DM Kathy Wednesday May 9th, 2018 10:53:15 PM
You make your preparations. Bralin stretches. Rill reminds everyone of the delicious breakfast they had. Tahni closes her eyes; Zeoll and Jozhur take deep breaths. Aexana is already working on the problem of the water drop.
As Zeoll plays, the dry, grassy plane around you begins to shift and run. It's as if you're standing in a watercolor and it's raining. You half-expect the cool greens and blues of the ocean to begin replacing the red of the grasses. But your field of vision remains red, even as the temperature drops, water kisses your skin, and you suddenly weigh a lot less.
You are again underwater, but waving seaweed--sea grasses? What do you call it when plants that are supposed to live on land start taking over the underwater world? Whatever you call it, it is the only thing you see, swaying and shifting with the currents (and sometimes against them), offering occasional glimpses through to yet more grasses beyond. There’s enough of it that it’s noticeably dimmer down here than it was when you left. There’s no sign of natural sea life--no fish, crustaceans, coral, sea stars, unchins--not even barnacles. The grasses have taken over. Taken over this part of the ocean, or the entire Middle Sea? From this vantage point, you cannot tell.
A faint glow catches your eye. Turning, you see your shard of the crystal, the rough triangular shape reminiscent of a sail. Clashing colors run though it, making it look somehow angry. Above the shard is a weird displacement of water, forming a rough sphere about 5 feet in diameter. It's not immediately obvious what the thing is or what it's doing.
You know that you need to play the flute, scatter the herbs, and somehow get your drop of water onto the crystal. And you can tell already that the grasses are going to make that difficult. They are thick and pernicious, and they move with a will of their own, in addition to moving with the current. This is going to have to be a team effort.
OOC:
Here's how this is going to work. Everybody can make a check. You don't have to make a check, but if you don't, you're just making it tougher on your teammates.
This round:
You can make a Perform check to play the flute or speak a ritual. At least one person in the group must make a Perform check; other people can make them as well.
You can make a Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana check to figure out what's the deal with that water displacement sphere thingy.
You can make a Dexterity check to scatter the herbs and make sure they get on the crystal instead of being snatched away by the current. Or the grasses, for that matter. This isn't a requirement this round, but it needs to happen eventually.
You can formulate a plan for getting the water drop onto the crystal, then make whatever check you feel is appropriate. This isn't a requirement this round, but it needs to happen eventually.
You can make a Strength check to hold the grasses back away from the crystal so your teammates can do their work.
This ritual will take several rounds to complete; future rounds may have different checks available.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/34, channel 4/5) d20+8=14 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 6:15:04 PM
Well, the first step is getting to the crystal through the weeds, and there's few better at pushing through things than Terser. He powers himself up and swims at the crystal, wresting apart the clumps of seaweed as best he is able. Str: 14
He also shares his strength with his allies. (5 of you can take +4 str/con)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+9=19 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+5=14 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 6:55:37 PM
Once submerged again Aex drops her staff to bring the Staff Treant back into play... Leafy looks rather disgrunted to be under water again... he likes water but not to be under water...
The Staff Treant and Leafy both try to hold grasses away from this place. Staff Treant STR check : 19 Leafy STR check : 14
Aex turns into an Octopus making small and fairly nimble dodging these weeds... (DEX check 14)
She attempts to command the plants to back off... "BLUB" (submerged 'octopus' sounds rather watery but none the less she tries to get the weeds to free a path towards the Crystal. (Plant Command Will Save DC25 )
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 176/165) d20+5=12 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 7:14:21 PM
Bralin moves to help hold back grass, while his mind races to come with some ideas. Hopefully, Zeoll has already thought this through.
Str check 12
-- In effect: Heroes' Feast (11 temp hp, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear) Water Breathing Freedom of Movement
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 136/136 Thursday May 10th, 2018 7:20:48 PM
Tahni turns her attention to the single drop of water. She casts Roses Temp Control and tries to freeze the water around the sphere to create an ice ball. Her thinking being if she encases the drip that it too may freeze
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=32 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 9:23:34 PM
Rill looks at the disturbance above the crystal, trying to work out what it may be. (Spellcraft 32!)
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 111/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+6=7 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+3=6 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 10:41:54 PM
Jozhur offers to scatter the herbs, he thinks he can manage it. He's not sure he should do it yet, so he waits until prompted or the rest of whatever plan they come up with is in place.
He's not quite sure how to manage this. Could the sphere be captured in a container of some sort, the opening placed against the crystal, then the sphere dispelled?
If he's not needed to scatter herbs yet, he shares in Terser's rage and does his best to helps with the weeds. (strength: 6)
-------------------------------- Dex check: 7, hero point reroll: 11, another hero point (can I do that?): 20
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC29/31; 77+11 of 77hp) d20+2=20 ; d20+15=20 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 10:43:55 PM
Zeoll plays the manfri flute. Perform check 20.
If it is a masterwork flute, maybe Zeoll gets the standard +2? That would make it a 22
DM Kathy Friday May 11th, 2018 12:35:56 AM Terser and Bralin hold back the grasses so their companions can work. Aexana sends Leafy and the staff treant to help, while she dodges the grasses. She attempts to command them, but they are so fundamentally alien that her nature spells simply will not work.
Jozhur scatters the herbs. It is not, perhaps, the best herb-scattering of all time, but it is sufficient. [My understanding is that you can only do one re-roll, so let's take that 11. Which is good enough, if not stellar.] There are still herbs left, so he can try again next round.
Zeoll continues playing.
Tahni casts a spell and creates a little ball of frozen water around the Resilient Sphere. It's hard to say whether it froze the drop inside or not, but it's probably a good first step.
Rill figures out what that displacement effect is. It is an Anti-Magic Field! It seems to be generated by the crystal itself! It is moving around, somewhat unpredictably, and if it surrounds any of you for too long, you're in danger of drowning.
The crystal pulses with strange, dark energy. Everyone take 10 points of negative energy damage.
This round:
You can make a Perform check to play the flute or recite the ritual. At least one person must make a Perform check.
You can make a Dexterity check to scatter more herbs.
You can make a Strength check to hold the grasses back away from the crystal so your teammates can do their work.
You can make a Constitution check to grab hold of the pulsing crystal and keep it steady. This will help get the water droplet on it, and might help keep that anti-magic field in one place.
You can make a Spellcraft check to try to keep the anti-magic field from drifting into any of your companions.
You can make a Wisdom check to read the patterns of the currents and anticipate where the grasses and the anti-magic field are going to be next.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 77+1 of 77hp) d20+2=8 ; d20+13=26 ; Friday May 11th, 2018 6:03:50 PM
The negative energy leabves Zeoll with just one temp hp from the Feast!
He ignores it to keep on playing. Perform 26, 28 if the manfri instrument is masterwork.
OOC: Oh, Zeoll is playing with both hands and NOT using his shield, which is strapped to his side. AC reduced in header
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/34, channel 4/5) d20+8=25 ; Friday May 11th, 2018 11:20:00 PM
After pushing through the weeds as close to the crystal, he takes a deep breath (of water? Hah!) And tackles the crystal, trying to pin it down so the ritual can progress.
(Constitution 25)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 166/165) d20+5=12 ; Saturday May 12th, 2018 9:19:32 AM
Bralin sees Terser move on to pin down the crystal. He therefore remains, pushing back the grass.
Str 12
-- In effect: Heroes' Feast (11 temp hp, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear) Water Breathing Freedom of Movement
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+7=17 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+7=23 ; Sunday May 13th, 2018 5:33:48 PM
Aex-octopus swims through the red grasses and observes the patterns of the currents... (wisdom check 17) Anything she things to learn she points out using her tentacles...
Leafy and the Staff Treant continuesly try to hold the grasses away from the crystal (leafy str check 20 / staff treant str check 23)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 136/136 Sunday May 13th, 2018 7:25:32 PM
Tahni keeps up the freeze on the sphere, then holding her breath pushes it towards the antimagic field and crystal.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 111/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+6=8 ; Sunday May 13th, 2018 9:39:44 PM
Jozhur believed they are close to placing the droplet against the crystal, though he's not quite sure what the plan is. He conintues spreading more herbs around. He makes a wonderful mess of it at first, but with a heroic effort, he is able to swirl them around a little nicer.
Dex check: 8, hero point for +4=12
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=22 ; Sunday May 13th, 2018 10:22:34 PM
Rill makes a Spellcraft check to a control the anti-magic sphere and warn his friends of where it might go.
(Spellcraft 22)
DM Kathy Sunday May 13th, 2018 10:46:14 PM Zeoll continues playing (the weapon is masterwork).
Terser wrestles the crystal while Rill does his best to manage the Anti-Magic field it generates.
Bralin, along with Leafy and the Staff Treant, work keep the grasses away from the crystal.
Aexana reads the currents and signals with her tentacles.
Jozhur scatters more herbs. If he lives through this, and recalls the story later in taverns, he'll probably claim to have done a better job than this. But what he's doing is enough.
Tahni keeps the sphere frozen, and begins moving it toward the crystal.
This round:
You can make a Perform check to play the flute or recite the ritual. At least one person must make a Perform check.
Tahni can make a check to get the sphere to the crystal without running into the Anti-Magic Field. Spellcraft or Disable; your choice.
You can make a Dexterity check to scatter more herbs.
You can make a Strength check to hold the grasses back away from the crystal so your teammates can do their work.
You can make a Constitution check to grab hold of the pulsing crystal and keep it steady. This will help get the water droplet on it, and might help keep that anti-magic field in one place.
You can make a Spellcraft check to try to keep the anti-magic field from drifting into any of your companions.
You can make a Wisdom check to read the patterns of the currents and anticipate where the grasses and the anti-magic field are going to be next.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 136/136 d20+25=27 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 6:45:11 AM "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming" Tahni repeats the mantra in her head as she tries to push the frozen ball towards the crystal. With her arcane sight she can make out the antimagic field and moving amongst it is a little tricky (Spellcraft: 27).
She looks to see what the others are doing and takes comfort in seeing the group all working towards this common goal: save the Wold.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 30/34, channel 4/5) d20+8=10 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 5:47:49 PM
Terser continues to try to hold the crystal in place so Tahni can get the droplet onto it. He's not having much luck though, but hopefully makes it easier for Rill to hold the anti-magic field in place.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 166/165) d20+5=11 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 5:48:23 PM
Bralin notes that his comrades' roles have been established, each contributing a strength.
The dwarf keeps up his attack on the grasses, pulling them aside.
Str 11
-- In effect: Heroes' Feast (11 temp hp, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear) Water Breathing Freedom of Movement
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=31 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 6:44:18 PM
Rill makes another Spellcraft check to a control the anti-magic sphere and warn his friends of where it might go.
"Hey, this isn't so bad. I guess I didn't need all those underwater spells after all. Its nice to have another person that can cast Water Breathing Aex. Oooo, look out, I see the anti-magic sphere drifting over there a bit..."
(Spellcraft 31!)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 77+1 of 77hp) d20+2=6 ; d20+15=28 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 6:49:13 PM
Zeoll continues to focus on the playing.
The voices in his head argue, and Zeoll ignores them for now. He plays well enough without their help ... 28.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 111/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+6=21 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 9:57:32 PM
He's not sure how much is needed, but Jozhur continues spreading herbs around. He does a better job of it now, perhaps his getting the hang of it.
Dex check: 21
DM Kathy Monday May 14th, 2018 10:24:06 PM Tahni maneuvers the frozen sphere up against the crystal, which Terser holds steady while Rill keeps an eye on that anti-magic field.
Bralin continues holding back the grasses.
Jozhur scatters the last of the herbs while Zeoll continues to play.
You seem to be making progress, and the grasses somehow seem to sense the threat. They begin thrashing about in agitation--and, despite your best efforts, you cannot avoid the slashing blades. [Everyone take 6 points slashing damage. This damage will bleed 2 additional points per round until magically healed.]
The crystal gives off another pulse of dark energy. [Everyone take 10 points negative energy damage.]
This round:
You can make a Perform check to play the flute or recite the ritual. At least one person must make a Perform check.
The frozen sphere is now up against the crystal, but you need to touch the water drop to the crystal or this will all be for naught. And time is running out. You need a plan, and you probably need a Dexterity or Disable check--along with somebody to Dispel that resilient sphere.
You can make a Strength check to hold the grasses back away from the crystal so your teammates can do their work.
You can make a Constitution check to grab hold of the pulsing crystal and keep it steady. This will help get the water droplet on it, and might help keep that anti-magic field in one place.
You can make a Spellcraft check to try to keep the anti-magic field from drifting into any of your companions.
You can make a Wisdom check to read the patterns of the currents and anticipate where the grasses and the anti-magic field are going to be next.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 110/136 d20+4=20 ; d20+3=16 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2018 6:26:19 AM
Maintaining the Temp Control spell, Tahni pushes the sphere HARD against the crystal. It's been frozen for a little while now so hopefully what's inside is also frozen(-ish?)
She isn't too concerned about dispelling the sphere, trusting that the anti-magic field will do the dirty work for her when it gets close enough.
Con check: 20 Dex check: 16
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 24/34, channel 3/5) d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+8=15 Tuesday May 15th, 2018 10:31:56 AM
Terser continues to hold back the crystal Con 15, and spends some of his energy to swiftly channel, healing some of the damage from the cutting grasses.
spend 4 rounds of rage to channel as a swift action - heal all for 17
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=21 ; d20+30=42 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2018 11:29:38 AM
With his temporary hit points gone, Rill begins to feel the sting of the crystal. He monitors his companions' health through his Status spell. Everyone's hurt, but it's not time to intervene yet. Besides, Terser seems to have that well in hand.
He tries to gauge what Tahni is up to with the water drop (Sense Motive 42), and then tries to control the anti-magic sphere to be most helpful to her (Spellcraft 21).
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+7=26 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+9=25 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2018 4:42:24 PM
(sorry for missed post yesterday)
Aex-octopus swims around the crystal rather frustrated that she used her dispel spell earlier... observing the currents she hopes to help her friends - Wisdom check 26.
Leafy and the Staff Treat do what they do best and use their strength to keep the grasses away... Leafy STR check 10 - NATURAL 1 and Staff Treat check 25
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 165/165) d20+5=7 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2018 6:24:41 PM
Bralin feels the sting of grass and the negative energy pulse, but Tahni's channel relieves the pain.
There is little he can do to aid his comrades other than to keep the grass at bay.
Str 7
-- In effect: Heroes' Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear) Water Breathing Freedom of Movement
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 111/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+3=10 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2018 9:51:51 PM
With the herbs gone, Jozhur looks for another task. It appears the water drop is not prepared to be put in contact with the crystal, so he does his best to hold the grass back, along with Bralin.
Strength check: 10
DM Kathy Tuesday May 15th, 2018 10:25:53 PM Terser proves able to hold the crystal and cure his friends at the same time, which may prove valuable.
Tahni maneuvers the frozen sphere into place as Bralin and Jozhur do their best to hold back the grass.
With some help from Aexana, Rill positions the anti-magic field to where it will touch the resilient sphere.
Of course, none of this is an exact science. The field moves, and surrounds the drop. However, it also surrounds Tahni and Jozhur. Any magic they had on them is not working right now, perhaps including whatever they're doing to breathe down here.
Meanwhile the resilient sphere is gone, and the frozen water is rapidly melting in the warm water around you. You've got to get that drop on the crystal or all of this is for naught!
The crystal flashes again! Everybody takes 10 negative energy damage.
The grasses continue to thrash about! Everybody takes 2 slashing damage, which will continue to bleed until magically healed.
Zeoll appears to have stopped performing. Somebody needs to pick up the slack. It doesn't need to be flute music, but somebody needs to sing or dance or tell dirty jokes or something.
This round I'm not giving you specific checks. Figure out what needs to be done and do it. You're very close! Don't let it slip away!
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 77+1 of 77hp) d20+2=16 ; d20+17=29 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2018 1:24:34 PM
Zeoll pauses, powerless. Sometimes old age just does that to you. Other times the lines of energy that power all life just slip and fall.
But after a moment, Zeoll makes a huge effort, labors, and focuses. He gets his power from his work. He raises the pipes to his lips and plays ... Perform 29.
The melody battles the blades of bloodgrass and attacks the crystal that powers them.
[OOC: Sorry, lost my electricity at home. Typing this at work.]
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+7=24 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+9=17 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2018 7:57:20 PM
Aex is clueless how to end this... she keeps pointing out where the weeds will go while Leafy and the staff treat continue to keep the grasses away from the rest of the group
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 153/165) d20+5=9 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2018 8:15:05 PM
Trusting in his comrades to play their parts, Bralin continues his battle with the grass.
Str 9 ----- In effect: Heroes' Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear) Water Breathing Freedom of Movement Bleed (-2)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 110/136 d20+3=9 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2018 10:49:32 PM
With her breath held Tahni desperately tries to maneuver the drop. Its much harder to concentrate now Dex check: 9
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=24 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2018 11:14:02 PM
(oops. Not paying attention)
Rill ignores the damage, and focuses on the task at hand. He concentrates on the anti-magic sphere, but this time to keep it in a place that helps Tahni.
(spellcraft 24)
DM Kathy Wednesday May 16th, 2018 11:45:31 PM Zeoll continues to perform. Bralin is flagging, but valiantly continues holding back the grasses.
Aexana is getting the hang of keeping the grasses away from her friends, but Tahni is struggling. She tries to maneuver the drop onto the crystal. Did she succeed? Um...you think so? But it's so hard to tell! There was no immediate effect, and now, of course, the droplet is lost among all the billions of drops of water in the ocean.
Rill manages to lift the anti-magic field away, so Tahni and Jozhur can breathe again.
The crystal flashes! Everybody take 10 points negative energy damage. The grasses wave, but thanks to Aexana, you are not further damaged. Your old wounds bleed for a point, however.
You all get the sense that something's got to give, and soon. The grasses are increasingly frantic; the crystal's pulses are erratic; the anti-magic field seems to be wavering. You're still not sure whether the drop made it onto the crystal, but the only way to find out is to see this through to the bitter end!
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 24/34, channel 3/5) d20+8=12 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 12:12:37 AM
Terser growls with the effort of holding the crystal still, sounding odd and gurgly down here in the water.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 111/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+24=37 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 12:02:13 PM
Jozhur starts coughing as he momentarily tries to breath water without the benefit of magic. Thankfully the magic quickly returns.
He notices Tahni has the frozen sphere against the crystal and the ice is melting. Jozhur rushes over and places his hands over the sphere, along with Tahni's, to make sure the water droplet is forced into the sphere.
Unless someone has a dispel handy, they will need that anti magic zone to come in contact with the droplet while it is against the crystal.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+7=22 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+9=22 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 4:28:40 PM
Aex looks around in fear...What's going to happen?? Did Thani succeed?? The vines are soo frantic it's becoming terrifying... All she can do is keep an eye on things and point i'to the right direction... wis check 22
Leafy and the staff treant have vines all over them. . They are slaching into the red mass hoping to warding the Lionfish Crew from being entangled... STR check 12 and 22
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 22/34, channel 3/5) d20+8=14 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 5:05:06 PM Did someone say they needed another Dispel?
If needed, Terser will aim his where Tahni and Rill tell him. Otherwise, he continues doing his best to hold the crystal tight. con 14
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) d20+5=14 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 7:26:44 PM
Bralin is unwavering, and continues to rip at the grasses.
Str 14
For those counting, that's five straight sub 10 rolls
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) d20+2=18 ; d20+17=21 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 7:26:53 PM
Zeoll takes the damage and keeps on playing!
The voices in his head actually offer some good advice this time, and the old taur plays as well as he can on this fine instrument. Perform 21.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 90/136 d20+3=5 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 8:05:31 PM
It's about this time that Tahni closes her eyes and focuses on holding her breath. The Wold needs her to keep trying. The distraction is starting to feel overwhelming. Dex check: 5
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp Thursday May 17th, 2018 10:44:25 PM
Forgot at the bottom of my post:
Disable device to help Tahni: 37
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d20+14=16 ; Thursday May 17th, 2018 10:46:00 PM
Rill keeps on with trying to control things thru spellcraft. (only a 16)
DM Kathy Thursday May 17th, 2018 11:42:45 PM Terser growls as he struggles to hold the crystal.
Bralin, with Aexana's help, keeps the grasses at bay.
Tahni and Jozhur work together to move as much water as possible past the crystal, which is all they can do at this point. Only the gods themselves could now find the single drop amid so many.
Rill tries to manage the anti-magic field, but his energy is flagging.
Zeoll valiantly keeps performing.
And then it happens. The crystal turns dark, then bright. Cracks begin to appear, spiderwebbing out from a larger crack in the center. Terser holds the crystal for as long as he can, but eventually even his dwarfish toughness gives out and he drops it. A shaft of blue light bursts from the crack in the center, reflecting eerily in the water around you. The light blazes upward, as far as you can see, probably even past the surface of the water. A single, low thrum moves through the waves, and the crystal seems almost to dissolve into thousands of tiny pieces.
The grasses stop moving. They begin to wither.
It would appear you have completed your task.
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Friday May 18th, 2018 5:12:20 PM
Seeing the large crystal disintegrate into smaller pieced, Rill tries to grab a couple as a souvenir.
With the crystal destroyed and the weeds dying, Rill will pull in the strength of his God and release it in a healing burst. Hopefully this stops any bleeding as well.
Everyone is healed for 34 points!
"Wow - nice work everyone! After a quick survey of the area we should head up and see what can be done from there. I don't swim so well in this armor, so once everyone's ready I can read a scroll of Water Walk which will bring us all to the surface. From there we can figure out how to get home, and I have some options for that as well."
Rill will cast Detect Magic to see if there's anything down here we may have missed.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 22/34, channel 3/5) Friday May 18th, 2018 6:36:51 PM
Terser cautiously releases his rage, not sure how much of a reprieve they'll have and what that beam of light may have attracted. He pants in short bubbly breaths and looks around the deeps. He will not be sad to see the last of this place.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) Friday May 18th, 2018 8:45:09 PM
Zeoll grins and carefully stows away the manfri instrument. If it is not magical now, Zeoll thinks it would make a great item for him to enchant.
He looks at the end of the crystal. "I am no comedian," he jokes, "but this time I rreally crracked up the audience!"
He smiles to see the unnatural grasses wilt.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp Saturday May 19th, 2018 5:13:55 PM
Jozhur smiles as the alien grass withers away. They had hopefully saved the Wold, again. Then he hears Zeoll. Jozhur shales his head, "No, you certainly are not."
Jozhur starts to make for the surface. He's ready to be back on dry land, or at least the deck of the Lionfish.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 Saturday May 19th, 2018 10:00:17 PM
With her necklace of adaptation working again Tahni can FINALLY take a breath again. She looks utterly exhausted by the ordeal but have a grin on her face.
Much like Rill, she tries to grab a few fragments to remember this by. They may even make for an interesting focus for some spells.
She too scans the nearby area for any signs of magical auras (Arcane Sight. Spellcraft to ID auras/things: 35)
Tahni looks upwards for signs that the ship is still up there, and to make sure there are no sailors in the water.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 Sunday May 20th, 2018 5:31:41 PM
Aex gazes the red weeds as they start to wither... she'll never know where they came from... she'll never understand the nature of it not what potential powers they held... yet... the Wold won't come to and end and well.. that's a good thing...
Little Aex Octopus swims and jets around the group glad that this madness is over.
But who was that guy they met on the other side??
DM Kathy Sunday May 20th, 2018 7:21:53 PM Rill is able to grab a couple of pieces of the crystal--one about the size of his thumbnail; the other about half that size. He heals his companions, then casts Detect Magic to see if there's anything you missed. You detect no magical auras other than the ones on your companions.
Zeoll, Terser, Aexana, and Jozhur are just glad to be putting this thing behind them. Jozhur begins swimming for the surface.
Tahni is able to snag a piece of crystal about the size of a gold piece. She also detects no magical auras that can't be accounted for. You look up, but cannot see the Lionfish from this angle. You also see nothing in the water except dying red grass. And your companions, of course.
Rill offers to cast a Water Walk, which should shoot you right up to the surface, without all that tedious swimming.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 Monday May 21st, 2018 9:14:56 AM
Tahni looks about the water for signs of any other marine life. Last time they were around here there was a seriously big fish type thing.
She waits to see what the rest of the party want to do.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) Monday May 21st, 2018 10:45:57 AM
Zeoll is worried about the holy drop of water. Is it gone for ever? Can anyone detect for it? Zeoll himself scans with Detect Magic. He ponders casting Locate Object, and suggests the spell to his fellow casters.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 Monday May 21st, 2018 6:16:27 PM
When the group swims or walks towards the surface so does Aex-octopus.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) Monday May 21st, 2018 6:35:43 PM
Bralin moves in next to Rill.
Water walking will be necessary to get the heavily laden dwarf to the surface.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 22/34, channel 3/5) Monday May 21st, 2018 7:22:31 PM
Terser could probably swim up. But lazy sounds good. Water Walk me, Cap'n!
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Monday May 21st, 2018 9:37:15 PM
Rill will read a scroll of Water Walk , causing everyone to rise to stand on the surface of the sea.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp Monday May 21st, 2018 9:41:07 PM
Jozhur stops swimming when he sees Roll produce the scroll. He waits for the water walk spell, thinking it's better they go up as a group...just in case.
DM Kathy Monday May 21st, 2018 10:18:33 PM Tahni looks around for big fish. You don't see any. You also don't see any little fish, or shellfish, or any sea life of any kind. You're not sure you could even locate a speck of plankton. Your group has stopped the spread of the grasses, but clearly this part of the sea is going to need some time to recover.
Zeoll looks around for the drop of water, but sees no sign of it. The gods themselves could no doubt find it again, but it is probably a task beyond even the most dedicated of mortals. [Also, if the gods meant for the drop to be preserved, that message clearly did not get conveyed to the Universe.]
Rill produces a scroll and casts Water Walk. You all rise swiftly through the water and come to the surface.
On the surface of the water, you notice a few things. There are several mats of the red grasses floating here, and obviously dying. It is a beautiful, sunny day, just after noon if the sun is any indication.
There is no sign of the Lionfish, or any ships at all.
Jozhur's knees, hips, and shoulders are suddenly very painful. The pain is bad enough you're not sure you can walk.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 7:04:44 AM
Rill make the trip to the surface a lot easier for Tahni. She could breathe underwater but her swimming could still use some work.
"So, uh, does anyone know where the ship is?" Perhaps they followed some order of the Captain to head somewhere after a certain time? She really has no idea right now.
Tahni tries to stay well clear of the red grass/seaweed.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 4:58:20 PM "Soo... we're in the middle of the sea and no Lionfish?? What's this?? Mutiny?
Aex checks around to see if there's anything to hold on to... closest thing now is Leafy and the Staff Treant... wood floats right...
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 5:16:38 PM "Hmm. A bit of a predicament, but I have a solution of sorts."
Rill pulls out a feather, cleverly folded and clipped to look like a tiny boat. As the feather vanishes a large boat appears, gleaming white with a prow in the shape of a swan's neck and head. The sides are carved to look like feathered wings.
Since we are all walking on the surface of the water, it's a simple matter to climb aboard the vessel.
He turns to Zeoll. "Well Captain, how far do you think we are from Bonetown? This thing will move along at a good clip, but it will only last for a day. If we cannot reach shore in that time, I do have another boat - good for another day. But a better solution may be to memorize some teleport spells and see what we can do to get back home. I fear I cannot transport everyone without using up a pricy item though.
"Thoughts?" ------------------------------------ Swan Boat: A token that forms a swan-like boat capable of moving on water at a speed of 60 feet. It can carry eight horses and gear, 32 Medium characters, or any equivalent combination. The boat lasts for 1 day.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20=10 ; Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 5:34:11 PM
Jozhur is happy to see the surface of the Wold again, even if it is just the ocean. Then he feels as if he's being stabbed in all his joints. Jozhur gasps and sits on the surface of the water, "I may need help getting in that boat, I'm not sure whats wrong with me."
Heal check to diagnose self: 10
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 6:52:30 PM
Rising to the surface, it dawns on Bralin that being stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean is not the worst thing that could happen. Stuck in the middle of the ocean without a boat is the worst.
And so the dwarf gratefully clambers aboard Rill's Swan Boat.
Noticing Jozhur experiencing difficulty, Bralin reaches out and hauls the man aboard as well, and then quickly casts a Cure Light Wounds on the man to see if that relieves his pain.
As the Water Walk is cast, Zeoll also picks up a couple shards of the crystal. The old taur has become a bit of a pack-rat in his dotage, and these will make a fine addition to his collection, one that currently includes a teacup, some jewelry, an assassin's dagger, several plushies, and, of course, the tooth of a demigod.
Rising to the surface, and then in open air, Zeoll tries to be alert: Perception 30.
He looks for the ship, alas. "It should be herre," he tells Tahni.
He looks at the Swan Boat and worries that he is too big. "We taurrs will have trrouble fitting ...:"
He breaks off and stares at his friends. Tahni, Bralin, and Terser, of course, are dwarves. Aexana is a gnome. Jozhur and Rill are humans. He sees no snow-white minotaur woman, no horned captain ... IT has been a long time since Hash and Coer and Magana left the Lionfishers, since fully half the party were taurs. Now only he is left. What is he thinking?
Well, not wanting to take up half the boat by himself, Zeoll stands on the waves next to it for now. He can Reduce himself if need be to fit, but the duration is not long.
The old taur is distracted from this maudlin line of thought when Rill asks him where the party is located, exactly. Zeoll grins. He knows the answer to this ...
[OOC: Zeoll cast his Extended Guiding Star spell on Monday November 13th, 2017, at 6:19:39 PM. It lasts 22 days. Is it still going? If so, he should have a really pretty good idea of exactly where the party is.]
In addition, Zeoll has his sailor and geography lore to aid him ... plus the blessing of the Silver Lady (Guidance) and the quiet voices in his head ... Well, actually, the voices are more of a distraction this time.
Profession Sailor: 22 Know Geography: 28
Zeoll explains the party's location as best he can.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 10:44:14 PM
The complete absence of a ship is alarming, to say the least. Tahni asks whether they might have had orders to leave, but they didn't seem to. Aexana raises the possibility of mutiny, which, unfortunately, seems more likely. Or perhaps there were extenuating circumstances.
Jozhur is preoccupied with his pain, but Bralin is able to cure it with a spell. Jozhur isn't exactly sure what caused his pain, although he has heard of a condition called "the bends." Though why he got it and nobody else did is something of a mystery.
Rill, ever prepared, brings out a feather that turns into a boat, which has plenty of room for everyone. [Per the item description: It can carry eight horses and gear, 32 Medium characters, or any equivalent combination. It could hold you even if you were all Taurs!]
Zeoll tries to get oriented via spells and his Lady, but honestly, it's not that difficult.
It was only a couple of days ago that you sailed out here from Bonetown, and you didn't sail far. Indeed, you saw the meteor hit from the town and sailed to the spot it went down. At water level, you were unable to see the town, but now that the swan boat has given you some elevation, you can see Bonetown on the horizon. You can be there by dark.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 22/34, channel 3/5) Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 11:38:37 PM
"Scrolls and feathers that survive a dunking like that? Magic is crazy indeed, Rill." And it's a good thing they have qualified magic folk about to get them out of these pickles.
He is briefly concerned for Jozhur, but Bralin seems to have him well in hand.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 d20+25=31 ; Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 6:05:42 AM
Tahni ascends to a good 40ft above the swan boat "trying" not to let any drops of water drip down onto Terser.
It's good to be in the air again. Somewhere she can move and not worry about suffocating to death. So, you know, a good thing.
Perception: 31
Rill (MarkB) HP 99/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 1:51:28 PM
At the boat moves toward Bonetown in the distance, Rill takes a moment to magically return his white robes to their clean and pressed state. It's interesting to be aboard a vessel with no discernible means of locomotion. He looks over the side, wondering if it's some bound elemental that moving the thing along.
"By Garguls Staff, you know how long I've been carrying that feather boat thing around? I thought I'd never get to use it. I'll have to see if I can get one that looks like a dragon instead of a swan.
"Speaking of which, anybody keep a list of the things we've found since we last divided up our pirate's booty? Maybe we can visit the catacombs. I hope I'll also have time to write some scrolls I've used."
On the way back, Rill will Channel Energy enough to get everyone sufficiently healed up, with an extra cure or tow on Jozhur if needed. (Oh kindly DM, please let me know if you want rolls on this.)
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 6:03:51 PM
Rill rummages around in his pockets.
"Oh hey. I think we forgot about some of this stuff. And there there's the new stuff we got from that ooze we fought. That thing was bad. I think this is everything - am I forgetting anything? We'll definately need a visit to the catacombs."
Treasure to sell - past and present:
+2 Keen scythe Metamagic Rod: Extend Wand of Resist Energy Bag of Tricks: Rust Scroll of Wall of Thorns Ioun Stone: Pale Lavender Ellipsoid Ring of Chameleon Power Staff of Evocation Wand of Phantom Steed (30 chg) Dwarven Thrower 3 fire opals 4 silver goblets decorated with moonstones 2 coral bracelets gold an emerald necklace
(I have values on these. I'll send out an email.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 6:26:28 PM
Aexana (octopus) jets around the swan boat as it makes it way towards Bonetown again... hopefully they'll catch sight of the Lionfish soon... Leafy dislikes salt water so he'll be more than happy to get out of the water again.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 6:27:39 PM
Bralin nods in response to Rill.
A trip to the Catacombs is in order, once they get to land.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 183, DR 1/-] (25% no crit, rage 22/34, channel 3/5) Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 7:16:57 PM
Terser was thinking about holding on to that dwarven thrower. Seems appropriate? But he'll need to unload some cash to the rest of you. It's pretty pricy. Maybe he'll ask Aexana to make a wind wall, throw the gold in, and they can all compete to see who can grab the most!
DM Kathy Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 11:33:57 PM
Adventuring parties can get to be like families, complete with annoying siblings. Tahni flies above the swan boat, earnestly and sincerely (allegedly) trying to avoid dripping water onto Terser, but somehow never quite managing it.
Rill heals his companions [do roll and keep track of resources expended. I don't know what happens next, or whether you'll have a chance to rest.] He begins sorting through treasure and talking of a trip to the Catacombs, while Aexana makes sure her leafy friends are securely situated on the boat.
You reach Bonetown in the late afternoon. When you left the place, most of it was still under several feet of water from a devastating tsunami. Few buildings were left standing, and it was anybody's guess how well the docks had held up.
Perhaps surprisingly, the town now shows few signs of the tsunami. New construction has sprung up all over; the docks seem to have been repaired. It's clear that the bloodgrass never made it this far, but...how had so much building been accomplished in just a few days?
Even more welcome than the sight of the town, though, is the site of the Lionfish, tied to the docks, seeming to wait demurely for your arrival.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp d20+27=34 ; Thursday May 24th, 2018 11:47:37 AM
Feeling much better, Jozhur thanks Bralin for the aid. He starts to worry about the Lionfish, and Tula, then he remembers she was told to only wait a day.
The familiar sight of Bonetown and the Lionfish bring a smile to Jozhurs face. The swan boat is nice, just not quite their style. What will the pirates think of such a thing. He considers jumping off and swimming ashore to avoid being seen on the thing.
Instead, he just hides. (Stealth: 34)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) d20+2=6 ; d20+19=26 ; Thursday May 24th, 2018 1:15:22 PM
"Uh oh," murmurs the old liontaur. "I have a funny feeling about this."
Zeoll, as a Cradled follower of Maab and Eberyon, knows that time moves strangely in the Wold's Cradle. Tales of those who visit the fey for a night and awaken 100 years earlier are based on a grain of truth. He smells the winds and looks to the sky and ground. If the seasons have shifted, maybe his trained nose can smell that.
Know Nature to detect the season. Has a lot of time elapsed? He leafs through is field manual, murmurs a prayer, and listens for the advice of the voices in his head ... Know Nature 26.
If his fears are confirmed, he tells his friends, "Yes, indeed, a long time has passed while we dallied in the Vales of Twilight! Time moves strangely therre, and we have arrived long after we deparrted."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP116/116 - AC25/21/21 - CMD 22 and LEAFY (L) - HP55/55 - AC23/21/20 - CMD 20 d20+14=16 ; Thursday May 24th, 2018 7:26:51 PM
Aex changes back to her own Gnome purple pink haired self. She nods at Zeoll (know nature). It seems to make sense what he says though she just can't put her finger on it... question is... how much time did they lose??
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 Thursday May 24th, 2018 7:48:04 PM
Tahni is still just confused by things and getting a little paranoid. She looks bacl out to sea to make sure there aren't any huge tsunami like waves coming.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) Thursday May 24th, 2018 9:10:19 PM
Bralin looks out from the Swan Boat, and channels his inner Captain Obvious.
"More than a few days have passed," he intones.
Rill (MarkB) HP 111/111 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 23 d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Friday May 25th, 2018 12:36:56 AM
Rill channels energy on the way in, healing all for 27 points.
Once we dock, he first visits the Harbormaster, asking the news and how long we've been gone.
DM Kathy Friday May 25th, 2018 12:48:05 AM
As you approach the dock, Jozhur crouches down so the cool kids won't see him riding in a lame swan boat. Tahni looks back out to sea, but sees nothing that shouldn't be there.
Zeoll is aware that time can move differently in the Lands of Rest, and tries to work out how long you've been gone. It is still summer, though later in the summer than when you left. You estimate that you've been gone for several weeks, probably at least a month! No wonder the Lionfish returned to port! Aexana confirms Zeoll's assessment, and Bralin concurs.
Rill seeks out the Harbormaster, who seems astonished to see you. "You--you're alive!" he exclaims. Then, "That--I can't believe it! Where were you? What happened? And what--oh. This complicates things." He looks over toward the Lionfish. "You'd better have a word with that First Mate of yours."
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) Friday May 25th, 2018 8:57:21 PM
Captain Zeoll knows his duty! He seeks out the Lionfish and has a listen to what Tula has to say.
He is more amused than anything, however. He's not one to take offense, considering an assumption of death was very reasonable.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC35 / T14 / FF32)CMD 30 - HP 142/165) Saturday May 26th, 2018 8:55:54 AM
Bralin raises an eyebrow at the Harbormaster.
In an aside to Zeoll, he comments, "Mayhap Tula sold the Lionfish?"
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; 67 of 77hp) Saturday May 26th, 2018 10:37:32 AM
Zeoll snorts back a laugh.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23 / Touch 16 Flat 16--CMD 27--HP 88/111 --Shadow Companion 43/55hp Saturday May 26th, 2018 8:42:47 PM
Jozhur steps out from his hiding spot and gives the harbourmaster a look, then the Lionfish. He marches along with Zeoll to go see Tula.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 20/13/17 -- CMD 19 -- HP 124/136 Sunday May 27th, 2018 8:19:03 AM "You wouldn't happen to know the date, would you?" Tahni asks the harbormaster before the group leave to investigate the ship.
LOG ON