body is formed on a different plane, the silver cord remains invisibly attached to the new body. If the second body or the astral form is slain, the cord simply returns to your body where it rests on the Material Plane.”

“And, of course, I can have all of us Shadow Walk to the Plane of Shadow.”

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 6:42:11 PM

"Location of the castle? I would say toward the north. Whether due north, or northeast, I do not know. As we traveled away from it, rather than towards, there is little more I can say about it. And in that realm, what things are fixed? It seems some are, and some are not. Not trying to be vague. We didn't exactly have a map and compass, and were fleeing to escape the realm, protect the children, then the child, and wizards, and find the movable Inn.

"Very well," Murphy says, continuing his narration, "So we slept a little ways from the cemetery. After some of us were able to regain our spells after our time of rest, we set forth into the cemetery. There we fought spectres. Poor Veseley came close to joining them, but was rescued from that terrible fate.

"Entering the church, we found a debris-filled interior. Only one pew still stood. Where an altar once stood there was a jagged hole allowing entrance to an underground labyrinth. Below we found a pair of doors, with 'F' and 'A' - Fidelia and Amalee, perhaps, we thought. Inside - a lavishly appointed bedroom. Books. Huge bed with satin sheets. Sconces alight. Other appointments, animal skins - and the skin of two humans, hanging on either side of the bed. Bones piled into three jars. Books bound in human skin, filled with illustration of demons, devils, monsters, infernal rituals, scenes of torture and brutality.

"Going through another passage out of there, we passed through a hallway, around a corner, and into a chamber 100' on each side. In the center was a portal. There we saw images dancing a dance macabre, lead by Death itself.

"Also - 8 large wolves - dire wolves - lay between us and the portal, through which we seemed to see the interior of a cheery inn.

"We battled the wolves. Shel broke through, and Sardok after her. Sardok, he returned shortly to rejoin the battle. Hazel's bloodied Faoil escaped, followed shortly by his master through the blue torus.

"Then Amalee emerged from a wall, a large dark cloaked figure wielding a scythe. She brought ghostly figures of four minotaur who had appeared in the dance I mentioned a moment ago. She sang a soft, eerie, ethereal dirge. She spoke in a raspy voice to Veseley. 'Veseley... I can help you help Tiana,' she said, and held out her hand.

"Veseley called out, 'Amalee is a Danse Macabre. The Huntsman's game has been a sham. She can't help us, in fact she'll more than likely kill us all if we stand against her, now. The only way out of this nightmare is through the portal!'"

"More happened, but we all eventually fought our way out before she or her wolves could kill us.

"As I was the last one through, she tried to slice me with her scythe. Instead, as I entered the torus and turned to face her, her scythe ripped through the surface of the tapestry depicting what we just had come from. The tapestry was torn in twain, and turned to stone, and shattered upon the floor in front of us.

"'I lose too many tapestries that way,' said the Inn Keeper.

"'Welcome to The Harrowed Moon Inn. This is the one safe haven in all of Koshe Marr. Not only that -- this is the one place that has reliable means of getting outside of Koshe Marr, but we will talk more about that later.'"

Just at that moment, a beautiful halfling lass appears before Velarin, Emrys, and Murphy. She has red hair, green eyes, and a platter full of food. "Time for Second Breakfast!" she announces. "I am Alouryn. You've met my husband and hero, Hazel. Please, enjoy!" She curtsies to the two guests, and exits.

"Thank you, Alouryn," Murphy smiles.

"I'm almost done with the story," he tells the representatives from Cinnamon Valley.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Friday July 3rd, 2020 9:13:52 PM
"Nothing else",Lanliss says.
He makes his way back with Edson.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), garrulous towhead Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Saturday July 4th, 2020 2:39:15 AM

"The Inn Keeper fed us. As wide a variety of pies as you'll find in the Giggling Ghost, or at a halfling clan get-together. Cream for the cheetah. Worms for the Raven. A good bone for the dog.

"He then said to Shel, 'The Huntsman, well not much is known about him. He is one of Fidelia's captains and loyal servants. In fact it is best to steer clear of him if you can. Once he's marked you there is only one place in all of Koshe Marr that you can go where he cannot follow and that is here. So eat up and let yourselves be at peace while you are here.'

"Other things we learned of him." As Murphy speaks, he now has pulled out paper, ink of various colors, pens, brushes. He begins to sketch out the interior of the inn.

"For one, his name. John McGiven. He told us as far as he knew there has never been a case of the Huntsman following someone out of Koshe Marr if he had previously marked them.

"He also said, to answer one of your important questions, 'As to how to get home, I have a statue that when you place your hand on it and say the command word 'reditum' you will be sent back home to the same place you were when you entered Koshe Marr at the exact same instant you entered. It will be like you never left home.'

"Now, if we halflings returned to exactly the same time and place as we were in when we left the Wold for Koshe Marr, we would be almost two hundred feet in the air, with a pile of broken stony rubble beneath our feet. Rather a dangerous point of arrival, no? Soon we discovered that there is a variant to this issue of time and place that I will lay out soon.

"First, though, we discussed the possibility of appealing to Marteus for the soul of our halfling wizard Bazeck Brezelee, and that of the young goblin boy, Rais. Veseley gave solid reasons to not take that tack. And John McGiven said... here, let me look it up." Murphy re-opens the journal, and close to the end reads the following:
"Begging your pardon good sirs and madams, but as I said earlier the Inn is devoid of guests save yourselves. If you leave through the front door you may be able to find some sage somewhere in this realm who is capable of casting the spell, but being able to do something and wanting to do something are two separate things. Veseley is right about Marteus driving a hard bargain and this is well known around these parts. Most people not under His direct employ such as Lady Fidelia and her Huntsman do everything they can to avoid Him, so even if you did find this sage he would probably tell you that you were out of your mind. Also if you did leave the inn through the front door, the inn itself, wouldn't be guaranteed to be in the same spot when you returned from where you left it. This feature of the inn helps ward it against divination. Which, speaking of divination, and the huntsman, didn't you say you were marked by him. Not only would you not have a sure way back here, but he could be on your trail again, so this is starting to sound like a suicide mission with an extremely low probability of success."
"So, enough on that topic." He puts the journal back on the table where the food is laid, and resumes sketching - this time drawing a different perspective of the inn. "Now we get to an aspect of leaving from the Inn which has interesting implications. As you know, the goblin girl, Isra, came with her brother by different means - a dark dream it was - at a different time. They had been asleep in their bedroom upstairs in their goblin father's inn in Izen.

"But when John the Inn Keeper heard what Isra claimed, he explained to her that, rather than her halfling friends having to return to their same time and place of exit from the Wold, she, Isra, could touch the statue and speak the command word. Any who were touching her, or touching someone in contact with Isra, would accompany her to her father's inn. 'You would have to all hold hands and you could not let go no matter what. There is no telling where you would end up without the focal point of the goblin child to get you to her specific destination,' John McGiven warned us.

"Speaking of keys, Veseley then explained, 'In essence we would be using this child like a living Portkey with the target destination being her home.'

"We discussed many things and stayed the night. The Inn Keeper told us that we could spend as much time at the Inn of the Harrowed Moon as we wanted to without time passing in the Wold, or in Koshe Marr, relative to us.

"After a hearty breakfast, including eggy toast, we gathered together around the statue. We had decided to join Isra to get her safely home, then travel northward and back to Humble's Ford. We all held hands, then found ourselves on a tumultuous ride. Veseley let go my hand, and he and Tiana were separated from us, and ended up elsewhere. We found ourselves at an Inn in Izen.

"Now, pay close attention to this. It took us a few hours to learn, but the local date was about 30 days EARLIER than the day we were plane shifted from the Wold into Koshe Marr. Turns out the goblin children had entered into the shadow land weeks before we had.

"It took us a full month to travel over land and water. We arrived right about the time the tower blew up.

"We had traveled in time." Murphy pauses, putting a finishing touch on the second sketch of the Inn, and signing both images.

"So, if your group travels there, and different ones of you arrive through different entry points, at different times, then that opens options for the day and time you return. Or, if you come across someone along the way with whom you return, that's another option.

"I'm thinking you'll be doing something significant where you're going, so that latter option may present itself one way or another."

He hands the first sketch to Emrys, and the second to Velarin. "There are many more details you can read for yourself in this copy of that portion of the journal here," he says, patting it, then sliding it toward Emrys, who had invited the druid to meet with them.

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood takes two pieces of the eggy bread, pours honey over, and places a few strawberries atop. Just before he forks a good slice into his mouth, he asks, "Will any of this be helpful? Does it make sense? Do you want to ask me any questions?" As he gives them a chance to speak, the sweet eggy bread and a strawberry go into his mouth.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Saturday July 4th, 2020 10:33:05 AM

Edson relays Brussel’s story and bids farewell.

The innkeeper says, “Be happy! No wait, that’s me. Be careful!”

Brussels hits him with her cook’s hat. “This is serious. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Good luck.”

Zeoll says, “Ha! I’m morre than tempted to come with you, but my old bones arre not up to it. And this Tapestrry beckons.” He gestures to the waving magical weave. “Go with the best hopes of the Wold! And rrememberr what he is the god of. Stock up on disease rresistance and curres! Wowsy, poison and currses too!”

Edson and Lanliss bid the three farewell and leave the Giggling Ghost. Did you want to do anything else in the Big Float, or are you calling for a pick-up?

Lanliss considers the Astral Projection option, but Tishe’ is worried that it is a trap.

Emrys cautions against Gate, reminds Tishe’ how Astral Projection works, and says that he can cast the Shadow Walk.

Velarin speculates on ways in, ways out, and spells.

Murphy wraps up his tale and asks if there are any questions. [OOC: Many many thanks to Kim for his guest visit!]

Is Tishe’ picking up Lanliss and Edson -- will the two -- or three -- of them do something in the Big Float? Is Barratore going to follow up on his pessimism with action? Do Emrys and Velarin have any questions for Murphy?

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+29=49 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 8:12:40 AM
V accepts the sketch from Murphy and ponders the end of Murphy's tale for a few seconds, after relaying it to the rest of the group.

"Thank you for both your hospitality and the tale of your journey to Koshe Marr Murphy. I do not think that I have any questions at this time other than whether or not the statue would work for us, and whether you would let us borrow it? The rest of the Keepers may have questions, and if they do, Emrys or I will ask them."

(V will use knowledge of the planes to attempt to determine the material and resonance needed for tuning forks to be created to go to Koshe Marr, and to return to the Wold: 49, natural 20)

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Monday July 6th, 2020 9:23:18 AM
Turning to Lanliss, " Lets get picked up. We can start prepping, hit the catacombs. Plus i fell all of us together can probably come up with something. "

Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), garrulous towhead Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford  d20+20=23 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 12:25:05 PM

After finishing chewing his bite of eggy toast, honey and strawberry, and washing it down with a bit of grape juice, Murphy replies to Velarin, "You're welcome, of course! I'd be happy to let you borrow the statue, were it not for the fact that it resides in the Inn of the Harrowed Moon. You'll have to get there to use it. I have no doubt that it would work just fine for you, though."

[If Velarin lets Murphy know he's trying to figure out what's needed for a tuning fork to help get to Koshe Marr, he'll aid another for a +2 to the elf wizard's knowledge of the planes roll to kick it to 51. Murphy's is 23 - just enough perhaps to give a little nudge. Also, if he is clued in, he will relate that his father, Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, a bard and craftsman of musical instruments, might be able to help in the fashioning of such a tuning fork. He has made sets of tuning forks before. "If we can pull him away from his carousel project."] "Also, we have a few items from Koshe Marr - Bliss does, and a former member of our group, Alleah took some crystal shards and I think an intact leaf from the crystal forest. Perhaps that might assist with attunement."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday July 6th, 2020 3:12:51 PM
Barratore snorts at the Astral Projection theory, No thanks. That sounds like it comes with far too many. if's and should's. I don't mind the Shadow Walk approach, the downside being that we don't really know where we are going and so if we can put together a tuning Fork, I think that is the way to go.

See you guys when you get here, by the way, we are low on stout if someone would be so kind as pick some up on their way home

Barratore pours out another tankard

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday July 6th, 2020 8:26:29 PM
Tishe’, having teleported herself and Barratorre to the Manor, then TPorts to the Giggling Ghost, pick up Lanliss, Edson, and a glass of GlassGrass wine, and TPorts back to the Manor.

“Right. We weave a tuning fork for Koshe Marr, Harrowed Moon, and the Wold. Failing that, we Shadow Walk and Wish ourselves within seeing distance of Marteus’ Castle.”

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday July 6th, 2020 8:28:49 PM
Emrys pets his little viper and thanks Murphy. “Esoteric knowledge can be manipulated, good Murphy.”

The half-elf takes Velarin’s offer you teleport home, and then the BloodWitch gets down to working to see if he can Tinker up three tuning forks.

(Ooc: not sure what to roll)

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Monday July 6th, 2020 9:24:30 PM
Lanliss agrees with Edson.
"Definitely, need to prepare ", Lanliss says out to himself

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Monday July 6th, 2020 9:34:20 PM

Inspired by Murphy’s tale, Velarin ponders the Plane Shift frequency that would be needed to go to Koshe Marr, and comes up with a solution! Where exactly it would land the party, he does not know. But it would get the job done. The frequency for returning to the Wold is well known, no problem there.

Emrys and Velarin make their farewells and thanks to Murphy, then return home. They put their heads together, find a craftsman, and come up with a tuning fork to Plane Shift to Koshe Marr (don’t know where, but to Koshe Marr for sure). And another fork to return to the Wold.

Barratore dismisses the Astral Projection, is willing to try the Shadow Walk, and prefers the Plane Shift.

Edson urges Lanliss to agree to the pick-up, and then shopping.

Lanliss agrees.

Tishe’ runs the errand, helping Lanliss and Edson get home, and helping Emrys and Velarin make the tuning forks.

Okay, what’s next for the Keepers of the Vale as they prepare for an adventure into great danger?

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 8:52:24 AM
V asks Murphy if he has had any experience with tuning forks for plane shift, specifically for Koshe Marr, and perhaps knows of anyone from his travels with the ability to make them. (V will accept the +2 to his knowledge of the planes check, bumping it to 51.)

"Murphy, If you think your father would be willing and able to craft the two tuning forks we want, I would be obliged if we could go meet him and ask."



Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood (Kim McCoy), garrulous towhead Halfling Druid of Humble's Ford 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 9:57:59 AM

"Oh, sure, he has made tuning forks," Velarin answers. "He needs to know how fast or how slow it's supposed to vibrate. If he hears the pitch, he can do it. What's his word? Frequency. When he was first making them, his first couple he made were perfect. His third was not. The two tines were not fully aligned, and he called it discordant. Now, he shaved off one tine ever so slightly, and brought it into harmony. Well, synchronicity, I guess. Maybe you'll want pure tones for your purposes. Maybe you'll want discordant. He can do either. He's in town today, less than a mile away. Let's go! He should just be finishing up second breakfast."

Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood looks to be in his fifties, a handsome halfling with a wee gap between his front teeth. He is lithe, and some of his strength can be witnessed in his corded forearms. "An honor to me you, sir," he says in a well-modulated voice once his son Murphy makes introductions.

He'll ask what he can do for Velarin. He talks about materials he generally uses for tuning forks. "I've only made about fifty or so over the past 15 years, but, surely, I think I can help you."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 12:17:11 PM
With Emrys having the recall stone from Quasphiel, and Velarin having the two tuning forks, Tishe’ is nearly ready. “Only thing I want to do is ensure I have some of my magical items NOT inside extra-dimensional spaces. We couldn’t use them in the Tecuri artifact pocket-dimensions; I’m not sure if we will have access in Koshe Marr either.”

With a little moving things around, and replacing Greater Teleport with Limited Wish, Tishe’ is ready!

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 12:20:59 PM
Emrys has no preparations to make. Everything in his HandyHaversack is mundane equipment that is useful, but not essential. He is ready to go.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 3:10:43 PM
Once back at the manor house, Edson excuses himself to the catacombs. "Does anyone need anything while I am there. I plan to stock up on some potions to help combat whatever we find."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 3:18:49 PM
Barratore asks V to convey his thanks to Murphy, the halfling was very generous with his time and now his father's as well.
Thanks Kim!

The fighter has little in the way of prep, but heeds Tishe's advise and will move his potions to his backpack. Not as convenient, but after arrival, he could experiment and possibly switch things back around.

When the group gets back together at the mansion, Barratore takes Edson aside, "I need to talk to you a minute." and Barratore heads outside and off under a few large oak trees. Turning to Edson, "Actually, I just wanted to give you this and not in front of everyone else

The fighter produces the Luck Stone and hands it to his friend, "Take it Edson." and places it into his hand. His head turns slightly and a gives a wink and a heartfelt pat to the shoulder. "Let's go save the Consortium."

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 6:19:42 PM
Lanliss goes to the catacombs as well..
While on his way to the catacombs, he thinks about what to say to Manolo....

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 8:11:13 PM

OK, slight retcon, Velarin, Tishe’, and Emrys work with Murphy and his dad to make the tuning forks -- two of them, for Koshe Marr and for the Wold. Then it is time for farewells.

Barratore offers Edson a bit of luck.

Edson and Lanliss both head to the Catacombs.. [OOC: No need to delay the game, we’ll assume you return laden down with your goodies.]

Members of the party, once burned, twice shy, remove their magical gear from their extradimensional storage items. Just in case.

It looks like the party is nearly ready to Plane Shift directly to Koshe Marr? Or are there other preparations?

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 9:22:22 PM
Tishe’ is ready to go

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 9:22:53 PM
Edson is ready to go.

(Thanks Kim with the guest appearance!)

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 8:02:05 AM
(It appears we are speeding things along. )

V works with Murphy and Samell to create the tuning forks needed for travel.

"Murphy, while you were in Koshe Marr, did any of you have any extra dimensional spaces? a bag of holding or handy haversack? I'm curious to know if you were able to access the space once you were in Koshe Marr?"

V telepathically asks the others if the group should pick up any anti-undead potions? something to counter the longer lasting effects of attacks by Wraiths or spectres besides damage

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evilX2, Magic missile X4, endure elem X2
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energyX3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X3, Greater Invis., Black Tentacles, Stoneskin, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Summon 7 X2, greater teleport X2, Mage's mansion, Limited Wish, Emp cone cold
8th: empowered chain lightningX2, Sunburst, Summon 8 X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X2, Wish, Time stop, Sunburst



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 6:25:01 PM
Lanliss knocks on Manolo's room.
His face somber....
"We are going to go....", Lanliss says and tries to show any signs of distress.
"As much as I would like you to join.....this adventure is going to push us beyond our limits "
"You are are very lucky and you have the potential but I would think it is better for you......to stay...here for a while...", Lanliss tries to suppress some tears that begin to well up on his eyes.

"Work on what I showed you, explore this place, and remember, Don't do something I wouldn't do ", Lanliss says with a smile and a wink at him.
He hugs him and gives him a few gold coins to make sure he can buy things he might want/need.

Lanliss then proceeds to rendezvous with the keepers.


OOC: Will make a visit to the catacombs to buy things for Lanliss and Manolo on Friday if it is ok.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 6:48:41 PM
Once Edson is back, he lets the others know hes ready. This was going to be tense and he was a.bit.nervous. not nervous of death or worse.. but butterflies im the stomach.

In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 11:57:32 PM

Lanliss spends some time with Manolo and tells him what's appropriate for the boy to know. After saying good-bye, the lad gives Lanliss a fierce hug. The manor staff will take good care of him.

After shopping, Lanliss and Edson are ready to go.

So is Tishe' and Emrys.

Velarin says, not so fast. He has questions. He finds out from Murphy that his group had no problem with extradimensional storage when they were in Harrowed Moon.

How about Baratorre?

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday July 9th, 2020 6:54:01 AM
Tishe’ nods, Velarin has some good questions! “But isn’t it a whole series of pocket dimensions? Rules for magic in one place could be different than in another. Best to just be prepared!”

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday July 9th, 2020 6:56:08 AM
Emrys plays with his viper, Daemon, and whispers: “The Shadows will reveal our true natures.”

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday July 9th, 2020 9:30:43 AM
Barratore's been ready for some time. Potions are in his bag, bow and normal quiver of arrows strapped across his back. One the group arrives in Koshe Marr, he'll run a quick experiment with an extradimensional space by putting and attempting to retrieve an arrow from hi efficient quiver.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Thursday July 9th, 2020 9:52:23 AM
"I guess we will need to find out, when we arrive there", Lanliss comments about the whole magic and pocket dimensions thingie.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday July 9th, 2020 11:50:57 AM
V retrieves the two tuning forks, and thanks Murphy and his father profusely. He then greater teleports back to the manor house and declares that he will be ready to go in the morning once he has re-memorized spells.

Shortly before bed, the wizard stands up and calls himself an idiot. Declaring to the rest of the Keepers, "It just occurred to me, that if I cast a gate spell instead of a plane shift, not only can I choose the plane, I can choose the location we arrive instead of it being random with plane shift. Thoughts? Ideas?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evil X4, Magic missile X4,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Emp cone cold, Mass Invis.
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, gate


In Search of Heroes! (DM Cayzle) 
Friday July 10th, 2020 12:30:56 AM

The Keepers are just about ready.

Velarin has a last minute Gate question.

[OOC: The ball is in your hands, friends.]

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday July 10th, 2020 6:51:06 AM
Tishe’ thinks but shakes her head. “The problem with a Gate is where we want to go. ‘ Deities and other beings who rule a planar realm can prevent a gate from opening in their presence or personal demesnes if they so desire.’ And all of Koshe Marr is Marteus’ personal playground. All that would do is alert him to our attempt.”

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday July 10th, 2020 6:52:56 AM
Emrys looks at Edson and Lanliss. “Burglars seldom announce their presence before stealing an object. The longer but sneakier path sounds like the better one.”

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday July 10th, 2020 9:14:58 AM
"Plane shift it is. I'll be ready in the morning."

Once morning arrives, V re-memorizes spells and once everyone is ready, casts plane shift using the Koshe Marr tuning fork, and crosses his fingers that it works

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

1st: Prot from evil X4, Magic missile X4,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Emp cone cold, Mass Invis.
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Friday July 10th, 2020 9:36:47 AM
Barratore nods to V and the rest, "Let's go have some fun, but remember. we are being stealthy." The last prevents him from keeping a straight face for more than the briefest of moments

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 26 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:34/ (87)141 
Friday July 10th, 2020 11:44:15 AM
Lanliss agrees with Tishe'.
"Being stealthy is always a good option"
....
"We will have to assume that they will know that we are there even if we stealthy and try to be...hmmm... undetected, they still have something that will hunt us down...so to speak like a hunter that looks for a prey ....forever eternally in the hunt"

"Assuming this horrid things won't get us but in the case of being detected...and if we don't have much time"
Lanliss stops for a moment to consider his thoughts.

"We might need to make a quick heist a see able one and make a run for it...to a safe place or out of that horrific plane"

"Unless Edson here has a plan or idea that I didn't think about?"


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: -112/128 
Friday July 10th, 2020 8:46:24 PM
Edson nods his head in agrrement with Emrys, and then shakes his head to Lanliss. " No. Stealth and quickness seems the only way to do this. Fast and at the corners of the eyes. "

Return To Index      Next Scene (A TREK THROUGH SHADOWS)
Copyright © 1980-2024 WoldianGames. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Site Map - Contact Us - SRD
 
WoldianGames Homepage