DM Mitch Wednesday June 12th, 2019 5:25:33 AM Tink suggests they press on once everyone is rested.
Restlin suggests they visit the undead realm
Garret agrees to visit that realm after breakfast and a nap and asks if they are just talking not fighting
Zane suggests they should be ready for a little of both and makes a comparison to not having to fight would be like Garret eating a single meat on a stick in an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Wyaar agrees with the assessment and to start with talking but to later be prepared for more
Sesha comments if anyone is going to luck them down the right path it is Restlin
Beri nods at the idea of getting a nap and then asks the custodian for more information on the spiritual conflict brewing in one of the other realm.
Bosk asks if anyone recalls any tactics used by the Undead in the brief fight they had.
The Custodian explains that it can’t directly watch the realms on the other side of the portal, it can just sense trends and energy. There is a large amount of the negative energy that indicates undead coming from the portal, for instance, and it can sense a shifting and upheaval in the different spiritual energies of the other, indicating a conflict brewing. It can sense great powers that match the heart descriptions in the various portals, meaning they can likely find the hearts they need, and from indirect observation knows undead and/or constructs are common in the realities making it likely they can find someone who will work with them. Add in a prediction from Gargul that the party will find what they need the party can be pretty confident they’re heading to the right place.
With the decision made and the party rested they head out, stepping through the next portal. The now-familiar swirl of colors and images of the extra-dimensional travel flashes before their eyes. Suddenly there’s a jerking feeling sideways, like they’re being wrenched away from their destination. The swirls of color blur and blend into a sickening pattern and a sensation of falling strikes the entire party.
They crash back into reality in some darkened room. Candles and torches sputter, doing their best to light the space. As their eyes adjust the party can see they’re in some large basement area standing on a summoning circle. Two humans, somewhere in their 20’s and dressed in robes, stare at the party from the other side of a podium upon which sits a spellbook. The young woman turns to the young man and hits him on the shoulder. ”You did it wrong! Those aren’t dragons!” The man pouts, then points at Zane. "That one looks dragony. Maybe they're in disguise?"
If anyone examines the circle closely and makes an arcana 30 check Highlight to display spoiler: {The circle is carefully and skillfully inscribed, but someone made a mistake, repeating a rune in the wrong place, which renders the entire thing useless.}
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+43=52 ; Wednesday June 12th, 2019 7:14:07 AM "What's the play? If they were trying to summon dragons then perhaps they would be more willing to co-operate with us if they think we ARE true dragons in disguise"
Tink looks about to room to try and get a better feel of the surroundings. She looks for weapons, exits from the room, and that sort of thing.
Perception: 52
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/29 Wednesday June 12th, 2019 9:50:26 AM "Why even fake it? We're dragons..."
Knowledge, Arcana is autopass.
"I'm Restlin of the Iron Dragons, and if you young idiots took us from our mission then I swear...wait a minute. Which one of you chumps duplicated this Boerc rune here? You are the luckiest amateurs I've met in a long time." He pauses to chuckle a bit at how these things work out, then gets his serious face back on. "These are the Iron Dragons. On the one hand, an actual dragon would have slaughtered all of you by now. On the other, we have torn literal dragons to pieces, so think twice before discounting us. Now, one of you start talking real fast."
***
Ninja edit!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:18:56 AM
Just before they step into the portal, Garret says, "Hey wait, did Zane say he has fresh meat on a stick?"
When the arrive, Garret plops down on his rear end and looks around. When Restlin mentions that the runes are wrong, he casually attempts to walk out of the summoning circle to go lean on a wall while watching the summoners.
OOC: He is trying to test to see if the circle is stopping them from moving at all, without making it obvious if it stops him. If he is stopped, he will mention that to the others over the rings.
DM Mitch Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:26:33 AM
Clarification: a circle normally binds the summoned creature and protects the caster from them. The binding and protecting part is not working (which the arcana check was meant to reveal) but otherwise it should successfully work to summon something. Garret finds he is easily stick a limb out of the circle.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday June 12th, 2019 2:43:55 PM "Are we back on Chuck's World again?"
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Wednesday June 12th, 2019 9:35:21 PM
Wyaar detects evil on the two summoners if there is time, otherwise picks the woman to detect and will tell the results over the ring.
Sesha certainly hopes Zane is wrong. Still, the humans seemed like they actually some some magical skills, even if they were novices. She casts detect magic and takes a quick look about, focusing on the robed folks particularly.
"If it comes down to killing them Restlin, leave me the girl. She's got some sort of magical talent, and she's not afraid to assert dominance either. Some things are put to better use dominated than decimated."
Sesha had quite as much as she could stand lately of being a hero.
The obvious disapproval from some of her colleagues over her handling Toreal had chaffed a little, especially when no apologies or recognition had come from the fact that her rather harsh handling of THAT matter had spared them a battle with a cosmic evil.
She knew she was a good person, and there was a reason she drew the lines she did. It was enough for her.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday June 12th, 2019 10:26:27 PM Where ever we are, it has magic. I'm going to test my abilities real quick. Beri uses his A Thousand Faces ability slightly alter the way the back of his hand looks, just enough to confirm his still has use of his abilities, then joins Garret outside the circle and offers him a snack, trying his best to keep the situation as non-threatening as possible.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Thursday June 13th, 2019 1:21:24 AM
Bosk sends Sesha an emotional Pat on the back over the rings after picking up on her emotions. Although he did not expect the group to act so quickly, he was always one to appreciate action. Perhaps they if why in the group earliest days he was already known as Gargul's Hand while The Padre was known as Gargul's Mouth.
I am known as Paladin for the Dead and am an agent of the gods, an intercessor where their realms overlap. Whom do we have the pleasure of speaking to?
DM Mitch Thursday June 13th, 2019 4:58:45 AM
Tink looks about the room to try to get a feel for the surroundings. She asks, “What’s the play? If they were trying to summon dragons then perhaps they would be more willing to co-operate with us if they think we ARE true dragons in disguise”
Restlin replies to Tink why fake it when they are dragons. He then proceeds to dress their would be summoners down and asks them to start talking real fast.
Garret barely has time to ask about meat on a stick before they find themselves in their new surroundings. He is easily able to limp through the summoning circle.
Zane asks if they are back in Chuck’s world.
Wyaar uses detect evil but none of them register
Sesha hopes Zane is wrong about them being back in Chuck’s world and then tells Restlin to leave her the girl if it does come to a fight. She is really chafing under how the others reacted to the handling of Toreal. She also detects magic and sees no active effects; it seems these two don’t have a collection of magic items like an adventurer might be wearing.
Beri finds that his magic works just fine.
Bosk introduces himself and states his title.
The pair of humans look alarmed when Restlin explains their mistake, especially when Garret so casually demonstrates how useless their protections are. At Bosks mention of his title they both go extremely pale.
The woman rallies first. ”Greetings I-Iron Dragons. We summoned you here for we are in desperate need. A tyrant known as the Dead King rules our city with an iron fist, oppressing us with his fanatical priests and undead warriors. In recent days people have been vanishing off the streets and the guard has been even more oppressive, dragging people in for questioning and taking away our freedoms. In our desperation we sought out help from any source and thus brought you here. We throw ourselves at your mercy, please help us!”
The young man adds meekly, ”Please don’t eat us.”
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 7/29 d20+41=57 ; Thursday June 13th, 2019 10:04:38 AM
Restlin looks around. "Looks like we weren't pulled into a different dimension, at least." He tries to get a hint to the level of magic/technology in this place (perception: 57).
He turns back to the humans. "Ok folks, I'm intrigued." He pulls Shiny from its scabbard and slices a rip in the air. "Let's talk someplace more comfortable, though."
***
Mage's Magnificent Mansion. Partly because he wants a comfortable place to sit, partly because he wants to see if his magic works normally here.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:13:22 AM
When/if the doorway appears, Zane will head in and help himself to a Taur sized plate of the feast, before Garret gets to it.
He waits for the rest of the story and for Restlin and the others to question them. He figures he can add any questions he has afterwards as most will likely get answered.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:25:11 AM
Garret leans up against the wall and then jumps when Beri offers food. He says, "Oh, a snack!"
Sesha pouts, just a bit for show, when things stay peaceful. When Restlin tests his magic, she is pretty content that hers is working as normal.
The only thing she decides to test is a necromancy spell, with an undead king around, sometimes stuff like that gets amplified.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday June 13th, 2019 9:03:31 PM The dead king rules your city with an army of the undead? And you are living right? You mind giving us a brief history lesson regarding how this came about?
Oh, and people have a tenancy to leave out the part where they are the ones responsible for the problem. That makes our job harder, and pretty much always backfires... I suppose that's a given if you lie to an agent of the gods though. Anyway, it's much easier to resolve a problem when people don't hold back.
In fact, mind if we cast a quick spell so we know you are telling the truth?
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday June 13th, 2019 9:46:37 PM
OOC: will need a sub on Friday. Headed to Dr. to have my head checked from my fall 3 weeks ago. I have lingering effects, and it's seriously starting to worry me and my friends. I plan on taking my laptop, but until I know whats going on I'll be in limbo. Hate head wounds internally, and after the fisrt 10 days it's now noticeable.
Symptoms: Constant low grade headache. tired, but can't sleep freezing but still sweating. Hungry 100% of time (always that way), but only able to eat 1/5-1/4 normal and then want to throw up. and a couple other personal things i'll not mention.
I'll fill in our group when i know more.
John C
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Friday June 14th, 2019 1:33:40 AM
Bosk continues to observe. This does appear right up our alley.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Friday June 14th, 2019 5:13:52 AM
Tink stays silent.
She waits to see if the mansion spell works, and if so, will be the last to enter.
DM Mitch Friday June 14th, 2019 6:07:31 AM Restlin tries to judge the level of tech and magic. Unfortunately they’re in a mostly stone basement. He can see stones, torches, and the already examined ritual circle, none of which provide any clues whatsoever. His magic works fine though.
Zane moves in and starts eating before Garret gets it all.
Garret leans up against the wall and jumps when food is offered.
Sesha makes a show of pouting when things stay peaceful. She finds necromancy seems to work the same as at home, no boost of any sort.
Beri asks some rapid fire questions
Zane needs a sub.
Bosk comments that this seems to be the kind of thing they’re good at.
Tink stays quiet.
The pair seem perfectly happy to answer any questions the party has. Everyone starts heading towards the mansion portal chatting and testing magic, when suddenly there’s a loud crashing sound from above. The two young humans spin about, staring at the stairs to the ground floor. ”This is the UKD, we have detected an unsanctioned summoning! Everyone on the ground, now!” a voice bellows. From the party’s long experience and the unnatural reverb of the voice it’s obviously undead.
”It’s the feds!” the young man yells. The woman doesn’t waste time with words, rushing over to the back wall. A touch on a stone causes a mechanism to activate and a section of wall to move to the side revealing a teleportation circle. ”This is our escape route, it’ll destroy itself after activation so they can’t track us. Everyone get on, hurry!”
It’ll be a squeeze, but it’s big enough the party should all fit if they want to flee.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Friday June 14th, 2019 6:47:56 AM "Hmmm" It sounds like these people might be criminals on the run from the law. As a Justicar she should really be stopping and questioning them. Since it sounds like the law is some sort of undead Tink's inclined to look the other way. For now...
She moves to get on the teleportation circle but decides to keep a close eye on these criminals.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Friday June 14th, 2019 12:14:55 PM
Garret doesn't relish the idea of their first encounter with the authorities on this plane being on bad circumstances... but will the fleeing help? He shrugs, quickly grabs some extra meat, and runs to the back of the circle.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Friday June 14th, 2019 10:12:15 PM After countless times telling people not to split up the party, i'm not about to be the one to do it day. Assuming everyone is teleporting, Beri joins them
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 d20+41=49 ; Friday June 14th, 2019 10:23:05 PM
Restlin wonders what a "fed" is. Chances are they can take on a few feds at least, but if Tink of all people is ok with brushing them off, he will too. He squeezes into the circle.
He checks the circle for defects, especially after they screwed up summoning circle.
Knowledge, Arcana: 49
He also wonders how they detected a random summoning spell in the first place. Was this entire place under that much surveillance?
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Sunday June 16th, 2019 12:18:09 PM
Bosk joins the others. Does anyone have a way of monitoring this location once we leave? I would love to hear what they are saying.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Sunday June 16th, 2019 3:01:50 PM
Zane squeezes onto the area and thinks, it either works or it don't.... if it does we go, if not I expect we fight....
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Sunday June 16th, 2019 9:57:45 PM
Wyaar readies an arrow to his bow but squeezes into the circle to bre ready for whatever happens.
DM Mitch Monday June 17th, 2019 8:31:48 AM
Restlin confirms the circle will work as advertised and the party crowds onto it. As advertised they just manage to all fit; also as advertised it takes very little time for these “Feds” to find the basement. As the party vanishes they see a squad of people charge down the steps. A human undead, obviously a spellcaster, leads them, but following him is a living Elf woman who glows with holy power and a strange lizard man in addition to a few other undead. They glare and call out, but the party is already gone.
The party finds themselves in another basement, this one much dustier. The place looks abandoned really, lit only by a pair of magelights the two humans make, though trails in the dust indicate they’ve come here before. Various old clothes and storage bins full of supplies line the walls, some rotting and falling apart, others in better repair and holding new looking sets of gear and preserved food.
”That was great! Did you see the look on their faces!?!” the young man crows. He does a little dance in glee, unable to contain himself.
The woman doesn’t take time to celebrate the successful escape though. ”We can’t stay here, the circle destroyed itself but their spellcasters will still manage to trace us in an hour or two. They’re very good at their job. Now’s the time for your questions while we gather what we can carry and find you disguises, half of you are species I’ve never seen before and we’ll get grabbed for sure in the streets.”
The young man manages to contain himself and soon the pair are digging through the clothing to find local stuff that will help the party blend in, prestidigitating away any dirt and grime. Most of is in remarkably good condition, further confirming that most of the dust is just to disguise the nature of the place.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 Monday June 17th, 2019 9:34:56 AM
"Don't suppose you got an evil reading on those folks, Wyarr?" Restlin hasn't decided whose side he's on, but these people seem decent enough. He decides to let Tink take the lead on the talking...
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Monday June 17th, 2019 11:22:02 AM "Being invisible help to avoid these Feds, and any reduction in size I can do would only last minutes, not hours...." Zane asks and says indicating his large size.....
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] d20+29=49 ; Monday June 17th, 2019 11:43:38 AM
Garret looks around nervously and lets the others ask the questions. He checks for the exits from the room and prepares to guard them, listening in that direction in case anyone is coming for them already (perception: 49).
Sesha certainly hasn't fought a fed before either, even underground in the homelands.
"Do the feds have much access to divination? I have a spell to hide people from undead, but that seems like the first thing the undead overlords would learn to do away with."
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Monday June 17th, 2019 9:03:48 PM Tell me if I need to make any changes to be less noticeable... though, I did happen to notice a LIVING Elf woman with a pretty noticeable holy glow about her. Something still isn't adding up about this whole situation. While you pack up, I think you better start telling us everything.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+27=42 ; Monday June 17th, 2019 10:07:27 PM "Ok. Let's hold on a minute here. It sounds like you are running from the authorities. Why? What's going on? Let's start with your names and take it from there"
Tink folds her arms and looks at the pair. The young man looks like the sort that would crack first. She stares right at him. She'll then have a good look at the woman too.
Perception: 53 (43+Take10) + Arcane Sight Sense Motive: 42
"If you concentrate on a specific creature within 120 feet of you as a standard action, you can determine whether it has any spellcasting or spell-like abilities, whether these are arcane or divine (spell-like abilities register as arcane), and the strength of the most powerful spell or spell-like ability the creature currently has available for use."
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday June 18th, 2019 1:24:32 AM
Bosk nods. Is magic use common in this area? If not, I can stay hidden quite easily. Can they detect invisibility? Bosk will activate his ring of invisibility if they cannot and holds an action to slip into the shadow realm if necessary.
DM Mitch Tuesday June 18th, 2019 8:08:21 AM Restlin asks Wyaar for a reading deferring to Tink to do the talking.
Zane asks if being invisible would help to avoid the feds as any attempt to reduce his size would not last long.
Garret looks around nervously trying to find all the exits
Sesha asks if the feds have access to domination
Beri asks if he needs to make any changes to be less noticeable then further asks about the glowing elf woman asking their would be summoners to tell them everything.
Tink zeroes in on the fact the pair are running from the authorities and asks them to explain starting with their names.
Bosk also asks about invisibility.
The pair shake their heads at the suggestion of invisibility. ”This is a crowded city, if you’re invisible you’ll just get trampled or draw attention to it when people run into you.” the young man explains.
He continues ”What we need is something to conceal your form, shape change magic maybe, or just some bulky clothing. We have enough here to cover most of you, including stuff for you bigger folks. It won’t fit right, we don’t have any… whatever you are here, but we have similarly large species around. We also don’t have any children’s clothing though, so I’m not sure how to disguise you. Are you a baby dragon? Only a few decades old?” he looks to Garret as he asks this, clearly having never seen a Halfling before.
The young woman answers the other questions. ”I’m Jane, and this is James. We met by accident when a waiter confused our orders and found we had similar interests. We’ve worked together ever since. As for why we’re wanted that’d be because of you guys. Summoning is strictly prohibited and they have magical detection to track down anyone who does such things. We thought we’d warded the basement so they couldn’t detect it, but I guess we failed. I believe I mentioned the Dead King is served by a small army of priests, wizards, and other spellcasters. Small magical disguises like an illusion or shapechange will work, but if you go flying around town invisibly someone’s going to notice and you’ll be taken in for questioning.”
”You also asked for a history lesson I believe? The Dead King has ruled us for as long as we remember and as long as my parents can remember. His priests claim he saved everyone from some big extra-dimensional war with demons and monsters and that only his strict laws and powerful armed forces protect us from being overrun. I don’t believe it myself, I think they’re just scaring people to keep power.”
James jumps in while holding up a loincloth as big as he is up in front of Zane, trying to judge his size. ”His followers are known as the Dead King’s Disciples and his elites some fancy phrase from some old language. Fraternitas Ex Dominatus I think? We call them Corpse Lovers. In Elvish, for the elites.”
Anyone who knows elvish and puts in some thought realizes that FED can stand for something incredibly insulting in elvish that could be roughly translated into corpse lover. Like, super offensive. Just… wow these guys must really hate the Feds, or heard it from someone who didn’t bother to explain just how offensive it is in elvish.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday June 18th, 2019 11:56:38 AM
Garret says over the rings while grabbing the smallest clothes he can find, "I'm not sure what to do here. We're here because we think we need the help of the ruling undead here, but we're quickly taking up with apparent enemies of the ruling undead. Do we need to get away from these folks quickly and just head for the king and ask our questions? I'm afraid if we get caught with these folks that we're going to have a hard time talking our way out of that with the authorities..."
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12:47:09 PM "I think it's already too late...." Zane replies over the rings "Do you think the "KING" set up these laws to defend against the "ManBearPig"? If he did we already fixed his problem....." Zane adds over the rings as well, to not give up a lot of information....
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Tuesday June 18th, 2019 2:29:12 PM
Wyaar shakes his head towards Restlin about the detect evil.. and then hmms in consideration. "In the interest of time.. anyone else want to just buff ourselves up and summon a bunch of things to draw the Fed square here and get THEM to answer some questions for us while we're prepared?"
Sesha snickers at the elven phrase. She suddenly liked these two a little bit more. She refers back to the ring.
"We need to remember why we are here. Are we better served bucking authority, or working alongside it? Which one will get us to our end goal faster? Our current quest isn't to liberate people from an Undead King who, strict or not, seems to have built a functioning society."
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday June 18th, 2019 9:47:51 PM
Beri responds over the ring I literally haven't heard a single thing that would make me believe they aren't the bad guys in this scenario. They are wanted because the king doesn't want them performing dangerous summons... which they performed... incorrectly... and had they succeeded in summoning a dragon would have overrun them. Things aren't adding up.
Beri addresses those that summoned him So, I see why he came to power, and such an outrageous claim as his war seems like it wouldn't have been accepted if it wasn't true at the time. While disappearances are a logical concern, you also very nearly summoned an unrestrained army of dragons that would have destroyed the city and you with it, so we can also see why they would be after you.
We've actually fought in extra-dimensional wars with demons and monsters... more than one depending on your definition of extra-dimensional, so we can't exactly doubt that claim. Do you have any reason to doubt him? Any reason to believe he's lying to stay in power? Anything outside you can show us that would convince us of his wrong doings?
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:23:49 AM
Bosk thinks for a moment. What will happen to us if they catch us? Death? Questioning? Banishment back to our plane?
DM Mitch Wednesday June 19th, 2019 5:37:26 AM Garret grabs the smallest clothes he can find and then expresses his doubt regarding the ruling undead and the fact that they’ve seemingly potentially took up with enemies of the state.
Zane postulates that it may already be too late and then asks if the new rules were setup to guard against Manbearpig because they already took care of that.
Wyaar shakes his head to Restlin’s question and asks if they should just buff themselves and try to summon a bunch of things to lure the feds their and make them answer questions.
Sesha snickers at the elvish phrase warming up to the the two “rebels.” She points out over the ring that their purpose for coming here has nothing to do with liberating people and asks what would better serve their goals to work with the authority or against it.
Beri informs the others that he doesn’t think the two that summoned them are on the up and up and then voices his doubts to them asking if they have any proof that can back up their story.
Bosk wonders what happens if they're caught.
The two can’t hear the conversation, but from the way everyone fell silent and the various hmms and other body language they know something is up. Then the question is asked and they look at each other for several moments before thinking.
Jane speaks up first, looking rather uncertain ”So… there are evil dragons? The only one we ever knew was Lady Brightscale, she’s one of the few servants of the Dead King we generally agree with. That’s why we went for dragons, anything else could break out and kill someone.”
James, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to explode from indignation and rage. ”You have no idea what it’s like here. Undead are everywhere and no one is allowed to rest peacefully after death. As long as your body is intact you’re dragged back, forced to dance like a puppet on his string. They took… they took my mother when I was a child. She was a researcher, there was an accident, and the next thing I know she’s not my mom anymore, just some rotting corpse pretending to be her. I’ll never forgive them.” he’s actually crying now, as much as in anger as in sorrow, clenching his fists and glaring at the party even as tears streamed down his face. Jane gives him a soft touch and a comforting look.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Wednesday June 19th, 2019 7:17:41 AM
Tink keeps up with the telepathy "Well, the undead mage we met detected as highly evil whereas these people don't. Based on that I'm inclined to go along with them for the time being. Working alongside evil undead wouldn't be my first preference"
She doesn't engage with James and instead looks to Jane "So what's the plan?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] d20+29=47 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2019 11:00:19 AM
Garret isn't sure they haven't already stepped in it, so he listens and keeps watch to see if anyone else is coming after them yet (perception: 47).
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday June 19th, 2019 12:29:06 PM
Zane falls back to a standard routine, He crosses his arms and looks grumpy...... He listens carefully to the discussion, he's not comfortable dealing with undead, and distinctly evil beings, but saving the Wold has made him a bit more flexible than normal.....
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday June 19th, 2019 10:01:38 PM If the other people were registering as evil and these people aren't, that's good enough for me for the tiem being. Beri starts getting dressed into his disguise. Yes, I am sure Bosk here has a few things to say about raising the dead. That is more his domain than mine
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday June 19th, 2019 11:27:33 PM You live, then you die. If the gods allow you to come back to life, fine. Anything elsev is blasphemy. Not much else to say. I help the Dead cross over and put a stop to the undead that insist on clinging to an undead mockery of life.
DM Mitch Thursday June 20th, 2019 7:31:50 AM Tink observes over the rings that the undead mage they met outside the portal detected as evil was James and Jane don’t. She asks Jane what the plan is.
Garret isn’t sure they stepped in it so he listens and keeps watch.
Zane goes back to his normally grumpy self and isn’t too thrilled about the whole undead thing but reflects that saving the Wold makes him more flexible than usual.
Beri says over the rings that if these 2 are not evil and the undead are evil that is good enough for him and then defers to Bosk regarding the undead.
Bosk expresses his views on the Undead as a Grim.
While discussing what to do you remember that not all of the undead outside the portal registered as evil. It was primarily the mage that the other undead seemed to defer to who registered as evil.
Jane goes into her plan at Tink’s request. ”There are others who agree with us about the undead, though they mostly keep their heads down. Including several people in high positions. There’s enough of us to stage a revolt, but none are strong enough to take out the Dead King. We know someone who can get you in to see the Dead King; if you’re strong enough to defeat him then once he’s gone the people will rise up. Without his power his priests will fall and the undead will be destroyed.”
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Thursday June 20th, 2019 8:58:58 AM
Tink looks to the others "We've really no other leads here. My vote would be to go along with these people. For the time being at least. If any of them detect as evil along the way we deal with it then"
She tries to hide the fact that she's really uncomfortable with the idea of participating in a revolt or overthrowing a leader without more information. She hasn't done anything wrong yet though. Pretty sure she hasn't.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:07:21 AM
"We were already here to see the Dead King, as much as I don't trust the words of that mage we defeated. Let us go pay him a visit and take in the situation ourselves.. but for now I am inclined to believe the word of the living over the dead." Wyaar chimes in
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:14:40 AM
Zane agrees and adds, "We did tell those whom we let return, we would be following up with a visit...."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday June 20th, 2019 11:08:07 AM
Over the rings Garret agrees, "Sure. Let's go talk to this king. But I don't think we make any promises to these folks just yet."
"There there. Don't cry in front of your lady friend. We've met one of the undead mages that serve your King. I don't think we got a name."
She looks around. Did they get a name? The young breathers here might know something about him if so.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:07:02 PM
Beri scratches his head as he takes in the details. He's starting to see what the situation is, but still has questions about the king. What do the stories say about the undead king and how he stopped the extra-dimensional monsters? Does he have extraordinary magical abilities that he overpowered them with? Did he set some sort of trap?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:34:12 PM
Restlin blinks. He'd totally zoned out over the past few minutes and needs a second to catch up.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Friday June 21st, 2019 2:51:37 AM
Bosk wonders if getting the king to leave with them weeks be enough to trigger the revolt
DM Mitch Friday June 21st, 2019 7:28:50 AM Tink suggests over the rings they throw in with the two for the time being. She tries to hide that she’s uncomfortable going along with the plan without more information. Wyaar explains they were already sent here to pay a visit to the Dead King and that he doesn’t trust the mage they defeated. Zane points out they did say they’d visit. Garret agrees about going to see the king but suggests the others not make promises just yet. Sesha tells the two young people they’ve met one of the mages that serve the king and then asks if anyone got a name. Beri asks how the king handled the extradimensional monsters per the stories. Restlin needs a moment to catch up.
Jane looks thoughtful. We’ll legend and his priests claim he spent years traveling the world doing his best to gather followers and save people. Everything was falling apart and kingdoms were falling left and right. When he grew old and feared his followers would die without him he sought immortality and godhood. He eventually succeeded and brought everyone here to build the city and seal us off from the outside world.”
She shakes her head. ”I’ve never believed it myself. It just seems too… convenient. No one is allowed outside of the city because of the supposed dangers. How did the Dead King succeed when the rest of the world failed? If he’s a god, why does he need servants and guards to monitor and control his population? I think he’s just a tyrant using those stories to keep us trapped her and not questioning his will.”
James wipes the tears from his eyes and calms down while Jane is talking. ”I think he’s just a monster and a control freak who only keeps the living around to breed so he can make more undead. Anyway, we need to get moving. 10 of us wandering the city as a group will draw attention, so I’m thinking we split up, half of you going with each of us, and we meet up at the bar a friend of ours runs. He can get us the papers we need to get in to meet the king. I’ve got disguises for you all picked out.”
(Everyone make a disguise check. While it’s James who’s picked out the outfits, you’re the one who’s going to have to sell it. Add +4 for the help of the two NPC’s, and if you’re trained you can assist the others for another +2. It should only matter if you draw attention to yourselves.)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 d20+20=21 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 9:07:09 AM
Restlin has a few ranks in disguise, and a whole bunch of luck behind it.
Disguise: 21
He'll go ahead and help his untrained friends, who also get another +2 for being close to the mendicant.
Sesha appreciates the disguises, and also kicks it up a notch with a disguise self spell, making little touches for a +10 bonus.
Disguise: 25
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character d20+13=27 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 9:45:53 AM
Zane has a bit of training from the WLA, not really sure how much good it'll do... His horns are going to be trouble......
disguise 27
DM Mitch Friday June 21st, 2019 10:32:44 AM
Forgot to mention: Zane, Garret, Bosk, and Sesha are races that do not exist here and might need magical help (-10 to check unless illusion or transformation is used to make them appear as another race)
DM Mitch Friday June 21st, 2019 11:18:15 AM
And Tink. They have no drow, Taurs, or halflings
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] d20-7=-3 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 11:39:42 AM
Garret puts the coat on backwards and doesn't cover his hairy feet. He looks around and says, "How do I look?" (disguise: negative three)
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil d20+13=22 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 4:52:04 PM
Wyaar puts on the disguise provided, certain the glasses and mustache will do the trick.
Disguise: 22
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 d20+7=24 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 9:22:19 PM
Beri looks ant Garret and lets out a chuckle. Something tells me this plan isn't going to work. Unfortunately I don't have any spells that could help you hide. Perhaps we could hide you in a bag of holding. I have an Iridescent Spindle that would let you breath.
disguise = 27 (plus any bonus from using A Thousand Faces skill)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d10=1 ; d10=7 ; d10=3 ; d10=4 ; d10=10 ; d10=7 ; d10=5 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=13 ; d20=20 ; d20=4 ; d20=9 ; d20=8 ; Friday June 21st, 2019 10:03:28 PM
Tink goes through the outfits to find the thickest ones she can as well as whatever pair of boots makes her look taller. This is going to take some work to pull off.
She finds anything with vertical stripes to make her look taller, adds some layers, and unties her hair.
In the end, it's actually not too bad.
Tink does what she can to aid the others but Garret looks beyond hope for her skills.
--------------------------- Use Moment of Prescience spell Disguise check: Base (+11) + NPCs (+4) + Next to Restlin (+1) - Different Race (-2) - Different Size (-10) + Moment of Prescience (+23) = +27. Take10 = 37 Aid another checks: Please ignore the d10 rolls. Wrong dice used! d20 rolls=5,16,13,20,4,9,8. Restlin, Sesha and Wyarr each get a +2 Aid Another bonus
If push comes to shove, she would polymorph the halfling.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells d20+1=10 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+1=21 ; Monday June 24th, 2019 12:19:08 AM
Bosk goes through the clothing, trying to determine what might help him to disguise his race and size. He tries on the various outfits and takes the other's advice. Rearranging his tattoos, changing his hair, etc. He even pulls out his disguise kit (10 uses) and passes it around for everyone to use. He then casts Cat's Grace on himself followed by guidance.
Carefully he trims and blends his hair, mixing it with that of the kit. He then tries several pairs of contacts and prosthetic. Still not looking right, he recalls his armor is glamed. Using that he makes it appear and just so, making it as effective as possible.
Do your people ever put anything over their face? A veil or scarf perhaps?
Disguise = 15, 18, 26 (or higher since I have glamered armor that can change to look like normal cloths.)
DM Mitch Monday June 24th, 2019 6:34:03 AM Garret puts on his disguise backwards with his hairy halfling feet sticking out Wyaar dons a disguise consisting of glasses and a mustache Beri uses a thousand faces to make himself a disguise and offers to let Garret use his spindle to be in the bag of holding for a bit. Tink actually manages to make a passable disguise and helps out some of the others, Garret unfortunately is beyond her help. Sesha tells Garret his disguise is perfect and plans to polymorph the halfling as a last resort Bosk has a disguise kit that helps and manages to put together a reasonable disguise.
In the end it does take a polymorph spell to make Garret blend in, but soon the party could mostly pass as locals. The two humans look increasingly nervous at the amount of time everything is taking. ”Good enough.” James declares. ”We need to get moving. It’d be best if we spit up, 10 of us will stick out like a sore thumb, but two smaller groups going opposite ways separated by 5 minutes should escape notice. I’ll lead the first group, Jane the second.”
Once everyone’s picked who they’re going with James leads both groups up a ladder through a trap door. They find themselves in the burned out remains of a destroyed house. Enough of the walls are standing that they’re hidden from the crowds outside, which is about as deafening as you’d expect in a large city. More unique is the smell. It smells unlike any city you’ve been in, with the smell of rotting flesh mixed in with the usual oders of sweat, horse dung, and perfume.
Looking out of the gaping holes where doors and windows used to be, the party can see their first glimpse of the place. The crowds are extremely different from what the party sees at home. For one thing about 1 in 4 people are the walking dead. There’s a skeleton playing with a small child, a zombified lizard-man in a uniform (town guard?) watching the crowd from on top of a raised platform clearly put there for him, and a smattering of people just walking by are in various states of decay. Also, it’s crowded. This looks like it should be a residential area, but it’s about as crowded as the marketplace in your average city. The actual market must rival Hook Cities for crowds if this is what your standard neighborhood is like.
As for those buildings, they seem to be built taller than your average building, all of them seem to be three stories, but they’re otherwise the brick and thatch you’d see in the Wold. Lots of black and yellow in the curtains and decorations on the houses can be seen, as well as most entryways having a crowned skull looking down from them. Probably a symbolic gesture so their god can watch over and protect the occupants, kind of like how people will put up symbols of Alemi to ward off disease or Pantheon to ward away thieves. Anyone who looks up finds the sky is pretty much the same as at home, though if they have arcane sight they can see the swirl of protective magics overhead. Someone definitely doesn’t want unexpected visitors judging from the sight. The whole city must be heavily warded.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+43=53 ; Monday June 24th, 2019 7:18:20 AM
Tink relays to the others what she sees with her Arcane Sight.
This whole town is very unusual. She trusts that James and Jane will lead the party to where they need to go.
She tries to get a feel for how the people are moving, acting, interacting, speaking and such in case she needs to imitate them later.
Perception: 53
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 Monday June 24th, 2019 10:19:33 AM
It takes a serious effort for Restlin's face to remain neutral when the smell hits him, but he manages. He also sees the overhead swirls. "Wonder how we managed to get through all that," he asks to no one in particular.
DM Mitch Monday June 24th, 2019 10:48:49 AM
Everyone needs to pick James or Jane to go with please.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Monday June 24th, 2019 11:51:25 AM
Garret tries to look as normal as he can as he heads out with the first group, James.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Monday June 24th, 2019 12:26:09 PM
Zane follows Jane as they all split up.....
"Don't forget to stay in contact via the ring.", Sesha advises.
She decides to go with Garret and James.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Monday June 24th, 2019 8:26:07 PM
Wyaar will go with Jane and random detect evil on things here and there. the guard. The passing zombie. A living person.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Monday June 24th, 2019 9:07:50 PM
With James heading off first, Tink stays close behind him - still wanting to act as a forward scout for the party. That means she is with Sesha, Garret and James as well.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Monday June 24th, 2019 9:09:54 PM I hate to break the alternating pattern, I suppose I'll go with James. I'll see you guys in a little while.
Bosk (Rob subbing) Tuesday June 25th, 2019 4:26:41 AM
Bosk gives a snort - clearly unhappy with the situation.
He goes with Zane and Wyaar, and is happy to get moving as quickly as possible. The sooner this task is done the sooner he can be out of this place.
DM Mitch Tuesday June 25th, 2019 6:36:42 AM
Four of the party choose to go with James, a few with Jane, and the rest go with Jane since there has to be 4 in each group. James - Garret, Sesha, Tink, Beri Jane - Wyarr, Zane, Bosk, Restlin
Tink relies to the others what she sees with her arcane sight while trying to get a feel for the people around her. She follows close behind James Restlin tries not to react when the smell hits him. He also notices the swirling wards overhead and wonders how they made it through. Garret tries to look as normal as possible, electing to go with James Sesha reminds the others to stay in contact over the rings while going with James and Garret Wyaar goes with Jane, casting detect evil on the denizens as he goes Beri also goes with James. Bosk is unhappy but goes along with Jane.
Jame’s group sets out first. They take the direct route, or so James says, though they’ll probably get there second since the direct route cuts right through market town. The already crowded streets become even moreso and the party is slowed to a crawl as they move along with them. Somewhere along the way it becomes evident that this city has a remarkably diverse and unusual population. For one thing while Humans, Dwarves, and Elves are represented there are no Halflings or Taurs of any description. Furthermore many ignoble races seem to be reasonably well represented. A group of Orcs debate with a female Gnoll merchant about the price of dinnerware and a Hobgoblin hawker is shouting over the crowd about how his blades are the finest non-magical steel in the city. Many races are totally alien. A large, imposing species of lizardpeople are well represented, as well as some variety of Elf with purple skin. Others equally strange wander the market, both living and undead, making it a truly colorful and unique place even for the widely traveled Iron Dragons.
Suddenly one of the undead guards causes a commotion. He’s grabbed a small human girl and is holding her up out of the crowd. She screams and yells, calling the guard a monster and an undead abomination and other nasty things. He seems rather bored with the insults and says something impossible to hear over the crowd, which ignores the pair after a brief pause to look over. James gets an angry look on his face and starts shoving his way in the guard’s general direction.
Meanwhile on the other side of the city Jane leads her group through the warehouse district. Here at least the party manages to avoid the seemingly every present crowds. Jane explains as they walk that this area is mostly used to store a mixture of emergency supplies so that the city can survive if for some reason the supply of anything is cut off and supplies for larger projects like construction. ”Some of the richest citizens have private storage, but for the most part if it won’t fit in your house you don’t bother with it.”
With less crowds it is less evident as to the full extent of the exotic and unique races that live here, though this group still catches sight of the occasional unusual race here and there. Wyarr doesn’t detect much evil, which is to be expected since most people aren’t strong enough to register. There is the occasional blip from random citizens, slightly more so then you might expect, though that could mean either that more people are evil than average or just that more people are strong enough to register than average. Nothing really shouts at him as “I’m evil and plotting something!”
The buildings are pretty standard, the giant warehouse types you’d find at any busy trade center. They look rather strange being so normal and familiar when everything else is so odd. There are a lot more magic types then you’d expect in the area, either bringing things in, leading work crews, or doing inventory. Lots of robes, spellbooks, and holy symbols can be seen. About halfway down the district the party hears shouting and curses behind them. Looking back they see a large ogre, heavily burdened with some giant sack, charging down the street. People are cursing and leaping out of the way. To Wyarr he measures as slightly evil. He’s definitely in a huge hurry, and he occasionally checks behind him and shuffles the sack here and there trying to make sure nothing falls out.
Jane gives the party a warning look and waves them to the side of the road out of the way of the Ogre.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Tuesday June 25th, 2019 8:27:54 AM "James is going to face a guard. He's going to blow this for us" Tink relays over the link.
She tries to discreetly move through the crowd, not directly after James or towards the guard. She's trying to circle a little to come at the guard from a different angle.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday June 25th, 2019 9:04:08 AM
Zane backs himself up against the wall, giving the ogre as much room as possible.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday June 25th, 2019 11:09:33 AM
Garret tries to grab the back of James' clothes to get him to pause and consider the group. If he manages to get James' attention, Garret glares at him and gestures in the direction they were going, trying to communicate the urgency in getting the group on task. If James continues on his way to the guard, Garret will slip to the side and try and get the others to move with him instead of James.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 10/29 Tuesday June 25th, 2019 11:36:42 AM
Restlin steps aside as Jane does. He gets Tink's warning over their link and sighs a bit. He'd learned the hard way that zealotry rarely pans out well in the end.
Unable to immediately assist, he uses his arcane sight to check out the bag the ogre is carrying. He can't see through it, but maybe can see any auras from stuff inside?
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday June 25th, 2019 9:13:00 PM
Beri makes sure he stays as inconspicuous as possible and wouldn't appear to be a part of whatever foolish Plan James may have. [i]Guys, can someone ask Jane what to do if James gets himself killed or zombified? I'm going to trust that James knows what he's doing, but my gut says that trust isn't well placed. [i]
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Tuesday June 25th, 2019 9:31:08 PM
Wyaar too steps out of the way of the ogre though keeps an eye on him and his sack.
Sesha is less interested in James and more interested in what the little girl did wrong. She didn't want to jump into a giant kerfluffle, but children were the purview of Serenbeth and her flock. She wouldn't let the child get zombified.
She gives her allies a quick heads up on the ring. "Hi everyone. Sorry to be a pain, but if it looks like the girl-child is in danger, in any sense of the word, I'm going to intervene."
She wades into the crowd after James, not so much with him, but following the path he makes.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:49:25 AM
Bosk keeps well back if the ogre and it's sack.
Keep us informed. All we have here is an ogre charging durn the road with a sack. Probably late for making a delivery or something. Bosk then let's Jane know what is going on while trying to make sure no one can overhear.
DM Mitch Wednesday June 26th, 2019 3:10:31 AM Tink relays over the link what is going on with James as she circles around towards the guards from another avenue. Zane backs up against the wall to give the ogre a little room. Garret attempts to get James to focus on their goal Restlin steps aside as the Ogre passes and lets out a sigh as Tink gives him the report on James. He turns his arcane sight towards the Ogre as it goes. Wyaar takes a sidestep away from the Ogre keeping his eyes on it and whatever it is carrying as it goes past. Sesha is less interested in James and more interested in what is going on with the little girl seeing as children are under the purview of Serenbeth. She apologizes to the others in advance over the rings for if the girl is in danger she will step in.
James starts when Garret grabs him, not used to being caught so low down and by such a strong grip. He looks at Garret, then at the guard, seeming to get the message but being torn. The guard starts searching the small child and quickly finds her coin purse. He then finds another… and another… and another. He finds about half a dozen coin purses in total, all of varying designs and fullness, as well as other odds and ins of high value. Clearly a pickpocket plying her trade in the market. Nodding his satisfaction at his suspicions confirmed, he tucks the girl, who still screaming and calling insults at him, under one arm and slowly starts making his way through the crowd, probably on his way to the guardhouse to book her.
James, lets them go, clearly still upset at the undead manhandling her but not prepared to start a scene when the guy was just doing his job.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, things are returning to normal now the Ogre has passed. Various people are grumbling about it, but that’s about it. Restlin did detect a hint of magic from the sack as it passed. As for the Ogre, it quickly moves out of sight, though as they continue down the avenue they see it again, now busily unloading the pack while an undead elven sorceress examines some of the objects. They’re large, heavy disks. She says a short phrase and it starts to hum softly, floating about a foot off the ground. ”Excellent work Thok. I can’t believe I forgot to bring these along, now we can load up properly.” The Ogre, apparently named Thok, seems pleased that she’s pleased. ”Thok always happy to help mistress.” he says, and as the party moves past they can see the woman and her ogre start loading up the disks with various heavy looking objects from the warehouse.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Wednesday June 26th, 2019 6:30:45 AM "If she looks in danger I'll have your back 100%, Sesha. Assuming you beat me to him.. " It's a pity you can't express a 'grin' via telepathy.
"Looks like James has seen some reason though. She's quite clearly a pickpocket and has been caught out. Let's not hang around too long"
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday June 26th, 2019 9:11:16 AM
Zane continues to follow along, this is not his world, so he tries to not draw attention....
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 d20+38=56 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2019 10:10:48 AM
Restlin watches, vaguely aware that his girlfriend might be about to blow their cover. She wasn't one to let a girl get punished too harshly for a little pickpocketing. He wondered how Tink would react.
He tries to identify the discs as standard floating discs.
Spellcraft: 56
"That's a lot of floating discs. Wonder what they're for? Probably not worth following to find out, but it's curious." He looks to Jane, waiting to see if this is something they should concern themselves with, or if they should keep moving.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday June 26th, 2019 11:11:53 AM
As Garret and James watch the pickpocket get taken away, Garret again gestures to James, trying to keep them moving and out of sight...
Given the efficiency of the guard and the fact he didn't seem to be harming the child, Sesha lets the matter rest.
"Thanks Tink. Again, I don't think this dystopia is as bad off as it sounds. I wonder if James and Jane are natives to this place? If not, I could see all the undead as jarring. All things being equal, there's a bustling economy, a seemingly happy mortal population NOT cowering in fear, social structure, and everything else that our own world seems to have."
There's a pause.
"I agree. Lets keep moving."
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Wednesday June 26th, 2019 7:12:14 PM
"we could spend days in a city this size tracking down things that catch our eye. let's keep out focus on seeking out the cause of all this" Wyaar sends over the rings.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday June 26th, 2019 9:09:33 PM
Beri breaths a sigh of relief that things didn't fall apart. So... it turns out that their guard are far more responsible and kind hearted than those in Hook City. In fact, when this is all done remind me to suggest to the inspector that he send a few groups of guards here for training. ...Also, I am back to not fully trusting James.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Thursday June 27th, 2019 1:20:39 AM
Bosk continues to keep Jane updated on the situation with James.
DM Mitch d20+10=17 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 7:29:15 AM Tink tells Sesha she has her back, then is relieved when James has seen reason and that the girl was a pickpocket caught out. Zane continues to follow along not trying to draw attention to himself. Restlin watches, vaguely aware his girlfriend might blow their cover before taking an interest in the floating disks as he wonders what they are for Garret gestures for James to keep moving encouraging him to blend in Sesha lets the matter rest given the efficiency of the guard. She thanks Tink for the potential assist then makes an observation about the world’s social structure before also assenting to keep moving. Wyaar admonishes the others to focus on the task at hand Beri suggests that the guards here may be friendlier than the Hook City guards and suggests the others remind him to tell Auslander to send some guards here for training. He is also back to not trusting James. Bosk keeps Jane informed as to what’s happening across town.
James manages to get refocused and resume moving. On the other end Restlin manages to satisfy his curiosity about the disks as they move past. The undead and the Ogre are loading them up with an impressive amount of objects and they seem to follow her commands, including following her en mass. A single disk can’t hold as much as an Ogre, but she has a dozen which is about as good as 4 or 5 large carts.
The party makes it the rest of the way towards their destination without further incident. They seem to be heading towards a bar, though like most of the buildings here it’s several stories and only the first seems to be part of the bar. Jane’s group arrives first as predicted, and she leads the party to sit in a quiet corner in the back to wait for the others. The place is pretty quiet at the moment, it’s still the middle of the day. A few patrons at the bar, a small group enjoying lunch. Notably no one here is undead. The barman is a young elf woman with a cheery disposition.
Jame’s group arrives about 10 minutes later. He goes straight to the barwoman asking, ”Is your father home?”
She smiles at him mischievously. ”Oooh you’ve been getting into trouble. I’ll go tell him your hear, I’m sure he’ll want to tell you off himself.” She heads to the back. James looks over to the party and waves at them to come along, an expression on his face like when a small child knows he’s done wrong and is about to get a tongue lashing for it.
A fat, middle aged elf sticks his head out from a back room, catches sight at James, and scowls, waving them to the back. They enter a smallish office, everyone barely fits, and as soon as the door is closed behind them the Elf starts into James and Jane. ”Now what fool nonsense have you two gotten up to now?!? We just got word the Feds are looking for you for summoning something. What’re you trying to do, burn the town down?!? And who are these people?” He eyes the party and quickly notices something is off about them. His scowl growls deeper. ”What are these people? If you brought some damn fool summoned monsters into my inn you’re going right back out on your ear, I’m not harboring some monster you dredged up from who knows where.”
James and Jane are both looking at their feet, shuffling them a little and seeming to be at a loss for words.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Thursday June 27th, 2019 7:54:34 AM
Tink crosses her arms and looks to James and Jane. Let's see how they get themselves out of this one!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 d20+47=67 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 9:56:05 AM
"I'm hardly a monster. Bosk and Zane maybe, but not me. Before you lay into those two too much, we were on our way to your world anyway. James and Jane here just interrupted our landing." He changes his tone to a more serious one. "They're really not qualified to do what they did. They are extremely lucky they got us."
He offers a hand. "Restlin the Mendicant of the Iron Dragons. We didn't come here to save anyone, but we tend to end up near people who need help. Gotta say, though, the undead here seem pretty well behaved and people don't seem too out of sorts. We're not really convinced we should be sticking our noses into any of this."
Diplomacy: 67...yes, for reals. That's the highest D20 I've ever rolled.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] d20+13=31 ; Thursday June 27th, 2019 10:51:11 AM
Garret wanders around the bar and looks to see if there's any "spare" food lying around. He tries to grab a bite to eat if he thinks no one will notice (sleight of hand: 31) before entering the room. When the fat guy starts yelling at James, he just stands there and eats. When Restlin speaks and the entire room gets quite, Garret almost bows to him and lets him introduce the rest.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday June 27th, 2019 7:34:40 PM
Zane looks out from under his hood and eyes Restlin as he mentions his being a monster..... He starts to say something, but halts himself....
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday June 27th, 2019 9:08:02 PM Burn down the town? So, you are aware of what he was trying to do...?
Anyway, I've heard why your friend brought us to this town, but you seem a little more levelheaded than he is... no offense James, but you did sort of kidnap us... and have the guards chase after us... and almost started a fight with the guards on the way hear... anyway, as I was saying, I would greatly appreciate it if you could give us your thoughts on what's going on here so we can make sure any decisions we make are well informed..
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Thursday June 27th, 2019 10:41:24 PM
Wyaar listens to the others.. and detects evil on dear old dad.
"And, we're from the Wold. So now you know where we came from, and it isn't "who-knows-where.", Sesha adds helpfully.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Friday June 28th, 2019 12:12:53 AM
Bosk remains silent, thinking less he draws attention to the fact that he is a large horned minotaur with three eyes and no shadow, the better.
DM Mitch Friday June 28th, 2019 6:22:50 AM Tink crosses her arms, resolved to let James and Jane get themselves out of this Restlin introduces himself and the Iron Dragons diplomatically. He explains what happened, why they came and what they observed. Garret looks for some food and takes the time to stealthily grab some while the barman is laying into James and Jane. Zane looks out from under his hood and thinks about saying something to Restlin Beri asks the barman if he was aware of what James and Jane were trying to do and then asks him for his thoughts on the situation Wyarr detects evil on efldad and doesn’t detect anything. Sesha informs the barman they are from the Wold Bosk remains silent to try to draw less attention
The elf squints suspiciously as the party talks to him. James does seem slightly offended at Beri’s comment.
”You’re dragons from the world and you were expected? That doesn’t do anything to raise my confidence. Summoning is outlawed for a reason. I’m not old enough to have seen it myself but my parents told me stories. Demons and things from beyond terrible to behold that drove the world mad and consumed it. Nothing summonable these days is likely to be friendly and half of them can drive you mad just by looking at them. It was bad enough that my family, devout followers of Sahanine, were willing to follow an undead here to survive.”
Though none of you have ever heard of this god you get the feeling that she has similar feelings towards undead as Gargul from his expression and tone of voice.
Jane speaks up. ”We were careful sir. We made sure to summon something good, dragons like Lady Brightscale. We had wards up and everything, but the Fed came and we had to flee. They can take down the Dead King for us!”
The elf facepalms. ”Dragons aren’t all as nice as Brightscale Jane. Half of them were as bad as the demons and the other half meant well but were just as likely to eat you for trespassing as help.” He looks over the party again, then leans back, considering. ”Still you haven’t driven me mad yet nor have you tried to burn down the town. Do you really think you have the power to slay a god?”
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Friday June 28th, 2019 11:15:13 AM
Restlin takes a long moment to ponder the irony of that question.
"I sure hope so, because we might have to do it back home soon. It's not something we'd get ourselves into without an amazingly good reason, which we've yet to receive."
He looks to the two that summoned them. "You should listen to him, by the way. This dude gets how dangerous summoning can be if you get it wrong."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Friday June 28th, 2019 5:17:21 PM
At the word "consumed," Garret looks around innocently. He continues eating his newfound food as the groups argue. When asked about slaying a god, Garret holds his hands up and says, "Oh, whoa there! Hold on!" Then he burps.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Friday June 28th, 2019 9:22:02 PM
The druid thinks back, trying to remember if anyone they defeated had officially been a god. We finished off the consumer of countless worlds and their gods, though I know not whether he was a god in his own right. We've fought an entire army of mutated abominations that literally lived within a monster bigger than any city our world has ever known, foes so powerful that they were able to block out the power of the gods themselves.
Though, from what I understand the question isn't whether we can defeat a god. It's whether the king truly is a god and the stories about him truth or rumor.
"Far more important to whether or not we CAN defeat him is whether or not we SHOULD defeat him." She thinks a minute, then adds. "You seem to be a reasonable sort. So how about it. Is there a reason to depose the King of this place? Is he a fair enough ruler?"
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+27=43 ; Saturday June 29th, 2019 1:02:53 AM "We have been betrayed, double-crossed and hoodwinked so many times that we don't take anything on face value any more." Tink pauses for a moment "Come to think of it, who was the last person we met that didn't end up turning on us?"
Sense Motive: 43 Truth Test: With a successful Sense Motive check secretly opposed by either a Will save or a Bluff check (target's choice), the justicar can tell when a target creature is lying, just like a Discern Lies spell. However, the justicar must be holding his holy symbol and concentrating on a target creature for this ability to function. If the target is deliberately lying or trying to mislead the justicar, the symbol glows with a pure white light. If the target is telling the truth, or wins the sense motive check, or unknowingly tells a lie, the symbol stays dark."
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Saturday June 29th, 2019 4:28:19 PM "Dock, if you wanna call him a person.....
Which I do."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Saturday June 29th, 2019 6:34:12 PM
"Auslander's always been above board..." adds Restlin.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Monday July 1st, 2019 1:31:03 AM
Bosk continues to remain quite and listen.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Monday July 1st, 2019 5:26:16 AM
ATTN Iron Dragons: Time to Talk Retirement
Hey good people!
As you've probably figured out, we're getting close to the end. Your DMs have told me that we will likely finish up sometime in the fall. It might last a bit longer than that, but we'll see and no we're not in a hurry. As your friendly ACDMs, your DMs, and I are busy creatures, we want to get to work on your retirement benefits, so to speak.
There are several things to talk about. The first of these is your restart game. We have set up the Scarlet Tapestry for this purpose. We will use this board for all discussions about retirement. We want you posting there daily and keeping up. No, we're not going to have Sheriff Zach register posts. :) However, if you choose not to post, you are giving up your voice.
The first item is to decide where we'd like the new game to be geographically and any "themes" we we are interested in. To this end, your ACDMs, DMs, and myself have prepared a list of 8 locations for you to choose from. For more info on the whys and wherefores of all this, make your way to the Scarlet Tapestry. Cayzle has already seen to it that everyone has permissions. Yes things there have already been prepared for you.
So grab a snack and beverage, turn on some music, and head over there to read, ponder, and post initial thoughts, questions, etc.
I'll be hanging out in the Scarlet Tap today [well actually I'm going back to bed, I woke up to let the dogs out for a few minutes and thought this was as good a time as any to send this email] ....but I will leave the Scarlet Tapestry open today in a tab and will monitor it through the day to get us off to a good start. :)
No need to reply to this email unless you want to throw on a "Aww Maan" or "Yippee" as we'll continue things there! See ya there!
CDM Jerry
[This was sent via email, but I thought it a good idea to post it here as well.]
DM Mitch Monday July 1st, 2019 7:23:20 AM Restlin takes a moment to ponder the irony of the question regarding the irony of the question regarding taking out a God. He answers he hopes they are up to the task seeing they might have to do so once they get back home but he hasn’t seen evidence yet it is necessary here. Garret continues to eat his food and looks around innocently when the elf says consumed. When they start talking about slaying a God he interrupts the conversation with a burp. Beri tries to remember if anyone they’ve beaten before was actually a God and relates some of the things they’ve dealt with in the past. He asks if the Dead King is actually a God and if the stories about him are true. Sesha emphasizes that whether they should defeat the dead king is more important than if they can. She then asks the elf if there is a reason they should depose the king of this place Tink points out they have been double crossed, betrayed and hoodwinked too many times and then asks who the last person was that didn’t turn on them. Zane says Doc. Restlin adds Auslander to the list. Bosk stays quiet.
”Fair enough.” the elf says. ”You’re new here and have no reason to trust us. I admit my reasons for wanting the Dead King gone are purely religious. I believe that the undead are an abomination that should not exist. People that die should be allowed to move on to the afterlife, not have their souls trapped in a rotting corpse for the rest of eternity. We’ve been stable and secure for hundreds of years and I think it’s high time for a change in command and for those trapped souls to be released to the hereafter.”
James looks rather… petulant that you might not help. ”I’ve already told you why I want him gone. Basically I agree with Aeson here, the undead are monsters that need to go. I think he’s controlling them all like puppets and they’re just pretending to be normal.” Aeson must be the name of the elf.
Jane is more calm about it, like this is just a thought experiment with a teacher. ”I have no real feelings either way about the undead personally, though I think the other two make good points about them. I’ve been helping them because I suspect we’re being lied to and controlled by the Dead King. There are too many inconsistencies with the official story about why we have to stay in the city and what dangers are out there. Supposedly we’re constantly under siege, but I’ve never seen any signs of it. Hundreds of years ago maybe he was needed, but now I think he’s just holding onto power.”
Aeson finishes their pitch. ”Now we could stand here and chat about this for the next decade, but like you said there’s no reason you should trust our opinion and I doubt you want to stay here for a few months to learn all about our society here. I have a plan that will get you in to meet him. With all of your gear, I might add. You can either work with us, meet him yourself, and come to your own conclusions, or you can throw yourself on the mercy of the Feds, who are already hunting you as summoned monsters and will likely execute you before you ever see him. Your choice.”
Tink is pretty certain everyone is telling the truth, though she’s also pretty sure Aeson hopes that even if the party disagrees with his feelings on undead they’ll screw up the meeting with the Dead King and end up in a fight anyway.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Monday July 1st, 2019 7:35:30 AM
"we have already fought some of the Dead Kong's minions and defeated them. while they were not puppets as far as I could tell, they certainly were not on the side of good. I do not think we can promise to overthrow him, but we do need to meet with him and given who he works with and what he does I do not expect that meeting to go well." Wyaar chimes in.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Monday July 1st, 2019 8:35:29 AM
Tink isn't liking the tone of this guy. "Hunting us as summoned monsters because your friends illegally brought us here. The lawful thing would seem to be to hand ourselves over to the authorities and provide them with information to aid them capture the criminals who abducted us."
Jane seems logical and makes some good points. Conspiracies are interesting.
"Ok Jane. What next? What's the plan?" she asks.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Monday July 1st, 2019 11:01:51 AM
Garret chews and says over the rings, "Why do we always get stuck in the middle? I hope by sticking with these guys we don't get pre-judged by the king there because, well, he's still a king."
"I sort of feel for you James and Jane. You summoned a group of heroes that are like me, just close enough to neutral that we really don't see the big deal with undead who aren't rampaging around. I mean, I have a few that answer to me personally...and Tink here, lawful enough that unless horrors are being commited against the populace she's going to struggle to find a reason to overthrow the local government."
She stretches her arms and wriggles her shoulders.
"I suppose what you need is either some good old fashioned chaotic hero juice, or Bosk here to get up and righteous about blotting out the undead stain on the land. Otherwise there's just no promises."
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Monday July 1st, 2019 11:21:09 AM "Hey, he could offend my feeling too.... Just because Bosk is the one most likely to get offended, don't leave me out." As Zane stretches out his draconic wings and then folds them back tight to his back.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Monday July 1st, 2019 11:49:08 AM
"I practically run on chaotic hero juice, love.
"Anyway, we were invited here by an emissary of this king after we accepted their surrender, and if we're now fugitives for being summoned I don't think it's him we should be angry at. On the one hand, they may be right and we MAY be turning our backs on innocent people who need our help. On the other, Kevintar's still messing stuff up back home.
"Maybe we start to sort this out by hearing this dude's plan..." Restlin indicates he's at least ready to hear it out.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Monday July 1st, 2019 9:22:18 PM
Beri nods as he gets some confirmation that this isn't just a fringe lunatic that summoned them, even if he still doesn't appear to be the most reliable person. Considering we already had an invitation from the king, is there a specific advantage to your route? What would we expect to happen if we did try to use the invitation we previously received? Considering the closed in nature of this kingdom, I assume we'd either get the royal treatment or we'd find a lot of heavily armed men giving us the coldest reception imaginable. In my experience rulers don't have much use for the multitude of options between the two extremes, but that may be unique to our world.
By the way, could you please stop referring to us as monsters? It's a little weird considering we're the same race.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 3:48:24 AM
Bosk shrugs. I am against the understanding in all their forms. They are a mockery of life and go against the gods will. However, I must admit that the concept of other places and dimensions confuses me. Do our rule and gods have any jurisdiction here? Do they have their own gods? Should they be following ours, and have simply shut them out or ignored them? I am at a loss... But I still dispise the undead on principle
DM Mitch Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 7:25:10 AM Wyaar explains that they have previously fought the dead king’s minions and won and that they didn’t seem like puppets. He explains they were invited back by the minions they defeated and they do not expect the meeting to go well. Tink admonishes Aeson as them being hunted as summoned creatures is due to his friends and the lawful thing to do would be to turn themselves in and aid the authorities but she is curious with respect to Jane’s conspiracy theory so she asks the girl what the plan is. Garret asks why they always get stuck in the middle of things and hopes that the Dead King doesn’t prejudge them for hanging with these folks. Sesha finds the whole situation amusing and explains that they are most likely going to have difficulty overthrowing a government as long as the populace is not in immediate danger unless they can rile Bosk up enough about the undead. Restlin explains he practically runs on chaos juice and points out that they are torn between not helping potentially people here who need it and not being able to intervene with whatever is going on back home. He points out the least they could do is hear Aeson’s plan. Beri asks if there would be an advantage to going Aesom’s route considering they already have an invite to see the king. He also wonders if they’ll be given a warm reception or a cold one and lastly asks that they stop being referred to as summoned monsters. Bosk share’s his own feelings on undead
Jane hesitates when she’s asked to give the plan and she looks over at Aeson. The elf leans back and says, ”I’ve managed to… acquire paperwork and ID that will let you pass as an elite Fed squad. The type of elite that’s given free reign and the authority to request an audience with the king at a moments notice if they’ve discovered enough of a threat.”
Jane picks it up from there. ”With the feds having figured out we did the summoning you could easily pass yourself off as a group of elites that managed to track us down. You can take us straight to the king and no one will question it. Everyone will just assume you got something important out of us that the king needs to know.”
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 8:46:14 AM
Tink nods along at the explanation of the plan "I like it"
Should things go bad they can always turn over these criminals. It wouldn't be Tink's first option though.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 13/29 d20+41=60 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:10:14 AM
Sense motive: 60
"That does tick all the boxes," adds Restlin. Were these folks so zealous that they were willing to put their lives...no, souls...on the line in the hope that some strangers from another dimension would help them? He keeps coming back to the fact that the Iron Dragons were invited here by those undead who surrendered, but they were also evil, so who knows if they could be trusted either.
"Well, if we're going to throw our potential support behind one of two parties, I think the fact that these folks aren't evil OR undead is a big plus in their favor. I'm fine with their plan."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:47:54 AM
Garret looks around the room and says over the rings, "Indeed, worst case we get to the king and he asks about our fake passes. If he remembers us, he probably won't care very much about something so minor. However, I don't see a way that these folk get out of this unscathed."
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:49:22 AM
A reminder to catch up with the discussion and post in the Scarlet Tapestry concerning your new game. Several of you did not post yesterday. Opinions are being expressed! It will be assumed that you didn't care where the new game was if you do not participate!
That said, have an amazing day!
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:28:08 PM
Zane shrugs and stays prepared in case it all goes wrong.....
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 9:26:10 PM You notice how they didn't answer our questions about what would happen if we entered per our actual invitation. This may be the best way to go if we are sure the King is evil, but probably a horrible idea if this is more of a political revolution than an actual evil king... didn't the overseer mention one realm with a conflict of the soul or something like that? I'm leaning towards the king being evil, but we've just had the devourer deceive us about being on our side, and we know James is a hothead with a grudge against authority from our runin on the way here, so I'm going to take anything he says with a grain of salt..
OOC: sorry forgot about the Scarlet tap, I got side tracked with the Silk tap... too much going on at once. Also, the overseer is Beri's thoughts, not an actual concern.
DM Mitch Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 7:18:15 AM Tink says she likes Jane’s plan and she figures if things go sideways they could always turn the criminals in even if it wouldn’t be her first choice. Restlin says the plan does tick all the boxes and tries to get a feel for the desperation level of the folks they’ve fallen in with. He points out he does like the fact that they aren’t evil or undead over the rings. Garret agrees and points out that worst case scenario if the king remembers them from their encounter with his servant outside the portal he probably won’t care about the fake passes. He doesn’t think James and Jane will be so lucky. Zane shrugs and stays prepared in case it all goes wrong Beri points out their lack of acknowledgement of what would happen if they entered on their own invitation. He says it might not be bad if the king is evil but if this is some sort of political revolution and the king isn’t evil it might not be a good idea. He points out he’s leaning towards the king being evil but they did just face a devourer who tried to betray them and James is a hothead.
With the party mostly agreed to the plan preparations are quickly made. They’re advised to discard their disguises and just go as themselves with the badge on their chest (a shield shape with the image of a skull and text above and below it). ”The Feds are an eclectic bunch and many of them are the last of their species. If you’re in disguise it’s suspicious, flaunt it and your badge and no one will bat an eye.” Aeson says. Jane and James put on some trick manacles, ones that restrain them, but can be released with a specific gesture. Soon the party is ready to head out.
The trip to the castle is pretty quick. People seem to know and respect your badges; they give the group respectful distance so that it’s easier to weave through the crowds. The castle itself is embedded in the wall that surrounds the city. It’s black stone turrets loom over the west end of the city, black banners covering one side and gold on the other.
They reach the gatehouse, a study, squat building of thick stone with murder holes and other defenses. A pair of castle guards stand there, one undead one not, and an Undead woman is talking to what seems to be the guard captain. She glows with an inner light that pours out of the holes in her rotting flesh, golden and pure, and her silver armor is adorned with the skull insignia of the Dead King. She halts her conversation and eyes the party in a way very familiar from their long association with Wyarr; she’s casting detect evil on them. ”Yes?” she enquiries pleasantly.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 10:34:04 AM
There's a New Game Coming....better go post about it on the Scarlet Tap. Today. Yep.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 11:28:28 AM
Garret is wary when they start out, but when the crowds start parting for his badge, he holds it out proudly, wondering if the masses now hate him or respect him.
When they arrive at the gate, he lets the others do the talking as he tries to hold in a fart.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 13/29 Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 11:36:36 AM
A holy undead? An undead paladin? This was too much. Restlin takes a moment to make peace with the fact that there's no sure thing here. For a moment, he very seriously considers just telling this thing the whole, unblemished truth.
...then he thinks on it for more than a moment. He's not convinced it's a bad idea.
"Tink, are we seeing this thing right? Any illusion trickery going on, or is this an undead paladin of sorts? I don't feel ok lying to a paladin unless it's Wyarr."
Wyarr - Carl subbing Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 12:47:31 PM
Wyarr returns the favor, making a show of detecting evil right back on...whatever this is.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 7:44:29 PM
Zane just raises an eye brow and continues to walk with the rest of the group, acting like he belongs.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 9:17:28 PM
Beri waits for someone to speak up, expecting one of the "last of their kind" to lead to avert suspicion. Are one of you with a silver tongue going to tell her that we captured the unauthorized summoners?
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+43=45 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 10:20:14 PM
With her Mind Blank spell up, Tink won't detect as evil (or anything for that matter).
"Hard to say, Restlin. She certainly looks real"
With everyone just looking at each other, Tink speaks up: "We're here to see the King. He has invited us for an audience"
Tink isn't ready to sell-out Jane just yet. If they can get through with just the invite, great. If they need to hand over the 'prisoners', well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Thursday July 4th, 2019 2:03:39 AM
Bosk stays quiet, acting as the group's muscle.
DM Mitch Thursday July 4th, 2019 5:22:19 AM Garret is wary when they start out, but eventually starts holding it out proudly wondering if people now respect or fear the badge. He remains silent later while others do the talking. Restlin is a little confused by what is going on. He asks Tink if he’s seeing things clearly. He’s surprised by an undead paladin and starts to feel uncomfortable about lying to a paladin other than Wyaar. Wyaar returns the favor making a show of it. Zane raises an eyebrow as he goes along with the others Beri waits for someone else to speak up, suggesting one of the silver-tongues let the being know they captured the unlicensed summoners. Tink replies to Restlin that it is hard to say and that she certainly looks real. She replies to the paladin seeming being that they are here to see the king, having been invited for an audience. She decides she isn’t ready to sell out Jane just yet if they don’t need to turn over the prisoners to advance further she won’t. Bosk stays quiet acting the role of muscle
As far as the party can tell she is the real deal. To those who can see magic she clearly has several effects active and a ton of magical gear, but none of it is of the illusion subschool so it isn’t someone pretending to be undead. Besides it would seem odd for someone to pretend unless they knew someone was coming they needed to fool.
At Tink’s statement the undead woman nods, then she notes the pair of “prisoners” in the back. ”I see you caught them. She walks over and looks at James, who glares definitely. James I understand how you feel. What happened to you and your mother was a tragedy, but when you endanger yourself and the entire city around you you’ve gone to far. There have to be consequences. I’ll do my best for you both, but it’s up to our King now.” she looks very sad about the whole situation. James looks like she punched him in the gut.
WIth a sigh, she waves to the guard captain who opens the gate. ”Come, I’ll escort you all to the King. Did you find what they summoned? I”m not sure if I should be relieved or worried that nothing’s caught fire yet, they either summoned something harmless or something cunning enough to lay low and be far more trouble later.”
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Thursday July 4th, 2019 7:24:58 AM "Right. So do we come clean? I'm trusting James less and less every minute"
"Why exactly was James considered a fugitive? It must have been pretty bad if the King himself wants to deal with him"
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Thursday July 4th, 2019 9:57:49 AM
Just a friendly reminder to visit the Scarlet Tap today. :)
Wyarr - Carl subbing Thursday July 4th, 2019 10:13:21 AM
Wyarr plays it cool until they get their audience with this king...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 13/29 Thursday July 4th, 2019 10:14:56 AM
Restlin wonders what the chances are that this undead paladin is an unwitting pawn of an evil king. That seems seriously unlikely. For now, he lets Tink talk and sticks to the plan.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:46:28 PM
Garret answers Tink over the rings, "I don't think we can come clean quite yet, I think we need to get to the king. Then we can apologize to this undead thing leading us."
Sesha too is getting worried about being at all connected to James. It was dealing with the King, or nothing at all at this point.
She understood revenge, she really did, but she wasn't going to let James sidetrack their mission.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday July 4th, 2019 6:31:29 PM
Zane is ready to grab James if it proves needed, as well as clamping a hand over his mouth to make sure he blurts out nothing important....
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday July 4th, 2019 9:10:47 PM
Beri addresses the guard that is leading them, making sure his answer is honest. I would go with relieved, James doesn't seem like the type to lay low or hesitate. If his plan was to summon something to cause trouble he likely knew he'd be caught short order and would have made plans to wreak havoc within moments of finishing his spell.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:15:54 PM
Thanks to his training, Bosk is able to keep his emotions under control. He has guarded enough prisoners to know what to do, and he remains focused on James.
DM Mitch Friday July 5th, 2019 6:41:27 AM Tink asks over the rings if they should come clean as she is starting to trust James even less. She also asks the paladin why James was considered a fugitive. Wyaar plays it cool, waiting for the audience. Restlin ponders the chances the paladin is an unwitting pawn of the king and figures it to be unlikely deferring to Tink. Garret suggests they don’t come clean just yet and should instead wait to get to the king. Sehsa also begins to worry about all these things connected to James. While she understands revenge she doesn’t want him to interfere with their mission. Zane is ready to grab James should it prove necessary. Beri suggests the paladin should feel relieved as James isn’t the type to hesitate or lay low and he’d probably try to wreak havoc with whatever he summoned as soon as he could.
Tink’s question makes the paladin look confused, then suspicious. ”You told me that the king was expecting them.” she points out. She looks over the party again, then nods slowly to herself. Perception 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {”Dragons…” she mutters to herself. “They must have been intercepted.”}
Out loud she says ”Come, the king is expecting us, let us stop dawdling here.” She leads the group inside. James and Jane apparently didn’t catch what she muttered, but they look nervous about going in.
Inside the place is pretty much like any other castle you’ve been in. Stone walls with lots of carpets and banners to give the rooms a little warmth. The occasional portrait or suit of armor. The banners show the Dead King’s sigil, A black banner with a white Skull on it, topped by a flaming candle. The skull has a circle of purple lines indicating a shadowy radiance while the candle has golden lines of light coming out if it.. The main colors of the offshooting hallways are black and purple on the left, yellow and gold on the right. It kind of looks like the entire castle is divided into two halves, one for darkness, one for light.
As you walk the Paladin introduces herself. ”My name is Uthras Voidbane. I’ve served the Dead King for many centuries as his loyal right hand. I’m sure you have many questions about us and our realm; please ask anything you want and I’ll do my best to answer.”
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Friday July 5th, 2019 8:52:06 AM "It seems you may have misheard me. I said the king was expecting us, not James. That James is - in your words - a danger to himself and the entire city, and that his fate is in the hands of the king has made me curious. So... what's his story?"
Perception vs DC25: Autopass
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 13/29 d20+17=23 ; Friday July 5th, 2019 10:23:16 AM
Perception is autopass.
Restlin's pretty sure the jig is up at this point, and is perfectly fine with that. "Kinda curious about it myself," he adds to Tink's question. "Everybody we've met so far thinks 'the other' is bad news. Think's it's about time we stopped draggin' this out."
Bluff to convey secret message: 23 - Yup, we're Dragons all right.
Wyarr - Carl subbing Friday July 5th, 2019 10:26:27 AM
"Begging your pardon, miss, but where we come from undead paladins are unheard of. Do you serve a higher power other than the Dead King?"
Wyarr's curious, plus he figures this'll get an answer to the whole "is the Dead King a god" question.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Friday July 5th, 2019 6:15:29 PM
Zane cracks his neck as he loosens up his shoulders and neck, expecting to be attacked momentarily.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Friday July 5th, 2019 6:29:08 PM
Garret looks from Zane, to Tink, to Uthras. He is not sure what is about to happen, but he's ready for anything. His stomach rumbles.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Friday July 5th, 2019 9:03:47 PM Umm, did we just decide to give up all pretenses? Beri readies a greater dispel magic in case things go bad, but is hoping things can be straightened out via conversation.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Saturday July 6th, 2019 12:40:47 AM
Bosk is impressed with Tink's response... The others not as much. He continues to guard the prisoners and keep up pretenses.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Sunday July 7th, 2019 3:20:55 PM "Was I the only one who noticed Uthras here put two and two together, then? You folks want to keep acting like we're fooling them, go ahead, but I'd rather get ahead of this since I'm preeeeetty certain the jig is up."
DM Mitch Monday July 8th, 2019 8:28:17 AM Tink tells the paladin she was misheard and points out the king was expecting them not James. She points out that the paladin said James was a danger to himself and the city and asks what his story is. Restlin says he is tired of draggin’ this out and figures the jig is up at this point. He wants to get to the bottom of why everyone thinks the other is bad news. Wyaar asks the undead paladin more about herself, explaining that where they come from those don’t exist and asks if she serves a higher power than the king Zane cracks his shoulders and loosens his neck expecting combat. Garret looks from Zane to Tink to Uthras. He knows something is about to go down. His stomach rumbles. Beri asks the others if they just decided to give up all pretences over the ring while he prepares a greater dispel magic in case things go sideways. Bosk is impressed with Tink’s response, the others not so much. He at least keeps up pretences and guards the prisoners. Restlin points out over the rings that Uthras seems to have put 2 and 2 together and he’d rather get ahead of this thing.
James glares at Tink and Uthras as they talk about him. Uthras promised though so she tells the story. ”James’ mother was a researcher for the Dead King. She performed magical experiments, and one day things went very wrong and she died. I believe James was only 5 or 6 at the time. We brought her back, but he refused to recognize her as his mother. He was a small child and his mom left one day only to return the next as a walking corpse. It didn’t matter that she was still the same in mind, that she still loved him and wanted to care for him. It tore her up inside, but she sent him to live with her brother. They still don’t talk, he refuses to speak with her and he is outspoken about his hatred of all undead. As long as it was just words it was fine, but we detected an illegal summoning and found evidence connecting him to a plot to summon something powerful enough to kill the king. If he hadn’t got you who knows how many corpses would be piled up by now.”
James looks like he wants to try to tear Uthras apart with his bare hands, but he controls himself and just glares some more. Uthras just looks sad.
Uthras takes several moments to think about Wyarr’s question. ”Well there’s a short simple answer, and then there’s the longer one that gives more context. The short answer is that here being undead is just another state of being. It’s like being… an orc or an elf. It doesn’t define who you are and people of all types get raised. There are other undead paladins, as well as housewives, craftsmen, guards, and just about any other profession you could think of. I’m the strongest paladin here, undead or otherwise, but there are others and I have a half dozen trainee’s as well, some undead some not. All of us serve the Dead King.”
“The longer answer requires a bit of history. Before this city, before the Dead King the world was filled with millions of people and a half dozen pantheons. It had troubles, but nothing world ending. Things slowly got worse though. Beings from outside of our reality started trying to get in, various evil people started plots, and everything started happening at once. Cities fell, then nations, then continents. Demons and Devils ran amok, and worse things started spreading, things that destroyed mind and body if you just looked at them. More and more land was outright destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. The gods themselves started to fall, entire pantheons destroyed.
The Dead King rose to power towards the end, before the last few bastions of civilization fell. He gathered as much power and as many survivors as he could while keeping a low profile. He unlocked the secrets of undeath and used them to insure enough of us survived to defend ourselves. Without the ability to raise dead warriors to protect their loved ones again and again we never would have survived. I’ve died at least… 23 times in his service, each time saving a least a dozen others in exchange. Eventually the various evils destroyed everything and each other, but we’ve managed to save thousands of lives and make a refuge here. There’s nothing left outside of this city except dead land and remnants of the great evils. Of course I'm condensing a lot, it all took hundreds and hundreds of years.
She describes the events as one might describe the events of the end of a previous age; ancient history that is important but has no real emotional connection to her. James and Jane look like they’ve heard it a thousand times and are bored.
”I don’t think young people realize how precarious we are here. If James hadn’t gotten you he likely would have gotten a demon or a twisted one. If we were lucky he would have just died and it would have killed a few people before we got it. If we were unlucky it would have either enslaved him and started a demonic cult or it would have started twisting everyone around it into faceless horrors and started a small war. The entire city could fall because of one moron summoning something beyond their power.”
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 d20+41=45 ; Monday July 8th, 2019 10:17:49 AM
Sense motive: 45 - Does Uthras seem to be telling the truth?
I'm assuming she is. Ignore the following if she's not.
***
"I don't think she's lying. If she's not, then the Dead King probably is a god, or at least as powerful as one. I know gods don't fit into the same good and evil roles we mortals do, but it sounds like it provides divine power to a number of good-aligned paladins.
She's right about James' summoning, too. "
Restlin's not foolish enough to think he's got the whole story figured out, but he has yet to see anything that suggests this world needs saving. Until he does, he reminds himself they're here for the pieces they need to break Kevintar's seal.
He does wonder if maybe the rest of the world could use some help. He's real interested in maybe peeking outside the city.
Sesha thinks about the situation. When the time came, and she was ready to retire, she might like to return here and study. Necromancy had always been an acute interest of hers, but witches were pretty terrible at it.
She felt like it could be done, in a way, that was the product of its intent, and not so evil in act that intention was irrelevant. This place might be the key to that.
"How? How is it done in a way that doesn't leave the revived a mindless automaton? Why not just use regular ressurection magic to revive as a living being? I don't mean to be rude, I'm asking for knowledge. Not to lead down a path."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Monday July 8th, 2019 11:17:56 AM
Garret smiles and nods at the story about the past. He relaxes a little, seeing that Uthras hasn't called down the guards. He waits patiently to go and see the king so they can request the aid they seek. He idly wonders about what will happen to James, but figures James really did risk a lot of other people's lives, so he's going to have to deal with the consequences of his own actions.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Monday July 8th, 2019 2:36:30 PM
Zane still stays on edge, now that its obvious the cover story is blown. This may be a Undead Paladin, but not everything is ever as it appears....
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Monday July 8th, 2019 3:26:49 PM
Wyaar too is wary, but so far everything seems to be on the up and up and there being a paladin and all.. He doesn't move to fill anyone with arrows, but keeps his eyes peeled.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Monday July 8th, 2019 3:45:01 PM
OK, looks like about time to wrap the Scarlet Tap up and decide on your new game location? :)
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 d20+26=31 ; d20+2=21 ; Monday July 8th, 2019 9:04:32 PM If the gods themselves started to fall, I wonder if something happened to this realms god of the dead during that time, whether they had a change of heart on this matter, or a new power entirely is in charge. It's possible that such a spell is allowed here simply because the power in charge of the dead has deemed acceptable either because they have different views, or because the King himself found favor with he new power. Or perhaps fallen gods have left nobody in charge of the lost souls, so the king is now able to succeed in such attempts where others were blocked... of course, this is all idle speculation. It's possible that this world simply has always had different rules than ours and the king just was the first to unlock the magical secrets that made it possible or to have the sheer power required to make is happen. I would love to know the truth, but I don't doubt the details are a highly guarded secret. After all, they would be on our world.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Monday July 8th, 2019 10:57:22 PM ... It's possible that such a spell is allowed here simply because the power in charge of the dead has deemed acceptable...
"Beri, that's a solid hunch. Hadn't thought of that."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Monday July 8th, 2019 11:17:22 PM "Well it's a good thing that James and his crew have been handed over to the proper authorities"
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday July 9th, 2019 1:42:32 AM
Bosk nods in agreement. Our world has undergone its own changes over the aeons, however I suspect there is something in our nature that causes corruption in undeath. My personal theory is that it is because beings of our realm are typically at least dual natured. For those of other realms, whom we call outsiders, soul and body form one unit. When an outsider is slain, no soul is set loose. They remain whole. When we die the soul is severed from our body and sent to the Shadowlands. Our undead must fracture their essence to bind part of the soul to their body or are animated instead by a supernatural force. We do not come back whole unless Gargul intervenes or allows it. Otherwise we are broken, incomplete, and corrupted.
There are other layers to or bring as well that can be stripped away or added to in rare circumstances. That is how we have two outsiders in our party, yet that is only possible because the gods allow it, and goes beyond the scope of the conversation. I do not know they outsiders as we define them, but it has been clear since our first encounter that their undead are not the same as ours.
DM Mitch Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:45:33 AM Restlin says he doesn’t think Uthras is lying and that she is right about James’s summoning. He reminds himself why he is here and doesn’t think he’s seen anything suggesting the city needs changing. He would like to see outside the city at some point. Sesha is real curious about the necromancy of this world and thinks maybe she’ll return when she retires. She asks how the corpse is not left a mindless automaton and why is resurrection magic simply not used. Garret smiles and nods at the story. He starts to relax a little considering the guards haven’t been called. He wonders what will happen to James. Zane remembers on edge as it is obvious their cover is blown. While Uthras appears to be an undead paladin not everything is how it seems. Wyaar too is wary. Uthras is a paladin so he doesn’t fill anyone with arrows or anything Beri wonders if the Powers driving this realm are absent or if they tacitly approve of the necromancy being used. He points out the rules might just be different here. Restlin gives Beri credit for his hunch. Tink is happy they’ve turned James over to the proper authorities. Bosk offers his speculation about how undead work in their world and stipulates it has something to do with the dual nature of beings from the Wold having both a soul and a body. He points out that in their world one can only come back if Gargul allows it or what comes back is broken in some way. He also briefly touches that the Gods do allow variations to happen as their party has 2 outsiders
Uthras answers Sesha, “At first we did bring people back among the living but the problem was they always came back weakened from the experience and we only had a finite supply of diamonds to use to bring people back without penalty. Furthermore they would still eventually die of old age or other natural causes and then we couldn’t bring them back at all. Even if we tried to bring them back through the gift of unlife what would return would be mindless automaton you previously described. We were essentially at war with the forces tearing this world apart and it was more efficient to just bring folks back as undead who were stronger than a living person anyway. The Dead King’s personal guard have died hundreds of times; with true resurrection they would have been reduced to husks. Also an interesting side effect was noticed from those who died, came back as an undead, died again as an undead and were brought back additional times. No matter how much time had passed or how many times someone died, they retained their faculties when they were reanimated through the gift of unlife if they started out blessed by it in the first place.”
She sighs. ”Also resurrection was granted by the old gods who fell. Since the last god of the dead fell something has become… broken and true resurrection no longer works. We can still bring back fresh, mostly intact corpses, but severe damage like what Jame’s mother had makes it impossible. It’s a huge problem, we barely have enough people to keep our population stable, and they’re of so many races it’s only through shapeshifting magic that we prevent inbreeding and stave off birth defects.”
The party arrives at a pair of iron double doors. Sturdily built and heavily enchanted, it is flanked by what seems to be two statues of skeletal armored figures. Uthras addresses one of them, ”We’re here to see the king. We have the summoners and the guests he was expecting.” The figure nods and reaches out to pull open the door; it’s an undead that was just holding unnaturally still.
The king’s throne room is surprisingly simple. Lit by a dozen brasiers it’s a large room, slightly dim, with a raised area upon which sits the throne. None of the creature comforts like carpeting or banners sit in here, giving it a grey, lifeless feel. It doesn’t help that about 20 undead guards stand at perfect, unmoving attention all along the walls. Sitting on the throne is the Dead King himself. He looks like an ancient corpse you might find in an old tomb, skeletal with plain armor and faded cloth, his bare skull topped by a crown.
The moment the doors close behind you James escapes from his trick cuffs, pulls a dagger from somewhere, and yells ”DEATH TO THE KING!” before starting a charge. Uthras trips him after two steps and pins him to the ground, her expression clearly saying Wow, what an idiot.
An awkward silence fills the room. Jane looks very pale.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday July 9th, 2019 8:44:47 AM
Bosk takes a step forward and firmly plants a foot on the dagger. What...an...idiot...
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Tuesday July 9th, 2019 9:02:15 AM
Wyaar, frowns down at James and then looks up towards the King to detect evil on him.
Now we will see how he deals with dissidents at least.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday July 9th, 2019 9:13:20 AM
ooc: My post will take some time to put together tonight. I plan to have Bosk look into the Shadowlands from here to see what they look like. I also want to ask if the group would like to see the circle of life restored here, as we are about to set free Kevintaur who is of Gargul and contains his essence. In theory he could become the Gargul of this realm, and we could probably get his followers to come over as well providing an influx of new generic material. Lastly, Bosk would like to learn this unlife spell.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:52:43 AM
Garret tries, but fails, to stifle a giggle at James' action. He looks around to see if he recognizes the undead fellow they talked to way back in the portal room.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 12/29 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 11:35:42 AM "Oh yea, those cuffs were fake," he thinks to himself. He's curious to see how the Dead King treats James, AND Uthras for walking him into the throne room without checking. He gives Jane a glance that says "don't be stupid like this guy." A glance can say that, right?
He's got questions, he's always got questions, but there's a lot to be learned right this moment from shutting up and paying attention. So, that's what he does.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Tuesday July 9th, 2019 11:35:53 AM
OK, called for a definitive vote on the Scarlet Tapestry board. Sending an email too. Must vote before the end of the day tomorrow. Would be nice if everyone votes before that. :)
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Tuesday July 9th, 2019 7:30:14 PM "I see that insanity defense is coming along nicely" she whispers to noone in particular.
Tink would normally pull out a proper set of manacles from her kit, but after what has just happened it's probably best to keep her hands in the open. No sudden moves.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday July 9th, 2019 9:04:50 PM
Beri shakes his head as James tumbles forward and is stopped. ...should we tell him the flaw in his plan?
The DEAD King has clearly come back from the brink before. You aren't so much attempting to stop him as much as giving him a few minute nap until they send someone to wake him.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:38:18 PM
Zane picks up his left foot and plants it on James as well, but he still says nothing....
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday July 10th, 2019 2:20:25 AM
Bosk takes a second to peer into the Shadow realm and tries to determine if it is connected to this location, or if it has its own realm for the undead.
We apologize for James actions, we were unaware of his past and how he would act. Please tell us about what you know about the changes in the cycle of life your people have experienced. Do you know when or how it came to be that the resurrection spell stopped working? What caused the death of the old gods, and what happens to your spirits if you die now that there is not a god of life and death? I ask because, if you are interested, we might be able to help you in this matter. It is a long story, but recently our realm found itself with a second god of life and death that is looking for a role to fill, seeing as the first god long since filled that role. We very well might be able to convince him to restore the cycle of death and rebirth here, if you are interested. He also has a number of followers who might help to increase the population and prevent the birth defects we heard about earlier.
Lastly, could you please teach me the spell you use to bring the dead back? I am very interested to learn how it works.
DM Mitch Wednesday July 10th, 2019 8:18:17 AM Bosk takes a step forward and firmly plants a foot in the dagger in the ground. Wyaar frowns at James and then detects evil on the Undead King. He is interested to finally see how the king deals with dissidents. He can detect no evil in the room. Garret tries to stifle a giggle at James’s actions before looking around for the caster they dealt with in the portal room Restlin is curious to see how the king treats James and Uthras for walking James into the throne room without checking the cuffs. He’s got questions but for right now he’s ok observing. Tink comments that the insanity defense is coming along just fine. She’d normally pull a real set of manacles from her kit but she thinks it best to not make sudden movements. Beri asks if they should tell James the flaw in his plan, explaining that the dead king has come back before Zane plants his left foot on James back. Bosk makes a pitch about Kevintaur and him coming to this place.
As various people comment on James’ intelligence the corpse on the throne doesn’t move. Beri makes his pitch and there silence for a few moments. Then pinpricks of light appear in the empty sockets of the corpse and the party feels a great presence fills the room. It’s like being in the room with Gargul, or that giant corrupt god in the Sargrass. Something very much more powerful than anyone here is now present and paying attention.
”Ah, our otherworldly guests have arrived. Be welcome strangers.” his voice is deep and hissing, like wind forced through a small opening. He doesn’t move while speaking; only the lights of his eyes indicate his corpse is active. ”I apologize for the poor welcome. We did not expect you to be intercepted, but you have done us a great service in preventing something worse from being summoned and moving through the city without harming anyone. I’m sure these two tried to convince you how terrible I was and that the Undead should be destroyed.”
There’s a pause and you get the feeling of thoughtful consideration. ”You’re offer is interesting Bosk Deox, but before we can discuss it we must deal with your two young friends here.” you feel a hint of anger enter the room. The Dead King seems to be projecting his emotions in the general area around you. ”James Smith. Jane Stargazer. You stand accused of illegal summoning. Though no harm was done that is through no wisdom on your part, merely shere luck. This entire city might have fallen had you succeeded in your efforts. By the law of the land I could have you both executed, raised, and sentenced to hard labor for the rest of your unlife. James in particular might learn a little empathy and understanding from such a fate.”
James goes very, very pale and starts trembling. Jane looks like she might faint. The anger in the room, previously just a hint, is now palpable, making everyone feel warm even though the temperature hasn’t really changed. The Dead King is silent for several long moments and the anger in the room slowly fading back to a low burn. ”You are young and foolish and I am not wholly without mercy. James Smith the death of your mother was tragic and your emotions understandable, but your actions have endangered everything we’ve built here. I hereby remand you to the custody of your mother. You will live with her, assist her in her work, and your every action will be monitored until the day you can shed your racism and hate. You are essentially under house arrest; whether it last 5 years or 500 is up to you.
”Jane Stargazer, while your skepticism and intelligence are admirable but your actions and choices not. You are hereby barred from practicing magic in any form and remanded to Historian Vo’s custody. You will assist him in documenting our history so that you may learn the truth of things for yourself.”
“Know that if either of you attempt to escape your custodian’s watchful gaze then my mercy will be withdrawn and you shall be executed. I am giving you a chance to be useful members of society and learn better. Squander that chance and your lives are forfeit.”
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 13/29 d20+41=57 Wednesday July 10th, 2019 10:17:51 AM "Ok, I can't help it. I kinda like this guy...
He still has no interest in opening his mouth, but he watches intently. Bosk's proposal is interesting, and it could get Agatha shipped off their world completely. That's a win-win as far as he's concerned.
Edit: Let's throw a sense motive roll up, just in case - 57.
Sesha is more than impressed. This Undead King was both practical and resourceful, both traits that were admirable. Further, they had learned to use the undead for breeding!, which was all of terrible, exciting, and terribly exciting.
Then his handling of James was also spot on in her book. So unless this was all a big show and ruse, which she would trust Tink or Restlin to decipher, Sesha was pleased with how it was going. She turned up her desire to return here one day by a notch or two.
"Color me impressed. I think this King would be akin to a Power back in the wold, perhaps. If this is all one big act everyone has been in on it, from the Paladin to the waifs in the streets. I think we can explain our position fully, without reserve.", she says over the link of their rings.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Wednesday July 10th, 2019 2:35:38 PM I agree. We can explain ourselves fully here and see the reaction. So far I am seeing lawful society under a sort of military rule to survive. Unless they are lying about the state of the rest of the world it seems their intentions are good despite their... undead methods. Wyaar sends of the ring.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday July 10th, 2019 3:53:56 PM
Garret smiles and nods in approval at the king's handling of the two.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday July 10th, 2019 4:29:51 PM
Over the rings, "Sounds like justice to me.... still not relaxing here though."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+27=39 ; Wednesday July 10th, 2019 8:35:35 PM "Agreed. I like him too. So far everything seems above board. That's proven to be somewhat rare for us, which has me a little wary"
Justice. Tink is more than pleased with the result. No one died (or became undead).
Still, she is facing another moral dilemma. Should the party turn in Aeson?
Sense Motive: 39
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 d20+33=52 ; Wednesday July 10th, 2019 9:06:19 PM
Beri watches as the sentencing is handed out. It seems extremely fair and almost paternal in it's nature. The druid watches the reactions of those in the room, especially Jane and James. While he's not sure whether the sentences would bring disappointment or relief to the would be assassins, the thing he is most looking for is that of utter confusion and bafflement, as if this is a complete deviation from what is normal. There is nothing the druid has seen that would lead him to expect this but he's not about to let his guard down when the stakes are so high.
Perception = 52
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Thursday July 11th, 2019 2:29:53 AM
Bosk admires the decision and waits until they are ready to answer his questions.
DM Mitch Thursday July 11th, 2019 8:07:40 AM Restlin remarks over the ring that he kind of likes the king. He watches and observes what goes on, sensing the king’s motive as he does. He finds Bosk’s proposal to be interesting. Sesha is impressed in the king’s handling of the situation. She thinks he was practical and resourceful. She also is interested in the fact that they figured out how to use undead for breeding. Wyaar thinks the Dragons can explain themselves fully. Zane said the king’s verdict seems like justice but he’s not relaxing. Tink thinks she too is liking the king as well considering everything seems to be above board which is rare for them lately. She now has the dilemma over whether or not to turn in Aeson. Beri watches the sentencing reflecting on how it seemed fair and paternal. He remains on guard for anything to suggest whether or not Bosk waits for an answer to his question.
James and Jane still look pale. They obviously don’t like where things ended up, but they’re resigned to their fates and afraid that if they complain they’ll get far worse. At some unspoken signal one of the guards in the room takes the pair and leads them away to their new fate.
The Dead King speaks. ”To answer your question the outer planes were attacked and destroyed by beings from outside of our reality. The Gods died, the souls of the dead were consumed, and their servants were destroyed or twisted into mockeries of themselves. One of the reasons I turned to Undeath as an answer was to preserve the souls of my followers for a long as possible for there is no safe afterlife for them to reside in.”
Curiosity and wry amusement fills the room. ”Your offer is intriguing, but unless you spare god brings an army capable of destroying the eldritch forces that control the outer planes I’m afraid he’s of little use. You’ll also have to forgive me if I am more than a little wary at strangers passing out free gods. We’ve had more than enough trouble come here from other realities. So far you’ve proven friendly, but I’ve only known you for five minutes and it’s still possible our purposes may be mutually exclusive. Tell me what brings you here. I doubt it was to offer us your spare god.”
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Thursday July 11th, 2019 8:30:46 AM
Ok, Iron Dragons, we have our restart game location. Head over to the Scarlet Tap to see the results gentlemen. :)
I also posted the rest of the items we need to take care of as a retiring DC game and an honor I wish to give to you: control of the Dragon Consortium, retiring the Gold Dragons from that position.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Thursday July 11th, 2019 10:00:44 AM
Restlin's kinda horrified. "Wait, the souls of your dead who aren't reanimated are just devoured by these eldritch forces? That's...that's terrible." He shakes his head free of the thought. The king asked a question.
"There's a god sealed away in our world. There's a lot of debate on whether or not he's dangerous, but there are a group of very dangerous people using his divine energy to cause trouble. We've been tasked with breaking the seal, but it's a tough seal.
"We need two free-willed, very powerful undead to help break the seal. They should survive the ritual, but if we're being honest I can't guarantee their safety from what happens after it's done.
"We also require hearts of good, order, and chaos. I'm not sure where to start looking, but if you have any wisdom to share on the matter, I'd sure appreciate it."
He thinks for a moment. He doesn't want to come across as someone who just expects these things.
"Maybe these eldritch forces can help. They sound pretty chaotic. Perhaps you can tell us more about them?"
Edit: I put a Quest Items link in my header to track what we're supposed to be gathering since I keep forgetting.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Thursday July 11th, 2019 10:58:44 AM
Tink has another matter on which to brief the King.
"A portal opened in our realm and a number of undead came through and attacked us." Tink will describe the undead mage and its cohorts. "Had you heard of this? Is it possible that James had somehow mistakenly managed to send some of your people to our realm when trying to summon something instead? I mention it now in the interest of full disclosure"
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Thursday July 11th, 2019 12:58:31 PM
"We spoke with a undead wizard. We defeated him and his companions, but he surrendered and was spared and allowed to return." Wyaar explains, "We do not know what will happen with this ritual but there are a lot of other Other Realm things going on.. perhaps completing the ritual will help with that, and your eldritch horror, problems as well"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday July 11th, 2019 2:05:09 PM
Garret starts to sit down (on the floor), then looks over at Sesha to see if it is appropriate to sit down. He think it is, but he's not really sure...
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday July 11th, 2019 4:21:50 PM "I believe our Hero friend counts as one of the free willed undead, or is he the second free willed construct? We need such a variety, I can hardly keep them straight...."
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday July 11th, 2019 9:25:46 PM
Beri listens to the others discuss the current goals, but is unclear if it addresses the kings concern. May I ask what your goals are that you fear ours would be mutually exclusive? You know our goals, but I fear we don't know enough about your realm to know if there might be anything that concerns you and what we can do to make sure our goals align.
Sesha too, was muggy on the specifics of their needs. It sounded a lot like they were just going to wing it, the further they went, which was fine for her!
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Friday July 12th, 2019 12:44:02 AM
Tink wonders whether the sentient Chit Machine construct might be able to assist with the task.
Probably not.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Friday July 12th, 2019 12:45:31 AM
Bosk nods. This god is very powerful, as are his creator. I cannot say how they compare to the eldritch, but I would bet on him. He is a god capable of defeating other gods and created by a god that is strong enough to create and defeat other gods. I cannot guarantee he would accept, but it would seem the perfect fit for him.
DM Mitch Friday July 12th, 2019 7:12:27 AM Restlin expresses horror with respect to the idea of souls being consumed by eldritch forces. He also explains what is going on. Tink brings up their encounter with the undead from this realm in the Bone Tower Wyaar explains the ritual some more to the king Garret starts to sit down then looks over to Sesha to see if this is a good idea Zane tries to give an accounting of the ritual participants they need. They have Mega Man who counts as a construct / undead hybrid and Dock who is a free willed construct. They still need 2 free willed undead and 1 free willed construct Beri inquires more about the King’s goals Sesha also tries to remember what they need seeing as how they are seemingly planning to just wing it Bosk continues to pitch his idea about Kevintar
The Dead King listens impassively to Restlin’s tale. Well actually he still hasn’t moved at all so he’s pretty much permanently impassive. ”This does indeed sound like a powerful ritual. I can possibly provide you with undead, but I promise you that you want nothing to do with the eldritch. Their artifacts rend the mind and tear reality just by existing. To use one in such a ritual might twist this sealed god into an unstoppable horror and that’s only if it did not drive you all mad first. They are destroyed upon being found and most of our defenses are to prevent any hint of the things from ever coming here.”
To Beri’s question about goals the Dead King says, ”I run a small civilization. By necessity I have many goals, but the largest is to keep my city safe, especially from danger coming from other realms.”
Upon Tinks statement a complex series of emotions fill the room. Anger, annoyance, sadness, frustration, regret, and possibly more. ”Ah yes, “attacked” you. That is not how the report I received described events. There is a portal here that, for reasons to complicated to get into just now, we have been unable to destroy. It connects our two worlds and has been for centuries silent. Nonetheless it is constantly under heavy guard and monitored. A few weeks ago it activated and nothing we did could turn it off again. It snatched random citizens of my city off the streets and pulled them across to your world. None returned. We sent a squad through lead by one of my most skilled wizards with orders to seal the portal by any means and rescue survivors if possible.
Of course he knew it might be a suicide mission and when the portal closed without his return we feared the worse. Shortly afterwards it opened again just long enough to let the survivors of his team through. He reported that the other side seemed to link to a nexus of sorts where creatures from many realms were being pulled. They were immediately set upon my metal monstrosities and strange, twisted demons. They could not stop the flow until a group of strangers arrived and called for everyone to surrender. Fighting for their lives they of course could not lay down their arms, but they focused their attacks on the robotic monsters. Immediately afterwards you attacked them and the Barbarians who were seemingly only trying to stay alive. The entire team would have been wiped out if he hadn’t called for their surrender at the last minute. He witnessed a group of Barbarians in a similar situation slaughtered by your group.
The Dead King is silent for several moments. If the party thinks back then what he’s saying might be true. It was a chaotic battle, but it’s certainly possible that they struck first. Restlin in particular remembers unloading many powerful spells on the Barbarians who were barely surviving against the Chicken Demons and never touched any of the Iron Dragons. They also spent several days climbing up and down the tower, so any civilians pulled through were probably long dead and eaten before they got back.
The Dead King sighs. Sadness now dominates the feeling in the room. ”All too often my servants have been killed because of assumptions that they are evil monsters. You could not know better and at least you spared them instead of executing them out of hand like most others have in the past. I hope you have learned and grown from your time here so that this mistake may not be repeated. As a gesture of good faith I can send aid with you to complete this ritual of yours. In exchange I want your assurance that the portal on your side will be secured so that no more harm comes to my citizens. Explain to me exactly what these hearts are and I may be able to provide one.”
With the destruction of the Devourer’s power the portals should be stable and there shouldn’t be anymore portal problems affecting the Dead King’s world.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Friday July 12th, 2019 8:29:31 AM
Tink starts to feel a little uncomfortable. Something just isn't sitting right.
"It seems we have some differing thoughts on the matter. In the case of the mage I believe the 'assumption' he was evil turned out to be true. He was fortunate that we accepted his surrender at all given the measure of his being. Challenging evil where we find it isn't a mistake. I'm sure it is the same honorable standard that you hold your champions to."
Tink does her best to explain her position "In our realm, undead - ALL undead - are evil and souless creatures. There are no exceptions to this where we come from. It's just how things work there. Should your people appear in our realm again I imagine they will be attacked on sight again - especially if they have evil hearts"
"If your people do find themselves in such a situation, they may declare to anyone they encounter that they wish to speak with the Iron Dragons. Any who hear this will know to contact us and we can intervene to provide security and ensure their safety. "
It is all said respectfully and as a sincere way to try and ensure peace. Still, she does want to make sure the Wold stays safe...
"To prevent repeats, however, I think it would be wise to only send emissaries who are of good heart. Any who detect as evil can expect to be attacked again"
Tink then speaks to the others over the rings: "Anyone else catch on to the fact that the mage was the one that Wyaar detected as 'very evil' - the evilest of the group in fact. Surely someone would have known this, in which case why was he chosen to lead the squad to us? The answer would be that they intentionally sent evil undead. That, or the king is blind to the men who serve him"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Friday July 12th, 2019 10:09:54 AM
I mean, Tink's correct in everything she's saying, but Restlin hopes she doesn't get everyone killed.
He decides to let her keep talking, as he's not sure he could butt in without contradicting her. Instead, he thinks back to that combat...
"The malfunctioning portals are pulling random monsters and people through. They have begun fighting each other. My servitors have a way to seal the portal, but cannot make it through the battlezone. Clear out the enemies and assist my servitors in closing the portals."
That's what the Custodian had said: pulling random people through. Guilt rises in Restlin. Did anyone check those barbarians for evil?
Seriously, Restlin wants to know if anyone checked those barbarians for evil.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Friday July 12th, 2019 11:51:36 AM
"I do regret the loss of life. It grieves me that innocent lives were lost, but battle is chaotic and we did give them a chance to flee or surrender before hand... and make no mistake, Dead King, the wizard that survived IS evil, or at the very least something on him is. The aura of evil around him was very very strong." Wyaar adds in.
I did not get a chance to check the barbarians, but they did continue to fight and made no attempts to flee after we told them to or to communicate their situation with us. The king is teliing us what his team told him, but that does not mean it is the truth.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Friday July 12th, 2019 1:22:02 PM
"That's right," he thinks to himself. He replays the fight in his head. He threw out a slow spell right off the bat on some demons, then Beri said we'd accept any surrender.
Restlin feels better, but makes a mental note to do a better job of making sure his targets were deserving of whatever he was about to throw at them.
Feeling like things might be more complex than they are on the surface, Sesha chimes in, aloud.
"I see the dilemma, Great King. Or at least, I think I might. Our scope of good and evil is very much based upon the reading of auras that reflect both ones origins and the culmination of their deeds. We have many, who through spell or divine authority, are able to read and measure such things."
Sesha slightly alters Tinks original statement.
"In our realm, all undead generate this aura. There might be some who do not, but we have not experienced such a thing first hand. Its very possible that even a good hearted undead who performs good deeds, might give an aura of evil, just by virtue of the necromancy and undeath that surrounds them."
She considers too, that the wizard gave the strongest evil aura.
"It's also true that the relative power of the undead being magnifies their aura. It is very possible that when examining your ilk, we are viewing a reading that does not necessarily reflect the goodness of being, but the power of the necromancy and reanimation that surrounds them."
She takes a deep breath.
"In which case, it would be wise for any future emissaries, should they be sent to us, to both disguise their appearance and hide their auras. They should appear as close to us as they can, and like Tink suggests, seek one of us out immediately."
Sesha considers what she knows about magic, which to be fair is a considerable amount, to see if her suggestion has any standing whatsoever.
Knowledge Arcana: 44 (Accidentally rolled it on the tapestry board. x.X)
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Friday July 12th, 2019 5:52:48 PM "King, when you arrive in the midst of a massive fight already going on, you may attack those you know are bad first, but when you come under attack, very rarely do you allow your opponent attacks on you without defending yourself and attacking back. Our initial attacks when towards the chicken demons,which we had encountered before and a call was made to put down arms or be attacked. The group form here accepted, those barbarians did not."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Friday July 12th, 2019 6:40:02 PM
Garret listens in carefully to all that is said. He feels that enough has been said that he really shouldn't add any more. He sits down cross-legged. He pulls out a piece of dried meat and there is a slight squeak. He looks around to see if there are any frogs in the room.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Friday July 12th, 2019 10:34:48 PM There is one more key point that I'm sure would have been relayed to you. They may not have been able to lay down their arms, but they also chose to ignore our plea instead of responding that they couldn't just yet but would be no threat to us. I do understand why they may not have trusted us, just as I'm sure that from their report you understand why our priority had to be stopping the cascading affect of the portals before countless more were sucked in. Once we sealed the portals we were able to track down the devourer of worlds who was causing their malfunction. The portals should be stable and there shouldn’t be anymore portal problems affecting your world.
As for the detect evil, as nice as the thought is I doubt that the rules of detect evil would have changed. In our realm when you die all that is good in you would find itself before the god of death and life, and we don't have a way to bring back the dead along with that goodness intact just as it sounds like you didn't until you lost your pantheon. On that note, I also know you have already cast detect evil on us and know our hearts. We made them the offer of peace immediately and without judgement. We immediately trusted them and accepted their surrender and let them go freely, and would have at any moment would they have accepted our offer. I don't know if it was their mistrust of us or the urgency of their mission, but I can say that we made the effort and they didn't.
But that's in the past. I apologize if we are a little defensive, trying to explain ones actions before a king is a stressful situation, especially before one as powerful as you. You had asked about the hearts. I fear so fear the translation is more literal than we like. I believe we still need hearts of Order, Chaos, and Good.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Monday July 15th, 2019 3:28:33 AM
Bosk listens as the others describe the battle and then takes over by explaining about the hearts. (Sorry, I did not have the time to find the description of them).
DM Mitch Monday July 15th, 2019 7:41:45 AM
Something is not sitting right with Tink. She does her diplomatic best to explain how Undead are where they come from and suggest that he only send good aligned emissaries if the King needs to contact the Wold who would then seek the Iron Dragons. She tells her unease with the evil undead mage the King sent over the rings Restlin let’s Tink continue as she isn’t wrong. His thoughts rest with what the conservator said and those barbarians. He wonders if anyone checked if those Barbarians were evil Wyaar explained that he didn’t have a chance to check the Barbarians but reminds Restlin that the Barbarians didn’t surrender and that the battle was chaotic. He does explain that the wizard was evil. Restlin is assured by Wyaar’s observations but still resolves to do a better job in the future of making sure whoever he casts spells on is worthy of what he will throw at them. Sesha further explains about how auras work in the Wold and explain how necromancy can read as evil and then reinforces the idea of sending emissaries that are close to Woldians as possible with any auras disguised Zane further explains how they focused on the chicken demons first and then offered everyone else a chance to surrender. The undead took it for the most part the barbarians didn’t Garret sits on the floor and eats some dried meat. Beri also explains more with respect to the battle, the portal being stabilized and the hearts needed to complete their ritual.
The Dead King radiates frustration and annoyance, like someone who’s had the same conversation thousands of times. ”Ah yes, the classic ‘Our paladin said he was evil’. I’ve seen good people commit genocide and evil people sacrifice everything to save hundreds. Our world might have been spared from destruction if overzealous fools hadn’t spent so much time finding excuses to kill each other. The law is what matters and the actual history and actions of someone, not a snap judgement made because of a vague magical divination.”
The Dead King finally moves; waving a hand in a dismissive manner. ”But enough of this. I am not going to argue morality with you for the next hour. This is my offer; I will send Uthras with you to help you with your ritual. As a paladin I’m sure she’ll meet your high moral standards. You may also have my heart; it should serve for your Heart of Order, for I have dedicated myself for centuries to the principle of law and order. In exchange you will secure the other side of the portal for me. Ensure that no more harm can visit us here from your side. Post a permanent guard, seal it up, whatever. Just make sure my people are safe.
I don’t want your god or anything else coming here. No doubt the god would decide undead are an abomination, or he would start a crusade to purge evil, or he’d just screw up and let some horror get to him. Our situation here is too delicate to start adding in unknown quantities, especially ones as powerful as a god. That is my bargain; take it or leave.”
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Monday July 15th, 2019 9:25:58 AM
Tink chooses not to respond. The examples he has given are poor and ultimately untrue, and he completely dodged the question of his mage. She takes satisfaction for calling him out on it though.
"Does anyone know how we get back?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items d20+41=47 ; Monday July 15th, 2019 10:18:06 AM "I'm sure the king would be happy to send us through the portal and out of his world. His offer is pretty generous, but leaves us two hearts, one construct, and one undead short. There's still the world where the barbarians came from, but this seems like the ideal place to get another willing undead for the ritual. Do we push it? My gut says no, but what do you folks think?"
He goes over things in his brain, making sure that there IS a way to seal that gate (know, arcana: 47).
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Monday July 15th, 2019 12:33:22 PM
Garret chews his dried meat and listens carefully. He starts to offer a piece to one of the undead guards, then figures they probably don't need anything to eat. He's glad that he's not undead. He looks over at one of their rib cages and pictures them eating and the food just falling into the rib cage, then out onto the floor.
When the king says that he will send Uthras with them Garret runs over to her to give her a hug and says, "Welcome to our little group, Uthras!"
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Monday July 15th, 2019 2:08:52 PM
Over the rings, "Lets just take his offer and scram out of here. I see just Law & Order here, even if it's not all good. Even the we agreed the punishment metted out was fair... " Zane is obviously ready to leave.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Monday July 15th, 2019 9:21:17 PM
Lets not push it, Wyaar thinks over the ring.
he will bow to the king and thank him graciously for his generousity and fairness in keeping the word of his follower to give them a safe, peaceful meeting.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Monday July 15th, 2019 9:32:33 PM I agree, we know from the caretaker that the other portals have what we need, we should head back and continue our search there. Beri turns to address and thank the king. Thank you for your generosity. We will make sure the gateway is sealed when we get back, and when the ritual is over we will return Uthras and will see about permanently dismantling the gateway.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Tuesday July 16th, 2019 2:47:27 AM
Bosk nods. Thank you. If you ever need our help, please let us know.
DM Mitch Tuesday July 16th, 2019 7:46:00 AM Tink chooses not to respond. She thinks she made a good point and the King had effectively dodged her questions. She asks the others if anyone knows how to get home. Restlin asks the others if they should push to try to get another undead for the ritual while wracking his brain to figure out if the portal can be sealed Garret continues to eat his dry meat and considers offering some to one of the undead guards only to start imagining pieces of meat falling through their rib cages. He welcomes Uthras to the group. Zane suggests taking the offer and leaving as he sees law and order here, he points out they did see the judgement as just Wyaar tells the others not to push it and bows to the king Beri agrees over the ring with the deal as the caretaker said they could find the rest of what they need over the rings. He thanks the king for his generosity and pledges to keep their end of the bargain. Bosk thanks the king for his aid.
”The deal is struck then. Go.” Uthras bows to the king and leads them away. She sends someone to retrieve the heart and leads the party through the castle to the gate. It looks pretty much the same on this side, though it’s in a secured room heavily locked with a dozen guards inside and a long hallway full of murder holes leading to and from it. Someone brings the heart; it’s a well preserved leathery human heart. Anyone who touches it feels hyper focused, able to think through a single thing more easily but less aware of other things while doing so.
”I assume you know how to activate it. If there’s nothing else you want to do here then let us proceed.”
This is the third time the party has had to activate one so yes they know how to activate it.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items d20+41=42 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2019 9:54:44 AM
Restlin tries to get a read on Uthras. He has no doubt she will serve the wishes of the Dead King to the best of her abilities, but he'd rather she been an enthusiastic member of the team.
Sense motive: 42
"I want you to know we appreciate your help in this Uthras. Even if you're here on order of your King, it means a lot to us. We'll keep our end of the deal and do everything we can to see you home safely." He then activates the portal so they can all leave.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Tuesday July 16th, 2019 11:57:22 AM
Garret smiles and waves and the undead king. He bounces along towards the portal and pokes his fingers in the murder holes as they walk down the hallway. He says to Restlin, "I guess we're headed for the barbarians now? Do you think Uthras will want to see them?"
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Tuesday July 16th, 2019 3:11:16 PM
Zane will cover the rest as they go through the Gate, being sure people get through safely....
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Tuesday July 16th, 2019 3:24:31 PM
Wyaar heads through the portal first, arrow ready just in case some surprise waits on the other side.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Tuesday July 16th, 2019 9:03:31 PM
Beri watches as others prepare to enter the portal. It should be safe on the other side, but as long as we are being catious we should have the first one through send an all clear over the link before the rest pile through. Beri transforms into an air elemental will wait on the safe side until given the all clear over the link.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Tuesday July 16th, 2019 9:32:28 PM "The ring communication doesn't work across planes, Beri. It's one in all in"
Tink's eyes widen as Wyaar heads through the portal first. She doesn't say anything and instead follows behind (or at least as close to the front as she can). Might be nice to have a shield.
Sesha - 102/202. AC 30 Wednesday July 17th, 2019 12:19:30 AM
Sesha steps through after Tink. The Kings displeasure had startled her. Even if it were through a portal, she was glad to be leaving.
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday July 17th, 2019 12:26:06 AM
Bosk takes up the rear, guarding the others as they go through.
DM Mitch Wednesday July 17th, 2019 8:07:16 AM Restlin tries to get a read on Uthras. He welcomes her to the team. Garret bounces along, remarking about the Barbarian world and wonders if Uthras wants to come. Zane goes to the gate, making sure the others get through safely. Wyaar heads through the portal first, arrow at the ready Beri says it will be safe on the other side and turns into an air elemental. He suggests sending someone over first to let them know over the rings how it is. Tink reminds Beri the rings don’t work transdimension and follows after Wyaar. Sesha was surprised at the king’s sudden displeasure. Bosk takes the rear.
Uthras answers Restlin’s questions. Oh it’ll be good to get out of the city. It’s been over a hundred years; of course before now there wasn’t really anywhere else to go. I look forward to seeing your world, even if just a small piece. Also, don’t judge the king to harshly. We’ve had to defend ourselves against those claiming to be righteous almost as often as we’ve fought the great evils. Your little speech about fighting evil always touched a nerve.”
When they reach the other side the servitor, Chuck, Megaman and Dock are all waiting for them. Chuck takes a look at the Undead Uthras and says, “You’re working with straight up zombies now? This just seems too derivative. Once that tv show took off zombies were everywhere and they overplayed zombies, just like how they overplayed vampires after that book with the sparkly ones”
The others just seem happy to see them and interested in the new companion.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:44:40 AM
Restlin briefly considers taking Chuck back through the portal and asking the Dead King to raise him, but lets the thought go. He wonders if Sesha's personality was starting to rub off on him.
"She's not a zombie. She's an undead paladin, which is never something I thought I'd see, but I'm glad she's here. Her name's Uthras. Uthras, this is Chuck, Megaman, and Dock. We call this one the Custodian. If anyone's gonna make sure we keep our word to your King and get this portal sealed up for good, it's him.
"First things first. That trip didn't take much out of us. We should be ready to go through that other portal without much ado."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Wednesday July 17th, 2019 12:46:35 PM
Garret nods to Restlin and says, "Let's go." Then he pauses for a moment and looks over to Tink, "If you're ready, that is, of course!"
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Wednesday July 17th, 2019 6:27:14 PM "We dealt with the Stuffed Animals where the plants with the chicken demons were coming from. We've visited the world of Superheroes. We've found Chuck. and now we've returned from dealing with the Undead. No offense meant. Now we will go deal with the Barbarians, and that will leaves us short won't it, unless there is more there than most places have had."
(I'll need a Sub on Friday please leaving house at omg it's early and gone for weekend)
"The Barbarians. Did we .. properly dispose of their bodies? Perhaps they would appreciate us bringing back their dead."
Sesha considers for a moment if they ever bothered to clean up a dead body. Now that she thought about it, she was quite sure they hadn't.
"Have you guys ever wondered about.. well.. who cleans up the bodies? I mean, WE don't."
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects Wednesday July 17th, 2019 8:20:25 PM
Tink nods to Restlin and Garret. She's ready to go as well.
"I had just presumed that any bodies we left in our wake were left to naturally decompose. This might be one of the few times we've ever had to return to the scene of a battle again and again."
She's not going to step through the portal until everyone is ready.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:08:57 PM Custodian, Can you give us a quick update regarding what you sense through the barbarian's portal? Also, with world jumping it's always impossible to tell, how long has it been since we last slept?
Bosk AC:45/20/40 blink&invis, DR10/magic, electric/10, CMD: HP 255/221 Spells Wednesday July 17th, 2019 11:54:23 PM We would also appreciate an update on Kevintaur, Marteaus, and their followers.
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Thursday July 18th, 2019 4:11:52 AM
Wyaar waits for the update but stands near the barbarian portal.
DM Mitch Thursday July 18th, 2019 7:20:25 AM Restlin considers taking Chuck back through the portal and asking the King to raise him only to scrap the thought before correcting the man on Uthras and suggesting they press on. Garret agrees at first then defers to Tink Zane somes up where they have been and where they are going, suggesting they will be left short. Sesha suggests bringing back the bodies of the Barbarians if they can be found. Tink nods to Garret and Restlin before giving her own thoughts on the bodies Beri asks the Custodian to update them regarding any changes in the Barbarian world and how long it has been since they slept Bosk asks for an update on Marteus, Kevintar and their followers.
In response to Zane’s observations, the Custodian says, “There are still 2 portals you have not visited. The world in ceaseless strife, I believe the one you dubbed the portal with the Barbarians and the world undergoing a religious sea change.”
The Custodian also says it cleaned up the bodies and that it’s impossible to know how long it’s been since they slept. ”Time across realities isn’t always exact. What may have been days on the other side might be hours here and vice versa.” As far as Beri can remember they spent half a day running around town in the Undead world.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Thursday July 18th, 2019 10:42:55 AM
Restlin had forgotten about the other portal too. He feels the odds of their success have improved.
He takes a moment to take stock of his physical condition. He had almost all his spells available, and probably didn't feel tired yet. "I think we're good to go. Let's go see what Strife World is like." He offers to hold Wyarr's hand, just in case the paladin is nervous about going to chaos land.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] Thursday July 18th, 2019 11:40:54 AM
Garret says, "I really just don't see the point in chaos. So I don't like it." With that he jumps up, curls into a cannonball position, and jumps through the portal.
Sesha - 102/202. AC 30 Thursday July 18th, 2019 1:29:25 PM
With Garret already through, Sesha casts a Protection from Chaos spell on herself, just to be on the safe side, before entering.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Thursday July 18th, 2019 1:43:28 PM
Zane, steps through the portal ready to play bodyguard as needed...
Remember I need a sub tomorrow(friday)
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Thursday July 18th, 2019 4:05:19 PM
Wyaar, unlike Restlin when faced with the prospect of mud, no longer knows fear. He takes the mage by the hand and drags him into the portal after him.
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 Thursday July 18th, 2019 9:03:15 PM I suppose it's decided then. Not knowing exactly what to expect on the other side Beri decides to transform into a more mobile air elemental and heads through the portal with the others.
DM Mitch Friday July 19th, 2019 8:26:26 AM Restlin had forgotten about the other portal as well and feels they have better odds of success. He takes stock, realizes he’s still ready to go and tells the others that he’s ready to go to the world of strife. Garret says he doesn’t like Chaos and then cannonballs through the portal Sesha casts a protection from chaos spell before walking through Zane steps through ready to play bodyguard as needed. Wyaar is undaunted by the prospect of mud, takes Restlin by the hand and strides through the portal. Beri observes that it is decided then and turns into an air elemental before flying though
Before everyone leaves Uthras says, “As much as I’d like to see another world it is probably best from a strategic standpoint as far as completing the ritual goes for me to stay here with Dock, Megaman, Chuck and the Custodian. Should any of you fall in battle I could ask my King to bless you with the gift of unlife, though we’d have to return to my world to receive his blessing.”
The party arrives on the other side already for various dangers. They find themselves in a thick forest. A deer, startled by their sudden appearance, bounds off into the woods. The portal is in the middle of some overgrown jumble of stones. Perhaps ruins? The stones seem to be sitting in shapes that may have been buildings once, but so worn down and overgrown that it could just be coincidence. A few mounds of rock there, a few lines of rock here, that’s about it.
”Hrm, visitors. I thought we might get some today.” a deep voice comments from somewhere. No one seems to be around..
Restlin (Carl) -- AC +20/+10/+16 CMD: +20 SR: 18 HP: 207/207 (Spells) Luck Points: 14/29 Quest Items Friday July 19th, 2019 9:54:38 AM
Restlin stumbles through the portal, dragged along as he was. "My hero," he quips to Wyarr as he brushes himself off.
He looks around w/ his arcane sight, trying to see where he is and what could be talking. He decides to do the talking this time.
"Hi. I'm Restlin, these are my friends, the Iron Dragons. We're trying to save our world. Do you mind telling us where we are?" He looks around. "And who we're speaking to?"
Wyaar ( Sheet) AC 38/20/33, CMD 44 , HP 73/169, DR 5/Evil Friday July 19th, 2019 10:52:03 AM
Wyaar flashes a grin to Restlin before taking a look around at their surroundings, turning in a slow circle and sweeping out with his detect evil as he is able.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:51/51/40; (Blur) +4 vs AOO; HP: 243/260 Ki:19/21 CMD: 55 SR: 30 DR 10/Chaotic] d20+38=47 ; Friday July 19th, 2019 11:29:07 AM
Garret rolls and bounces to his feet and almost takes off after the deer when the voice speaks. Garret looks around (perception: 47) and says, "Hi. I'm Garret. It isn't breakfast time here, is it?"
She wasn't sure why, she knew the halfling was a deadly ascended monk, enlightened just shy of godhood, but she couldn't help feeling a maternal pride in him from time to time. Whenever stuff was at its strangest, Garret was always going to Garret.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 38*/25*/28* (Blur, Add+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 29 -- HP 233/233 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+43=62 ; d20+50=67 ; Saturday July 20th, 2019 12:37:10 AM
Tink starts looking about for tracks almost immediately. On hearing the voice, however, she immediately freezes and tries to find a shadow to hide in.
Perception: 62 Stealth: 76
Beriothian -- AC:38+4/18/36+4 HP: 258/258 Blink: 50% Blur 20% miss, CMD = 23 d20+33=49 ; Sunday July 21st, 2019 12:04:37 PM
Beri looks around for the disembodied voice, trying to be respectful as he addresses it. There was an issue that affected the portals to many realms that we were called upon to resolve, I'm not sure if that's related to why you were expecting us. Please know that the you should experience no further problems as a result of the portals, and the evil that was causing it has been dealt with.
Perception = 49
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 19, CMD 31, HP 325/(311), Blindsense 60' Character Sunday July 21st, 2019 10:03:06 PM
As things are said, Zane stays on edge ready to cover any of his friends as needed with Bodyguard.
(sorry short post, got home and gonna go pass out now)
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