DM Ken Monday September 16th, 2013 11:39:02 AM
The Grim Guard have finally had some time to themselves after an endless slog through undeath and death, not to mention raising the ire of Gargul in the worst possible way. The Stone festival is ending, and the Grim Guard are planning on their next move. Without any direct orders from another Lord, they are free to plan the rescue of Tahni Wyrmrider.
Their venture was not without loss however. Sam left the group for personal reasons, likely unsure if he could keep questing in Garguls name after the god punished him for failing to show proper deference. Devlin too, has gone missing, without even the courtesy of explanation. At least he left his backpack which contained both the Journal of Runus and the other black bound book.
Before leaving the Festival, Lord Ironbane granted the Grim Guard a final audience with Ashtrious, who made good on his promise to help the Grim Guard find their missing friend Tahni. Not surprisingly, he speaks in riddles and hints that Tahni and the Shadow Masters are linked.
"I love a good read, don't you heroes? It's been so long since I've found a book worth my time. Didn't you find a couple of books in Runus's Lair? I bet Tahni would like it very much if you read them both. Read one very carefully and very carefully read the other"
The spellbook that Devlin tried to Sacrifice to Gargul is still in his pack. It hasn't been opened yet, in fact, the only book you read at all was the journal of Runus. The spellbook is old and it's cover blackened, but otherwise appears unharmed.
You have been given a private party-sized tent, an acommodation earned by your new standing with the Ironbane Clan. It has flapped off compartments large enough to room you all with a few spare "rooms" and a large commons area with a few tables and chairs.
DM Ken Monday September 16th, 2013 12:36:36 PM
(Everyone please give a warm welcome to Donna, who will be joining us today I hope!)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday September 16th, 2013 12:48:38 PM
ooc: any sorts of rolls necessary for reading the spellbook? Is it an understandable language?
DM KenAll I need for now is just descriptive posts telling me what exactly you are doing.
The Blessings From Domi Booth (Donna) Monday September 16th, 2013 1:23:34 PM
The Stone Festival is, as usual, well-attended and fairly busy, humming with activity. The party sees several different Dwarves approach one particular booth and leave, disappointed, when it turns out to be unattended. The placard over the sturdy oak table is written in Common and Undercommon:
BLESSINGS FROM DOMI (donations gratefully accepted)
None of the party members remember ever seeing this booth at the Festival before. Odd that there isn't anyone in attendance...
But, even as that thought occurs, a young Dwarf lass comes strolling through the throngs and goes to the table, moving around to its far side...she appears to be the attendant, though it's very hard to imagine that she's a cleric of Domi because she looks like she isn't even forty yet and only a baby (by Dwarf standards.) Her smiling ruddy face, bright, emerald green eyes and rich brown braids explain why it is that the other Dwarves checking in at the previously-empty table were disappointed--this lass is rather pretty for a Dwarf, despite her being taller and skinnier than average (four feet tall and a mere 140lbs!)
Just as she's settling onto the stool, the girl glances up and sees the Grim Guard. She blinks and then her smile grows wider as she jumps to her feet and approaches you.
"Good sirs," she greets you in a sunny tone, "Would you receive Domi's Blessing today..?" She looks expectantly at each of you, her smile never wavering.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday September 16th, 2013 4:37:22 PM Until recently, I would have declined. But I think I may be back in Domi's good graces these days, and anything to help me with this blasted tome would be welcome.
Terser had spent the entire morning poring over the blackened spellbook, trying to extrude some sort of meaning from its pages, with little success.
ooc: welcome to the game, Miss Donna =)
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+8=9 ; Monday September 16th, 2013 5:42:25 PM
"Very well, then," the brunette said cheerfully, "Prepare to receive the Blessing of Domi..!" So saying, the Dwarven lass pulled back her right arm and let it fly...
However, as Terser was very much a veteran warrior, his battle instincts instantly prompted him to sidestep the incoming fist, and the blow sailed harmlessly past his left shoulder. OOC: Emeralda has rolled a Natural 1.
"Heyyyy!" the young priestess cried, disappointed. "That's no fair--you're NOT supposed to sidestep a Blessing from Domi...how am I supposed to test your mettle if you can't take a blow???" For a moment, she stands there with a mutinous lip sticking out, then she suddenly catches on to what Terser had mentioned:
"What tome...?"
OOC to Warren: the link in your heading will not allow me to see Terser's character sheet. You need to make sure that the CS is set to "share with anyone who has the link" AND you need to make sure that the link itself ends with the word "sharing" and NOT "edit".
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 Monday September 16th, 2013 11:12:54 PM
Bruagh smiles a the young lass. "Names Bruagh... Bruagh Storm ringer. You remind me of my you get sister Asvora."
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 Tuesday September 17th, 2013 2:56:10 AM "Domi's blessing is a punch in the face... that's not quite how i remember it being taught." says Flint, thinking out loud.
He catches himself and smiles at the young girl "Hello! my name is Flint. What is your name?"
ooc: i still need to visit catacombs, work and RL has prevented me enen considering a shopping list yet :(
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday September 17th, 2013 3:27:41 AM "Could've fooled me after the wonderful little trip earlier." Cark wriggles out of his robes and rests on Karnas's shoulder, looking sternly at him for a moment before turning to the lass . "Hello there, I'm Cark and this is my rather grumpy companion Karnas
"I'm not grumpy, I'm just annoyed that gods are so damn picky, Oh, I didn't kneel, I'm going to smite thee for your impertinence, blah blah blah.
"Well, wonderful, that little cat's out of the bag, I told you to shut it, but no, you don't listen to me do you?" They look to each other and sigh, before turning back to the female in front of them and shrugging.
OOC: Cark's in itallics because she's speaking telepathically, and if not mentioned specifically she's only talking to those presently involved. Also you may want to throw a quick look at the sheet for Cark since she's not exactly a normal familiar apperance-wise
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday September 17th, 2013 3:46:20 AM
Looking a little sulky that Terser so very easily avoided her Festival Blessing of Domi, the brunette in the braids was distracted when Bruagh introduced himself. Balling up her right fist once more, the young priestess of Domi didn't attempt to punch the warrior at all, but clapped her fist to her left shoulder in a salute evocative of the days of Dwarven yore.
"It is my honor to meet you," she replied politely, nodding at Bruagh and then at Flint. "I am Emeralda Everbrawl, acolyte to the Temple of D..." Her voice trailed off and her emerald-green eyes grew wide when Cark made her appearance.
"Hammer me!" she gasped in surprise. "You...you have dragonette...as a pet...?" Clearly the lass was very impressed. "It's so...so...so gorgeous!!!!" Her awe turned to genuine joy and she squealed, clapping her hands and dancing in place.
Oathbreaker (Ian) 13/11/15 - 36/49 - CMD 21 Tuesday September 17th, 2013 10:05:51 AM
OOC :: Sorry for my absence lately everyone, Oathbreaker will be back once real life let's me square up his character sheet.
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday September 17th, 2013 3:44:39 PM
At the mention of 'pet' Karnas doubles over in laughter as Cark jumps off Karnas's shoulder and hovers where his should would have been, as she glares at Esmeralda, her mindvoice tinted with disgust as she said the word pet. "Pet? Why I...I'm not a pet. I'm a companion to mister giggles over there, and I'd.. she turns to Karnas and makes a quick dive to slap him with her hindwings. and stop laughing at me! Karnas's laughing subsided after she slapped him, still giggling lightly. "No, she's not my pet, she's my companion, my familiar for now, and a happy side effect of a fair bit of research that I've done back at the college Cark lands back on his shoulder and keeps glaring at Esmeralda "Now, if you'll not call me a 'pet, We'll get along just fine."
DM Ken Tuesday September 17th, 2013 7:16:51 PM
"Terser had spent the entire morning poring over the blackened spellbook, trying to extrude some sort of meaning from its pages, with little success."
Terser's experience with the spellbook was frustrating, but far from uneventful. That morning, before he had the pleasure of meeting Emeralda, and while alone in the Grim Guards tent, he had peeked at the book. He relates the following experience to the others.
After opening the book and flipping through the first few pages, you were vaguely aware of a vast darkness filling the room. Faster it and faster it poured, until you realized the darkness was coming from the inks of the book itself! You found yourself alone in the dark, staring into a vast abyss of blackness.
Gently at first, you felt a tugging on your chest. It persists, stronger and more urgent by the second.
Finally you realize.. something is pulling at a piece of your soul! In your mind flashes disturbing images of the God of Death, angrily demanding that you end your unlife and join him in the fields of rest!
Terser: Will Save DC 20. You may rage in response to the strange experience to increase your chances of success.
The moment passes, but Garguls outstretched arm reaching for your heart and soul clings fresh to you still. You have not tried to open the book since. You feel better after having explained your experience to the others, but the book still inspires a terrible fear in you.
Anyone - Spellcraft - DC: 15.
Anyone - Knowledge Arcana or Religion - DC: 20
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+10=26 ; d20=18 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 7:24:45 PM Rage Save - 26 (24 if not a spell effect, pass either way) Knowledge Religion - 18, hero point makes 20!
The God of Death. Again? Haven't we already had this conversation, been punished, and moved on? He is angry at the God seemingly attempting to take him back after agreeing that he served better in life. Maybe it's just the book, trying to scare him. Luckily, he is made of sterner stuff, and quickly calms himself after shaking off the strange power.
With heroic effort and much beetling of brows, Terser dredges up all that he remembers of his schooling in all things related to faith and the Gods. He has forgotten much, but vague glimmers of insight come to him, which he will share with his friends at the earliest opportunity, and get their input as well.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+5=15 ; Tuesday September 17th, 2013 8:31:54 PM
Once again Emeralda's eyes grow wide.
"Oh, please pardon me!" she apologized directly to the pseudodragon. "I was just so bedazzled by how pretty you look that I was silly enough to make the mistake that you were merely arm-candy! I am most sincerely sorry about that." The young holywoman bows to Cark, taking care to use the ancient Dwarven salute and bow.
When Terser relates his experience with the Tome he had mentioned when he first spoken to Emeralda, she tilted her head, trying to think if she'd ever heard mention of such a dark artifact. Alas, her memory refused to yield any hints. (OOC: she only got a 15 result for the Knowledge [religion] check, darn it!
"I...I can't say that I know what that Tome of yours is, exactly," she admits to Terser, "But...I know enough from my studies in religion to tell you what it is not--it isn't anything that Gargul would willingly allow to exist in the Wold. He is very strict when it comes to how and when the souls of the living are to depart this Wold, and to return to it, too! An item that tries to steal part of someone's soul is anathema to him and his clergy." She looks very curiously at the barbarian.
"If I may ask you, sir...how did you come to possess such a Tome...?"
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:33:55 PM
She cocks her head to the side slightly. "Hmm? Whoever said I wasn't eye candy? I'm just not his pet. And I accept your apology "
Karnas looks to terser as he explains the books content, and shrugs. "Perhaps it's a book that gargul didn't approve the creation of, and he put is his will to try and make the user never want to use?"
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 Tuesday September 17th, 2013 11:48:06 PM "What a strange book we have stumbled upon indeed, eh lads. Why would Ashterious want us to read the damned thing?"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+5=20 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 12:30:55 AM 'Ashterious..?' the young cleric of Domi thought to herself, straining her brain to recall what she could about that name and the being it was associated with...
OOC: Emeralda's Knowledge [religion] check for that is 20.
DM OOC: Ashtrious is likely one of the many Daemon Powers associated with the scab. They aren't really demons, but Dwarves are rarely generous with naming quasi-divine beings who don't act 100% in accordance with their wishes. That his proper name is known to the PC's relays a certain level of trust that belies at least a trusted business relationship. The Grim Guard could give you more specific details.
DM Ken d20+11=18 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 11:53:51 AM
(Karnas forgot his spellcraft roll, so I made it for him with the appropriate mod)
Karnas considers the strange effects of the book as they were described by Terser. It seems to him that the book has the ability to link two locations. He has a strong feeling that detect magic might reveal a strong conjuration aura.
Terser considers what just happened.: This was very obviously a malicious spell, similar in function to Trap the Soul or Magic Jar. He figures his soul was placed, however briefly, on a demi plane just outside of Garguls realm. Gargul, the Shepherd of the Dead, likely tried to claim the soul to the Lands of Rest.
Pondering a solution, it seems that one might be able to use magic or spells to ward versus the evil aligned traps of the book.
A number of divination spells to properly assess the books properties might also provide insight.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d8=8 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 12:11:05 PM sorry, roll was a misclick
Terser quickly explains to Emerelda the origin of the book and their relationship with Ashtrious, hoping her more recent clerical training would prove useful in interpreting them.
A group of channelers in Ironbane's employ serve as conduits for Ashtrious. He told us where to find the clan lord's daughter, and told us that if we read these books obtained from a necromancer, we would gain insight into saving a dear friend of ours. Though I may have discovered inadvertently why he told us to be careful. Maybe we can try again if someone can properly ward us first. I would fear for the soul of someone who did not take precautions before opening the book again.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 Wednesday September 18th, 2013 2:37:04 PM
Bruagh sighs... "Sam... Sam would know what to do... so would Tahni."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+5=22 ; Wednesday September 18th, 2013 5:21:50 PM
Oh, dear. This was beginning to sound like careful thinking would be needed in order to utilize the Tome of which Terser was speaking...and thinking was NOT the braided brunette's strong suit.
"Lord Ironbane did mention that he is desperately seeking his daughter," Emeralda agreed with Terser, then went on to explain: "As the ranking Dwarf Lord, he came to my booth to get the Stone Festival's first Blessing of Domi...and he ended up baring his heart to me. Such a burden..!" She sighed and shook her head.
"Clearly we must work together--" the young priestess said firmly, "--Tali Ironbane will never go to the hall of Gargul for her Final Judgement until she has been cured of her status as a Revenant...and the longer she remains a Revenant, the more likely her Judgement will be skewed by any evil she may do in her Undead state..." The Dwarf lass bit her lip and furrowed her brow in an effort to use her Knowledge on all things Religious so that she could divine the proper spells that would be needed to make using that Tome as safe as possible...
OOC: due to Emeralda's very average Intelligence, it seemed prudent to her player to spend her meager Skill Points in skills that required Wisdom, so the usual Knowledge [arcane] and Spellcraft skills are not available to the young cleric of Domi. She DOES have a smattering of Knowledge [religion], and has rolled up a very nice 22 result in her effort to use that to figure out which spells she'd need to help with using that Little Black Book of Terser's...)
Take a look... it's in a book... Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:11:08 PM
DM Ken's Bonus Post: Emeralda's knowledge religion check is enough. She is familiar enough with the spell effects created by the magic available to her. She comes up with a few options, namely Death Ward, Protection from Evil, and Magic Circle against Evil. If she were to get really serious, she assumes that dealing with the book in an area affected by a Consecrate spell might greatly impede it's array of powers. If she seeks more specific guidance, Divination spells might be of some aid.
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 Wednesday September 18th, 2013 8:27:07 PM "The book sounds like it has been booby trapped by evil magic! hmmm.... perhaps i have a little trick i have been wanting to test out that might help protect you the next time you try an read it."
Flint grins at the prospect of trying out his new spells, in particular protection from evil.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday September 19th, 2013 6:33:55 AM
"Hmmm..." the young cleric of Domi contemplated her options for a moment. "I got some ideas, but I'll need a moment or two to prepare..." She went over to her booth and put up a small sign that read "OUT TO LUNCH" just in time for a pair of male devotees to see it and walk away, clearly disappointed.
"Is there a place you would prefer to do this?" Emeralda asked. "Since it's clear that the Tome is Evil, preparing your own room or tent or something else relatively private would be best...you know...in case, um...something comes along that wouldn't take kindly to being interfered with..?"
Once the Grim Guard go to the private area suggested by Emeralda, the priestess outlines what needs to be done:
"I'll Consecrate the area," she tells them, "But you must choose amongst you who will try reading the Tome. Whomever this person is must receive a Death Ward from me, and I believe that you--" Here she nodded to Flint, "--can simultaneously cast a Protection from Evil as well...? I'm pretty sure that using all these divine protections will make reading the Tome quite a bit more safe..."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday September 19th, 2013 10:54:19 AM Perhaps Karnas could do the honors. I got lucky finding out as much as I did, but I really don't know enough about magic or gods to discern anything useful. He hands the book over if the sorcerer accepts.
Oathbreaker (Ian) 13/11/15 - 36/49 - CMD 21 Thursday September 19th, 2013 11:14:15 AM
OOC :: Check
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 Thursday September 19th, 2013 12:03:13 PM "I will read if no one else wishes to attempt it. I do not know how much I can glean from the book, but I can not ask anyone else to attempt it."
Take a look... it's in a book... Thursday September 19th, 2013 2:13:13 PM Emeralda begins casting her divine wards. Using a large quantity of holy oils and incense, she managed to consecrate the entire tent which the Grim Guard are boarding in.
Terser realizes he is probably out of his skill limits, offers the book to Karnas, who is rather occupied flashing his dragonnete at the newcomer.
Braugh luckily, interjects, and offers to be the one to try reading the book first. Flint the burly fighter with a Protection from Evil spell, and the race is on.
When the book is opened with the proper protections in place, it is a vastly different experience. Braugh doesn't even feel the slightest tingling of magic in his beard. Alll of the pages inside the book are visible, but appear to be complete gibberish. Only a foreword in the beginning of the book is written in common.
"The Shadow Masters entrust to you, dearest novice, the tools and spells to contribute to the fulfillment our most ambitious desires. Your progress will be meticulously monitored, and we will reveal to you the keys to unlock your own Book of Secrets. Each is different than the next. Do not forget ciphers we have already given you, as they are your means for unlocking the first chapter. We do not suffer the fool."
Unfortunately, everything after this is written in a complex language none of you have encountered before. Even more frustrating is that the the three main sections of the book each appear to be written in different code! You must either decipher the text using the Linguistics skill (3 separate checks vs DC's 10, 15 and 20), or perhaps hire someone to decode the language for you. There are a number of people from vastly different backgrounds still lingering at the festival. Either way, you figure you only have enough time to decipher up to two sections in a single day, assuming you progress without too much difficulty.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday September 19th, 2013 2:42:32 PM
"Hmmm..." Emeralda tilted her head to one side as it became apparent that Bruagh could not read the foreign lettering after the foreword of the Tome. "Wait--I believe I have something for that!" The brunette with the braids dug around in her handy-looking haversack and immediately came up with a wand.
"Ka-ZOTZ!" she proclaimed, tapping Bruagh with it. "Try reading it now..."
OOC: Emeralda has used one charge of her Comprehend Languages wand. Bruagh may now know the literal meaning of any spoken or written language for 70 minutes.
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday September 19th, 2013 11:01:41 PM
Karnas grins at esmeralda "Well that's convenient, saves us having to take ages deciphering it. So Braugh, what do you see?"
Bonk: Instant Knowledge Friday September 20th, 2013 1:28:32 PM
Emeralda puts a consumable magic item to great use, preventing the need for complicated deciphering. Even with the language revealed, the words are still cryptic and nuanced and take some time make much sense. Emeralda will need to burn 6 charges of her wand to work throughout the day.
Karnas is impressed by Emeralda's foresight!
Reading and translating the first section of the book reveals that the entire first part of the book translates to what is a basic how-to guide for Necromancy. It mentions stockpiling large amounts of onyx and various spells and methods of corpse preservation as well as methods of obtaining them without raising suspicion.
This section continues on for awhile, then the language subtly begins to change again, ending with knowledge of various templates which can be applied to undead.
The second chapter is more difficult than the first. Emeralda spell continues to work, but it is slow going putting words in an way that makes sense to the reader. Perhaps as a defense against a spell such as hers, the words appear written in dwarven, but various letters are either added, subtracted, or misplaced. It is a simple exercise to correct the errors, but is a long process.
This section focuses more on membership and describes the expectations of the initiate.
1. To build armies of undead and establish a defensible lair. 2. To update the Shadow Masters on any politics of importance. 3. To work hard to increase his natural skill at handling unlife. 4. To keep an eye out for potential recruits.
Other than this, the Masters seem fairly hands off. The last pages entry stands out before the current translations fail to apply again, forcing you to have to re-organize the texts.
"You progress well Runus, if we have given you the second cipher. You have but one more key to receive. To continue on your path into the Shadow, you must be willing to accept a gift from your Masters. When you have translated all the texts up to this point, you are ready for your reward and should make your mark here."
There is a small box at the bottom of the page, large enough for a personal rune or signature. Either way, the day is nearly done after all the exhausting research. The night is winding down.
(My dear players, your DM seeks 2 pieces of specific information. 1. What name, if any, you choose to enter into the box at the bottom of the page. 2. What exactly you do before bed. For simplicity sake, we are putting you all in the same multi-sectioned tent. 3. Since I am kind... kind've... I will also remind you that Emeraldas consecrate spell will expire at some point in the night. Do you wish to recast it? Did you prepare it more than once?)
DM Ken: There's a pretty good chance of a bonus post incoming this weekend. So keep an eye out!
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday September 20th, 2013 4:47:28 PM I wonder if the same spell protections for the book would apply to the person whose name we may put here...I don't think any of us would care to be under the influence of whatever Shadow this refers to. Do we know the names of any of the other necromancers? Though it may only work for Runus, and who knows what effect being dead will have. Thoughts?
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 Friday September 20th, 2013 10:47:18 PM "I would not care to be under its influence... but if it is the only way to find out where Tahni is... I will do it without hesitation. If someone has a better plan, tell me now. If not... be ready to put me down should this not work as expected." Bruagh waits a few moments to hear from his companions. If no one has a better plan he will write his own name. If someone has another suggestion he will certainly listen.
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:33:27 AM
Karnas ponders on the book. "If Braugh puts down his name, and it does something unspeakable, we just lost a brother and It would not be wise to test Gargul again. If we put down Runus, it affects a dead corpse and doesn't really help us. We could put down another name, but I don't know of anyone who would be willing to be our tester. I'd put my vote for putting down a name of something we can observe. Maybe the name of a tree or a statue? or some non-sentient animal?"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+5=22 ; Saturday September 21st, 2013 4:52:55 PM
Emeralda had to blink hard and shake her head--seven hours of being subjected to the inner workings of necromancy left both her vision and her head very fuzzy. And now the others were debating whom would put their name in the book in order to reveal more clues to where their missing friend was.
Such devotion!
"Wait a moment while I try to think..." the young priestess of Domi requested, then scraped over her memory about things religious in order to try to discern the ramifications of someone signing the book in the manner prescribed. Heck, she wasn't even sure if this sort of thing fell under the auspices of religion--this thing could just be arcane mumbo-jumbo, and then where would she be..? (OOC: Emeralda's got a really decent Knowledge [religion] roll, so I sure hope it can reveal something useful.)
"Just from the way the instructions are written, though," she pointed out to the others, "I'd be thinking that any 'gift' from these Masters is intended to be bestowed on a sentient being--and most likely a living one, too, although that part can be debated, I'm sure. Most necromancy is rather dependent on someone having the brains and willpower to want to create and control undead things, so I don't think the name of a tree, statue or an animal is going to work...but that's just MY opinion...I don't have any expertise in Arcane matters."
Should Bruagh go through with his intentions to place his name in the Tome, then Emeralda will use her wands to make sure that he has Bless and Protection from Evil in place before he does so. She will, indeed, re-cast Consecrate before settling down to sleep for the evening.
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 Sunday September 22nd, 2013 7:38:01 PM
"Why do we have to place a name there? Ashtrious told us to read the books not write in them.... I would like to find out what the gift is however.
Perhaps we can find a willing test subject." Flints eyes stop on Cark for a moment before shaking his head, removing the thought creeping in.
Flint is tired and heads off to the tent. He stops in at the catacombs tent to pick up his order on the way.
Bonk: Instant Knowledge Monday September 23rd, 2013 9:18:17 AM
DM Post INC
Sign on the dotted line... Monday September 23rd, 2013 1:32:45 PM Terser considers the box and it's implications. What does it do? The gifts certainly aren't specific, though the hint is that key to translating the third portion of the book could be the reward. He ponders using Runus as the name and seeing what happens.
Braugh's dedication to Tahni is obvious. Rather than waste much time he offers to sign his name in the box.
Karnas objects. He suggests using the name of a visible test subject to see what happens when the name is written.
Emeralda brings a bit of deduction to the process. While she can't compare this to any significant religious rite, her argument that the writing implies it needs a willing and sentient volunteer to have the gift bestowed upon it makes a solid argument.
Flint doesn't like this plan. Why write a name in it at all? After staring down Cark long enough to make the creature nervous, he goes ahead on to the catacombs... but not before something strange happens.
With no better options apparent, Braugh steps forward and writes his name in the book. He takes a deep breath, but feels no ill effects.
(All PC's except Oathbreaker, who isn't here, Will Save DC 19 with a -4 penalty)
(DM OOC: I broke todays post up into two segments (today and tomorrow) because I thought the party might like the option of amending their at night routine this evening. Especially if one of them makes the above will save. I'll post again today if that's the case, explaining things a little further.)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+8=24 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 2:01:32 PM Will save 24 (22 if not a spell effect)
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+9=14 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 3:31:04 PM
Emeralda still didn't think that it was a good idea for Bruagh to sign the book, but when it became clear that there was no swaying him, she made sure that he at least had a regular Bless enchantment in place, as well as Protection from Evil. She idly wondered if anyone else in the tent would be needing it, but she yawned and renewed the Consecrate spell in the area before staking out a spot for her to toss her bedroll and go to sleep.
This had been a VERY full day--even if she hadn't been able to dish out any more combative Blessings of Domi...
OOC: (groan!) Emeralda of the formidable Will rolls only a 14 for her Will Save.
Sign on the dotted line... Monday September 23rd, 2013 6:54:28 PM Bonus Post
Will Save Success Only
Highlight to display spoiler: {As Braugh writes his name in the books, a faint trickle goes down the back of your neck. You feel as if you are being watched or observed. In any case, the feeling is worrisome.}
Passed Will Save and Spellcraft DC 18 only.
Highlight to display spoiler: {You recognize the effects of the spell, even if you have never actually been under it's influence. The feeling greatly resembles that of a Scry spell, at least in theory. Whether there are subtle differences or not you cannot tell.}
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+1=11 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 7:14:47 PM
Flint moves towards the catacombs tent, but looks back for a moment to see Braugh's pen scratching a name into the book.
His mind jolts for a moment as something effortlessly reaches in...
~~~ ooc: will save = 11, fail
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+2=15 ; d20+2=19 ; d100=98 ; d100=38 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 7:18:32 PM
OOC: Terser there's a -4 penalty, so 20 and 18. Also, money-wise how much did everyone get? at least 7.5k?
Karnas and Cark both see Flint look in Cark's direction, and both shake their heads at him "No, were not putting Cark's name in there. Her mother would have much worse than my head if anything happened to her. I'd prefer not to piss off the main subject of my experiments." Karnas looks to Braugh and Esmerelda. "Also, if either of you two wouldn't mind, could you prepare a lesser restoration for tomorrow? I'm in a bit of a crafting mood so I might just spend the night doing some work."
Cark opens up a separate channel just towards Flint. "And just because I'm Karnas' familiar doesn't mean I'm expendable. Your looking at one of the few in-battle healers you have."
OOC: I forgot to mention on the DM swap, but karnas typically works at 4x speed, using the fast forge time feat at 3x power and the +5 DC on a item for 4x mod. His take 10 on spellcraft is 21, so any item with a CL 11 or lower doesn't require a check. Cark is the lookout and pulls him out if any combat is initiated. I rolled 2 d100 because I forgot to one last time, but if it's a 10 or lower there's a fey encounter that may be friendly, hostile, or indifferent and may help, harm, or be indifferent to the crafting. Current item progress is towards a ring of invisibility, 8 days out of 20 needed.
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+7=17 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 7:25:04 PM
OOC; Cark made the will save, failed the spellcraft by 1, so unless Karnas can give aid another or he can get a +1 from somewhere, just failed it.
Cark feels as braugh signs his name a sudden sensation of being watched and magic worked upon her, as she panics and sends a message to everyone present. "We're being watched, as Braugh signed his name i felt someone watching us. I think that the owner of the book knows. I don't know if he can hear my telepathy, but it might be a decent idea to try and play off not knowing and trying to ambush the ambush party the owner's likely to send after us."
Karnas (L1-2 L2-1 L3- 2): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday September 23rd, 2013 7:25:35 PM
OOC: Carks message was supposed to be in italics, my bad
Donna OOC: tweaked your post so that Cark's message is italicized.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 d20+5=12 ; d20+5=7 ; Monday September 23rd, 2013 8:40:45 PM
Bruagh's will is not enough to avoid whatever he just signed up for. Nonetheless, his path is clear, and he is determined to accomplish his task. He attempts to read the remainder of the book. When it is abundantly clear it is time to sleep... he removes his armor and tries to sleep as best he can.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday September 24th, 2013 12:01:28 AM
ooc: thanks, looks like a 20 passes, but no spellcraft, so donno. loot shares were those who didn't take loot was 7389.90
Oh noes! We're being watched! maybe...
Sleep like your dead. Tuesday September 24th, 2013 12:40:09 PM
The Grim Guard all are oblivious to the magical probing, with the sole exception of Terser. He feels the tingle of magic, but doesn't know what it means.
Despite the foreboding, the Grim Guard settle into their tent for a night of rest without setting a watch.
That night, on silent feet death creeps into the Stone Festival. In chilly silence a number of shapes move towards the tent containing both the Grim Guard and the Book of Secrets. Fouled and perverted power crackles in the night while the heroes sleep soundly in their tents.
Uncaring if they are heard or not, dreary and anguished voices utter practiced arcane and divine incantations as they prepare to do harm.
All: Perception DC 21 to awaken to the sounds of spellcasting outside of your tent. If you awaken, please make 3 spellcraft rolls, DC's 16, 16, and 16.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=31 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 12:58:10 PM wow, rolls have been going well lately. nat 20 perception
Terser jumps out of bed with great speed, knowing that spellcasting just outside their tent cannot be good when it happens in the wee hours of the night. He catches up his glaive and runs to the main room, kicking awake any that could not hear the noise outside, and quickly tosses the book under a pile of furs.
If necessary, order of waking up people is Karnas, Emerelda, Bruagh, Flint
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+11=26 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+6=22 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 2:17:35 PM
OOC: Ergh, did everyone completely ignore my post then? Karnas is not sleeping, but is crafting for the night. Cark is keeping watch and pulling him out if she detects anything off. Cark makes the perception check, Karnas makes the spellcraft.
Cark senses the approaching spellcasters (Perception 22 vs DC 21), having already anticipated something would go after them, quickly prodding Karnas to pull him out of the crafting realm, as she yells in the mind of everyone present. "WERE BEING ATTACKED, GET UP."
Karnas, being pulled out of the crafting realm, quickly nods and begins casting summon monster 3 in preparation of the enemies advancing in.
DM Ken: You decipher the following spells...Divine Shield, Obscuring Mist, and Mage Armor.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC12 (no armor), HP58/58 d20+6=25 ; d20=1 ; d20=11 ; d20=7 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 2:42:28 PM
Emeralda slept on her stomach, both arms wrapped around her bedroll as she snuggled into it with a smile on her face. In her dreams, she had a very muscular Dwarven male in her arms...and she was winning the knock-down, drag-out wrestling match they were engaged in. She pinned the male's shoulders to the ground and the referee smacked the countdown on the ground with one large hand, then announced her victory in a loud voice:
"The win-nahhhh--EMERALDA!!!"
The crowd watching the match began to chant her name...but then the sounds changed from her name to something that made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle in warning...
"Hmm? Huh? Whuzzat..?" The brunette cleric snorted and levered herself upright, so that she was on her knees and blinking the sleep out of her eyes. Wait--the dream crowd seemed to still be chanting..?
Noooo...the ominous sounds came from just outside the tent...and her neck hairs were definitely bristling...
Terser came tearing through the area, using his feet to awaken any who were unaware of the group's predicament, while Cark mentally screamed her warning and Karnas began to cast some spell. Emeralda instinctively snatched up Blessor, her warhammer, and cast a spell of her own...
OOC: First roll was 25 for Perception; the next three rolls are the Spellcraft rolls called for, but as Emeralda opted not to put ranks into that skill, I'm not even sure she can really use it. It's probably just as well that all three of the rolls suck mightily, as none of them come close to the DC16 for the Spellcraft check either. Oh, and--last, but NOT least--Emeralda is casting Enlarge Person on herself...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 28/12/22 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 74/101 d20+11=22 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=2 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2013 5:40:01 PM "Wake up!!! We have company!"
Bruagh grabs his axe and shield and heads outside to meet the threat without his armor.
Perception: 22
Sleep like your dead. Tuesday September 24th, 2013 8:59:31 PM DM Ken
Just to give you an idea so you can start planning. The baddies get the first action in round 2 for tomorrows post. For simplicitys sake, moving out of the tent costs 5 feet of movement if you come out of the flaps, or a move action to lift and wiggle out from some other point on the tent.
Also notice every building has an entrance. Just saying. =)
I see that Braugh put himself outside. That's fine, just take 5 off your movement from the first round.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday September 24th, 2013 9:25:34 PM
Cark relays the spells cast to the group "They cast obscuring mist, divine shield, and mage armor, be aware"
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+7=9 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 1:44:29 AM "Huh? time for a beer already?" mumbles Flint as he is kicked awake.
"Battle? but who would attack the fair?" he asks grabbing his bow and jumping to his feet. He follows Bruagh outside and drops to one knee scanning the area for foes
~~ Perception 9
Sleep like your dead. d20+13=33 ; d20+4=7 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 10:48:49 AM
Round 2!
The would-be assassins pause briefly as Braugh emerges from the tent. Not in fear, but rather a shift in paradigm. While until now, the only noise had been that of incantations. Now there is a gibbering laughter coming from the west.
An armed an armored gnoll chitters at you, pointing with his shield and slamming his flail into the ground. Consider yourself weighed and measured, and now he laughs at the challenge.
A large ogre in heavy armor leans on what looks to be a club the size of a tree branch. He casts another spell, a simple Guidance cantrip, and watches you expectantly.
There is a slight half-elf, standing behind the Ogre. It raises it hands and starts to cast a spell. He utters words in a throaty, gutteral language and points a finger at Braugh. A thick black ray steaks through the air at the first dwarf out, but it flies wide and strikes the tent instead. (Spellcraft #1 DC: 16)
There is a strange mist hanging in the air to the east. There are continued sounds of spellcasting coming from somewhere within. (Spellcraft #2 DC: 17)
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 11:13:36 AM
A sad, quiet humming can be heard from just to the west of the Grim Guard's tent. With that comes a flash of dazzling lights and sparks that hits the group of enemies to the west.
(cast confusion DC 21 on F2 at a 15 ft radius burst. Failed checks = confusion for a 7 round duration)
The muted Sam then gathers up a bit more energy and hums again. The bard vanishes from the view of enemies and friends alike.
Actions: Move to Q3 cast confusion hero point cast invisibility on self
ooc- I'm glad to be back. Please make sure you guys understand how the confusion spell works.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+8=14 ; d20+8=23 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 11:57:56 AM
Perception rolls 1st: 14 2nd: 23
Emeralda Everbrawl AC16 (no armor; Shield of Faith), HP58/58 Wednesday September 25th, 2013 12:39:55 PM
Now that she was eight feet tall, Emeralda's first instinct was to rush from the tent and into battle...but a little prickle of wisdom prodded the back of her mind:
A warrior is prepared for battle along with being eager for combat.
She wasn't quite prepared for battle yet, in spite of her size. Emeralda reached into her haversack and pulled out a wand from it, tapping her own head.
"Anyone need a little faith to shield you in battle...?" she asked the others still in the tent.
OOC: Emeralda's used one charge from her Shield of Faith wand and will have a +4AC boost for the next 7 minutes. Anyone else in earshot want the same...?
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+11=28 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=22 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 3:15:58 PM
Karnas listens to the two spells cast, able to identify the first, but faltering on the second only for his familiar t detect it and relay it to him. Cark then announces the detected spells to the group via telepathic channel.
OOC: I'll make my actions in a bit, still thinking on what to do. Also, is it possible to put the information hidden behind checks in spoilers? Very likely someone will make the check and announce it, so it just means that any actions based on that information are delayed until the DM's second post.
DM OOC: I have no faith that anything underneath a spoiler goes unspoiled. That said, I see your point and think delaying a player is the greater of the two evils.
Spellcraft 1: Highlight to display spoiler: {Ray of Exhaustion} Spellcraft 2: Highlight to display spoiler: {Summon Monster II}
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d100=33 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 6:58:34 PM
Before Braugh can run off again, Flint reaches out and places his hand on the warriors shoulder. Saying a few words he feels the magical energy flow into his friend to protect him.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday September 25th, 2013 7:24:58 PM
Stunned at the sudden appearance of their friend, Terser prepares himself to run out to join the combat, but he trusts in Sam's mind altering capabilities, and waits to see what the effects of his spell may be.
Can't say as I'd object to some magical protection as well, as long as it's being passed around.
ooc: move to just behind Bruagh, hold action in case an enemy comes in range. possible attack and AOO at 10 feet, +14 bonus
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 -- Mage Armor Wednesday September 25th, 2013 8:07:19 PM
Waiting for what spells may come, Bruagh then hustles towards the enemies in a defensive posture. Gargul's wrath is a serious pain in the knee. (K,3)
Move to (K,3) w/ Double Move. Fight Defensively puts AC at 24
Sleep like your dead. Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:11:59 PM
(DM Ken: "I used to be an adventurer, but then I took a Gargul to the knee.")
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d3=2 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2013 9:33:59 PM
OOC: I just realized I don't know how you command summoned animals. Can you give them basic orders, or do you need to push via handle animal to do anything with them? If you can give them basic commands, then summon 2 hyenas and have them run to and attack the mists-obscured caster, if not, then 2 earth elementals that burrow underneath the caster and attack next round.
Karnas finishes casting his summon spell, as two magical sigils form in front of Braugh as two Small earth elementals pop into existence in front of him. He then points to the obscuring mist and makes a cut the throat gesture with his other hand at the two elementals. They nod and submerge underneath the ground, burrowing rapidly to the caster hidden by the mists, using their tremorsense to locate him, staying burrowed just underneath the caster to ambush next round. He then looks to his brothers around, Cark settling on his shoulder, before nodding and stepping just behind Braugh, looking to the mists-shrouded caster, as Cark pinpoints the location of the Caster within and relays it to Karnas. He nods once more and focusing on the mists, being muttering out a spell, as a small spark of flame appears in the square of the mists caster, before ballooning into a inferno encompassing him.
Cark, taking advange of her 60' blindsense, constantly relays the location of all non-allied targets to the rest of the Grim Guard, constantly updating the group of all enemy positions, while making sure to keep the channel small so as not to alert any she didn't know of.
OOC: Actions; Cark: Free- Uses 60' natural blindsight to constantly relay non-ally location information. Don't mention any targets smaller than small unless it;s a swarm.
Earth Elementals: Move and Std: Take run action to burrow underneath caster obscured by mist. They should be 5' down and on one of the 4 sides of the caster. (i.e. if caster is at G14 they should be one square below ground on two of G13,G15,F14,H14)
Karnas: -Free: Finishes casting summon monster 3, summons 2 small earth elementals. Orders them to attack caster in the mists to the best of their ability. -Move: Move behind Braugh -Std: Cast flaming sphere on the square that contains the caster in the mists, using the location provided by Cark.
Also, side question, can you use flaming sphere as a source for the pyrotechnics spell? Since it's a magical flame, it wouldn't be extinguished, but would there be some negative effect on the spell for using it in such a manner?
DM OOC: Even if Cark gives you the general area, you won't be able to target the caster without establishing sight. Feel free to pick an area in the cloud and light it up.
Blindsense lets a creature notice things it cannot see, but without the precision of blindsight. The creature with blindsense usually does not need to make Perception checks to notice and locate creatures within range of its blindsense ability, provided that it has line of effect to that creature. Any opponent that cannot be seen has total concealment (50% miss chance) against a creature with blindsense, and the blindsensing creature still has the normal miss chance when attacking foes that have concealment. Visibility still affects the movement of a creature with blindsense. A creature with blindsense is still denied its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class against attacks from creatures it cannot see.
It doesn't allow Cark to determine the exact location of the enemy caster as I read it, but instead alerts you to a presence in the area without the need for a spot check. Concealment seems to affect as normal, and the enemy is concealed via the Obscuring Mist spell.
Your sphere would just be the spawn for as many pyrotechnics as you wanted to cast. It's why continual flames are popular for pyrotechnics users.
Another familiar voice tears through the fairgrounds as a figure emerges from the darkness to the south. Clad all in black and bearing a familiar mask, the Oathbreaker strides back into the scene, looking... significantly different. He no longer bears his trademark bow, and the hint of a beard is beginning to grow on his face. His head is still as bald as it was the day he left, and he still bears the same featureless, black mask that he always wore. "What in all the Hells is going on here?" he calls out, screeching to a halt in front of their tent. Was he always so speedy?
Double move to M7
Hey, I'm finally back!
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday September 26th, 2013 11:04:32 AM ooc: haha, nice to see you back. makes sense why you wanted those bracers now, haha.
Sleep like your dead. 2d6=7 ; d20+4=15 ; d6+3=6 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+14=27 ; 2d8+13=23 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+14=26 ; Thursday September 26th, 2013 12:50:44 PM Bottom of Round 2
The Grim Guard sleep on beds of nails, a hairs breadth away from action at all times, it would seem. They react quickly and coherently to the new danger.
ALL OUTSIDE.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {These creatures seem similar to the hyper skill-retentive zombies you fought before. As you recall, undead are immune to mind-affecting spells and abilities and showed an acute resistance to fire damage.}
Sam, a missing but familiar friend, makes his presence known on the field of battle. Where he came from, nobody knows, but even his melancholy humming is easily placed by his old allies. He sees the humanoid figures and leads off with a confusion spell. He is immediately aware that the spell has failed. He then fades from view, wrapped in invisibility.
Emeralda: takes up a wand and taps herself for +2 deflection bonus to AC. (Your wand is a CL 1, which is a +2 bonus instead of +4). She is unable to buff anyone else this round, which makes for a strange moment when Terser asks for aid and then runs out of the tent! (Terser does not have the +2 bonus to AC from shield of faith unless Emeralda gives it to him in a following round![/b]
Terser moves outside following Braugh, ready to hit anyone that comes into range.
Karnas and Cark work together to great effect. Using the Psuedodragon and it's telepathy, he is alerted to the presence of the spellcaster in the mists. He takes a lucky guess and drops a burning sphere atop the unseen threat. Despite this, he does not hear a cry of pain or frustration.
Oathbreaker emerges from the night as well, charging across the fairgrounds towards the eastern foes!
Flint steps out from the tent, leaving Emeralda inside all alone with the book. He takes advantage of his new abilities and bestows an armor spell upon Braugh.
Top of Round 3
The sounds of spellcasting from within the mist stops briefly, and is replaced with a terrible howl. You sense that the summoned creature contains a terrible malice towards Good. It charges from the mist at Karnas! It snaps it's jaws closed on the Sorcerer and tries to wrestle him to the ground, but fails. (Hit Karnas AC 15 for 6 Damage. Trip CMB 11 fails.) No further sounds come from the mist this round...
The Ogre hefts it greatclub and takes a few steps towards Braugh. He cocks back his hefty weapon and swings at Flint, his club crackling with the impact. (Hit Braugh AC 27 for 23 damage. )
Laughing and pointing at the unfortunate Braugh, the Gnoll scampers forward as well, swinging his morningstar at the wounded fighter, but misses terribly as he laughs, flicking spittle and drool over Braugh. (Gnoll misses. Terser AOE = success. Please roll your damage next post.)
The Half-Elf begins to gesture again, uttering more words from the language of Necromancy. He points this time at Terser as he casts. For a terrible moment, his vision goes completely dark. Is it permanent? (Fortitude Save DC 16 vs Blindness. All others: Spellcraft DC 17 to identify the spell as cast.)
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+10=23 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+5=12 ; d8+4=5 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=11 ; Thursday September 26th, 2013 1:09:59 PM
Screaming a guttural yell, the Oathbreaker steps forward and drives his fists repeatedly into the summoned creature. Through the dark fabric of his sleeves, you see the magical bracers glow as he harnesses his new power. -------------------- 5ft step as part of full attack action to L6 Spend 1 Ki Point to gain extra attack @ highest attack bonus Attacks against Summoned Wold: 23, 15, 27, 12 Damage: 5, 9, 9, 11 (respectively) Fists count as magic, cold iron, and silver for the purposes of overcoming DR
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday September 26th, 2013 1:43:13 PM
The invisible gnome takes a 5 foot step forward and begins humming once again.
This time it's a familiar dwarven war song. The Grim Guard feels empowered by his song.
Total bonus= +4 to hit and damage to all 7 PCs. Also +2 to skill, ability, and saving throws.
Ooc-"Good Hope " (7 min duration) This spell instills powerful hope in the subjects. Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith), HP58/58 d20+3=14 ; d20+6=9 ; Thursday September 26th, 2013 2:11:55 PM
Surprised that other people seem to be moving at double speed--'I really MUST see if I can cast a spell like that...it would be just SOOOO cool!!!' she thought to herself--Emerald stuck her wand into the waistband of her breeches. She then reached down and seized the bottom edge of the tent, yoinking it up as high as her newly-enhanced strength would allow and forcing her now-oversize self through the opening.
OOC: The first roll is a Strength check to pull the tent up enough to accomodate Emeralda's Large size--the check totals 14. I'm figuring that she is now map coordinate O-3 (or 3-O, if you'd rather), giving Sam the surprise of his life when an eight-foot-tall Dwarf lass with brunette braids and big warhammer suddenly pops out from the tent in front of him. 8D
Emeralda's bright green eyes survey the battlefield in an effort to see where her help would be needed, so focused on the combat that she didn't see the totally cute gnome now behind her...
OOC: Sigh. Perception 9. And I was hoping that a new character would not have the same sucky rolls that my other PC keeps getting...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday September 26th, 2013 2:13:28 PM
Ooc- I can only take a 5 ft step.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 -- Mage Armor d20+17=34 ; d20+12=18 ; d10+19=29 ; d10+19=24 ; Thursday September 26th, 2013 5:16:34 PM OOC: Because the Ogre is of the Giant subtype, Dwarves get a +4 AC bonus... which would have put my AC at 28, which I believe would have made his attack miss. Can the DM's confirm this?
Bruagh steps inside the creatures reach with a 5' step, and unleashes a solid counterattack.
Attack: 34 Damage: 29
Attack: 18 Damage: 24
DM OOC: It still would have hit. I didn't add the +1 bonus for guidance initially, nor did I add it when I saw the result.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP20/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+6=19 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=13 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+10=21 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; 3d6=12 ; Thursday September 26th, 2013 10:58:28 PM
Karnas flinched at the strike from the wolf, but held his footing as he takes a moment to command his flaming sphere to clear the mists away from the caster, then takes a step back and throws a ball of webs just before the half-elf's head, the ball exploding into a gigantic mass of webs.
Meanwhile Cark moves into Karnas's pack and rummages around for a cure light wand, fumbling with it for a moment before tapping the wand to Karnas and giving a quick heal to him.
The earth elementals lie in wait below the caster in the mists, waiting for him to try to cast again. OOC: Actions; Karnas- Free: take a 5' step to M3 Std: Cast web at the top right corner of H1, covering the 3 enemies and leaving Braugh unaffected. Move: Order the flaming sphere to move within the rectangle defined by I12-H14, burning away the mist in those squares before ending up back on the caster. Caster takes 12 damage, Reflex DC 15 for half
Cark: -Move: Pull wand of cure light from Karna's pack -Std: Heal Karnas for 5, DC20 UMD passed with 21
Earth Elementals- Std;Ready action to strike against the caster if he attempts to cast anything or move anywhere, and both will take AoO if the caster attempts to leave their threatened area. Potentially 4 attacks between the 2 elementals. Attack rolls of 19,14,14,13, possibly 21,16,16,15 if flanking. Damage rolls of 9,6,10,7
Web spell text; 20' radius spread, DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Web creates a many-layered mass of strong, sticky strands. These strands trap those caught in them. The strands are similar to spiderwebs but far larger and tougher. These masses must be anchored to two or more solid and diametrically opposed points or else the web collapses upon itself and disappears. Creatures caught within a web become grappled by the sticky fibers. Attacking a creature in a web doesn't cause you to become grappled.
Anyone in the effect's area when the spell is cast must make a Reflex save. If this save succeeds, the creature is inside the web but is otherwise unaffected. If the save fails, the creature gains the grappled condition, but can break free by making a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as a standard action against the DC of this spell. The entire area of the web is considered difficult terrain. Anyone moving through the webs must make a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as part of their move action, with a DC equal to the spell's DC. Creatures that fail lose their movement and become grappled in the first square of webbing that they enter.
If you have at least 5 feet of web between you and an opponent, it provides cover. If you have at least 20 feet of web between you, it provides total cover.
The strands of a web spell are flammable. A flaming weapon can slash them away as easily as a hand brushes away cobwebs. Any fire can set the webs alight and burn away one 5-foot square in 1 round. All creatures within flaming webs take 2d4 points of fire damage from the flames.
Web can be made permanent with a permanency spell. A permanent web that is damaged (but not destroyed) regrows in 10 minutes.}
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d10+8=11 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=32 ; d10+19=27 ; d10+19=20 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 12:36:38 AM readied strike - 11 damage save vs blind - 19, success
First blood is always an exhilarating experience, and the fact that the elf tried to blind him was just further fuel for his anger. Though it doesn't seem to help his aim any...
rage on - AC 12, or 16 vs ogre 5 foot to K4, attack vs ogre, rolls are 1 and 2 - blargh
two AOO's this round from rage power - will be at +18 hit ac 32 and 32 if applicable for 27 and 20
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday September 27th, 2013 7:11:23 AM
Ooc-Later post from me than normal today. I'm at a critical care conferance all day. As long as Sam stays standing, inspire courage will remain active.
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+16=27 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=14 ; d6+8=12 ; d6=3 ; d6+8=11 ; d20=10 ; d6=6 ; d6+8=10 ; d6=4 ; d6+8=11 ; d6=1 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 8:52:00 AM
Flint holds his ground by the entrance to the tent and takes aim at the beast that charges Karnas. He feels courageous and hopeful upon hearing the classic Dwarven war song hummed by Sam
His speed and skill with the bow has increased and four arrows fly through the air, their icy coating piercing the hide of the beast.
~~~ ooc: flint's full attack utilizes Rapid shot and many shot in conjunction with weapon training/focus/specialization and deadly aim. The result is four arrows @ +12(x2)/+12/+7. (many shot fires to arrows at once using one attack roll) Thanks to sam that is boosted to +16(x2)/+16/+11 with each arrow doing 1d6+12 +d6 frost
Hit 27/27/22/14 for 16+3/15+6/14+4/15+1
If the summoned beast drops I will aim for the big ugly
Sleep like your dead. d20+2=15 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+14=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=13 ; d8+8=15 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; 5d6=13 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 11:22:00 AM Bottom of Round 3
Taggart rushes forwards and unleashes a lightning flurry of punches into the fiendish wold, culminating with a downward smash on the creatures spine. It vanishes, leaving only the smell of sulfur and blood lingering in the air.
Sam hums a Dwarven war song, then casts a spell further aiding his allies.
Karnas casts "DM Headache" by dropping a web spell in a strange spot, prompting some research. Luckily the enemies make their saves and all is well for now. =) His elementals flail at the retreating wizard, but are turned away by his magical wards.
Terser works his glaive, but finds no purchase on the enemy.
Emeralda pops out of the tent, eerily close to Sam. She tries her best to observe the battle, but is distracted by the sad and powerful humming from behind her.
Flint fires a volley of arrows at the large and heavily armored ogre. They barrel into him, staggering the unholy cleric as they stick into his armor, but lack the last bit of momentum to inflict any wounds.
Top of Round 4
The Ogre Cleric is heavily wounded. Bits of flesh are missing where Braugh nearly dissected him, and wet muscle hangs limp over his large stomach. He easily bats away webbing to raise a symbol high in the air, from which pulses waves of negative energy. Braugh - 7 damage. Will DC 13 for half.
The Gnoll also has little trouble moving through the webbing. He slams his morningstar into Braugh, covering the Ogres retreat. The hit is solid, but fails to hurt anything vital. (Hit Braugh Nat 20, failed to crit, 15 damage.)
The Half-Elf, deciding not to move, brandishes a wand and channels its power at Karnas. 3 small missiles streak through the air, impacting the Dwarf in the chest. Karnas 8 damage.
On the other side of the field, the Wizard has moved through the Elemental punching line. He starts starts and finishes a spell, and a tiny bead of flame streaks through the night before exploding in the middle of the Grim Guard!
Braugh, Terser, Karnas, Emeralda, Sam and Oathbreaker, Take 13 fire damage. Reflex Save DC 18 for half.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 54/67 - CMD 24 d20+8=16 ; d20+10=16 ; d8+5=7 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 1:40:31 PM
Crying out in pain, the Oathbreaker looks up at the elf and points a finger at him. Continuing the battlecry, he charges forward, attempting to stun the wizard. -------------------- Charge to F12 Stunning Fist on Elf Attack: 20 (forgot +2 for charging and +2 from Good Hope) Damage: 9 (+2 from Good Hope) If it hits, Elf must make a DC 17 Fort save or be stunned for the next round. Highlight to display spoiler: {A stunned character drops everything held, can't take actions, loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, and takes a --2 penalty to AC.}
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith, Bard Music Buff), HP58/58 d20+4=7 ; 4d6=18 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 6:04:05 PM
Hey...who was that behind her..? Emeralda paused and halfway turned towards the sound of the Dwarven ballad.
Wow...it was an ever-so-cute gnome. She'd have to get an introduction later, but there was a battle she needed to concentrate on first. Even as she turned back to scan the scene of combat once more, the sudden flare of fire in the corner of her vision heralded the arrival of a full-blown explosion of fire in her face before she could even think of trying to duck to one side or another. (OOC: Emeralda's Reflex Save is only 7.)
Bellowing in pain, the smoldering cleric of Domi clenches her teeth and her fists, curbing her instinct to leap at the enemy in front of her for long enough to channel some positive energy to help her allies. Gripping her holy symbol tightly in her left hand, a brief burst of soft white light radiates out from her location, enveloping most of her colleagues in its healing sphere. She made sure to pointedly exclude the gnoll that she saw at the periphery of her energy's range. (OOC: Emeralda's burst of healing Positive Energy results in healing up to 18hp damage for everyone in the party with the possible exception of Oathbreaker, as he may have just been quick enough to dash out of her range before she got off the burst of energy. So Emeralda's HP had gone down to 45hp, but she's now back at her full 58hp, so there is no HP change in her posting header. Her normal range for the Channel Energy would have included only the gnoll of the Bad Guys group, but Emeralda's using her Selective Channeling feat to make sure that the gnoll does NOT benefit from the healing energy. If my calculations about her area of effect are wrong, then she would choose to withhold healing from the gnoll ('cuz he's ugly) and (no explanations needed for this one) the Ogre Cleric.)
"Oooooo...you made me mad now..." Emeralda fumes. "...hammertime...!!!" With this, the inspired young cleric of Domi charged right into the face of the evil Ogre cleric opposite her with her oversize warhammer held high...
OOC: I don't think Emeralda can attack this round as she's Channeled Energy to heal up her friends, however she intends to end up "in the Ogre's face" at map coordinate H4. Then we'll see how good she IS with that hammer of hers...
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+4=9 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=22 ; d10+19=29 ; d10+19=21 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 10:33:13 PM Reflex save 9 - fail, 13 damage. Heal for 19.
Somehow, the grinning face of the gnoll just got on his nerves, and Terser continued his campaign to shred the laughing creature's face. He steps up (K2) and strikes twice, with much more skill than before.
Attacks vs gnoll AC 27 and 22 dam 29 and 21
Karnas (L1-7 L2-6 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+4=16 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=16 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=8 ; Friday September 27th, 2013 11:01:58 PM
Cark whimpers as she sees the oncoming fireball, crying out in pain as it takes more than 70% of her life from her in one hit, as she quickly attempts to use the wand on herself, failing completely and beginning to panic completey, lifting off and flying a couple feet until she's awashed in healing energy by Esemeralda. She chirps in confusion, looking to the large dwarf, before changing course and flying to nuzzle her cheek, before dropping underneath her and using the large dwarf as cover to go into stealth (rolls 38).
Karnas is also seeing death oncoming, but sees that he still needs to aid his allies and mutters several words, bestowing haste to Terser, Esmeralda, Oathbreaker, Braugh, Himself, Sam, and Cark. He would give it to Flint instead of Cark if the distance between Braugh and Flint decreases, but that wasn't a option at the moment. He then takes his quick leave, moving to R2.
The earth elementals, seeing their quarry escaping, follow the caster underground and repeat their actions from last round, changing their readied actions (if allowed) to disrupt the caster in any way instead of strictly stop his casting.
OOC: Actions; Karnas Std- cast haste on Terser, Esmeralda, Oathbreaker, Braugh, Himself, Sam. If Flint gets within 30' of braugh, he's the 7th target, otherwise Cark is the 7th Move- Move to R2
Cark: Std- Attempt to use wand, attempt fails Move- Move to O3. Stealth check as part of action to hide underneath Esmeralda, rolls 38
Elementals: Repeat previous actions, Attack rolls 24,10,9,16. Damage rolls 10,8, I know at best only 2 hit Change readied trigger to 'Disrupt anything caster attempts to do.'
I don't know if you can ready a action with two triggers, or ready vagueish actions, and I can't find a consensus on it, so I posted it on the rules forum. I don't know what's correct, so whatever's decided i'm fine with.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible 4 more rounds d20+6=10 ; d8+5=12 ; Saturday September 28th, 2013 6:58:25 PM
As the fire hits Sam, his small frame is briefly visible as he is burned. (Reflex=10)
Just then, the giant, dwarven cleric's healing energy washes over him. With the damage healed, Sam charges into the heart of the battle to heal Bruagh. (Move to k4 now that he is hasted)
The dwarven war song continues as Sam approaches Bruagh. The song takes a quick detour to a pleasant, soothing tune. (Inspire courage continued and Bruagh healed by CLW spell for 12 hp)
Inspire courage and good hope active.
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+14=18 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+9=22 ; d6+10=12 ; d6=3 ; d6+10=13 ; d6=2 ; d6+10=16 ; d6=4 ; d6+10=13 ; d6=3 ; Sunday September 29th, 2013 5:14:34 AM
Flint surveys the battle before. Through the flame and smoke he sees wounds open and close. His arrows did little against the brute and others are focusing their attention that way.
He swivels as he draws new arrows and fires a volley at the source of the fire attack. The four arrows fly true.
"Ha! Got 'im!"
~~~ ooc: to correct my previous post, my attacks are boosted by Sam to be +14(x2)/+14/+9 with each arrow doing 1d6+10 +d6 frost
Fire four arrows at the Elf, Hit 18/18/24/22 for 12+3/13+2/16+4/13+3 If the elf is taken out aim for the half elf
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 70/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste d20+17=29 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+12=28 ; d10+19=21 ; d10+19=22 ; d10+19=21 ; d10+5=10 ; Sunday September 29th, 2013 10:01:07 PM
Bruagh takes a full round action against the cleric
Will Save Fail Attack: 29, 30, 28 Damage: 21, 22, 21
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith, Bard Music Buff), HP58/58 Monday September 30th, 2013 5:14:56 PM
...just checking to see if there's anything for Emeralda to respond to...
Donna reply: LOL I meant I was looking to see if the DM posted yet. I mean to address Cark's action when we know how everything has gone for the party so far...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 70/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Monday September 30th, 2013 8:43:26 PM
Czech
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible 4 more rounds Monday September 30th, 2013 9:03:55 PM
Mate
Oathbreaker charges after the spell-casting Elf, striking at center mass with palms outstretched. He feels like he was close, but the blow was deflected by some form of non-visible repulsion. More concerning is the audible twang of a bowstring from nearbye. He feels an arrow thunk into his back, followed by a terrible burning sensation! Oathbreaker hit on AC 19 (Flat footed) by a sneak attack for 4+5+11=20 damage total!
Oathbreaker: You feel blood leaving the wound without pause. Take 3 bleed damage per turn unless healed magically or a DC15 heal check is passed on your person.
Terser inflicts a heavy hit on the Gnoll with his first swing. For once, the dead thing stops yapping and begins to look serious. His second attack glances off a considerable amount of armor and a shield.
Emeralda moves forward after bathing the area with positive energy. She selectively channels, but a thought trickles in the back of her mind.
Emeralda: Know Religion DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Having gotten closer to the enemy it is fairly obvious they are some kind undead, the likes of which are harmed by positive energy. Channeling could both heal your allies and harm your foes in this encounter.}
Karnas hastes his allies then moves for cover! At this distance with line of sight to his elementals blocked, it is not feasible for him to give them new commands. Without speaking a similar language or possessing some means of communication, commands are usually limited to simple and easily understood, such as kill, protect, move here and so forth.
Sam understands that's Braugh has great fortitude, but can only withstand so much damage. Ignoring his own wounds, he steps behind Braugh and heals the warrior.
Braugh wades into the webbing after the ogre, which retreated through as much as it could last round. Ignoring the chittering Gnoll that smacked his armor, he presses on after his prey. He struggles, but manages to get through enough webbing to score one attack on the ogre. His axe bites deep into the creatures armor and through it's magical enhancements. The undead staggers for a moment, then falls forward, suspended and dead in thick strands of webbing.
Flint lets loose another terrific volley of arrows, this time at a new target. The arrows seem on target but almost all are deflected, except the 4th in the volley, by some unseen force around the wizard.
Top of Round 5
The newly revealed Rogue unleashes another volley of Arrows at Oathbreaker, who has fallen into his deadly ambush. Two arrows puncture the Dwarf. Oathbreaker hit by arrows on AC 21 and 25. Take 4+6(10) and 2+4(6) damage from the attacks. If you have Deflect Arrows, ignore the first attack.
The Elf moves away from the elementals, stepping back and taking a glancing blow from one of the earthly servants. The blow was solid, but his undead resistances seem to have blocked the brunt of the damage. The Elf casts a spell at Oathbreaker but he seems to struggle with the magic and it fails.
The Gnoll swings at the closest dwarf, the unfortunate Braugh. He slams his morningstar into the naked dwarf and begins to giggle, wheezing and threatening to explode into full on laughter again. (Braugh Hit AC 30 for 11 damage.)
Spellcraft: DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {Dispel Magic}
The Half Elf moves deeper into the web and points his wand at Braugh, who is hit by a barrage of 3 magic projectiles. Braugh 10 damage from magic missiles.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+19=36 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=24 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 12:25:30 AM
Terser continues his efforts at hewing down the enemy that is so determined to take down his companion. The additional magic boost helps his strikes fly true, and the Gnoll is quickly losing things to laugh about.
5 foot to K3, slash, haste slash, and slash AC 36 , 24, 21 33 and 24 damage (plus a miss)
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+10=30 ; d8+1=5 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=23 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=6 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 12:28:23 AM
Karnas, not seeing many great options, decides to cast invisibility on himself and move out to give silent assistance bringing out his cure light wand in the process as he moves to M2
Cark flies out from under emeralda for the moment, then looks about. Seeing Oath getting tag teamed, She thought to try and hide underneath him and heal him from below. Grasping the wand securely, she quickly flies to F12, taking up a position somewhere on Oathbreaker that would keep her out of line of sight of the 2 attacking him, as she taps him with the healing wand, healing him for 5. She then sends a quick message to Oathbreaker " Keep them off me and I'll keep you up. If I take a significant hit I'm running."
The Earth elementals continue their attempts to kill the caster, resuming their actions from last round.
OOC: @ Oathbreaker: Feel free to interact and manipulate Cark as you see fit, just keep in mind if she gets hit you loose easy healing. @ DM The earth elementals haven't received any additional commands. They were told to kill the elf and nothing more. I'm just playing them as I believe they would act.
Actions; Karnas; Std- Cast Invisibility on self Move- Move to M2 (15' base movement, +15' from haste, 30' total). Pull out cure light wand.
Cark; Move- Move to Oathbreaker's space, get soft cover from him. Std- Attempt UMD, pass with 30, use cure light on Oath, heal for 5
Earth Elementals; Move- D12,E11, one square underground. Std- Ready action to strike against the caster if he attempts to cast anything or move anywhere, and both will take AoO if the caster attempts to leave their threatened area. Potentially 4 attacks between the 2 elementals. Attack rolls of 21,7,13,23 Damage rolls of 5,10,9,6
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith, Bard Music Buff), HP58/58 d20+5=23 ; 4d6=13 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 12:40:15 AM
Emeralda's squeal of surprise when Cark suddenly appeared and nuzzled her cheek was lost in the sounds of combat...and the little pseudo-dragon was gone just as quickly as she had appeared. The Dwarf lass witnessed the elimination of the ogre cleric just as she got within hammering range. She scowled for a moment, then something pinged in the back of her head OOC: Emeralda's Knowledge (religion) check is 23):
These foes were undead! No doubt this was the "gift" intended for Bruagh...to make him--as the "signer" of the black book--just as undead as they were!
"They're here for you, Bruagh!" she warned him. "They're here to make you undead..." She looked around the field of battle, her breath catching when she saw that the Grim Guard called Oathbreaker was down...and that nobody else was nearby to help him.
"I'm coming!" she shouted, zipping over to where he was. Not sure she'd reach him in time, Emeralda instinctively channeled another burst of positive energy just as she reached his side...
OOC: Not sure how far Emeralda's "zipping" will take her--I believe that she's supposed to be Hasted. If she is, then she will now be occupying spaces G11&12; if she isn't Hasted, she may not have gotten as far, so she would be occupying spaces H10&11 (I think.) Either way, she'll release 13hp of Positive Energy (with DC15 if anything Undead is in her range.)
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+16=19 ; 3d6+10=22 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 1:20:48 AM "Undead eh? Lets see what i have for that.." says Flint as his target moves out of view.
He re-positions and fires a carefully selected arrow at the elf
ooc: Fire arrow of undead bane (A bane weapon excels against certain foes. Against a designated foe, the weapon's enhancement bonus is +2 better than its actual bonus. It also deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against such foes.)
Hit 19 for 22+6 frost damage
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 28/67 - CMD 24 d20+10=18 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+5=14 ; d8+5=9 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 11:42:44 AM
Ignoring his wounds, the Oathbreaker keeps at his attack, stepping forward and attacking the elf with his fists. -------------------- Full attack action for Flurry of Blows on the elf 5ft step to catch up to the elf Attacks: 18, 21, 14 Damage: 9
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible d8+5=10 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 12:55:48 PM
Not understanding why the undead want Bruagh and also not able to ask, Sam continues on healing duties. He hums another CLW for Bruagh and continues the inspire courage.
Bruagh healed for 10 hp.
"Let's kill some more undead for Gargul.", he thinks as his golden tongue clicks around against his teeth...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste d20+17=22 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=35 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 4:03:44 PM
Bruagh is visibly shaken by the abuse he is taking and the words from Esmerelda, yet he tries not to let it show. By sheer will alone the warrior tries to keep morale high. "Let them try! The more they focus on me... the less they can hurt you. Besides, with Sam back... nothing can stop us!!!"
Attack Gnoll: 22, 28, 14 Damage: 20, 33, 35
Sleep like your dead. Tuesday October 1st, 2013 7:05:37 PM
Incoming..
Sleep like your dead. d20+10=30 ; d3=1 ; d20+10=17 ; 3d4+4=12 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=27 ; d6+1=7 ; d6+1=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 7:34:16 PM Bottom of Round 5
Terser jabs his Wyvern-Glaive forward, through the Gnolls laughing mouth and out through the back of it's skull. It dies with a final chuckle, then falls at his feet.
Karnas and Cark each take different paths again, but both move to aid Oathbreaker. Karnas commands his elementals to continue their current tactic of waiting for the wizard to move and reacting to his movements.
Emeralda moves near Oathbreaker and channels positive energy. It stings the undead, and they hiss and glower at Emeralda.
Flint and Oathbreaker both try to pile damage on the Elf, but neither have any luck connecting with their attacks. His aburations are formidable.
Sam and Braugh try their best to push forward, attacking and healing together in unison. Braugh batters the corpse of the Gnoll in frustration!
Top of Round 6
The half-elf volleys another charge of magic missiles, again at Braugh. [12 Damage to Braugh.]
The wizard steps away from the elementals, again suffering a barrage of pounding fists. One seems to connect, but his damage resistance buffers out the attack. He concentrates on Oathbreaker for a moment, then expels a large amount of magic in his direction. (Dispel magic succeeds vs DC 18 with a 20.)
Oathbreaker feels the boons of Good Hope fade from his person.
The Human volleys two more shots at Oathbreaker. (Hit AC 24 and 27 for 9 and 7 damage. Oathbreaker is no longer bleeding.)
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible Tuesday October 1st, 2013 8:44:10 PM
Knowing full well that Bruagh is about to charge away from him, Sam hums a third CLW spell to aid his long-time friend. (Bruagh is healed for 8 hp)
With that he unslings his crossbow and loads a bolt of undead bane. The bard continues to hum the battle song all the while. (inspire courage continued)
ooc-good hope and inspire courage (as long as Sam is up) will last through the fight. Please don't forget your bonuses.
Flint Ironclad, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Mark) -- AC 23/14t/19ff -- Hp 28/61 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=34 ; 3d6+10=24 ; d6=1 ; 3d6+10=17 ; d6=1 ; 3d6+10=17 ; d6=6 ; 3d6+10=18 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2013 10:09:01 PM
OOC: in last post i stated that flint re-positioned but neglected to say where to. It should have been to m11 so he had line of sight. Posting as if he is there...
Flint lines up his bow his mind screaming at himself for missing, Focus, and hit the damned thing! He draws fresh arrows and sends them at the Elf hoping at least one breaches its defenses.
~~ Full attack, 4 arrows of undead bane (that is an expensive attack!) ooc: hit 23/23/21/29 for 24+1/17+1/17+6/18+4
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible Tuesday October 1st, 2013 10:45:51 PM
Ooc-Gargul better love Flint! Wow!
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+19=24 ; d10+19=29 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 11:38:22 AM move around web to D2
With the hyena man incapacitated, Terser's eyes are drawn to the brightly coloured bolts that keep erupting from the webbing. He gives thanks again for his reach, and cuts through the webs to their source, hoping to knock out the caster before he uses any more charges from Karnas' new wand.
attack on half elf hit AC 24 for 29 damage
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith, Bard Music Buff), HP58/58 d20+12=30 ; d8+12=20 ; 4d6=20 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 1:36:03 PM
Growling low in her throat, Emeralda gives rein to the anger building inside her by stomping forward and planting herself between the two enemies and Oathbreaker.
"HAMMER TIME!!!" the Dwarf lass yodels, her oversize hammer lifting and falling upon the annoying elf that has kept tossing hurtful magic at the Grim Guard. She couldn't help but smile when she heard the blow connect. Ordinarily Emeralda would have followed up her hammer blow with another one, but Oathbreaker had suffered some nasty damage and she had to make sure that he, too, had a fighting chance to kick butt in battle, so she loosed her third wave of Positive Energy for the day, healing the living in her area of influence while damaging the undead...
OOC: Emeralda has stomped over to C12/13 on the map, whereupon she did lay the smackdown on the elf spellcaster by smiting him with her hammer, hitting AC30 for 20hpd (thank you VERY much, Bardic Buff!) Her burst of Positive Energy heals the living within 30 feet of her for 20hp.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 25/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 2:59:45 PM
The Oathbreaker steps back, taking a deep breath to find his center. ------------------- If the Oathbreaker is being threatened, he will take a step back, otherwise he'll stay put Use Wholeness of Body to heal 7HP Ki Points remaining: 4 And for future reference, he does have the feat Deflect Arrows, so I assume the first attack each round from the human is invalid
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+10=21 ; d8+1=7 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=13 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=5 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 3:25:26 PM
Karnas resumes his trek to get to Braugh and offer him aid, moving to H4 and using his wand on Braugh.
Cark does much the same, keeping up with Taggart as he moves and using the wand once again on him.
The elementals follow the same order yet again
OOC:
Actions; Karnas; Std- Use cure light wand on Braugh. UMD passed with 25, healed for 4 Move- Move to H4
Cark; Move- Move to Oathbreaker's space, get soft cover from him. Std- Attempt UMD, pass with 21, use cure light on Oath, heal for 7
Earth Elementals; Move- B11,C11, one square underground. Std- Ready action to strike against the caster if he attempts to cast anything or move anywhere, and both will take AoO if the caster attempts to leave their threatened area. Potentially 4 attacks between the 2 elementals. Attack rolls of 24,19,11,13 Damage rolls of 10,8,9,5
Sleep like your dead. Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 7:53:40 PM
(Just waiting on Braugh!)
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste d20+5=24 ; d20+18=27 ; d10+19=27 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 8:35:35 PM
Bruagh pushes towards the Half-Elf, and attacks if he gets in range.
Strength Check: 24 Attack: 27 Damage: 27
Sleep like your dead. Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 9:34:11 PM
Incoming.
Sleep like your dead. Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 10:04:33 PM Bottom of Round 6
Sam gives Braugh a final bit of healing, then loads a special bolt. The time for killing has come!
Flint moves and readies a magical arsenal of enchanted arrows. All but one miss the mark, but that one is all he needed. The arrow lodges into the chest of the undead wizard, exploding with magical energy that seeks and shuts down the dead foe in a matter of seconds. The Wizard falls backwards and lazy tendrils of smoke curl upwards from his husk.
Terser uses the natural gift of the barbarian... speed.. and circles around the webs for an angle on the sorcerer. His glaive strikes true, removing a large chunk of flesh and robe from the juju-half elf.
Emeralda charges forward, intent on sharing the love of Domi with their deadly enemies. When Flint's arrows drop the Elf in front of her, she lets her momentum carry her swing into the human with the bow. The Rogue folds in half from the force of the blow and crumples in a heap to the ground. (DM OOC: Changed your action here, sorry. Flint killed your target, and since channeling and attacking are both standard actions, you can only do one or the other! Also, in the future note that your large size uses 4 squares on a map, you have a total reach of 10ft.)
Oathbreaker remembers that he is mortal, and channels some of his inner focus into reknitting some of the skin and muscle damaged by the rogues arrows.
Karnas and Cark do their best to pass off as arcane clerics, swatting allies haphazardly with healing thwacks of love. With no enemies remaining, the elementals return towards Karnas and wait at his side.
Braugh (it's actually a CMB vs spell DC when moving through a web!) powers through the webs and brings his axe to bear on his sorcerous enemy, removing it's top half while he is still skewered on Tersers glaive.[/b]
The night is eerie and still. The danger has passed for now.
What do the Grim Guard do next?
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 10:13:09 PM
Terser calms himself with effort, knowing that he may need to draw on his rage again this night, despite the apparent calm. He immediately starts check on the nearby tents, seeing if anyone had been caught in the crossfire, or been an unfortunate victim.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Invisible Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 11:31:01 PM
Sam ceases his inspirational humming. He remains invisible and casts dancing lights. The spheres of light illuminate the area as the Grim Guard looks for danger. Sam stands motionless until his invisibility wears off.
Sleep like your dead. Thursday October 3rd, 2013 10:54:09 AM
Post inc.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday October 3rd, 2013 11:22:07 AM
Ooc: Fyi, posting may be spotty today and tomorrow, visiting family. Should be able to get small posts in though.
Aftermath. Thursday October 3rd, 2013 11:36:35 AM
With the enemy defeated, spells fade and rage subsides.
The Grim Guard start picking through the battle, trying to gather some clue about the attackers and their motivations. They explain to Emeralda that they have encountered this kind of undead before, recently in fact. They seem to retain their abilities and skills from life, even in undeath.
All of the enemy are extremely well armed and armored. If the Grim Guard hadn't awoke during the initial rounds of spellcasting, it could have been a far different battle.
Picking through the enemy gear and possessions uncovers a small parchment letter wrapped in a tube. It is written in common.
"If you are holding this then you have successfully passed your final test and hold in your hands this gift we make to you. It is the final cipher to decode the remainder of your Book of Secrets. You will find it possesses a number of abilities that will aid you in the future. Remember, you survived this test through a combination of your own personal power and because you followed our commands to build a worthy lair and army of your own. Each of us must be our own local focus of power. We do not abide the fool or the weak."
Knowledge Arcana: DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The sudden appearance of the enemy here combined with the strange magical feelings that Terser experienced earlier seems a curious coincidence. Perhaps a thorough investigation of the book will reveal more. }
Perception: DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The gear these creatures wore is not only of great quality, but apparently brand new. Further, there are no signs of wear or long travel through the Scab apparent on either boots, nor leather, nor weapons. Whatever Distance these creatures traveled, they had not been walking for long. }
Survival: DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Poking through the camp, you find a set of tracks. Thanks to the Ogre, the trail is not hard to follow. It leads maybe 800 ft away and then vanishes. After a number of attempts to find the trail again, you are sure you have missed nothing.}
Magical Treasure: Greatclub (Large Sized), Wand (+5 bonus to spell craft to identify), 9 Arrows, Belt, Cloak, Headband.
Experience
From Monsters: 1200 to each player. Ad Hoc: 500 each player for adverse battle conditions. (Ambush while sleeping.)
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 32/67 - CMD 24 d20+14=27 ; d20+4=17 ; Thursday October 3rd, 2013 11:48:48 AM
The Oathbreaker looks around at the scene, frowning as he realizes the quality of their enemies weapons. (Perception: 27) He looks around at his allies, the tension in his muscles relaxing for a moment. It does the beardless dwarf good to see his old friends again after some time. But as he usually does, the masked dwarf vanishes to follow the ogre's tracks. (Survival: 17) He returns a short while later with his report.
"This equipment... it's too nice for these things. Far too well crafted. And their tracks ends about eight hundred feet that way. They just... end. There's nothing." His face softens for a moment as he lets a rare and genuine smile through. "And... it is good to see you all again. I apologize for my absence."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC13 (no armor; Shield of Faith, Bard Music Buff), HP58/58 d20+6=15 ; d20+4=10 ; Thursday October 3rd, 2013 12:31:17 PM OOOC: Emeralda has rolled 15 for Perception and 10 for Survival and cannot roll for Know (arcana) as she isn't trained in that at all.
"What a battle!" the Dwarf lass almost sings the statement, practically glowing with abated excitement. "Who needs healing? You all were fantastic during that combat!" She fishes out a wand and holds it aloft, looking eagerly from face to face, tapping people and healing them up of their wounds.
"How about you, cutie?" Emeralda asked the gnome amongst them. "I'm Emeralda. I'm a cleric of Domi...oooooo--would YOU like to receive a blessing of Domi...???" An anticipatory grin lights up the young cleric's face...it's a smile that Sam isn't 100% sure he likes, since the eager priestess seems a bit...overeager.
(Now that Emeralda's Enlarge Person spell has worn off, Sam sees a four-foot-tall Dwarf female with merry green eyes, a ruddy complexion and long brown braids. The overall impression is that she seems a natural choice as cleric to Domi, the Woldian god known for his love of battle. And she's smiling like in her character portrait. Hee hee.)
OOC: Whomsoever needs healing--roll a d8+1 for as many times as you need/want HP restored--just PLEASE post how many charges of Emeralda's wand you're using, since I need to keep track of that so I know how many spells to recharge the wand with...
DM Ken: You cannot recharge wands in Pathfinder without levels of Fixer. Only staves can be recharged per core rules.
LATER EDIT: yeesh, I keep forgetting! Sigh...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+8=15 ; d20=16 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=15 ; Thursday October 3rd, 2013 4:04:23 PM
Sam appears and is met by the new cleric of Domi. He remains silent as she speaks. After hearing the proposition, he shakes his head at the idea of a blessing from Domi. It is clear that he is highly aversed to the idea, but he gives no reason to why. With a sad look on his face, the bard bends down, writes the word "Sam" in the dirt, and walks away.
(Although Sam auto-passes the knowledge check, he has no info on the book as it pertains to the clue. He failed both the perception and survival rolls.)
Sam carefully examines the magical gear and does his best to identify it. He pulls a piece of paper and writing implements (all of fine quality) from his bag and makes a list written neatly in dwarven. Once done he silently hands the list to Bruagh.
Magical Treasure and Spellcraft rolls to identify Greatclub (Large Sized). 14 Wand (+5 bonus to spell craft to identify). 21 + 5= 26 9 Arrows. 14 Belt. 12 Cloak. 29 Headband. 15
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Thursday October 3rd, 2013 10:33:57 PM
Bruagh says nothing but hugs his friend Sam.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 3rd, 2013 11:00:38 PM
Sam forces a closed-mouth smile as he hugs his friend. The gnome nods to the group. It is clear to all that he is miserable, depressed, and most likely sorry for leaving.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 4th, 2013 3:21:27 AM
Now that they were out of the fight, Cark and Karnas look to their returned friend, Karnas smiling as Cark flew over and landed on his shoulder. "So, perhaps now we can actually try having me as a translator this time? Think in my general direction, and i'll relay the message. As before, think of some signal you can use if you need me, and i'll fly over when needed"
OOC: @sam: As before, if Sam wants to speak and Cark's in range, just use her telepathy to talk to others.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 4th, 2013 8:09:12 AM
Sam nods and telepathically communicates to the group through the familiar.
"I'm sorry for leaving. This curse was more than I could bare. I hope you'll forgive me. I think my communication will be a rare occurrence. Gargul saw fit to punish me. I don't need to have him smite me for 'talking' this way. I'll write and gesture for the most part. This time will be hard for me. I can think of no better group to with who'll help me cope with this affliction. Grim Guard indeed. I guess misery does love company ."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 3d8+7=23 ; 3d8+7=21 ; 3d8+7=22 ; 2d8+7=15 ; 2d8+7=11 ; 4d8+7=25 ; d8+5=13 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=12 ; Friday October 4th, 2013 12:05:12 PM
VERY surprised to meet what appears to be a bard who will not speak, Emeralda blinks and turns to the others.
"What up with that?" she asks very frankly, clearly expecting an explanation. As whomever it is answers her question, she assesses whom is hurt and--foregoing the use of her curative wand--converts her leftover spells to heal up the wounded.
Emeralda casts Cure Serious Wounds on Bruagh (23), Oathbreaker(21) and Karnas (22hp; completely healing Karnas); she then casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Bruagh (15) and Oathbreaker (11); then--cursing herself for overlooking the oddly-silent Flint--she casts Cure Critical Wounds on Flint(25). Her final round of Cure Light Wounds (one spell each for Bruagh, Oathbreaker and Flint) completely heals up the three Grim Guards.
Aftermath. Friday October 4th, 2013 12:41:05 PM
Sam easily identifies a Cloak of Elvenkind and a Wand of Magic Missiles, CL5.
The rest of the gear seems to be a mystery for now but perhaps that isn't even enough to register on a happy and heartfelt reunion among brothers.
Oathbreaker tracks the monsters to their apparent source, a random spot of earth not very far away. He also shares that the gear is new and has not seen much wear or travel. Karnas, despite his skill in such things, doesn't apply his mind to any of the mysteries above.
At this point the options are few. Remain awake through the night and establish a watchstanding order, or consider the danger passed and get respectable sleep, or possibly pack up and begin doing some investigating? Maybe the book holds a clue. It is mid-night currently.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 4th, 2013 2:07:53 PM
Sam offers the wand to Karnas and gestures that he and others try to identify the remaining items.
ooc-Sam can give a +3 bonus with "inspire competence" to help identify the items.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Friday October 4th, 2013 2:35:26 PM
Emeralda suppressed a yawn.
"By the way," she pointed out, "Wouldn't it be a good idea to have someone stay awake to guard us? I didn't think of it before...I'm not an adventurer. I would volunteer to guard, but I don't have much magic left to defend us with. I'll need to rest up a bit first..."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 4th, 2013 3:16:53 PM
After someone, hopefully tries to identify the remaining items, Sam goes to sleep. As per usual, no dwarf that is used to him expects him to be taking a watch.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+14=17 ; Friday October 4th, 2013 3:55:51 PM
Wordlessly, the Oathbreaker takes a place beside the door to the tent and sits down, crossing his legs. He pulled the hood of his cloak up and stares forward, waiting for anything else that may approach them. (Perception: 17)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=22 ; Friday October 4th, 2013 6:52:00 PM
Terser welcomes his friends back, thanks Taggart for taking first watch, and tells him he'll be up early to relieve him, then heads to bed.
Perception 22 for when he wakes up.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Sunday October 6th, 2013 12:06:26 AM
Bruagh will take middle watch.
Aftermath. Monday October 7th, 2013 1:02:03 PM
DM Post inc about 4:30 today!
Aftermath. Monday October 7th, 2013 6:53:35 PM
The Grim Guard settle back to sleep, their watches uneventful. Despite Sams best hopes, none of those with magical inclinations seem to want to spend much time on the dropped gear of the foe.
Day has come, and with it new possibilities.
You have the cipher to finish decoding the Book of Secrets. You also remember that magical wards and protections are needed to handle it safely. Other than that, the book itself, and the magics that power it, are a bit of a mystery.
Further, there is the issue of your mysterious assailants. Where did they come from? How did they find you? Perhaps, to the Grim Guard, the how and why doesn't matter as much as it might to someone else.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday October 7th, 2013 7:16:49 PM I'm sorry I didn't have the presence of thought to do it last night, but I wanted to welcome you back, Sam. You don't know how hard things are without you. I'm sorry that I helped lead to your affliction, and if there's anything I can do for you, you just have to, you know, grunt and point, I guess.
He fills Sam in on the book and what they were able to decipher, and shows him the key for the final part of the book. We put a name down, which likely led to the attack last night. It felt like someone was watching us as we wrote, so magic probably brought them here as well. We need to translate the rest, but we'll need Emerelda's protections if we are to open the book again. Good call declining the blessing, by the way. She has a...unique view of Domi's will.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Monday October 7th, 2013 7:44:28 PM
Emeralda rested, prayed to Domi for the magic she may need for the upcoming day, then went to make sure there was someone to tend the Blessings from Domi booth in her absence. She returned to the Grim Guard's tent, where she carefully made sure that Bruagh had the spells needed for protecting him from further adverse effects from deciphering the Terrible Black Tome.
OOC: I believe that Bruagh needs Bless and Protection from Evil from Emeralda's wands, followed up with Deathward from her known spells. She'll recast Consecrate on the area and then use however many Comprehend Language charges as may be needed for this bout of the translating.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Monday October 7th, 2013 8:46:39 PM
Bruagh smiles at Emeralda Everbrawl. "Thank you for coming to our aid in a time of need. That is how we have all become members of the Grim Guard. I would ask that you join us permanently. We can promised nothing aside from the Guarantee to fight evil wherever we may find it and use whatever means necessary to destroy it. That and that you will have loyal brothers and sisters with you for life regardless of how long you might choose to remain with us." The warrior holds out his hand waiting to see if the tough lass will accept.
Regardless of her choice, he will take her boons and attempt to gleen more from the texts.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 7th, 2013 11:01:55 PM
Sam pats Terser on the arm and nods. The gnome seems to have no blame to assign to any mortal aside from himself.
Sam gets Bruagh's attention, points to himself, then his eyes, and then the book.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday October 7th, 2013 11:25:12 PM
With the battle concluded, Karnas went back to the tent and opted to rest instead of continue crafting, Very possibly getting up later than usual. Once he woke the next day, he went to join the rest with the book.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 9:40:33 AM
Ooc -Can Karnas take a shot at identifying items? I offered my +3 inspire competence bonus for each roll.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 9:48:20 AM
The Oathbreaker simply waits for the more magically inclined members of the group to figure things out.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 10:41:27 AM
The emerald-hued eyes the cleric was named for grew wide at Bruagh's words.
"But...all I did...was what any cleric of Domi would do..." she pointed out, clearly flustered a bit. She looked down upon the outstretched hand. "I...I..." The young Dwarf looked up to gauge the earnestness of the warrior in front of her, then took the hand offered in a very firm grip, pumping it very enthusiastically.
"Thank you, sir, thank you!" Emeralda said excitedly, "I would be honored to become a member of the Grim Guard! Just think of all the chances we'll have to test our mettle in combat!!!" Her grin is wide as she almost shakes Bruagh's arm off his body.
The last page... Tuesday October 8th, 2013 1:06:07 PM
Using the cipher obtained by the undead, it is not hard work to decode the last of the Book of Secrets. Emeralda's wards are still necessary, although her wand of comprehend languages is not.
"Congratulations. You have survived the gift we bestowed upon you, the final key to your Book of Secrets. If you have survived, then either yourself or your forces are of such strength that we acknowledge you as a worthy affiliate."
This chapter reveals the book's expanded uses and the implementation of greater strategy to achieve advanced goals. It would seem they have methods of political impersonation, as well as manipulation. The Necromantic art they pursue also focuses on both Divine and Arcane studies, and so affiliates within both schools are constantly pursued. A lot of this work requires much back and forth between the Shadow Masters and their affiliates, so the book seems to offer a practical solution. Teleportation. It would seem that the Shadow Masters operate from a place they refer to as Dun Maar. Entry strictly requires a Book of Secrets, as the only way in is teleportation. Furthermore, all magical travel is barred to those who do not possess a Book of Secrets that has been completely deciphered.
Unfortunately, a large amount of a substance called Figmatus Residue is needed to activate that particular function of the book, and none of the Grim Guard are in possession of the stuff.
Even worse, as you decipher the writings in the last bit of the book, the last page rewrites itself even as you read it!
"You dabble with powers that shall consume you. You are resourceful to have defeated Runus and decoded his Book of Secrets, but now your meddling has ended. We have the measure of you and have locked this Book from our Halls. Find another way to pass your time."
Know Arcana Explanation, DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {After feeling the lingering presence of Divination on the book, you realize that it is a focus for Scrying. This is also likely how the undead were lead to you, with Braugh's signature acting as a catalyst for the Scry. It seems it was an automatic function however, as the Shadow Masters would not have sent you a cipher to unlock the book, knowing you weren't Runus. Now however, they appear to be aware of your actions. From the sounds of things, they have disabled the use of this Book as a key to bypass their anti-teleportation wards. }
Know Arcana Solution, DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are a few rumored "Wild Magic" zones in The Scab. You hypothesize that the Shadow Masters currently allow all Books of Secrets as a key unless a Book has been specifically blocked. By using the item in the Wild Magic zone, there is a chance that your book might not give off the same magical imprint, meaning it might not remain blocked from use. }
(Sam +2 Circumstance Bonus) Know Arcana/Craft Alchemy DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Figmatus Residue is a substance that has been connected with Mithril but isn't very well understood. Only the Gnomes, who use it frequently in their engineering and religious projects, have any idea of how to use it reliably. Even then, it is a fringe resource used by more radical Gnomish researchers.}
(Sam +2 Circumstance Bonus) Know Geography/History DC 15:Highlight to display spoiler: { There is a Gnomish mining settlement on the outskirts of The Scab named Brightnstone. They operate somewhat outside the normal balance of power in the Scab, and may be in possession of the stuff.}
Of course, what exactly this has to do with Tahni is still uncertain, but Ashtrious hasn't led you astray thus far. Perhaps the two, Tahni and The Shadow, are connected?
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday October 8th, 2013 1:15:01 PM So...has anyone heard of Dun Maar? Though it looks like we need to find and kill another necromancer to get in.
Terser has little to no idea how to proceed with this information.
DM OOC: Have faith in your men! Failing that, you are at a cultural fair with persons from several of the longest lived races on the Wold. Surely there might be someone who can help you?
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 3:35:47 PM
Ooc-Sam will be able to auto pass these checks. When I get home ill craft a way to tell you guys the details
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 8th, 2013 5:50:45 PM
(take 10 on each knowledge roll for a score of 21)
Sam jots notes down on a piece of paper.
"This book is a key. We need to find a "wild magic zone" where it can still be used to travel. First we need to find Figmatus Residue. I know of a Gnomish mining settlement on the outskirts of the Scab. We'll need it to travel and hopefully find Tahni."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday October 8th, 2013 6:39:28 PM Well that's a strange turn of events. We have a gnome that acts like a dwarf, and now one of us will need to act like a gnome to buy some of this residue stuff! I bet there's a place with maps around, think this wild magic stuff will be marked? Or is it one of those "we'll know if when we feel it things" you magic folks can sense?
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+11=31 ; Wednesday October 9th, 2013 4:57:00 AM "I think it'll be one of those things only us casters can sense. They're zones of heavy magical flux, any casting you attempt to do within them can be empowered, lessened, made to rebound upon yourself, negated entirely, or one of many other fun little traps or boons. You roll the cosmic dice and hope that it doesn't turn up with you or your ally's downfall. Although, they can be fun to experiment in. If you stick to non-lethal spells, or spells that don't adversely effect you when rebounded, it can actually be beneficial. It also applies to all enemies within, anyone who uses a fireball in a wild magic zone is asking to have it thrown back in their face."
Cark looks up at Karnas. "So, if I used my cure wand in such a place, I wouldn't be adversely affected?"
He shrugs "Not really, you might heal a enemy, or silence them, or make pink posies rain upon their head. Actually, if you ran among the enemy ranks when you cast it, it would be interesting to see if luck fancies you.|
OOC: Nat 20 on knowledge arcane check
The last page... Wednesday October 9th, 2013 10:12:56 AM DM Ken OOC:Only a couple of responses folks. Lets work to keep that missed post % down! Weve been one of the worst games for awhile in that regard.
I'll hold off until about 5 or 6 pm CST to give you all a chance to reply to the previous DM post.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday October 9th, 2013 11:43:36 AM
Cracking his knuckles loudly, the Oathbreaker chimes in with, "Will there be problems at the mine? We have gold. I do not see why they would reject it for this... whatever residue."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Wednesday October 9th, 2013 12:26:04 PM
I will trust in our magic users to lead the way.
The last page... Wednesday October 9th, 2013 5:43:21 PM
Sam accurately portrays the situation to the others. He knows the Gnomes to be protective of their settlement, but doesn't think they would be aggressive unless provoked. They are likely shrewd negotiators, having survived this long away from any real kingdom to offer them support.
While there are no documented magic zones in The Scab, anyone with spell casting ability would certainly feel amiss the second it was entered. Karnas in particular seems familiar with the phenomenon.
The Grim Guard can set out at any time. The catacombs portal at the fair still exists, and they recently acquired some items, although they are not yet all identified.
Treasure Recap:
Greatclub (Large Sized, unidentified), Wand of Magic Missiles (45 charges)(CL5), 9 Arrows (unidentified), Belt (unidentified), Cloak of Elvenkind, Headband (unidentified).
(When you all are ready to head out let me know. We can retroactively apply your catacombs purchases. Just make sure to use proper channels and update character sheets.)
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday October 9th, 2013 7:08:18 PM 'Domi's digits...a REAL adventure!!!' Emeralda thought to herself, barely suppressing her inclination to dance in place. She double-checked her gear and made arrangements to have Brother Bartholomew take over the Domi's Blessings Booth. The temple staff wasn't exactly happy to hear that the more serious cleric would be manning their space at the Stone Festival...for some odd reason, the contributions to the temple seemed to be a bit more plentiful when Emeralda was the person dispensing the blessings.
However, the clerics at the temple all agreed that aiding Lord Ironbane's daughter, Talia, by accompanying the Grim Guard was the right thing to do, so they bid her farewell and sent her along to join the doughty team of adventurers.
She passed the blessing booth on her way to join the Grim Guard before they left for their destination, waving enthusiastically at the lonely Brother Bart as he sat in solitary silence. Strange that he didn't even wave back...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday October 9th, 2013 8:56:43 PM
Sam slips back into the tent and changes into his courtier's outfit. Hopefully his clothes will represent him in a way his voice can not. The group sees him looking his best as he steps out of the tent. His official DrakesMeade patches and medal clearly represent the bard's intentions...business.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday October 9th, 2013 9:30:43 PM
Terser makes use of his education and records the treasure, remembering the excitement of a heavy purse and a shrewd deal. He is eager to sell additional loot, but manages to restrain himself until his companions figure out what the rest of it is, and decides what they would like to keep.
Otherwise, he is ready to embark again.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Thursday October 10th, 2013 12:07:54 AM
The Oathbreaker pulls his hood up around his head, adjusting his mask. He nods silently, ready to leave.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday October 10th, 2013 3:16:55 AM
Karnas looks among the group and shrugs. "We had several items we needed identified didn't we? Might as well get to it." He looks for and grabs the items, casting detect magic and identify before getting to work.
OOC: Take 10 gives 31 spellcraft for indentify, if I need higher for any items I'll roll it out.
The last page... Thursday October 10th, 2013 11:38:45 AM
DM Post today around 4:30 or 5.
The last page... Thursday October 10th, 2013 6:55:41 PM
Karnas decides to cast Identify, which greatly aids him at identifying the magical loot.
In summary, he finds a Greatclub +1 (Large size, so unusable by the Grim Guard) 9 +1 Flaming Arrows, a Belt of Dexterity +2, and a Headband of Intellect +2 (which has been keyed to the Stealth skill).
That last bit of adventure management out of the way, the Grim Guard are seem eager to set off towards Brightnstone, which Sam recalls is at least 4 days away, assuming they move at double time. Provisions might be necessary, as well as drinkable water.
(Please give me the specifics of any particular marching order, watch pairs, catacombs visits, and so forth.)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (AC 14 atm)(raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday October 10th, 2013 7:06:26 PM Does anyone lay claim to any of this? We got a shiny amulet lying around too. Otherwise, I can sell it and buy provisions out of the proceeds before splitting our shares. Just let me know.
LOOT LIST Amulet of natural armor +2 Greatclub +1 (Large Sized) Wand of Magic Missiles (45 charges)(CL5) 9 +1 Flaming Arrows Belt of Dexterity +2 Cloak of Elvenkind Headband of Intellect +2 (stealth skill)
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 10th, 2013 9:50:00 PM
Sam glances over the loot and seems disinterested. The gnome throws his pack on his back and slings his crossbow. He finds his place in the middle of the marching order and points the group in the direction of the gnomish settlement. Those who know him best notice a return of his sunny disposition. Perhaps the possibility of finding a cherished friend has his spirits up.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste d20+11=25 ; Thursday October 10th, 2013 11:05:49 PM
Bruagh either takes up point or rear guard depending on what the others do.
Perception: 25 Middle Watch.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday October 10th, 2013 11:25:48 PM
"If you're offering, good sir," Emeralda said politely, "I would humbly ask for either of the items that may boost battlefield protection. This last combat showed me that I am in need of being able to not worry about someone getting in a lucky blow during combat..."
OOC: Em is referring to possibly being granted ownership of either the Amulet of Natural Armor or the Belt of Dexterity. However, I--as the player--am well aware that this stuff is loot from before she joined, so if you're feeling generous, thanks in advance. If not, no problem.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 11th, 2013 5:50:59 AM
Karnas looks over the loot and shrugs.
Cark, meanwhile looks to the wand and then back to Karnas. "I could use the wand when healing isn't a great option." He shrugs. "You could, it would attract more hate your way though. Enemies won't like to leave a flyer that keeps pinging them alive. You'd need to stay far from the battle, and if we needed you to come in and heal you'd have all the enemies in range taking out the easy target. No, I don't think it's a good idea. A fog of some sort, or some spell to distract or mark targets would be better i think, much easier to hide it's you using it."
She looks to the wand, and then nods at Karnas. "Your right, your getting me a non-healing wand though, and soon." Karnas nods as well, then looks back to the group.
OOC: No claim on any items, will buy a obscuring mist wand, and 2 dancing light wands for 1500g total.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=31 ; Friday October 11th, 2013 9:54:06 AM ooc: The belt of dex is from this combat, so you have as much claim as anyone.
Terser jokes as Emerelda. Fine by me if you want that belt. Those of us that aren't so sturdy need to worry about avoiding the blows of the enemies, harhar.
1st watch, perception nat 20 for 31
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Friday October 11th, 2013 11:20:38 AM "I do not need anything. The Scab provided for me while I was gone."
The last page... Friday October 11th, 2013 1:16:53 PM DM Ken OOC: No post today friends, sorry.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 11th, 2013 6:49:37 PM
Ooc-Is someone keeping track of items? I'd like to drop the crossbow for a short spear of undead bane eventually.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 11th, 2013 10:05:32 PM
OOC: Copying and modfying what we last had;
Bruagh - Boots of Striding and Springing + 3408.25 gp Terser - Headband of CHA +2 + 4158.25 gp Oathbreaker - Bracers of Armor +3 + 1658.25 gp
Karnas, Devlin, Flint - 6158.25gp
The new items have a raw value of 12.185k We have 6 players I believe, so 2140g added to all, making a total of 8298.25g per character since APG transition.
If Esmeralda wants to claim the natural armor belt, she'd need to give up 1859g to be spread among the group. If she wants the dex belt, she'd only get 140g added to her character If she wants both, she needs to give the group 3859g (Other 5 members go up to 2912g for this sell, total 9070 per character since APG)
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 11th, 2013 10:10:08 PM
OOC: Also realized I don't actually have enough for all 3 wands after the crafting cost of the ring of invisibility, so sticking to the mist wand for now until I get 327 more gold
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday October 12th, 2013 12:37:33 AM
Ooc-Can Sam have Devlin's share then?
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Saturday October 12th, 2013 1:01:50 AM
OOC, mostly: uh, um...there's a Natural Armor necklace and the Dexterity belt...and, pragmatically, I suppose, having the Dex Belt is better at the moment.
I think...
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Saturday October 12th, 2013 1:09:22 AM
OOC :: Just gold from the new equipment for me.
The last page... Sunday October 13th, 2013 3:22:36 AM
DM OOC: Devlins share from the last loot left with Devlin.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Sunday October 13th, 2013 11:33:50 PM
Emeralda considered her choices for a moment.
"The belt will help me in battle..." she said with a nod, "...thank you very much. Oh, this is just SOOOO darling!!!" The Dwarf lass grinned and cinched up the belt, pirouetting rather exuberantly in place. When she stopped, she looked from face to face at the other members of the Grim Guard.
"So...shall we take our combat to the gnome city, then...?"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday October 14th, 2013 6:08:53 PM
ooc: checking in, in case I can't get online to post before midnight...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Monday October 14th, 2013 6:16:08 PM
Check
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 14th, 2013 6:25:23 PM
Check
Off to see the Gnomes Monday October 14th, 2013 8:38:00 PM
The party splits up the treasures, sells what they wish and several members pick up an item. Then, with Sam leading the way from the middle, the party sets out in the general direction of the mountain known as Sister 4. The entrance to the settlement is supposed to be hidden by sadness. Sam knows where a pair or rivers split, just before dropping off a 60' high cliff into a pool below. The tears of Sister 4 It is there, the entrance to the settlement known as Brightnstone should be found.
Provisions for the trip are acquired (Not holding us up on that, just ditch some gold and jot down what normal stuff you pick up) and you are off
The day quickly wanes and soon enough the sun begins to fall behind the western peaks, throwing the deep shadows across the rest of the Scab. The first day has passed with relative ease in stride and nothing of note to mark.
Last bit of business as far as I know Bruagh - Boots of Striding and Springing Terser - Headband of CHA +2 Oathbreaker - Bracers of Armor +3 Emerlada - Belt of Dexterity
Everyone else is Cash
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Monday October 14th, 2013 9:29:54 PM OOC: Did I miss any XP awards? Dang it--was XP given out?
Emeralda made sure that she had a decent supply of rations before setting out with the rest of the Grim Guard, chattering excitedly as they marched along:
"Has anybody ever been to this gnome city? What do you think we'll find there? I wonder what kind of food they'll have. I've heard that gnomes even make machines that cook their food for them. I remember hearing a story about one gnome who made a flying machine that could seat eight people and talk to you, too..!"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday October 15th, 2013 12:46:19 AM Last call, lads! (and lassie). If anyone wants some magic, let me know before it goes in the portal.
amulet of nat armor +2 Greatclub +1 (Large Sized) Wand of Magic Missiles (45 charges)(CL5) 9 +1 Flaming Arrows Cloak of Elvenkind Headband of Intellect +2 (stealth)
surprised Flint bought flamy arrows instead of taking these, haha.
After any other claimants, Terser heads to the catacombs portal and does his business. Bags are packed, monsters and slain, and the festival is as safe as we can make it. Now let's get out of here before we attract any more trouble to these fine folk.
Figmatus Residue
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday October 15th, 2013 3:30:42 AM
Karnas nod at Terser "Indeed, let's get this started"
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday October 15th, 2013 9:18:57 AM
The Oathbreaker cracks his knuckles, falling in line silently with the others.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:12:51 AM
Sam waits to see what spoils (gold only please) will come of the recent fight. Other than that, he decides to hold off trading his crossbow for a short spear. No sense in buying something that will get Gargul even more angry with him. At least the bolts of undead bane might keep him from being punished anymore.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Tuesday October 15th, 2013 8:53:14 PM
Check...
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday October 15th, 2013 9:54:43 PM
Emeralda imagines what it might be like if she learned to juggle penguins...
Off to see the Gnomes Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:13:49 PM
The group makes camp in s semi sheltered area, though none too sure of the location. Emeralda asks if any have been to Brightnstone, but none have. Sam has only heard vague stories of the place, but is pretty sure it does exist. He is also sure that calling it a city is wholly inaccurate, for the tales he has heard of the magical mining community of gnomes hidden beneath the tears of the 4th Sister, leads him to believe it is not a large place
Darkness falls, and the nocturnal hunters of the Scab emerge to feast upon the unwary and ill prepared. Fortunately for the Grim Guard, no such creatures find their camp this night. Perhaps the lack of a fire prevented any from noticing the slumbering group
The rising sun crests the high eastern mountains and awakens the group with the assistance of a crisp layer of dew upon you all.
The party breaks camp and continues moving
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 d20+9=16 ; Tuesday October 15th, 2013 10:58:59 PM
"We should probably make sure that we appoint different people to remain awake during different times of the night," Emeralda advises as she serves a cold breakfast made of the dried fruits, nuts and some spicy jerky from some of the rations she stocked up before leaving the Dwarven area of the Scab. "For instance, I wouldn't mind getting up a little early after getting about eight hours of uninterrupted sleep--I can pray for Domi to grant me magic in his name, help guard everyone else who may be resting AND actually cook a HOT breakfast instead of doling out granola and jerky."
OOC: NObody set watches??? Eeek! Emeralda has NO experience with this stuff, fellas! Y'all are gonna get her KILLED!!!
Oh...and her Cooking check is 16. The "cold" (as in "not benefiting from a fire") breakfast is nutritious and filling, but I bet just about everyone in the party would have preferred a nice hot meal...)
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Wednesday October 16th, 2013 4:40:38 AM
OOC: I thought watches we somewhat of a given as well, I'll admit to being equally confused. I'll post again once more people have responded.
Off to see the Gnomes Wednesday October 16th, 2013 7:32:57 AM
DM Note: I don't like to ask for watches and thereby announce that an encounter is forth coming. The Forged Woldepedia could be a good place to set up a 'standard' in this regard and the page could be referenced
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday October 16th, 2013 12:07:52 PM
OOC :: The Oathbreaker will always take the first shift unless he's really hurt.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday October 16th, 2013 1:36:08 PM
OOC: Terser will do 2nd watch. Perception is +11
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Wednesday October 16th, 2013 5:51:27 PM
Bruagh always likes 2nd shift and the front or rear of a formation. We used to have a set, standard for, ok every night when we sleep this is our watch. I guess that was a different DM and before we moved some players about.
Off to see the Gnomes Wednesday October 16th, 2013 9:48:41 PM
There has been a lot of party shifting recently. PCs left, two changed class and two new characters are now here Current watch. Keeping things simple, 8 hours of 'sleeping' Oathbreaker 1st watch Terser and Bruagh 2nd watch
The group breaks camp, enjoys a surprisingly good breakfast compliments of Emeralda, and following Terser's lead, continue for the 4th Sister. The day promises to be hot, which is pretty much like every other day in the Scab. The sun climbs and the heat and humidity climb with it. Another glorious day. The group makes good time, again with Warrd smiling upon them and allowing them to pass unnoticed through the mountains
It takes another three days for the group to reach the mountain home of the gnomes of Brightnstone and another two days of searching to find the dual waterfalls that is supposed to mark the entrance of the gnome settlement. The approach is a narrow and open section of rock, that slants steeply upward to split the waterfalls at about the midway point in their descent. Like a great ramp, it rises to a height of about 40' at nearly 15 degrees and is only 20' wide. You see no guard, wall or gate from your current position, which is about 300 yards from the start of the ramp. The approach to the ramp is also void of anything taller than a pebble.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday October 16th, 2013 10:55:52 PM
Will post when work slows down
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:45:23 AM
Emeralda is positively enthralled with the trip so far--"ooo, what's THAT???" and "what a GORgeous day!!!" are the two most often uttered sentences from the cleric of Domi as the party travels along.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 17th, 2013 3:01:49 AM
Although Sam's instinct is to take the lead, it is quickly trumped by Gargul's curse. The gnome who can speak almost any language now speaks none. The bard remains hidden amongst his Dwarven companions. Depression continues to wash over him in waves.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday October 17th, 2013 3:11:13 AM
Karnas follows with the group as well, while Cark will flies over to Sam and attempts to make telepathic conversation with him.
"I know you don't want to use me to speak aloud, but the curse will not hold for very long. You'll get your voice back, and you should be looking forward to that day instead of brooding on what you lack today. No one in this group wants to see you depressed on the trip. I know you'll likely not be able to be happy, but at the least try to make the best of it? Use the time you can't speak to seek alternate ways of communication or expression?"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:16:31 AM
Indeed--Sam often finds the young cleric of Domi looking at him with a tilted head and a pensive look.
As she serves him breakfast, Emeralda takes the opportunity to directly address the gnome:
"Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to help you with your...laryngitis? I've only been given the vaguest idea of the reason for your lack of voice...you made Gargul mad at you, or something...?" She shrugs. "I'm not a cleric of his temple--but I am a cleric...are you sure that I can't attempt some sort of interdiction on your behalf..?"
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+15=19 ; Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:28:27 AM
Sam nods and forces a smile, but says nothing. (Bluff=19 on a +15 roll...yikes)
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 17th, 2013 5:38:24 AM
As the cleric of Domi offers Sam help with his "throat problem" he looks quite angry. Unable to fire a scathing retort, the gnome does something for the first time since cursed. Sam looks Emeralda in the eye, opens his mouth, and jets his golden tongue out at her. With his face red and shaking, he lets out a screeching yell as he points at his tongue. The gnome promptly puts his tongue in his mouth and stomps away.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Thursday October 17th, 2013 12:07:07 PM
The Oathbreaker lets out a sigh, looking over to Braugh. "Stormbringer, talk to the gnome. We need him if we are going to get anywhere in this place."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 59/101 -- Mage Armor, Haste Thursday October 17th, 2013 6:18:11 PM
Bruagh gives a look to Edmerelda that begs for patience and understanding for his friend Sam.
The Dwarven Warrior puts his arm around Sam's shoulder and says nothin, knowing words will only bring the once glib bard to anger.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday October 17th, 2013 6:52:48 PM
Seeing no reason to conceal themselves, as they are approaching peacefully, Terser volunteers to lead the way up the path, if Bruagh is bringing up the rear. He calmly tosses a gold coin up and down in the air, hoping to convey the impression that they are there for business.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC19/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday October 17th, 2013 7:06:50 PM
Emeralda is quite startled by the sight of Sam's tongue, doing naught but blinking, wide-eyed, as the bard stomps away. When Bruagh begs her understanding, the Dwarf lass bows her head.
"I would understand a LOT more if I knew what was going on," she pointed out the obvious, "However, it's now very clear to me that I am not worthy of Sam's trust in spite of my proven conduct in battle. I shall not offer my help to him on this matter, nor mention it again. I will be happy to listen to anyone else if they feel like actually telling me what's going on." The normally-chatty young lady gathers up her mess kit, wipes it clean and stows it away, then goes on to make sure all of her personal equipment is properly packed up before the group continues on its way.
"This looks like the way in..." Emeralda announced as the ramp revealed itself. "...shall we just walk up and try knocking on the door...?" The inexperienced Dwarf walked over to the ramp, carefully starting up the walkway...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 17th, 2013 8:50:28 PM
Knowledge local (or whatever knowledge check is needed)= auto 21.
Does Sam know any helpful details regarding entering the gnome's settlement? Do they welcome guests or does he anticipate a problem?
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 17th, 2013 8:55:45 PM
Sam calms with Bruagh's familiar presence. He gestures towards Emeralda after she declares not knowing the story of Sam's affliction.
Off to see the Gnomes Thursday October 17th, 2013 10:59:45 PM
A small misunderstanding occurs as Emeralda offers Sam her assistance in curing him of the sentence handed down by Gargul. Bruagh is able to calm Sam and Emeralda again asks for more detail to on what happened.
Sam can think of nothing special about gaining entrance to the settlement. The gnomes of Brightnstone are are fairly private group as a whole.
Terser takes the lead and pulls a coin from his pocket, hoping to convey the groups intentions of their visit. Emeralda comes up right with him and the entire group heads up the ramp and to the entrance of Brightnstone. As you ascend the ramp the sounds of the pouring waterfall drowns out all but shouting. It is not until you are nearly at the top that you can see the gates. They are recessed into the mountainside about 15' and are themselves 15' wide. The gates themselves appear to be a combination of granite and iron, bound in oak as its frame. Standing at a small podium dressed in a bright canary yellow tunic, with deep red pants, thigh high black boots and a lime green hat with a great white feather, is a gnome. His face is clean shaven, he wears a multitude of rings, an earring, and has a necklace of pearls. He holds a quill and a pleasant expression.
"Welcome to the gates of Brightnstone master dwarves. I am required to record your names, your purpose of visit, your affiliations and clan allegiance, how long you request to stay, your origination point, if you are carrying any foreign animals plants or fruits, your armaments and how you came to hear of our fair halls." His voice is pleasant and carries a delightful meter to it that conveys to you that he is truly interested in everything he has asked and what you may have to say.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 18th, 2013 1:16:02 AM
Sam waits to follow Bruagh's lead.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-5 L3- 4): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP18/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 18th, 2013 5:42:59 AM
Karnas shrugs at the gate guard. "I'm Karnas, a Apprentice of the Sage's guild, Here with this group in search of means to stop a couple necromancers that have caused us a world of problems. We shouldn't be here long. My Familiar is unique and might classify under something foreign, and I'm a sorcerer." Cark, during the conversation was sitting on Karnas's shoulder looking directly at the guard as her long tail wagged slowly behind Karnas's back. "And I'm damn proud of being unique. And either both of us go in or neither of us do."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Friday October 18th, 2013 3:44:13 PM
While he isn't much one for talking, the cloaked dwarf will edge closer to Esmerelda. "Apologies, lady Esmerelda. We are not a group that is known for our... friendliness. During our last outing, we were called before Gargul and Domi after reviving one of our allies. As punishment for disrespecting the God of Death, many of us were given... curses, for lack of a better word." He gestures to his own knee, which pains him with every step.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 18th, 2013 4:25:55 PM
Sam pulls out paper and neatly scribes the required information. He then steps forward and hands the paper to the gnome. He nods to the gnome and takes his place in the middle of the group.
Sam Snapdragon McFisticuff I am a scribe and interpreter of DrakesMeade Aside from DrakesMeade the only allegiance to a "clan" is the group of dwarves that you see before you We are here to purchase Figmatus Residue to save friend who was taken by necromancers We would stay only long enough to acquire what we need No foreign foods or animals with me I carry a crossbow I came to hear of this place from my travels as a bard
(Sam is wearing his DrakesMeade courtier's outfit with appropriate jewelry for positive NPC reactions. The outfit has patches with DrakesMeade's crest and his position. Also, he wears the medal the group earned for retaking Drakesmeade. His belt of dwarvenkind gives him +2 reactions from gnomes.)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday October 18th, 2013 5:16:30 PM Terser, furious warrior, bearer of the Wyvern's Bane Glaive (until I can come up with a better name, that is). Also, a knife. No affiliation aside from my companions here, and no curious animals or fruits, though my ceremonial carved holly twig may be considered exotic. I believe Sam communicated the rest of the information you need. I intend to make a fair trade for the residue we wish to purchase.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 18th, 2013 5:46:20 PM
While at the gnome settlement, Sam will keep his eyes open for any face that might jog his memory of his past.
The gates of Brightnstone Saturday October 19th, 2013 1:34:23 PM
The gnome nods and dutifully writes everything that is presented to him in response to his questions. He has a form within the ledger upon the podium and each person gets a few pages with plenty of 'Official Information only below this line' sections. He gives a smile to Cark and enters additional information into the ledger. With a smile, the gnome at the gates has many follow up questions for Karnak as to the nature of his magical gifts with regards to both capacity and capability. Sam receives a brief narrowing of the eyes from the gnome as he hands him the paper upon which he wrote everything down. But he copies the information into the ledger dutifully
In all, the process takes about 3 hours. Finally complete, the gnome closes the ledger and puts it away in a beautiful hard leather case and snaps a small silver locket on it to secure it. The case is connected with a long wide strap and the gnome puts it across one shoulder. Smiling, he nods to the party, "Thank you for your cooperation. I will submit your information and request and you may expect a response within the next few days. Please set up your camp at the base of the ramp. Good day master dwarves."
He stays where he is, waiting for the group to withdraw down the ramp.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Saturday October 19th, 2013 4:37:09 PM "What?" the Oathbreaker barks out. "We have to wait?"
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday October 19th, 2013 7:15:12 PM
Sam shakes his head in disgust and heads down the ramp.
"The dwarves can fight this one out. Maybe I'll have to sneak in later tonight."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Sunday October 20th, 2013 1:52:56 PM
Emeralda is bemused.
"Wow...I didn't realized that gnome society is so...regimented," she commented, then turned to the others. "So...any requests for dinner..? I have the makings for a fine pot of spicy stew..."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Sunday October 20th, 2013 2:32:35 PM I know you have your ways, but don't debate for too long. Lives may hang in the balance of us completing our business here.
To Emerelda, Terser indicates that the more spice, the better.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Sunday October 20th, 2013 11:06:13 PM
Bruagh considers arguing but decides it is better to get in late than not at all.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday October 21st, 2013 1:09:02 PM
OOC: Bruagh's posting header is still showing his former injured and enchanted state. He should have full hit points and not be enchanted by now, since it's days after the battle...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Monday October 21st, 2013 3:44:14 PM OOC: Thanks. Call it inattention or posting from a mobile phone way to often. Either way, thanks for the heads up and my apologies.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday October 21st, 2013 6:07:49 PM
Mmmmm, stew.
ooc: check
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday October 21st, 2013 7:19:09 PM
Karnas shrugs. "So i'll have a couple days to catch up on crafting, i'm fine with that"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday October 21st, 2013 8:44:34 PM
"So...who's going to get the wood for the fire..?" the Dwarf lass asks brightly as she moves to the end of the ramp, casting about to see the likeliest place to set up the cookfire. After she finds it, she shrugs off her backpack and digs into it, producing her large gourmet cooking kit, from which she assembles the cauldron on its tripod.
"Water first, of course!" Emeralda chimes with a smile, using the contents of one of her waterskins. She looks around, her eyes falling upon the silent Sam. "Here--please do me a favor and fill that back up with water..? I have some jerky I need to chop..." Without waiting to see the gnome's reaction, Emeralda more or less pushes the empty waterskin into his hands and then turns to tend to preparing the meat that is soon to be stewed, humming as she bent to her task.
Near The gates of Brightnstone Monday October 21st, 2013 9:04:26 PM
The gnome acknowledges Terser with a polite nod, "I will convey your urgency master Terser."
Sam contemplates a possible visit by stealth later, but as he looks at the wall to wall floor to ceiling 15' square gate of wood, rock and iron, how to get in unseen does not present itself.
The group pulls back and sets up camp and begins the process of waiting on an answer to their petition to enter Brightnstone
The day passes peacefully and the night settles onto the land
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday October 21st, 2013 9:44:11 PM
The masked dwarf breathes loudly at the gnome, following his companions in furious silence.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 21st, 2013 11:51:38 PM
Sam, obviously annoyed with the new cleric, tosses his bag and crossbow down and grabs up the waterskin. Before he leaves, with a crossbow bolt, he carves the words "not the group waterBOY" into the ground. He stomps off in search of the water.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=12 ; Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 12:24:24 AM
Terser tries to make himself comfortable, and after he eats, settles down in an area smoothed of rocks and debris to nap until his watch begins at midnight.
nat 1 perception for my watch.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 4:24:41 AM
IF Sam makes it back to camp with water, he will set up his bedroll for the night and go to sleep. As usual, he'll not take a watch.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+14=23 ; Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:40:59 AM
Perception for watch: 23
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 1:27:36 PM
Bruagh will take the time to answer any questions Esmerelda has about the Grim guard and apologize for the gruffness of some members. He will also take second watch per the norm.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 d20+6=19 Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 3:01:09 PM OOC: by the way, I considered Emeralda as "taking 20" in producing this batch of stew, as there wasn't anything that was in the area which appeared to be pressing the group for time. I trust the DM will let me know if Emeralda needs to roll for the outcome of her stew anyway.
The cheerful cleric of Domi mentally notes that Sam is still persisting in feeling sorry for himself and does nothing but thank him very much for his helpfulness in assisting to make sure that the entire group has a nice hot meal. When the stew is ready to be served, she asks Sam for his mess kit that she may give him the first bowl of stew from the pot. If he has no mess kit, she will use her own and serve him the bowl of stew. Then she will make sure that everyone else has stew to eat before taking some for herself...especially if she has to wait until she gets her own bowl back from Sam.
During the meal, Emeralda continues her habit of chatting away, especially since Bruagh seems so amenable to conversing with her.
"I am hoping to understand all of you more," the Dwarf lass readily admits, "I was a kitchen servant from the time I could walk until I reached my majority, and then I received my calling from Domi, so I went from the kitchen to the Temple without having any real chance at getting to truly talk to people. I have missed so much about how the Wold works and our peoples' place in it. I need to know about what happened to you all so that I can best help out." She sighs.
"And I'm hoping to bring the word of Domi by trial through battle," Emeralda added, "It was SOOOO exciting that night at the Festival...even if it was over far too soon..."
After the meal, Emeralda makes sure to wash out the empty cauldron and, recalling how the undead had tried to get the drop on the group before, casts Consecrate on the area of the camp before setting up her place to sleep. Her anticipated watch will start before dawn, after she's rested and will be up to pray for new spells for the day. OOC: Rolled 19 Perception for her watch.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 6:38:18 PM
After having some time to think, Sam returns in a slightly more neutral mood. He nods as he gives Emeralda the water and accepts the meal with a smile. After eating, Sam goes to his backpack and removes a small wooden box. He walks over to the cleric and presents it to her. Inside she sees that it is filled with homemade taffy. He offers the entire gift to her along with a handshake.
Ooc-box of taffy is a GG Christmas prize
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d100=10 ; Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 9:42:23 PM
Karnas would have spent the day within his crafting realm, coming out for dinner and the eventual rest, getting another day's work in on the ring.
OOC: Rolled a 10 or below, so there's a fey encounter in the crafting realm that may or may not do something to the ring that may or may not be helpful.
Near The gates of Brightnstone Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:26:13 PM
At camp, Sam keeps his temper when Emeralda hands him a skin for water. The river from the twin falls is within 100' and it is simple enough to fill the skin in the icy swift river. Upon his return, Sam makes the offer of a gift to the groups new Domi cleric. Karnas takes out his Stylus made from the Ishgara Tree, and after drawing a portal upon the stone, steps into the realm of the fey to work on his crafting. While he works, the forge flares to life on its own and peeking out is a slender head with the features of an elf, yet far more pronounced. Even as Karnas registers what it is he is looking at, the creature leaps out and scampers up on top of the table. It stands at perhaps, 8 inches tall and appears to be made entirely of flame, similar to a tiny fire elemental. It looks with woder and curiosity at the ring upon the table before Karnas.
Meanwhile in the really real Wold, the night passes without incident, and soon enough, another day dawns. The meal prepared the former kitchen maid is quite tasty, though fire is hard to come by as wood supplies are quite shy on the open terrain. The scrub brush can indeed burn, but cannot obtain the temperatures for long term cooking and so she improvises
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 10:48:33 PM
Karnas looks with interest at the elemental as it hops from the forge to the table. He remain working, but would slow down a bit to converse with his new guest. "Hello there being of fire, welcome to my little workstation. How are you? I'm just working on a little gift for a friend of mine, to keep her from danger and me from her mother's vengeance if I let her come to serious harm."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 12:08:51 AM "Who wants to go and ask the gnome if we are allowed in yet?"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:33:58 PM If I know their type, they won't count it in our favor if we rush their bureaucracy. We can wait out here another day or so, and have a bath in the stream perhaps, to present a better face to our hosts.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 4:57:29 PM
Bruagh enjoys them meal and even takes Terser's advice in taking a bath. His patience are wearing thin knowing that Tahni is in trouble and they are doing nothing, but he keeps his emotions in check as best he can.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 7:12:35 PM
Sam quietly sorts his options.
1.-invisible stealth 2.-mind control and enter 3.-sit and wait
Option 3 it is. The gnome hums a dwarven ballad throughout the day to keep spirits high.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday October 23rd, 2013 11:29:10 PM
"Why, thank you very much, Sam!" Emeralda's smile lit her face as she accepted the box from the gnome. "I'm glad to see that you're in a forgiving sort of mood." She put the box to one side as she assessed the state of getting more cooking fuel.
"We're mighty scarce on deadwood," she acknowledged the obvious, "So the next best thing is have somebody skilled in survival poke around the terrain for...um...dried scat." She shrugged. "Believe it or not, it makes a very efficient fuel...as long as it's completely dry."
Near The gates of Brightnstone Thursday October 24th, 2013 7:30:32 AM
Taggart mentions heading up to the gates to see if the group can come in and Terser cautions not rushing the gnomes. Sam thinks about his options of penetrating the settlement, but decides patience will be his course for now. Emeralda sets herself to solving the fuel issue, dried scat. It can be found and in poking about it is also discovered that the Grim Guard is certainly not the first group to set up camp here. Evidence is found here and there that small groups have set up upon the rock quiet often. There are no signs of what one might think of as recent activity, say within 60 days.
Karnas cordially greets the creature that has stepped from his forge and continues to ply his magical craft to the ring. The creature moves to get a better look what the dwarf is doing, but says nothing. The fire dancing about its body is subdued and low as if the embers of a long sitting fire.
The day passes and night falls again, which in turn passes peacefully and awakens to a new day.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+10=27 ; Thursday October 24th, 2013 10:53:05 AM Perhaps I'll find some fresh meat along with our alternative fuel source. And I don't mind helping with the cooking as well. I seem to be finding out all sorts of new things about myself since my reincarnation.
Survival 27
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Thursday October 24th, 2013 9:21:03 PM
Pi am sick. No post.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday October 24th, 2013 11:06:23 PM
"Why, thank you, Terser," the Dwarf lass says with a smile, "Any help with the meals is always appreciated!" Emeralda turned her attention back to her supplies on hand: the cooking kit came with the basic spices, but it would be up to her to be able to make the supply of trail rations more palatable--fresh food would go a LONG way to doing that...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 25th, 2013 2:57:37 AM
Sam passes the time by thinking about his situation.
"When will Gargul lift these curses? We've done so much for him and are about to further his cause again..."
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday October 25th, 2013 5:49:48 AM
Karnas keeps crafting within the realm. If the elemental wanted to watch he could go ahead.
Near The gates of Brightnstone Friday October 25th, 2013 8:56:46 AM
Terser moves about the area and is able to discover several things, even on the rather barren rock. The area has definitely been camped in by multiple other groups, likely wagoner caravans from the evidence he finds. There are no signs of violence anywhere and he also discovers a family of fox, quail and rabbits, as well as evidence that goats make their way to the river now and again. At another time of year, the river may even be a spawning ground for fish, but for now it is free of them and only will be providing water for the group
Karnas continues to work and the fire creature continues to watch. When he feels the need to withdraw from the fey forge the creature of fire stays right on the table.....
Around midday, a pigeon lands in the camp with a note attached to its leg. ''The petition to enter Brightnstone has been granted to the Dwarven group of Drakensmeade and clan Ironbane. "
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday October 25th, 2013 12:29:34 PM Hmm. No reason to sleep outside for another day if we've been allowed entrance. It may be too late to consider this, but do we have anything as an entry gift? Would a brace of quail be appreciated by a settlement of gnomes, Sam? I'm afraid I don't know too much of your race.
Unless someone offers a better suggestion, Terser puts together the extra cleaned and prepped quail as a gift to their soon to be hosts. He stores the feathers in his bag in case they may be of some use.
Near The gates of Brightnstone Friday October 25th, 2013 2:31:23 PM
OOC DM Post will come later on Sunday.......
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 (David Feest Posting) Friday October 25th, 2013 4:57:11 PM
Bruagh repacks his kit and shoulders his pack. Waiting time is over and now it is time to get inside and see what can be seen. He shrug's at the question of a gift. They had been allowed passage It was time to go. He starts the walk up the ramp to the gate. Weapons sheathed, shield slung and fresh washed face ready to greet their Gnomish hosts.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Friday October 25th, 2013 9:09:36 PM "We are about to purchase something that is likely rather expensive from them. That is gift enough." The masked dwarf's rage is thinly veiled as he stomps along up to the gate with his allies.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday October 25th, 2013 11:19:25 PM That isn't quite how associations with merchants works. A gift may smooth the way, and something as simple as this which costs us nothing may gain us a great deal of goodwill.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Friday October 25th, 2013 11:28:53 PM
"How about some of this taffy...?" Emeralda asks, holding up the box Sam had given her. "I was saving it for dessert, but if you think the group can benefit from using it as a gift, Terser, then it's likely wisest to use it that way..."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday October 25th, 2013 11:41:16 PM
Sam frowns at Emeralda's suggestion, but hides his disapproval as best he can. If only the gnome could speak. This transaction would go so much smoother than it will be when handled by the battle-hardened dwarves.
"Here we go."
Sam hides himself within the Grim Gaurd as they enter the the gnome settlement.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Sunday October 27th, 2013 5:56:19 PM
Karnas ducks out of the crating realm when finished, bringing his supplies and such back out as per normal. Cark,waiting outside perks up as she sees him. "We've been allowed in." Karnas nods, and heads with the group into the gnome city
Inside the gates of Brightnstone Monday October 28th, 2013 9:20:06 AM
The camp is broken down and the the group heads up the ramp to the gates of Brightnstone. On the way, the idea of presenting a gift of goodwill is broached and discussed. A brace of rabbit or quail perhaps suggests Terser. Emeralda considers aloud the taffy presented to her as a gift from Sam. Regifting being something the gnome bard is not in favor of. He is also leery of the dwarves being the forefront of the next few days. Taggarts attitude that the gnomes should be grateful someone has arrived to purchase something from them as gift enough helps deepen that opinion. Sam makes himself as small as he can within the company.
The gates are closed as they come into view. When the group arrives within 15' there is a deep groaning of stone and sliding metal from just inside as massive braces are moved from their place. The process takes nearly a minute. The right side gate then swings open towards you to allow a single medium sized creature to slide through sideways. Light, as bright as day, streams through the opening from within stinging your eyes briefly as you slip in.
You stand in a good sized hall just beyond the 3 foot thick doors. The floor has a tile overlay of shades of blue. The width is about 12, with an arching ceiling to a pinnacle of 30 and the length is nearly 40 by rough estimation. At the end is another impressive gate of stone and ore in a wooden frame. About the hall are wash basins, tables, chairs, and even bunks and fire pits. In the center of the hall is a great chandelier and single source of the room's illumination.
Standing a respectful 15' from you is a pair of gnomes. One dressed similar to the first gnome the party met just outside. He holds a book open in one hand and a quill in the other. The second gnome is dressed in a wool shirt of grey with a black leather vest, tanned cloth pants, and soft boots. His beard is neatly trimmed and he has no moustache or hat. His hands are clasped neatly behind him and stands as if a soldier at ease. The man with the book steps forward and hands the book and quill to an unseen being, which brings the book to the party facing the group.
"Welcome master dwarves of Drakensmeade and clan Ironbane." speaks the gnome who was holding the book moments ago. "Before you is the accepted and expected code of conduct. Upon completing it, please sign as an indication of your understanding. If you have any questions, there is a bell in the east wall. Food water and additional supplies are available for purchase during your stay in the hall if you wish or you may source your own, listing are on the tables. When you are finished reviewing the accepted and expected code of conduct, place the book in the alcove of the western wall. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated. Are there any questions to this point?"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday October 28th, 2013 12:59:01 PM
Terser reads through the items, making note of anything that seems strange or out of place that he should discuss with the rest of the group.
Have you an official quartermaster or liaison? I bring a gift of the bounty of the wilds for your gracing us with entry into your fine halls. Other than that, we only need to know who is in charge of the sale of the residue that we seek.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 28th, 2013 3:06:31 PM
Sam follows along as Terser begins the search for the residue. He eyes the wares in the market as the dwarven warrior questions gnomes.
ooc-Does this market give me Catacombs access? I'd like to sell my crossbow setup for a short spear.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 (David Feest Posting) Monday October 28th, 2013 4:23:31 PM " Is that code written in the common tongue so that we can all read it? If not can we have a translation so that there are no misunderstandings?" Bruagh keeps his voice even. The delay is grating on his nerves but he knows honey will do him more good than vinegar here and so he does not let it show. If the code is in common he will read it and if nothing jumps out at him as against his grain he will sign it.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday October 28th, 2013 5:02:11 PM
The Oathbreaker will wait for a few others to sign it before doing so himself.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 28th, 2013 5:30:10 PM
Sam reads the rules before signing.
(Forgot about that part)
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday October 28th, 2013 6:37:20 PM OOC: Why am I suddenly seeing Sam as one part of a dwarf/gnome Centipede...? ;D
Emeralda, too, makes it a point to read the rules--it was only wise to try to make sure that a person new about local rules and customs if you were visiting their city...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday October 28th, 2013 7:57:50 PM
Sam tries to remember any horror stories of unfortunate souls who have broken rules at this settlement. (Knowledge: local=21)
Ooc-Not going to lie. The gnome-dwarven centipede...I'm kind of disturbed.
With that being said, Sam does have a very cool belt of dwarvenkind. He might seem kind of "dwarfy" for being a gnome.
Inside the gates of Brightnstone Monday October 28th, 2013 9:09:08 PM
Terser takes the book and quickly notes 3 very important things, it is in common, it is a lengthy read and there are small ribbons denoting a section for each of them. Each person's section Is about 50 pages of tight neat penmanship with a signatory line for his or her name specifically. As Terser reads the section entitled with his name, he notes there are specifics in the wording that would not pertain to the others. With specific weapons are listed, the ability to increase his strength and other such things. At the base, it seems to be normal stuff, but the wording is very deliberate and very much spelled out and will take a couple hours for each person to truly read.
Assuming the group is going to actually read the document, the two gnomes leave. They do answer Terser before leaving, "upon signing the code of conduct, you will be granted access to Brightnstone and will be freely able to seek what trade of purchase has brought you. "
The book covers what might be considered normal in any settlement, no fighting, spell casting, coercion and various criminal activities. Again it is just extremely specific to each character. The thing that stands out is about magic and that at no time without expressed and authorized written permission is any character allowed to cast any spell or activate any item that duplicates any magical affect known or otherwise, including potions, personal spells and magic objects that do not require activation to bestow an affect upon the wearer.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday October 28th, 2013 11:00:27 PM
Karnas would read his portion of the book, attempting to get through it fairly quickly, and finding the contradictions fairly amusing, as he looks to Sam. "Is it fairly normal for the gnome's you've known to make rules with contradictions in them? Seems like requiring that no one activate persistent magic items is redundant given they are very likely already active. Do they mean they want us to remove any persistent items.?" Regardless, he'll sign the book contradictions and all.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday October 29th, 2013 2:24:49 AM
Emeralda's eyes widened as she read the passage specifically written for her.
"What?" she gasped. "I may not heal someone if they need healing? Nor consult with Domi through the use of the magic he grants???"
She clearly looked unhappy with this.
"How are we supposed to obtain permission and from whom is this permission to be granted..?" the young cleric of Domi asked out loud.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday October 29th, 2013 10:37:15 AM "Hopefully we will not be here long enough to deal with any of this," the masked dwarf growls. "Let's just buy what we have come for and get out."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday October 29th, 2013 12:06:53 PM We'll just have to take care not to get hurt. I'm sure our hosts will take good care of us. Though we should clarify that point, I don't intend to remove my belt, though I am willing to peace tie my weapon. That should satisfy these rules of theirs.
Terser looks for some way to call back the greeters once everyone has read so they can ask their questions before signing.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 (David Feest Posting) Tuesday October 29th, 2013 7:03:57 PM
Bruagh reads his section. Other than not killing others, not doing anything normally considered evil he has no restrictions. All of the magical gear he wears is "always on"and so cannot be activated. He signs his name and is prepared to enter the city.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday October 29th, 2013 7:53:54 PM
Emeralda is clearly less-than-thrilled at the rules restrictions, but--since all the group IS there for is that ingredient--she yields to the majority opinion and signs her section of the book.
"And no blessings..!" she mourned with a sigh. "I may not test possible converts by giving out Blessings of Domi...oh, the waste of it all...!"
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Tuesday October 29th, 2013 10:18:54 PM
Checking in... I am back... and thanks to David F for posting for me while I was getting poked and prodded by the docs.
The Settlement of Brightnstone Tuesday October 29th, 2013 10:35:23 PM
Karnas reads through his section as does everyone else and once he digests the meaning of the nearly 25 pages of legal description of precisely what can and cannot be done with regards to magic and magic items, he is convinced that there is no contradiction in the text, but that in fact the gnomes expect the party to remove and store all magic items.
Emeralda wonders aloud whom they might speak with about acquiring permission on casting spells and wearing magic items, there is no answer
Terser remembers the bell in the eastern wall was mentioned by the gnome to be used if the group had questions. The magic items seemed to fit that bill along with Emeralda's question. Shortly after The bell chimes, the plain clothes gnome arrives from the doors in which the party entered the hall.
"Yes master dwarves, a question or clarification I can assist you with?"
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday October 30th, 2013 1:06:36 AM
Sam gets the "idea" of the rules. His focus...Tahni. Confident in the Grim Guard's ability to adapt, Sam signs the book without posing a question.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Wednesday October 30th, 2013 5:50:11 AM
Karnas shrugs at the rules. Removing his items wouldn't be so bad, he was still a formidable caster even without them.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday October 30th, 2013 12:08:10 PM I suppose everything is in order. Where may we store our things? Or should we leave one of our party here to keep them while we conduct our business? Perhaps Emerelda would like to stay out where she can commune with Domi at will.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Wednesday October 30th, 2013 10:39:01 PM
If any person decides not to enter, Bruagh will stay with them. He will not leave anyone alone.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday October 30th, 2013 10:51:13 PM
"Please, sir," Emeralda piped up, "I take it from your legal forms that I may not heal someone if they need healing? Nor consult with Domi through the use of the magic he grants...unless we get permission to do so beforehand. How are we supposed to obtain permission and from whom is this permission to be granted..?" She looked quite earnestly at the bureaucrat in front of her.
"I'm going to miss not being able to dispense blessings of Domi..." the brunette sighed, unconsciously cracking her knuckles.
The Settlement of Brightnstone Thursday October 31st, 2013 1:05:11 AM
The gnome smiles politely at Emeralda, a litany that she surmises he has heard before. "After you have signed, you will want to petition the Department of Divinational Disciplines. They are wholly prepared to to engage you at any level and meet your particular needs to the limits of Brightnstone law while within the settlement. As to magical items and other such pieces of your wardrobe, Your armor may be left on, but any removal stowable equipment such as rings, belts, gloves, boots, cloaks and the like should be stowed in a bag, sack or other portable compartment. You may rectify this by obtaining a writ of wearable authorization from the Enhanced Equipment Guild, If you seek permission of magical use in granted through capabilities not attributed to faith and devotion to a Power or divine being, than you will want to make an appointment with the Appellate of Arcane Articulation."
The gnome takes the book and briefly leafs through it for everyone's signature. Finding all in order, he whistles twice. "The interior doors will open shortly. Thank you and enjoy your stay" With that, he turns he departs the hall how he came, which is back through the front gates.
Upon his exit with the book, the front gates close and the inner gates open. The party finds the area beyond far less bright, with lanterns hung from various posts. The settlement has been built into the outer walls of a sizable cavern. Ahead of you some 200' is what appears to be 2 large three story inns with outer barns for wagons and steeds. beyond them to the left and right are other buildings of varying size. Two of them with predominant signs, one of an open book, the other with an altar and candle.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday October 31st, 2013 8:25:18 AM
Sam examines both signs. (Knowledge:whatever=21 or 22 if arcana)
If he has no idea of where to go, he'll follow Bruagh's lead as always.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday October 31st, 2013 11:53:30 AM I don't think we'll be here long enough to worry about applying to wear our items. We appreciate your hospitality, but have matters of grave import to attend to. Can you direct us to the merchant who is in charge of the residue?
Terser stores his belt, headband, amulet, cloak, and ring in his bag for the duration of his stay.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Thursday October 31st, 2013 2:17:11 PM
The Oathbreaker's head swims as the gnome babbles on about what's going on in the settlement. He leaves this up to the more verbose and intelligent members of the group.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Friday November 1st, 2013 12:14:40 AM OOC: Dang it! I was busy with a Halloween party and got home too late. Sigh.
Emeralda shakes her head to clear it of the fuzziness that invaded right after the helpful gnome said "After..." She, too, is happy to let someone else lead the way to where the group needs to go.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday November 1st, 2013 5:55:26 AM
Karnas nods and puts all of his magical items in his backpack, then heads with the group inside
The Settlement of Brightnstone Friday November 1st, 2013 2:56:57 PM
The group complies with the gnomes instructions and removes non armor magic items and stows them in various sacks and bags. Nodding to Terser his understanding of the question, the gnome points towards the two Inns. "You will want to acquire quarters. I will send a the appropriate personnel to begin processing your request." He smiles and dips his head, "Anything else master dwarves?"
Sam is pretty sure the sign of the Book indicates the Appellate of Arcane Articulation and the sign with the altar is where the Department of Divinational Disciplines can be found.
The group is able to book several comfortable rooms at either inn and find that they are currently the only guests in Brightnstone. Each 2 room suite has a private bath and sleeps 4 comfortably in individual full sized beds. Rooms come with 2 meals and 2 drinks at the cost of 5gp/night
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday November 1st, 2013 8:58:52 PM
Without saying a word (obviously), Sam heads towards the Appellate of Arcane Articulation.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Friday November 1st, 2013 10:40:57 PM
Bruagh follows after Sam.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Saturday November 2nd, 2013 11:19:45 AM
ooc: what time of day is it? I don't think we want to stay - just buy our stuffs and jet, though this is seeming unlikely.
Terser heads off to the merchant's district, wishing to conduct his business sooner rather than later. Despite growing up around people who are set in their ways, the gnomes' regulations are more bother than they are worth, and the sooner they can accomplish their task and leave, the better.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Saturday November 2nd, 2013 1:18:12 PM
The Oathbreaker storms out of his room, standing before the group before they leave and yelling, "What in blazes are we doing getting rooms? We need to buy this stuff and leave, before our luck catches up with us. I would rather stay outside this place with our magic than in here without it. Why are we buying up room at the inn if we are just here to buy something?" The masked dwarf lets out a huff, clearly in a terrible mood.
"If our enemies find out we are here, they will not hesitate to strike. They have the ability to teleport - what is stopping them from popping in here and storming this place? Or appearing in the middle of it and wreaking havoc? I doubt necromancers will care about some silly gnomish law... No offense meant," he grumbles, looking sideways at Sam.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday November 2nd, 2013 4:43:03 PM
Sam stops at Taggart's remark and whips out a sheet of paper. The bard quickly scribbles a message and hands it to the Dwarf. He then continues on.
The paper reads:If you know of a "magical residue shop" let us know. Otherwise, we're going to have to ask around.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Sunday November 3rd, 2013 10:19:33 PM
Bruagh will try to speak on Sams behalf should the need arise.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Sunday November 3rd, 2013 10:31:11 PM
Karnas shrugs. "Well, I'm not good at gathering information. I could send Cark with you guys to see if her telepathy might help, but perhaps I'll just go find a room and finally finish the items I've been working on. I'd like to get it done already."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday November 4th, 2013 5:06:47 AM
"Master Taggart has a bit of a point there," Emeralda agreed, "Now that we are inside the city, it seems odd that we'd need to remain for any longer than necessary to get that ingredient and then we can go. How about we try finding the shop first and then see if we'll be needing to rent out rooms..? That sounds like it's a wiser way to do this..." She blinked, looking around expectantly.
The Settlement of Brightnstone Monday November 4th, 2013 12:22:44 PM
It is an hour or two before sunset, reading through the book took each of you about 90 minutes.
Looking about the cavern in which you stand you can see 2 Inns and 2 other buildings with markings on them in the form of signs. The Book indicates the Appellate of Arcane Articulation and the sign with the altar is where the Department of Divinational Disciplines can be found. What you do not see or hear is anything resembling a merchant building let alone a district. Aside from a gnome leaning against the door jab of each Inn, there is no one in sight. The cavern extends further back into the mountain at least 300 yards with small unobtrusive buildings built into the walls along either side. Some at ground level and some above.
Moving down the chamber, the rest of the group spies one other building with a sign, this one is in plain common 'Enhanced Equipment Guild'.
Sam heads to the Appellate of Arcane Articulation with Bruagh right beside him. He finds the door unlocked and as he touches it to knock or open it, the door swings freely inward to reveal a small cozy room with a desk, 2 chairs, a full bookshelf a lit lantern and single door exit. As you enter a disembodied voice says in a pleasant tone. "Please be seated and sign in on the ledger. The Honorable Glipstien Archanmecha Phildist of the Second Clove will be with you in approximately 30 minutes. Thank you"
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday November 4th, 2013 1:39:44 PM
Sam signs his name on the ledger. He never strays more than a few feet from Bruagh.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Monday November 4th, 2013 4:00:10 PM
Bruagh signs the ledger and takes a seat waiting... Some what patiently.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday November 4th, 2013 5:13:34 PM
Terser asks the gnome running the inn who he should speak with regarding his planned purchase.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday November 5th, 2013 4:13:57 AM
Karnas follows terser to the inn, letting him handle it for the moment
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday November 5th, 2013 6:32:37 AM
"Thirty minutes..?" Emeralda echoed, stunned. She reached and scribbled her own name in the book.
"Perhaps there was merit in finding rooms at the inn, after all..." she mused.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday November 5th, 2013 10:02:18 AM
The Oathbreaker grows bored and begins shadow-boxing.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Tuesday November 5th, 2013 4:18:25 PM OOC: Czech
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday November 5th, 2013 8:45:12 PM
Check
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday November 6th, 2013 12:54:37 AM
check, i suppose
The Settlement of Brightnstone Wednesday November 6th, 2013 8:55:46 AM
Sam and Bruagh sign the ledger and have a seat.
Terser asks the gnome at the Inn about the purchase of the residue. The gnome wrinkles his nose and looks at his curiously. "Residue?" he inquires not seeming to follow at first, but then the spark of recognition alights in his eye. "Ahh, you must mean the Figmatous Residue and that is a controlled substance master dwarf. I'm pretty surprised you even know of its existence honestly." The gnome pulls at his tightly trimmed beard for a moment, thinking on how he might be of help. In a minute or two he seems to have formulated his thoughts and relays them, "You will almost certainly need to speak to and obtain permission from Head Master Vasphour of the Deep Mine Umbra . Your best odds at getting on his docket, is to go through the Advanced Equipment Guild. Deep Mine Umbra makes purchases through the Advanced Equipment Guild quite often." he smiles and nods and continues, "The Advanced Equipment Guild would be closed the night however and so might I recommend a suite room or two for your party?"
The Honorable Glipstien Archanmecha Phildist of the Second Clove appears through the rear door and has a seat behind the desk. He looks over the ledger that both Sam and Bruagh signed, transcribes the names to another book taken from under the desk in a drawer along with a few other notes he adds. Closing the second book, he returns it to the drawer in the desk and fetches another book from the case behind him, opening it to a predetermined spot that was marked with a violet ribbon. It is at this point he looks up and engages the pair of. "Yes master McFistacuff and master Terser, what petition brings you to us today?"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday November 6th, 2013 3:06:04 PM
Emeralda suppressed a sigh. These gnomes surely had a love of paperwork that boggled the mind.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday November 6th, 2013 3:47:04 PM
Terser signs up for the necessary interview, then finally acquiesces to the need for a room.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 6th, 2013 7:44:42 PM
Sam waits for Bruagh to do the talking. The gnome has writing paper ready in case he should need to interject.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Wednesday November 6th, 2013 9:30:41 PM
"Will you please set up those meetings for us." Bruagh borders on losing his patience. He then prepares to find a room for the night not wanting to mess up their one shot.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 6th, 2013 10:17:03 PM
Ooc-I thought Bruagh and Sam were at the Appellate of Arcane Articulation and not at some inn. Am I mistaken?
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday November 7th, 2013 5:07:11 AM
OOC: I think i'm confused too. Sam and Braugh are in a different area asking about the residue , and terser is getting a room and asking the innkeeper where to find the residue. They aren't in similar locations.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday November 7th, 2013 7:47:01 AM
OOC: color me confused, too...
The Settlement of Brightnstone Thursday November 7th, 2013 9:51:54 AM
Clarifications: I hope
Sam and Bruagh are at the Appellate of Arcane Articulation and not at some inn. They are speaking with The Honorable Glipstien Archanmecha Phildist of the Second Clove who is wondering why they are there
Everyone else is at an Inn. Terser, at the Inn, is speaking to a gnome. assumed to be the owner about the residue. He has been told it is a controlled substance and Tersers best chance is to speak with the Enhanced Equipment Guild about being able to speak with the Head Master Vasphour of the Deep Mine Umbra. The Enhanced Equipment Guild is currently closed for the evening
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday November 7th, 2013 5:48:29 PM
Emeralda beckons to the help.
"I'd like to order a meal for myself and my five companions," she tells the staff member, "Can you tell me what your house special is for today..?" After finding out what the meal (or meals) may be, the brunette dwarf will ask that those present be served whatever they choose to eat, as well as informing the servant that they will be joined by others as soon as their business is conducted elsewhere.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Thursday November 7th, 2013 7:28:38 PM I assumed we would be escorted out after told that we had to set up a meeting. My bad."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday November 8th, 2013 7:55:47 AM
Sam scribbles down the group's mission and what they are after (after a short "pleasantry" thanking him for the meeting, of course). The silent bard then passes the note to the gnome.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Friday November 8th, 2013 8:05:26 AM
Emeralda took stock of the Inn's furnishings and decor as she awaited the outcome of her request for victuals from the waitstaff of the establishment. She found herself wondering, once more, what sorts of food the gnomes specialized in. Maybe she could discover some new ways to use spices while the group was here...
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday November 8th, 2013 10:04:00 AM nothing to do until morning when I try to get that appointment.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Friday November 8th, 2013 8:02:33 PM
Checkmate
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday November 8th, 2013 10:34:45 PM
check
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Saturday November 9th, 2013 3:52:09 AM
check
The Settlement of Brightnstone Saturday November 9th, 2013 11:03:38 AM
Glipstien Archanmecha Phildist of the Second Clove wrinkles his nose at Bruagh, "Set up an appointment for for? I am not some messenger boy." His tone clearly conveying the insult he feels has been made against his position and the inconvenience and perceived waste of his time. "Nor is Appellate of Arcane Articulation the secretaries or message board of the Enhanced Equipment Guild or any other operation in Brightnstone. I have matters which actually require my attention." Sam slides the note and with a still irritated look, Glipstien reads it quickly. He seems to soften, but only slightly. "What you seek is not for sale master McFistacuff and is the sole property of Deep Mine Umbra. Any discussion of its use and the acquisition of said substance would require the complete cooperation of Deep Mine Umbra and more specifically Head Master Vasphour. I strongly suggest you and your party make friends and frequent the Enhanced Equipment Guild and in turn befriend a porter or buyer from Deep Mine Umbra and so as to facilitate a possible conversation with the Head Master Vasphour. Diplomacy and patience will be the weapons to arm yourselves with." With a sigh he then re-addresses his initial question. "So is there any actual business that brings you to the Appellate of Arcane Articulation?"
At the Inn, The gnome, who introduces himself as Tarvis Peddlmeade signs the group into a pair of 2 room suites that are across the hall from each other. Keys delivered, he addresses Emeralda's request and with the ring of a bell, summons a gnome from the back room. "This is Voshist and he will se to your dining needs."
Voshist leads the party to a table and recites the selection of food available. "A fresh salad of greens with garden vegetables drizzled with a basalmic dressing. Choice of stew, pork in a potato broth or chicken with carrots. We have pork glazed in an apple dressing, fire roasted pheasant and butter noodles with sharp cheese. To drink, our selection contains a porter, a pilsner, pinot, cabernet and late harvest desert wine."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Sunday November 10th, 2013 11:03:21 PM
The Oathbreakers eats his food in silence and retreats to his room, assuming one has already been rented for the group.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday November 11th, 2013 10:48:49 AM
Chatting amiably with the server, Emeralda adds that it seems likely that her group will, after all, need to rent rooms for the night at least, and inquires about what there is for let?
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 d20-2=2 ; Monday November 11th, 2013 9:32:31 PM
Bruagh does everything in his power to keep from losing his temper. He counts out loud and takes deep breaths. "One... two... three... nine... ten. Sigh. Ok, please tell me how to do this. Lives are at stake here and your bureaucracy has wasted days of our time. Unless you enjoy knowing that necromancers are practicing their arts on the living, I ask that you help. Or if you prefer to keep your nose up your..." Bruagh stops when he realizes he is getting no where.
"If you have nothing further I will show myself out."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday November 11th, 2013 10:16:04 PM
Sam shakes his head "no" and offers a warm handshake. He waits for his protector, Bruagh before heading to the inn for the night to join the others.
The Settlement of Brightnstone; The Enhanced Equipment Guild Monday November 11th, 2013 11:36:23 PM
Glipstien Archanmecha Phildist of the Second Clove mouth draws into a tight line as Bruagh speaks. The dwarf and Sam knows they are clearly not winning over Glipstien, in fact just the opposite. He simply stares at Braugh until the dwarf gets up and leaves.
The group eats and retires.
The following day they find the Enhanced Equipment Guild open and three gnomes standing in line at the front door. They are chatting amongst themselves about nothing in particular, sipping on steaming mugs of something and smoking small pipes. Nearby are several small tables with fruits and cheese. One of them gives a friendly lift of the chin and partial wave to you as approach. The three are clearly waiting to get into the Guild and do not work for it.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d100=30 ; Tuesday November 12th, 2013 5:12:17 AM
Karnas eats his meal and sleps. The next day, he elects to stay in the room and finish up the ring, Leaving Cark outside to pull him out if neccesary
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday November 12th, 2013 6:32:52 AM
"This is most perplexing," Emeralda says out loud, "Never in my life do I remember ever having to deal with anything so...so...bureaucratic..." She heaves a gusty sigh.
"I should hope that can make some progress on this matter today..."
In spite of the mind-numbing effects of the slow, slow wheels of procedure, the friendly cleric of Domi waves back to the gnome who bothered to acknowledge the fact that the dwarves were present.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday November 12th, 2013 1:03:50 PM It's so strange. It's like they don't want our money. Other than a pittance for rooms and food. I'm sure what we're after would be much more lucrative for them.
Terser heads back to the Guild to talk to the gnomes standing there.
Good morning, sirs. I'm looking for an employee of Deep Guild Umbra. Can any of you fine gentlemen help me? He suggestively pats his coin purse as he speaks.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday November 12th, 2013 1:55:10 PM
Having nothing else to do, the Oathbreaker joins Terser, standing a few feet behind the dwarf in a vague attempt to make their presence larger.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Tuesday November 12th, 2013 3:20:44 PM
Bruagh shrugs to Sam and follows him knowing that the warrior no longer has the silver-tongue he once did.
Domi, how he missed Tahni.
The Settlement of Brightnstone; The Enhanced Equipment Guild Tuesday November 12th, 2013 10:47:16 PM
Terser greets the gnome and tells the lot of them, that the group is looking to speak with an Employee of Deep Mine Umbra. A pat to a small bag of coins to let them know he is willing to pay for the information. The gnome at the front of the line casts his eye up and down Terser and the band of dwarves arrayed about and with a small tug to his slender slightly upturned nose, puts a pair of fingers in the air and speaks. "I am with Deep Mine Umbra master dwarf. I might be able to save you some time, no matter what it is you wish to sell, Deep Mine Umbra has a trade agreement to purchase all supplies through the Enhanced Equipment Guild." He holds up a hand interrupting the very next thing Terser begins saying and speaks right over him, "We don't care how wondrous your craftmanship skills are or care to hear the tale of how magical and deep into the Wold you traveled, the dragon you slew or the ancient fey you bargained with to gain whatever trinket you wish to sell. I can assure you Deep Mine Umbra is not interested in any direct purchase."
He begins to turn away when Terser tells him what the group is after, Figmatous Residue. The other two gnomes in line stiffen slightly and look to the third. Slowly turning his head and then his body back to square with Terser and gnome runs an open hand across his mouth and again tugs his slender nose. He tone is much more even now, his words far more measured with thought and purpose behind them, "Figmatous Residue is a controlled substance master dwarf." He pauses to let the words hang about and settle in the air.
One of the other gnomes then speaks, though a bit timidly, "If I may Master Glistergim, the good dwarven company seems to be of the noncompeting variety. Affidavits could be secured on the matter and perhaps a meeting with your Headmaster."
The gnome, now identified as Glistergim, pulls his head back slightly and frowns. He then turns his gaze back upon the group and seems to consider your bearing again. "A possibility Goodman Tharbuckle. You do indeed have a sharp eye and keen understanding I think." Glistergim pauses again, obviously mulling over the proposition before him as presented by Tharbuckle.
At last he pops his lips and nods, "Done and done Goodman Tharbuckle. Draft the writs and i shall put our guests on the docket."
The gnomes shake hands firmly and then turn to you again. Goodman Tharbuckle speaks, "When my business is concluded here, I will prepare the affidavits for your signatures for delivery by dinner this evening. If you can have them signed and returned to my office by say, mid morning tomorrow." which he points out just a few doors down, "then Master Glittergim can schedule you to meet with the Headmaster. Satisfactory?"
Karnas steps in the Forge Fey realm and continues his work on the ring with Cark curled up comfortably watching the room.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday November 13th, 2013 7:09:51 AM
Unsure of the dialog that was just spouted in front of her, Emeralda looks expectantly at Terser, wondering if they've actually made any progress on their mission.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday November 13th, 2013 10:45:29 AM Thank you, good sir. You've been most helpful.
Terser's thoughts are running between the tediousness of it all and the fact that it seems they have finally made some progress on their business here. One step at a time and all that.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday November 13th, 2013 6:45:29 PM
While the Oathbreaker is not a stupid dwarf, the words spoken by the gnomes pass in one ear and out the other quickly. He looks to Terser, who seems satisfied, which is good enough for him.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+31=39 ; Wednesday November 13th, 2013 10:18:49 PM
Karnas, 8 hours later, comes out of the room, the ring completed. Cark looks up as he comes out, grinning at her, before looking down to the band of metal in his hand. "The ring's done, let me check to make sure that the fey didn't screw with it and you'll have your protection." He casts identify and analyses the ring, and provided he doesn't see anything odd, gives it to Cark, who places the ring on the end of her tail, disappearing from sight for a moment. She then reappears and grins up at him, flying up to his shoulder and nuzzling him as she purrs on his shoulder.
Karnas looks up and begins heading out the door, petting her back as he searches out the rest of the group.
OOC: Cast identify on ring, if anything is abnormal aside from what the ring of invisibility should be, he doesn't give it to Cark.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday November 14th, 2013 9:18:04 AM
"We've been dealing with the gnomish system of doing things," Emeralda tells Karnas once he rejoins the group. "On the bright side--the food here is really quite excellent..."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Thursday November 14th, 2013 10:44:51 AM
Bruagh sits back and let Terser handle this.
OOC: Odd, I remember posting yesterday. Not sure what happened.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday November 14th, 2013 2:52:31 PM
Sam observes the now all to familiar occurance regarding signing papers and cringes. He wonders how badly things might go if they get in trouble, after signing all of these documents...
The Settlement of Brightnstone; On the Docket Thursday November 14th, 2013 5:20:26 PM
The gnomes return to small talk about weather, business, food and family.
The papers get delivered just before dinner as promised. They turn out to be a small book, roughly 50 pages in tightly scripted penmanship. It takes the better part of 3 hours to read the complex document. At its core, it is a document stating that the party are not merchants, affiliated with and merchants or have alternative motives of purchasing anything from Deep Mine Umbra other than personal use. The document includes all animal companions, bonded mounts, familiars and any other sentient associated directly and indirectly with the party. All in all, it is a very thorough document. The last page contains signature and date lines for each member of the group.
The following morning a young gnome is at breakfast and approaches to inquire about the Affidavits and if they are prepared. Being handed the book, he departs with a polite nod and thank you.
The same young gnome returns to the inn about an hour later to inform you 'Good master dwarves, the Headmaster of Deep Mine Umbra has agreed to meet with and is in the process of clearing his docket to meet your needs. A representative will meet you here in the common room in 4 days and escort you." He nods politely again and turns to leave
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday November 14th, 2013 6:07:46 PM
After hearing the "4 days" info, Sam, with an exasperated look on his face, gives a gesture of appeal to Bruagh.
Ooc- "gesture of appeal" refers to an appeal like in court, not like appeal as in he's coming on to Bruagh. :)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday November 14th, 2013 6:45:18 PM Are we required to remain in Brightstone while we wait for our appointment? There is other business we could attend to and easily be back in time.
If this causes any problems, Terser will spend the time exploring the community and brushing up on his bartering techniques.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Friday November 15th, 2013 4:50:41 AM
Karnas Nods to esmeralda as he heads back in, and read through the document with everyone else. At the 4 days mention, he shrugs. "Hmm, Either way I have some work I could do in the downtime, perhaps fiddle with a new spell."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday November 15th, 2013 12:08:36 PM Say Karnas, since I can't wear my belt here anyway, do you think you could do anything to improve it? I have cash to buy materials you may need...
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Friday November 15th, 2013 4:46:04 PM
Emeralda blinks the eyes she is named for, throwing a bewildered green gaze at the messenger.
"I don't understand..." she says, her brows knitting, "...we need something of most urgent importance...something to save the very soul of innocents...and you're telling us that we have to wait days upon days for your procedures to...to...proceed...???" The young cleric of Domi is looking appalled as she asks this, crestfallen that the gnomes here do not seem to care about the salvation of souls.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Friday November 15th, 2013 11:34:12 PM
Bruagh grabs the lad before he can run off. "Will a generous donation allow him to meet us sooner? Say today?"
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Depp Mine Umbra Sunday November 17th, 2013 10:29:27 PM
Bruagh snags the young gnome who stops immediately. "I have no control over the headmasters docket, but I can certainly express your urgency again." Terser inquires at whether or not the group must remain in Brightnstone. "I suppose not, but if you're not here for your spot on the docket, it will be cancelled. I know that." Looking to Emeralda, his look is one of apology, "Most favored of Domi, I am sorry. I am but the messenger for Deep Mine Umbra, Like you good dwarves, I have no diplomatic training and simply report what i am told to report. If it helps, Headmaster has never cleared his docket before that i am aware of." He adds the last with hope that it bestows hope to the group.
Terser asks Karnas if there is something that can be done with his belt, seeing as he currently cannot wear it. Now might a be a good time.
The gnome departs leaving the group for the day. That evening however, he does return with a rather excited look on his face. "Head Master Vasphour of the Deep Mine Umbra has gotten you to his docket for tomorrow night. I told him you expressed to me that the time of day was of no consequence and so I will be returning for you tomorrow night." The gnome practically beams with excited energy, being witness to something that has never happened before in Brightnstone.
The night passes as does the following day and evening. Well past midnight comes the knock from the young messenger of Deep Mine Umbra. He nods with a smile and escorts the party through the dark streets to the back of the settlement. A great vault like door is opened before you to a passage deeper into the rock. The group passes through several well worked rooms, some furnished some not and through one of those doors the group finds themselves in a 20x30 nicely appointed room with rugs, bookcases, a dozen good chairs, sofa and tables. Standing in the center of the room is a gnome in blue leathers with soft boots, gloves and a cape. Several pieces of jewelry can be see about his neck and head along with 4 floating stones encircling it. He is flanked by a dwarf in full plate and similarly armored gnome. Both guard are standing about 12 feet away. Several trays of refreshments are on the tables.
The messenger makes introductions. "Head Master Vasphour of the Deep Mine Umbra, may I present masters Karnas, Terser, Bruagh, Taggart, Sam and Emeralda of Domi." he bows and exits the room.
Vasphour gestures to the chairs with a wave, "Please be comfortable." He sits and the trays move to each of you in turn, "Help yourself, please." He pauses, taking a wine goblet from a tray with a small handful of nuts. "I am told you have business that deals with life and death." He sits back...
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday November 18th, 2013 4:30:30 AM
Karnas looks to Terser and Nods. "Sure, I can do something for it, what did you have in mind? Oh, and to everyone else, I can help you with your gear issues to a degree. Give me your materials and provided it's within what I can do I'll tell you how long it'll take and when I can start on it."
At the meeting he would stay silent upon entry, taking a couple morsels from the tray but leaving the opening word for another in the group.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday November 18th, 2013 8:09:57 AM
The Oathbreaker shifts uncomfortably, still not used to being called by his true name. He simply nods to the Head Master, allowing someone else to speak. He would likely just make things worse.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Monday November 18th, 2013 11:14:44 AM
Emeralda resolved to try to work on her patience. As if in answer to her silent prayers, the messenger returned relatively quickly and reported that the group would not have to wait quite so long.
To be sure, it was longer than the cleric of Domi would have preferred, but compared to the originally-projected timeline, it was an improvement.
Now that the group was in the presence of the Headmaster for the Deep Mine Umbra, perhaps things would be accomplished a bit more speedily...
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday November 18th, 2013 8:36:33 PM
To Karnas:
I was hoping you could improve my belt to enhance my endurance as much as it does my strength. 3000gp in material to add +2con to +2str belt.
To Master Vasphour:
Yes, we have a mission of some importance, among which is saving the life and soul of the daughter of Lord Ironbane, and possibly the lives of many other innocents, not least among which is Bruagh's dear friend, though he can tell you more of that.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Monday November 18th, 2013 9:18:46 PM
Bruagh, having nothing else to lose, presents the tombs they have received and recites what each said. He then details the residue.
You see, Head Master Vasphour, I am no diplomat, I have no gilded tongue. I will not try to win you over with honeyed word, nor will I withhold information or try to deceive you. My dearest friend Tahni Wyrmrider was taken by necromancers in legion with demons. They plan to use her to unleash undead and demonic beings on the Wold. We believe, according to these tomes, that the residue that you have in your possession will aid us. Please... you are her... our... only hope."
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Monday November 18th, 2013 11:03:17 PM
Headmaster Vasphour's face is like a wall of granite, as Terser and Bruagh relay the tale and need of the Residue. His eyes flit over each of you as they talk and when they are finished he still simply sits quietly, stoic, like the unyielding mountainside. After what seems an eternity he speaks, "Master Sam. He is the one who led you here." Upon confirmation of this he continues, "As I am sure you have been told the Figmatous Residue is a controlled substance. It is quite, or it could be quite, dangerous in the wrong hands and so it must be controlled and so it is through Deep Mine Umbra and has been for nearly 100 years. Normally i would at this point deny your request and wish you well and good journey upon your endevours." He stands and exchanges his goblet for a full one and after taking a great drink, he continues, "But Warrd is smiling upon you on this visit for I have a problem and your skill set seems to be the solution."
Vasphour sits back down and looks sternly at you all, "Deep Mine Umbra has been attacked and is currently unsafe. I have lost 7 good men and do not intend to lose anymore. You are a battle tested group of fighters with arcane and divine support. Something I cannot match or muster without drawing far too much attention to Deep Mine Umbra." He nods to the side and a tray floats across the room with about a dozen small books.
"Those are affidavits permitting you use of arcane and divine magic, along with enhanced equipment within Brightnstone and Deep Mine Umbra. My deal to you is this. If you go into the mines and destroy what lies within, I will barter 5 vials of Figmatous Residue, show you its application and point you towards the nearest ley line. You will also find on that tray an affidavit of secrecy about all you know involving the residue."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday November 19th, 2013 7:19:25 AM
Sam sits silently and smiles at the striking success of the situation.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday November 19th, 2013 2:52:16 PM "Finally, something we're good at." The masked dwarf does not think before he speaks, cracking his knuckles awkwardly as he glances around at his teammates. "Can we go today?"
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Tuesday November 19th, 2013 8:33:17 PM I think I speak for the group when I say we agree. However, we need more information on what is making the mines... unsafe."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday November 19th, 2013 9:46:59 PM any information may be of use, no matter how trivial you consider it to be. it may make all the difference in our preparations.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Tuesday November 19th, 2013 10:13:57 PM
"Where do I sign...?" Emeralda says, plucking up the available stylus. "We surely need the Residue, and it seems you surely need our help..." The young cleric scribbles madly as she flips through page after page, making no pretense at even trying to read the fine print.
"If you would be so kind as to answer the questions of my colleagues, though," the brunette said earnestly, "They're quite right--if we are to do battle on the behalf of yourself and the Deep Mine, please tell us what's happened..."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 12:30:13 AM
Sam produces his own writing utensil and signs the document.
Ooc-Assuming now that we are able to carry weapons, is there any place in this settlement where Sam can trade in his crossbow for a short spear and magical backpack?
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Wednesday November 20th, 2013 2:02:47 AM
OOC: If i'm upgrading a +str belt to a +str +con belt do i need both enhancement spells or only one? The message to terser will change depending on if I do or not
Earlier- (OOC: If I only need one enhancement spell) Karnas looks to the belt and nods. "So, A belt of physical might then. Yeah, I can do that in 2 days or so." (OOC: If I need both) Karnas looks to the belt and then back to Terser. "Well, let's see. If you don't want to risk loosing your gold, I need a scroll of bear's endurance or bull's strength, which is 150 gold or so."
Karnas nods at the request. "Combat, is something we are very good at. As our group has mentioned however, some extra information would be useful. If you know anything of the weaknesses or strengths of what we shall be engaging, it would be helpful."
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Wednesday November 20th, 2013 8:14:47 AM
Vasphour nods at the groups agreement, it certainly seems that the gnome was fully expecting the enthusiastic cooperation of the group. "Afraid I don't have much, but as you say anything could be something and so this is what we know. About 2 months ago Agatetious and Filimous simply disappeared. About 1 week later Porthmit, Allstaires and Magree disappeared. I ordered the area closed and sent in specialist Therus and Sam. A Status spell tells us that Sam died nearly instantly. It took Therus nearly 5 minutes. They were in the closed section for nearly an hour before they were attacked and killed. Something is in there, something that 2 very capable arcanists who know the mines like you know your weapon could not handle and weer surprised by given Sam's fate. Divination, scrying, detection and spells of such nature tend to not work in Deep Mine Umbra." Vasphour sits back, speaking of his fallen gnomes, and you realize probable family members has taken a bit out of him. "That is what we know."
ooc there is no catacombs or location in the settlement to trade in his crossbow for a short spear and magical backpack.
you need both spells, bull str and bears endurance
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:52:42 AM "We kick down the door and run in. No different than every other time, eh?"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday November 20th, 2013 11:39:02 AM Well, if that's all you have to tell us, we will make our preparations. Is there a place here that sells scrolls and potions, perhaps?
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:09:43 PM
Emeralda could only hope that the more experienced members of the party had some idea on the best way to handle...the unknown...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:35:25 PM
Sam shrugs at the lethality of whatever waits deep in the mines for the mighty Grim Guard. The bard has witnessed the sheer strength and iron-like fortitude of Bruagh and Terser as they have held their own against every foe encountered. He has watched Oathbreaker's precision and speed as he single handily fired volleys of arrows that few can avoid. With the magical support of Karnas and Emeralda, how could they lose? What could the Scab possibly throw at them that they haven't seen before.
The silent gnome heads for his gear with whatever permit is required. On the way he focuses his mind on the upcoming battle. He imagines scenarios that could happen. As a bard with no specific specialty, he must prepare for any purpose that he might serve.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:49:45 PM
Knowledge:dungeoneering (or whatever knowledge is required) = 31 (nat 20 1/day)
Does Sam have any knowledge on what type of creatures might inhabit this mine and would need this substance?
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Wednesday November 20th, 2013 10:55:39 PM
Bruagh signs the affidavit.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday November 21st, 2013 4:13:06 AM
Karnas shrugs. "We've dealt with less information, we should be ok."
OOC: @Terser I actually need 6 scrolls, not 1. Or, wait till we level again and I can do it then. or a +2 int belt would work too
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday November 21st, 2013 11:43:46 AM Ah well, I suppose it can wait a while. I may need the belt during the foray into the mine anyway.
He signs the affidavits, snaps his belt back into place, and girds himself for the trip into the supposedly dangerous mines.
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Thursday November 21st, 2013 12:03:49 PM
Vasphour shakes his head to Terser's question. "Brightnstone does not deal in such materials." he collects the signed documents and stores them in the bottom drawer of the desk he sits at and takes out a small gavel. Vasphour taps a small square metal disk on the desk and a section of one bookcase slides away in response to reveal a staircase. "At the bottom you will find several small rooms that i have furnished with beds, study tables and the like. You can prepare in private down there. My valet will be nearby and a similar gavel to this one can be used to summon him if you need. He has been instructed to provide you with any assistance he can. There is food and drink cached below to last 5 days. If you require additional time, just let him know. When you are ready, he will escort you to the closed section."
Sam realizes as he starts to think about what it is they may encounter below that without knowing what Figmatous Residue is, it's very much impossible to know what creatures might be attracted to it.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday November 21st, 2013 6:05:16 PM
Being of no immediate help, Sam gathers his things and head to his room.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Thursday November 21st, 2013 9:14:30 PM
Emeralda begins to prepare...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Thursday November 21st, 2013 9:46:49 PM
"Once more into the breach friends."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Friday November 22nd, 2013 12:08:49 AM
The Oathbreaker snorts. "Five days? Take it with us, and let us be off. I am tired of sitting around."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Friday November 22nd, 2013 11:05:00 AM
"Yes let us start as soon as we can."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday November 22nd, 2013 6:19:46 PM
check
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58 Saturday November 23rd, 2013 9:43:13 AM
"Whatever may be in there," Emeralda points out, "It's fast and it's ruthless. I have some protective magic for people who may want it..."
Emeralda has magic wands that may dispense: Endure Elements (be comfy in extreme hot or cold for 24 hours), Protection from Evil (+2 to AC and to saves versus Evil effects), and Magic Weapon (temp +1 to any non-magic weapon.)
Emeralda may cast one each of Aid (+1 to attack & save rolls and temp 1d8+7hp), Bear's Endurance (+4 Con), Bull's Strength (+4 Str) and/or Enlarge Person (gain +2 Str and -1AC by becoming Large.)
Emeralda will be casting Bless (herself, as opposed to from a wand) before the party goes in to face the unknown, so everyone will have a +1 to attack and saves vs. Fear.
So who wants what...?
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Saturday November 23rd, 2013 10:51:23 AM
The group makes the quick decision to go and once they have put their magic items back on declare themselves fully prepared. Emeralda casts Bless and the party heads down the stairs. They find a gnome valet at the bottom of the 2 flights of steps the passage splits in a T. At one end, standing silently with an open door in his hand. Beyond is a three room suite, nicely furnished as Vasphour described. The other direction heads dead ends at an iron and stone door framed in wood, similar to the main gates.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday November 23rd, 2013 12:42:06 PM
Sam smiles and shakes his head "no" to Emeralda. It is known by his longtime companions that he is generally self-sufficient in battle. He generally does his best to avoid needing assistance.
He awaits the decision of the group to rest or proceed.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Saturday November 23rd, 2013 1:47:28 PM
Bruaghs smiles to Esmerelda and Sam. "Many speak of our abilities in battle, and how deadly we are, but truth be told it is the support that we receive from each other, like this, that ensured our victory over the forces of evil. " I will take and endure and perhaps a protection from evil (should get a +1 from it)when the time comes. When the time comes if no one else needs it more, the aid will be welcome as well."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Sunday November 24th, 2013 9:30:30 PM "I would be enlarged when the time calls for it," the masked dwarf growls, taking point as the group heads down. "I can take a beating."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday November 25th, 2013 1:06:53 AM
Everyone in the party will be Blessed for the next six minutes. Emeralda also casts Bear's Endurance on Bruagh.
"Which way do we go..?" the lass with the brunette braids asked. "I...um...didn't pay attention to that part..." She makes a mental note about casting the Enlarge spell on Oathbreaker when the time comes.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday November 25th, 2013 5:03:50 AM
karnas follows with the group
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday November 25th, 2013 9:09:27 AM "I would guess the path is this way." If no one takes the lead, the Oathbreaker moves to the iron and stone door, ignoring the gnome valet that stands nearby.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday November 25th, 2013 12:01:46 PM
Terser follows down the path, ready to embark.
I would appreciate an enlargement spell as well, though only if the passageways are at least 15 feet tall.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Monday November 25th, 2013 5:57:06 PM
Bruagh is willing to either be in the very front of the formation or the very rear, depending on whether the group wanted him him the most.
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Monday November 25th, 2013 9:24:20 PM
Emeralda casts Bear's Endurance on Bruagh as the group heads away from the valet and towards the door of iron and stone. A brief discussion on an Enlargement spell upon Terser in battle occurs, but if the mines are like this passage, it might not be a good thing. Within the passage the ceiling is only 8' up at best.
The Gnome valet rushes past you pulling a wand as he does so. When the party reaches the door, he taps it with the wand the the door swings open. the valet steps in and turns to the right as four small balls of light appear spaced out about 15' in front of him. Spellcraft DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Dancing Lights}
The Valet moves down a passage that you estimate to be about 300', passing several other branching passages. All of which sloped down to staircases taking them lower and most with embedded rails to guide a mine cart. The valet stops and taps on the wall to the left with the wand and a door is revealed, which opens into a 10x10 room. The valet enters and stands off to the side and awaits the party to enter. When you do, the valet says, "Obsidian" and the room begins to descend. It is about a 5 minute ride to the bottom where the doors open and the gnome valet exits and turns right. He leads you through several turns and all about you down the passages you pass, you can hear the sounds of mining. Steel on stone and the humming rhythm of song. After another 20 minutes, you arrive at another stone and iron door framed in Oak. the valet pulls a flaming torch from his pocket and sets it in a holder on the left side of the door.
"I will wait here for your return for 3 days. After that, I will return twice each day, once in the morning and once in the evening until Headmaster Vasphour declares you lost. On the other side of this door is an iron bell. Strike it three times sharply, count to 3 and then strike it once more and let the final toll ring. That is the only single upon which I shall open the door and no one else but we here know of this order. If there are no questions then?" The valet raises his wand to tap the door.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday November 25th, 2013 11:33:15 PM
Sam keeps the valet's words in his head as he takes his place in the middle of the marching order. With a quick hum, he casts dancing lights. Orbs that glow in a soft light circle the bard and provide light for the group.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday November 26th, 2013 12:27:48 AM
Terser will take his customary place as second in line.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 8:39:23 AM
Three hits, three counts, one hit. Seems easy enough."I will need to be a bit closer to the front. Unfortunately, my skills lie in much closer combat these days." The masked dwarf sounds a bit more depressed than usual as he mentions this, but looks at his allies with his usual steely gaze.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Tuesday November 26th, 2013 3:10:39 PM OOC: sigh. I hate juggling several things at once, because when I do, I ALWAYS miss something.
Emeralda would NOT cast the Bear's Endurance and the Bless spells until such time as the group are on the verge of going into wherever it is that all the gnomes have been disappearing from. If she casts it before all the walking and elevator ride time, then the danged spell would expire before the group actually enters the area of contention. Emeralda isn't as bright as many, but she's wise enough to withhold casting her spell until the group is within "striking distance" of their destination.
"Are there any questions...?" the young cleric asks her group. "I know I can't think of any..."
DM- No one asked and seemed to be running on the assumption that at the bottom of the initial staircase was the final destination, I am ruling you cast the spells.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday November 26th, 2013 11:11:24 PM
Karnas nods and heads with the group inside
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 d20+11=14 ; Tuesday November 26th, 2013 11:14:28 PM
Bruagh smiles towards the group and says... "And we are off." He keeps his eyes peeled for any threats as the traverse the area.
Perception : 14
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 6:05:10 PM "So," the Oathbreaker calls out suddenly. "How much gold are you all willing to put on the idea that this is likely due to the [dwarven word for something bad] we deal with on a daily basis?" He turns to Braugh, the hint of a grim smile on his face. "It seems the necromancers have no problem getting around. Cutting off a mine for supplies seems right up their alley."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 6:20:24 PM
The orbs of light shine on the silent bard's pale-skinned face as he proceeds deeper into the mine. His mind is focused. His heart set on the task at hand. He knows that nothing short of a god could slow these dwarves. Their convictions are ironclad. Sam feels no fear as he and the Grim Guard head towards their next challenge.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Wednesday November 27th, 2013 6:45:48 PM
Emeralda looks around her.
"Are we there yet...?"
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 7:46:00 PM
"I wouldn't put it past them."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=17 ; Wednesday November 27th, 2013 8:03:54 PM
Terser has his senses alert and his glaive at the ready.
Perception 17
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Wednesday November 27th, 2013 8:49:03 PM
The group moves into the section and the door swings shut behind them. The area plunges into complete and utter darkness past the 60' of darkvision. All sound of mining that was heard in the other are, also disappears completely. The ceiling is like the other sections you have walked through, ranging from 7 to 8'. Several passages can be seen pushing out away from you, rails embedded in the floor. You do not see any mining equipment about, it would appear the closing of this section was done purposefully and with a great degree of order.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Thursday November 28th, 2013 6:56:46 PM
"Alright, let's be on our guard. Are we ready?"
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+15=35 ; Friday November 29th, 2013 12:50:08 PM "As ready as we will ever be." The Oathbreaker cracks his knuckles. "Let's do this quickly so we can get out of here. I have grown sick of this place." The masked dwarf keeps and eye out as they trek forwad, urging his allies as far as they can go as quickly as possible. (Perception: Nat 20! 35)
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday November 29th, 2013 7:18:44 PM
Sam follows along. His crossbow is slung and hands empty. He knows from experience that the Grim Guard does not rely on him for his marksmanship.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Saturday November 30th, 2013 12:07:23 AM
ooc: hope everyone had a lovely thanksgiving, or just a nice end of the week if you don't celebrate. Ready to move on on Monday. =)
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Saturday November 30th, 2013 5:45:27 PM
Check
The Settlement of Brightnstone; Deep Mine Umbra Saturday November 30th, 2013 10:32:07 PM
The dark awaits and the Forged are eager. The group begins exploring the area.
More on Monday....
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday December 2nd, 2013 1:19:12 AM
Emeralda looked around her, not knowing exactly what to expect.
"So...uh...who wanted that Enlarge Person spell again...?" she asked, twirling one of her long brown braids around her left index finger, idly scratching the outside of her right thigh with the head of the war hammer in her other hand.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday December 2nd, 2013 5:53:03 AM "That would be Terser or myself," the masked dwarf growls.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday December 2nd, 2013 1:40:02 PM It would be wasted on me unless we come into an open area. I would take a strength enhancing spell if you have one to spare.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday December 2nd, 2013 2:18:29 PM
Karnas shrugs and just keeps heading in with the group
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 Monday December 2nd, 2013 8:00:49 PM
Bruagh smiles. "The enemies won't like me why I am enlarged... of course, they probably won't like me when I'm angry either."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Monday December 2nd, 2013 10:15:16 PM "I knew a dwarf that used to say that, back..." The Oathbreaker shakes his head. "Last I saw him, he was running down a tunnel after a group of drow. Never saw him again. Had quite a temper."
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra Monday December 2nd, 2013 10:59:01 PM
The group moves into the section and the door swings shut behind them. The area plunges into complete and utter darkness past the 60' of darkvision. A large iron bell, nearly 2 feet in diameter, sits in a cradle made of granite. All sound of mining that was heard in the other are, also disappears completely. The ceiling is like the other sections you have walked through, ranging from 7 to 8'. Several passages can be seen pushing out away from you, rails embedded in the floor. You do not see any mining equipment about, it would appear the closing of this section was done purposefully and with a great degree of order.
The group begins to move through the closed mine area. What becomes very evident is that this is a large mine. Taggart is able to detect a sloping away from the door in all directions. It would seem that if you become lost, uphill is the direction to go. What Taggart and Terser both notice, or rather what strikes them, is how clean the mine is. Even the rails for the carts moving ore are missing. The floors are not unusually smooth, nor are the worked walls or ceilings. The lack of supporting timber is unnerving knowing how deep you are, though 200' or 2,000' it makes little difference.
A randomly chosen passage comes to an end abruptly around a hairpin turn. White veins of stone and flakes like snow cover the area. Appraise DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {raw mithral}
The party has been exploring for roughly 45 minutes. No one knows how much territory you may need to cover or how much relative territory you have covered.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+6=15 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 5:23:50 AM
"Right...strength..." Emeralda echoes, distracted by the utter lack of ambient sound in their surroundings. She peered around her as she took a step or two towards Terser and almost absent-mindedly cast her Bull's Strength spell on him.
"There..." she said, "...now you can pummel your foes with impunity..." Clearly, however, the young adventurer is trying to see if she can actually SEE anything worth seeing...
OOC: Perception check: 15. Meh.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+10=28 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 8:36:44 AM
The Oathbreaker pauses momentarily to admire the shining rocks (Appraise: 28) but urges the group forward. "We need to keep moving. No telling how far to go. Anyone know about anything that could make a tunnel like this?"
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 101/101 d20+5=15 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 6:27:22 PM
Bruagh looks are the ore... having been a miner before starting to adventure... he should know this.
Knowledge: Mining: 15
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+7=24 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 7:16:16 PM
Sam quickly recognizes the substance as raw mithral. He tugs on Bruagh's arm, points to the mithral and then his chain shirt. Appraise=24
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=26 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 8:40:16 PM
Terser looks around for marks where tracks may used to have been. perception 26
it seems strange that this place is so orderly, if there truly was a threat and need for an evacuation.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 9:17:32 PM "Indeed, perhaps it's a beast that killed the people within rapidly, so there wasn't a chance for it to be disordered?"
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 1 d6=3 ; d20=16 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d20=18 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 10:46:38 PM
Emeralda casts Bull Strength on Terser Bruagh, Sam and Taggart all know Mithral when they see it, but the riches of the mine is not why they are here. Though a Mithral mine of such apparent magnitude may answer other questions about the gnomes and how waving a purse of gold at them does not impress. Terser investigates where the rails should be in the floor. The rails were clearly embedded into the stone floor. That is to say that the stone seemed to have been formed about the rails and the bottom line is that one could not remove the rails, without destroying the surrounding stone that held them in place.
The group continues to move, why are things so clean, could a creature be responsible, and could anything have made tunnels as such as these? The tunnels, according to Bruagh, are very well mined out tunnels and nothing more. A credit to the gnomes on their workmanship.
No sooner than the words reverberate off the stone walls, then a section of the ceiling drops on the dwarf The rock seems to bend and flow about the dwarf instead of breaking and has taken on a translucent quality. Bruagh takes 9 points damage + 5 Acid damage and is Grappled
The group is currently in a 10' wide and over 60' long section of tunnel. Assume a move action to become adjacent to Bruagh
Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 14 Highlight to display spoiler: {a Gray Ooze}
CMD 23 to break the grapple Any weapon strike requires Reflex DC 20 else the weapon takes d6 acid damge
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday December 4th, 2013 4:21:56 AM
Knowing that he can offer little direct help to Bruagh, Sam steps back from the action and starts humming. The Grim Guard feel a wave of strength from his song.
(Inspire courage +2 to all)
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+12=15 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 9:56:12 AM
Bolstered by Sam's familiar tune, the Oathbreaker steps over and lashes out with his fist, somehow missing wildly. -------------------- Move action to get adjacent to Braugh Attack: 15
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+16=27 ; d10+13=18 ; d20+7=22 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 10:53:48 AM
Terser must have been so focused on the tracks that he missed the telltale shimmer of the creature that dropped from the ceiling. He moves back toward Bruagh's position at the end of the line and attempts to cut the beast off of him.
Bull's Strength +2, Power Attack -2, Bard Song +2 AC 27 damage 18 slashing reflex 22 - avoids acid
assuming I had to move
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday December 4th, 2013 10:54:36 AM woops - move too far for a full attack, to finish that thought
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 87/101 d20+14=22 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 1:01:15 PM
Bruagh tries to fight back and break the creatures grapple. If the grapple is broken, he will step back and try to fight the creature next round.
CMD of 25 or CMB of 22.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20=15 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 5:33:39 PM OOC: ignore the roll--Emeralda doesn't have Dungeoneering.
"What's that???" the inexperienced adventurer exclaims, gaping at the "puddle of rock" that seems to have come to life and started grappling Bruagh. Emeralda, too, moves closer to Bruagh, aiming her warhammer...but then holding her action for a moment.
"Wait--will it hurt Bruagh if I hit this...this...thing?" she asks out loud, flustered.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Wednesday December 4th, 2013 10:53:26 PM
Karnas backs up at the sludge dropping from the ceiling, and going through his arsenal he came to only one real idea. He begins casting summon monster.
OOC: Start casting summon monster 3
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 2 Wednesday December 4th, 2013 11:01:32 PM
Sam starts humming to inspire his brothers in arms Bruagh tries to break free, but is held fast by the creature about him Taggart and Terser, both leap into action to save their brother and both land solid blows. Taggart AC 15 hits roll damage and roll a Reflex DC 20 or take d6 acid damage Emeralda holds her action, concerned that swatting the thing on Bruagh might also hurt him. Karnas begins summoning assistance.
The creature continues to bind itself about Bruagh, but is unable to tighten its grip. Bruagh's armor however continues to be exposed to the creature and begins to show signs of wear Bruaghs full plate armor take 12 points of acid damage
CMD 23 to break the grapple Any weapon strike requires Reflex DC 20 else the weapon takes d6 acid damge
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d8+7=10 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+7=19 ; d8+7=8 ; d8+7=12 ; d8+7=14 ; d8+7=11 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 12:47:20 AM
The Oathbreaker smashes his fist into the bubbling acid, gritting his teeth as the acid chews away at his fist. In spite of the pain, he continues to smash at the ooze covering his ally. He turns to Esmerelda and cries out, "He dies if we do, he dies if we don't! Just hit it!" -------------------- Previous Round Damage: 10 Previous Round Reflex: 16, take 1d6 acid (rolled by the DM I presume) Flurry of Blows, spending a ki point to add extra attack Attacks: 15, 25, 23, 19 Damage: 8, 12, 14, 11 Reflex Saves: 25, 21, 24, 22
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+8=21 ; d6+8=13 ; d20+5=23 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 11:31:17 AM
Oathbreaker's injunction is enough for her: Emeralda swings her hammer.
"HAVE AT THEE!!!" she practically yodels at the top of her lungs, using both hands to swing her warhammer at the translucent monster trying to digest her teammate...
OOC: Emeralda hits AC21 for a total of 19hpd (I seem to recall someone mentioning that using both hands to swing a weapon results in 1.5x damage; however, if this is discounted, then the damage is only 13hp.) Her Reflex Save of 23 means her hammer remains unmarred.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday December 5th, 2013 2:38:29 PM
Sam continues humming his inspiring tune while staying away from the chaos. (inspire courage +2 continued)
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Thursday December 5th, 2013 4:06:11 PM
OOC :: Wielding a weapon two-handed allows you to deal 1.5xStr damage, not total damage.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+13=30 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 7:02:55 PM
Seeing that it looks as if his comrades have this creature well in hand, he scans the rest of the corridor intently, searching for more of them. Watching Bruagh's armor dissolve, it is clear why the mine is so clean.
perception 30
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 87/101 d20+14=31 ; d20+4=22 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 10:31:33 PM
Bruagh makes his reflex save and fights valiantly to free himself.
Reflex: 22 grapple: 33 (+2. From Sam)
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 3 d6=6 ; d20=13 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 11:51:47 PM
Taggart burns himself once on the acid that this creature exudes during a devastating 12 seconds of actions from his fists. Taggart take 6 damage acid Emeralda strikes hard as well only str is 1.5 with 2 hands so in your case it adds +1 damage for 14 total. Sam continues to inspire his fellows and Terser takes a moment to look for additional trouble. Which he spots a mere 40' away and gliding across the ceiling Bruagh is able to get free.
A pseudo pod reaches out from the creature and again grabs Bruagh Bruagh is Grappled and takes 10 damage + 4 Damage from acid
CMD 23 to break the grapple Any weapon strike requires Reflex DC 20 else the weapon takes d6 acid damage. Please roll your own acid damage
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday December 6th, 2013 12:02:18 AM
Seeing that Bruagh is again targeted, Sam continues to hum the inspire tune, but adds a special spell for grappled dwarf. Sam casts grease on Bruagh.
Actions: Inspire courage +2 continued Bruagh covered in grease= +10 vs grapple
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d3=3 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=11 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=6 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 1:06:12 AM
Karnas finishes his summon spell, and summons forth 3 small earth elementals to attack the ooze. Thinking quickly, he casts Grease on Braugh's armor, in attempt to help him escape the ooze.
OOC: 3 earth elementals, attack the ooze, from underground if possible. Attacks: 23/10/11 Damage: 8/6/6
Cast Grease on Braugh's Armor, Requires a reflex save to resist, but this is being done to buff and not to harm and buffs don't require saves. Gives braugh a +10 bonus to escape the grapple.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday December 6th, 2013 1:42:40 AM
Ooc-...........<sigh>
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+12=21 ; d20+20=24 ; d10+16=17 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 4:48:25 PM
How dare someone try to mess with his mind? Terser's anger responds to the assault on his senses.
Will save 21
He charges at the creature and strikes mightily for its transgression.
Attack vs ac24 for 17damage -4 ac (rage and charge)
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 d20+14=29 ; Sunday December 8th, 2013 2:36:19 PM
Bruagh keeps fighting to break free and tries to fight defensively once he does so. He will not flee, he would rather the creature focus its attacks on him than anyone else.
Grapple: 29 CMB, without the +10 from Grease, CMD is 35. Fight Defensively for +2 to AC
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 4 d20=18 ; d20=9 ; d20=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20=6 ; d20=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 8:02:02 AM
Sam continues his inspiring song and casts Grease on Bruagh to aid further in his grappling A trio of earth elementals appear about the creature and attack. Stony fists rain down upon it. elementals cannot attack from underground Karnas, then also casts Grease at Bruagh, however the spell provides no additional assistance to the grappled dwarf. Bruagh, now covered in Grease, easily escapes the grasp of the creature and goes on the defensive
Terser charges the new coming creature and strikes hard. [i]Terser Reflex DC 20 Else Weapon takes d6 Damage from acid.
Each elemental is burned as they contact the creature Elemental 1 Reflex 18 takes 6 Elemental 2 Reflex 9 takes 5 Elemental 3 Reflex 9 takes 5
The creature attacks Bruah again, but this time cannot get a hold of the slippery dwarf
Terser is attacked a further 40' away and finds himself grappled by the creature he faces Terser Grappled Damage 11 + 5 Acid
CMD 23 to break the grapple
Any weapon or natural attack requires Reflex DC 20 else the weapon takes d6 acid damage. Please roll your own acid damage
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+8=23 ; d6+9=15 ; d20+5=14 Monday December 9th, 2013 11:20:27 AM (OOC: Sorry about losing track and not posting here--events conspired against me. Sigh
Emeralda sees Terser hare off and attack...something else over there and charges to his assistance, hollering at the top of her lungs and swinging enthusiastically in that two-handed grip that seems to be a bit effective (as long as she actually connects)...
OOC: Emeralda hits AC23 for 15hp damage LATER ADDITION: I only just noticed that I forgot to roll Reflex Save for Emeralda if she ends up hitting Terser's monster--her Save is only 14, darn it!
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday December 9th, 2013 5:44:04 PM
Sam sees Terser in an all too familiar situation. His song continues as he casts grease on Terser while still doing his best to stay away from danger.
Actions: Inspire courage +2 continued Cast grease on Terser
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 d6=1 ; d20+15=19 ; d10+15=18 ; d10+15=23 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+3=11 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 8:58:03 PM
Bruagh swings at the ooze twice in rapid succession.
Bruagh will not be fighting defensively any more, so next round he will not have the penalties.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+8=23 ; d8+7=12 ; d8+7=12 ; d8+7=15 ; d8+8=10 ; d8+8=13 ; d8+8=13 ; 3d6=4 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 10:28:19 PM
The Oathbreaker continues to lay into the creature attacking Braugh, grunting with each hit. -------------------- Flurry of Blows Attacks: 22, 30, 23 Damage: 12, 12, 15 Reflex: 10, 13, 13 3d6 acid damage: 4
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 85/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+7=18 ; d6=1 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=12 ; d4+9=12 ; d4+9=13 ; d4+9=12 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=10 ; 2d6=5 ; Tuesday December 10th, 2013 1:41:33 AM reflex 18 - 1 damage DR1 - 15 total damage
Ignoring the creature with its pseudopod on him, Terser draws his knife and stabs at it repeatedly.
AC 31 and 30 - crit confirm vs AC 12 damage 12 and 25 reflex 16, 10, 2d6 damage to weapon - 5
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20-1=3 ; d20-1=10 ; d20-1=0 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=23 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=10 ; Tuesday December 10th, 2013 5:34:13 AM
Karnas shrugs, not seeing great oppertunity for spell aid, as he casts haste on Terser, Braugh, Taggart, Emeralda, and the 3 elementals
OOC: Cast haste above targets
Elemental 1, 3 fail saves, elemental 2 succeeds. HP of the 3 are 7/13/8 respectively Elementals, with haste, strike twice. If the target dies, then the elementals move to the next available target and do a single attack. Attacks (with +1 from haste) 14/17/8/24/12/24 Damage: 9/10/5/8/7/10
Also, I'm confused. You say that any weapon or natural attack causes acid damage to the weapon, but natural weapons can't be damaged as far as I know except by killing the creature who has them
DM: you are the natural weapon and thus take d6 points of damage with every strike unless you succeed a Reflex DC 20 save
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Tuesday December 10th, 2013 2:09:13 PM
It's as though time itself were strangely suspended for the over-eager fightin' cleric of Domi, as her warhammer swings towards its intended target in super-slow-motion...like an ancient Peckinpaugh film...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Tuesday December 10th, 2013 8:22:28 PM
Check...
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 5 d6=2 ; d20=19 ; d20=19 ; d20=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d20=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday December 10th, 2013 8:49:14 PM
Emeralda charges after Terser and strikes the creature, a sizzle comes from her hammer where it his the creature Hammer took 2 points Acid Damage Sam continues his inspiring dirge and casts another Grease spell, this time at Terser. Taggart rains another flurry of blows upon the thing attacking Bruagh and with his final strike it seems to collapse into a puddle that lies still. Terser pulls his knife and stabs the creature twice. The acid from the thing dissolves his knife nearly completely on the second strike, rendering the weapon useless Karnas casts Haste. Terser and Emeralda are 40' away and cannot be targetted with everyone else The creature dead, the Elementals move down the passage and attack the thing assaulting Terser. Each connects a single time, resulting in minor burns to themselves. E1 takes 5 E2 takes 5 E3 takes 1
The creature Continues to wrap about Terser. Smoke and the smell of acid come from both the barbarian and his armor. Tersers Armor takes 12 Acid damage. Terser takes 15 damage + 3 Acid
Terser is Grappled CMD 23 to break the grapple
Any weapon or natural attack requires Reflex DC 20 else the weapon takes d6 acid damage. Please roll your own acid damage
Terser, Emerlada and the Earth elementals are 40' away from the rest of the party. The nearest adjacent square to the creature a 50'
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+8=13 ; d6+8=13 ; d20+5=16 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 12:14:16 AM
Emeralda shows a particular habit while attempting to hammer away at the thing trying to digest Terser: she apparently is a very noisy sort of fighter, as she continues to (more or less) yodel as she attempts to strike at the oozy monster.
OOC: Emeralda's attack hits AC13 for 13hp damage; if she actually managed to connect, she's failed her Reflex Save (it's only 16) and her warhammer suffers 6hp Acid damage.
Karnas (L1-7 L2-7 L3- 5): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' d20+6=25 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=11 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=5 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 4:42:00 AM
Karnas holds off from moving, not wanting to risk a counterattack from the oozes, as the elementals keep pressing the attack.
OOC: Elementals at 2/8/7 All full attack the target. Ele 1 Attack: 26/22 Damage: 7/5 Acid Damage: 5, kills elemental 1, only delivers 1 attack, ignore second if both hit.
Ele 2 Attack: 26/8 Damage: 8/7 Acid Damage: 1, 6 . Ele 2 survives with 1 hp if both hit
Ele 3 Attack: 20/12 Damage: 7/5 Acid Damage 4,5, ele 3 dead after 2 attacks if both hit.
Also, is this a special gray ooze? From the PRD, it says ooze acid only damages wood or metal.
DM. Yes they are modified
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+8=19 ; d20+12=30 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 11:31:40 AM DR1 - 17 damage, reflex 20 (+1 from haste)
Seeing that he no longer has weapon capable of easily damaging this creature, Terser easily slips out of the thing's grasp, helped along by the grease. He moves back into charging range and readies his glaive, ignoring for now the acid burning his skin and clothing.
move back 15 feet - draw glaive
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Wednesday December 11th, 2013 2:21:28 PM
OOC: Emeralda can channel energy or heal as needed, but people getting damaged by monsters (and such) need to remember to note their reduced HP so that I know when to have Emmie dispense with the healin' love.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 d20+15=24 ; d20+10=17 ; d10+15=22 ; d10+15=20 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 5:17:38 PM
Bruagh, being hasted, runs up to help Terser by slashing the creature.
Attack: 24 Damage: 22
Ignore second rolls, forgot haste bonus attack only applies on full round attack.
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 6 Wednesday December 11th, 2013 9:04:39 PM
Emeralda strikes the creature again. The elementals are pound upon the thing and two of the elementals are destroyed in the process Terser easily disengages from the grapple and moves back to get ready for another charge Bruagh moves up and slams the creature with a powerful blow
Terser and Bruagh feel their minds assaulted. Will Save DC 12 or become confused
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 d20+15=17 ; d8+7=10 ; d20+8=24 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 11:21:29 PM
The Oathbreaker charges the creature with his new-found haste, striking fast and hard. -------------------- Charge remaining enemy Attack: 17 Damage: 10 Reflex: 24
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday December 12th, 2013 2:30:22 AM
Sam continues his inspiring song. He then casts grease on Taggart.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+12=16 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=18 ; d10+16=25 ; d3=3 ; d10+16=22 ; d10+16=24 ; d10+16=22 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=16 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 10:52:45 AM Will Save 16 - round 3 of rage
Between his battle fury and the support of his allies, Terser easily throws off the confusion that the creature tries to throw at him. He steps forward and makes three quick slashes at the goopy monster.
Hit AC 25, 39 (crif confirm of 28) and 17 forgot to change die to 10 damage 25, 22 (+24 crit), 22 - 93 total
failed two reflex: 5 and 2 acid damage
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+8=18 ; d6+8=14 ; d20+5=12 ; d6=1 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 11:20:28 AM
Entirely too focused upon stopping the oozy thing before her, Emeralda continues to wield her hammer with more enthusiasm than accuracy...
OOC: she hits AC18 for 14hp damage; Reflex Save is only 12, so her weapon may suffer 1hp acid damage.
Karnas (L1-6 L2-7 L3- 3): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday December 12th, 2013 2:59:42 PM
Karnas just bides his time, not wanting to spend more spells on this fight.
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat Round 7 d20=12 ; d10=2 ; d20=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20=20 ; d20=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 9:21:01 PM
Taggart charges in and strikes hard Sam continues his inspiring hum and casts a Grease spell on Taggart Terser charges back into the fray and strikes once DM You had moved back 15' and thus need a move action to close leaving only a single attack action. The glaive take 5 points of damage Emeralda strikes with her hammer and again the acidic nature of the creature eats away at the metal upon the strike Karnas waits for the others to finish the creature
A portion of ceiling reaches down for Terser and strikes him solidly. The creature's attempt to hoist him sky ward fails with the assistance of the Grease spell. Still the blow stings soundly Terser Damage 10 + 4 Acid
The ooze, though surrounded, still attacks from its position upon the floor. It slams Terser with a fist like appendage that sprouts from it. Terser Damage 12 + 1 Acid. Correction! The ooze on the floor is dead. Terser has a reach weapon and so therefore dispatched it
Sam and Karnas are 40' away There is an Ooze on the ceiling and the floor that you now know of
Note Damaged items Items that have taken damage in excess of half their total hit points gain the broken condition, If the item is a weapon, any attacks made with the item suffer a --2 penalty on attack and damage rolls. Such weapons only score a critical hit on a natural 20 and only deal ×2 damage on a confirmed critical hit. If the item is a suit of armor or a shield, the bonus it grants to AC is halved, rounding down. Broken armor doubles its armor check penalty on skills.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+10=15 ; d6+2=6 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 10:43:47 PM
Sam continues humming his tune as he draws his crossbow. He loads a bolt and aims at the ooze on the ceiling. He fires, but can't tell if the bolt hit or not.
Inspire courage +2 continued To hit=15. Damage=6 if he hit
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday December 13th, 2013 12:35:24 AM
correction - I have a reach weapon, so I did my three strikes from 10 feet away.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+17=37 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=27 ; d10+20=29 ; d10+20=30 ; d10+20=28 ; d10+20=26 ; d3=3 ; d10+20=22 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=22 ; d6=6 ; Friday December 13th, 2013 12:02:56 PM Another one? Where did they all come from? Wherever it is, they won't be here much longer!
With the one the grappled him in a puddle on the floor, Terser directs his attacks on the one the reached out to him from the ceiling. He takes a step back to ready himself, and lets go with all his considerable might.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 d20+11=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+6=23 ; d4+6=7 ; d4+6=7 ; d4+6=8 ; Friday December 13th, 2013 2:51:37 PM
The Oathbreaker notices the newest threat, letting out a frustrated growl and lobbing three stone discs on the bandolier that crosses his chest at the creature. -------------------- Flurry of Blows with Shuriken Attacks: 16, 25, 23 Damage: 7, 7, 8
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 d20+5=9 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=29 ; d10+15=17 ; d10+15=19 ; Friday December 13th, 2013 11:48:33 PM
Bruagh feels confused for only a second before snapping to his senses and continuing his assault.
Will Save: 9 Hero point Reroll: 17 Attack: 21 Damage: 17 Attack: 24 Damage: 19
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+8=17 ; d6+8=9 ; d20+5=6 ; d6=2 ; Saturday December 14th, 2013 1:53:13 AM
The young cleric of Domi's concentration upon the ooze on the floor is broken by the pseudopod that lashes out at Terser. Startled, Emeralda automatically directs her next blow at the creature on the ceiling...
OOC: Emeralda's blow hits AC17 for 9hp damage; if the blow connects, she's failed the Reflex save (if the ceiling creature is another ooze) and her weapon suffers another 2 points of damage.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday December 14th, 2013 11:10:16 PM
check
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Sunday December 15th, 2013 3:32:53 AM
Check
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over Sunday December 15th, 2013 10:47:54 PM
The combined assault of the group overwhelms and destroys the thing upon the ceiling and it rains goo upon the party below as it dies. The mine area you stand in currently is quiet, the acrid smell of partially burned metal hangs in the air about you
Note Damaged items Items that have taken damage in excess of half their total hit points gain the broken condition, If the item is a weapon, any attacks made with the item suffer a --2 penalty on attack and damage rolls. Such weapons only score a critical hit on a natural 20 and only deal ×2 damage on a confirmed critical hit.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d4=1 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d4=3 ; Monday December 16th, 2013 12:54:35 AM
Emeralda frowned down upon the obviously-marred head of her warhammer, then mumbled the cantrip to Mend it so that the mild amount of damage it had suffered would disappear, although it took several mumblings to do so.
"I can Mend weapons as well as bodies," the braided brunette offered to her teammates. "Which of you needs what kind of attention...?"
OOC: Emeralda has restored 15 points to her hammer (which I think exceeds the amount of damage it took during battle). Since she possesses the Artifice domain, she can cast Mend as many times as needed, because: this spell repairs damaged objects, restoring 1d4 hit points to the object. If the object has the broken condition, this condition is removed if the object is restored to at least half its original hit points. All of the pieces of an object must be present for this spell to function. Magic items can be repaired by this spell, but you must have a caster level equal to or higher than that of the object. Magic items that are destroyed (at 0 hit points or less) can be repaired with this spell, but this spell does not restore their magic abilities.
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over- Addendum Monday December 16th, 2013 8:09:46 AM DM....Well how handy is that! :) We will assume Emerala takes care of everyone's stuff over the next minute or two. EVERYONE can remove the damage to all items suffered save Terser's Kukri which was destroyed
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday December 16th, 2013 10:01:25 AM
Sam's song stops as the last ooze falls. He begins looking for injuries amoungst the dwarves.
Ooc-will heal tonight. Going to bed now.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Monday December 16th, 2013 10:07:23 AM
The Oathbreaker takes in deep ragged breathes before closing his eyes and calming himself. "That cannot be it," he comments. "Three puddles of acid cannot have killed so many skilled dwarves... could they?"
DM Ken Monday December 16th, 2013 10:09:50 AM
DM Ken: While it isn't quite important, mending has a 10 minute cast time. It will take some large amount of time to restore everyones gear.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday December 16th, 2013 11:00:22 AM worth it ;-) though does the weapon hardness not apply to this acid damage?
Upon coming down from his battle frenzy, Terser's mind begins to work. Everything made of metal that touched the oozes seemed to have taken damage, and the metal rails and tracks were gone, which made much more sense all of a sudden. Taggart's stone shuriken seem to have avoided any damage though. Maybe a stone club or staff would be in order before continuing their explorations.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday December 16th, 2013 11:17:37 AM
OOC: I was in a rush, and not mindful of the casting time for Mending. Emeralda--as a cleric--would heal up people first, then start in on restoring peoples' weapons while others do things like search the surrounding area for clues as to whether or not the Oozes are the only monsters in the neighborhood.
She would also apply the Mending that she does to the point of making sure that particular weapons are no longer Broken before going on to Mend the next weapon; her warhammer would initially have been fixed with the first three castings of her Mending spell, with Terser's glaive the recipient of the rest of the listed castings.
Also--as long as I'm OOC here--right about now would be a good time for people to relate that they had Bouts of Confusion while they were fighting, since your Average Ooze normally does not have that particular ability, and I don't believe those who had been so attacked said anything about this part of their combat experience out loud during the battle...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Monday December 16th, 2013 8:36:24 PM That was... odd. I felt like that ooze was trying to take over my body. I almost lost control of my thoughts."
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over Tuesday December 17th, 2013 12:20:45 AM
The creatures are dead, Emeralda is able to Mend the weapons and armor with her gifts of Domi. The acid of the creatures was powerful indeed and the gnome miners likely had little combat experience. As for the gnome mages, Bruagh and Terser can both personally attest to the grappling strength of the things. If there are more, the party does not know. The section of the mine you are in has not been fully explored.
Ooc there is some gems within the creatures, my laptop died and I will get that posted tomorrow
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 68/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday December 17th, 2013 11:26:28 AM So that's what that was. I felt something pressing at me, but in my rage I could not tell what it was, or if it was really coming from the ooze creatures.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 1:32:29 PM "What?" The dwarf stands bewildered, staring at his allies as they tell him about the mind-controlling ooze. "How could something like that even manage... well, something like that?"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless 4d6=20 ; Tuesday December 17th, 2013 2:45:21 PM
The young cleric of Domi clasps her hands and bows her head just before she creates a wave of healing energy for the teammates surrounding her. OOC: Emeralda has just healed up those who need it for 20hp.
"I have never heard of such creatures before," Emmie admits, "But it stands to reason that, within The Wold, all things are possible. If these...liquid stone things here...were somehow able to influence the way a person's mind works, then that would probably explain how those spellcasters were quickly overwhelmed. Spellcasters with muddled minds are like shooting cave fish in a puddle..."
Karnas (L1-6 L2-7 L3- 3): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Tuesday December 17th, 2013 3:28:57 PM
Karnas nods. "Indeed, Confusion can screw with us pretty badly. If not for the greases, we might have had far more trouble, if their casters didn't know the spell or another suitable counter, they would be in a very bad situation only made worse by being confused."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 10:21:30 PM
"Do we think there are more?"
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over Tuesday December 17th, 2013 11:51:13 PM
The bodies of the creatures continue to dissolve away as the party plans their next moves. Soon there is little left to show the things ever existed at all, save a acrid smell to the air and what appear to be some precious and semi precious stones. Nearly 50 in all, totaling to nearly 4,500 gold pieces in value
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Wednesday December 18th, 2013 2:18:03 PM
"We should probably try to see if we can backtrack these things," Emeralda says, peering at the disappearing goo, "...ooo...they seem to have left behind some gems or stones...maybe we can tell where they came from by finding out where these gems are normally found within the earth..."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday December 18th, 2013 3:42:50 PM Maybe we should have some light in here, if only to reflect off of the gems that they may have eaten and make them easier to see.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday December 18th, 2013 5:44:03 PM "There have to be more. Three puddles of ooze causing all this trouble?" The masked dwarf shakes his head. "Too simple. I still have twenty gold riding on necromancers at the end of this tunnel."
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over Wednesday December 18th, 2013 10:33:50 PM
going to wait til tomorrow for some direction and input from others
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday December 18th, 2013 11:33:52 PM
Sam reloads his crossbow. He peers further down the mine and wonders what other monsters could lurk within its depths. He follows the lead of the others as always.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Thursday December 19th, 2013 7:44:19 AM
Bruagh picks up the stones and asks the question. "Is everyone ready to push on?"
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday December 19th, 2013 11:10:26 AM I fear that if we encounter more than a handful of these, our weapons will not last long enough to dispatch them. We should go back and procure some stone weaponry from the gnomes that we may better fight them off. Emerelda can't exactly be restoring our equipment in the midst of battle.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Thursday December 19th, 2013 2:49:09 PM
After healing up anyone who needs it and making sure the salvageable weapons have been duly Mended, Emeralda is eager to make sure that the oozes can be backtracked. She will scoop up the gems if nobody else does and hold onto them for distribution later.
Karnas (L1-6 L2-7 L3- 3): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Thursday December 19th, 2013 7:19:44 PM
Karnas looks to Terser: "You do realize my Earth elementals, which are made of stone, were destroyed by the acid? This acid eats everything it seems."
Exploring Deep Mine Umbra: Combat over Thursday December 19th, 2013 10:32:43 PM
The group discusses briefly about returning for other weapons that might better resist the creature's acidic residue in case there are more of them. The elemental a, made of earth, were affected as well though. With that, the party is probably best off using the weapons they know best
Emeralda scoops up the gems for keeping and the party continues to explore the area. It takes another 3 hours to fully explore the section, but the Grim Guard are satisfied that they have explored the area quite thoroughly. They now find themselves standing at the bell and a closed door.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Friday December 20th, 2013 12:25:30 AM
If it appears that the means for summoning forth the gnomes to release the Grim Guard from the mines is going to take a long time, Emeralda will take 20 to set up and prepare the best possible meal she can, utilizing the Gourmet Chef's kit she has in her possession. (If the Grim Guard don't have to wait too long before they're let out, she'll wait until the party returns to their inn at the Gnome Settlement above before asking to kindly "borrow" their kitchen so that she can cook this meal for her group.)
"A mission that has resulted in a well-fought battle!" the young cleric of Domi chirps enthusiastically, "I can't think of a better reason to celebrate our victory with a home-cooked meal that'll stick to your ribs..!"
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Friday December 20th, 2013 3:04:09 PM
The Oathbreaker seems grumpier than usual, pacing irritably around the tunnel, muttering something about oozes.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Friday December 20th, 2013 8:28:10 PM
BrUagh rings the bell in precisely the manner described.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday December 20th, 2013 10:28:14 PM Hmmn, strange that the elementals were damaged, but the stone floors have no etching, and Oath's shuriken were undamaged. Ah well. This area is clear, are there any other sections to explore? Perhaps we should get a map from the gnomes as well.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday December 21st, 2013 5:26:43 AM
Sam waits patiently for the results of the bell-ringing. He uses his time pondering if he'll ever be able to speak again...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Saturday December 21st, 2013 8:42:26 PM OOC: Hey guys, I apologize for continuously missing a midweek post. I go to work at 10pm and get off at 6am so I often forget which days I have, and have not posted. I'll get into the swing of things once I get used to working the graveyard shift again. Just be patient with me.
Leaving Deep Mine Umbra Sunday December 22nd, 2013 9:00:39 AM
The door opens rather quickly and there is the gnome valet, his cautious and confused expression turning to one of bubbling excitement. Remembering his place though, he simply nods and begins escorting you back through the minor maze of passages, up the elevator and back to the rooms where he had first met you. "Please wait here and I will inform Head Master Vasphour of your readiness to meet again. Make yourselves comfortable." With that, a bow and a smile, he leaves, shutting the door behind him.
It takes a couple hours for him to return. He enters with a loud knock, "Master Dwarfs, if you would follow me, I am to escort you to the headmaster." he takes you up the back flight of stairs and into the small study-like room where you had first met with Head Master Vasphour.
The valet leaves and Vasphour gesture for you to sit. Upon hearing what had gone on below and what the things were like, he merely nods, asks only a few minor questions and then produces a set of vials in a darkwood coffer box lined with red velvet and hinged in black steel. "As agreed, the vials of Figmatous Residue. Under the vials is a parchment map taking you from here in Brightenstone to the nearest Ley Line, about 7 days hike north by northwest. Whoever plans to enact the spell of transport has to coat his hands in the residue. Everybody else just needs to follow the standard rules."
With that he asks if you have any questions, reminds you of your oaths of secrecy and wishes you well on your journey.
Party XP 1,070 Each
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Sunday December 22nd, 2013 12:19:22 PM Thank you, sir. We're glad to have been able to help. Hopefully, you won't have any problems in the future, though you may want to take guards with the miners for the immediate future.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Sunday December 22nd, 2013 6:16:22 PM
Sam nods as they receive the residue. Although the Grim Guard has killed the oozes and are now on the way to save Tahni, the silent gnome wonders if any other monsters await the miners.
Karnas (L1-6 L2-7 L3- 3): AC12/12/10 - CMD13 - HP40/40 , Cark AC: 19/16/17 - CMD 14 - HP 20/20, Blindsense 20' Monday December 23rd, 2013 4:59:59 AM
Karnas nods as well, happy to get back to the main goal.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday December 23rd, 2013 5:57:37 PM
check
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Monday December 23rd, 2013 6:59:41 PM
Bruagh silently wonders how to use the residue to find Tahni.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday December 23rd, 2013 8:43:21 PM
"Before we go," Emeralda says, "We really ought to have that dinner I was talking about, and rest up and prepare for that hike--seven days!" She shakes her head, her braids flapping a bit. "We'll want to make sure we're ready to face whatever is out there..." Off she goes to "borrow" the use of the kitchen, and perhaps even to speak to the cook to compare culinary techniques...
OOC: Emeralda would be taking 20 and engaging the cook in Professional Cook talk as she does so. Hopefully she'll make a friend along the way, too...
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Tuesday December 24th, 2013 6:59:17 AM
Bruagh smiles to Emeralda. "That diner sounds fantastic!"
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Tuesday December 24th, 2013 11:52:54 PM
Emeralda sets to cooking, making the very best food she can from what's available. When her work was done, she very enthusiastically brought the large platter to the table and happily served her friends.
"Eat hearty!" the cleric bade her friends with a grin, "--you never know when we may have the opportunity to cook in a proper kitchen while we pursue our quest..."
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Wednesday December 25th, 2013 12:10:28 AM
Merry Christmas, one & all!
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday December 25th, 2013 10:16:54 PM
Merry Xmas all :-) hope everyone is getting to spend time with their loved ones.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Thursday December 26th, 2013 12:19:28 AM
What a send-off feast! After making friends with the cook in the inn's kitchen, Emeralda managed to talk the gastro-gnome (hee, hee!) into allowing the cleric to help dress a shroombeast for roasting. Shroombeasts were animals the size of sheep who grazed on the underground fungi that were found in abundance in certain cave systems of The Wold. If one knew how to prepare a shroombeast properly, one could produce an abundance of chops, steaks, ribs and even make some excellent jerky that would be PERFECT for traveling from just one beast!
So it was that Emeralda was able to present to the table at which her comrades sat a platter of braised ribs with roasted tubers & roots, complimented with a sauce that smelled of herbs and mutton.
"Here you are..!!!" announced the young priestess of Domi, setting the large platter before them with a flourish and her signature grin. "Just the sort of 'stick-to-your-ribs' meal we can march on!" She flipped one of her long braids back over her shoulder so that it would not interfere with her dishing up the meal.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday December 30th, 2013 1:52:17 PM
checking in--I'm sure that Emeralda is helping the Grim Guard to make merry with a delicious dinner!
8)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday December 30th, 2013 8:30:04 PM
checking in as well - I'm sure Terser is glutting himself with food and ale.
Leaving Deep Mine Umbra Monday December 30th, 2013 8:35:36 PM
Vasphour nods and moves to shake Terser's hand. "Thank you again good dwarfs, you've done Brightenstone and the whole Scab a great deed. ". The group retires to the inn and Emeralda is supplied with all she needs and full access to the kitchen to prepare a celebratory meal. The normal staff of the kitchen is on hand to assist and the result is quite spectacular. Costs and payments are never mentioned by the owner or any of his staff through the long night and nothing is held back from anyone who asks.
The morning finds the party very well refreshed and ready for the trek ahead. Seven days through the Scab to the mountain known as Sister Two. Vasphour provides no map, citing rules against showing Brightenstone as a reference point upon a semi permanent transportable device. His directions site multiple landmarks and the group is sure they will arrive at the ley line promised in the alpine meadow of the southeasterly slope of Sister Two in seven days. The trip promises to be difficult and involve either magic, or moderate climbing skills to obtain the elevation of the meadow, but Vasphour has said it is not overly dangerous.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday December 31st, 2013 7:36:16 AM
Sam changes out of his fine clothes and into his traveling wear. As he packs his gear the bard smiles.
"Tahni...we're coming to save you."
With that silent thought, the gnome joins his dwarven brethren (and sister). He loads a cold iron holt into his crossbow and slings it on his shoulder.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Thursday January 2nd, 2014 12:41:25 AM
Emeralda checks to see if there's a shop that has a climbing kit available for sale. If so, she will make sure to buy such a kit, as Climbing is NOT a skill that she has any sort of experience with.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday January 2nd, 2014 12:22:59 PM Don't worry, Miss Everbrawl. Climbing isn't so hard once you start, and we have had at least a few experiences with it. Hopefully this won't be too much harder.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday January 2nd, 2014 10:10:39 PM
Check
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Friday January 3rd, 2014 11:20:22 AM
Emeralda will also make sure that the supplies she used on the trip TO the Gnome city/town/settlement are replenished, too. She isn't the type who would allow her teammates to starve on a trip to a ley line...
Sister Two
Alpine Meadow Saturday January 4th, 2014 3:05:19 PM
Gear packed and what preparations can be made, made the party sets out. Climbing Kits of the highest quality can be purchased and Emerlada is delighted to discover that the paperwork allowing her to do so had already been submitted and approved. Food provisions for the road, trail rations and such are also available. Spices such as salt, pepper and the like are not available nor is anything resembling fresh products.
The group exits Brightenstone and leaves the gnoming mining settlement behind, heading into the deeper wilds towards Sister Two. The journey is not without issue, but nor does anything come up that the battle seasoned warriors of the Grim Guard cannot handle. A small group of ogre, some foolish orcs with a self deluding sense of capability and a a pair of cave trolls. The trek upwards upon the slopes of Sister Two prove more difficult. Vasphour's idea of a climb and the 3 sheer walls the group eventually overcome are quite different. The group does overcome these obstacles as well and after seven long days in the wilds, The Grim Guard round the last switchback before the alpine meadow some 12,000 vertical feet from where they began.
Standing up and hopping down to the to the trail from a good sized boulder upon which he was perched, is a black bearded dwarf in breastplate armor. A polished large steel shield is resting against the rock in easy reach. His rust and black colored cloak seems to shift in patterns on its own as it flutters behind him in the light breeze. Thick boots, worn leather gauntlets, a steel helm and thick leather belt complete his attire. You can see no weapons, though it appears he wears a quiver. The trail leads to him and then beyond to the valley. The dwarf stands, stoic in stance, in a natural bottleneck of boulders and is apparently waiting on you. There is roughly 100' of steep inclined narrow trail between you and him.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Sunday January 5th, 2014 4:19:53 PM
As Sam sees the new Dwarf waiting for the group, he does his best to hide in the middle of the group. He unslings his crossbow and quietly begins loading a bolt of dwarven bane.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Sunday January 5th, 2014 7:30:21 PM
Terser leans a bit on his glaive, using it as a makeshift walking stick, looking casual, but ready for anything.
Well met. What brings you to this out of the way place, Sir? Is the hunting especially good up here?
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Monday January 6th, 2014 5:35:19 AM
"Ooooo..." the brunette in braids peered at the newcomer, "...he's kind of cute..." Emeralda's following grin stretched from ear to ear.
"I wonder if he's ready to receive the Blessing of Domi..?"
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Monday January 6th, 2014 2:52:01 PM
Bruagh can't help but smile at Emeralda's... enthusiasm. He waits patiently to see how the Dwarf will respond to Terser.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Monday January 6th, 2014 4:44:52 PM
The Oathbreaker is as close as he gets to happy as they leave the gnomish settlement, making a point of saying goodbye to every gnome they pass. "I mean no offense by this, Sam, but your people are incredibly boring." Upon seeing the man waiting for them, his demeanor once again grows dark and brooding.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 8:00:40 AM
Sam shrugs at Taggart's comment. He would reply with a thoughtful retort, but he is still unable to speak...
ooc-Looking forward to the next level. The reason is 99% to have a PC who can speak. Playing a mute PC is not much fun.
Alpine Meadow Tuesday January 7th, 2014 8:47:51 AM
Terser calls out a greeting and asks the dwarf what brings him to the area. The rest wait for a reaponce, any kind of one. Emeralda quietly coes her hopes to perform a blessing of Domi upon the striking dwarf.
A polished large steel shield is resting against the rock in easy reach. His rust and black colored cloak seems to shift in patterns on its own as it flutters behind him in the light breeze. Thick boots, worn leather gauntlets, a steel helm and thick leather belt complete his attire. You can see no weapons, though it appears he wears a quiver. He stands in silence a moment as the echoes of Tersers words fade and then he lifts a hand and waves you further up the trail.
The party moves closer and at 15' he holds up his hand in greeting.
"Well met Dwarven brothers, I am Brounknar Thunderhand and Sentinel. Whom might I be greeting on the pass to The Meadow of Stars ?" After the party introduces themselves, he continues, "Your business is surely of the utmost importance and all that, but until you can beat me in proper dwarven fashion and prove your worth I can't let you pass."
He pauses a moment as he seems to gauge the group as a whole and then continues, "So what say you? Your dwarven blood deep enough to accept a challenge from the Thunderhand? You have to best me in at least any two contests of the five I name that you care to try."
"One, walk past me and up to the top unharmed. This mountain is more treacherous than an Orcs mother, but a true dwarf knowns how to move amongst stone and mountain!"
"Two, best me in a drinking contest so I know you aren't bearded gnomes."
"Three, show me you know the proper way to speak as a dwarf."
He chuckles a moment and then continues
"Four, Try your battle prowess"
"Five, show me that you can't be taken for fools by the greedy gnomes and can hold your own in a bargain."
Perception DC 20 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {you notice on his armor, shield and helm an engraved mark of an open hand with an anvil on the palm}
If Perception was successful Knowledge Local or History DC 15 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {The symbol of the Thunderhand family}
If Perception was successful Knowledge Local or History DC 25 -- Highlight to display spoiler: {A family of long history in the Scab tracing back to the First Age directly and who counts among their family many dwarves of great renown; including Monthor, Clangden Swiftaxe, Kazak and Durgan Stonewall of Turok Nor.}
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=16 ; Tuesday January 7th, 2014 10:52:11 AM ooc - agreed, I miss banter by Sam. He's better at it than I am ;-)
Well, I wouldn't care to fight a man that just greeted me so politely, at least not without sharing a drink first. If that drink is to be the first of a contest, then that suits me just fine. I've only had 2 beers with breakfast today, so I reckon I could still take you down.
Terser offers Brounknar a friendly drink.
What say the rest of you? Is another contest preferred? I don't really need an excuse to drink after a hard day's march.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 11:27:37 AM "Why do we even have to do this?" The Oathbreaker calls out. "There is more of us then there is of him. Let's just move past this fool and be on our way."
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 3:16:52 PM
Bruagh smiles to Emeralda. "I can't help but think when he says, "show me you know the proper way to speak as a dwarf" that he might mean a... uh... "Blessing of Domi" if you get my drift."
DM NOTE Tuesday January 7th, 2014 4:38:43 PM
DM Note: I notice a couple headers listing HP damage.....Everyone is in perfect HP health
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 6:52:22 PM
Sam slings his crossbow and nudges Bruagh. The bard begins pantomiming. Sam points to himself, then to the dwarf, and then does the "walking fingers" motion.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 6:57:19 PM
Bruagh will walk with Sam.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 8:29:38 PM
Sam stops Bruagh and points to himself. He then uses his foot to write "test 1" in the dirt.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 8:43:14 PM
Ooc to DM: How difficult is the terrain? How much space is on either side of the dwarf?
Terrain is considered difficult terrain and I a 5' wide path. Thunderhand is considered on higher ground and the spaces to either side are impassable with two large boulders Off the path to the left and right is a heavy scree field and to gain the meadow would require a 30' vertical climb
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Wednesday January 8th, 2014 4:37:53 AM
will post later today...
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless d20+6=11 ; Wednesday January 8th, 2014 11:39:46 AM
"Oh, boy!!!!" Emeralda squeals, practically hopping up and down in excitement. "It looks like somebody IS ready to receive the Blessing of Domi!!!" In her anticipation, the young priestess doesn't even notice any of the other obvious signs or clues that those who are Perceptive may see. She does, however, hesitate when Sam silently advises that Option Number One is the way to go.
"...no blessings today...?" the brunette with the braids asks, clearly disappointed.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Wednesday January 8th, 2014 3:46:19 PM
check until DM post
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Wednesday January 8th, 2014 5:25:11 PM
Same.
The Thunderhand Wednesday January 8th, 2014 6:23:00 PM
The dwarf calling himself Thunderhand gives Terser a grin, "Not just a drink Terser, but a contest and trust me, there won't be any hard feelings you wish to test your mettle." Looking past Terser,Thunderhand grimaces slightly at Taggart's remark, but he simply shakes his head a bit and returns his attention to the others.
Sam and Bruagh approach and with Sam's foot indicating the choice of simply walking past, Thunderhand nods and says "Be my guest. I'll meet you at the top for the challenge."
He looks the bubbling Domi priest up and down quickly and rubs his chin, "Blessing of Domi huh? Don't be too disappointed, nothing says you can't try all of the challenges. Might be some 'annointing' in your day yet Emeralda."
With that he picks up his shield and makes his way into the scree field to watch as the group walks up the path to the meadow beyond.
The trail is roughly 5' wide with great boulders creating a near vertical wall to the left and right for 50'. The trail itself is rock and runs upwards at about a 30 degree plane.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Wednesday January 8th, 2014 10:04:39 PM
With a loud sigh, Oathbreaker calls out, "I'll take the combat challenge. Are we to spar, then? Let us get this over with."
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 70/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 88/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday January 9th, 2014 10:30:36 AM I believe I was first, friend. Take some time to limber up while I teach this dwarf to drink.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Thursday January 9th, 2014 5:12:48 PM
Bruagh waits to see how the first two challenges go before he ascends the mountain.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bless Thursday January 9th, 2014 9:32:14 PM
Emeralda does not want to pass up the challenge of a fight, but she can see that Sam is of a mind to climb the incline before the group. She turns to him.
"As a priest of Domi, I cannot run from a fight, but I bought a Climbing Kit before we left," she tells the silenced bard. "Would you like to use it? It should aid you in climbing up..." She shrugs off her backpack and opens it, offering Sam the satchel at the top of the pack.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday January 10th, 2014 1:21:53 AM
Sam smiles and shakes his head at the offer. The tiny bard slowly advances towards the dwarf blocking his path. Once he is within 10' of him he stops and smiles. He begins humming a dwarven mining work-song. The tune quickly changes tone to a strange droning sound.
Cast hold person (DC=20) Start fascinating performance (DC=19) as a move action in case the spell fails
The Thunderhand d20+13=33 ; d20+13=17 ; Friday January 10th, 2014 9:02:32 AM
While the rest of the group waits for Sam to move up the trail, the bard instead launches an attack at the dwarf.
"I see you are nothing but a bunch of greedy selfish craven cowards, not fit to be called dwarfs. For a moment I thought you might be the ones..."
Thunderhand stops in mid sentence and plops down on the ground to listen to the fascinating performance of Sam the mute bard.
The trail is roughly 5' wide with great boulders creating a near vertical wall to the left and right for 50'. The trail itself is rock and runs upwards at about a 30 degree plane..
Thunderhand is 10' into the scree field
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday January 10th, 2014 9:35:05 AM
Sam continues his song. He slowly squeezes against the wall as he continues humming. The bard then makes his way past the dwarf and continues up the trail.
ooc to DM: I'm now wondering if I am misunderstanding this challenge. I was thinking that the trail lead up the mountain and that the challenge was to make it past him. By fascinating him, I was hoping Sam would get past him and up the trail without him grappling, tripping, or whatever to stop Sam. If I am wrong and this is simply a climbing challenge then...oops. If not, then I'm hoping Sam can think,"I win".
DM: The dwarf was blocking the trail. When you selected the challenge of walking the trail, he got out of the way. The party does not have to go past him to go up the trail.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Friday January 10th, 2014 10:39:18 AM
Terser calmly takes the insult from the blustering dwarf.
I don't know what you mean by "the ones," but if you didn't want someone using their abilities to pass one of your silly contests, you should have established some ground rules before challenging us. Don't blame my friend for your lack of foresight. Though if you wish, we will still best you in any challenge you care to offer, for we are as much dwarf as you think yourself to be, and likely much more.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 57/67 - CMD 24 Friday January 10th, 2014 11:19:07 AM "Ha!" The Oathbreaker lets out a loud laugh, running forward to clap Sam on the back ."And that's how we do it, aye? Let's be off, now, before Thunderhead wakes up here."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday January 10th, 2014 4:03:02 PM
Sam does respond to Taggart, but instead continues humming. The gnome is surprised that he doesn't know how his performances work by now.
Emeralda Everbrawl AC20/12/17, HP58/58; Bull's Strength Friday January 10th, 2014 5:50:17 PM
"Go if you must, my friends," Emeralda says, not joining the others as they follow Sam's lead, "I am a cleric of Domi, and have been offered the challenge of battle. I will not turn from it, but I also don't expect you all to fight if you have chosen not to do so. As for me, I must live up to my name, lest I disappoint my patron deity." The cleric then invokes the boon of Bull's Strength upon herself as she prepares for her intended combat with the Thunderhand.
The Thunderhand 3d6=8 ; Saturday January 11th, 2014 10:21:12 AM
Taggart's congratulate Sam and head up the trail. Sam continues fascinating Thunderhand , who remains seated in the scree field 10' off of the path.
Emeralda declines to head up the path, instead she prepares for battle with Thunderhand by casting Bulls strength upon herself.
Terser waits for the drinking contest to start.
15' up the trail, Taggart's steps upon a loose stone triggering a minor rock slide from upon. Taggart Dmg 8. Reflex save DC 15 For half
There is still 35' of path to go Thunderhand is still under the fascination of Sam
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Saturday January 11th, 2014 2:49:55 PM
Sam stops his performance as he was confused as to the nature of the situation.
ooc-Sorry Forged. Thought this guy was blocking our path to try to rescue Tahni.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Saturday January 11th, 2014 5:12:38 PM
ooc :: Is that not what's happening? From the Oathbreaker's point of view, this is just some dwarf blocking our path for no real reason.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Saturday January 11th, 2014 10:13:43 PM
OOC: I am exceptionally confused as well.
Clarifications, hopefully Sunday January 12th, 2014 5:01:26 PM
Trying to remove confusion:
The party is walking up the last 100' of the trail to the meadow. The meadow sits upon a 50' high rock outcropping. The trail goes through a canyon like path for the last 50' to arrive at the top. To the left and right is a dense field of loose gravel and rock.
A dwarf hops down from some rocks to stand upon the trail. he introduces himself as Brouknar Thunderhand and identifies the location you are heading towards as the Meadow of Stars. He says you need to pass 2 of 5 challenges before doing what you would like to do in the meadow.
the challenges are 1. walk up the trail 2. drinking contest 3. prove you cant be tricked by greedy gnomes 4. fight 5. show you can talk like a dwarf
Sam choose option 1 the dwarf got out of the way to watch you walk up the trail Terser chose option 2 and Emeralda chose option 4
DM hopes this helps if Sam wishes to retract the hold person spell and fascinate, no problem there as well. We can fast forwards to the group heading up the path and setting off the minor rock fall
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday January 13th, 2014 12:20:06 AM
Ooc-Sam would like to retract the actions and head forward
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Monday January 13th, 2014 11:55:13 AM
ooc - works for me, can drink equally well at the top or bottom. though if we're at the top, doesn't seem like we need to pass another contest to get there, haha.
Terser will head along, ready for a pleasant meadow setting for the drinking contest instead of this rocky passage.
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Monday January 13th, 2014 8:12:26 PM
Bruagh urges the group to stay together. "Let's do one challenge at a time".
Official Picking back up post; Brouknar Thunderhand Monday January 13th, 2014 8:42:25 PM
Sam steps forward with Bruagh and indicates the party would take the first challenge, walking up the trail to the Meadow itself. Brouknar nods his agreement, fetches his shield and then gets well off the path so the group may continue as he watches.
The party gathers up, Terser thinking the meadow a better place for the drinking contest and Bruagh voicing that the group should look to undertake a single challenge at a time. the group stands at the bottom of the last leg of the trail. 50' at a steep incline between two great pieces of rock is all that lies before you. Brouknar stands silently now 10 paces to the left.
Perception DC 10 --Highlight to display spoiler: {you notice on his armor, shield and helm an engraved mark of an open hand with an anvil on the palm}
If Perception was successful Knowledge Local or History DC 15 --Highlight to display spoiler: {The symbol of the Thunderhand family}
If Perception was successful Knowledge Local or History DC 25 -- Highlight to display spoiler: { A family of long history in the Scab tracing back to the First Age directly and who counts among their family many dwarves of great renown; including Monthor, Clangden Swiftaxe, Kazak and Durgan Stonewall of Turok Nor.}
"We will get to the next challenge of your choice in the Meadow of Stars." he calls as the party begins heading up
"We'll be taking the challenges in order...?" Emeralda echoed. "Oh. In that case..." The Dwarf lass hurries after the rest of the group.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+14=15 ; Tuesday January 14th, 2014 1:54:11 AM
The Oathbreaker sees the sigil, but knows nothing about it. He simply wants to get away from this dwarf.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+8=9 ; Tuesday January 14th, 2014 3:12:37 AM
Flustered by the situation, Sam has no idea, nor care for the dwarf's nature or purpose. He only focuses on Tahni. (Perception=nat 1)
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) d20+11=14 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+10=22 ; Tuesday January 14th, 2014 10:39:52 AM
It is obvious that this dwarf loves his clan, as the symbol is engraved in every place it can fit. (perception 14) However, it doesn't matter what clan one comes from. Only the actions of the individual can truly define any man.
He walks up the trail with the others, looking carefully for where to place his feet so that the climb takes place uneventfully.
(perception for the trail 16, climb check 22)
Trail to the Meadow of Stars Tuesday January 14th, 2014 10:08:45 PM
The group begins moving up the trail, and just before Taggart steps upon a loose stone, Terser spies the rocky snare. A minor investigation revels the loose rock to be a large piece of shale with a scattering of loose rubble across it. The Shale is wedged into a crack in the vertical wall to the left and staggered with additional rock of granite. A very deliberate trap designed to topple several tons of crushing rubble to those caught beneath. The group is about halfway, of the 50' trail that remains. Brouknar follows about 15' back.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 d20+8=22 ; Wednesday January 15th, 2014 2:28:29 AM
After being warned of the trap, Sam keeps his eyes peeled for further danger. (Perception=22)
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 d20+11=24 ; Wednesday January 15th, 2014 6:13:59 PM
Bruagh avoids the trap and makes his way up the slope.
Perception: 24
Trail to the Meadow of Stars Wednesday January 15th, 2014 10:56:12 PM
Bruagh spots another snare, this one a bit more carefully concealed. From behind you Brouknar speaks up, "Well done brothers, good to see the line is still being taught how to walk amongst the rock."
The party arrives at the top of the trail and steps into The Meadow of Stars. Just beyond the tight gap of the pass the group is led to a low stone table. The party sees a small campsite, cooking fire, bedroll tucked into a ledge in the rock and other equipment one might expect for a single prolonged camp. There are also several large barrels and a tapped keg. Brouknar comes up as well and moves over to what is obviously his campsite. "All right then, you passed one of the challenges. If your wish is for fighting and for drinking I would suggest former first and then we can toast to your valor and courage. Or we can talk about what it means to be dwarf." Brouknar folds his arms and takes a breath. "So we could see what you're skills are martially, we could see where you stand celebratorily, we can see if your elders talk to proper dwarf etiquette, or we can see if your a gnomes dream come true,." He looks to Sam after the last statement, "Just an old saying mind you. Before your time to be sure."
Brouknar beams the party a seemingly genuine smile and waits for the group to decide whatever it is they will decide
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday January 16th, 2014 12:58:36 AM
As the silent Sam can provide little help with any challenge, he waits for the others to do the work.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 21/18/18 - 67/67 - CMD 24 Thursday January 16th, 2014 1:58:09 AM "I will fight," the Oathbreaker volunteers, stepping forward to face the challenge.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Thursday January 16th, 2014 12:20:32 PM
Terser prepares to root for their champion, thinking about ways that he could help and finding none other than words and cheers of encouragement.
If only there was a way to share my strength with him...
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Thursday January 16th, 2014 6:52:19 PM
Sam clears his throat as he prepares to support Oathbreaker with a song.
Ooc- inspire courage +2 when the action starts
Fighting Thunderhand Thursday January 16th, 2014 9:54:23 PM
Oathbreaker steps forward to take on Thunderhands challenge. Terser stands by wishing he could somehow lend his strength to Oathbreaker. Sam can help and prepares to do so Emeralda has been oddly quiet. Ever since she was more clearly able to see the clan markings Thunderhand bears, she has been lost in thought. As Oathbreaker declares his intent. she breaks from her thoughts. "Taggart, be granted the blessings of Domi" and with that she casts Bull Strength. She then casts Bless and Prayer
Brouknar eyes his opponent and moves off 10 paces. His shield is now at the ready in one hand and a beautifully crafted Urgosh in the other. Looking to Terser and Bruagh, "Don't just stand there, get beside your brother and let's test our mettle. 5 Rounds should be good."
"If you have no questions, I'm ready when you three are." Brouknar's face sets as if made of granite and his leather fist tightens about his weapon so as to make the material squeek
OoC you are free to engage...You have been given the opening attack. We are in combat rounds if you have no questions/concerns
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Thursday January 16th, 2014 9:55:01 PM
Bruagh embraces Terser and wishes him well. " You are a great warrior and will be victorious. Don't feel as though you must. I will fight in your stead if you wish though I know you will be successful."
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 19/16/16 (CHARGED) - 67/67 - CMD 24 d20+12=32 ; d20+12=26 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=13 ; Friday January 17th, 2014 12:26:09 AM
Roaring a wordless battle cry, the Oathbreaker charges forward to strike the armoured dwarf. -------------------- Charge Brouknar Attack: Nat 20! 26 to confirm! Damage: 10 if no crit, 23 if crit
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Friday January 17th, 2014 12:58:17 AM
Sam hums the familiar battle anthem of DrakesMeade as Taggart fights. He feels hope welling up within him as his brother battles the stranger. The humming becomes louder as the gnome feels strength slowly returning to his vocal cords.
Actions: inspire courage +2 and "good hope" cast.
Taggart now has +4 to hit and to damage.
Ooc-Tear him up Oathbreaker!
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Saturday January 18th, 2014 9:50:58 AM
check during fight - cheer cheer cheer
Bruagh Stormbringer (Zach R.) AC 22/12/16 -- CMD 23/27 -- HP 73/101 Saturday January 18th, 2014 12:06:37 PM
Go Tag go!!!
Fighting Thunderhand Round 1 d20+21=34 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=27 ; d8+9=11 ; d8+9=11 ; d8+9=17 ; d8+9=14 ; Sunday January 19th, 2014 10:53:47 PM
Taggart barrels in and strikes Brouknar a solid blow, though Thunderhand seemed to have turned at the last moment to avoid a more direct strike Sam continues inspiring Taggart and Terser and Bruagh cheer him on as well.
"I appreciate the style Taggart, but you left yourself a bit open." Brouknar Kicks out with his right leg into Taggarts thigh. The dwarf then steps in close while bringing his knee into Taggarts stomach followed by a snapping head butt and finally another heavy boot to the same wounded thigh
Taggart takes 11+11+17+14=53 non leathal
Fighting Thunderhand Round 1 Sunday January 19th, 2014 10:56:48 PM
Additional post as it won;t let me add...
Brouknar calls over "Terser, Bruagh, step in here and help your brother."
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday January 20th, 2014 9:06:54 AM
Sam continues his inspiring humming. (Inspire courage continued)
+4 to hit and damage from "good hope" and "inspire courage" to all fighting.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 19/16/16 (CHARGED) - 67/67 (57NL)- CMD 24 d20+14=20 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+9=22 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=14 ; Monday January 20th, 2014 12:44:34 PM
Knowing he has little time left to strike down his for before falling himself, the Oathbreaker pours everything he has into his final flurry of blows. -------------------- Flurry of Blows for full attack Spend 1 Ki Point to gain extra attack Attacks: 20, 28, 33, 22 Damage: 15, 14
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Monday January 20th, 2014 11:04:19 PM
Ooc-Oh Forged. What a great adventure we've had. I'm so sad to see it end.
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 19/16/16 (CHARGED) - 67/67 (57NL)- CMD 24 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 12:18:27 AM
OoC - I'm really sorry for leaving, everyone. If I could, I would keep playing in the Forged, but I have to drop to one character and I had my other one first. It really sucks to see this over, it's been awesome.
Terser, Honored of Clan Ironbane (Warren G): HP 82/82 - AC 21/13/21 - CMD 24 (raging HP 100/100, AC 19/11/19 - CMD 26) Tuesday January 21st, 2014 10:35:17 AM
All things must end, but this one cam too soon. Tahni is still out there, and we will see her rescued some day. Thank you for the ride, brothers.
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 2:27:52 PM
Ooc-Sam will travel with the residue, but slip through a rift and end up in Bonetown.
Epilogue Tuesday January 21st, 2014 9:12:02 PM
Thanks for letting me part of your game everyone. I wish it did not have to end and in such a way with very incompletely business. If you keep a weathered eye on the horizon and your dwarfs in your pocket, I expect you shall see the fluttering of a tapestry within Giggling Ghost and a cry from the dark for rescue.
DM Dan k
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 9:52:07 PM
Ooc-If there's a future "Save Tahni" tapestry, Forged better have first rights to it! Thanks for DMing BTW!
Ken E Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 2:44:49 PM
ooc - There will be, near April when I get out of tax season!
Sam: 16/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 55/55 Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 3:54:32 PM
Awesome! Sam will be there!
And now (sadly) I'm deleating the Forged bookmark. Goodbye Forged. :(
Taggart Oathbreaker (Ian) 19/16/16 (CHARGED) - 67/67 (57NL)- CMD 24 Thursday January 23rd, 2014 4:06:14 AM
Count me in for that tapestry.
LOG ON