DM Carl Wednesday August 19th, 2020 3:31:16 PM
Everyone who eats the cake discovers it is delightful. True to her suggestion, it pairs perfectly with the rum. Bralin especially seems to dig in. He wonders aloud who the last semi-finalist is.
"Claw," Heather answers simply between bites. She lets it hang there a bit as she eats. "Surprised she wasn't there watching with her team today. Heard you two almost had a bit of a dust up." She frowns. "Wasn't nice of Mint to hurt that crocodile, though."
She stays for a bit, drinking a modest amount of rum and one more piece of cake, before she takes her leave.
Then, Rill gets busy. He starts with a divination spell, asking simply "What awaits us should we appear at the designated time and place indicated in the notes that were left behind?"
No answer is immediately forthcoming. Rill starts to get a little worried, maybe...then he gets a lot worried. A sense of foreboding falls around him, like he's running out of time. "That, plus monsters. Big ones." He recognizes the voice as his diety's right hand, Gimp. The feeling vanishes.
He then communes with Gargul, posing questions...many questions. He's on your side, no doubt, but has to follow the rules and answers the questions exactly as asked.
1-Are all of the missing team members still alive? "Yup." Gimp's voice again. 2-Are the missing team members being held near this destination? "Yup." 3-Is it safe to teleport to this destination? "Um, I guess?" He doesn't seem to sure about that. 4-Are there undead near this destination? "Nope" 5-Are there outsiders near this destination? "Nope" 6-Are there any Woldian gods near this destination? "Nope" 7-Are there any Immortal Powers near this destination? A pause. "We're not sure, chief," he finally answers. 8-Are any of the other team members of the missing people complicit in the abductions? "Uncertain." 9-Are the Chancers complicit in the abductions of these missing team members? "Uncertain." 10-Are the monks complicit in the abductions? "Uncertain." 11-Does the Last Whisper carry undead in the sarcophagus? "Nope" 12-Is the number of constructs on the island growing? "Nope" 13-Did any of the missing people go voluntarily? "Nope" 14-Are human monks being replaced by constructs? "Nope" 15-Has Heather been complicit in any attempts to sabotage us? "Nope" 16-Is Bruagh Stormbringer nearby? "Yup" 17-Is there movement among the pantheon that would make the Gods tense and moody? "They're always tense and moody, kid, but yea."* 18-Do we have any former foes involved in these abductions? Another pause. "Maybe" is the answer that comes a moment later. Then, he's gone.
*Rill no doubt remembers the pantheon was shook up lately, with Wardd and Serenbeth joining, plus the defeat of Marteus. That wasn't too long ago.
With the day's events over, the ball is in our heroes' court. The time from the clues they've found is about four hours from now.
**********
Good to be back. Life's been rough these past several weeks, so Ken's pulled basically all the weight in this game. I've gone back and caught up as much as I'm able, but I'll be more flexible with ret-cons if I get something wrong.
Also, you guys are way overdue to level up. The XP listings on your character sheets are all over the place, so I'll just put you all at 2,550,000, just enough to hit 19th.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 255/255, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (SR21, 25% no crit, rage 31/43, channel 7/7) Wednesday August 19th, 2020 4:38:35 PM
Terser feels like he's learned quite a bit from his 2 recent bouts and takes the time to review the fights to use that growth in the coming battles.
News of Bruagh is surprising and welcome, after the teasing images that Tahni got earlier. It will be good to see his friend again! Maybe they'll even have an unexpected ally should things go south. He won't even consider that he could be part of the conspiracy.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T21 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/251) Wednesday August 19th, 2020 6:22:01 PM
Bralin considers the answers.
"We must go," he concludes. "And be prepared for a hard fight."
The dwarf tries to remember the name, but finds he cannot. "Who is Bruagh Stormbringer?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Wednesday August 19th, 2020 7:43:25 PM
Fang is ready to go, though it's to early yet. "Let get some food make any final preparations and get moving. Doesn't seem like there's much else to discuss before the appointed time."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 22/13/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 143/154 -- DarkVision Wednesday August 19th, 2020 8:48:45 PM "Mother Maab!" Tahni whispers "Bruagh. He's my... Bruagh". From her reaction, it's pretty clear that Bruagh is someone Tahni holds very dear.
The divination results aren't definitive though. Perhaps he had passed over and it's only his body that is nearby? Maybe the spirit she has been seeing is what's left of Bruagh and that is what is nearby? Dare she dream it, he may even be alive and close.
Tahni casts Locate Creature, focusing on trying to locate Bruagh. "Come on. Come on"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday August 20th, 2020 12:20:21 AM
Jozhur puzzles over Tahni, but decides against interrupting her.
"Those answers don't make me feel much better about teleporting into the depths of the sea. At least it [ii]might[/i] be safe."
DM Carl Thursday August 20th, 2020 4:16:18 PM
*I realized earlier that leveling you up a few hours before an encounter isn't really fair for casters, so I'm going to let you prepare any additional spell slots you aquire from leveling before hand. Spells you've already cast today aren't regained, though. I'll be flexible with any other situations like this, just let me know.
Bralin and Fang decide to get moving, but the question is asked: Who is Braugh Stormbringer?
It's a sad tale, one your DM will leave for Tahni should she be inclined to discuss it.
Tahni casts a locate person spell on her missing love. One wonders how many times she's cast that spell. The answer is like all the others: no result. Gargul's idea of nearby must extend beyond 1200'. Would Gargul say Braugh was nearby if the dwarf was dead and just a spirit? The god of life and death is harsh, but not cruel. He must be somewhere...
Terser finds some hope as well. He spent time with Braugh for a while after Tahni last saw him, but his friend was not the same. He seems to have little doubt the former paladin's axe is still sharp as it ever was.
Jozhur isn't part of that story, though. He's thinking about how they're going to get there. Gimp's answers about teleportation aren't filling him with confidence. They have an entire ship at their disposal, but rounding up the crew is going to take some time, loyal as they are. Who knows if they're in shape to sail. There's also the matter of the coordinates having a depth of nearly 3 miles.
Do they wait till the last minute and risk teleporting not working? Do they teleport in hours early? No obvious answers, are there?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday August 20th, 2020 6:08:37 PM
(updated header - level 9 Barb isn't terribly exciting.)
Terser is going back and forth between doing the teleport a few minutes late or a few minutes early. Either way poses its own challenges.
What are our limits on teleporting? Can we summon some extraplanar allies and bring them with us?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday August 20th, 2020 7:14:46 PM
Bralin considers the tactical question.
"Arriving late may prove unfortunate for the hostages. I would arrive somewhat early."
PC Sheet and Header updated.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Thursday August 20th, 2020 9:58:37 PM
Tahni frowns, clearly disappointed that her detection spell failed. She's close though. Closest that she has even been before. She has to take comfort in that.
"We could bring some summoned aid with us, but they wouldn't be able to teleport themselves. We'd have to teleport them with us. I have to admit, teleportation isn't something that I'm very good at. I only have the one spell prepared, and I'm not sure it would work to get us there. It would work to get us back though". Tahni has Teleport prepared, but not Greater Teleport.
"I agree with Bralin. It would be better to arrive a little early than a little late."
Tahni casts a See Invisibility spell on herself to compensate for the one permanently dispelled when she entered the gauntlet. She's happy though that they had a chance to rest safely in the mansion last night and recover her other spells and buffs.
"We need to do something about that armor, Terser". Tahni reaches out and casts Magic Vestment on it.
---------- OOC: Sheet and header updated. Took BW lvl 7.
Cast Magic Vestment on Tersers armor to buff it from +1 to +5 bonus for 20hrs
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Thursday August 20th, 2020 11:38:34 PM
Jozhur scratches his chin. "If we are to sail, we must be going. Even then, it's a long ways down.". As much as I don't like it, if we can get there with magic I think we should."
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Friday August 21st, 2020 1:53:20 AM
Having shared all of what he learned, Rill says, "Gimp's pause suggests we're not getting the full story here. Big Surprise. I'll need about 15 minutes to prepare a bit, but I doubt we have time to get the ship ready. I'm not even sure how having our ship out there would help.
"As for getting there, I can cast Greater Teleport and can likely get us back. I can only take six others though so Leafy cannot go with us this time, unless someone else has a way. Not sure if we'll actually be in water when we get there, but we best be prepared."
"And who knows, we may teleport into an anti-magic area."
Rill has a few open slots he may fill before we go. And leveling up - hmmm.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Friday August 21st, 2020 3:38:44 AM
Tahni pulls out the garments she made this morning and hands them out to the party. They may come in handy.
--------------- OOC: Part of Tahni's morning ritual is to cast Tishe's Weave Elements to create water garments that take the chest slot. Terser, Bralin, Jozhur, Fang, Rill, and Aex gain Waterbreathing if/when they wear them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Friday August 21st, 2020 7:45:12 AM
Fang gets distracted by Tahni's reaction and subsequent casting. "Who's Bruagh? Do we need to look for him before we go? We've got 4 hours."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday August 21st, 2020 12:16:10 PM
Terser tips an invisible cap to Tahni. Thank you, Tahni. Because of my fighting style, I seem to get hit regardless of my armor, but this will sure help if there are any surprises. And I'm sure there will be at this rate. Temp AC 26/23
To answer Fang Bruagh is a friend of mine and Tahni's from back in the Scab. We haven't seen him in ages though.
DM Carl - Four hours left Friday August 21st, 2020 4:28:37 PM
Terser wonders what the limits on teleporting are, which is a question the Sea Dragons should be considering a bit more.
OOC: Teleport requires a "clear idea of the location and layout of the destination." Greater teleport requires "at least a reliable description of the place to which you are teleporting." Teleport is right out since you have no idea what is at those coordinates. Ken and I discussed it, and we're also not allowing greater teleporting directly to those coordinates for a few reasons. The one that seals the deal to me is the latitude/longitude given to you represents an 11 mile square area on Earth at the equator. The Wold's smaller, but not so much that the coordinates are pinpoint accurate. Ken and I both came up with a few ways to get there, and we trust in your ingenuity. The Catacombs are available if you need them.
Bralin would rather arrive early than late. That seems prudent.
Tahni ponders the logistics of teleporting everyone. She knows for sure a regular teleport spell won't cut it here. She begins casting spells to help them prepare for whatever's next.
Rill makes a bold assumption about Gimp's answers. Greater teleport is worth considering, and shouldn't be out of the question, but he'll need a better idea of what they're teleporting to. As captain of a sailing vessel, he likely also knows how wide an area those coordinates represent.
Fang's still not clear on who this Braugh fellow is. Terser fills in the blanks for her a bit. She wonders if they have time to look for him. Whether four hours is plenty of time or not enough depends on the group's plan.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday August 21st, 2020 6:38:42 PM Here's a thought, Joz - can we get a message spell on you and your shadow, send them in to scout and get a description back to Rill for the teleport? Or barring that, can we scry on the captives somehow?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Friday August 21st, 2020 9:11:47 PM
Fang double checks how far it is - for some reason she assumed they could just walk.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday August 22nd, 2020 10:56:44 AM
Bralin pauses in mid-bite as the limitations of the teleport spell are made known.
As he considers the question, the dwarf wordlessly accepts one of Tahni's Water Garments.
"Have we any means to scry the surface at that area?" he asks. "Mayhap there is an island cave or the like."
-- Active Effects Tahni Water Garment - gain Waterbreathing
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Saturday August 22nd, 2020 12:40:36 PM Wind walk is an option if someone else can cast it." she muses aloud. "It's beyond my skill I admit."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 159/159 --Shadow Companion 79/79hp Saturday August 22nd, 2020 10:58:10 PM
[/b]"Yes, my shadow could scout. We may be a bit crunched for time."[/b]
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday August 23rd, 2020 2:20:32 PM
(I think most of char sheet has been updated to 19. Still need to check updates for Leafy and Aex's shapechanging details. Spell list updated.)
Aex shakes her head. She's been daydreaming long while she was watching the games. She even dozed of in the middle of them... but now there seems to be some new focus on the clues ahead.
"Argh... time to get these old bones of my moving again... we've been feasting too long. I'm craving for some action. "
Aex joins her friends...
"Euhm... forgive an old lass from falling a sleep... So when are we moving? If Gimp's warning is true and there are big baddies out there I want to cast about 20 minutes before we're there. That'll get us some elemental help but it takes some time. I have some water breathing or animal shapes spells available. With animal shapes we can all swim down like sharks or harmless looking Dolphins."
Hoping for some DM divine aid Aex will cast an elemental swarm about 20 minutes before getting down to action.
------------------------------------------------ SPELL LIST ( * = cast / A = AIR domain CL+4 DC+2 / ALL ELSE CL-2 / E = EVOCATION DC+2): ------------------------------------------------ 4 x Lvl 0: Flare (E), Light (E), Detect Magic, Know Direction 6 x Lvl 1: Create Water, Detect animals or plants, Produce Flame (E), Entangle, Faerie Fire (E), Cure Light Wounds + Obscuring Mist 6 x Lvl 2: Soften Earth and Stone, Flaming Sphere (E), Warp Wood, Wood Shape, Gust of Wind (E+A), Animal Trance + Fog Cloud 6 x Lvl 3: Call Lightning (E+A), Water Breathing, Wind Wall (E+A), Daylight (E), Sleet Storm, Quench + Call Lightning (E+A) 6 x Lvl 4: Ball Lightning (E+A), Flame Strike (E), Control Water, Cure Serious Wounds, Ice Storm, Air Walk + Sleet Storm 5 x Lvl 5: Transmute rock to mud, Move Earth, Control Winds (A), Call Lightning Storm (E+A), Wall of Fire (E) + Ice Storm (E) 5 x Lvl 6: Wall of Stone, Bull's Strenght Mass, Greater Dispel Magic , Summon Nature's Ally VI, Summon Nature's Ally VI + Control Winds (A) 5 x Lvl 7: Sunbeam (E), Sunbeam (E), Heal, Heal, Fire Storm + Control Weather 4 x Lvl 8: Animal Shapes, Sunburst, Finger of Death, Earthquake (E) + Whirlwind (E+A) 3 x Lvl 9: Elemental Swarm, Shape Change, Foresight, + Storm of Vengeance ------------------------------------------------ 1/day: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak With Animals. 11/day: Storm Burst 1d6+9 1/day: Lightning Lord (19 bolts) 11/rounds: Wooden Fist +8 damage 18/rounds: Bramble Armor 1d6+8 ----------------------------------------------
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Sunday August 23rd, 2020 7:57:07 PM
Tahni puts all of the coordinates together and compares to those where they currently stand, to determine how far they need to travel. Is it something they could get to with a good swim, or are they likely going to need to move more quickly?
"Well, I can cast wind-walk to get us there pretty quickly. It would allow all of us to take shape and fly, but only the 7 of us so Leafy would need to stay behind. I'll also need to have a think about whether it would work underwater. The alternative is I could cast Shadow Walk. That would allow all of us plus an additional 13 if needed. That means Leafy plus 12 summoned others."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Sunday August 23rd, 2020 10:01:34 PM
Fang is ready to go.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Sunday August 23rd, 2020 11:56:01 PM
Rill is also quite surprised to suddenly find out his Teleport and Greater Teleport spells will not work in this case.
"Boy, had we known before this that our plan to teleport there was not possible, we might have asked different questions in our divinations. As someone that can teleport, I cannot believe I missed that. I can probably cast a scrying spell to try to see the location of one of the missing people, but which one? Also, depending on just how far we have to go, I can get us to an exact location, and I have a boat we can bring with us if needed."
(I honestly thought that in this game simulation of reality, that three coordinates were intended by the DMs to identify a singular spacial location. It seems that many of us assumed this. I'm surprised to learn this late in our planning that teleportation will not work.
Can the DM's kindly let me know, or perhaps remind me if this was in a prior post, what location these coordinates lead to? In the ocean? 11 square miles is a pretty big area.)
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Monday August 24th, 2020 12:10:43 AM
Thinking about it more, Rill wonders aloud, "Hmmm. Would Dimension Door work? It does not require knowledge of the destination, only a direction and distance. I can take seven of us about 1,000 feet."
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Monday August 24th, 2020 12:29:09 AM
(Respectfully to the DMs, in the DM post on 6/23/20 - "The Sea Dragons now have a time, latitude, longitude, and depth. That's enough rudimentary information for a teleport, at the very least."
Did something change? And if Teleport does not work, any chance that Rill could have tried a few other Divination or Scrying spells that would enable or facilitate teleportation now that we know things are different?)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday August 24th, 2020 2:30:50 AM "Would the Sapphire Seven come with us to assist? The more hands the better."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday August 24th, 2020 3:13:09 AM "I'm not a fan of teleporting in this time... for one because I'm not sure if we'll all be able to and perhaps we'll need to leave Leafy behind. Secondly because that means little or no spell preparations. I can get us a handful of elementals that could come in handy but now if we teleport in...
Third... are you actually going to hot drop the exact location that has been given?!? One would think who ever is luring us out there will expect us there?! Or... well.. maybe they won't think we're that crazy and not pay attention to that spot... or perhaps they do think we're crazy... argh my poor ol' brains... "
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Monday August 24th, 2020 3:20:26 AM "That's a really interesting idea, Jozhur. They are powerful allies after all. Whoever set this trap likely wouldn't be expecting them"
DM Carl - Four hours left Monday August 24th, 2020 12:48:09 PM
OOC: Ken and I have always worked very well together, but 2 DMs inevitably leads to a too many cooks situation. This is one of them, I guess. I don't want to set precedent here, but it's not right for one of us to say teleportation's an option and take it away when time's almost up. We'll say you passed those coordinates on the way here, so teleporting yourselves above the surface of the water is safe. Without a clear idea of what's under the water there, you're taking a serious gamble teleporting yourself ~3 miles down. I won't stop you from trying, but do so at your own peril. Choosing that option will require a greater teleport.
***
Methods of getting to this location are bandied about. Wind walking, shadow walking...all more or less viable. Tahni wonders how far off the coast the coordinates are. Our sea-faring crew can easily figure out it's about 15 miles off shore. Too far for a dimension door, and probably too far for a swim in your current forms.
Captain Rill realizes the Lionfish sailed right past these coordinates on the way to the Invitational. That's enough to let them teleport there above the waves with a good old-fashioned teleport. Teleporting 3 miles or so under the waves would require a greater teleport and involve a substantial risk still.
Aexana wakes from a nap, rested and (hopefully) ready to take on this next challenge. That's good, because her bag of tricks include some useful tools to get them there in good shape.
Jozhur comes up with the idea to ask the Sapphire Seven for help. Tahni's right, it is an interesting idea. They've shown themselves to be (mostly) good-hearted and brave. Maybe they'd say yes?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday August 24th, 2020 3:04:12 PM we still have our rep from the Fist, correct? He needs to be included in our plans for getting down there, so even if we were willing to leave Leafy behind, we're still planning for 8. Sounds like a reasonable option is to sail or teleport to the top of the ocean, then shadow walk or beast shape down from there.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday August 24th, 2020 5:38:03 PM
Bralin can only wait, having no further ideas.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Monday August 24th, 2020 9:20:46 PM
Fang will also accept the water breathing garment now that she has been reminded they are going to be diving. She looks at her ring of water walking, sighs, and pockets it for now.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 12:54:42 AM "I'm fine if you want to entreat the Sapphire Seven to come with us, but as I recall they don't do anything without a contract, including rescuing one of their own. If we do visit them, perhaps we should get a personal effect from Crall to enhance any Scying.
"But perhaps we can speak with Crall and ask him for help directly."
Rill will cast Sending, trying to contact Crall. He will say, "Crall, we have been left clues about where you are. What awaits us there? Where are you, and what stands between you and us?"
---------------------------------------- Sending - You contact a particular creature with which you are familiar and send a short message of 25 words or less to the subject. The subject recognizes you if it knows you. It can answer in like manner immediately. A creature with an Intelligence score as low as 1 can understand the sending, though the subject’s ability to react is limited as normal by its Intelligence. Even if the sending is received, the subject is not obligated to act upon it in any manner.
If the creature in question is not on the same plane of existence as you are, there is a 5% chance that the sending does not arrive. (Local conditions on other planes may worsen this chance considerably.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Tuesday August 25th, 2020 2:17:02 AM "Tora mentioned that the Seven had already tried scrying on Crall but it didn't work. We could give it a try if you like, but I suspect we will get the same result" Tahni still has Crall's personal token should the party want to give it a try. "It's one of his personal effects after all"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 7:57:02 AM "Given the distance we need to cover we may want to start moving. 15 miles is a long swim so I'd be in favour of sailing there if we still have enough time. Not to mention we need to get back as well... hopefully with a few extra people so the FIsh will come in handy.
Once we're there we can either dive in animal shape or just swim using some waterbreathing.
We may want to send a scout ahead... anyone wanna play fish?!? I'd be happy to go. With a Foresight spell on myself I should be fairly safe I guess... "
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Tuesday August 25th, 2020 9:46:44 AM "Shadow Walk could get us there quickly with very little swimming needed"
DM Carl - Four hours left Tuesday August 25th, 2020 1:28:59 PM
Fang and Bralin don't have any more ideas to add to the discussion.
Terser wonders if they still have their "rep from the Fist," but your DM's not 100% on what he's talking about.
Rill remembers the Sapphire Seven are still part of the Mailed Fist, and don't get out of bed without a contract. He's correct that the policy includes rescue missions for their own. If word got out that the Fist did pro bono job...well, one wonders what would happen. It certainly hasn't happened yet.
He tries contacting Crall with confusing results. The spell doesn't fail, but there's no answer. Not only that, the spell lingers in his mind a little longer than usual. It's almost as if the spell is trying to work, but is having difficulties doing so.
Tahni notes it didn't work when the Seven tried it either, though none of them mentioned the odd results.
Aexana says they need to get moving if they're going to swim and offers to scout ahead. She's certainly capable of doing that, but Tahni notes a shadow walk spell could get them there without swimming, or at least very little.
For most groups, it would be very difficult to pop out of shadow walk in the ocean out of sight of land (at night, none the less), and know for sure they were at a set of coordinates. Luckily the group includes skilled sailors, so they should be able to figure it out.
So far, a few good ideas, but no solid decisions yet.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Tuesday August 25th, 2020 7:29:52 PM
Fang asks Gort his opinion on things (the Mailed Fist sent their beastfolk to join us on the quest to retrieve the kidnapped. He sort of stopped talking over a month ago XD)
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=33 ; Tuesday August 25th, 2020 8:07:34 PM
Jozhur thinks it crazy the Sapphire Seven would hesitate to attempt a rescue on one of their own, "It wouldn't hurt to ask the Seven. I could go approach them about it. Maybe we could pay them a token fee for their assistance. They probably have the means to get there themselves. One of them doesn't even need to breathe."
Jozhur has done enough swimming to know being at that extreme depth would be unhealthy.
"I'm also concerned about the depth. I'd rather not teleport down to that depth, we need something to protect us."
If no one objects, Jozhur will go approach the Seven about assistance. He intends to be open with their plans and is willing to sign a basic contract and offer the Seven minimal fee.
--------------------------- Diplomacy: 33 Won't be offended if you want to move things along or RP the meeting out.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday August 25th, 2020 8:39:38 PM
As Jozhur heads out, Bralin gets out of his chair and falls beside him.
"No traveling alone," he notes.
Unsurprisingly, the dwarf is content to let Jozhur do the talking and/or signing once they arrive.
-- Active Effects Tahni Water Garment - gain Waterbreathing
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday August 25th, 2020 9:42:46 PM
Terser isn't too concerned about being an animal to swim down. The spell worked well enough when Aexana made them into birds to scout Comeri. His new concern is getting into whatever space is down there - perhaps that's where a dimension door or shadow hop would come in handy.
Terser is also content to leave the talking to Jozhur, instead chatting with the rest of the group and maintaining contact through the rings.
as to the rep from the Mailed Fist - one of theirs came with us after we met with them a couple weeks ago real time. making sure that we're keeping him in our plans.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Wednesday August 26th, 2020 5:11:07 AM
Tahni considers whether that depth will pose any pressure concerns or other environmental hazards aside from breathing.
Knowl checks: All 35 (25+Take10)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 1:16:07 PM "Seems like the only way to know what we'd jump into is to go look down there first... a squid or octopus would do well with the immense pressure down there... Captain? Your call..."
DM Carl - Mostly four hours left Wednesday August 26th, 2020 2:42:02 PM
Fang turns to Tora, quiet for a long time, and asks his opinion. "When I have something substantial to add, I'll do so." His reply isn't cold, just to the point.
Jozhur and Bralin head out to speak with the Seven. Tora excuses himself from the rest of the party and joins them as well. The mood at the Invitational as the sun begins its descent is jubilant as ever. The partying dies down as they approach the docks. There are a few gatherings onboard some ships, but the docks themselves are pretty quiet. The M.F.F. Contract is moored at the far end of one dock, granting the Seven some quiet.
"Come aboard," says Tora, and quickly walks up the gang plank. He's stepping onto the deck when a cabin door is thrown open and Marshall comes storming out. He throws out his hand to Tora and frantically says "TORA! STOP!"
His face falls when he sees the three of you have completed your trip up the plank. Marshall can only sigh. Urlryn and Elhonna run out, faces also falling when they see Tora.
"Welcome to the party, flea bag." The voice is Hin's, and he joins the rest of you on deck. Evidently Elhonna's talk didn't improve his attitude. "Now you're stuck here with the rest of us."
Elhonna fills you in. Since they returned to the ship they've been trapped on it. "We just can't leave. We've tried flying and teleporting, but there's a wall here we just can't break past. Can't reach anyone outside here either. Sending spells aren't working." Tora tests this out and finds himself unable to leave too. Jozhur and Bralin, should they try, are able to leave just fine.
"Those clues weren't for you," comes a voice from the dock. Looking, one of the island's monks is standing near the gang plank. "You will not interfere." The monk doesn't wait for a reply. It turns around and calmly walks off the dock into the sea. No air bubbles float to the surface.
Jozhur finds Urlryn at his side when they're done watching.
***
Before he left, Jozhur wondered about pressure. With Tahni's vast array of knowledge, she no doubt knows any creature that breathes air won't be able to survive at that depth without magical assistance. It adds to the challenge of getting to whatever's at their destination, but it's one our heroes have methods of handling. Aexana notes squid and octopuses can handle the depth easily enough.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d100=20 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 5:46:56 PM assuming this is communicated back through the rings
Well, it seems that we're being targeted, rather than any of the teams that actually had a member abducted. and it seems that the Fist will back them up with this info, since they witnessed the monk's warning.
It seems more and more like this is the Tinker's work, angry that we foiled his last plan. Unless they ticked off someone else that can make an army of constructs and pull off near godlike spell effects, that still effect those that would normally be immune.
Unless someone has an idea for a better question, Terser will prepare a divination to ask if it's the Tinker they're dealing with.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday August 26th, 2020 5:47:20 PM
Bralin immediately tries his Dragon Ring. "Can anyone hear me?"
Assuming the group can, the dwarf starts with "Tis most odd", and then relays everything done and said by everyone. He finishes with the way the 'monk' departed.
"We must set sail. Jozhur and I will meet you at The Lionfish"
The dwarf gives the Seven a parting nod, and shuffles off as quickly as a dwarf can toward the ship.
If the crew is unaware, he informs them of the need to get underway.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Wednesday August 26th, 2020 8:52:03 PM "Hmmm. So we know the pressure at that depth will kill us. Which seems like a limitation. Any idea what sort of protective measures we can take?
"If the Lionfish is not crewed and ready, I can get us out to the location and provide a boat.
"But survival under that depth remains an issue."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday August 26th, 2020 8:56:53 PM "Well, guess we don't need to ask for your help."
Jozhur lays a hand on Urlryn's shoulder, "At least I got to see you again. I have a bad feeling about all of this."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Wednesday August 26th, 2020 11:28:12 PM "Squids would be able to deal with the depth, and breathing wouldn't be an issue. Does anyone know how deep squid can actually go? I'm also wondering about being able to see when we're that deep. I don't think squid can see in the dark, though any of us that can already do so wouldn't lose it."
"There's also the matter of combat. We may not find an underwater cave or cavern. Based on what Jozhur and Bralin saw, it may be a group of constructs just waiting for us, know what I mean? We may find ourselves in deep underwater combat without our usual abilities. That would pose an issue for those of us that rely on spells"
"I do have another thought though. I have some polymorph spells available. I could change us into small water elementals. We'd be able to breathe underwater and see in the dark. Depth and pressue wouldn't be an issue. Since water elementals can speak I imagine that we could cast spells that have verbal components too. There is a catch though. It only lasts for 20mins, which may not be long enough to do whatever we have to. I mean we could do that as an option and if we get to the 18 minute mark, cast Animal Shapes at that time"
Tahni is just throwing options on the table.
She considers whether the air bubble provided by a necklace of adaptation would protect a person from the pressure.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday August 27th, 2020 4:53:49 AM
Aex nods at Tahni. Rather than trying and ending up like squished squids, Water elementals would be interesting as well. She can change into one without any spells so perhaps it'll enable them to bring their companions along... but Aex isn't sure she should bring Leafy along for this ride. He doesn't swim well and isn't a fan of salty water... Perhaps it will be best to keep Leafy on the Fish.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Thursday August 27th, 2020 7:16:44 AM
Fang agrees to the notion of being polymorphed.
DM Carl - Mostly four hours left Thursday August 27th, 2020 3:38:11 PM
Bralin tries contacting his fellow Sea Dragons and finds his rings work just fine. Nothing of what's affecting the Sapphire Seven is affecting him or Jozhur. He fills the party in on what's going on and decides it's time to go.
Jozhur figures the Sapphire Seven won't be able to help after all, but at least he gets to see Urlryn before he leaves. Through the fabric of her dress, her skin is cold as always. "It is a bad situation." Her tone hardens a bit, but the way she looks at Jozhur doesn't show any sign of blame or anger. Her voice lowers a bit. "Go find our Crall. He keeps Hin in line. Elhonna's only tool in dealing with him is violence. It is satisfying to watch, but just makes him worse. After that, come back alive."
Terser has a hunch about who's behind this. He considers putting some of the party's seemingly endless divination resources to the task of checking said hunch.
Rill notes the Lionfish is not crewed and ready, but he can get the party to the location at sea level and provide a boat. He doesn't yet have an answer to surviving 15,000 feet under the waves.
Tahni correctly notes squid can survive those depths. How deep can they go? Deep enough.
She worries about combat. Rill has already learned there are monsters in their future, and those usually require some level of violence to deal with. Even for the Sea Dragons, expecting them to fight in those conditions would be unreasonable with only a few hours to prepare and make it there.
She also figures a necklace of adaptation would be able to protect a person at that pressure. If the shell of air compressed under pressure, it would begin to do so very quickly underwater. It would make the item mostly useless for exploring underwater past a few dozen feet.
Aexana decides water elementals would be ideal, and she's got a good point. As creatures of pure liquid, the pressure wouldn't bother them one bit. She considers leaving her friend Leafy behind.
Fang is just fine with being polymorphed.
The boxes are mostly checked. The Sea Dragons just need to finalize some decisions and make it happen.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday August 27th, 2020 5:18:21 PM
Terser does some last minute shopping before heading off to catch the teleport. Sounds like the plan is sorted, though it relies heavily on Aexana's shape changing spells. Anything else anyone needs before going? I've got some extra cash if anyone needs a silent spell rod for underwater casting or somethin.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Thursday August 27th, 2020 6:34:51 PM "Water Elemental works just fine. When we're ready I will conjure up a boat. It should put us there in about an hour. Anyone need a quick trip the the Catacombs. Seems like there may be some inexpensive items that would benefit us, but I'm not sure what.
"I rather wish I hadn't taken those two Air Walk spells for the day. Kind of a waste. Ah well.
"Why do I get the feeling that once where there we're going to find these people mind controlled and pitted against us?"
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday August 27th, 2020 6:54:08 PM
With The Lionfish ruled out, Bralin makes his way back to his companions.
Polymorphing into water elementals seems most sound, and the dwarf nods his approval at the idea.
He can think of nothing to retrieve from the Catacombs, and so wordlessly awaits the spellcasters.
Back with the others he concluded there maybe be no choice but to polymorph, though he would rather fight as himself.
Jozhur scratches his chin a moment, "Surely the catacombs has something to help us..."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Thursday August 27th, 2020 10:57:11 PM "Let's take some big rocks with us as well. They'll get us to depth much quicker than swimming"
Tahni does the math. As small elementals they could swim straight down 3miles in around 12 minutes. Perhaps holding on to something heavy, like a rock or anvil, could decrease that time.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday August 28th, 2020 6:50:24 AM "Looks like've got a plan. But we'll need Tahni's Polymoprhing spells rather than my Animal Shapes. Animal shape could turn you all into a squids or an octopus but no elementals. Squids (size medium) also swim 60ft but can also jet 240ft. I can change into a medium elemental.
Let's set sail first and see what is out there in the first place. If there's a rock formation we're wasting time thinking how to dive anyhow... "
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Friday August 28th, 2020 8:02:18 AM
Fang tries to find Crall as requested. She'll ask around till she finds him while the others put the final touches on the plan.
DM Carl - Mostly four hours left Friday August 28th, 2020 1:17:40 PM
Terser goes shopping for some jewelry.
Rill regrets his spell preparation choice. He fears they'll have to face the missing contestants.
Bralin is ready to go, as is Jozhur. Tahni wonders about taking some big rocks. That may make sense for anyone staying in their current humanoid forms to counteract buoyancy. They wouldn't help squids or water elementals.
Aexana notes their plan is basically set, but suggests scouting the meeting place instead of sending everyone down.
Fang can look for Crall, but she probably remembers he's one of the kidnapping victims. Many people have been looking for him all day. She's unlikely to find any more about his whereabouts.
***
Didn't want to start this little expedition on a Friday. Go ahead and post any last minute preparations, then shove off it you're ready. We'll get the party started Monday.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Friday August 28th, 2020 7:15:49 PM
Oh, right. To many names, multiple teams of 8. She's a little surprised this is the first time she got confused.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday August 28th, 2020 8:12:17 PM
Terser gets his new ring nice and comfy and gets ready to get hit. And hopefully not mind controlled. Why did Rill have to go put that in his head? Is that another form of mind control? Tricksy, Rill. Tricksy.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday August 29th, 2020 9:31:10 AM
Bralin decides another round of mead wouldn't hurt.
He has one or two for the road, and waits.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday August 30th, 2020 12:40:08 PM
(ooc Aex didn't go to the CC. Basically I haven't got a clue how much gold we gathered in the past months since the last level up... I do recall Aex won a 30K bargain and I'm not sure if that has been added to the party loot pile as it should)
Aex gets anxious to move out... the clock is ticking and decisions need to be made.
"What's your plan cap'n?"
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Sunday August 30th, 2020 6:33:21 PM
Hey Sea Dragons!
I have started a discussion for us on the Silk Tapestry board concerning all things retirement for your game.. [Heh, just wait until you do this in real life! Exciting and scary at the same time!] We will discuss what your PC will do in his/her retirement, the next games we will start, etc.
We are doing this early so that your DMs and I can get the next game planned out. Folks are very busy these days and we want to allow the time we'll need to do a good job for you.
So please head over to the Silk Tapestry and post. If you can't post there let me know and I'll get our IT guys onto it ASAP.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday August 30th, 2020 11:37:44 PM
Jozhur returns from the Catacombs as quickly as he left. "I bought everyone drinks." He offers an elixir of swimming to anyone who wants one.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 d20+18=37 ; Sunday August 30th, 2020 11:48:02 PM
Rill says with his inside-the-heads voice,
"Hey, thanks Jozhr - that's awesome.
"Assuming everyone has what they need, here's the plan. I'll make a boat that will move on it's own. It should take us about an hour to get to where we need to be. The boat will last for a day and I'll make sure it stays put. We'll bring along Tahni's suggested rocks - good idea. Then we sink to whatever ungodly depth we need to be at and see what's there.
"I can see in the dark down there, and I have some light sources if needed - speak up if you need a light source. Let's stay close. In fact, let's just tie our rocks to this rope and hang on to it to get us all down there together fast. If things go sideways, I can cast Water Walk and it will shoot us up to the surface. I have some other back up options as well.
"We'll need to navigate out there. Given our navigation skills and the time and the location of the sun, let's see, yeah we shouldn't have trouble finding the right spot but it would be best of someone checks my math on this. We can stop by the Lionfish to let them know where we'll be and pick up our navigation tools to make sure.
"Any other thoughts or better approaches?"
Rill will stop by the Lionfish to get the masterwork navigation tools and let Tula know our plan. He will also leave the coordinates with Tula and tell her if the ship's flag turns green, we're in trouble and she should sail to those coordinates. If the flag turns Blue, she should crush the small statuette of Gargul which will teleport me to her (Refuge spell) and I'll figure things out from there. And if the flag turns black, she should get word to the Dragon Consortium as best she can that things went really bad, in which case she and the crew are on their own. Rill writes these instructions down for Tula, and also shared the info with the rest of the Sea Dragons.
Rill idly fingers the Pirates of Jack card we were given ages ago, wondering if it would still summon Jack and his cohort to our aid.
Once everyone is ready and agrees, we head to the docks and get some rocks and rope. He will summon Swan Boat Feather Token - he had it modified to look like a Dragon Boat! (It moves at 60' on it's own and will last for 24 hours.) When we get to our destination, I will anchor it in place with an Anchor Feather Token.
He hopes others will use their Profession Sailing or Knowledge Skill to double check his work or assist his check.
(Profession Sailor Roll 37 to navigate to our designated location we need to be! Woo hoo!)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Monday August 31st, 2020 12:45:47 AM "As water elementals you will be able to see in the dark. As good an idea as it was, I don't think the rocks will help elementals descend any quicker" Tahni shrugs in an 'oh well' kind of way. "So, water elemental form for everyone?"
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Monday August 31st, 2020 12:47:48 AM "I will make sure everyone that needs it has Endure Elements on them before we take the plunge.
"Say, anyone in the group have about 7,000 GP in diamond dust? I don't need it now, but it may be helpful in a pinch. I don't have the cash for that just now or I'd buy it myself."
(It's actually been a very loooooooooong time since we've gotten any treasure - my records suggest not since October 2019. Maybe I missed something. That would explain why Rill is short on cash.)
DM Carl - Two hours and fifteen minutes left Monday August 31st, 2020 1:04:57 PM
Our heroes look like they're ready to go. A few more drinks are had and shopping is finished up.
By the time the party has gathered at the docks to leave, about 45 minutes have passed. That puts the time from the clues they found at about 3 hours and 15 minutes away.
Captain Rill finalizes the plan, wondering if this Joker card from the Pirates of Jack will work (OOC: before my time. Can you give me the 30 second version and let me know where in the archives I can read about them?). He summons a fancy dragon boat from a feather token, loads it up with rope and (maybe) rocks, then heads out.
The sun begins to set behind them as they take to sea. A few scattered clouds begin to turn purple as Rill guides the party to their destination. The stars are just beginning to show when Rill decides they are there. The highest point of Dragon Bay vanished over the horizon at around 10 miles, and all around the Sea Dragons is open water. With no landmarks other than the stars and nearly vanished sun, only Rill's navigation skills can be relied upon to make sure you're where you need to be.
Good thing those skills are so sharp. His math puts their boat at the correct coordinates, no matter how often he checks it. There's about 20 minutes of daylight left. The time the party discovered on the clue in Han Valen's room is 2 hours and 15 minutes away.
***
Money troubles will be over soon...
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Monday August 31st, 2020 5:25:12 PM
The moment the Lionfish arrives at its diving spot Aex peers down into the water... any animals around? Dolphins? Fish? Something she can talk to...
"May I make a suggestion? We still have well over 2 hours... I'm probably able to stay in animal shape longer than any of you. We don't know what's down there so we could be preparing the wrong spells...
Why don't I change and dive. We can talk through the rings. As a squid I'll be down in no time and I don't even have to come back to the surface. Depending what's down there I can lay low on the seabed till you all arrive. It will give us a chance to prepare rather than diving blindly into these deep waters...
I can cast Foresight on myself and once I'm down there I can summon an elemental swarm... probably water elementals unless someone has created a nice fortress on the bottom of the sea... imaging what an Earth elemental could do to a submerged fortress if they start burrowing their way in...
And if something goes wrong... you lot come save me right.. " she adds with a goofy smile on her face.
------------------------------------------------ POTION INVENTORY: see char sheet ------------------------------------------------ SPELL LIST ( * = cast / A = AIR domain CL+4 DC+2 / ALL ELSE CL-2 / E = EVOCATION DC+2): ------------------------------------------------ 4 x Lvl 0: Flare (E), Light (E), Detect Magic, Know Direction 6 x Lvl 1: Create Water, Detect animals or plants, Produce Flame (E), Entangle, Faerie Fire (E), Cure Light Wounds + Obscuring Mist 6 x Lvl 2: Soften Earth and Stone, Flaming Sphere (E), Warp Wood, Wood Shape, Gust of Wind (E+A), Animal Trance + Fog Cloud 6 x Lvl 3: Call Lightning (E+A), Water Breathing, Wind Wall (E+A), Daylight (E), Sleet Storm, Quench + Call Lightning (E+A) 6 x Lvl 4: Ball Lightning (E+A), Flame Strike (E), Control Water, Cure Serious Wounds, Ice Storm, Air Walk + Sleet Storm 5 x Lvl 5: Transmute rock to mud, Move Earth, Control Winds (A), Call Lightning Storm (E+A), Wall of Fire (E) + Ice Storm (E) 5 x Lvl 6: Wall of Stone, Bull's Strenght Mass, Greater Dispel Magic , Summon Nature's Ally VI, Summon Nature's Ally VI + Control Winds (A) 5 x Lvl 7: Sunbeam (E), Sunbeam (E), Heal, Heal, Fire Storm + Control Weather 4 x Lvl 8: Animal Shapes, Sunburst, Finger of Death, Earthquake (E) + Whirlwind (E+A) 3 x Lvl 9: Elemental Swarm, Shape Change, Foresight + Storm of Vengeance ------------------------------------------------ 1/day: Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, Speak With Animals. 11/day: Storm Burst 1d6+9 1/day: Lightning Lord (19 bolts) 11/rounds: Wooden Fist +8 damage 18/rounds: Bramble Armor 1d6+8 ----------------------------------------------
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday August 31st, 2020 5:55:13 PM
Terser points out that they don't really need rocks if they're using an anchor token - they could just ride that down. Though since it's moot for water elementals anyway, it'll act as a good plumb bob to guide them to their destination.
Let me know if you think you need a Freedom of Movement spell once we get down there. I've got a couple to pass around.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday August 31st, 2020 6:27:57 PM
Bralin nods in agreement of Aex's plan. A scout would be most helpful at this time.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Monday August 31st, 2020 7:42:59 PM "Good idea, Aex" Their destination may not be at these exact coordinates, so having someone scout the area first is a great idea.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday September 1st, 2020 10:30:51 AM
Jozhur offers Rill whatever funds he needs.
"I'm going to have my shadow head down now as well. It will be slower than Aex and whatever means we use to get to the depths. If someone could cast a communication spell on my shadow, it may prove useful."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:22:12 AM
Fang spends the trip trying her best to stay out of the way. She's never really took to this sailing thing and knows any attempts to help would just get in the way.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 1st, 2020 1:07:56 PM "If your shadow can hold on I'll take it along for the ride down... "
DM Carl - Aexana's Descent Tuesday September 1st, 2020 2:51:58 PM Aexana makes the suggestion to let her scout ahead. As a squid, she can certainly reach the bottom quickly. With foresight active and an entourage of elementals, she should be able to keep herself safe. At least, one can hope so.
Bralin and Tahni agree with her plan. Terser notes an anchor can help them keep track of what "down" is when they're deep under water. It's not a bad point. With no air bubbles rising to the surface, it's possible to get turned around down there. Your DM is not pedantic enough to take that into consideration for this outing, but bonus points for thinking ahead.
Jozhur wants to send his shadow down as well, though it won't be able to keep pace with Aexana if she moves at her full speed. As an incorporeal creature, the shadow won't be able to hold on to keep up.
Fang stays out of the way. It's an easy enough task for the small rat-girl.
*** In the effort of saving a day of posting with 6 of you just watching Aexana dive, I'm going to move forward with her scouting ahead. That doesn't mean anyone that wanted to stick with her can't go as well (including Jozhur's shadow), or that you can't take several actions while she dives. We'll deal with the time that's passed when we get there, but you've all gotten here with enough time to spare that I'm not really interested in tracking it unless you folks give me a reason to. By jetting regularly while swimming, she's able to move fast enough to make it to the noted depth in about 17 minutes. ***
Squidxana descends into the ocean. Being this close to sunset, the light of the surface world vanishes after just a few feet. Aexana is plunged into total darkness. Her giant squid eyeballs are able to make out some details in the dark thanks to bio-luminescent plankton, but almost any other creature without darkvision would be blind down here.
Her first 10 minutes of descent are through open ocean. The upper depths teem with life, most of which swims away quickly when Aexana comes near. The deeper she gets, the less ocean life swims with her. She swims through part of the Wold that few people have ever seen. Though it doesn't harm her, she can feel the pressure of thousands of feet of ocean above her. The cold of water that will never know sunlight chills her, though her squid form can withstand it.
Her squid eyes pick up more light after 10 minutes of descent. Bio-luminescent corals dot the ocean floor, illuminating a jagged landscape dotted with hundreds of small crevices. Who knows what kind of never before seen sea life calls them home. The carcass of an enormous creature, likely some kind of whale, rests here being devoured by a huge mass of wriggling white worms.
She is deep, but not deep enough. It only takes a few minutes of exploring the ocean floor before she finds a trench that plunges downward. It's roughly 30'-40' wide in most places, and she's able to continue her descent. The openness of the ocean vanishes in the enclosed trench as her mission continues. The glowing coral grows thick here, maybe even providing enough light for human eyes to see (probably not, though). Her body can withstand a lot, but even it has its limit, and she's beginning to feel it. Before she reaches it, lights come into view beneath her. It is actual light, not the barely visible bio-luminescence of this place, and it shines like a beacon to her super-sensitive eyes. She closes the distance quickly, finding two glowing spheres flanking a perfectly round tunnel into the trench wall. Not a speck of coral grows in the tunnel; it must not have been here long. More light shines from inside, illuminating the water's surface. There must be some sort of air pocket through there.
Below her, the trench continues into the dark.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday September 1st, 2020 5:09:43 PM
Terser is quite impressed with the word picture that Aexana (voiced by Carl) is painting. Despite the otherworldly beauty, it's something he would rather have done without seeing if the circumstances warranted it.
so near enough to 20 minutes as a squid to get down there. Does this change our descent plans at all?
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 1:24:22 AM
As the plucky squid descends, Rill makes sure to monitor her position and condition though the rings.
"Hmmm. A lit tunnel entrance. Good work Aex. Seems like that must be our destination."
Rill takes the opportunity to read a scroll of Endure Elements on each of the six in the boat. And before he forgets, Rill will use the Anchor Feather Token to make sure their boat stays in one place. As he does so, he is curious to see if it actually drops an anchor to the bottom or simply keeps the boat there magically.
Then he will cast Moment of Prescience on himself.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 9:04:05 AM
Fang meditates and calmly waits for it to be time for them to descend together.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 11:33:36 AM "You raise an interesting point Terser. Perhaps we can drift down until we can no longer stand the pressure, and then Tahni could turn us into water. That would give us a margin of safety on the descent time.
"What do you all think about arriving a little early? Aex, is there any sort of barrier you can sense?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 1:06:40 PM "Though man is the most imperfect creature this perfect round entrance is clearly man-made... The pressure down here is enormous but beyond this entrance there seems to some sort of air pocket. I'm not sure if I can swim beyond that barrier nor do I know if there's some sort of trigger or alarm. But on the other hand who ever sent us that note knows we're coming no matter how sneaky we try to be... "
Aex tries to get an idea of the size of this tunnel. Will a huge creature fit the tunnel to fight?!? If she summons an elemental swarm in there that means 2d4 large, 1d4 huge and 1 greater elemental that will get cramped in there. If the tunnel isn't large enough that makes no sense.
"Can't you teleport down here?
Depending on the size of the tunnel and the how the group dives down Aex will ask the group to wait for the Elemental swarm to arrive (20 minutes to all arrive)
What elemental make most sense?!? Water? Air? Fire??
DM Carl - Aexana's Descent Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 3:24:07 PM
Terser wonders if their descent plans are unchanged.
Rill keeps tabs on Aexana. Perhaps her heart rate increases alone in the depths? She's a tough old lady, so probably not. He prepares his friends to face the elements and gives himself an insurance policy for later.
The feather token turns into a normal looking anchor. Rill's aware of how deep the water here is, so hopefully there's enough rope. His concerns prove unnecessary though. The anchor ascends and descends just fine, but its magic stops it from moving any other direction in the water. Even if the doesn't reach the bottom, the boat will remain here.
(Rules state it moors a craft in water, not it can be used to moor a craft in water. :D )
Fang meditates.
Aexana decides the tunnel must be man-made. She would know, wouldn't she? The tunnel's diameter is enough to let a large creature pass. A huge one can squeeze. The time it takes the swarm to arrive is about the same time it will take her friends to descend as squid. If they descend as elementals or teleport, obviously it will take less time.
They wonder if it's safe to arrive early. It's probably fine, right? Did whoever set this up expect you to arrive at a location this hard to get to exactly on time? Maybe that time was a deadline, not an appointment time.
(Normally I would have waited a bit to let more people post, but I won't be able to post later today, so here we are.)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 7:00:23 PM
Bralin nods decisively in agreement with Aex's words.
"I would much prefer teleporting as myself than descending as a squid or elemental." he declares. "Mayhap, if some prefer, they can descend, and upon arrival, the rest can teleport with whatever allies can be conjured.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 8:47:02 PM
To all, including Aex, "Well, if everyone is ready, let's teleport in and see what we see. I feel confident that I can get us all there. Aex is already down there, so she can just swim up once we tell her we've arrived and resume her gnomish self.
If we are going to do this, Rill will cast Foresight, Resist Energy, Electricity, and Shield of Faith before getting us all down there with a Greater Teleport. But he will give others time to cast spells or let us know if they think this is a really bad idea.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 8:49:13 PM "I would feel better knowing it is safe, as in there is indeed air in the tunnel, before teleporting. Teleporting into the depths of the ocean could be disastrous."
Jozhur prepares himself, however they choose to go. His shadow would have started out following Aex to hopefully be there when the rest of the group arrives, unless it can be teleported as well.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 9:49:21 PM
Hoping to see "Jozhur" and "Rill" over in the Silk Tapestry soon. Also need "Terser's" decisions for retirement. Then we can move to phase 2. :)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday September 3rd, 2020 12:41:04 AM If Aexana summons air elementals, those are near invisible, yes? They could pop into the corridor and let us know the conditions before we pop in.
If it's deemed safe though, Terser is ready to pop down with the group and casts one of his Freedom of Movement spells. (who wants it?)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Thursday September 3rd, 2020 3:23:43 AM
Tahni has all her spells up and is ready to go. She's very much in favor of the direct route. "Let's try the teleport."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 9:27:24 AM
Fang gets up and joins the group for the expected teleportation.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 3rd, 2020 11:38:40 AM
Aex observes the tunnel entrance as she waits for her friends. She wonders if it would be safe for her to enter... the moment she swims through that portal her Squid will have no more water. She cannot change to her own Gnome self at this depth or she'll be squished. But what pressure is there behind the portal?!? Will her Gnome body be able to withstand that pressure?
With Foresight active she should feel if it's safe or not to go and in what shape she would go safest...
There's no point summoning the elemental swarm as they are way too big to fit in that tunnel.
DM Carl - Aexana's Descent Thursday September 3rd, 2020 2:19:54 PM
Seems our crew would rather teleport than brave the depths Aexana descended through. It does seem like the smarter option: it's quicker, uses fewer spells, and is probably safer.
Rill casts a whole bunch of spells. It's generally agreed on that they should make sure that air bubble is safe to teleport into. Jozhur's right about the dangers of teleporting into the ocean at that depths. Some things are just too much for our very tough heroes to endure.
Aexana's foresight doesn't give her any indication that going into that tunnel is a bad idea.
OOC: I'm reading this as you want to enter if your magic says it's ok.
The moment she enters the tunnel, the crushing pressure and frigid cold stop. The wise gnome may have a moment of panic, wondering if gas will boil out of her blood at the sudden drastic change in pressure. She seems...ok though. Looking back at the tunnel entrance, there's nothing she can see that marks the demarcation between the water in the trench and the water in this tunnel. Clearly this is impossible.
What's more, the air pocket above seems to be at sea-level pressure too. It should be squished into a small bubble of super-compressed, unbreathable gas. She won't know if it's breathable until she tests it, but that would make this the most needlessly elaborate gas trap in history if it wasn't.
***
Not having anyone enter that pocket until they explicitly say so.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+11=22 ; d20+24=31 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2020 4:34:20 PM
The moment Aex enters the tunnel and senses the change in pressure she's indeed very worried... death from caisson syndrome isn't the nicest way to go... nor the prettiest.
Hitting her forehead with her palm she immediately activates her Ring of Invisibility... and then holds still but she's no where as stealthy as Jozhur could be... (stealth 22)... does she hears something? She peers down the tunnel trying to see if there's a place to hide perhaps or well... anything she can see?!? (perception 31)
Right now she'd much rather be back on the lionfish with Leafy. Expecting her friends to teleport in, Aex describes the tunnel with as much detail as possible to make sure they have a good idea of where they'll be jumping into...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday September 3rd, 2020 5:58:19 PM
Bralin positions himself near Rill, and waits.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday September 3rd, 2020 6:40:42 PM
Terser takes ahold of Rill's robe and readies himself for travel. As soon as they pop in, he will assess the room as quickly as possible and spread out a bit to make less of a group target for spells.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday September 3rd, 2020 11:04:16 PM
Jozhur readies himself for teleportation. ----------------------------
Ooc: Not quite sure on the rules, but I think teleportation would only have a 50% chance to work on Jozhur's shadow. I guess he could put his shadow in his bag of holding? Otherwise it would still be making its way to Aex.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+32=35 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 3:12:45 AM
Tahni gives a small 'crick' of her neck "Ok. Ready"
Perception: 35
Fang (Mitch) HP: 228/228(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 1 CMD: 35 Friday September 4th, 2020 10:00:47 AM
Fang is ready
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Friday September 4th, 2020 11:49:58 AM
Rill casts Foresight, and then uses Greater Teleport and the Status effect to arrive at Aex's location in the air bubble.
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