Murder at the Chancers Invitational - An interlude
The Crime Scene
DM Ken - The Final Round! Final Arena Wednesday January 27th, 2021 12:59:01 PM
(Module approved, we can proceed!)
Terser and Rill ask the basics.
1. "Somewhere around 3 or 4 hours ago." 2. "The only ones that anyone has reported seeing is Gort, his team, and his guards." 3. "It doesn't look like there was much fight at all. Take a look inside." 4. "Just... go take a look."
Tahni asks the guard, in his opinion, what happened. "William. Um.. as to what I think.. you see. No one saw anyone but Gort and his friends coming or going. And there's also no broken windows or doors or anything, so I think someone teleported in... maybe. I'm no wizard, but even I can abundant through a wall when needed. There's not a monk out here who cant." He's quiet for a bit. "Hey dragon, what turns a person into water? That seems like a terrible way to go."
--------------
The rooms for the Talons were a pair of hallway linked bunkhouses, one presumably for the men and one for the women. While the outside of the building is in perfect condition, the inside is a collection of carnage and mayhem.
In what was apparently the womens room, a typical square room, with some tables and lounge space. There's also a small pool of water, magically heated to be pleasantly hot. There are three beds, none made, one of which serves as the final resting spot for the body of Riverwind. The proud barbarians large bulk has been greatly diminished. She appears to be withered to little more than a husk. Near a small table with a shrine to Flower, is a pile of greasy ash, with what appears to be a few smears ran through it.
Going through the adjoining hall leads to the men's room, which is just as bad. The blood and carnage seem to somehow enhance the well made rock garden, which is the decorative focus of this particular room. Then there's four beds, all unmade, but at least no one is dead in any of these. Near the stone hearth is Gorts body, his armor and bones crushed and bludgeoned. Even worse, his head is missing. All around him, there are a number of clay and stone body parts. Near him is what remains of another Talon, presumably. There's only the lower half of the body remaining, the top is completely absent. The elven scribed leather armor on the legs hints strongly that this is the remains of Tasin.
Then there's the arm, large and muscular, severed cleanly at the shoulder. The weapon it was holding lies unbloodied and useless on the floor. The final bit of mayhem is what appears to be two dead monk guardians. Sort of. One is a battered and beaten corpse, the other is a pile of gear such as robes and fist wraps, floating in a small puddle of water.
The guard who escorted them in blanches, only for a moment. "This is.. what was found by the menials and servants today. Please... please feel free."
Jozhur finds a curiosity as he searches. Near the door frame, taped to the wall in colored tape that makes it hard to spot, is a small tuning fork.
Rill notes that near one the beds in the males room, the smallest, and entire chest of untouched gear, mostly small sized, is left behind.
Aexdog sniffs out a pair of mice near the hearth.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+32=37 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 7:19:07 PM "Thankyou William. We'll see if we can find out anything else. Wait, did you say turned into a puddle of water?"
She alerts the rest of the party "A water or ice elemental wouldn't leave behind any water I would think. Could be a melted simulacrum though? They're sometimes made from ice, aren't they? If that's the case there may be more constructs inside. We should be careful. You might finally get the chance to blow one of them away, Rill"
Tahni enters the hallway and looks for any signs of danger before proceeding.
"I'm going to check out the womens room" she notifies the rest of the party "Watch out for any puddles of water or watery footprints"
On entering the women's room Tahni starts to slowly walk around the perimeter carefully so as not to touch anything. She takes a wide berth around the pool of water.
She shakes her head on seeing Riverwind. It looks like all the liquids from her body have been drained away. She still lies in her bed which would indicate she was unaware of her attacker, or perhaps knew them.
Tahni looks back at the pool of water with renewed suspicion.
------------------ Perception: 37 Knowl Arcana: 35 (Take10) to determine what may have turned Riverwind into a husk Spellcraft: 44 (Take10) to determine what may have turned Riverwind into a husk
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday January 27th, 2021 7:29:32 PM
Sorry for the brevity - haven't had power all day
Those were questions I was gathering to ask the stones when Terser drinks the potion. To add to the list would be if the monks fought for or against the team, and confirm if one was a simulacrum before being beaten back to water.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+9=10 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2021 10:03:16 PM
Fang does what she can do diagnose the cause of death but is unable to determine anything that wasn't already obvious (nat 1 on heal check, 10)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:20:59 AM
Bralin looks in the rooms, but mostly stays out of the way.
"Some kind of mage team," he opines. "At least four, possibly as many as eight."
He considers. "Would we expect any Talons to have Spell Resistance at rest?"
DM Carl Thursday January 28th, 2021 2:15:41 PM
What a mess. There is a lot to sift through here, so our heroes get to work.
Tahni thanks the guard, then latches on to his last question. "Yea," he starts. "Just a puddle of water left behind with all their clothes." No doubt some of the man's concern is caused by the fact that the clothes in that puddle match his own. Tahni's mind seizes on the possibility that they're dealing with a simulacrum. It's certainly possible that's the case. She carefully enters the women's room, stepping around anything that looks important. The puddle of water is in the men's room, and there's no such puddle in here. Just a pile of ash, a desiccated Riverwind, and signs of struggle.
A quick search through the ash reveals a scrap of metal. Half of Flower's symbol is engraved in it. The ash is almost certainly the remains of Cammie. Riverwind's body is coated with a very thin film of dark, sticky goop. Tahni has no doubt it's ectoplasm.
Tahni remembers there was a third female Talon: the eternally unpleasant wizard Majorie. There are no signs of her, but the third bed that must be hers looks like it was slept in and the sheets thrown back violently.
Terser receives the guard's answer to his questions, then imbibes Aexana's Stone Tell potion and asks the same to the stones in the room.
OOC: There are two potential stone witnesses, the rock garden and the stone hearth. The spell description indicates the stones only know what's touched them. I'll extend that range a bit, but not too much.
The stones answer without any embellishment, getting straight to the point. The hearth answers that the dwarf living there battled 4 clay men and two humans in heavy black armor. The dwarf was overwhelmed, pinned down, and beheaded. The rest of the action was too far away from the hearth for it to know more.
The rock garden is just off-center in the room. It also answers with complete, cold indifference. The half-elf that lived there was eaten by a big skull after being bit in half. His legs were dropped in the garden as the skull flew over. A large rock near the outside wall says a halfling hid in his shadow until the intruders left, then left himself out a nearby window.
Terser has to ask a few separate stones, but manages to get an idea of how many people were involved. Besides the Talons' menfolk, there were 4 clay men, 4 humans in heavy armor, 3 humans in suits, and 2 of the monks. The monks seem to have ended up fighting each other. Stones aren't good at keeping time, but sunlight hit one of the stones through a window about an hour after it was over.
Fang tries to discern anything special about how the Talons died. She's distracted, but even so there's one oddity that stands out: the dismembered arm is clean. There should be a lot of blood from that kind of wound, but there is very little. There are no signs of the arm's owner.
Bralin wonders if the Talons could have had some spell resistance at rest. Maybe? None of them were of races that had any innate spell resistance, other than Tanin's elven immunities to sleep and resistance to enchantment. They were adventurers of no small means, though. More than that, they were sponsored by the Kingdom of Aisildur. They would have had access to magics that granted spell immunity should they have sought them out.
There is still a lot of crime scene to investigate.
***
Couldn't wait till later to get more players posts in since I'll be busy later today. Big thanks to Ken for pulling so much weight while I dealt with life.
He closely examines the tuning fork (perception: 32, 39 for traps) and points it out for Tahni to look at with detect magic.
Jozhur takes one look into the men's quarters and decides to go to the women's side with Tahni. He prods the body of Riverwind, then looks in the pool, then the beds. (Perception 44)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=55 ; d20+38=56 ; d10=9 ; d20+38=44 ; d20+38=54 ; Thursday January 28th, 2021 7:04:45 PM
Rill will look the place over very carefully - all the rooms. He makes it a point to look up in the rafters and get on his hands and knees to look under the beds and furniture as well. Not sure how many perception rolls should be made. Some rolls are: 55, 56, 44, 54.
”Yeah, this is pretty bad. Who does this sort of thing? I mean, if there are parts missing, why wouldn’t you just take all the remains? Clearly the murders are either not worried about leaving such evidence behind, or they’re doing so hoping to provoke us into following them.”
“Clay men? Clay Golems are traditionally created by clerics I think. Anybody know what abilities Clay Golems have?”
Rill will use his Sense Outsider and Sense Construct abilities to find the direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, elemental, construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Rill casts Detect Magic and searches the whole place for lingering auras, attempting to identify them. (Rill is only +6 on his Knowledge Arcana so while he can spot them, he has a pretty limited ability to determine what school they might be - DC is 15+spell level). He will point them out to Aexana and Tahni hoping they maybe better at that part.
”Hmm. A tuning fork. This may be a trap, or it may have been left for us to know what plane they went to. Or both.” Rill looks at the tuning fork. He frequently casts Plane Shift, so he has a pretty good idea which tuning fork may be used for which plane. Once Jozhur has checked the taped thing for traps and we look for magic on it, Rill will compare it to his own set of tuning forks hoping to determine which plane it is attuned to.
"I can cast Divination now but I’ll need about 15 minutes to pray for Commune, which will provide only yes or no answers. Any thoughts on what to ask?”
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:29:51 PM
Tahni gathers with the others to share what they have all learned.
The motives Rill has suggested sound plausible. "The other option is that they left this scene as a warning or as an act to intimidate others. Based on how the other teams are feeling it would seem to be working"
She casts her own Detect Magic spell and scans for any magical auras or spells still in effect. She also looks for the gear that belongs to the Talons to determine whether it is still here or has been taken.
"Do we know who the fork belongs to? If it belonged to one of the Talons we may be able to use it to scry on them. If they're alive." Tahni then follows that train of thought "The only members of the Talons who could make use of such as thing were Cammie and Marjorie. Cammie has been turned to ash. It either belongs to Marjorie or one of the attackers. It was found in the mens quarters so perhaps one of the attackers?"
"The halfling that escaped may have been Whirfoot. His corpse isn't here. He may still be nearby". Tahni casts Locate Creature and slowly turns to try and sense him. Unfortunately she didn't know the Talons well enough to know of any items of significance to them. A Locate Object spell would have been nice.
"If there is no body to that arm, then it's former owner might also be alive." Tahni tries to deduce who the arm might belong to. Riverwind and Cammie are dead. Gort was the dwarf that was killed. Tasin was the only half-elf so he was the one that got eaten. Whirfoot probably escaped. That would leave it as either Majorie (a female human) or Lummox (the half orc muscle). She suspects they have very different arms. If she can work that out she will cast another Locate Creature spell to try and find that person. If that doesn't work then it is possible the arm might belong to one of the attackers, which would make it another good clue.
She casts a Locate Creature spell for Marjorie and Lummox as well.
"Those spells are a good idea, Rill" Tahni considers other spell options "I have a Legend Lore spell prepared. The Talons were quite powerful and being in this place I may be able to learn a lot of what happened. I'll just need some incense to cast it." She then has another idea about the arm and winces a little. "Um, I know we usually only use the spell with a piece of hair or something like that, but an arm might make for a strong connection for a Scrying spell."
------------------ Cast Detect Magic. Knowl Arcana: 35 (Take10) to ID any auras or spells still in place Standard action: Cast Locate Creature to try and find Whirfoot. Range: 1200ft Standard action: Cast Locate Creature to try and find Marjorie. Range: 1200ft Standard action: Cast Locate Creature to try and find Lummox. Range: 1200ft Standard action: Cast Greater Scrying on the owner of the arm (either Marjorie or Lummox). Will Save DC28, though the arm will probably add a +10 to the DC!
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+19=29 ; Friday January 29th, 2021 7:50:47 AM
When Fang is told what the stones said she jumps right on a particular detail. "Sounds like we have a survivor. I'm a decent tracker, I can try to pick up his trail." She goes to the mentioned window and tries to spot his trail on the ground outside of it (29 survival)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+27=29 ; Friday January 29th, 2021 1:46:47 PM
(Woops I was surprised about yesterday's early DM post and seems I already missed two now... I usually post late at night and found that matching the DM posts. Have to adapt my schedule. Sorry)
Aexdog is happy the stones seem to clear some of the mystery. She doubts though the mice she spots near the hearth with be of any use. Had she been in mouse shape perhaps she could have talked to them... So it seems a Halfling took off through a window then? Aexdog hops to where the Halfling was hiding just before getting away... she sniffs the area trying to catch a scent... can she follow it to the window? If she hops outside... can she still track the scent?!? (scent 29)
Aex casts Foresight on herself... and wonders if tracking this Halfling would be good for the investigation... and safe to track...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+11=28 ; Saturday January 30th, 2021 12:39:18 AM
After relaying the info from the stones, Terser thinks t he best lead he can do is to find the escaped halfling. He provides what assistance he can to Fang.
(Dc10 - adds 2 to Fang's toll)
If there are more stones on the half halflings trail, he'll ask them for directions if they are able.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday January 30th, 2021 5:30:29 AM Should we all follow to be safe, or send a few?" Fang asks.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Saturday January 30th, 2021 7:15:39 AM
Aexdog looks up at Fang with her nose in the direction the scent goes... together they can certainly track down this Halfling.
Through the rings she communicates "We can go together... see where he went and then bring back the rest... he's probably hiding. Meanwhile the others can see if there are more things to learn here... "
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=35 ; Saturday January 30th, 2021 2:29:53 PM
Bralin gives a nod to Terser.
He will stay here with Rill, Tahni, and Jozhur. Terser can accompany Fang and Aex in the hunt for Whirrfoot.
The dwarf wanders through the quarters, seeing if he can discern anything new. [Perception 35]
DM Carl Sunday January 31st, 2021 12:35:05 PM Jozhur examines the tuning fork he found. He finds no traps, just the thing taped to the wall. He hands the thing to Tahni for inspection before heading out of the carnage in the men's room. The woman's room isn't pretty, but it's decidedly less messy. Riverwind's body is completely desiccated and crackles a bit as it's touched. His finger leaves a trail of the sticky ectoplasm Tahni found.
Rill gets to investigating. With his knowledge of constructs, Rill's certain the clay chunks in the room used to be parts of clay golems. His hunch that these are the "clay men" the stones talked about is almost certainly correct.
He senses no outsiders nearby, and for the first time in a while, no constructs either. All the monks around the crime scene's perimeter are flesh and blood. That's probably a relief? His detect magic spell registers a bunch of different conjuration auras, as well as a number of magical items the Talons no doubt carried. It's unlikely our heroes had a list of the magic items the Talons carried, but Rill can tell at a glance that a number of valuable items were left untouched. Probably not a robbery, then. A fading aura of illusion is coming from the puddle of water.
His hunch about the tuning fork proves correct, and he finds it's attuned to this plane. Conjuration magic still lingers around it.
Tahni's own detect magic finds a transmutation aura around the ash pile. It's consistent with a disintegration spell. Other than that, her results mirror Rill's. She puts together some solid deductions about the owner of the tuning fork.
She turns her focus to the missing Talons. Marjorie and Lummox come back empty, but Whirfoot does not. Tahni turns and turns until she gets a bearing and distance. If her hunch is correct, he's at the docks. In fact, that's the exact direction the Mailed Fist ship the Seven call home.
The two of them discuss their divination options, eager to get past the mystery part and right to the rescue/justice part.
Fang is indeed a skilled tracker, but can tell both Marjorie and Lummox did not leave these rooms by the doors or windows. They must have been magicked out. There is no trace of Whirfoot, but that's not much of a surprise considering his skill set.
Aexdog does have the advantage of a nose. Even hours later, she can still smell the fear sweats that passed through the window. Looking past it, she sees the docks.
OOC: Obviously I'm still getting back in the groove myself. No worries.
Terser, after relying the stones' info, tries to help with the tracking.
Bralin lends his eyes to the investigation. He fixates on Gort. The now headless dwarf is surrounded by broken stone and clay body parts and blood. Too much blood for it all to be his. Perhaps Bralin takes some comfort in knowing that Gort went down swinging. He's about to turn away when something catches his eye: a chunk of clay has an etching of a chain carved into it. Rolling the stone over, Bralin finds an amulet carved into what used to be a construct's chest. It's not a symbol he recognizes: a looping, almost fractal pattern that vaguely resembles a shield. It's visually appealing and well made. Bralin's eye for stonework can likely appreciate it.
Knowledge dungeoneering or arcane DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {This golem was a shield guardian golem, and this amulet has a matching one somewhere out there.}
It's decided that Fang, Aexdog, and Terser will hunt for Whirrfoot while Jozhur, Bralin, Rill, and Tahni keep looking here.
***
A rat woman, a dwarf, and a dog trot after Whirfoot. Terser casually strikes up conversations with rocks along the way, but none report seeing a halfling. Aexdog's nose is certain he came this way, though. Between her nose and Tahni's divination, the trio arrive at the Sapphire Seven's ship. Min stands outside, smoking something pungent wrapped in a large, dried leaf. For once, an honest to goodness look of sorrow sits on his face and he fails to insult anyone.
"Wondered when you lot would get here. Come on in, but he won't be happy to see you." The trio are lead below deck. Most of the Seven aren't home. The only other one here is Tora, the canine beastfolk. He sits between Whirfoot and the door, a mug of something steamy in his hands. Whirfoot is already on his feet when the Sea Dragons enter.
"No. Nonononono NO. Whatever you Dragons are up to don't involve me no longer!" He's near hysterical already.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday January 31st, 2021 11:02:53 PM
Fang is surprised at the response to their appearance. "Oh. Ok." She almost turns and leaves but thinks better of it. While she doesn't want to do an uninvited interrogation they probably need to ask him questions anyway. Does he look injured or just scared?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 3:16:37 AM
Jozhur examines the strange substance on his finger, "Yuck, what is this? And what sort of magic would do this to a person?" He wipes his finger off on a clean bit of floor nearby before moving on.
The young man goes to the beds next, since they appear out of order. He carefully looks over and under each one, before pulling away the covers and lifting the mattress.
Perception: 35
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday February 1st, 2021 1:51:10 PM
Aexdog acts as if she thinks Whirfoot wants to play. She waves her tail and barks back... hopping on her front feet bowing dog to play.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d100=17 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 2:35:28 PM
Rill turns to the Head Monk. "Master Abbot, there are no construct monks nearby anymore. Something has changed. Please find out what happened to a large part of your monk force. If they answer to another, this could be very bad indeed."
He asks Jozhur, Bralin, and Tahni, "Can you think of a thing or person I can focus on? Discern Location is a powerful spell. It works across planes and pierces most protections. It may lead us to what we seek."
Rill will cast Divination, asking "Who or what is responsible for this attack on the Talons?" (Rolled a 17% - success!)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+7=21 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 3:12:46 PM
Terser is happy to let Aexdog try to calm Whirfoot down before trying to get any information. He tries to soothe his mien into something not so intimidating, but rather solid and comforting. It's a stretch for him.
Can I get a cuppa that? diplomacy 21
DM Carl Monday February 1st, 2021 3:59:40 PM
On the Seven's ship, Fang almost honors Whirrfoot's request. She's probably right about questioning being important. Aexdog does her best to calm him. He absentmindedly starts to pet her head when he looks down suddenly, curiosity plain on his face. "You guys have a dog? I don't remember you guys having a dog."
Hin is halfway through pouring himself a cup when Terser asks for his own. Hin casually grabs another mug, then changes his mind and grabs a small tea-pot. He pours the contents from the kettle into it, then brings the whole thing to the table along with two extra mugs. It looks like tea, but Terser can smell it is strongly spiced. Hin's cup is heavily laden with milk and honey before he drinks it, and he still grimaces at it a bit. "Let this steep too long," he comments to no one in particular.
Terser takes advantage of the fact that everyone looks a little less threatening behind a mug of tea to set Whirrfoot at ease. The halfling sighs, resigned to the fact that our heroes aren't leaving. He sits back down and grabs his tea back, bringing his legs in criss-cross underneath him. He doesn't seem eager to open conversation, he just sips. One hand finds Aexdog's head and starts petting.
***
Jozhur wipes the gunk on the floor, and why not? They need heavy cleaning anyway. He goes through the beds, but finds nothing untoward. The ones without Riverwind's corpse were slept in and hastily left. There are personal effects here and there: a novel with a feather for a bookmark on Marjorie's bed, a small shrine to Flower next to Cammie's ash pile. The usual. Nothing seems to be hidden.
Rill brings up the lack of constructs to the Abbott, who peeks outside at the assembled monks outside. "I will take your word for that, Rill. I'm still not able to tell them apart. You make a good point, though. Excuse me..." He leaves. Our Soulseeker turns to divination, eager to get to the bottom of who did this. Unfortunately, the divination spell answers questions about the future, not the past.
OOC: a divination spell can provide you with a useful piece of advice in reply to a question concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within 1 week. You may use the same roll if you still want to cast the spell.
He ponders casting discern location as well. Having seen both Lummox and Marjorie, he won't need an item that belonged to either. Plenty are available if he'd like some insurance, though.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday February 1st, 2021 5:09:38 PM
Tahni lets Rill know the results of her attempt to scry on the owner of the arm. If she was able to scry on them she will suggest the Discern Location on that person, otherwise the other person might be the best bet.
Bralin seeks out Rill, carrying the torso of one of the shattered clay golems.
An amulet carved into what used to be a construct's chest. The symbol is a looping, almost fractal pattern that vaguely resembles a shield.
"Tis a Shield Guardian," Bralin points out. "The Guardian serves as a bodyguard of a wizard, who possesses a matching amulet. Mayhap this will aid your search?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; Monday February 1st, 2021 7:11:03 PM
Jozhur begins a methodical search of the women's room, starting at one corner and covering the entire room, floor to ceiling before he moves on to the men's side.
----------------- Perception: 35
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 1:57:47 AM
(Sorry about the Divination thing. I interpret this to mean it relates to our action instead of general information about others absent action by us? In this case, I will focus on our ability and actions to find whoever did this.)
Rill will instead ask, "How can we find those responsible for this attack on the Talons?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 5:59:36 AM
Oh well... Aexdog thinks as Whirfoot starts petting her head... it's been a while... hmm... kinda fun... oooh yes behind the ears... Aex shakes her head like only dogs can.
As long as Whirfoot is calmed by her presence she won't disrupt things by changing back to her own Gnome self. It would probably scare the poor guy. So... even though it's kinda awkward she plays along...
With a very big wide open yawn she puts her front legs on Whirfoot and lays down... turning her dog head so he can scratch better behind her ears.
Through the rings she mentally says to Fang and Terser : "Not a word... this is kinda fun.... but not a word... I dare you."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 6:17:56 AM
Fang finds nothing unusual about the situation and is a little confused at Aexana's mental message. "We just came from your barracks. What happened?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 2:10:34 PM
(with Aex's comments she wanted to say that Fang and Terser should not say a word to the others about how she's behaving right now :-) )
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 3:29:39 PM No family is complete without a pupper. And there's nothing better than her sniffer when it comes to finding someone. Terser makes a mental note to get a real pet. Maybe Jada can make him something! Robo-puppy is probably easier to care for the a real dog.
We're trying to find whoever attacked your team and bring them to justice. Anything you can tell us will be helpful. They can't be allowed to harm anyone else. We're also sourcing some diamonds so that we can bring your friends back, if they wish to come.
DM Carl Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:07:37 PM Tahni and Bralin begin to confer with Rill regarding future divinations. There's no specific spell to locate the other half of a shield golem amulet, but perhaps a cleverly worded casting of some other divination spell will work? Tahni no doubt realizes she has all she needs for a Discern Location spell to work, assuming Lummox or Marjorie aren't some place even that powerful magic won't work. That should not be construed as some foreshadowing from your DM (seriously).
Rill rethinks the question he wants his divination spell to answer. The spell, however, portends future events, not responsible parties. All the same, he gets a response, and the answer is simple: wait. Meeting whoever was behind this attack is a matter of certainty. There doesn't seem to be a possible future where they do not openly reveal themselves. The fact that the spell only predicts events up to one week in the future should not be lost on Rill.
Meanwhile, an itch develops in Rill's brain. Something's wrong about...something in the men's bunkroom. Nothing jumps out, but something is wrong.
Jozhur, not on team divination, tears the room apart looking for anything else. His hands snake in and out of any potential hiding place. Under Marjorie's bed, his hand vanishes as he feels around. There's a small invisibility field there. Reaching inside, there's only a large book. It is crudely bound with twine, the cover unremarkable, the pages heavy and probably half cotton. Opening it, he finds a scrap book, a log the bitter-seeming wizard kept of her adventures with the Talons. Photographs don't exist in this world, of course, but she had a knack for drawing. There are also several permanent illusions showing past victories. In several pictures with her brother Lummox, she scowls at him as he embraces her. The existence of this scrapbook calls how genuine the scowls were into question. Should he peruse it for clues, he finds nothing useful. It's just a sad reminder that the Talons were more than just a state-sponsored team competing here.
Aexdog gets into character. Whirrfoot only continues giving her casual pets, but the old gnome no doubt feels his heart slowing and his anxiety dropping. She's doing her part. She asks her friends not to blow her cover, though Fang doesn't pick up on that right away. Thank goodness for those rings.
Terser puts in one last bit of casual conversation before getting down to business. Whirrfoot listens impassively, though he brightens just a tiny bit at the mention of raising them. It doesn't last. "I don't know that Tasin can come back. One of the people who attacked us summoned this real big skull that ate him. Didn't chew him right away, just held him in its mouth until he stopped moving, then closed its mouth and bit him in half. I don't think he's got a soul to bring back any more."
Knowledge, Religion DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a creature described in story as The Mother's Maw, a herald of some extraplanar power. It attacks like Whirrfoot describes and does in fact devour souls.}
Whirrfoot tells the story of what happened. He keeps his voice flat, his emotions subdued to get through the telling.
We were asleep, then the room got full of people. Lummox's screaming is what woke us. Think he got woken up by having his arm chopped off, but I ain't sure. I rolled out of bed and into the shadows. That's what I do. I hide, I look for an opening, and I attack where it counts." A pause. "Only, there wasn't no place that counted. There were just too many and we never stood a chance. So I just kept hiding. One of the priest looking ones was holding a tuning fork. Seemed important, so I nicked it when she put it in her belt and left it for you. She pulled another one out when they were done and magicked away. One of their big armored guys was holding Lummox when they did. He wasn't moving.
"I was gonna go check on the girls. I swear I was, but I saw Riverwind through the hall and just ran." He wipes his eyes on his sleeve. "Left the fork where I thought someone would see it then just ran."
Hin exhales slowly. Tora looks like he's about to say something, but thinks better of it. Whirrfoot looks at Fang and Terser. "I'm the only one that lived, aren't I? The only Talon left."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=39 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 1:14:00 AM
Coming up empty so far, Jozhur continues his thorough search. If satisfied he has covered the women's side, he will move on to the mens', continuing his methodical search.
Perception: 39
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 4:46:23 AM
Tahni keeps an eye open for any equipment that might have belonged to the Talons. Anything with a really strong magical aura. She plans to place such things in her haversack to keep them safe. Leaving valuables unattended might not be such a good idea.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 4:48:23 AM
Aexdog listens to Whirfoot... smells like some powerful adversaries and there would have been nothing this guy could have done to change the outcome...
In Whirfoot's eyes the dog on his lap seems to understand the pain he's in. Aexdog lays down her head on his lap and softly yelps.
"What trouble are we heading in to... " she sends through the rings.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 6:40:27 AM
Fang listens to the story but decides to let Terser handle the interview.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) d20+18=24 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 10:34:00 AM
Bralin goes back into the men's bunkroom, and resumes his observations.
[Perception 24]
DM Carl Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 5:53:46 PM Jozhur doesn't find anything else of importance in the woman's quarters. Tahni gathers up valuable equipment in her haversack, just so nothing goes missing. Bralin, along with Jozhur, give the men's quarters a good sweep, but they're pretty sure they've found all the clues lying around they're going to.
Tahni comes to the arm left in the men's quarters, the one that's almost certainly Lummox's. She uses it as a focus to cast greater scry in an attempt to locate him. A small sensor pops into existence and flies off at impossible speeds. Off it goes, past the Dragon Isles, past the peninsula, up into the sky. It rockets past the moon Wardd and leaves Jericho Space entirely. Tahni knows other planes exist, some of them Woldian minds are pretty knowledgeable of. Where her sensor ends up is a mystery to Tahni, but wherever it is, Lummox is there.
His situation is not good.
The enormous man is strapped to a polished metal table. His legs, remaining arm, and torso are all held down by heavy chain. Tahni notices torn leather straps still attached to the table. Evidently Lummox had some success tearing free once. Seven tubes feed into (or out of) his body, filled with an unhealthy green colored liquid. Tahni's arcane knowledge suggests the setup is probably related to one used to create flesh golems. Zooming out a bit and rotating to get the whole picture, Tahni also finds Gort's head. It's stitched to the stump Lummox's arm used to occupy. Where Lummox's face is near catatonic, Gort's is a mask of naked panic. He moves his mouth like he's speaking, yelling in fact. No sound comes out, though. In fact, there's no sound at all; it is completely silent. Tahni knows there should be sound, assuming sound exists in whatever plane she's found.
Heal DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {There are no marks of any kind of Lummox's body that indicate a mortal wound. Other than the missing arm, obviously, but that doesn't look to have killed him.}
***
Conversation lulls in the bowels of the Seven's ship. Perhaps the silence is answer enough to Whirrfoot's question regarding survivors.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision d20+6=25 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 6:21:14 PM "Holy Mother Maab" Tahni's face goes white at the sight of Lummox and what remains of Gort. She feels nauseated by it all and tries her best to keep her breakfast down.
Unsure if the others can see what she can see, Tahni tries to explain the grisly details to all via the rings.
It may be a futile attempt but Tahni tries to cast a Message spell through the sensor. She tries to speak calmly and soothe the pair. By her reckoning they may not hve much longer. "Lummox. Gort. It's Tahni Wyrmrider from the Sea Dragons. Hold on. We're searching for you. Whirfoot is safe and with us. Just, hold on a little longer. Blink twice if you can hear me"
She considers casting a Detect Evil spell through the sensor but realises there is no point. She already knows the answer. Wherever Lummox and Gort are, and whoever did put them there is evil. There's no other way to think of this. She does cast a Detect Magic
"I like to think I know quite a bit about the planes, but I've never seen or heard of this one before. I'm not even sure I know how we could even get there." she says quietly.
As much as the sight repulses her, Tahni keeps the sensor going. She could keep it active for up to 20 hours. "I might be able to see something else that gives us some more clues. At the least though, if this is the end, Lummox and Gort deserve to have someone watch over them during their final hours". Should that time come, she will ask Rill if he can say a blessing to Gargul for the pair.
--------- Heal check vs DC20: 25=Pass! Cast Message and Detect Magic Knowl Arcana to ID any spells or effects: 35 (Take10)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 7:46:08 PM
As Tahni relates what she sees, and Rill looks over her shoulder at her scrying device (mirror, pool of water?)
"By Garguls Teeth! Who would do such a thing? My divination focused on our ability to find those responsible within the next week, and the answer was simply 'Wait.' Clearly we cannot wait."
Now that Rill has something to focus on, he will cast Discern Location with the hope that he will get enough information to use Plane Shift to get to wherever the Lummox-Gort thing is.
------------------------------------------ Discern Location - A discern location spell is among the most powerful means of locating creatures or objects. Nothing short of a mind blank spell or the direct intervention of a deity keeps you from learning the exact location of a single individual or object. Discern location circumvents normal means of protection from scrying or location. The spell reveals the name of the creature or object’s location (place, name, business name, building name, or the like), community, county (or similar political division), country, continent, and the plane of existence where the target lies.
To find a creature with the spell, you must have seen the creature or have some item that once belonged to it. To find an object, you must have touched it at least once.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) d20+8=24 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 11:16:10 PM sorry, schedule has been a bit off lately
Terser doesn't know quite enough about religion to identify what it could have been, but he relays the info to Rill and Tahni - maybe they can ID the creature and what it would take to summon one. Skull that eats souls? religion 24
I'm sorry if Tasin can't be saved. But we'll do whatever we can to bring back everyone else. Just knowing that a body was taken may be enough. Let me relay that to our seekers.
Terser also lets the location team know that the foes used another fork to escape, and they took Lummox's body with them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday February 4th, 2021 5:29:04 AM
Fang remains blissfully unaware of events elsewhere. Ok not really blissfully, the events she already knows of are bad enough.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday February 4th, 2021 8:44:10 AM
Jozbur shudders at Tahni's description of her scry. He replies with his thoughts "We don't outmatch these other teams by that much. They were taken by surprise, but I would stillexpect they would put up a decent fight. Maybe we should try to bring help again."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 4th, 2021 10:48:05 AM
Bralin's lips tighten as he absorbs Tahni's news.
"A fate even worse than death," he mutters. "Ill news."
The dwarf, having exhausted his meager research abilities, takes position near Rill.
And waits.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday February 4th, 2021 12:10:38 PM
Aexdog assumes they have all the info needed from Whirfoot... the dog casually stands and begins stretching the frontlegs by bowing deep while yawning again. Next she trots towards the exit... as if to say the dog's gotta do what a dogs gotta do...
DM Carl Thursday February 4th, 2021 4:45:03 PM
The four Dragons at the crime scene deal with Tahni's disturbing discovery.
Bralin decides death is preferable to such an outcome. Jozhur notes the Talons' abilities weren't much outclassed by their own. They were caught by surprise, though, and it's obvious to him that it played an enormous factor in the outcome. Really makes all the precautions his friends took look worthwhile.
Tahni attempts to send a message. The magic travels through her scrying spell, but she can't hear it on the other end. Neither Gort nor Lummox respond in any way. Her spell worked, so something over there must be keeping things quiet. Her detect magic finds a weak illusion aura she can identify as a silence spell. There is also a strong enchantment aura on Lummox that is unique, but has many similarities to the spell insanity. Gort is not affected by the spell. There is a noticeable absence of necromancy auras.
Rill casts discern location on Lummox. It takes 10 minutes, during which Tahni can continue to monitor the situation. Nothing much changes with Lummox or Gort, but she is able to take in the surroundings more. They're in a room that is remarkably clean. This is no mad scientist dungeon, it's a stark white room unbroken by doors or windows of any kind. Light comes from glowing tubes set at regular intervals along the ceiling that flickers a bit every now and then. Another light shines from the end of an articulated metal arm attached to the wall near the bed. Joints on the arm appear to be movable, and the light itself is set into a highly reflective cover allowing it to be aimed. It's shining into Gort's eyes. There are no magic auras from any of the light sources.
Rill's spell succeeds. To no one's surprise, Lummox and Gort are on another plane. He does not have a name for the plane, and one has to wonder how to describe a plane's location, but he knows where the plane is all the same. What he does not have is a metal tuning fork attuned to the plane. Obtaining tuning forks for known planes wouldn't pose much of a problem to Rill, but this one poses an issue. There's a real likelihood that such a fork doesn't exist in all the Wold. One could be created, probably, but only after some painstaking research and precise crafting. Any mistakes and who knows where the Dragons would end up.
One might assume this is your DM being pedantic to avoid having his players arrive early. One would be mistaken, but could be forgiven for the assumption. Rill may be able to suss out how to make this happen should he decide to pursue it, but his own knowledge of these things isn't high enough to figure it outright.
***
Terser lets his friends know about Whirrfoot's story, including the bit about the fork. Kinda have to wonder what would have happened if Whirrfoot had snatched the other fork. Did they have a back up? Could have gotten messy.
Fang enjoys her last moments of not knowing what her opponent is capable of, and Aexdog makes to heed nature's call, but Whirrfoot evidently isn't done yet.
"They had a leader," he starts. It takes him a moment to keep talking. "Tall, looked human. Wore some kinda spectacles. He had such an...expressive face. Fascinated one second, bored the next. Wandered off to check on the women's dorm after they chopped Gort's head off. Came back as a squat, greasy looking man, but it was him. I'd stake anything on it. No spectacles, but the looks he gave...it was him. Never raised a finger against any of my friends himself, but he was the leader. You could just tell."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday February 4th, 2021 5:57:20 PM "No response" Tahni lets the others know via the rings "They're on their own and there's nothing I can do to bring them any comfort"
She describes the room in detail and everything else she can observe.
"Would one of your miracle spells get us there, Rill? We'd need to fully prepare for such a journey. As Jozhur said, the Talons were a very strong group and it looks like they didn't really have a chance"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 4th, 2021 7:42:06 PM
Terser considers inviting Whirfoot along to help avenge his brethren for a moment, but he seems in no condition to fight. Stay safe. We won't let this shifting man take us by surprise.
Through the rings, he reminds the Sea Dragons that the Talons feel from surprise, some being taken out while still asleep. Plus, it sounds like they're down at least one shield guardian. Maybe the Abbott would join us, considering some of his acolytes were targets as well.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday February 5th, 2021 7:16:16 AM
Fang is distracted by the conversation over the rings and gets a distant look on her face. "No response to what? Go where? If you guys found something, you forgot to tell the rest of us."
Realizes she was rudely ignoring those around her she apologizes. "Sorry, distracted by the voices in my head." She indicates her Dragon ring, though whether her explanation makes sense or just makes her sound crazy depends on how much Whirrfoot knows of dragon consortium lore.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday February 5th, 2021 11:08:58 AM
Bralin fills in Aex, Terser, and Fang on what the investigative team has uncovered.
Otherwise, the dwarf is out of his depth.
He can only wait.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday February 5th, 2021 11:22:23 AM
Aexdog waits to leave with the rest and rejoin the rest of the group.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday February 5th, 2021 11:52:33 AM
Jozhur subconsciously fidgets with the swords hanging from his belt. Going to some alien plane to confront some very powerful foe, nothing could possibly go wrong.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday February 5th, 2021 6:18:44 PM
Rill pulls out his set of tuning forks, one for each of the known planes, to confirm he doesn't have one for this place. He also compares the found tuning fork to the one he has for the Wold to confirm that's what its attuned to.
"...let's see - Lands of Rest, Koshe Marr, Air, Earth, Fire, Water. Ugh, this is bad. We cannot simply Teleport or Plane Shift there. You're probably right Tahni, a Miracle should get us there, Gargul willing, and once there I should be able to get us back. But we need more information first. And if we're watching them we should assume they might be able to hear and see us."
"It's puzzling that they left a tuning fork attuned to the Wold, other than to tell us that is how they travel and to imply they can come and go with ease. Everyone knows we just won a few wishes, so they should know we can get there. So why leave this tuning fork taped to the wall?"
"I guess we could just use Wishes or Miracles to restore Lummox and Gort. I mean we did all get 100,000 gold. So there's gotta be more to this. Sounds like it's time to pray for and cast Commune."
Rill will take 15 min to pray for Commune. (I'll post my 19 yes/no questions.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday February 5th, 2021 6:46:22 PM
Tahni repeats what she told Fang earlier.
Highlight to display spoiler: {From post on Wed: "Unsure if the others can see what she can see, Tahni tries to explain the grisly details to all via the rings."}
She keeps watch through the sensor while Rill does his thing.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Friday February 5th, 2021 10:01:02 PM
Terser fills Rill in about the forks as they're coming back to the party, since he must have forgotten to pass it on before.
Whirfoot knicked the fork from the planeshifter's belt, then left it on the wall for us to find.
He gives his 2 coppers on questions to ask of Lord Gargul, then waits for the answers with the others.
DM Carl Saturday February 6th, 2021 7:48:24 PM Tahni regrets she's unable to offer any comfort. She asks if a miracle spell could get them there. Rill believes it would, and there's a pretty good chance he's right. He checks his tuning forks just to be sure, but isn't surprised when he comes up empty. He decides to commune with Gargul.
Tahni's able to continue scrying during the second 10 minute long spell Rill casts. She discovers that if her sensor gets far enough away from Lummox, she can hear a faint buzzing sound.
[b]Bralin makes sure his friends are filled in while Rill and Tahni do magic.
***
Back at the Mailed Fist ship, our heroes take their leave. Whirrfoot looks a little relieved that they're leaving. Probably nothing personal. They will make it back to the crime scene before Rill can ask his questions.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday February 7th, 2021 6:55:21 PM
Fang spends the trip back deep in thought.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Sunday February 7th, 2021 11:47:06 PM
Once Rill has finished praying for a Commune spell, he will cast it and ask:
1-Will Gargul allow us to restore the dead members of the Talons of Asildur to life using clerical spells like raise dead or resurrection? 2-Can we use a Wish or Miracle to bring Lummox's body back here? 3-Can we use a Miracle to go directly to where Lummox's body is? 4-Is whoever took Lummox's body expecting us to go there? 5-Does whoever took Lummox's body intend to return here within two days? 6-Does whoever took Lummox's body intend to return here within a week? 7-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, are we walking into a trap? 8-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face constructs? 9-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face undead? 10-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face extra-planer creatures that can be Banished? (I assume that creatures native to that plane are immune to a Banishment spell.) 11-Does whoever attacked the Talons control the construct monks? 12-Are the construct monks working with whoever attacked the Talons? 13-Are the Chancers working with whoever attacked the Talons? 14-Is someone intending to have the Lummox/Gort creature fight us? 15-Does Domi really want the tournament to proceed? 16-Is Marjorie safe? 17-Was Marjorie abducted? 18-Is the "leader" that Whirfoot described the same person as the Tinker we thwarted before? 19-Does the "leader" that Whirfoot described expect us to come to the place where Lummox’s body is now?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=36 ; Monday February 8th, 2021 12:27:25 AM
With nothing much else to do, Jozhur continues looking over the rooms while Rill communes.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday February 8th, 2021 6:10:28 PM
Bralin falls into his standard relaxed posture, legs slightly apart, knees very slightly bent, arms behind him with his hands joined at the small of his back.
He watches Rill without any apparent emotion or impatience.
The dwarf looks as if he could maintain this pose for days.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Monday February 8th, 2021 6:55:56 PM "I can only see ten feet around Lummox, but I haven't seen anyone else there yet." Tahni relays to the others "There is some sort of buzzing sound though at the outskirts of the sensor. Perhaps the silence spell, or whatever it is, is focused squarely on Lummox?"
DM Carl Monday February 8th, 2021 7:10:36 PM Rill asks his questions. Like last time, the voice that answers is Gimp's. Whether that's just what the commune spell sounds like or if Gimp is actually doing the answering isn't clear.
1-Will Gargul allow us to restore the dead members of the Talons of Asildur to life using clerical spells like raise dead or resurrection? "Gonna have to ask him, Chief."
OOC: I know that's what you're trying to do here, but the site's particular about raising the dead and how it's handled. I can't commit one way or the other right now.
2-Can we use a Wish or Miracle to bring Lummox's body back here? "Nope"
3-Can we use a Miracle to go directly to where Lummox's body is? A pause..."Not directly."
4-Is whoever took Lummox's body expecting us to go there? 5-Does whoever took Lummox's body intend to return here within two days? 6-Does whoever took Lummox's body intend to return here within a week? 7-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, are we walking into a trap? 8-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face constructs? 9-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face undead? 10-If we go to this place where Lummox's body is, will we face extra-planer creatures that can be Banished? (I assume that creatures native to that plane are immune to a Banishment spell.)
The answer to all these questions is "I don't know." Rill would know that Gargul's power does not extend past a handful of planes.
11-Does whoever attacked the Talons control the construct monks? "Yup"
12-Are the construct monks working with whoever attacked the Talons? "With is the wrong word, but yea."
13-Are the Chancers working with whoever attacked the Talons? "Not that I know of."
14-Is someone intending to have the Lummox/Gort creature fight us? "Not sure of that either, buddy."
15-Does Domi really want the tournament to proceed? "Oh yea."
16-Is Marjorie safe? "I doubt it."
17-Was Marjorie abducted? "Yes"
18-Is the "leader" that Whirfoot described the same person as the Tinker we thwarted before? "That's a real possibility, but we aren't 100% on it."
19-Does the "leader" that Whirfoot described expect us to come to the place where Lummox’s body is now? "Maybe? All this was to get your attention. That's all I'm sure of."
The rest of the party waits for the above answers. The next step is in the party's hands. There's still the meeting planned for this evening, but that's several hours away.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday February 8th, 2021 8:35:47 PM
Fang gets back as the questions are being answered. "We have their location? Lets get going then. The sooner we got after them the more likely we are to get them alive. If it's the same one who's been causing havoc till now we'll no doubt be walking into some sort of challenge or trap but there isn't much choice in the matter."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday February 9th, 2021 1:09:24 AM Not directly, eh? Sounds like he's got the place warded or something. Is miracle good enough to take us outside his lair so we can knock down the door?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Tuesday February 9th, 2021 4:07:32 AM "If we're going after them we need to take a few steps in preparation, including buying a few things from the vendors. Do we tell the abbot that we are going? How close are we playing this?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 9th, 2021 9:42:42 AM
Aex changes back to her own Gnome self and intently listens to the outcome of the communing efforts. So far she doesn't like the answers much but then again... wasn't that to be expected?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday February 9th, 2021 5:46:48 PM
"We must tell someone our plan, 'ere we do not return by this evening's meeting," Bralin answer Tahni. "If not the abbot, then mayhap the Sapphire Seven."
The corner of the dwarf's lips curl upward slightly. "I'm sure they could find a contract to cover confidentiality."
DM Carl Tuesday February 9th, 2021 7:06:12 PM
The group discusses their next steps, including who to tell and how to get there. That answer about not being able to use miracle directly was a bit...obtuse. Tahni, with her abundance of knowledge skills, likely realizes that a god popping a group of people into a plane they have no power in may not be possible. A more likely approach is fabricating the tools needed to do so using more traditional ways.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 1:30:18 AM
As Rill relates how Gimp responded to his Commune spell, he tries not to sound angry. He fails.
"I've about had it with being jerked around by the God's of the Wold! They send us here, tell us we MUST compete in these meaningless games, but refuse to say why. Domi puts an Abbot in charge of security here, but somehow lets him get duped into believing Domi sent a bunch of Simulacra when they owe fealty to what ever psychopath abducted Lummox."
"It wouldn't be so frustrating if the Gods would let us in on their little schemes here. We have done what they asked. They could at least let us know what in Gargul's name is going on."
Then he clasps a holy symbol that he believes was given to him by Gargul himself, an item that started him on his holy service to the Lord of Life and Death so many years ago. As he does so, he speaks in a strong voice.
"My Lord Gargul. I have sought nothing but to serve you, forsaking my family to travel the Wold with companions you have sent, to bring hope and healing in the Wold. I come humbly before you, seeking your guidance. Why have you brought us here, to watch people being dismembered and abused with no way to respond? Why does Domi allow his dedicated Abbot to be misled? What powers could so silence the Gods of the Wold, challenging their authority in this realm? I pray you, do not abandon us. Do not lead us here only to leave us to despair. You call us to life and accept us when it is over. Show us what we must do to end this carnage and cruelty."
Rill will expend a Hero Point as he says this prayer aloud.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Wednesday February 10th, 2021 2:06:09 AM
Rill is clearly having a private discussion with his deity so Tahni elects to give him some space. "Ok, I'm heading to the markets to stock up on supplies. If anyone thinks of anything we need just let me know over the rings"
Tahni will end her scrying spell and leave the building.
She will give a nod to the monks she passes and approaches the abbot as she leaves. "We may have some leads to follow. I need to get some supplies first though to be sure." She doesn't let on any more than that. "Probably best to keep this building closed off for the time being"
With that she proceeds to the market stalls (or readies to teleport to the Catacombs).
OOC:DMs.. please let me know if Tahni can do some shopping?
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 9:29:53 AM
Fang is startled at Rin's outburst. It wasn't the god's fault that some near-do-well is causing trouble here. If it is the Tinker no doubt this is their best chance of stopping them before they try to destroy everything again. Still she's not going to rebuke a fellow priest of a different faith. His relationship with his god is his own concern.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 11:56:45 AM
Aex quietly listens to Rill addressing Lord Gargul... she can't remember him ever sounding like that before but she feels he's pushing the right buttons. Without saying a word she nods in agreement.
When Tahni plans to go shopping she realizes it's been a while she herself did some upgrading... (probably lost track of actual wealth so I'll need to see what I can find :-) )
The little Greenmage has never been the decision maker of the team so she checks her gear and wonders how to prepare best for the perils that lay ahead.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday February 10th, 2021 4:38:53 PM
Terser doesn't know if he should break into Rill's reverie, since he's clearly going through something. He knows what it's like to feel like the Gods are jerking you around, having had his own falling out with Domi many years before.
Had another thought, buddy. Maybe that Miracle can be used to make the tuning fork? Or at least give us the frequency to let us make it ourselves?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday February 10th, 2021 5:15:43 PM
Bralin nods at Terser's bright suggestion.
Otherwise, he waits patiently.
DM Carl Wednesday February 10th, 2021 8:33:59 PM Rill has words with his god.
"Rill," comes a voice from behind him, "why do you think you're here?" Turning around is Gargul on his throne. His posture is stiff, but his demeanor is calm. "You are here," he starts without waiting for an answer, "to investigate a threat to the Wold from outside my own personal influence. The answers you're seeking are ones I expect you to discover." He leans forward. "So you'll understand that I might find your outburst..." he turns his wrist, seeking for the correct word. He settles on "Inappropriate." He sighs and sits back in his chair. "I will not speak for Domi, but I am not one for games. When I tell you that I am uncertain about something it is because I am uncertain about it. I am not omniscient.
"But, since you've asked so passionately, let me tell you the situation as I see it. You have discovered a grisly crime scene. Some of the Talons are with me now, but four are not. You have located two of them, and they are in significant distress. Given the chance to aid them and potentially discover the location of our mutual foe, you have chosen to spend your time asking me questions you yourself have been sent to answer. Even as we speak, your team has struck upon a method to travel to this new plane and have begun to prepare. I am unclear on why your course of action is not evident. Now..." Gargul reaches a hand out and closes it, and Rill finds himself pinned in an invisible grip. Gargul brings his hand close to his own face, and Rill is hurtled forward. Gargul grows in size until his face fills Rill's vision. "SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN AND YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF OUTSIDE MY GRACE." Rill is dropped from about 2' in the air. When he recovers from the fall, he finds himself back where he started.
Tahni figures she should stock up on supplies. That is a good idea. It's so good that I'm going to break a rule.
OOC: You folks are on the doorstep of level 20, and things are going to move fast once you hit it. I'm not saying this is your last chance to go to the Catacombs, but in the spirit of keeping things moving please go ahead feel free to spend up to the 880,000 gold that level 20 characters are allowed.
The rest of the party has their own opinions on Rill's questions, but all agree that it's his personal business. Terser lands on a good idea for getting to wherever it is Lummox and Gort are.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday February 10th, 2021 10:20:08 PM
Rillet Savenport is visibly shaken. He stands from a short fall, smoothing his surcoat from where he was grabbed by a God. He looks around at everyone staring at him.
"OK, so the good news is I'm not dead. Also, I learned a couple of important safety lessons - Gargul has little patience for whining, and he's not real keen on mortals blaming him for their current circumstance. Anyway, he says you guys came up with an effective way to travel - good job Terser and Tahni. We need to do our best to stock up and then go."
"I'm still kinda sore at Domi though."
Rill pulls out 25,000 gp in diamond dust and casts Miracle to create a tuning fork that is tuned to the plane in Tahni's scrying.
Rill will relate what Gargul said, word for word, knowing it reveals not just information but the consequences of his own hubris. Still, there may be things others pick up on that Rill missed. (Feel free to assume you all know what Gargul said above.)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Thursday February 11th, 2021 1:02:49 AM "Interesting. Gargul said that four of the Talons aren't with him. It sounds like Marjorie might still be alive as well then. Though having seen what has happened to Lummox and Gort, alive may not be a good thing"
Her thoughts then turn to preparations "There are some basic supplies that I plan to stock up on, but does anyone have any specific ideas that might help us? Constructs seem likely. I have a Planar Adaptation spell I think will be handy too"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday February 11th, 2021 5:51:08 AM
(OOC - Yikes... gotta go shopping!!! 373K to spend.... bring on that CC Catalogue! )
Aex recovers her breathing after Gargul having berated Rill. The fact that four Talons are missing sounds intriguing... but lets not jump to conclusions yet...
"Yeah I need to check the Catacombs also... I wonder how I could best prepare. Leafy's got some Ghost Touch armor but that hasn't come in handy yet. Probably never will... they were on sale when I bought them and the CC cleck was a very good salesman. "
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday February 11th, 2021 5:54:56 AM
Addendum
"Guys what potions would be best? here's what I have on me...
Remove Paralysis CL18 Remove Blindness / Deafness CL18 Remove Disease CL18 Neutralize poison CL18 Protection from Energy CL18 Water breathing CL18 Resist energy CL18 Barkskin CL18 Heal CL18 (with help from Rill) Breath of Life CL18 (with help from Rill) Air Walk CL18 Stoneskin CL18
I used the Stonetell earlier. Know that I can only bring a handful of potions so we need to take the right ones... if we have some time I can still brew a couple as a replacement.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday February 11th, 2021 7:11:49 AM
While surprised at the personal appearance Fang is no surprised at the reaction. You don't yell at your patron deity, not without consequence.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday February 11th, 2021 11:39:28 AM
Jozhur watches as Rill seems to be having some sort of episode.
"Brilliant idea, Terser!" He gets ready to run off with Tahni while thinking about what he might purchase.
DM Carl Thursday February 11th, 2021 3:41:03 PM
Post is still coming this evening, but...
I made a mistake! Gargul said in his little speech that four of the Talons were not with him. That's wrong! Five Talons are not with him. Since Gargul doesn't make mistakes, let's pretend that's what he said.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 35/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 11th, 2021 4:34:18 PM
Terser muses that Gargul must have briefly lost track of the soul that got devoured as he accompanies the others to the shops.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 11th, 2021 5:47:26 PM
"Heal and Breath of Life," Bralin answers Aex. "I am unsure which others will be most needed."
The dwarf muses. "We shall engage constructs, golems, summoned creatures, and spellcasters."
"I shall also purchase items."
Bralin heads out to get more weapons.
DM Carl Thursday February 11th, 2021 9:27:16 PM Rill is alive, and that's good. He burns through enough diamond dust to keep a small hamlet in comfort for generations and miracles up a tuning fork. It's a plain looking fork, but striking it produces a decidedly discordant noise. He fills his friends in on his meeting.
The party discusses what to bring, and some of them have already made their way to the Catacombs. Terser muses that Tasin's soul may be still digesting.
Rill is confident he can plane shift the party to Lummox/Gort's location. The party just needs to finish preparing...
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday February 12th, 2021 1:01:03 AM
Jozhur rushes off to the Catacombs for a couple quick items.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday February 12th, 2021 7:15:04 AM
Fang is always ready to go.... but she should maybe go buy some upgrades first.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday February 12th, 2021 11:34:57 AM
Aex too hurries of to the Catacombs. She just hopes to be back in time for all the fun...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC41 T16 F36, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Friday February 12th, 2021 5:44:04 PM
Bralin continues discussing his purchases with the very helpful attendant at the Catacombs. The dwarf is about to drop an awful lot of gold on the fellow.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday February 12th, 2021 5:57:02 PM "Well, it seems we need to prepare ourselves for a journey of sorts. Assuming the tuning fork works, I will be able to take eight willing creatures there."
Then he says to Heather, "Heather, you should let the Chancers know we may be delayed. Five of the Talons are dead. Please make sure the Chancers are prepared to provide sufficient diamonds to raise them. Our group won three wishes. If the can prepare those to go, in say, a Ring that would be most helpful. Also, if you could have some food prepared for us to take on a short trip, that would be great."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday February 12th, 2021 5:59:20 PM
(DM Carl - not sure what happened, but I'd prepared that post last night. When I checked today it was not there. Probably forgot to hit submit - ah well.)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday February 12th, 2021 6:37:01 PM
Terser returns from the catacombs poorer in gold but with a doubly shiny weapon. He's ready as he can be for his plane trip.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Friday February 12th, 2021 7:11:22 PM
Tahni nods to the others in the Catacombs as orders get filled.
Things are moving pretty quickly there. The staff must have known the group was coming.
DM Carl Friday February 12th, 2021 11:08:56 PM
The party ditches Rill to go shopping.
OOC: All your orders are available for use immediately.
Rill has some requests from Heather, namely to let the Chancers know they're going to investigate and to ask for food.
"Food? Yea, sure. That's no problem. I'll let them know, but Rill...if you're going to do this, and I don't think you should but I doubt I could talk you out of it, be careful, ok? If you guys never come back and all this keeps happening here..." she lets her voice trail off, figuring the silence will get her point across.
Rill thinks to ask for a ring or something to store the wishes in, but probably remembers they're stored in the prize medals awarded when the wishes were granted. The gold one with 3 wishes was awarded to Bralin, but it's a team prize. He's just the one who won the actual tournament.
Heather will come through, having a small bag of holding delivered with plenty of nuts, dried meats and berries, water skins, and even some kind of fancy elven bread. Food will not be a concern for some time.
OOC: If you folks indicate you're ready between now and Monday, we'll get the next part started then. We can start Tuesday if you need one more day, but I'd rather not draw it out any longer than that.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Saturday February 13th, 2021 12:32:48 AM
Jozhur returns from the catacombs, "All set, when everyone else is. Umm, I'll be right back actually."
He rushes off to say goodbye to Urlryn again.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday February 14th, 2021 6:08:46 AM
Aexana nods... "All set indeed... "
Purchase completed and char sheet updated
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision Sunday February 14th, 2021 5:44:51 PM
Tahni waits patiently in line in the Catacombs. It looks like most of the crew have been served.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday February 14th, 2021 9:35:40 PM
Fang's ready.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Sunday February 14th, 2021 10:32:46 PM
Tahni returns from the Catacombs decked out in some new kit.
She doesn't hesitate to take out some scrolls and use them to finally return her Arcane Sight. It's true, she could have just prepared the spells herself and cast them tomorrow, but time it seems is of the essence. No time to swap out spells. She casts a Barkskin spell as part of her final preparations.
"I'd prepared spells assuming we were going to be fighting in a magical tournament. Most of my spells are versatile enough though. I hope."
Tahni is ready to go when everyone else is.
"You know. Something's been bothering me. You remember the guy I geased? Patrick? He had a Planar Adaptation spell cast on him. Do you think he's been to the plane we're going to?"
OOC: CC purchases done. Sheet and header updated
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Sunday February 14th, 2021 11:37:12 PM "Aww. Heather. You do care. Thank you for the food. But no need to worry. If we didn't make it back, you'd have to deal with some of the other Dragon groups. And we wouldn't want to leave you dealing with folks like Restlin or Sesha."
Rill smiles, half expecting that the Iron Dragons might just be scrying the Sea Dragons to keep an eye on how things are going - since they are the ones that delivered this assignment.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday February 15th, 2021 9:15:28 AM
Bralin arrives back from the Catacombs.
He's sporting a new helm, a new ioun stone, leather gloves, a mantle over his armor, and a heavy mace seems to have replaced the waraxe at his hip.
"I am ready," he announces.
DM Carl Monday February 15th, 2021 3:19:43 PM Jozhur tracks down Urlryn. He finds her without much difficulty, and their dalliances are no one's business but their own. They will not be repeated here...
Tahni ponders if that thief was from this dimension too. It's possible. It's also possible the two aren't related. Lots happening at this year's Invitational, so it's hard to say. She rethinks her spell selection.
OOC: For Tahni and any other spell preparers: I'm gonna invoke the DM hand wave and say go ahead and make spell selections for this upcoming scene regardless of prep time. Let's not let rules get in the way of fun.
Rill gets a good-natured punch in the arm from Heather before assuring her the Dragon Consortium wouldn't leave them hanging. Whether or not that's a good thing is debatable, though Restlin's usual strategy of tripping over the right answer by accident may have worked well here.
Everyone else is ready and laden with a small fortune of new gear. Time to get going.
Rill casts his spell. The tuning fork sounds at a barely audible pitch that slowly lowers into a growl as the world goes dark around them. In the gray between dimensions, the party is hurled along at impossible speeds as Rill's spell searches for the correct destination. It finds one. Let's hope it's the right one...
Someplace Else
DM Carl Monday February 15th, 2021 3:20:15 PM
When the correct dimension is reached, there's not a slow transition. Our heroes just find themselves in a small room with a single exit through a closed wooden door. There are about 8 chairs made from metal, very cheap looking upholstery, and some kind of smooth, resin-like material. A small wooden table is in the center stacked with a few large but thin books bound in slippery paper. The language is foreign, but the pictures all seem to show men in the outdoors, oddly decorated homes, or scantly clad women.
The tube lights Tahni saw in her scrying burn overhead, glowing a perfectly white light that hurts the eyes. Everything is very clean and smells of bleach, further burning the eyes. There is an aura in this room; a sense of wanting to leave but being forced to stay. Luckily the door has no lock.
***
Awarding 100,000 XP to everyone, as well as 1 hero point for jumping into the unknown to (hopefully) rescue the remaining Talons.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+32=48 ; Monday February 15th, 2021 6:07:58 PM
Tahni squints a little while her eyes adjust to the burning white light. She looks about with her newly returned Arcane Sight to check for any magical auras.
"Well this is one of the more unusual places we've been" She looks about the room. Knowing that spells sometimes work differently on different planes she tries casting a simple Mage Hand spell to pick up one of those books with the weird homes on it.
Curious about the tome, Tahni then casts a Comprehend Languages spell
"At least there aren't any hostiles in this room"
------------- Perception: 48 + Arcane Sight + See Invisibility Cast Mage Hand to pick up the book Cast Comprehend Languages to see if she can read the cover of the book
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday February 15th, 2021 9:23:11 PM "That's funny Tahni - no hostiles. I'd say whoever brought Lummox here should consider us to be hostiles. Let's see what we can sense here."
Rill looks around to make sure everyone made it. Then he checks to make sure the Status effect of our Dragon Rings works here. Finally, he will reach out with his senses, trying to determine if there are any outsiders or constructs nearby.
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Rill shares the result of all this silently with his friends via the rings (assuming they still work here.)
Rill checks his extra-dimensional spaces and pulls out a Continual Flame dagger to check that magic works here as well.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:20:06 AM
Fang does not like this room and has no idea why. Just something about it makes her teeth ache. "Lets get moving."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+42=53 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:15:57 AM
Aex nods at Fang's comment. She doesn't like the place either and from the look on Leafy's face it's clear he doesn't like it any better... With her new Robe Aex automatically sees all forms of invisible or ethereal creatures or objects within 120 feet. (Perception 53)
"You think they don't know we're coming?!? This is the perfect anteroom of death... (ooc Anteroom of Death - song by Tarja Turunen)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:44:31 AM
Aware that Rill needs some time for detection, Bralin tries out his new helm.
He picks up and flips through a couple of the small books, trying to understand what is written.
He also takes note of which races are more prevalent, or missing, in the pages.
He relays anything of interest through the rings.
——— Use Helm of Comprehend Languages
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday February 16th, 2021 5:32:46 PM
Terser looks around, trying to see if this place has any resemblance to some of the other planes they had a merry chase through just before the tournament. He has a listen at the door to see what he can detect.
Chairs and Books - was someone setting up for story time? Doesn't seem a very relaxing place to read.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=47 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 6:16:32 PM "Maybe they're expecting us or know we are here, maybe not. It did take a miracle to get here."
While the others investigate the room, Jozhur gives the door a thorough examination.
____________________________ Perception: 47 (54 vs traps) Was shadow able to tag along? Maybe inside Jozhur's bag of holding.
DM Carl Tuesday February 16th, 2021 10:42:24 PM Tahni tests her magic to make sure it still works. Her mage hand picks up one of the shiny books easily enough. She can't feel any difference. Her comprehend languages spell works as well, as does Bralin's.
Bralin finds the only race shown in the pages of the books is human. No pages are missing, but there are 4"x5" squares missing out of some pages on thicker pages than the rest. He and Tahni try to find something of use in them, but goodness are they vapid. Roughly half the space in them is dedicated to selling goods, usually associated with the overall theme of the tome. The majority of said themes seem to be living out of doors, cooking, decorating, and fitness. There is one on the bottom that looks well worn with a particularly fetching woman on the cover, along with promises of ways to improve the quality of your coupling and a checklist of ways to detect infidelity in your romantic partner. Each book has a white rectangle on the back with the following:
Compliments of Dr. Rick Ester 430 Hemmingford Lane Suite A8 Fansworth Village, AX
Say what you will about how uninspired the books' content is, but the artwork is perfectly lifelike. Without magic, each image is a masterpiece.
Rill sends his senses out. Perhaps he feels a twinge of alarm when he realizes there are seven outsiders in the room with him. He quickly realizes he is detecting himself and his friends. It seems whatever powers his abilities here is literal. There are no outsiders detectable otherwise.
He changes to detecting constructs and is overwhelmed. How many constructs are around? Hundreds? Thousands? More? It's very possible. They exist in amazing numbers in every direction, including up and down. There is no direction Rill can look where his senses don't detect incredible numbers of constructs. They extend to the edge of his senses, but he notices they are perfectly spaced in a grid, each one 80' away from its neighbors. His dagger functions normally, as do the rings.
Fang and Aexana are keen to leave this room, but they should probably keep waiting for their friends.
Terser doesn't recognize this place from his previous plane travels. He puts an ear to the door and listens. There are sounds out there all right: wheels rolling on a smooth surface, high-pitched regulars beeps, and voices (though he can't make out actual words, just a low mumble).
Jozhur inspects the door. It is a simple painted wooden door with a brushed metal handle. There is no lock, or anything else of note. Jozhur feels confident the door is not trapped and will open without issue. He checks and find Shadow just where he was left.
Tahni's arcane eye sees nothing but the mundane. There is not a hint of magic anywhere she can detect, other than what was brought here.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=49 ; Wednesday February 17th, 2021 12:14:13 AM "Right. So. Not at all sure where or when we are. It turns out we are the only outsiders here within about 1,000 feet. As for constructs, there are hundreds? Thousands? Strangely, they are all very evenly spaced in every direction from where we are, even up and down, each about 80 feet from the other.
"Magic works, and our rings work. Tahni, do you remember when we went to one of the Tinker's worlds and you used a Seeming spell to make us look like locals? Maybe we should do that here. Maybe those sheaves of glossy paper will be a guide as to how we should look. I don't see too much armor in there.
"Anybody able to see what folk may look like on the other side of that door so we can mimic them? I have an invisibility potion and could blip out there and back I suppose. Jozhur, can your shadow tell us what's out there?"
Rill looks around the room, including the ceiling, and even looks low under the table and chairs. (Perception 49)
Rill is a bit puzzled that he didn't sense any of the Talons as outsiders. Must be too far away.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday February 17th, 2021 1:57:05 AM
Tahni relays what she understands from the books "They all have the same label. Compliments of Dr. Rick Ester. I wonder who they are"
She has a good look at the book on the bottom. She's curious about the checklist for determining a partner's infidelity. She can already think of a dozen or so spells that would do the trick. Perhaps there are some she hasn't considered? As for improving the chances of fertility, surely the Enhance Fertility spell is what you'd use. Tahni looks about to see if anyone is watching, then places the book in her haversack. It might be worth a read later.
Rill's observation on the number of constructs is a little alarming. "I stocked up on some scrolls to help deal with constructs, but there's no way I could do anything to help you against so many"
"Knowing how the Talons we taken, what we've seen, and that this is likely a trap I think we should proceed very cautiously. It looks like we are boxed in right now" Tahhi pauses and then looks to Rill "You did bring a tuning fork to get us back to our own plane, right?"
Going in disguise seems like a good plan. If everyone is in agreement, Tahni prepares to cast a Seeming spell. She plans to make everyone look human and wearing clothes that she randomly picks from the pictures in the books.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 6:30:17 AM "I assumed we were expected, that this was like the kidnapping. Disguises seem a dubious proposition." Fang points out. "Still I'm game if you want to try it."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 8:58:53 AM "I can turn invisible with my ring... though I would be surprised if whoever is on the other side of this door would be unable to see even invisible beings. We think we know what we're up against... rest assured out opponent knows everything about us. So far he's always been one step ahead of us. No use staying here... we'll need to confront our adversaries at some point."
That being said, Aex hands a Stoneskin potion to Leafy. "Anyone else interested in one of these?" And then she activates her ring of invisibility.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 9:24:48 AM
Bralin nods agreement with the disguises.
Meanwhile, he concentrates on finding Gort.
using stone warden Dwarven Blood ability. Determine distance and direction to any dwarf within 9 miles
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+8=9 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+37=39 ; Wednesday February 17th, 2021 4:04:19 PM "I'll use one of my invisibility potions and go check things out as much as I'm comfortable. Just stay in the corners along the wall with the door, I'm going to have to open it. Unless someone can create an illusion of a closed door. If you hold off on the disguises a second I can tell you what to look like."
If no one objects, Jozhur will listen for people near the door, then drink an invisibility potions and sneak into the hallway when he thinks no one is walking toward the door. ___________________________ Ignore the +8 roll, it was for shadows perception, then I saw it has a stealth skill of +4 in bright light, yuck.
Perception: 43 Stealth: 39 (59 w/ invisibility)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 9:59:38 PM
Terser waves at Bralin as the dwarf-sense passes over him, then tries to stay out of his line of sight as he searches for Gort.
He takes particular interest in what looks like a collapsing axe used for chopping wood out in the wilderness. While having a magic glaive is obviously better, he sees how this could be useful for someone less burly than himself.
DM Carl Thursday February 18th, 2021 1:03:46 AM Rill shares his findings with his friends, then starts giving the place a good search. It doesn't take long, as there's not much here to search. A few hard, pink, blobby things the size of a bean are stuck under the chairs. A metal grate is set high in the wall, cool air blowing out. Another grate is set in the ceiling, sucking air in. Rill can peer past the grates if he chooses, seeing small, square-walled metal tunnels about 1' x 2'. Other than that and the aforementioned books, chairs, and table, the room is bare.
Tahni takes the salacious book with her, for research. One day, when she has time to give the thing some time, she'll notice the infidelity test contradicts itself several times. No one could possibly pass it. She suggests using a seeming spell to blend in. The books are full of pictures of humans; choosing a few average looking ones is simple enough.
Fang questions the value of disguises, but won't say no. Aexana offers Leafy and any other Dragons who would like one a stoneskin potion.
Bralin hunts for any sign of dwarves nearby, but finds none but himself and his friends. Terser avoids blocking his line of sight before admiring this world's survival gear.
Jozhur drinks an invisibility potion and peeks out the door. The sounds he heard become much louder when the door opens. Outside is a brightly lit hallway, about 15' wide. It extends in both directions as far as Jozhur's eyes can see, and his eyes can see very far. Every couple hundred feet, another hallway crosses this one forming a four-way intersection. Doors similar to the one he opened are evident every hundred feet or so. Small placards show numbers by each door, ascending in one direction, descending in the other.
It sounds like the hallway should be full of activity, but it is quite empty. The sounds move past him, but all speech is unintelligible.
After a few seconds of looking, Rill's construct sense pings a new construct walking in from the max range of his senses. It is moving down the corridor from the right at a brisk pace, roughly the speed of a quick walk. Rill figures it will reach them in 2-3 minutes. Jozhur sees a figure move into the hallway from an intersection several hundred feet away. His keen eyes spot a human female. Her clothes are loose and have a colorful pattern that seems to repeat itself over and over. She does not appear threatening, but she's pretty far away still.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:25:11 AM
Fang waits in the waiting room impatiently.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+25=33 ; Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:46:56 AM
Listing to Jozhur's findings Aex gets the shivers of this place...
"Might wanna remember the number on this door if ever we want to make it back home... and we perhaps a trail of breadcrumbs when we search these corridors? Are these portals from any dimension to another?? (Know Arcana : 33)
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 12:50:46 PM
Rill points as he says, "So, we have a new construct moving our way from that direction. It will probably be here in 2-3 minutes. Someone strategically placed constructs at 80 foot intervals throughout this place, so I fear that moving out may bring the whole place down on us. But I'm also not a big fan of just waiting around to see what happens.
Rill casts an extended See Invisibility to see if the noises are invisible people in the hallway. He's rather not be bumping into people we cannot see.
If the hallway is not full of invisible people, he drinks a Potion of Invisibility and reads a Scroll of Silence, centering the spell on a dagger so he can toss it away if needed.
"I created a Silence effect on a dagger. Spellcasters will need to be 20' away from me to cast spells. We'll need to use the rings to communicate and to know where each other are. I assume you all have the ability to become invisible - if not, speak up. Let's move out and away from whatever is coming. We'll go single file along the right wall. Let's see if we can find Lummox.
"Jozhur, can you scout ahead?"
Unless someone stops him, Rill will move out once everyone is hidden in some way.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 18th, 2021 4:21:22 PM
Bralin moves along as Rill requests, although his inability to locate Gort raises some concerns.
There are no dwarves within 9 miles of our location, he reports. How are we to find those we seek?
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+37=41 ; Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:09:33 PM
Jozhur relays the best description he can of the woman walking toward him. From what Rill is saying, he assumes she is the construct.
He turns and heads the opposite direction, wanting to stay out if Rill's silence.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:11:07 PM "Maybe Gort is no longer a dwarf" Tahni considers the gruesome possibility "It looked like they were being made into some sort of flesh golem"
Of course the silence spell does also impact Tahni's ability to cast spells. She stays in the room and at least 30ft behind Rill.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:25:52 PM Good question Bralin. From Tahni's scrying, I'm guessing he's been turned into a construct and may not technically register as a dwarf any more. Those tubes of green liquid and Gort's head being placed where Lummox' arm was - I have a hunch that Lummox now has an acid-spitting appendage. I hope I'm wrong.
Assuming Rill is outside, Rill's spectacles make it easier t see the woman construct headed our way in a colorful pattern. Weird.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 18th, 2021 7:26:04 PM I don't really do inconspicuous, so I'll need help with the invisible bit.
He doesn't have any thought on tracking, unless Tahni's spell is still active or she can cast it again. He can't really go by smell, since the chemicals pretty much override anything he could normally pick up. If they wnt to hang out for 10 minutes while he asks the Gods, he can. But a speedier solution is probably best here.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 8:16:22 PM
(Sorry for the multiple player posts - trying to be responsive to the situation.)
Rill gives Terser an Invisibility potion.
DM Carl Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:09:56 PM
And so our friends valiantly head out of their purgatory under cover of invisibility and magical silence. The sounds of the hallway yield to the silence spell. Aexana notes the room number they were in: 5529.
Aexana wonders if each of these doors leads to another dimension. That would be something, wouldn't it? Nothing hints at it, though. There are still no magical auras here other than the ones you brought with you.
Question remains: what are our heroes exploring? If they're looking for something distinctive to draw their attention, they're in for some disappointment. This place is monotony given form.
Except, of course, for the woman still heading towards you. Or rather, the room you came from.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:26:02 PM "Can you tell if the lady is a construct, or whether she's perhaps carrying one?" Tahni asks Rill
"It would seem we're not going to get anywhere blindly searching. We need a lead. If noone has a better idea, perhaps I set myself up as bait? I change my appearance to look like someone from the book and wait and see what she does. I've got both Comprehend Languages and Tongues spells going so I should be able to understand her. If things get dicey I trust you all to bail me out. Any other ideas?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday February 19th, 2021 8:07:26 AM
Fang's preferred method would be a methodical room by room search but opening a bunch of doors while invisible will just get them caught when whoever is here notices doors opening by themselves. For now she stands by weapon ready in case this approaching woman turns out to be a threat.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday February 19th, 2021 3:09:30 PM
[b]"Hang on... Leafy's not invisible either... and I don't have any potions or scrolls to turn him invisible either. Should I ask Leafy to stay here untill we actually run into trouble?
I should be able to see any invisible creatures closing in on us as soon as they are closer than 120ft...
Now's perhaps a good moment for some Foresight cast on our scouts... see if the spell warns you of any actions that might endanger you... you won't be flatfooted either... ", Aex adds mentally and touches Jozhur
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+17=34 ; Friday February 19th, 2021 4:27:18 PM
Terser think back to his time in the tunnels and wonders if he can find an entrance. Maybe something about the echoes or air currents will let him know if there's an open space of some kind. There's more likely to be someone to question there if it exists. perception 34
Hopefully though, they'll be able to communicate with the woman approaching them.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Friday February 19th, 2021 4:39:00 PM
Rill fishes out his last Potion of Invisibility and hands it to Aexana for her Vegetable of Unusual Size.
Honestly, how do you guys even leave the house without a potion or two of invisibility?
Tahni, your plan is as good as any. I'm assuming the woman approaching us is a construct, but maybe she's like those monks and doesn't even know. We'll all be in the hallway, silent and invisible and ready to follow. Let's see where she takes you.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday February 19th, 2021 5:59:23 PM
Tahni gives a nod and in the room casts a Disguise Self spell. She makes herself look like a 5ft tall human female and wearing what look like common clothes from the book. She also tries to find something that the people might carry that looks like some kind of haversack of backpack. It would be difficult to conceal hers otherwise should she need to recover something from it.
Cast Disguise Self
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+37=39 ; Friday February 19th, 2021 8:42:01 PM "This place is vast. The only obvious clue it is then. I'll be right behind her."
Jozhur tries to follow the woman into the room without her noticing. He will also give her a careful look over.
DM Carl Saturday February 20th, 2021 10:24:28 AM Tahni may remember Rill detecting the woman because she was a construct. She decides blindly stumbling around won't do anyone any good and that she'll engage the woman in disguise.
Fang would rather a room by room search. One wonders if she realizes the scope of the place she's found herself, or if Fang's work ethic is just that impressive. Nonetheless she remains armed and invisible.
Aexana notes leafy is visible, which prompts Rill to give his last potion of invisibility. She recommends a foresight spell.
Terser waits and feels for air currents. The findings are odd. Winds seem to blow more than they should in the enclosed space. He can trace the air flows from one type of opening in the wall covered with a grid of 1/2" squares to another type of opening in the ceiling made of concentric cones. The wall openings blow out cold air, and the ceiling ones remove the hottest air from the top. It makes for a comfortable, if chilly, atmosphere.
Rill wonders how people get out of bed without a way to turn invisible these days and agrees with Tahni's plan. Jozhur also agrees and stands ready to jump in. His keen eyes spot a device hanging around her neck. It looks like a rough Y shape. The bottom is some kind of rubber tube with a flat circle on the end. The tops are metal and curve in towards each other at the top, where they terminate in more rubbery looking bits. A small black device about 2"x3" is clipped to the waistband of her outfit. The outfit also has several large pockets that appear to hold more gear.
Tahni casts her disguise spell, turning herself into a short human woman in a simple blue dress with flat-soled, comfortable flats and a large bag over her shoulder. The books referred to the bag as a "mom bag", and it is indeed large enough to stow a baby comfortably. It seems a cold, impersonal way of carrying a baby around.
The woman in question gives a warm smile to Tahni as she nears, but doesn't look like she's about to stop and have a chat.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Sunday February 21st, 2021 2:26:25 PM
Bralin waits.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Sunday February 21st, 2021 5:48:37 PM "Ok, seems like I've blended in ok. What now though? Do we follow her? I suppose I could disguise myself to look like her and we walk the other way? I'm not sure. Anyone have any ideas?"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Sunday February 21st, 2021 6:14:54 PM "Well, I guess we don't have many options but to follow this construct."
Rill will follow this thing.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=33 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+37=46 ; Sunday February 21st, 2021 10:27:25 PM
Jozhur continues shadowing the "woman", waiting to see where she goes or what happens when Tahni interacts with her.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:13:57 AM
Aex thanks Rill without saying a word and makes sure her shrubbery friend downs the potion. Good think Aex can see invisible beings so she has no hard time following everyone along.
With no takers the little Greenmage casts Foresight on herself wondering if it's wise and safe to follow that "woman"... it's questionable that it will be 'safe' though... if they wanted to go someplace safe they should not be here in the first place...
*** Active spells *** Aexana : Foresight (170min counting from 20210221) Aexana : Invisible through her Ring Aexana : see invisible and ethereal beings within 120 ft through her Robe of Eyes Leafy : Invisibility potion from Rill (counting from 20210221)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:54:09 AM
Tahni smiles back to the woman. She wants to blend in and say some things, but without knowing the language spoken here she could give herself away if she chooses to use the wrong one.
Instead, she just gives the woman a nod and rocks back and forth on her heels as if she's waiting for something.
DM Carl Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:02:27 PM Tahni is disguised, but what to do about it? She attempts to blend in, but blend in to what? She's the lone visible person in the whole empty hallway other than the construct. Doesn't really matter, though, since the construct just gives a nod back and keeps going.
The rest of the gang tails her. Aexana's foresight spell doesn't warn her about any danger from the woman. The construct heads to the room the party was in before, opens the door, and calls out, "Sea Dragons?" It's not a question, but she asks it like one. The room was empty when you left it, but she still looks around. She locks eyes with something and asks again, "Sea Dragons?" It appears she didn't get the response she was looking for, since she sighs. It's a very slight sigh, until she closes the door all the way and groans with frustration. She reaches into one of her pockets and pulls out a thin, black rectangle that fits in her hand. She touches something on it, then raises it to her mouth and begins speaking. Her voice is projected from somewhere, though there's no evident source.
"Sea Dragons to the waiting area. Sea Dragons to the waiting area." Her voice echoes from down the hall. Evidently it was projected to this entire area. She looks around with a little annoyance visible on her face, mumbling something under her breath.
Perception DC 22, Highlight to display spoiler: {"No, it's cool. It's not like it's called the waiting room for a reason. Why would you wait in the waiting room? We obviously wanted you to wait somewhere else, that way we get to play hide and seek. I totally have time for that." ooc: This is not me chastising you for leaving the room.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+17=37 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:24:43 PM Perception pass - nat 20
It seems like we were expected, folks. I guess we just ask her what she wants with us?
Bralin moves back into the room, walking until he can hear the clank of his armor.
As soon as he's out of Rill's silence effect, he growls a demand.
"State your intent."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday February 22nd, 2021 9:44:37 PM "Uh, present!" Tahni - who'd been standing in the hall and making no attempt to hide - raises her hand.
She walks past the woman and delivers a bit of an explanation "Waiting isn't something we tend to do when people we know are in trouble"
Perception check vs DC22: Autopass
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Monday February 22nd, 2021 10:23:32 PM
Rill waits some more.
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 1:16:54 AM
Like Bralin, Fang doesn't trust the woman. She keeps her hand near her weapon just waiting for this lady to give her an excuse to use it.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 3:47:21 AM
Feels rude to stay invisible Aex thinks... but turning visible all of a sudden isn´t so friendly either. Since It seems they are awaiting the Seadragons they probably know how many there should be... Oh well...
Aex turns visible.
"Well met. Aexana of the Sea Dragons. My companon Leafy here drank an invisibility potion but well... here he is... ", and with that said she pats her friend on one of his many braches...
DM Carl Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 10:24:33 PM
A consensus quickly emerges: may as well see what this construct wants.
Aexana, kindly old gnome that she is, becomes visible and is generally pleasant. Tahni comes across a bit sheepishly. Bralin is himself.
The construct seems a little surprised as people become visible, but chuckles at Bralin's gruffness. "Come on, Bralin. You know that act doesn't work on me, you old softie." She playfully sticks her tongue out. "How long are you guys going to play at the whole 'we're being careful' routine? It was cute the first dozen or so times. I assume everyone else is still hidden?" She starts walking, seemingly expecting you'll follow. "Dr. Ester has made some great progress on your patient lately. I think we're going to see a breakthrough any day now!" She pulls a small spike out of her pocket and offers it to Aexana. The gnome has never seen anything like it, but it smells strongly of fertilizer. "Here's the treat I promised Leafy last time for being so brave."
The construct walks through the halls quickly, turning left here, then right there...she turns a lot. Not so bad that anyone needs to worry about finding their way back to the "waiting room", but it would have been real hard to find where she was going. The change in the hallway is subtle, but slowly the blinding cleanliness of the place starts to fade. The place is still clean, but there's a patina of age that creeps in. Outside the silence spell, the sound of a busy hallway comes back. It quiets as the atmosphere starts to darken.
The construct chats the entire time you walk, seeming genuinely friendly and not at all threatening. She stops at a door that doesn't stand out at all among the others. Its number is 2991. "Here we are," she says as she opens the door. Inside is an odd half-table covered in a single sheet of paper. Seven chairs and one stool can be seen, along with a short counter with a sink and two jars. One is filled with small balls of cotton, the other wooden sticks. There's also a corner in the table with a few more of the large books. "Dr. Ester will be along in a few minutes to see you." She holds the door open for you.
Aexana's foresight spell isn't giving her any alarms.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday February 24th, 2021 12:53:30 AM
Jozhur remains hidden and outside of the silence spell (if he can do so while staying in the room).
He is trying to remember what this woman could be talking about with leafy.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday February 24th, 2021 1:40:05 AM
Tahni doesn't like where this is going. "What do you mean by 'progress'? And what sort of 'breakthrough' are you hoping for? The vision I had was not a pleasant one so Dr Ester best not be the one responsible for it"
She speaks to the others as she awaits an answer. "Who is this construct and how does she know so much about us? Anyone recognize her? Sounds like she has at least met Leafy before. Notice how she said patient rather than patients?"
Tahni pauses for a moment almost in shock as a thought suddenly comes to her. Dr Rick Ester. Drrickester. Trickster.
"It's the Trickster! You know, the Tinker!"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 2:11:45 AM
This construct is unusually perceptive and well informed. Before going in the room, Rill will take the dagger that has the Silence spell cast on it and put it in an extra dimensional pants pocket. This should end the effect for now.
He paces in the room as he speaks through the rings.
"Ugh, I don't like this a bit. They clearly knew we were here. You're very clever Tahni - it must be the Tinker. Pity we were never able to actually get to him before. You know, I'm going to be pretty mad if it turns out to be that Abbot."
Rill will once again reach out with his senses, searching for Constructs and Outsiders. He will share what he learns with his friends. He also uses the Status effect of the rings to make sure we are all actually still here. ------------------------------------
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 9:27:15 AM
Aex is puzzled when this woman mentions she promised something to Leafy... has her old brain completely abandoned her?
"I'm sorry dear... please forgive an old Gnome... when did you say you promised this to Leafy?"
But when Tahni goes from Dr Rick Ester to Trickster she freezes for a split second...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 5:52:39 PM
It takes several moments for Bralin to process what he just heard. Even then, the dumbfounded dwarf can do no more than follow along.
"you old softie" rattles around in his head as he moves. Bralin is quite sure he's never been so thoroughly, and yet pleasantly, insulted in all his life.
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 6:08:23 PM
Fang tightens her grip on her weapon, just waiting for someone to give the signal for her to unleash.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 7:04:35 PM we've been here more than a dozen times? has someone played with our memories? I find it hard to believe that they could have successfully altered all of our perceptions that many times without any slipups. So who has been here masquerading as us? If they can make constructs this well, maybe there are construct us's running around too.
DM Carl Wednesday February 24th, 2021 9:15:31 PM Jozhur declines to show himself despite the construct's assumption that he's there. His memory comes up with absolutely nothing related to her and Leafy. Her appearance isn't particularly striking; it's possible he could have walked right by her a dozen times in a crowd without noticing her. He'd remember having interacted with her, though.
Tahni believes she has struck upon the identity of the man behind the curtain, but keeps it between friends. She asks about the progress and breakthrough the construct is talking about. "With Lummox, Gort, and Cammie, of course. They were in such bad shape when they were brought in, especially Gort!" She seems genuinely concerned.
Sense motive, DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {No really, she's genuinely concerned about their well-being.}
"Dr. Ester is a miracle worker, though! It's amazing they lived through their first night here, let alone the months of surgery and treatment they've needed. I think we're officially out of the woods, though. I think the doctor's planning on discharging him soon. It's so great that you've been here to help him through it all. He may have lost hope without you."
Rill slips the quiet dagger into an extra-dimensional space, temporarily suppressing its effect. One assumes it is very quiet inside that space, however. His outsider sense still turns up only himself and his companions. Construct sense still has many, many constructs spaced out in all directions, plus this woman.
Rill will be very upset if it ends up being the Abbot. That would be something, wouldn't it? Hiding his outsider aura from Rill by mastering the martial arts...your DM wishes he'd thought of it. He'll certainly file it away for some other group of players.
Aexana is confused and asks the construct what she's talking about. "Last time, with the cuff, remember?" She pulls out a small roll of folded rubber with a tube and bulb attached to it. "I wanted to know if Leafy had detectable blood pressure since he's a living plant. He was nervous about the cuff here, so I promised him a treat if he let me. Nothing detectable, if you remember. Not surprising, but it's never ok to just make assumptions."
Bralin reels from the insult, even though none was meant. Fang waits for her opportunity to unleash violence.
Terser doesn't think their memories could have been altered dozens of times. His own attempts to recall anything fail. He's sure he's never been here before, and no flashes of memory come forward. Are there fake Sea Dragon constructs running around out there? Based on the other constructs he's met, he can't rule out the possibility.
After the party is in the room, the construct closes the door and leaves. Rill senses her walking away from the door. She's about 3/4 of the way towards the edge of his sense before her speed increases to impossible levels. She clears the last 200 feet in a fraction of a fraction of a second. He can barely tell she didn't just vanish.
The room they've found themselves in is different than the waiting room, but waiting seems to be one of it's functions. It's some kind of second waiting room, here to tease you when you think you're done waiting in the first room. The large books are mostly the same, with one exception. In the middle of the pile is one titled Wold Co Quarterly. The cover is a picture of the Lionfish at sea, cresting a large wave. The following is written down one side of the cover next to the picture:
Meet the newest Dragons! At home with the Sea Dragons, an expose by Parnell Rigsby.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 25th, 2021 1:32:10 AM "I didn't see Cammie in the scrying sensor. This lady keeps referring to them all as one patient. Based on what I saw, I think they might have all been stitched together in some gruesome way"
Tahni is still confused about how the lady seems to know them.
This book looks interesting, if somewhat confusing. "The name Parnell Rigsby mean anything to anyone?" Tahni picks it up and tries to read it thanks to her Comprehend Languages spell. She's especially interested to see if there are any pictures of the group and any particular stories.
"I'm getting a really bad feeling about this place. If the Tinker is behind all this then nothing good can come of it"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+38=39 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 2:05:32 AM "Yeah, didn't Parnell come to our place in Bonetown and make some sketches and get personal details from us as new Dragons?"
Rill will search the room as best he can (Perception 39). He also looks for any other doors, and will cast Detect Magic in the room.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:00:37 AM
Aex feels dizzy... it's almost as if this woman is referring to them in parallel dimensions or something like that... as if there are more versions of ... well of everything?!? Aex knows for sure that this Aex nor this Leafy have ever been here before.
They came here to find Lummox, Gort, and Cammie. It's been what? A day or so since the brutal murder... and this woman speaks of the months of surgery and treatment they've needed... how so?!?
It feels her world is spinning... what is real and what is not?! Will she be taking the blue pill or the red one? Too much for an old Gnome.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:57:45 PM Tis likely Tinker has built the constructs with embedded memories, Bralin offers. It thinks it knows us because he has instructed it that way. He may have built this entire place, and populated it, with bodies to his liking.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday February 25th, 2021 7:43:14 PM
Jozhur nods to Rill, "Yes, that was him." Always curious, Jozhur grabs the publication and starts flipping through it.
"Yes, time apparently passed differently here. Or at least that construct thinks it has."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 25th, 2021 9:06:02 PM lol - Rill's Nat1 was a higher result than my Nat20
Terser is poring over the magazine with Tahni. He's concerned that someone has been spying on them. He looks for pictures of himself in particular, since with his Mind Blank, no one should be able to scry on him.
DM Carl Friday February 26th, 2021 12:00:12 AM Tahni fears the worst. She briefly wonders who Parnell Rigsby is, but her friends remind her he's the one who interviewed them and captured their likenesses for Wold Co merchandise. She won't need a comprehend languages for this book; it's in Woldian common.
Rill does a thorough search of the room and checks for magic. There are odds and ends, most of which he can tell are medicinal in nature. His magic detection spell still comes up empty except for what magic the group brought with them.
Aexana is feeling a bit overwhelmed at all this. One world is enough for her, thankyouverymuch.
Bralin ponders the constructs have implanted memories. He gave the monks back at the Invitational personalities and at least some memories, so it's certainly possible.
Jozhur also ponders about time moving differently here.
Terser looks through the book with everyone else.
The article in question describes Parnell's morning meeting with the lot of you a few weeks back. It paints a positive picture of all of you, just shy of fawning. The images Parnell captured are included in the article, and honestly the whole thing reads like one big advertisement for Wold Co Trading Cards. There is nothing scandalous in the article, and no information that's not either public or was given to him during your meeting.
Rill's keen eyes notice something amiss, but not inside this room. The outside corridor has gotten grimier, like it's gone a long time without cleaning.
Knowledge, planes DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Time distortion, repeating and seemingly infinite corridors...all signs point to this being a demiplane. Demiplanes are not naturally occurring, but created by very powerful magic users or supernatural entities. Whoever created it can wield a *lot* of power while they're here.}
Rill and anyone else who can pass a DC 15 perception check hears footsteps coming towards this room. His outsider sense, construct sense, and magic detection all come up empty.
***
Don't forget Mitch needs a sub still.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+42=47 ; d20+26=44 ; Friday February 26th, 2021 5:15:37 AM
(perception 47 / no knowledge about the planes)
Aex is speechless and clueless for now... she hears footsteps approaching and is on edge. She violently shakes her head hoping to get rid of any illusion tricks... (Will save 44 vs illusions)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday February 26th, 2021 8:02:02 PM
Tahni looks around the room and then let's the party know her thinking. "You know, this has all the signs of being a demi-plane. They're not naturally occuring and it takes a LOT of power to make one. Certainly more than any of us could ever expect to wield. Whoever created it is going to have a whole lot of power while they're here"
"Someone's coming"
----------- Knowl Planes vs DC30: 35 (Take10) = Pass Perception check vs DC15: Autopass
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Friday February 26th, 2021 8:02:54 PM
Fang silently moves to stand to the side of the door. If something obviously hostile comes through she's ready to attack.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Saturday February 27th, 2021 1:40:41 AM
Rill casts Foresight, hoping the spell will give a warning if there's a problem.
"Thanks Tahni. I wonder how you get rid of a Demiplane? I mean, if it can be made it can be unmade."
Rill tries to sense if there are any constructs that are also outsiders. Afterall, Lummox should register as an outsider here.
DM Carl Saturday February 27th, 2021 10:15:41 AM Aexana tries to believe this is all an illusion. She musters impressive willpower, but not impressive enough to change the reality around her. This is all very real.
Tahni comments on this place being a demiplane, and requiring more power than they'd ever hope to wield. That last part isn't entirely true, but the magic of the Wold wouldn't allow it.
Fang gets into position, ready to attack anything that comes through that door.
Rill wonders how to unmake a demiplane...and you know what? That's actually possible.
Knowledge, Arcana DC 40 (difficulty due to the magic is not native to the Wold), Highlight to display spoiler: {So, in tomes from extra-dimensional travelers that have mentioned demiplanes, they've noted they're not permanent. They usually only last a few weeks. So, maybe you only have to wait. They can be made permanent by the same permanency spell you're familiar with. What happens when that permanency spell is dispelled is unclear. Does it continue on for the duration that was remaining? Does it instantly pop out of existence? Demiplanes can be dispelled by a wish or mage's disjunction, but what happens when you're on the plane when you do that? What about the Talons? Is whoever's behind this even playing by the same rules? The amount of variables here makes dispelling the plane *extremely perilous*, but hey...maybe it all works out? Don't read this as me talking you out of it, just letting you know there are probably unforeseen consequences. Maybe you're so tired of whoever's behind this that breaking its toys is worth the risk?}
Rill can't detect any overlapping outsider and construct targets. It's a good idea, but if Tahni's idea is correct it's possible they register as a native to this plane.
OOC: That's a lot of good ideas put in such a small post, Mark.
Whoever's coming is here. They knock three times, then open the door. One wonders why they knocked in the first place. A kindly looking, middle-aged human enters. He is shockingly handsome, with thick dark hair that is turning gray at the temples, a chiseled jawline, and pierceing green eyes. He is impossibly pretty...literally. No one actually looks this good. He is dressed in a pair of smooth pants and button-up white shirt with a bow-tie around his neck. This jerk makes the bow-tie look sophisticated. He wears a long, white coat. On the right breast is a red embroidered symbol of a winged staff with two snakes circling around it.
"Sea Dragons! Sorry to keep you waiting, but lots happening? Everyone ready for the big day?" He seems happy to see you, and not in a "now you're going to get it" kinda way. First impression is one of kindness, even to those of you adept at reading people's true nature.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday February 27th, 2021 12:03:42 PM
Bralin has no desire to interact with this fellow.
He waits.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+25=41 ; Saturday February 27th, 2021 7:08:55 PM
Tahni nods "Good question Rill. You know, I think we could dispel it with a Wish or Disjunction spell. We still have those wishes with us. If things look dire we can just break his toys. Though what would happen if we were here at the time is a little unknown to me, but hey, at least we have options"
The knocking gives Tahni a moment to compose herself before the doctor enters.
"Dr Rick Ester I presume?" she gives a quick smile and then sits down. "Unusual name that. Almost sounds like 'trickster'. Would you believe we even know someone with that name? Seriously, we do. He'd call himself Trickster or Tinker or things like that. Horrible person mind you". Tahni is trying to taunt the man a little so he can drop the charade or at least fluster him. "We didn't come to bore you with chit chat though."
"So. Can you take us to our friends please? We'd rather see them without delay."
--------------- Knowl check vs DC40: 41=Pass!
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+33=49 ; d20+38=48 ; Saturday February 27th, 2021 9:08:00 PM
Rill remains silent, watching the man to see if he shows any sign he can see the invisible people (Sense Motive 49, Perception 48.) He uses his abilities to determine if this person is a construct or an outsider, and he uses Deathwatch to know if he is undead.
"So you say whoever created this place is very powerful here? If we do end this place Tahni, you should be able to cast Planar Adaptation for wherever that leaves us, and I can Plane Shift us back to the Wold. But we need to deal with this Tinker person, wherever he is. I fear that Lummox, Gort and whats-her-name may be beyond saving at this point. Merely retrieving whatever their body parts were made into may be pointless. But we need to stop this Tinker from doing any more tinkering."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday February 28th, 2021 7:25:02 AM
Fang is starting to get a little confused. "So... why are we playing along with this at all? Yes the constructs aren't hostile, but that just means there's nothing stopping us from tearing through this place to find him. Playing these games with these constructs just sets us up for a trap. No matter how nice they are, they're objects following orders that could murder us all while still acting as presently as a small down healer."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday February 28th, 2021 10:49:27 AM
Aex is a little bit surprised at Tahni's taunts... but then again... if things have got to get dire then why wait. Her small hands take hold of her staff a little bit tighter as if she braces herself...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday March 1st, 2021 6:25:19 PM
Terser is inclined to agree with Fang, but being the good guys, they can't exactly make the first move without proof. At the moment, he's not even sure about helping Rill bring Gargul's law down unless the constructs prove harmful. After all, who are they to impose a religion from another plane here?
He's conflicted overall, and won't be throwing the first punch. If it comes down to it though, he'll be sure to throw the last.
DM Carl - Map! Monday March 1st, 2021 10:15:48 PM Bralin is not playing this game. I mean, we're all playing a game, but Bralin's not playing this one. Aexana is surprised at Tahni's boldness.
The group discusses whether or not they're going to play along with this, with Fang being of the opinion that a better option may be to just tear this place apart. Terser is concerned with making sure they act like the good guys.
Rill subtlety reminds his DM that some of them are invisible, which is good because he forgot. All his detection spells come up negative. As far as he can tell, he is just a human. He's almost certainly not just a human, but he's not something Rill can put a label on.
Tahni speaks for the group, commenting on Dr. Ester's name and asking to see her friends.
The man just looks at Tahni, all the while his smile widens from a slight grin to one that is positively beaming. "Well yes, Tahni, that's the joke. I've got to say I'm surprised by how you're all going along with this, but that's what makes you so fantastic, isn't it? I'm never sure what you're all going to do next. I wasn't sure if we'd keep playing doctor or if Fang would pop out and just attack outright." He stares straight at the invisible rat girl.
"...but if you'd rather skip this and move straight to your reunion, we can do that too!" He flips a small, white switch near the door and three of the four walls retract quickly into the floor, revealing a much bigger room. More lights overhead flare to life, illuminating what is mostly empty space. The doctor casually leans against the wall, ready to watch the scene unfold.
Directly ahead of you is a huge steel table. Lying on top of the table is exactly what everyone was so worried about: an amalgamation of the captured Talons. Lummox's powerful body makes up most of the mass, but Gort's head is stitched onto the shoulder near the missing arm. Marjorie's head, torso, and arms protrude from the thing's back. The thing is able to look in every direction at once.
Perception DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {They are all much older looking than they were yesterday.}
"So, this is the part where you try and save them or reason with that thing, right? I hope so, I'm genuinely curious to see how it reacts. Does it remember any of you after so many years? Maybe they blame you for what happened to them?" He looks genuinely curious. There's a noticeable lack of anything resembling mockery on his face.
Rill notices the beast corresponds with one of the construct auras he sensed earlier. As the walls fall away, all other construct auras vanish.
The beast stands. All three pairs of eyes blink as they adjust to the light, but they turn towards the sound of the man's voice. The effect is almost comical as all three heads try to see, resulting in the creature sort of...spinning.
***
We're in combat rounds. Map is in header.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday March 1st, 2021 11:23:36 PM "Years? To think how much torture they must have been put through. It may be that the only kind thing to do is to end their suffering." It may sound cold but having been a captive and subject to torture herself, Tahni knows that it may be the release they need.
She doesn't have time to engage in any witty banter with the doctor right now and so she takes steps to try and gauge how alert the three may be.
"Gort! Lommux! Marjorie! It's Tahni Wyrmrider of the Sea Dragons. We've come to take you home. Whirfoot is safe and waiting to see you again" Tahni moves around the table "Can you understand what I'm saying?"
------------ Move action: Move to G18 Standard action: READY action to cast Silence via tattoo at the space the monster stands IF it (probably Marjorie) starts to cast a spell
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=29 ; d6+8=12 ; 2d6=6 ; 8d6=26 ; d20+37=55 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 12:30:20 AM
Jozhur eyes this Dr. Ester Trickster. He contemplates trying to bury his swords in the man, but the solution can't be that easy.
He stays invisible and starts to circle the monstrosity, ready to attack should it head for Tahni.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+29=41 ; d10=2 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 6:40:41 AM
Well he knows Fang's there and seems to at least partially expect her to attack him. She sees no reason to disappoint, even though it's likely futile, so she walks up and smacks him with her axe (41 to hit, damage). Whether or not it has an effect she turns her attention to the amalgamation afterwards.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+14=19 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 12:31:29 PM "What a pitiable creature. It presents a bit of a dilemma - we don't want to have to kill this thing, and we are probably gonna have to kill this thing. This Tinker guy is a really bad guy. So maybe we can hem in that monstrosity so we can focus on one thing at a time.
"Lets take out Doctor Dimento here first."
Still invisible, Rill will move away from the "doctor" and cast a Blade Barrier around the construct monster. "Gort - Klaatu barada nikto! Lummox and Marjorie, stand down while we figure this out. We should work together to get you out of here. And don't go near those whirling blades. They will hurt you." (Diplomacy 19)
Then he will cast a Quickened Resist Energy, Acid on himself (metamagic rod.)
------------------------------------------------------------------ Spells Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Invisibility, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Spells/abilities available, * = cast/used: 0 (DC19): Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Posion 1 (DC20): Longstrider (D), Bless, Command, Command, Detect Evil, Protection from Evil, Protection from Evil, Entropic Shield 2 (DC21): See Invisible* (D), Calm Emotions, Delay Posion, Hold Person, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Silence 3 (DC22): Divination* (D), Blindness/Deafness, Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic, Prayer, Protection From Energy, Water Walk 4 (DC23): Dimension Door (D), Air Walk, Deathward, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Sending, [open slot] 5 (DC24): True Seeing (D), Bannish Immortal, Breath of Life, Flame Strike, Flame Strike, Quickened Shield of Faith, Commune* 6 (DC25): Teleport (D), Blade Barrier, Quickened Calm Emotions, Heal, Heal, Greater Dispel Magic 7 (DC26): Greater Teleport (D), Destruction, Destruction, Ethereal Jaunt, Quickened Magic Circle Against Evil, [open slot] 8 (DC27): Moment of Prescience* (D), Animated Disjunction, Animated Disjunction, Discern Location*, Holy Aura 9 (DC28): Foresight* (D), Miracle, Miracle, Miracle, Miracle*
Abilities/Items Agile Feet (Su) 12/day - Dim. Hop (Sp) 190'/day - Greater Insight (Sp) 3/day - Channel Energy (Su) 7/day - Obscuring Mist (Item) 2/day - Deathwatch (Item) Continual Eagle's Splendor (Item) 1/day - Faerie Fire (Tattoo) - 3/day - MM Extend, Lesser (Item) - 6/day - MM Silent, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - MM Quicken, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - 1 used MM Quicken (Item) - 6/day - Tongues (class)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 2:23:53 PM
Terser agrees with Rill, knowing that the "Doctor" is the real threat, and the golem can be put down if we're not able to reason with it. He bets the Trickster has built some sort of control into it, so he grows large and fierce, and growls to him.
cast enlarge person on self
Release whatever control you have over our friends, Trickster, or face the consequences.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 4:54:51 PM
Surprised how fast things turn sour Aex plants down her Staff. It's been a while but there once again appears her Staff Treant. (Green TR) The little Greenmage, never a fan of hand to hand combat, changes in a Medium Air Elemental and veers up into the air and behind the counter. Leafy (Green LF) stands next to the Treant.
Bralin finds it highly unlikely that the Tinker doesn't know he's right there, or that he would apparently relax against the wall defenseless.
However, he doesn't much care.
The dwarf's waraxe appears in his hand, and he swings heavily at the Tinker.
--- Retrieve waraxe from glove of storing as free action. Full attack, Power Attack on Tinker.
Atk 1 hits ac 33 for 35 hp (4 cold) Atk 2 hits ac 34 for 31 hp (1 cold) Atk 3 hits ac 23 for 41 hp (6 cold) Spd atk misses (NAT 1)
DM Carl - Map! d20+19=31 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+29=46 ; d10+22=24 ; d10+22=31 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 10:20:12 PM Tahni tries calling out to the Fleshcraft monster. She knows more than any of her friends what prolonged torture can do to a person, but she has to try, right? It's the proper thing to do, but one look at the eyes of the remaining Talons puts those hope to rest. Nothing remains in those eyes except madness.
Jozhur figures attacking the doctor would be too obvious and moves to protect Tahni should she need it.
Fang and Bralin both attack the doctor. All the attacks make contact and sink into the man like he was made of clay. His flesh immediately heals behind the blades, not so much as a drop of blood ever visible. His clothes aren't so lucky and end up sporting several large slashes.
"Don't worry about the clothes. I have plenty more. Your optimism is inspiring, though! I figured you wouldn't let a little thing like my omnipotence here stop you from trying to kill me." Again, there's not a hint of sarcasm or gloating in his voice.
Aexana summons her treant and changes form.
Terser makes himself big and threatens the doctor. "What consequences?" he asks with genuine curiosity. "Oh, wait a moment." He pulls a pad of paper and pen from one of his pockets. "Ok, proceed with your consequences. I'm ready." He looks at Terser expectantly.
Rill summons a blade barrier around the Talons and advises them to stay put. The creature ignores the advice, stumbling past them in a shambling walk. It moves like it's in a three-legged race with itself. It passes harmlessly through the blade barrier, evidently having some impressive spell resistance.
*I rolled SR for you, then added the +4 I missed from your spell penetration feats. You came up one short. SR is 36.
The thing is upon Rill quickly. The smell coming off it is surprisingly pleasant, a combination of leather and lemon essence. As it walk, it pulls an enormous silver bastard sword from a scabbard of flesh stitched into its back. A sheen of frost wisps off it. Marjorie intones magic as they walk.
Spellcraft DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {Summon monster 9}
Despite its size and odd composition, Lummox's skill lives on. It slashes, hitting AC 45 for 55 slashing and 7 frost damage. Gort desperately tries to sink his teeth into Rill, but Lummox's attack throws him off. It's unlikely they won't work in unison next time.
"Ouch! exclaims the doctor. "Here, let me help with that. I already know I can use your altruism against you. I want to see what you're capable of without it." He snaps his fingers and Rill's wound vanishes. At the same time, the Fleshcraft finds itself back at the table.
"Ok, try again! Don't hold back this time."
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 15d20=170 ; 15d6=55 ; 15d6=49 ; d20+15=24 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 11:40:23 PM
(DM Carl - You had indicated earlier that the thing on the table detected as a construct. Rill can cast three spells that ignore Spell Immunity and Spell Resistance against constructs. If so the thing took 55 points of damage last time he went through the Blade Barrier, and will take 49 points of damage if he does so this round, DC 25 Ref Save for half.)
Rill moves away from the Blade Barrier as he looks at the strange man.
"This man seems to indeed be omnipotent here. And we know he scares even the Gods of the Wold. He can probably even hear what I am saying through these rings."
Rill then says aloud to the man, "You are a bad person by our standards of morals, ethics and decency. You torture others, playing with them as if they were toys. You craft people into abominations. I suppose you were the one that abducted those team leaders only to see how we would rescue them. Are you so bored you just constantly want to see how we will react until you decide to craft us into something like you did to the Talons?
"It appears that what was Lummox, Marjorie and Gort are dead and you have animated their remains.
"I do not wish to play your games anymore. You do seem intelligent though. Please tell us what you want from us. Otherwise we should probably just return to our world, since us being here simply for your amusement seems rather pointless."
Also, what does Deathwatch tell Rill about this person and the thing on the table? Rill was within 30 feet of the thing before he moved.
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Invisibility, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Once the spell has been cast upon the subjects, the distance between them and the caster does not affect the spell as long as they are on the same plane of existence. If a subject leaves the plane, or if it dies, the spell ceases to function for it." Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 12:50:54 AM "Marjorie. You need to stop!" Tahni uses her tattoo to create an area of silence centred in the space above the table to prevent her/it from casting.
------------- Spellcraft check vs DC24: Autopass Standard action: Use tattoo to create an area of silence around the table
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 101pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+37=50 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+26=45 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=9 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=5 ; 8d6=30 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 1:35:51 AM
Jozhur moves again, to hopefully better intercept the abomination. He's ready to take a couple stabs if it passes by him. His shadow moves to his flank.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 8:03:11 AM
Fang had expected her attack to have no real effect so isn't surprised. She looks at the construct and considers charging briefly. "No." She decides. Turning to the "doctor" she repeats. "No. We won't play your game. It will only end in more suffering as you destroy more and more lives just to see how we react. This ends now." She puts her axe away and glares at the man.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=35 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 1:09:57 PM
Since his friends' attacks didn't seem to accomplish anything, Terser tries a different tack.
He tries to put one massive paw around the Doctor's hand that's holding the pen. initiating grapple - 35 vs cmd
We're not going to be part of your experiments. Restore our friends.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 2:32:49 PM
Interesting approach, Aex thinks, as her friends are refusing to play along in this crazy doctor's game. She also decides not to burn any spells for now and activates her ring of Invisibility.
Leafy and the Staff Treant position themselves between the abomination and the doctor.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 6:31:37 PM
Bralin's waraxe disappears back into his glove.
He regards the Tinker with a sour expression, but says nothing.
The dwarf awaits his reply to Rill's question.
DM Carl - Map! d20+25=34 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=50 ; d10+22=25 ; d10+22=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d10+28=31 ; d10+10=11 ; 16d8=78 ; d4+9=10 ; d4+9=10 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 12:47:46 AM Rill questions the doctor, who listens patiently. "Games? These aren't games, Rill, they're experiments. It's true that I enjoy them very much, but my enjoyment isn't the impetus behind them." Rill asks the doctor what he wants, figuring it would be better to return home rather than play along with his ga...experiment. "I told you what I want, Rill. I want to observe how you proceed. Also, you won't be returning home without this." He reaches into another pocket and pulls out a tuning fork.
Rill's deathwatch shows the doctor is healthy.
Tahni stops Marjorie's spell with a silence aura. She's unable to see Marjorie's face, but the way the woman's arms thrash in the air indicates she is unhappy about it.
Jozhur repositions himself, ready to attack should the opportunity present itself.
Fang refuses to play along and sheathes her axe. "Interesting," comments the doctor. He makes a few notes.
Terser uses his size advantage to grab the doctor's hand in his own. The doctor moves his hand in front of his face, and Terser is unable to resist the movement despite his size. Another pen materializes above the paper and starts writing on its own. "Your actions, regardless of what they are, are part of my experiment. Choosing not to make a choice is a choice. You've heard this before, I'm sure. As for restoring your friends, I could do that. I won't do it just because you ask, though." The doctor's arm blinks and is once again holding the pen taking notes. Terser still holds the original pen. "You may keep that. I have plenty."
Aexana and Bralin also decide they're not playing this game. The doctor's face does not betray any emotion about his feelings on this other than the curiosity he always radiates.
The Fleshcraft did not get the memo about there not being a fight.
OOC: Retconning the blade barrier/SR call from last round, the Fleshcraft took 28 damage last round (reflex save 34). It takes another 25 damage this round. The Fleshcraft has three separate HP pools, and each took damage from the AoE effect.
Lummox's head shows confusion about being back at the table, but charges through again at the nearest target it can see: Aexana's treant. Jozhur attacks as it passes him by, digging deep into Lummox's thigh.
*The construct isn't immune to crits, but is immune to ability drain/damage. It also does not take the 7 damage for being evil since it's not.
The Fleshcraft's sword critically wounds the treant, hitting AC 49 (crit confirm 50) for 47 slashing and 10 cold damage. Gort's head whips forward and his teeth dig into the treant's bark, hitting AC 31 for 11 piercing damage.
When Jozhur's blade sinks in, Lummox's head cries out in pain. His cry is accompanied by a sub-zero blast of cold. Everyone except Jozhur and his shadow, Tahni, and whatever Ae is takes 78 cold damage. Reflex DC 30 for half.
Angry at her summon spell being interrupted, Marjorie raises her staff in the air and 10 magic missiles erupt and streak towards Tahni. She takes 43 force damage total from the missiles. (All the D4s are magic missiles if you need to know how much each hit for).
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 184/219 d20+38=51 ; d20+19=35 Thursday March 4th, 2021 1:58:20 AM
Rill's spell resistance is 20 - did the cold spell overcome that? If so, Rill makes his save, and takes 35 points of cold damage.
He's getting a little cranky.
"Thus far, it appears we have no choice. We came into this with the Gods of the Wold giving us no choice but to play the Chancer's games. Perhaps we can have an intelligent conversation after we play your little game and put this abomination down. Or will that just start another task we're forced to do?"
Rill will cast Animated Disjunction with the construct as the single target of his spell. (The spell ignores spell resistance. If the construct gets a save it's a DC 27 Will save, and it has -5 on it's save.)
Also, Rill looks at the tuning fork the Trickster holds. Is that Rill's? Did he somehow get it out of Rill's extradimensional pocket? Rill reaches into his pocket. Does he have his others? (Perception 51)
Also, Rill is still interested in what his Deathwatch tells him about the construct?
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Once the spell has been cast upon the subjects, the distance between them and the caster does not affect the spell as long as they are on the same plane of existence. If a subject leaves the plane, or if it dies, the spell ceases to function for it." Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+20=36 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 3:07:08 AM
Tahni braces for the impact of the missiles but breathes a sigh of relief as her brooch of shielding absorbs the brunt. "10 missiles? I've got to get a staff like that!". There will be time to call 'dibs' later. Hopefully.
She grimaces. Whatever might have remained of Marjorie has likely gone. Tahni stays defensive, trying to stop Marjorie from casting any spells.
------------- Move action: Use Fey Hide Away ability to turn invisible. Free action: 5ft step Ready action: Cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell against Marjorie if she tries to cast something. Dispel check: 36. DC=11+the spell's caster level, so this should counter a spell cast by up to a CL25 caster
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 58pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 4th, 2021 9:27:22 AM
Fang stubbornly sticks to her guns. Or her refusal to use them as the case may be. "So what, we fight this thing, maybe take it down, you take your notes, then you go on to murder a whole bunch of other people just to see what we do about it? No. This is stupid. We're supposed to protect people, not provide you entertainment, and certainly not indulge you and your sick games at the cost of lives and trauma. I refuse to play along as long as doing so just leads to more death and sick experiments. I would rather die or retire to never do anything interesting ever again then continue to futilely work to 'save' people you put in danger on a whim just so you can do it all over again two days later."
She takes the full brunt of the frost cone, not even bothering trying to dodge.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+12=24 ; d20+28=36 ; 6d6+19=33 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:41:10 AM
Terser looks down in frustration at his hands as the Doctor just ignores his grasp. So much for throwing him into the construct.
While he admires Fang standing by her convictions, he knows that they have to take down the construct if they are to have a chance of restoring their friends.
He oofs at the cold blast, then walks up behind the Treant to hit the construct once.
Rage, Vital Strike AC 39 33 damage (+5 for overcoming DR)
Current HP 273/346 AC 19
Jozhur, Leafy, Treant, Bralin, Fang - you can take the greater rage effect if you like -2AC, +6STR, +6CON, +3 Will Saves, no concentration abilities or dex/int/cha skills
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 184/219 d20+33=51 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:57:20 AM
Sense Motive 51 - is this monstrosity trying to attack us, or is it trying to go through us to get at the doctor?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+10=26 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+20=32 ; 3d6+15=24 ; d8=8 ; d20+23=34 ; 3d6+15=20 ; d8=6 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+20=36 ; 2d8+15=27 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 4:46:35 PM
Oof... Aexair (sorry will update header) watches how the cold washes over her friends. Let's get some friends... here an Earthquake spell doesn't come in handy so Aex decides to sacrifice the spell and cast Summon Nature's Ally XIII instead. Next round the creature will appear...
Leafy Reflex save : 26 - failure Treant Reflex save : 7 - failure
If there's one thing both Leafy and the Treant are bad at it's being nimble enough to avoid AoO's... Both take the full damage of the cold blast. The attacks from the abomination are too much for the Treant and he crumbles to the ground... (thus also destroying Aex's Staff). Leafy is also badly hurt and is down to 30HP. (adjusted Leafy's size on the map. He's a large creature)
Though badly hurt Leafy goes all in. He feels Terser's Rage washing over him and makes a full attack. Slam 1 hits AC35 - damage 24 + 8 Slam 2 hits AC34 - damage 20 + 6 Slam 1 hits AC19 - natural 1 Bite hits AC36 - damage 27
(not sure of the creature is flanked? Else the AC hits are higher)
Bralin takes the full blast of the ice cone, and sighs in exasperation.
The dwarf listens to Fang's reasoning, and nods in appreciation of the beastfolk's rationale.
However, like Terser, he's going down fighting.
Bralin casts a defensive spell, and moves forward, drawing a mace as he moves. He declines Terser's shared rage.
--- I assume that gray box south of FleshCraft is something or somebody?
Cast Shield of Faith, and move around while drawing weapon.
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=42 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=28 ; d6+8=9 ; d6+8=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; 8d6=27 ; 8d6=22 ; d20+28=39 ; d6+8=12 ; d6=2 ; 8d6=26 ; d20+26=30 ; d6+8=11 ; d6=3 ; 8d6=28 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 8:06:57 PM
Jozhur's shadow closes on the monster and he continues stabbing with his swords.
-------------------------------------------------------------- All rolls include +2 flanking bonus, subtract if it doesn't apply First attack hits AC 42: 9 damage, 3 cold damage, 27 sneak damage Second attack hits AC 30: 11 damage, 3 cold damage, 28 sneak damage Second off hand surely misses with a 21 Third main attack hits AC 28: 9 damage, 5 cold damage, 22 sneak damage
Jozhur gets an opportunity attack if an ally strikes an opponent in melee For last round this hits AC 39: 12 damage, 2 cold damage, 26 sneak damage
DM Carl - Map! d20+20=24 ; d20+22=36 ; 6d6=21 ; d20+29=37 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=26 ; d10+22=32 ; d20+26=40 ; d10+10=12 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:26:59 PM
The doctor listens to Rill's diatribe. He watches as Rill casts his spell at the construct, though an eyebrow lifts in curiosity. The Fleshcraft's parts start to come apart, but in the end manages to overcome the spell (will save 36).
"That's a common refrain I hear from the Sea Dragons," he starts. "You seem to become upset when your opponents don't do what you say. Tell me, what events set your expectations in this regard? It's typical for an opponent to oppose you, correct?"
Rill searches his extradimensional pocket and finds his tuning fork safe and sound. The doctor grins and chuckles a bit. What a jerk...
OOC: Your deathwatch tells you it is neither alive nor dead and will continue to do so unless something remarkable happens. Regarding your sense motive check, the Fleshcraft doesn't seem to be paying the doctor any mind either way.
Tahni's thoughtful preparation pays off again. She briefly wonders what kind of staff Marjorie's using, but going over the last few seconds in her mind, she realizes Marjorie cast both a regular and quickened magic missile spell. She plays it safe and prepares to counter more spells.
Fang refuses to play along, which fascinates and confuses the doctor. "So many assumptions! You're willing to die for your convictions, but make no effort to discover my deeper motivations, choosing instead to assign them to me. Tell me, Fang. Why do you think I've gone to all this trouble...and it was trouble, I assure you...just for you Sea Dragons?"
Terser would rather go down fighting, so he fights. The Fleshcraft's hide is indeed tough, but he punches through it all the same.
(DR is 15-, so 23 damage to the Lummox bits)
Aexana begins calling in more help as her treant falls to pieces. The injured leafy fights back, and his first two slams and bite all hit.
(Fleshcraft AC is 35, and it is flanked w/ Shadow so I assumed the 34 attack would hit)
Bralin moves forward to attack.
OOC: I assume the gray box is the treant's remains. I'm going to remove it. If you weren't able to attack because of it and wanted to, go ahead and make this round's attack next round.
Jozhur and his Shadow make a good team, and with a full round to attack and Shadow flanking he makes two punishing hits.
The Fleshcraft is not happy, and several wounds ooze a thick green fluid. Before everyone's eyes, they start to stitch themselves back together. It is not enough regeneration to heal it fully, or close to fully, but it's significant.
Perception DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {The damage from Rill's blade barrier are the oldest wounds, but are not healing at all.}
Gort's head wails in rage and anguish. Everyone within 30' must make a DC 30 will save or be staggered for 3 rounds. Success reduces it to 1 round of staggered. This is a mind-affecting attack, so Leafy is immune. Not sure about Shadow.
Marjorie raises her staff and slams it into the ground. On contact a wave of force erupts from her and strikes everyone within 40ft for 21 damage, fort save DC 30 for half. Anyone who fails the save is knocked back 15' and begins their round prone. This is not a spell that can be countered and is not affected by SR.
The Fleshcraft turns on Jozhur and presses a full attack. The Lummox part's sword flashes with unnatural speed, making several attacks. Fortunately Jozhur is fast and only one attack connects, hitting AC 37 for 32 damage. Gort's head lunges forward, sinking his teeth into Jozhur and tearing them out. The bite leaves a jagged, ugly wound.
Hit AC 40 for 12 damage. The wound bleeds terribly, doing 12 bleed damage each round until the wound is tended or Jozhur receives any magical healing.
Marjorie starts casting a spell.
Spellcraft DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {Time stop}
Tahni's ready for it, though. Her dispel magic counterspells Marjorie, making her three for three in screwing up Marjorie's spells. The wizard's torso lunges at Tahni, but she's stitched into the much larger Lummox and just ends up flailing ineffectually. Her eyes hunger with madness, though Tahni's certain she can see sadness and regret there as well.
In case anyone's curious about the number of actions taken, the Fleshcraft as written has a number of swift special attacks.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 d20+21=30 ; d8=6 ; d20+38=50 ; d20+15=25 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 1:39:00 AM
Rill makes his save against the shock wave taking 11 damage.
He will use a Quicken metamagic rod to cast a Quickened Mass Cure Light Wounds healing Jozhur, Bralin, Terser, Leafy, and himself for 25 points of damage. (Others out of range.)
Rill will again cast Animated Disjunction with the construct as the single target of his spell. (The spell ignores spell resistance. If the construct gets a save it's a DC 27 Will save, and it has -5 on it's save.)
"Tahni, nice work stopping that Time Stop spell! Hey Fang, maybe while you're protesting you could at least heal someone?"
"That thing is regenerating, but for some reason it does not seem to be healing the damage from the Blade Barrier I cast. It was a force spell. It was also a special spell that bypassed the thing's spell resistance."
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+23=33 ; d20+20=35 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 1:48:07 AM
Tahni's happy right now to just impede Marjorie. Sure, she's going to get off a few cheap shots but at least she won't get any big spells out.
"Perhaps it was the force damage, or perhaps it's because it was an area attack that hit all of them? Can't really tell right now."
Tahni retrieves her lesser quicken rod and casts a Haste spell affecting as much of the party as she can. Then she vanishes from sight, waiting to counter again.
------------- Perception check vs DC30: Autopass Fort Save vs DC30: 33 = Pass! Tahni takes 10pts damage Spellcraft check vs DC24: Autopass
Free action: Retrieve lesser quicken rod from glove of storing Swift action: Cast Haste on Jozhur and Shadow, Bralin, Leafy, Terser, and Rill Move action: Use Fey Hide Away ability to turn invisible. Free action: 5ft step Ready action: Cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell against Marjorie if she tries to cast something. Dispel check: 35. DC=11+the spell's caster level, so this should counter a spell cast by up to a CL24 caster
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 58pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+19=25 ; d20+24=39 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 11:23:06 AM
Fang's brain hurts from the roar but she keeps from being knocked down (25, 39). "Of course bad guy's actions make us angry! They're bad guys! They do horrible things that should make everyone angry! You always give them a chance to stop and when they inevitably don't you get mad and cut their head off. That's how this works! But I can't cut your head off so I'm yelling at you instead!
I don't know your motives. You treat this like it's all a game or a science experiment. You clearly care nothing for the lives of others yet dot on us like your favorite toy. I'm not anyone's toy and I will not be played with. You have a good reason for all this madness fine, tell it to me."
She does hear Rill's request for healing so she channels energy to heal everyone in 30 feet (J, the construct, Ae, and SH are out of range)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) d20+24=32 ; d20+22=26 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 4:45:55 PM Save vs stagger effect (+3 from rage, +8 from mind blank) - 32: success Fort save 26 - fail
Good observation - maybe their lives are linked and will only go down evnly
For now though, Terser will do better to get everyone else moving. He empowers his channeling to heal everyone except Tahni (out of range) and the enemies (excluded via feat).
Everyone else heal 27 and gain Freedom of Movement
Current HP 327/346 AC 19 Channel Cure 1/4 used
Bralin - MikeK - (AC50 T23 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+12=27 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+27=47 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 6:03:53 PM
[Perception 27. Fail Will Save 44. Success. Staggered 1 round Fort Save 47. Success.
-- Bralin is buffeted, staggered, healed, and buffed.
His head spinning, the dwarf works to get into melee range, shield held high.
--- Using extra movement to swing around to J13, and then move straight into Fleshcraft from there.
Fighting Defensively +2 Dodge bonus to AC Mobility Feat provides +4 Dodge bonus vs AoO (AC54 vs AoO)
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC Staggered: single move action or standard action Freedom of Movement. Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. +30' movement.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 191/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+16=35 ; d20+28=39 ; d6+8=13 ; d6=3 ; 8d6=30 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 6:16:13 PM
Jozhur shrugs most of the terrible wail and stabs at the monster again.
-------------------------------- Will save: 35 (pass), staggered one round (or does FoM prevent this?) Attack hits AC 39: 13 damage, 3 cold damage, 30 sneak damage
DM Carl - Map! d20+22=42 ; d20=2 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+26=37 ; d10+22=29 ; d10+22=30 ; d6=4 ; d10+22=24 ; d6=3 ; d10+22=26 ; d6=2 ; d10+10=14 ; d10+10=12 ; 16d8=100 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 11:52:47 PM Rill throws another animated disjunction at the Fleshcraft, but this time it doesn't even flinch (save nat 20). He heals his friends, asking Fang to do the same. He starts making hypotheses about why his blade barrier wounds aren't healing. Maybe it is force damage? The party lacks enough facts to make a solid call, but it's as good a theory as any.
Tahni brings out a rod to cast haste on the party, leaving her main spell free to continue countering the Marjorie parts of the Fleshcraft. She also finds time to go invisible, because the Fleshcraft is not the only being here with lots of fancy ways to do more stuff.
Fang accurately describes the good guy/bad guy adventuring dynamic, then asks why all this is happening. She channels positive energy.
"Because I adore you, Fang! All of you! You're not toys to me...and really, I must insist you stop referring to my machinations as games. It's insulting to yourselves as well as to me and those I've sacrificed to help you." There is no haughtiness in his speech. He seems genuine. "I have spent millennia conquering worlds. I can't remember them all, or even why I started. It's just all I knew. I felt nothing for so long. Can you imagine that, Fang? Going through the motions for thousands of years, experiencing nothing new?
"Then you came along and stopped me!" He practically beams happiness. "It was transcendent, Fang! For the first time in so long I felt alive! You are special, Sea Dragons. I will temper you all into something legendary." His eyes sparkle with the madness of the true believer.
Terser also heals. Goodness you guys have a lot of healing available.
Bralin moves up. The Fleshcraft does attack as he approaches, but Bralin knows how to move up safely. He's in position to attack next round.
Jozhur's head is too fuzzy to press a full attack (no, FoM doesn't prevent it), but still makes a solid stab into the Lummox bits of the Fleshcraft.
Unfortunately, that damage and a little more is immediately healed as the Fleshcraft continues to regenerate.
Marjorie begins casting a spell at Tahni, who recognizes it as a scorching ray. Evidently her invisibility isn't fooling Marjorie. The spell is countered by Tahni, but Marjorie immediately follows it up with another. Tahni finds herself in the middle of a rapidly growing sphere of force.
Telekinetic sphere. Reflex DC 29 or Tahni finds herself caught up in it.
Lummox presses the attacks on Jozhur, this time to significantly greater effect.
Hit AC 44 (crit confirm 45) for 59 slashing and 4 cold damage Hit AC 35 for 24 slashing and 3 cold damage Hit AC 35 (crit confirm 23 - fail) for 26 slashing and 2 cold damage Nat 1
Lummox screams in triumph as he wounds Jozhur, expelling a cone of bitter cold that catches Leafy and Jozhur. It deals 100 cold damage to both (reflex DC 30 for half).
Gort leans forward and takes another bite from Jozhur as well, hitting AC 46 (crit confirm 37) for 26 piercing damage. The wound bleeds, doing 26 damage each round until it's tended or Jozhur receives any magical healing.
If Jozhur was downed during Lummox's attacks, Gort targets Bralin instead.
"It is a magnificent creature, is it not?" the doctor asks over the shrieks of his creation. "The Talons were subdued in seconds. They provided no challenge whatsoever, but here they are in only half their original number challenging the Sea Dragons!" He exhumes pride as he speaks, looking on like a proud parent.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+21=25 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+10=28 ; Saturday March 6th, 2021 1:26:23 AM
Tahni ducks aside as the Telekinetic Sphere passes her by. Ok. Time to get into the fight. "May you find peace, Marjorie"
She calls on a spectral hand spell to help her out by trying to pluck a few flakes of skin from the fleshcraft. If that works, she follows up with a 1-2 combo of spells to try and deliver the Talons to a place of rest.
---------------- Reflex Save vs DC29: 25=Fail! Use Improved Lightning Reflexes for a reroll. 33=Pass!
Swift action: Cast Spectral Hand Standard action: Cast Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog to be delivered via Spectral Hand. Hits TouchAC28. If hit, Fleshcraft now has a -2 penalty on save DCs against Tahni's spells and spell-like abilities, and a -2 penalty on attacks against her.
Assuming it was a hit, follow up with Hero point action: Use Spell Synthesis ability to cast two spells at once... - Glitterdust. No SR. Will Save vs DC23 +2 (EyeOfNewt) +2 (SpellSynthesis) = DC27. Fail=Blinded - Miracle (Animated Disjunction). No SR. Will Save vs DC32 +2 (EyeOfNewt) +2 (SpellSynthesis) +5 (Single Target) = DC41.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+27=33 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+33=43 ; d8+25=33 ; d8+25=28 ; d8+25=32 ; d8+25=27 ; d8+25=31 ; Saturday March 6th, 2021 10:58:13 AM
If Tahni hasn't killed it already, Bralin also gets to work.
He lets go of his shield, which hovers in place of its own accord. Taking the mace with a two handed grip, he begins beating on the body of the fleshcraft.
--- Free Action to loose Animated Shield (rd 1 of 4) Full Attack. Power Attack with Mace of Smiting (Adamantine, Bludgeoning)
Atk 1 hits ac 33 for 33 hp damage Atk 2 hits ac 38 for 28 hp damge Atk 3 hits ac 28 for 32 hp damage Atk 4 hits ac 20 for 27 hp damage Haste atk hits ac 43 for 31 hp damage
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC Staggered: single move action or standard action Freedom of Movement. Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. +30' movement.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+24=37 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+14=24 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=13 ; d6+8=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; 8d6=19 ; 8d6=24 ; 8d6=31 ; Sunday March 7th, 2021 6:52:04 PM
Jozhur is horrible wounded, but manages to duck Lummox's breath attack. Knowing he won't stay on his feet long without help, he stabs back with everything he has.
----------------------- 21 hp left, bleeding for 26
Will save: 37 (pass, no damage due to evasion) Haste active (+1 AC, extra attack, +1 attack rolls)
Full hasted two weapon attack: One hits AC: 36: 14 damage, 6 cold, 19 sneak damage Another hits AC 40: 13 damage, 4 cold, 24 sneak Another hits AC 45: 13 damage, 4 cold, 31 sneak damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday March 7th, 2021 11:09:03 PM
Fang is so insulted and enraged by that little speech that she loses coherence and just tries to cut his head off. Of course it's useless and she's still staggered so mostly it just lets her vent.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Sunday March 7th, 2021 11:12:28 PM
Rill uses the Status effect of the rings to see if Fang is being affected by something. Why would she abandon her team like this? She said she always wanted to be a member of the Dragon Consortium and now she behaves like the rest of us don't matter.
"Fang, snap out of it! The team has made a decision, and it's our teamwork that makes us strong. Are you part of this team?"
While Rill can't figure out what's affecting Fang, he can sense that Jozhur is in real trouble. He will use a metamagic rod to cast a Quickened Blindness spell on Marjorie (DC 22 Fort save.) Then he casts Heal, moves up to behind Jozhur and touches the Rogue, healing him for 150 points.
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+25=34 ; 4d8+12=26 ; d20+36=45 ; d20+25=39 ; 2d8+12=20 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+20=35 ; 2d8+15=31 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 1:50:20 PM
Aex finishes her summoning spell and immediately a gargantuan Purple Worm appears. With it's 15ft reach it can easily strike the fleshcraft monster. With a succesful bite it will immediately attempt to grapple the whole thing...
Purple Worm Bite hits AC34 - damage 26 + GRAPPLE check 45 ( not sure if there's an extra bonus for being more than 1 size category larger)
While trying to grapple the worm also stings...
Purple Worm Sting hits AC39 - damage 20HP + POISON (FORT save DC25 once per round for 6 rounds. 1D4 Strength damage)
Leafy finally is able to move again. Seeing the Sea Dragons struggle he forgets about his own wounds and goes all in..
Leafy Slam 1 hits AC32 Leafy Slam 2 hits AC28 Leafy Slam 1 Hits AC33 Leafy Bite hits AC35 - damage 31HP
Still under the influence of the greater rage Leafy's slams go wide... only his bite sinks deep.
Aex was planning to veer down to Jozhur to patch him up but Rill's beat him to it. There's one spell she had prepared for the magic games... perhaps now's a good moment to give it a try... Still invisible and taking cover next to the pruple worm Aex starts casting Alter Self...
DM Carl - Map! d20=20 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=43 ; d10+22=32 ; d10+22=24 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=13 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+26=27 ; 6d6=23 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 8:30:45 PM
OOC: Tonight has been an absolute nightmare. I am very angry at the moment, so I'm taking a bone Rob threw me.
Marjorie chuckles as she effortlessly brushes off the glitterdust spell thrown at her by Tahni. She's still chuckling when the Fleshcraft starts falling to pieces. Stitches snap one by one and the parts that make up the once noble heroes fall to the floor. After the fury the Fleshcraft unleashed, it's a almost a shame to see it end in a whimper.
The Trickster practically explodes with joy.
"BRILLIANT!" it exclaims. "Determination! Problem solving! You identified Rill's obvious short comings and corrected them!" It's an unfair conclusion, but it's the one that's been made. "You all failed to bring down my Fleshcraft through traditional means, but I can extrapolate from there. Let's see. Jozhur was almost dead, so the Fleshcraft probably would have finished him off." He points at Jozhur, and the rogue's chest explodes. He crumples wordlessly. "Tahni angered Marjorie and would have been a target for her, but I doubt Marjorie could have bested her. Marjorie would have found a target at least once before she died, though." He points again, and fire engulfs Tahni briefly, leaving her alive but hurting. He talks fast, lost in excitement. "Aexana...no. Bra...no." He chuckles. "I don't know! I don't know what else would have happened." He shrugs and waves a hand across the room. Jozhur and Tahni both stand as they had been seconds before, Tahni unburned and Jozhur's chest whole. The memory of the pain lingers just a moment before it floats away, gone forever.
"You have all made me very happy today," he says with genuine gratitude. "Tell me, what can I do for you heroes? It's not right for me to be the only one celebrating after your efforts."
He awaits an answer. Rill is able to heal up Jozhur, but the Fleshcraft's threat is ended. Fang no doubt still feels compelled to take the Trickster's head off, and succeeds! The Trickster effortlessly catches his head and reattaches it. "You want me ended, I know this. Were I in your shoes I'd want the same, but there is too much to accomplish to let anything so droll as a few decades of service get in our way." He continues to speak in a manner devoid of cruelty or malice, despite the abundance of both in his actions. He looks at everyone, waiting for an answer to his question.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) d20=11 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 9:08:47 PM Why bother with us? Why bother with our friends? With your power, you could create accurate simulacra of all of us to play out this game of yours. You obviously don't care about the real results, since you decided to start playing out how you thought it might go, rather than accepting the outcome.
We played your game. And what you can do is return us all home, in the condition we were before you had the team killed off or captured, and never interfere in our plane again.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 1:16:29 AM “As for what I want, I want the Talons restored to full health and sound of mind, back where they were in the Wold.
“By our standards you have committed horrific crimes. We have no means to bring a creature such as you to justice.
“You are right to praise Tahni - she succeeded where I failed. And maybe that’s where you’re stuck - you cannot fail. Nor can you die it seems. Where I come from, when a soul dies it is reincarnated. This process is overseen by a being named Gargul. Gargul is a god of life and death there, and this process of reincarnation provides a fresh start.
“You’re doomed to an existence that bores you. Come back with us and perhaps Gargul can help you find some meaning and purpose with a fresh start.
“By the way, what’s your name? We keep calling you Tinker or Trickster. Don’t you have an actual name?”
To the others, he silently says, We need to find out what this being wants and if there are limits to his power. Simply leaving gets us no closer to addressing why the gods sent us here. Even destroying this demiplane may not stop him.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 9th, 2021 2:03:16 AM
Tahni starts to frantically pat down the flames on her clothes until they disappear as quickly as they started. Her blistered hands look normal again and she could swear she can still smell burning hair.
The others have clearly outlined the wants of the group. Well, they could include telling this guy what he can go do with himself. She is intrigued by Rill's offer though. Gargul would probably have a special place set aside for someone like the Trickster.
Does she expect him to do any of these things? Of course not.
She continues to check her clothes for any signs of scorch marks and feels her face and hair to check for any residual burns.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:16:23 AM
Tired of talking to the crazy person Fang advances towards the construct. She can't attack this round (last round of exhaustion) but she gets in position to full attack next round. (016)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 6:44:49 PM
Just as the Fleshcraft being goes down, Aex finishes her Alter Self spell. For the first time ever she takes shape of a huge Bronze Dragon... The purple worm also stands quite idle for now... Leafy is seriously injured and moves over to Aex.
Clueless how to solve this mayhem, Aexdragon waits.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 7:04:22 PM
Bralin stows his weapon, glaring at the Tinker.
He too, awaits the man's answer to Rill's offer.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:47:07 PM
Terser is impressed by Rill's ambition to get more out of the deal than he'd thought possible. Let's see how he reacts.
DM Carl - Map! Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:48:23 PM Terser asks why the Trickster bothers involving them at all when he can make perfect simulacra.
"You overestimate me, Terser! I can make simulacra that look and sound like you. I can even make some that smell like you! They wouldn't be you though." He thinks a bit about not accepting the result and playing out how he thought it would go. "You may have a point! I'll tell you a little secret since I like you so much: I've been trying to put the lot of you in a situation where you couldn't banish, disenchant, or talk down your opponent. One where you had to beat them down the hard way. Maybe that's misguided! Maybe I'm forcing preconceived notions on you instead of recognizing part of what makes you Dragons so powerful!" He starts writing furiously. "This is good stuff, Terser. Thank you." He's so pleased he lets the fact that Terser called his latest experiment a game slip without comment.
Rill asks for the Talons to be restored to full health and sound mind back on their own world. "Oh...that's easier said than done. I did agree to try and honor your request though, so I'll get as close as I can." He reaches out and a barely translucent violet field engulfs the remains of the Fleshcraft. There is rapid movement inside, faster than your eyes can track. Still, you're able to see the pieces of the Fleshcraft rewind in time. Lummox's arm pops into existence and reattaches itself, as does Gort's entire body. Not much time passes outside the sphere before all three are whole, healthy, and asleep. "There. Just like before I harvested them." He snaps his fingers and they vanish. "I don't have the temporal control on your world like I do here, so I can't send them to your past. Their minds and bodies are restored back, though. I imagine you'll need to explain a lot to them when they wake." It's not immediately obvious what, if anything, has happened to Tasin or Cammie...or Whirrfoot for that matter.
Rill has other points to make, and the Trickster waits until he's done speaking to start answering them. "Like I told Terser, you're overestimating me...and honestly I'm not sure why. You've bested every single thing I've thrown at you, haven't you?" He doesn't wait for an answer before continuing. "...and I'm aware of your gods. I'm also aware they're forbidden from interfering in mortal matters. That's why I've been careful to keep my machinations mundane enough to keep them off me. If you could give me an audience with your Gargul, I'd jump at the chance to speak with him! You're wrong about me being bored, though. I was bored. I'm not now, but I will be again...then I won't be. It's my nature, and I'm not looking for an escape from it. Thank you for your concern, though.
"Trickster will suffice. I don't have anything closer to a name than that. If I ever did, it's long forgotten."
Tahni is no stranger to torture and recovers. She has low expectations for Trickster's response. Maybe she ended up surprised?
Fang moves to attack the defeated Fleshcraft? Maybe she thinks it's about to be rebuilt? If she is, that concern probably vanishes when the Talons are restored and (hopefully) sent home.
Aexana and Bralin wait. If Trickster is concerned about the two gigantic enemies here, he doesn't show it.
The Trickster sighs a long and happy sigh. "This was good, friends. I know you don't agree, and I respect that. I hope in time you'll appreciate what I'm trying to do to you." He smiles warmly "I just want what's best for us all, to see you grow, and to expand my knowledge." He claps his hands twice and a large portal pops into existence. "This will take you home, if you're ready."
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday March 10th, 2021 12:13:39 AM
Jozhur stands motionless a moment, not quite recovered from whatever had just happened to him.
He's not quite sure what to make of all this. That's it? He just sends us back? I suppose we have no choice but to accept."
If the others enter the portal, Jozhur will follow. He even gives the Trickster a silent respectful nod.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 2:12:26 AM "Come then Trickster, return with us. You said you would like to meet Gargul, so let's go and I'll see what I can do. He was a little sore at me when last we spoke, but I suspect he'd be willing if we ask respectfully."
Rill gestures toward the portal for this Trickster to step through. Hopefully, he'll go through.
He says silently to his friends, "Either way, I intend to use a Miracle and 25,000 gp in diamond dust to destroy this demiplane and then use a Quickened Plane Shift to get back to the Wold. Feel free to step through, because I'm not entirely sure what will happen to us once this demiplane is gone and I can only include you in the Plane Shift spell if we are holding hands."
Rill feels the fork that is tuned to the Wold in his pocket. He hopes for some warning from his Foresight spell, or perhaps his friends, to warn him off if this plan spells disaster.
------------------------- Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 10th, 2021 2:30:44 AM "I'm the only one with a Planar Adaptation spell, Rill. You don't know where you might be shunted after this place collapses. I'll stick with you just in case"
When it becomes apparent that Rill is ready to cast the spell Tahni will take hold of his hand, but no sooner. She will in turn ready a Planar Adaptation spell to trigger if they find themselves on a plane other than the material Wold one.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 8:36:03 AM
(I missed that the fleshcraft went down).
Fang notices the enemies demise as she approaches and just grunts. She stands there and looks sour as the Tinker undoes most of the damage and exits silently through the portal once everyone's ready to go.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:18:08 PM
Terser has been resisting doing any plotting through the rings, since he's not so sure that the Tinkster couldn't be listening in on those as well. At least while they're on his plane. If he can though, cat's out of the bag, and he might as well get back onto the plane where he knows the rules a little better.
He walks through the portal after Jozhur.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:30:09 PM
Bralin nods at Rill.
He ignores the Tinker.
And walks through the portal after Terser.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 7:22:52 PM
With a couple of spells wasted, Leafy wounded and her staff destroyed Aex is clueless about the next steps... she follows her friends home...
DM Carl - Map! Thursday March 11th, 2021 2:09:54 AM Jozhur decides they have no choice but to accept the portal back. He's wrong, but it's what he thinks.
Rill asks the Trickster to return with them. "Goodness no, Rill. Fang would probably kill me in seconds, even if the rest of you decided not to." He shakes his head. "And I doubt the rest of you would hold your attacks either. No, I'll be elsewhere. Gargul is a god. He can reach out to me if he desires. He's clever enough to figure out how." He pauses, then realizes something. "Little sore with you? Why?"
Rill's foresight spell is clear: dispelling the plane while you're in it is a bad idea. He senses no danger in using the tuning fork in his possession to go home.
Tahni theorizes a planar adaptation spell will protect her, but the learned dwarf realizes that's probably not true.
OOC: Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence. As I read it, the spell won't protect you if you pop out between planes. We could probably have a fun debate about this, but Rill can use a miracle spell to destroy the demiplane from back in the Wold. Maybe you want the demiplane destroyed where you can watch Trickster's reaction? Wouldn't blame you there...
Terser worries about the Trickster spying on their communication through the rings, but he's given no indication that's the case.
Aexana feels like she's wasted magic, but that's not fair to herself. Leafy did significant damage, and had Tahni not pulled such a rabbit out of her hat, that worm would have disabled that Fleshcraft handidly.
Fang pops through the portal, followed by Terser, Bralin, and Aexana. They arrive back in the Talons' quarters into absolute bedlam.
Lummox and Gort are on their feet, armed, and squaring off against about a dozen monks. No one looks hurt yet, but tempers are very high. The place is still a crime scene; Gort's feet are already red with blood he probably doesn't realize is his.
"WHAT DID YOU CREATURES DO TO TASIN?" screams an apoplectic Gort.
"YOU'RE ALREADY DEAD! YOU CAN'T FOOL US! YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER CLONE!" comes the reply from a young looking monk. Lummox is about to answer when Marjorie shrieks from her bedroom. Before anyone else can react, Lummox has barreled through two monks on his way towards his sister.
"Dragons! cries a monk. "Thank goodness. Please, help us with these creatures."
Gort gives a harsh laugh. "Everyone knows the Dragons can spot a fake. Isn't that right?" He looks expectantly towards Terser and Bralin.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 11th, 2021 8:17:40 AM
Fang makes a calming gesture. "They were dead. We fixed it, cause we're Dragons. They don't remember being dead. Everyone calm down so we can explain."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Thursday March 11th, 2021 4:31:52 PM We should have asked him to fix the rest of the team, and the monks while we were at it. An unfortunate oversight.
There was an attack. It may be hard to understand at first. If you'd like to go yourselves up and go see Whirrfoot on the ship, we can finish restoring everyone else.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday March 11th, 2021 5:40:43 PM
Tahni doesn't want to spend much more time here. She waits to see how Rill wants to proceed but she isn't going to engage in any back-and-forth with the Tinker.
If Rill leaves, Tahni will too.
If he wants to dispel this demiplane with them still here, well, she'll brace herself for it.
------------ Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, I should have been clearer with my previous post. The Planar Adaptation spell was just in case when the demiplane was dispelled that we were shunted to some other random plane - not the inbetween travel.}
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday March 11th, 2021 5:41:55 PM
Jozhur sniffles a laugh at the confusion, "It's really them. No clones."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+17=19 ; Thursday March 11th, 2021 6:29:56 PM
[Diplomacy 19, 23 on dwarves]
Bralin sighs. "We have partially succeeded in our quest," he announces to everyone. "We have recovered Gort, Lummox, and Marjorie. The rest of the Dragons will join us shortly."
The dwarf regards the mass of monks.
"Unless you be a Dragon or a Talon, you are not needed here. Go outside. Report to your superiors. Or locate a tavern. I care not."
He turns back to Gort. "Friend Gort, the Talons have suffered terribly, but not by the hands of anyone here. Once these others leave, we shall tell the tale."
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:07:13 PM
Rill is stubborn, but not stupid. He knows better than to ignore a warning from a powerful spell.
Tahni, we need to step through. Destroying the demiplane while we're here would be ... bad."
Rill feels the dwarf's hand in his. It's kinda nice. Even though it not needed, he holds on.
"Tinker, I am politely asking that should you enter the Wold again that you notify is immediately. And please don't alter or kill anyone there.
"Since you are on another plane, how can Gargul contact you?"
After waiting a moment for an answer, Rill steps though with Tahni. He eventually lets go of her hand.
Rill turns on the Monks. His eyes narrow as he speaks. "Like Bralin said, you monks will leave. Now. And tell that Abbot of yours we need to speak with him."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday March 12th, 2021 12:41:21 AM
Now back in the real Wold Tahni quickly catches up to speed on what is going on. "Not that I don't trust the Tinker or anything, but any chance you can give the Talons a quick once over to see if they register as constructs, Rill? Just in case"
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Friday March 12th, 2021 1:06:37 AM
Rill will check for constructs and outsiders within 1,000 feet.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday March 12th, 2021 9:05:34 AM
Aex, no longer in dragon form of course, raises an eyebrow and scans the situation. All this is so confusing... her head feels like spinning and that's not only from the plane shifts they've been experiencing. While the others deal with this mess Aex tends to Leafy's wounds. She smears some ointments to treat his damaged bark and prunes a few brokes twigs so they can grow anew and strong.
Oh that's rigth... that purple worm didn't come home with them. He was dispelled just before leaving. Who knows what can happen if such a creatures lingers between planes and time...
DM Carl - Map! Friday March 12th, 2021 1:07:00 PM Fang asks for calm, and because she's a Dragon, receives it. The monks lower their weapons. Gort keeps his up but calms a bit. "What do you mean we were dead?" he asks. He feels himself over, not finding a scratch on him.
Terser laments they didn't have the Trickster restore the others. He offers the survivors a chance to meet with Whirrfoot, but that just leaves more questions on Gort's face.
Bralin takes control, and because he's a Dragon, it's yielded to him. The monks seem very eager to leave, and do so promptly when given the chance. Gort drops his guard completely once they're gone. "Ok Bralin, talk," is all he says. The look on his face is worried, but not hostile.
Aexana tends to Leafy's wounds. They are unpleasant, and Leafy is likely in some pain (if Leafy is capable of pain, that is). The care is most certainly appreciated.
Tahni and Rill are ready to go home, but have a last request or two. The Trickster listens, then shakes his head. "Hmm...tell you what. I will not kill or alter anyone else on your world unless I have an excellent reason. I'm sure that doesn't satisfy you, but I can promise you your request has saved some lives.
"And don't worry about how Gargul can contact me. He's a god. He'll figure something out, I'm sure of it. You kids get going now. I'll be around!" He happily waves goodbye before vanishing himself. Guess he didn't feel like responding to Rill's request to not show up unannounced. It was a pretty big ask.
Back home Rill shows the monks some animosity and request to speak with their leader. They start leaving a little faster. Rill senses constructs on his periphery, but no more so than he's felt in the past few days. The Talons are neither constructs nor outsiders.
Tahni feels something in her pocket moments after she reappears in the Wold. Inside is a small glass vial with a cork topper. Inside is a faintly glowing milky white gas that Rill will immediately recognize as a soul. A small note is tied to the vial:
Tasin's soul. It was lost in your world, so it's in Gargul's domain. Resurrecting him or the other two would interfer with his purpose. That would be imprudent of me. Hope you understand! T
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday March 12th, 2021 6:03:54 PM
Tahni waits until the non-dragons aren't nearby.
"Uh, guys. We have another problem." She takes out the vial from her pockets and shows the others. "Ok, this is a big deal. If Tasin's soul was in Gargul's domain and now it's here, does that mean the Trickster somehow stole it away from Gargul? If he wasn't in a good mood earlier he's certainly not going to be when he hears about this"
Tahni handles the glass vial with the utmost of care. "So Rill... as the Soulseeker here I'm guessing it's probably best you discuss this with the big guy. It might even get you back in his good books"
She doesn't feel at all comfortable holding the vial, and so cupping it in both hands she extends it to Rill.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday March 13th, 2021 9:28:36 AM
Fang should probably be diplomatic here, maybe spare some of the details. She does not think of that though. "The extradimensional being that has been causing problems, the kidnappings and other events, came here, killed or captured most of your team, and vanished into a demi-plane. He left a way open for us to go after you and after we defeated the weird zombie construct you became he agreed to restore you to before all of that happened."
She crosses her arms grumpily. "I tried to cut his head off but he was invulnerable in his demi-plane." she says crossly. "He could have taken us down as easily as you guys but he's got some insane obsession with us. Thinks he's improving us with his mad games or something. I should be happy we got him to do anything to fix what he's done but I'm just mad we have no real way of stopping him from doing stuff like this for forever."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Saturday March 13th, 2021 6:40:18 PM
Terser expands a bit on Fang's explanation. We've dealt with them in the past, and there is still no knowing their motives. The best we have been able to do is mitigate the damage they've done. They're like a God, but with no qualms about interfering directly in as many lives as they wish.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Saturday March 13th, 2021 11:28:44 PM
Rill gingerly accepts the vial and reads the note. "Interesting that the Trickster has the ability to capture a soul. He agreed to not kill or alter anyone else in the Wold, and said that concession saved many lives.
"I need to seek out Gargul's advice on the best way to deal with Tasin's soul."
Rill leave the others to relate what happened. He finds a quiet corner to pray to Gargul, Humbly asking his God what should be done with Tasin's soul and relating all that had happened with the Trickser, including the Tricker's desire to meet with Gargul.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Sunday March 14th, 2021 10:43:47 AM
Bralin gestures toward Fang and Terser, and nods agreement of their words.
"Whirrfoot escaped the initial attack. He may be able to provide you more detail."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday March 14th, 2021 6:03:09 PM
Pestering Gargul doesn't sound wise... if the Tinkerer is able to do that and to get away with it... how then can she and her friends be any match for this guy...
Aex is genuinely concerned but she does not share her thoughts. She only met Gargul once and she does not want to face him again if they need to bring some bad news.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday March 14th, 2021 11:30:04 PM
Jozhur quietly ponders what just took place. This Trickster truly is a very powerful being. He won't offer any further explanation at the moment, the situation seems to be settled.
DM Carl - Map! Monday March 15th, 2021 12:29:11 PM Tahni is very worried about how the Trickster got this soul. Perhaps the player behind her forgot about what happened to Tasin's soul. That's understandable.
Tasin's soul was consumed by a monster during the attack and never made it to Gargul. The Trickster seems to have fetched it as part of his agreement with Rill. The party can't bring him back without Gargul's aid, but at least now that's an option.
Rill remembers Trickster's deal, including the part where the Trickster said he wouldn't kill or alter anyone else in the Wold without an excellent reason. Not quite the same as refusing to do it outright. He sits and seeks Gargul, who will make an appearance closer to the end of this post.
Fang explains the situation in detail to the Talons. Gort starts as he realizes the blood he's standing in is...was his own. Fang is angry that she has no real way of stopping him, but that's not quite true. They haven't found a way to combat him yet, but he's certainly not unbeatable.
Bralin and Terser back up the story, also indicating Whirrfoot is still alive. There's a mixed result from Gort, happy that Whirrfoot is alive, but realizing the statement means others aren't.
Aexana and Jozhur both quietly ponder their opponent.
Gort excuses himself to check on Lummox and Marjorie.
In the solitude he could scrounge up on a moment's notice, Rill reaches out to Gargul for advice. His eyes still closed, he feels the vial being lifted from his hand. His eyes open to Gargul's throne room: a horizonless, eternal expanse of gray clouds and flat rock. A cold breeze constantly blows. The only decorations here are Gargul's throne and a wall of pinned shadows: the sacrifices of his Grims. They each turn to watch Rill.
"The Talons' souls are all accounted for." Gargul nods in approval. "Good. You've done your duty well, Soulseeker." He opens the flask, allowing Tasin's soul to escape. It rushes off in the breeze, up and out of sight.
Gargul listens as Rill recounts the details of their planar travel. Evidently Gargul was not able to keep watch on the Sea Dragons in their absence. He frowns. "I suppose this is good news," he starts. "We were worried this threat meant to move against our world. Turns out they're just interested in one group of adventurers. I will not meet with this Trickster. The gods do not negotiate with terrorists, and to grant him an audience gives him a legitimacy he does not deserve." He looks at Rill, who notices visions of his friends around him, though they're oblivious to the god's eye. He breathes in, then breathes out a glowing green light that flows into each of the Sea Dragons. Power wells up inside everyone as they're infused. "I have faith in you and your companions, Rillet Savenport. You are equipped to handle this." Gargul stares at Rill, allowing a response.
***
Gargul's infusion raises everyone to level 20. Welcome to the end game, everyone.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Monday March 15th, 2021 4:41:35 PM Does anyone else feel stronger after coming back through the portal?
He must have learned something from that construct, since his skin feels thicker and more resistant.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Monday March 15th, 2021 5:31:40 PM
Bralin nods to Terser, also confused about why he's feeling differently.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday March 15th, 2021 7:37:47 PM
Aex too nods. "It's like it's all finally making sense... the study, the pain, the love... nature."
Journey's end...
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Monday March 15th, 2021 8:12:30 PM
Rill stands before his god. He keeps his eyes downcast initially. "My Lord, you do me a great honor speaking to me thusly. When last we spoke it was clear that I had displeased you and that you may withdraw from me. I accepted your judgement then as I do now. You are kind to say that you have faith in the Sea Dragons. I am humbled that we would have such favor."
Then Rill then raises his head and regards Gargul respectfully as he speaks. "The tales told of you suggest you have little patience for grovelling and even less for arrogance, that you are plain spoken and straightforward. I pray that you will not mistake my speaking to you now as anything more than a respectful desire to fully understand what you wish of us so that we may be effective in protecting the Wold and the souls in it."
"My Lord, this Tinker said that the Gods of the Wold are forbidden from interfering in mortal matters, and that he has been careful to keep his machinations mundane so as to avoid divine intervention. His current actions however have been egregious and I do not trust him. Can you help me understand the extent of the limits of the Gods with this being so that we can best intervene on your behalf? We were unable to affect him in his home - is that what he meant? Would it have any meaningful effect for me to call upon a Miracle to destroy the TinkerÕs demiplane now that we are gone?
"Do I have your permission to raise any of the Talons that are dead? You have given me the ability to call a soul into an item. Do I have your permission to call any of the TalonsÕ souls into an item to help the Talons and perhaps reunite them that way?
"And one last question if it pleases my Lord, what resides in the sarcophagus that Tencent carries? I fear it may be undead and must be destroyed."
Rill will certainly accept any answers or non-answers. He does not view Gargul as a peer to be bargained with, nor as simply a powerful being. He is honestly trying to balance contrition with the directness he thinks Gargul desires.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 16th, 2021 2:50:02 AM
Tahni can feel a whole new power rising through her, from the soles of her feet to the tip of her head. She presumes it has to do with Rill's meeting with Gargul.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 7:52:54 AM
Fang stands there, grumbling, oblivious to the spiritual discussion happening next to her.
DM Carl - Map! Tuesday March 16th, 2021 4:37:52 PM
The party finds themselves filled with power. Some of them are even aware of its source! Aexana in particular seems to be waxing poetic these days. She is no spring chicken, though...
Rill has some questions, but asks them with an abundance of respect. He has not forgotten his station like last time. Gargul, for his part, doesn't seem to be holding a grudge.
He asks about the limitations put on the gods. "Alemi forbids the gods of the Wold from interfering with mortal concerns outside our domains. This is true. That said," he pauses, "we're allowed to exercise our judgement. Most of us have been known to bend that rule when we felt it necessary."
The party blinks, and finds themselves in Gargul's throne world alongside Rill. He does not stop or acknowledge their presence, but continues answering Rill's question.
"Whether this Trickster has warranted my action could be debated, and if I acted it would likely be considered acceptable." Gargul seems a bit uncomfortable. It's not often he's forced to address his limitations, especially with a mortal. Rill doesn't detect any negativity directed at himself. If anything, it's a sign of respect from Gargul towards one of his most powerful servants. "All that is beside the point. IF the Trickster started interfering with my duties he would be dealt with. I am staying my hand for your sake, Rill, as well as your companions. You're among the most elite of your world's heroes. It would not do to have the gods fight your battle. I will give you this advice: you are overestimating the Trickster's strength. He is not a dangerous opponent because of his strength. He is a dangerous one because of his guile. Remember that, and show me you and your companions can match it. As for the box, trust my gifts. The box doesn't block them."
At the question of the Talon's resurrection, he frowns. "The Talons were unprepared for the Trickster's attack, but they shouldn't have been. Look at the precautions you have all taken to protect yourselves while you rest. They should have known better." He claps twice, and the spirits of Cammie, Tasin, and Seabreeze join the meeting. Gargul's voice lowers in pitch and grows in volume, and he falls back into a more familiar presentation.
"SEABREEZE, CAMMIE, AND TASIN, HEAR ME NOW. THE SEA DRAGONS HAVE PETITIONED FOR YOUR RETURN TO LIFE." Seabreeze looks around, then looks at her hands. Her lips move, but no sounds come out. It's easy enough to read her, though: "I'm dead? When did that happen?" Tasin and Cammie have far grimmer looks.
"YOUR CARELESSNESS MADE YOU EASY TARGETS, BUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS MATTER WAS NOT OF YOUR CHOOSING. LEARN FROM THIS, TALONS. SHOULD YOUR CARELESSNESS LEAD YOU AGAIN TO MY DOMAIN YOU SHALL NOT FIND ME SO FORGIVING." He claps, and a glowing portal pops into existence. "OUR BUSINESS IS CONCLUDED." It's obvious from his stance and looks that he's speaking to the Dragons too. Shaken, the Talons bow nervously and hastily head out the portal.
Back in the Wold, Tasin stands next to you, still in his night clothes. He pales at the gory scene still here. "Talons!" he calls suddenly, "we're leaving."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Tuesday March 16th, 2021 5:40:32 PM
Bralin doesn't say anything. Which is typical.
What is not typical is he's far too preoccupied trying to work out what just happened to worry about speaking.
He was infused with power. He was standing before Gargul. He's fairly certain Gargul just charged them with the task of destroying the Tinker. The remaining Talons were berated and resurrected. He's back in the Talon's quarters.
That takes some time to process.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday March 16th, 2021 7:11:15 PM
Jozhur respectfully nods his understanding to Gargul. He is right, the Trickster needs eliminated before he gets bored again.
He has to try keeping the Talons around, "Tasin, the threat has been dealt with for now. Do as Gargul suggested and be more vigilant."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:17:46 PM
To be more vigilant may be a fair warning for us as well, Aex says softly... but how to prepare for this guy... ´
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 6:17:45 AM
Fang is surprised at the sudden transportation. She stays quiet as the conversation occurs. So he's not as strong as thought... she grins in viscous anticipation.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 17th, 2021 12:24:24 PM
It's preferable to be on this side of Gargul's attention, rather than being a soul called back. No less intimidating though. He keeps his mien respectful and bows and leaves as soon as it's offered.
Sounds like we need to be ready for him once you pop his little bubble. He clicks the writing implement he brought back from the Tinker, wondering if it will dissolve with the plane. Is it magic on its own? He asks Tahni to scan it and offer her opinion.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 17th, 2021 7:47:23 PM
Tahni stay silent in the presence of Gargul.
Once back in the Wold she looks for a monk or someone nearby and asks "How long have we been gone?" Time seemed to move differently in the Tinker's demiplane.
She takes a look at the writing implement held by Terser (Arcane Sight + Knowl Engineering 35)
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 8:00:08 PM "Whew, an audience with Gargul that went well. That's a nice change. So, shall I destroy the demiplane? Who knows how long it will take the Tinker to show up? It'd be nice to refresh our spells.
"How can we out guile him?"
Rill sees the leader of the Talons suggest leaving.
"Talons, I suppose you will do what you need to do. However, we have saved your lives - and brought most of you back from death. Will you not stand with us now?"
DM Carl Wednesday March 17th, 2021 8:52:19 PM Bralin is quiet, but thoughtful. He probably realizes, modesty permitting, that he's become one of the Wold's most potent heroes. That's a lot of weight to carry, even on shoulders as sturdy as his.
Jozhur agrees the Trickster needs to be dealt with. He tries to assuage Tasin of any more worry.
Aexana thinks Gargul's warning may not just have been for the Talons.
In the middle of everyone's introspection, Fang finds happiness in the knowledge that the Trickster can probably be defeated.
Terser is glad to not be asking Gargul for another chance at life. He takes the pen the Trickster let him keep. The writing bit retracts and extends with every other click. The action, sound, and tactile feedback combine to a surprisingly satisfying experience.
Tahni wonders how long they've been gone. A quick peek outside shows it's still morning. They've lost very little time.
The pen Terser holds is a wonder. It is light, but sturdy. She finds it's simple to disassemble and contains only 5 components: an outer shell, a fine spring, a tube of ink, a camshaft of sorts, and the clicker itself. Gears on the clicker match with the gears on the camshaft. They rotate into one of two different positions as the pen is clicked. The ink is applied via a tiny ball perfectly shaped within the tip of the ink tube. As the ball turns it picks up ink from the tube to be applied to paper. The entire thing is so simple, even a human could understand it. If Tahni could figure out how to create them on a large scale, it would take the Wold by storm.
Rill more or less asks Tasin if they're going to wuss out after they were rescued from oblivion at great personal risk by the Sea Dragons.
...and of course they won't. Tasin sighs. "No, Rill. The Talons of Aisildur will stand with you, but what exactly are we supporting you on?" It occurs to you all that they're unaware of tonight's meeting to determine how to proceed with the Invitational, or whether it will proceed at all. The fact that the Talons are restored may dissuade people from trying to cancel the Invitational. The Sea Dragons may view the contest with no small amount of contempt, but the teams competing have trained for years. There's enough gold to be made here to retire in opulence should they place well. Some contestants with powerful voices will argue fiercely against cancelling them.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 18th, 2021 6:09:59 AM
Fang starts paying attention to the matter at hand. "If we destroy his demiplane he might be sent here right? We were sent here upon leaving. Lets do it and be ready to anchor him so he can't escape if he pops into existence in front of us."
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Thursday March 18th, 2021 12:20:44 PM "When we were on the Tinker's demiplane, my divinations also suggested it would be very hazardous for us to be on that demiplane when we destroyed it.
"On his demiplane, the Tinker was neigh invincible, but his comments suggest he would be vulnerable here so he's probably not so tough without that demiplane. The Tinker may anticipate us destroying it - I certainly would. But it may harm him, or it may just slow him down a bit. I doubt he would come straight here though, because that would put him at risk from us."
Rill pulls out a princely sum of diamond dust, and calls on a Miracle, wishing for the Tinker's demiplane to cease to exist. He casts the glittering dust into the air and watches it vanish as he intones the spell.
Almost as an afterthought, he replies to Tasin. "Tasin, part of what brought and kept us here was the knowledge that the continuance of these games was somehow important to the Gods of the Wold. So, I suppose you can support us by competing in the games. And by standing ready if we should call on you for help. I don't know when or if this Tinker may show up here, but he's a bad one and we will need allies if we are to face him."
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday March 18th, 2021 12:56:50 PM
Jozbur shrugs after Rill calls on his miracle. "He's not going to like that. Not one bit. We should expect his return."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Thursday March 18th, 2021 6:42:50 PM
Bralin begins to opine. "Mayhap....."
He stops as Rill goes ahead and casts his spell.
The dwarf readjusts his thinking. "If this does not bring him, mayhap one or more of our earned wishes could bring him here."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday March 18th, 2021 6:52:14 PM "He could be on any plane so dismissing his demiplane may not do anything. As for not liking it, part of me thinks he wouldn't particularly care. He'd chalk it up to how interesting it was for us to do it" Tahni also sure whether the demiplane can be dispelled if they're not actually on it. She tries to think back to what she has read in books. If a demiplane can only be dispelled while you are there she'll stop Rill from casting his spell and save the dust.
"That wish idea could be interesting though Bralin"
----------------- Knowl Planes: 35 (Take10) - to determine if a demiplane can be dispelled without actually being on it
DM Carl d20+20=27 ; Thursday March 18th, 2021 9:04:33 PM Fang wonders if destroying his demiplane would return him here. Jozhur expects that's the case.
Knowledge, Planes DC 35, Highlight to display spoiler: {The demiplane was created by the Trickster. It's not his home plane. Even if he was ejected elsewhere, he'd be no more likely to end up here than any of the other infinite planes.}
Rill asks Tasin to continue with the competition and support the Sea Dragons in what's sure to be a fight. Tasin stares a moment. "We report to the house of The High Lord Mayor of Aisildur. I'm not in charge of the Talons, so I can't..."
Gort pipes up. "Give it a rest, Tasin. You know darn well we listen to you."
The half-elven Tasin stares at Gort a moment, both staring hard. Gort smiles first, then Tasin. "Well, you'll have my support."
"Mine too," responds Gort. "Marjorie might take some convincing, but the rest of us are probably in."
OOC: Miracle coming at the end of the post. Technically it requires a dispel check, but I don't want to hold up a whole day for a d20. I'm only mentioning this so I don't set precedent.
Bralin wonders if one of their wishes would bring the Trickster here. That is...an interesting idea! There is only one way to find out, of course.
Tahni concurs that would be an interesting idea. She wonders if the Trickster would even care. She is sure that Rill can collapse the demiplane from here.
Rill casts his miracle, tossing a small fortune of diamond dust into the air as an offering. For a moment, nothing happens. Then, one of the dead monks sits up and looks at Rill. "I rather liked that plane, but you can't be blamed for trying." He stares at all of you for just a second. "Something's different about you, isn't it? What happened?"
Tasin gasps and Gort's face twists in rage. His weapons are out, but he holds himself back. He stares intently at all of you, wordlessly begging for approval to go tear the thing to pieces.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+14=26 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 2:54:38 AM
Tahni is quick to make sure that the monk isn't going anywhere. She casts a Dimensional Anchor spell on him and then steps back.
"So lop his head off now, or try and get some answers from him first?"
----------- Cast Dimensional Anchor on the monk. Hit TouchAC26.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 d20+33=45 Friday March 19th, 2021 12:29:17 PM
Rill sees the dwarf ready for violence and intones an ancient dwarven phrase telling him to stand down. "Gort! Klaatu Barrada Nikto!"
Rill looks at the now animate body of the monk. Does it still have the wounds that caused it's death? Does it register as Undead or Construct or Outsider?
"I do not believe we can harm the Tinker in this form. He would not be so foolish."
He addresses the monk's body.
"Tinker, how are you able to inhabit this body? What powers do you have? Do you command arcane power? Is your power divine, and is that divine power your own? What powered that place where we found you? How is it that you have seemingly infinite power there and not here? Perhaps we'll share our secrets if you will share yours.
"Your involvement in the Wold is ... not welcome. You have lived a long time. Too long perhaps. Having lived for so long you should know by now that we will not bend to your will nor provide you with any benefit beyond a release from this life.
"Toying with us cannot provide the entertainment or diversion you seek. But I do think that in death you will find an opportunity to explore something that actually is new to you. There is an existence beyond your current one. Are you afraid of that one last experience, that one new frontier? Confront your fear Tinker. Come here and let us show you a whole new life after death."
(Sense Motive 45)
---------------------------- Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) d20+14=16 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 5:22:19 PM
Rill seems to have hit on an interesting idea for convincing the Tinker to take himself out. Or at least let himself be ushered into the next world at the end of a blade.
He waits to see how the Tinker reacts, but holds a readied Dispel on his fingers if the Tinker starts casting anything. only a 16 though
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday March 20th, 2021 9:23:08 AM
Fang is all ready to chop the thing up but she waits for the others to ask their questions
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday March 20th, 2021 11:30:51 AM
Bralin is with Fang and Gort on this one.
But, he holds at Rill's request and waits, though a bit less patiently than usual.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday March 21st, 2021 10:35:39 PM
Fang runs a finger along her axe impatiently.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday March 22nd, 2021 11:22:13 AM
Jozhur also doubts they can harm the Tinker now, but draws his weapons and stands close to the monk, waiting for his response to Rill's words.
DM Carl Monday March 22nd, 2021 4:06:48 PM Tahni casts a dimensional anchor on the suddenly talking monk, wondering if they should just kill the thing now.
Rill doubts they can injure the Trickster in this form and tells Gort to stand down. He does, but he's not happy about it. Rill then asks a ton of questions. The rest of the bunch waits for answers.
"Woah there! I admire your curiosity, Rill! Really, I do. Let's see if I can't reward it." He starts going down the list of questions. "I can temporarily control all my creations. I can also sense what they sense. Why do you think I send them out everywhere?" He continues with Rill's list, not waiting for an answer. "What powers do I have? That's a big question, Rill. I have lots. You'd classify them more as divine than arcane, but that's not as accurate an answer as you might think. The difference isn't as stark out in the multiverse as it is here in your world. I powered that place, and because I powered it I was basically a god there." Rill keeps talking, but the Trickster loses interest and tries to stand. He finds one leg is too injured to stand on and sighs. For the first time since this started, the Trickster starts to frown.
"You keep saying I'm bored and I keep saying I'm not," he snaps. "What I'm bored of is repeating myself and listening to you give speeches at me. We've already established all this and repeating it is boring me, Rill! You wouldn't like me when I'm bored." He suddenly smiles and chuckles. "But you don't like me either way, so I guess it doesn't matter. Anyway, nothing lives forever. I'll explore death someday, but even for me that's a one way trip! " Just like that, the Trickster's façade is back.
Sense motive results, Rill only Highlight to display spoiler: {The Trickster's emotional range seems stunted. You're starting to think he may not actually be able to experience certain emotions.}
"Aaaaany way, did you find the present I left you, Tahni?" He looks, then notices Tasin for the first time. "Guess you did!" He bows as well as he can sitting down with a busted leg. "You are welcome, Tasin! Though I still don't understand why the Dragons wasted a favor of me on bringing the Talons back..." He trails off, showing no more interest in the half-elf.
"Now what about my question? What happened to you all?"
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Monday March 22nd, 2021 5:15:37 PM "What's different about us? Not much really. We had a conversation with Gargul, so perhaps that's it. He has no intention of seeking you out, but if you ask him politely he may be kind enough to speak with you. I wouldn't hold your breath on that though.
"As for the rest, Tinker, we seem to be talking past each other. I caution you to check with us before visiting the Wold again. You are not welcome here and are only allowed by invitation from the Sea Dragons. Good bye."
He says to the others there,
"Unless the rest of you want to talk to him, feel free to end the conversation."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday March 22nd, 2021 6:51:52 PM
Bralin shakes his head, and steps back to allow Gort lots of room for his backswing.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 12:01:11 AM what do you think, Tahni? Is xe stuck in there?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 3:23:27 AM "I doubt it" Tahni relays "My spell might have locked him here, but he has really strong defenses against spells. It might not have worked at all. Besides, we don't know how he is doing what he's doing right now. If it will make anyone feel better though you could probably finish him off"
Tahni takes a step away from the 'splatter zone'.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 5:37:14 AM
(sorry for missing a couple of posts)
Aex seems was lost in thought as she takes in all that is happening around her. While the wise ones are talking she's best to listen quietly as things unfold.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 7:55:50 AM
Fang waits impatiently for the talking to be over. Or for them to have a chance to cut off the real Tinker's head.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:35:57 PM
Jozhur is about to cleanly plunge a sword into the possessed monk, but he sees Bralin step back and look to Gort. He lets Gort have the honor, but stands close and ready incase a follow up attack becomes necessary.
DM Carl Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:06:26 PM Rill is decidedly less polite to the Trickster, which elicits a confused look. "Your permission? I didn't think I needed that." He ponders just a second. "Because I don't! Ha, had me worried there for a bit..." He looks like he's about to continue talking, but it's cut short by Gort's axe slamming into his mouth and chopping the top of his head clean off. The eyes on the head look around for a moment before they go back to being dead, but they do seem to smile.
His mouth doesn't smile, obviously. It's cut in half.
That business done, Tasin clears his throat. "As thankful as we all are, I think our team needs some time to talk and process this. Marjorie went to fetch Whirrfoot..." As if on cue, the wizard pops into the room. Whirrfoot has his arms wrapped tight around her waist, face buried in her night clothes. Her face wears a look of irritation, but she makes no effort to remove him. Indeed, her right hand absently strokes his hair.
It's obvious to the group that it's time to move on, unless anyone else has something to say. "We'll be at tonight's meeting to stand behind you, Dragons," says Tasin when they take their leave.
The group has no concrete plans until the meeting being held tonight to discuss the Invitational. Should anybody wish to take care of any business, now's the time to do so. Otherwise, we'll proceed on to the meeting.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:26:26 PM
Eh, Gort can have that one. Fang will get a shot at the real one. Eventually.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 24th, 2021 3:34:49 AM
Tahni is neither pleased nor displeased to see the Tinker's head separated from his body. It wasn't really him of course. She's quite sure he was just temporarily inhabiting that body to speak with them.
She has no further business to conduct prior to the meeting.
OOC: Sheet updated to lvl 20
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 12:22:10 PM
Less polite. To someone that abducts people and keeps them alive so he can sew them together. Good one.
Rill will nod respectfully to the Talons as he leaves.
"I have a few items I've been carrying around for a while now that I no longer need. I think I'll make a quick visit to the Catacombs and buy a few invisibility potions. In fact, it might be good for all of us to stock up on a few items that come in handy in a pinch like potions of invisibility, flying, gaseous form. Anyone have any other suggestions?
"Also, I want to make sure I have enough diamond dust if things get really rough."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:31:49 PM I spent most of my liquid cash recently, but I have enough to get you extra of those potions you lent me.
Otherwise, Terser is ready.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 5:56:23 PM
Bralin nods at Rill's suggestion to stock up on some potions.
The dwarf leaves immediately for the Catacombs.
He'll be back in plenty of time to attend the meeting.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 8:18:32 PM
Aex too has a couple of potions that might come in handy. Provided her spells are renewed she´s ready.
The Meeting
DM Carl Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:26:25 PM
Aside from a shopping trip, it looks like our heroes don't have plans until tonight's meeting.
The atmosphere in the Invitational's public areas remains positive, but it's not nearly as exuberant as it was just a few days ago. Obviously word of the Talons' death and resurrection have spread like wildfire. The fact that people are still smiling can be laid at the Sea Dragons' feet. In public, loud cat-calls from excited attendees are replaced by more muted but genuine shows of affection. People wish you a good day, or simply smile and nod as they pass.
The meeting convenes at sundown in the arena. Where the gauntlet once stood is just an open grass field. All members of the Invitational's strongest teams are in attendance, dotting the stands in small clusters of powerful heroes and adventurers. They self-isolate, leaving several seats between themselves. The Talons are an exception; they sit alongside the Sea Dragons. On the field is a long table with a speaker's podium in the middle. Seated at the table are Kozy, the Grandmaster of the island's monks, Heather, Octavious and the Lady Gwendolyn, and Razma. Most of the Dragons have had little contact with those last three, but Aexana spent an afternoon with them while her companions ran The Gauntlet. It seems they're higher up the Chancers food chain than was immediately apparent. A large, colorful pink conch shell sits on the podium. Without ceremony (for once), Kozy stands and picks up the shell. Immediately his movements become more audible. When he speaks, his voice is heard clearly from the stands, though he makes no obvious effort to shout.
"Friends, I'll dispense with the grandstanding. We all know why we're here and what has happened. The question of whether to continue the Invitational remains unanswered. As the Invitational is a Chancers event, we reserve the final say about its continuation for ourselves. We are also here at our host's pleasure," he sweeps his hand at the Grandmaster, "but he has assured us he wishes the Invitational to continue. We also recognize that we can continue the Invitational, but that it means little if our contestants don't stay to participate." He lifts the conch a bit. "To avoid shouting over each other, Heather has enchanted this shell. Whoever holds it can be heard by everyone here. Anyone without it is asked not to interrupt, and I think you'll find it difficult should you try." Indeed, the sounds around you have muted since Kozy started speaking. You can still talk easily with each other, and are not limited in your spellcasting, but you're pretty sure that trying to yell over someone would be fruitless. "Heather will facilitate passing it around at her discretion. We welcome your opinions, but please remember there will likely be several who wish to give theirs. I would ask you to keep your comments as brief and to the point as you're able. Before we begin, I believe we owe the Dragons our gratitude for bringing the Talons back from their ordeal." There are murmurs of approval and applause, though they're muted as well.
"Ain't that the truth..." comments Lummox with a grin. He seems to have recovered from his ordeal well. As the applause dies, the conch floats into Heather's hand via a simple mage hand spell.
She walks to the stands, and you notice her normal bohemian skirts/bikini top look has been replaced by a smart, but aggressive pant and jacket outfit. The cut is angular and high-necked. It is mostly white with a few bold swatches of crimson. It covers her almost completely, but is exceptionally form-fitted and still leaves little to the imagination. A red beret sits on her head, completing the look. You can't be sure from here, but the whole outfit looks like leather. She holds the conch above her head. "Ok loves. Who's first?" Her voice is clear thanks to the shell’s magic. Several hands shoot up, but she eyes the Sea Dragons, obviously ready to play favorites should they want to speak.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:53:50 PM
Jozhur winks at Heather and mouths the words "nice suit".
He offers some a point to be brought up, "Whoever wants to do the talking, suggest to these other groups they can keep themselves safe if they stay on their toes and take some precautions when they rest. And what has happened isn't tied directly to the games."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:59:11 AM
Tahni takes the conch and gives a nod to the others in attendance. She waits until it looks like she has the attention of most.
"There have been a number of disturbances and odd occurrences since we arrived. Many of us have been attacked in one way or another outside of the arena." She gives a very brief glance to Miri and Kiri.
"One could be forgiven for thinking that forces were working to stop the tournament from proceeding. The advice we have received through our divinations is that Domi wishes for the tournament to proceed. How the other gods feel about this we can't be sure."
"This has become more than just a simple tournament. No-one should doubt those who choose to leave and none should be pressured to stay"
She refrains from speaking as to the intent of the Sea Dragons. Her vote is to proceed but she isn't sure how the rest of the party feel about it.
Tahni holds out the shell to whoever from the group wishes to speak next.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 25th, 2021 8:16:31 AM
Fang lets the other's talk for now. She might have something to say later, but wants to know everyone's stance first.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday March 25th, 2021 11:38:53 AM
Aex smiles as she sees Octavious and Lady Gwendolyn out there. She didn't know they had this much influence... she refrains from waving at Gwendolyn and 'Octo' and simply nods at them to show she's happy to see them both again.
Speaking in the group has never been Aex's forte. She'll gladly continue the invitational yet is troubled with the latest happenings.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:30:11 PM I believe the tournament should be allowed to continue. Tahni has the right of it.. Any that feel they cannot or should not participate should be allowed to withdraw with no penalty.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday March 25th, 2021 7:05:25 PM
Bralin merely nods in agreement with Terser.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Thursday March 25th, 2021 7:55:34 PM
Rill will take the Magic Conch with a nod to his friends.
"There have indeed been some problems. Four team captains were abducted. We were able to divine their location and we brought them back. Then the Talons were brutally attacked. Again, we were able to bring them back, even standing before Gargul to petition the return of those that had died to the Wold.
"Someone or something wants to stop these games, but the Gods of the Wold themselves believe they need to continue. We believe these actions to the the machinations of a being that refers to himself as the Trickster or Tinker. He is a powerful being, and we have bested him twice.
"Keep your eyes open and report any suspicious activities to the monks. Set a watch when you sleep so you are not caught unawares.
"We stand with you. The Talons have pledged their support. The Saphire Seven are part of the Mailed Fist, and we all know the reputation of the Mailed Fist. The Fangs mean business and Dragon Sound are always up for adventure. I Construct knows no fear, and the Last Whisper instills fear in others. And I know the One Percenters have a reputation to uphold.
"Decide for yourselves. Leave if you must, but know that the Sea Dragons will not flee while there is a foe that threatens the Wold. And I'm sure that the Chancers will reimburse for any losses. After all, they are the ones that organized this event. They will surely pay for increased security as well."
Stupid Chancers. Let them put their money where their mouth is.
DM Carl Thursday March 25th, 2021 10:42:43 PM
The Sea Dragons speak their peace and, surprise surprise, they have decided to stay.
That's not sarcasm, friends. I did not see it coming.
Jozhur has some good advice. Everyone needs to be on their guard. Heather gives him a wink and mouths "I know" back at him.
Tahni gives a quick glance at the beast-twins, but not quick enough to miss the tongue Miri sticks out at her.
Fang holds her tongue for now.
Aexana is pleased to see the two lovebirds together. Octavious looks much better, she notices. Gwendolyn has put in some work on his appearance. He's clean-shaven and dressed impeccibly. He's also smiling, which is a welcome change. Gwendolyn catches Aexana looking and waves hello. A slight motion from her and Octavious also looks Aexana's way. He also seems genuinely happy to see the old gnome.
Terser and Bralin both agree the tournament should continue.
Rill details the goings on so far, stating someone wants to stop the games. He puts the Chancers on the spot a bit, but it doesn't seem to phase them. Heather speaks up, her voice loud despite Rill holding the conch. It seems Heather reserved the right to speak for herself. "I feel compelled to remind our assembled friends that the participation in the Chancers Invitational is done at your own risk, and that the Chancers Club denies all liabilities for any loses incurred by our contestants. Otherwise, well said Rill." She gives the priest a warm smile. "That said, we are committed to the safety of all contestants and guests of the Invitational. Should anyone require assistance please contact your liaisons."
As the Dragons make their decision to support the Invitational continue, a great deal of tension is lifted.
Sense motive DC30 or perception DC45, Highlight to display spoiler: {Xuffie especially seems to relax. Her alert posture has relaxed by the time Rill has finished speaking.}
Han Valen is the next to speak. "Oye. Dragonsound ain't about to let some trick scare us away. We're staying put too."
Other participants speak, echoing the sentiment. Bezos stands to speak when the conch is passed to him. "I admire your collective dedication. The 1%ers team will not be continuing, however. The rewards being offered do not warrant the risk to myself and my teammates. I say this with no small amount of disappointment, but I will not fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy."
There's time to say something else if anyone wants to.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+33=45 ; Friday March 26th, 2021 9:38:47 PM
Tahni isn't surprised by the 1%ers withdrawing from the tournament. Their overconfidence in their abilities was evident from the beginning.
She gives a nod towards Bezos in acknowledgement of his decision but says nothing.
Tahni is sure that Rill has noticed Xuffie's reaction so doesn't point it out.
------------- Perception vs DC45: 45=Pass!
DM Carl Friday March 26th, 2021 11:00:33 PM
OOC: Gonna wait until tomorrow to let some more posts get in. This module is almost finished...
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Saturday March 27th, 2021 7:39:12 AM
When Rill finishes speaking, Aex feels proud. That was a good speach. She feels even more proud when it appears most teams are not going to cower awar - oh well all but the 1%ers. That's somehow a bit of a disappointment... she expected more from Sir Bezos than mere profit and loss thinking.
With the apparent decision made, Aex raises her glass of wine at Rill and drinks it all.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday March 27th, 2021 8:16:34 AM
Hmph. Fang still thinks the whole event is silly mis-managed nonsense. Their mission requires them to participate or she'd be behind shutting the whole thing down.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday March 27th, 2021 11:36:47 AM
Bralin is not surprised at the outcome.
Rill is an outstanding diplomat, and most of the other teams have fought together far too long to give up now.
Those of The Whisper are too proud to leave when others would stay.
The 1%ers had no business placing themselves among this company anyway.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Saturday March 27th, 2021 12:54:03 PM "Ah Bezos. It's just a business decision for you. I thought your team was made of sterner stuff.
"Say, here's a business opportunity for you - perhaps you and your team can set up a stall and sell tunics embroidered with 'I survived the Twelfth Annual Chancers Invitational.' No doubt this is one to remember. You could probably turn a tidy profit. And selling tunics will be much safer than the games."
Rill notes Xuffie's posture with all of this.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=45 ; Saturday March 27th, 2021 9:52:47 PM
Jozhur shakes his head as Sir Bezzos announces the wothdrawal of the 1%ers. Oh well, he didnt care for them much anyways.
He too notes a more relaxed Xhuffie, and gives her a repectful nod if he catches her eye.
Perception: 45
DM Carl Sunday March 28th, 2021 12:16:49 PM Tahni isn't shocked about the 1% team, feeling they were overconfident. That is true for some, certainly. It's a shame Bezos didn't get a moment in the sun, though. Your DM had plans for him once upon a time, but modules evolve as they're played.
Aexana had expected more from Bezos than focusing just on profit and loss. She's proud of her friend for his eloquence.
Fang would rather see the whole thing shut down. There's certainly been a lot of grief this year, but can you really blame the Chancers for not being prepared for the interference of an interdimensional bad guy? Seems like a high bar to set.
Bralin figures the outcome isn't surprising. His reading of the other teams is more or less accurate. Still, it would have been fun to show what Bezos was capable of...
Rill does not get a rise out of Bezos. The rest of the team's emotions are a little easier to read. Khale openly snears down at Rill (they're seated 3 rows up). "I don't need criticism from the likes of you, cretin!" Rill can barely hear him thanks to the quiet atmosphere. Khale turns to Bokkun, the orc mercenary ringer they hired. "Bokkun! Show that ruffian some respect!" He puts on a thin, punchable smile that fades quickly when Bokkun doesn't move. "I SAID MOVE, YOU BEAST!"
Bezos clears his throat, and Heather quickly sends the conch his way. "Bokkun is under my employ, and has shown exceptional skill and patience throughout this ordeal." He reaches into his coat and produces a sealed envelope which is presented to Bokkun. "Payment in full, plus something extra. Find me when this is over. There is always work for someone with your talents."
Bokkun accepts the envelope, then turns to Khale. He doesn't say. He doesn't need to. Just like that, the power dynamic has shifted. Khale stoops a little lower and refuses to meet the orc's eyes. Bokkun chooses to be the better man and ignores him.
Bezos nods approvingly at Rill's idea about the shirts. Rill likely isn't sure if Bezos caught or cared about the slight dig.
Sense motive DC50, Highlight to display spoiler: {He caught it, he's just too rich to care.}
Jozhur gives Xuffie a slight nod. The entire Last Whisper team nods back in perfect unison. Creepy...
There are a few more short speeches, but none worth mentioning. Eventually the conch makes its way back to Kozy. "Seems we have a consensus. Sir Bezos, we respect your decision and hope to see you at a much less exciting future Invitational." He turns towards his fellow Chancers. "Any objections?" They all shake their head no, though everyone notices that Gwendolyn ended up in Octavius' lap at some point. The man's still got 40 lbs to lose, but it's shocking how much she's cleaned him up in just a few days.
"Right," says Kozy, suddenly uncomfortable. "Well, we do have a schedule to keep to. This...ordeal has taken up too much time. The magic battle will need to be cancelled." There is a murmur from the crowd that would have been loud without Heather's magic. "I know, friends. It is simply unavoidable. It is that, or cancel the final grand tournament. That is unthinkable." The murmurs die down. Evidently it really is unthinkable.
"I think that about wraps things up. The final tournament will begin as scheduled. Good night, friends." The stands start to clear quickly. Everyone seems to want to be home and done with this day. The Dragons
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday March 28th, 2021 10:48:43 PM
Fang rather likes the shirt idea actually. With things have turned out fewer and fewer people are going to be able to make that survival claim. At least, as long as dying and being brought back doesn't count for getting a t-shirt.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Monday March 29th, 2021 12:27:45 AM
Jozhur sits quietly, envisioning what is to come. The Grand Tournament. This should be something.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday March 29th, 2021 2:54:44 AM
Tahni isn't particularly happy with the taunting of Bezos and his team. As she had said to the crowd only moments earlier, no-one should doubt those who choose to leave and none should be pressured to stay. It's unfortunate that this was not the case. There was nothing to gain from it.
She's curious what the draw will look like for the final tournament. In particular, she wants to know who the party will be facing first. With the meeting wrapped up she will try and get Heather's attention and ask her about it.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 d20+33=38 ; d20+33=38 ; Monday March 29th, 2021 4:18:59 PM
Rill doesn't note any reaction from Bezos to his jibe, but he does note Tahni's disapproval and feels a need to explain.
"Tahni's right. I probably should have held my tongue. But part of my reasoning was that the One Percenters have been dismissive of those around them, viewing the general populace and even other competitors as being less than them. Bezos in particular feeds this and enables people like Kale. Bezos could have stopped Kale's poor treatment of Bokkun at any time, but didn't bother until the end. Bezos offered some cryptic reasoning for leaving, which once again implied that others here aren't as smart of the One Percenters if they don't leave too. I felt it was necessary to push back on this and support those that choose to stay.
"But really, it was not necessary and my comment undermined your initial statement. We should act as one team on things. So, I'm sorry about that Tahni. I'll try to be more mindful of us working as a team in all things going forward."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Monday March 29th, 2021 6:59:26 PM
The meeting has ended, and presumably the Dragons head back to Rill's sanctum.
It is only once they are inside does Bralin judge the risk of eavesdropping to be sufficiently low, and reiterates his idea.
"We should use one of our wishes, or more, and attempt to bring the Tinker here. In the morning, after we've all prepared. We've been told these wishes are special. Let us make the attempt."
DM Carl Monday March 29th, 2021 9:57:15 PM
Looks like the meeting's over, so our heroes head home. Rill speaks some truth about the 1%ers, though whether that justifies his words is left to the opinion of the reader.
Bralin ponders using one of the wishes to summon Tinker. He plans on asking them once they're back inside Rill's spell, but they probably won't make it that far in this post since Tinker's voice pipes up from behind everyone as they walk.
"That did not go as I thought it would!" he says, voice practically gleeful. "I thought I was going to have to promise to kill another team to make you stay. I was even going to let you pick which one." He quickly looks to Rill. "It would have been an emergency, you see. Very important!" He sighs happily, and everyone quickly realizes he's partially translucent and not wholly there. He appears to be some type of projection.
"Not the Talons, though. I'm not cruel after all. They've been through enough!"
That's what everyone hears him say...except Aexana. Aexana hears a completely different conversation.
Aexana ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {"I never congratulated you on your impending grandmother-hood. That was very rude of me." She notices he stops short of apologizing for his perceived rudeness. "They say being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of your mortal lives...it's too bad you have to wait until so close to the end.
You don't have to, though. Did you know I can give your youth back? It's true, I swear it! Time is one thing I have plenty of control over. You could have so many more years, I could even bring your deceased husband to spend them with you...interested?" His eyes twinkle as he waits for a response.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Monday March 29th, 2021 10:49:53 PM
Terser only sighs at the intrusion of the Tinker, despite any promises asked or agreed to. At least by continuing the fight they can prevent another round of murders.
What do you want to learn from the "Grand" melee, Tinker?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 30th, 2021 12:50:49 AM
Tahni sighs in exasperation. "Ok. Why did you want us to stay and why the emergency? You've seen us fight and best many opponents. What more do you expect to learn from us?"
She starts mentally going through her spell list to find some sort of spell that would work as an 'off' switch to this projection. "Ahh.. dimensional lock!"
"Answer quickly. We're growing tired of your games and I'm ready to pull the plug on this projection of yours."
By Tahni's reckoning the Tinker is a very curious being who wants to examine things but also wants to interact with people about it. He wants to ask questions, to be heard, to see reactions and such. Taking away his ability to interact with the party - and in a way take away the attention he craves - might be the best form of punishment. Or at least the best threat.
------------ Knowl Arcana: 35 - to ID the projection type/spell
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 8:08:23 AM
Fang ignores the Tinker and just keeps walking. He's just going to spout nonsense about how he's a huge fan and loves them so much and yada yada yada.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 2:16:57 PM "Yes, yes Tinker. You can kill people. Good for you. So can gravity, and it's just about as interesting to talk to.
"If you have a point, make it. Otherwise, you really need to stop bothering people."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 30th, 2021 5:06:19 PM
Aexana almost trips as she listens to the Tinker's voice... she looks at her friends to check if anyone else heard him speak. She deliberately doesn't look back at the projection...
How can she become a grandmother... Aexiri didn't date when she left and surely she would have told her in the Giggling Ghost the day they became Dragons? Right?!? But the prospect indeed of being able to look after and spoil Aexiri's kids sure is something Aex has dreamed about for some time now... such joy it must be to play in the garden behind her little shop...
The death of her husband was unexpected and crude... his illness ripped him from this Wold in so little time... back then Aexana was but a beginning druid and unable to help him or even to find a way to ease his pain as the disease destroyed him...
Suddenly she stops... clenches her tiny hands to a fist and yells at the top of her lungs...
"LIAR... LIAR LIAR LIAR !!!!! "
With pure hate in her eyes she evokes a couple of lightning balls that one after the other crash down at the Tinker...
In her next words hate, rage, fear, disgust and pain are felt... "YOU do what you MUST do... YOU FEAR US... you dare not present yourself here not using your figments and projections and made up planes... you poor pool silly lad... if you seek my death you go ahead but do not hurt my daughter... nor shall you disgrace my husband's grave... you are unworthy... "
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday March 30th, 2021 6:00:58 PM
Bralin's eyes flick between Aex and the Tinker's projection.
He must wait. He has no other option.
The dwarf stands there, waiting.
DM Carl Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:48:38 PM Terser wonders what Tinker plans on learning. Tinker shrugs. "There's still a lot I don't know about you Dragons. I know you're not fond of being manipulated, but who is? Sometimes you just have to throw reagents into the crucible and see what comes out."
Tahni tries to ID the magic Tinker is using in his projection, but there is none. Tinker is not giving off a single magic aura. He catches her looking and smiles. "Infinite worlds, Tahni. Do you realize how rare magic is out there in universes other than your own? Without magic, other peoples rely on technology." He sighs a bit. "Those worlds are much easier to conquer. Rill's ability to sense my constructs alone makes my job so much more difficult. It's why I'm here in the first place: I needed something more challenging."
She asks why Tinker wants them to stay. "No big secret there. I put a lot of work into crafting this Invitational. It's disappointing enough that the magic competition was cancelled, but I guess that one's on me!" He chuckles. "Sometimes an idea just pops into my head and refuses to go away."
Fang has no interest in this conversation. Neither does Rill, but the Tinker continues to be impervious to sarcasm. "I don't understand. Why do I need to stop bothering people? Why do you keep telling me what I need to do and making demands when I have no incentive or compulsion to follow them?" There's no malice on his face, just confusion.
Aexana seems lost in thought for a moment, then loses it. Lightning balls pass harmlessly through Tinker until they don't. The last look on Tinker's face is one of childlike wonderment before he vanishes in a small explosion of sparks. There is a light tinkling sound as several shards of glass and metal fly outward and land around them. None are large enough to be a danger. If one were to gather them all up, they'd be no larger a shooter marble.
Bralin waits, eyes on Aexana.
It is suddenly very quiet.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 31st, 2021 8:33:47 AM
Fangs ear twitches as she hears the small explosion. She considers continuing to walk, but decides to go back and make sure they weren't being attacked or anything. She gives a small nod in satisfaction at seeing he's gone. "Talking to him gets us nowhere. We should just ignore or eliminate his attempts to do so."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 31st, 2021 5:16:56 PM
Immediately after the Tinker has left, Aex feels stupid... that was probably the reaction he was aiming for. She should have kept her cool and just ignored him.
"euhm... ok... sorry friends...", is all she has to say.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday March 31st, 2021 7:05:22 PM
"We should move to Rill's fortress," Bralin insists. "Convene there, where we are at least risk of his intervention."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 31st, 2021 7:19:38 PM "Don't worry, Aex. He just has a way of pushing the right buttons on us" Having said that, Tahni begins to wonder whether the Tinker has been behind all of her Bruagh sightings. It seems quite likely now.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 31st, 2021 7:25:12 PM
If the Tinker is really behind this whole thing, then he at least has him to thank for the reunion with his sister. Even if the true purpose was to try to rattle him or get him to leave his team. Whatever. He won't say more until they are in their theoretically safe haven.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Thursday April 1st, 2021 12:17:33 AM
Jozhur has nothing to add to the conversation. He finds it interesting the Tinker claims to be the one who crafted the invitational and the gods thought it so important the Sea Dragons be there. Then the Tinker explodes. He swiftly dodges the tiny shards of flying glass. He nods at Bralin's suggestion to head for the mansion.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Thursday April 1st, 2021 12:32:13 AM
Once back at our pavilion, Rill will use a Miracle tocreate a Magnificent Mansion.
After all are in he says, ”Not really sure what to do with the Tinker. But he's not going away. And Axe, what was all that about your daughter and husband?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday April 1st, 2021 5:02:03 AM "I don't know where all that came from Rill... ", Aex answers, "he congratulated me on becoming a grandmother... claiming that is was sad that only at the end I was finally going to see my grandchildren... don't know what 'end' he was referring to. Lastly he offered to bringing back my husband... and well... then I lost it... "
DM Carl Thursday April 1st, 2021 9:56:41 AM
The party's obviously had enough Tinker for now, so it's a blessing he doesn't rematerialize. Rill's magic mansion spell specifically prevents anyone from entering without his blessing, so at least there the party can have some guaranteed privacy.
Aexana feels sheepish, but it was a low blow to be sure. Can she really be faulted for blowing up like that?
Jozhur wonders about how the Tinker crafted this entire Invitational, but that's not entirely accurate. The Invitational has been going on for years now. This is the 12th Invitational the Chancers have hosted. Tinker just sunk his claws deep into this one.
...and honestly, you can (and probably should) dislike the guy, but it took some work to pull all this off.
Without additional fanfare, the party reaches their pavilion. Both guards are flesh and blood humans, which is a welcome change. They enter their opulent tent, then warp into their even more opulent mansion for the night.
***
I'm looking to start your final module on Monday. Once it starts, there won't be any significant stop in the action. If you've been procrastinating going to the Catacombs and spending your $$, go ahead and get it done. You all have access to your full WBL of 880,000 GP.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday April 1st, 2021 1:50:45 PM
(Finally updated char sheet to lvl 20)
Back at their pavilion Aex sighs quietly. She hopes to get something to eat and drink... assuming that it isn't poisoned or anything. The Tinker's words ring through her mind... what 'end'?! Is she about to come to her end?!?
When time comes Aex will meditate her spells...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Thursday April 1st, 2021 2:15:48 PM If there's no way to lure him here to trap him, is there some spell or wish that can lock the door of the plane from him?
It sounds like a huge undertaking, but he's got some immensely powerful spellcasting friends. They can probably do that, maybe?
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday April 1st, 2021 5:27:03 PM
Bralin is still locked into the wishes won in the first tournament.
"We have three, they are said to be more powerful than a standard wish. And, if the Tinker has been so involved in this invitational, mayhap they are more attuned to him.
Prepare ourselves, and come morning in the Arena, wish him here, wish him shackled to this plane, the other teams may join us, and we kill him."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday April 2nd, 2021 6:26:57 PM "Do you think it's possible that he has followers? You know, here at the tournament?" Tahni still isn't 100% sure who to trust but then has another thought. "Hey Rill, has the number of constructs changed since we got back?"
DM Carl Friday April 2nd, 2021 9:19:24 PM Aexana feels safe eating the food in Rill's mansion. Despite her best efforts, Tinker seems to have gotten under her skin.
Terser wonders if it's possible to trap him in The Wold, or conversely bar him from it permanently. That second one may be possible, but he seems to have a near limitless supply of constructs and supplicants. Barring them all would require somehow locking this plane away from all others permanently...which may be a thing to look into? Kinda short on time now though.
Bralin still wants to talk about wishing Tinker here to deal with him. "Dealing with him" in the case being joining up with other teams to kill him. It's as good an idea as any.
Tahni wonders if Tinker has actual followers here and asks Rill about the construct count. Thinking back, Rill realizes that while the numbers of constructs on their periphery remain unchanged, there were very few close to the Sea Dragons after Aexana blasted Tinker. At an event like the Invitational, it's likely there'd be constructs and outsiders in attendance anyway. It's nearly impossible to get a good idea based solely on his construct sense, but it's likely Tinker still has his construct monks out there if nothing else.
Anything else on the menu? A good night's sleep? A midnight liaison with someone? Speak now or forever hold your peace, gentle readers....
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday April 3rd, 2021 7:14:38 AM
Fang goes to get a good nights sleep.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Saturday April 3rd, 2021 12:28:36 PM
Rill will contact the Abbot, asking him to have the construct monks destroyed. Since they are controlled by the Tinker, they represent an ever present threat to anyone near them.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 205/205 --Shadow Companion 102/102hp Saturday April 3rd, 2021 5:51:26 PM
Jozhur decides it a good idea to briefly check in with Urlryn and thoroughly fill her in on what took place. He's sure to invite her to Rill's mansion again, just to be safe. He's also sure to inform her team of where she will be, should she tag along.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday April 4th, 2021 11:30:17 AM
Aex doesn't go out. She has dinner and searches the solitude of her room. Leafy stays outside with his eyes fixed on the Dragon's pavilion.
Alone, with just a candle lit, Aex meditates... how to prepare for something that seems to be an unfair challenge... this Tinker is so much more powerful than she is... He destroyed her Staff Treant with just one or two blows and with the final phase starting tomorrow there's not enough time for Aex to create a new one nor to brew new potions so she'll do with whatever she has on her. Perhaps this time she'll need to prepare some more healing spells... she had prepared to go on the offensive during the magic games... now as they will go as a team she'll retake her role... but what exactly is her role?!? She's not the fighting type nor the one to weild devastating spells...
The candle is long gone by the time the little greenmage falls a sleep...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday April 4th, 2021 7:23:52 PM
Fang dreams violent, but pleasant, dreams of ending evildoers with a sharp axe to the face.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 32 -- HP 228/228+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Sunday April 4th, 2021 9:04:38 PM
Tahni goes through the list of spells she is preparing for the next day. She didn't get to speak to Heather about the rules or the draw, so just has to trust that she is ready.
LOG ON