Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) d20+12=21 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:39:24 PM
Zeoll takes a look around the farm. The druid says a prayer and tries to tell what was grown here. Know Nature 21.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
You are at an abandoned farm. There is a large house, a barn, a well, and the remains of a farm, now gone to meadow.
The Twins work hard to herd this collection of cats so there are no stragglers. Too much work to allow much time to look around too.
Elron stays with the group, lost in thought.
Honor sees that the wooden rail fence that circles the barn shows signs of recent repair. some of the wood rails are newer. There's no gate in the fence.
Zeoll determines that most of the crop here was sorghum. And sheep, too. In fact, there are still a few sheep still living, in the barn and the field out back. But there is no shepherd keeping watch by day, at least.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:55:03 PM "So either th' killer birds are not attackin' sheep over here," Elron observes, "or th' sheep are protected and we just don't see th' shepherd." Elron looks at how closely the forest has encroached on the homestead, wondering if that would provide the sheep with some cover.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+7=18 ; Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:52:38 PM
The tall one looks about. She checks to see if there are signs of anyone or thing wandering about here in addition to sheep. No dog has barked. She walks to the well, and looks down. If she cannot see the bottom, she finds a few pebbles and small stones. Beginning with a pebble, she works her way up in size until she can guage the depth to what lies below. She has her longspear in hand should she need to fend off anything rising from below.
If all seems fine with the well, and if a bucket or pump has been provided, she checks to see if she can draw water. If so, she takes a small taste. If she senses anything untoward, Mundhi immediately spits it out on the ground. If it tastes good, she tells the others, and gives some for her mule, Sled, to drink.
If no bucket or pump is already at hand, she takes a bucket off of Sled's pack saddle, ties it to rope, and accomplishes the same ends. ============= Perception: 18
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 1:17:51 AM
Asimov says, "I would hate to do this to innocent animals but if that predator really is based out of the area around here do you think we could use some sheep as bait to lure it into attacking? I mean I'm not saying we do this right away but if we find ourselves stumped as to what to do next could that be a potential plan?"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 8:13:52 AM
The Twins are eager to search inside but take their own advice and wait for everyone to be ready.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday March 16th, 2022 6:13:46 PM
"I'm guessing these sheep were stolen from the farms," Honor says. "And somebody has mended this fence. Recently. So, is the person attempting to farm this land the same as the person committing the murders? Or are we looking at two different people?"
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday March 16th, 2022 9:49:50 PM
Zeoll looks around and says, "I like this place. Homey. A taurr could make a living of it herre."
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Elron wonders if the forest would offer cover to the sheep from aerial predators. But no, none at all, given the state of the fence.
Elron only, if you make a Perception check vs DC20, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a very faint track in the woods, leading further east.}
Mundhi discovers a few chickens wandering around the place. That's it. The well is fine, and there is a trough that would serve to water the sheep.
Asimov suggests using the sheep as bait.
The Twins wait for everybody to be ready, then you all search inside. There is nothing of value. Even the furniture has been taken. This place was cleared out months or maybe years ago. Zeoll seems to like it, though.
Honor poses the foundational question: Is it the murderer who is keeping these sheep, or some other person.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday March 16th, 2022 10:24:53 PM
Asimov says, "If someone is minding the sheep whether it be the murderer or some other squatter mayhap we do try to herd them ourselves to try out their minder if they have one?"
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+15=19 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 7:55:15 AM
(Perception = 19)
Elron suggests that since no one seems to be here, maybe they can find some sign of the person coming and going.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=3 ; Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:08:19 AM
The Twins try to assist in Elron's search but aren't at all helpful (3 to aid another)
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday March 17th, 2022 10:31:39 PM
"Maybe we should wait a while," Honor says, "and see if whoever is using this farmstead comes back."
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday March 18th, 2022 12:00:04 AM
Zeoll is patient, and as a general rule, reminds the party that he will not suggest ways to resolve the issue, but that his friends, who know well his capabilities, can make suggestions to him.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Asimov notes that there is no gate in the newly repaired fence.
Elron and the Twins look for signs of occupation, but there are none outside the sheep pen. No footprints in or out, no indication that anyone -- sheep or man -- has been walking anywhere.
Oh, I say, except that the chicken coop has been visited, looks like at a glance. [Kudos to Elron (and the Twins) for making a check. Rolling skills is a good way for the DM to advance the narrative, as you DMs should well know.]
Honor suggests just waiting. Openly or as an Ambush?
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday March 18th, 2022 2:29:15 AM
Asimov asks the others, "How likely is it that whoever built the pen and was active around the chicken coop is our suspect? If we think this person is a suspect may we be better served waiting for them in ambush instead of out in the open?"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Friday March 18th, 2022 10:42:11 AM
The Twins can't remember for certain what they were told before. "Clarification:" "Was this building the thieves guild?" "Or was this just a place that supported them and was shut down?"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday March 18th, 2022 3:39:58 PM
"This was where the Thieves' Guild housed and supported their dependents," Honor says. "So the people here benefited from the Guild's illegal activities, but weren't involved themselves."
She adds, "Justice and I aren't very good at ambushes; I'd prefer to wait in the open."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday March 18th, 2022 6:44:11 PM "A few sheep and some chickens don't sound like a thieves guild. They sound like a one or maybe a few people makin' th' best of what they could find." Overall, Elron doesn't think it's necessary to hide. Might be fun, though.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Saturday March 19th, 2022 11:35:08 AM
The party debates an ambush.
It seems that Honor's supposition is most likely correct. This was a place that supported the rogues. But now it is no longer under cultivation, most everything is gone to seed, and the few sheep and chickens are but maybe a tenth of what this place could support.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Saturday March 19th, 2022 2:43:14 PM
[Huh. Thought I had posted for Mundhi Friday morning...]
"Yes, let's stay for the evening. If no one shows by the morning, well, it seems a nice place to camp. Now that we've been tramping all over the place, it may be hard to disguise that we have been here. What's the best place? Woods? Barn? House? Elsewhere?"
Mundhildur helps set up camp wherever the group decides. If they don't decide, she'll go for the woods - but not near the path by which they entered.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Sunday March 20th, 2022 8:32:21 AM
The Twins agree to wait and suggest the barn as anyone coming here would likely go to the house. They also suspect the culprit will be at the actual thieves guild location and the sheep may be unrelated.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Sunday March 20th, 2022 10:40:55 PM If this was a thieves guild house, I bet it has lots of secret passages and hidey holes. If we check th' place out good, we might be able t' wait in th' house with no problem. 'Course th' barn might have 'em, too.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=11 ; Monday March 21st, 2022 12:05:39 AM
Asimov says to Elron, "They probably also might have trapped said hidey holes and passages. Best let me take a look around the place. Maybe I can spot and disable some traps before we get into trouble."
Perception: 11 or 14 vs Mechanical Traps
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday March 21st, 2022 2:42:56 PM
Honor agrees to camp in the barn. She would love to help with the search for secret doors and traps, but she knows she's not very good at that kind of thing.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday March 21st, 2022 11:03:59 PM
There are no problems setting up a camp in the barn. No secret doors or traps are found.
Around dawn the next day, you hear a fluttering sound and a rush of air. Sheeps bleat. You have no line of sight to what is going on. Everyone wakes, but someone will have to stick their neck out to find out what is going on.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=27 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 2:11:15 AM
(Perception: 27)
Asimov takes a peek to see what is going on
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 3:33:46 AM
And Mundhildur heads out, longspear in hand, working her way over to where the wind of the wings can be heard, and the stress of the sheep can be heard.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 7:28:22 AM
The Twins draw their bow and make ready to attack anything that charges their comrades.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:39:14 AM
Elron wants a gander at whatever the thing is, and heads outside.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 9:32:55 PM
Honor begins putting on her armor.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:49:18 PM
Asimov peeks, and Mundhi and Elron step out. The rest of the party remains out of line of sight.
Near the chicken coop, a young harpy sees Elron and Mundhi, and immediately launches back into the air and flies off. After her move, she is 140 ft from Elron and Mundhi.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=16 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 1:26:03 AM
(Perception: 16)
Does the harpy fit the bill of the murderer? I mean it can fly but does it look like it has claws?
Asimov joins Munhildur and Elron outside he says, "If only I was a better tinkerer I could make Irony fly. Alas he can only climb."
"Should I fire wrist rockets at the fleeing creature?" He asks Munhildur and Elron
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+3=13 ; 4d6+6=20 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 4:04:35 AM
"If you think you can hit her, sure, fire, Asimov," she replies.
Mundhildur keeps her bag with rocks at her hip, so takes one and hurls it toward the fleeing harpy. [1d20+6+1-2-2=13] If the harpy is not looking back at her, then she strikes it for 4d6+6=20 hp damage. If she is observing over her shoulder, and gets dodging and dex bonuses, then the stone comes near, but does not quite strike her.
"Harpies tend to be filthy, I've heard," Mundhi comments to Asimov and Elron. "Let's watch which direction she goes until we can no longer see her."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 7:24:28 AM
The Twins do not pull out their bow to shoot the fleeing creature. "We have no true evidence of wrongdoing." "Shooting them out of the air risks killing them." they point out.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:00:34 PM
"Harpies are wrongdoing," Mundhi replies to the twins. [No bias there ;-)]
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:01:12 PM
Honor is still putting on her armor.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+15=23 ; d20+8=24 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 9:26:11 PM
As far off as the creature is, Elron makes no move to attack or close with it. If they've been here before, they'll have perched somewhere. Look for signs on fences, limbs, even th' roof." Elron isn't sure harpies have been here before, but wants to know if they have. He looks the place over again now that he has a better idea what to look for.
(Perception = 23; survival = 24)
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 10:02:08 PM
Zeoll prefers not to attack with lethal force a creature, probably but not certainly evil, if it is flying away.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Mundhi tries to wing the harpy but misses.
Asimov ponders shooting, but the moment is lost. He looks at the claws.
Zeoll and the Twins are not ready to commit to naked force.
Honor finishes putting on armor.
Elron and Asimov look around, now that they have an idea of what to seek. Sure enough, again, there are no footsteps anywhere. No gate in the sheep pen. That makes sense now. And sure enough, you see claw scores on the railings of the pen. Like the marks on the branches at the crime scenes.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Thursday March 24th, 2022 3:07:19 AM
Asimov says, "Well I would say at least by eyeballing it would appear that the murderer is most likely a harpy. Whether it was the one we allowed to fly away just now, I am not sure of."
He continues "With that being said, how do you track something that can fly?"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday March 24th, 2022 7:59:26 AM "We need a net." "Or some other binding." "Sneak up on it and keep it from flying off."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:53:14 PM "Well, they'll know we was stayin' in th' barn now. Maybe they think of it as their barn, an' maybe they think o' this homestead as theirs. If we hang tight, they could come ask us t' leave or try t' drive us off. If we move camp, they'll probably be less upset, but I'm guessin' the barn's more defensible than a spot in th' woods. But I bet it'll be more than one of'em."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday March 24th, 2022 10:51:23 PM
"I hope you're right," Honor tells Elron. "If they focus on us, they aren't out marauding through the countryside. It doesn't feel right, though, just sitting around waiting for them to do something."
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Thursday March 24th, 2022 11:17:00 PM
Zeoll sighs at the news that it is harpies that the party faces.
"Alas, my frriends, as a Grreensingerr, my music does not affect harrpies, norr prrotects against them, since they arre unnaturral monsterrs."
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Asimov wonders how to track a flier.
The Twins suggest using a net or trap.
Elron considers the pros and cons of defense.
Honor does not want to just sit around while the enemy is up to who-knows-what mayhem.
[OOC: My friends, let your planning take place, and when you are ready, the next scene will start.]
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Friday March 25th, 2022 2:09:56 AM
Marking which way the harpy fled, Mundhildur compares that with the way back to the outskirts of town. She sketches a rough map on the ground. "Town. Outskirts. Trail here. This farm. And that's the way the harpy flew away." She also marks north on the dirt-sketched map.
"We can follow the harpy. Or, we can take the sheep to someone who can care for them, and warn them of the harpy, like the people on the outskirts we were last with. If we do that, we can report back to the town, let them know what we saw, give them some ideas on how to defend, to keep a watch out, and have archers, spear- and stick- and rock-throwers to be available. Let them pass that information on to other farms round about.
"Let's take the sheep back to the folks we were just with. And counsel them to make spears, and if they have bows and arrows, to have them at the ready. And tell them of the harpies. Let them know to beware of being out in the open without someone keeping watch in the skies."
"We also could set some bait, and set a trap. What other ideas do we have? And, before we go anywhere else, let's spend an hour or two here, and see what this place can tell us about who used to live here, or whatever it can teach us."
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday March 25th, 2022 3:24:13 AM
Asimov says, "Maybe we could rig some sort of Harpy trap near a tree? I could probably improvise something using some rope or chain maybe a type of snare? As for ranged options, wrist rockets, flamethrower, and fire handling gloves might be my best options. I haven't really designed a web shooter or anything."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Friday March 25th, 2022 8:08:30 AM
The Twins don't like the idea of taking the sheep elsewhere. "The harpy, or harpies, have proven capable of killing civilians. " "We should not involve any but ourselves until we think the risk is over." "A tree trap sounds good."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday March 25th, 2022 4:19:00 PM
"The Twins have a point," Honor says. "What if the harpies decide that the people came and took the sheep back? That could mean more trouble than they can handle. I think we should figure out how to take on the harpies.
"That farmer said something about a Thieves' Guild hideout near here, but he didn't know exactly where it was. Maybe we could look for some kind of clue or trail?"
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday March 25th, 2022 7:57:04 PM
Elron still thinks the harpies will come if they just stay here. Not being able to guess what force they would come in, that worries him.
"If they're settin' this place up for keepin' some stock, we gotta ask ourselves how they'll react if we just leave. Have we poisoned th' well, as it were, by findin' this place?" Elron's concern is the harpies might not yet be committed to using this as their barnyard, in which case they could move on.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday March 25th, 2022 9:34:22 PM
The party debates, and several great ideas are discussed.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Sunday March 27th, 2022 10:08:36 PM "I got no skill at makin' a tree trap, but I can haul stuff for someone who does." Elron's also ready to circle the place looking for other trails at Honor's suggestion.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday March 28th, 2022 12:17:36 AM
Asimov says, "I got the skills at trap making which is why I suggested it, just tell me where you think would be an appropriate place to set it to catch the Harpy and we can make it happen."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Monday March 28th, 2022 2:40:10 PM
"The benefit of catching a harpy is... Maybe one of us could talk with it? If she speaks Common." Mundhildru adds, "I have heard they are filthy and stinky and rank and nasty."
"If you need help pulling down the tips of small trees or saplings, I'll help," she offers.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday March 28th, 2022 8:10:34 PM
"Well, we saw where that one harpy decided to perch," Honor says. "Maybe put a trap there?"
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday March 28th, 2022 11:59:18 PM
Zeoll offers to help with trap building via Inspire Competence.
==== ==== ==== DM Post
You look over some likely places. From the scoring of claw-marks on railings, you see that the harpies land there almost exclusively. There's no sign that they go in the house. What kind of trap would you try to make?
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+17=33 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2022 1:28:45 AM
(OOC: I don't see anything on the trap page like I'm looking for. I don't want to kill the harpy but capture it so I was thinking something along the lines of a mechanical snare trap where the loop would be where the harpy lands trying to entangle one of its legs.)
Craft Trap - 33 + whatever inspires confidence does
Asimov tries to craft some sort of mechanical snare trap on the railing where the harpy likes to land hoping to setup the loop around where the claws land and entrap one of its legs. He doesn't want to hurt it only capture it.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:17:59 AM
The Twins watch and wait.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday March 29th, 2022 10:23:28 PM
Elron suggests a deadfall, since the railing could be thought of as a sort of log. Not that he knows how to make one, but that he knows they're made of logs. After all, if they wanted to net the creatures somehow, they'd need a net -- and they've clearly got a railing.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 10:59:18 PM
"If we're making a trap, we might want to bait it with something," Honor says. "After all, there's no guarantee that a harpy will perch on that specific part of the rail."
She rummages though her pack. "I don't have any jewelry, but--" she pulls out a potion. "Maybe this would work? Put it on the ground near the fence? What do we think?"
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday March 29th, 2022 11:40:44 PM
Zeoll uses his bard power and a guidance cantrip to boost the craft check from 33 to 36.
====== ===== ====== DM Post
Honor has an answer to the question of how to attract a harpy to a specific location: BAIT!
Elron has a good suggestion.
The Twins watch.
Presumably you settle in to watch and wait.
Please prep spells, decide what weapon you have in hand, and be ready.
When they come, the harpies are cautious, flying in high and circling in.
If you are hiding, make a Stealth check. If you are watching, make a Perception check. What are you doing to prepare.
A trap is planned: to catch the harpy with a wire around a talon, then the railing collapsing and bring it down for capture. Asimov sets it up.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+6=23 ; d20+10=17 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2022 12:17:14 AM
Asimov sends Irony back inside seeing as how the clanking machine isn't really known for stealth.
He then decides his wrist rocket may be the best tool for the job if they end up fighting harpies.
He tries to get into position where he can stealthily observe the railing (Stealth: 23; Perception: 17)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=8 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:29:06 AM
The Twins have little skill in stealth so go into the barn and sit in there making no noise (If a stealth check is needed anyway then 5)
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+10=17 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:16:28 PM
(Stealth = 25 in the DMboard, but only 17 here. . . sad)
Elron hides about fifty feet away from the rail if he can, further if he must.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday March 30th, 2022 8:43:07 PM
Asimov waits (OOC: I know I'm posting earlier than usual)
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+3=15 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2022 9:52:37 PM
Honor isn't very good at hiding or watching, but she does her best to conceal herself in the old farmhouse and watch for harpies. [Perception 15]
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday March 30th, 2022 11:51:08 PM
Zeoll takes a turn in the barn too. "A big guy like me is easy to spot, especially frrom above." he says. But he finds a peep hole from which to spy on the proceedings. Camel is with him.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
The DM posits that the trap on the fence rail-post is about 50 feet from the barn door, which is ajar, as it was when you found it. Asimov and Elron are hid right between the two, 25 ft from the barn, 25 ft from the trap.
Let's get creative and say that Asimov is hiding behind a watering trough, and Elron is hidden under a bush.
At length, you hear the swoop of wings. Three harpies fly in from the east, circling the farm. They are about 100 ft up and they survey the area.
At a distance of 100 ft, per the rules, they have a -10 on perception due to distance. They do not seem to have seen you.
Any actions? Or remain hidden? Elron and Asimov would likely reveal themselves if they cast or moved or spoke, but those in the barn figure they could cast a spell or two if they wanted. Say. And probably go undetected. Probably.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday March 31st, 2022 7:30:42 AM
The Twins quietly play some sort of game together as they wait. Something simple that only needs hands like Rock Paper Scissors but not that specifically, something from their homeland.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday March 31st, 2022 7:30:04 PM
Elron remains hidden. The time to burst out isn't until after the trap has sprung.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday March 31st, 2022 10:36:23 PM
Honor loves to be the first to charge into battle, but that can't happen until there's actually a battle. She stays where she is.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=24 ; Friday April 1st, 2022 2:27:00 AM
Asimov waits under the trough for now not breaking cover continuing to observe the harpies.
Perception 24
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) d20=18 ; Friday April 1st, 2022 5:05:45 PM
The harpies circle, and one of them does indeed land in the right spot. The wire lashes out ... and the harpy rolls a save with a natural 18!
It cries out but evades the trap!
"Hey! I almost got snagged in a trap!" the harpy says.
Another harpy calls out, "This is bad! We gotta tell the boss!"
The harpies circle one more time, then fly away eastwards.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday April 1st, 2022 8:19:47 PM
Elron stays still until the harpies are gone, marking the direction they went. "Sounds like they're to th' east. Should we look in that direction?" He has realizes this probably means tangling with the harpies and the boss at the same time, but is pretty sure it's nothing they can't handle.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday April 1st, 2022 10:47:27 PM
"Yes, let us head east," Honor says. "With any luck, there will be some hints along the way as to where to find them."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Sunday April 3rd, 2022 2:09:07 AM
[apologies to all - was slammed at work, and prepping to travel, then traveling. Getting settled in - should be able to join in more frequently for a bit]
"I should have nailed her with a rock," Mundhi says. "I didn't really think this whole thing through very well," taking responsibility for her lack of offering much in the way of planning.
She shrugs. "East, then." She takes Sled out of the barn, packs up, and is ready to move out when the others are.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Sunday April 3rd, 2022 8:01:01 PM
The Twins shrug. "The snare was a good plan." "Just bad luck." "It happens."
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Sunday April 3rd, 2022 10:25:19 PM
Asimov says, "Oh Well it happens. Apparently if their boss is in the east then I think that is where we want to be. The only question is where in the east is this boss?"
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday April 4th, 2022 10:51:24 PM
Asimov waits to figure out where they are going.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday April 4th, 2022 11:49:35 PM
As you move into the woods, you note that among the regular trees, you see a number that are truly giants.
Know Geography DC13: Highlight to display spoiler: {You are reminded of the great and famous Tree of Parting on the southeast edge of the Culverwood}
You quickly lose any sign of a path and are moving through the forest primeval. How will you decide where to go? ======== [Kim-spelling edit]
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Tuesday April 5th, 2022 7:18:53 AM
The Twins hope someone else has spell or skill to navigate for the group.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday April 5th, 2022 1:13:41 PM
Honor can use her Detect Evil ability to scan for nearby harpies, but other than that, she's not going to be much help.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday April 5th, 2022 7:36:03 PM "Well, east is this way," Elron points out. He's a bit surprised that his (usually smarter) friends are thrown off by something as simple as knowing which direction is which in a forest.
Trained in the survival skill.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday April 5th, 2022 8:55:53 PM
Zeoll is happy to help Elron find the way. "I am a drruid, afterr all."
===== ===== =====
You travel further east. You reach the point at which you can trn back and return by nightfall, If you go further, you'll be camping tonight. Turn back? Or something else?
What's your strategy for finding whatever it is you are looking for?
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+12=14 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2022 12:36:59 AM
Know[geo] - 14
Asimov says, "I'm reminded of the Tree of Parting and the Culverwood. Perhaps it is not a good idea to camp here for the night if this forest is anything like the Culverwood. We could find the nearest camp ground out of the primevil forest bit and then set out early tomorrow. I guess if we don't find the Harpies by then we'd have to camp, though I mean who knows where they went. Does anyone have any way to potentially ask for divine assistance? My devices aren't really helpful right now."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=11 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2022 7:38:51 AM "The what of what?" "Ooh, tells us about that." the Twins say (is this even set in the Wold?) They are used to camping and willing to keep up the chase, but will head back if the others prefer. As for searching strategy, the best they've got is looking at the trees for signs of the harpy's roosting. (perception 11)
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday April 6th, 2022 12:54:38 PM
"I worry that if we camp somewhere, the harpies will just fly over us in the dark and go attack somebody," Honor says. She frowns. "How fast do harpies fly, anyway?"
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+8=27 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2022 6:45:49 PM "Well, th' nearest place we know of is th' homestead we left. We've got time t' get back 'fore dark, but is it safer than th' woods for us now?" Elron thinks a strategy for finding a hideout is needed, and that sounds like something for thinky-folk to figure out. All he can do is wander around looking for signs of someone walking through the area.
In this area, for instance, he finds . . . (Survival = 27)
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday April 6th, 2022 11:06:24 PM
Asimov says, "I might not be from around here but your geography is easy enough to learn at least for me. All I know is that we either have to camp or head back. If we camp judging by how this place looks we may be visited by something worse than harpies if we go back then we will have lost time."
"As to how fast Harpies fly let me think on that or maybe Zeoll would be better suited to answer that question, I don't think Harpies are necessarily in my knowledge set." (OOC: think Nature)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday April 7th, 2022 7:29:31 AM "We're standing in the middle of the woods." "With no real clues." "And no way to track the harpy beyond guessing." "It doesn't matter where we go, they can fly wherever they want." the Twins point out.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday April 7th, 2022 3:21:25 PM
"I think we should find a place and camp," Honor says after a pause. "We've come this far; it would be a shame to go back. And maybe that trap spooked the harpies enough that they'll stay away for a while."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday April 7th, 2022 7:37:24 PM "Th' harpies fly, but th' boss might not."
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) d20=12 ; Thursday April 7th, 2022 9:34:27 PM
Zeoll's lore suggests that harpies fly pretty fast. [OOC: 80']
===== ===== ===== DM Post
The party decides to press on a bit and then make a camp.
Elron finds a recent treefall, and the party can rest under its branches (aside perhaps from Zeoll and Camel). Will you make a cold camp (which may be uncomfortable but not dangerous since it is not a cold time of year) or build a fire.
As you camp, you ponder ways to find your quarry.
Do you set watches? Who, and when?
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+5=17 ; Friday April 8th, 2022 12:26:48 AM
Asimov sets Irony to stand guard all night since one of the abilities Asimov built into his mechanical minion was the ability to stand watch while Asimov rests.
As Asimov needs rest to prepare his mechanical inventions he figures letting Irony guard the whole night is enough of a contribution, however the rest of the group should still probably pitch in if possible as Irony isn't as good at spotting something as a person might be.
Asimov says, "I vote we cold camp. Probably safer that way. Also I'll have Irony stand guard all night like usual but other folks probably might want to still take shifts as my minion isn't as good at spotting things as a person might be."
Perception for Irony : 17
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=18 ; Friday April 8th, 2022 8:37:11 AM
The Twins have no objections to taking a watch and have no ideas to share to find the harpies (perception 18).
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday April 8th, 2022 11:11:05 AM "We could try t' lure th' harpies to us. Might work once. I doubt they'd fall for somethin' like that back at th' homestead now, but. . . " Elron ponders what might entice a harpy to land, and decides against tracking down a small human to use. Maybe someone else can figure that part out.
Elron's fine with a cold camp. "I've got, I say, I've got my feathah's to keep me warm."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+7=23 ; Friday April 8th, 2022 12:56:18 PM
"I'm taking a sheep or three," declares the auburn warrior. She takes care to place them carefully upon the back of Sled, nestled among the gear and blankets. Perhaps one she will carry over her neck. They'll get used to it. She feeds them grass and other things they like to nibble on from time to time, and tethers them when she puts them down to graze. Gives them water, too. And takes care of Sled, her reasonably faithful mule, to ensure he's reasonably happy as they go along.
She names the sheep. "This one is Bait. Here is Diversion. And the wee one is Snack. I'm hopin' we can keep them all alive, but people are more important than sheep, and harpies are important enough on the side of evil that it is my intention that they die."
When they find a place to camp, Mundhildur says she can built an under-the-ground smokeless fire. "You'd have to be right atop it, looking straight down, to even have a chance to notice there's a flame. We dig a pit down 2-1/2 or 3 feet. We dig another shallow pit 3 feet or so away from the first pit. Then we dig a slant hole from the shallow side angled to just above the bottom of the deep side. The fire goes in the deep pit. A few rocks in the bottom keep air flowing under the wood. Using some of the dirt from the deep pit, make a ridge 5 inches high above the ground - that helps keep the flames from showing unless you're right above it." She digs it, gets the fuel ready, and shows how it should work. "But I won't light it unless you all think that slightly warm camping is better than cold camping."
She goes with what the others choose. At least now they know how to build a concealed fire pit.
She'll take any watch. Perception: 23
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday April 8th, 2022 2:10:33 PM
"I don't see a reason we can't just have a fire," Honor says. "We want the bad things to find us, so they don't go after the innocent." She adds, "I can take a middle watch. I'm not a spellcaster--well, I am, I guess--but I don't need uninterrupted rest."
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Saturday April 9th, 2022 12:23:03 AM
You make a camp with a hidden fire. There are no disturbances in the night. In the morning, it is time to set off.
The day is cloudy and drizzling. You are in forested hills. Another day east and you'll be in actual mountains. The forest is old growth, and there are really huge trees that tower high above the canopy here and there. From the ground, you do not have much of a sight line, and you cannot see if there are any aerial creatures in the neighborhood.
The sheep Mundhi took from the abandoned farm bleat softly.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Saturday April 9th, 2022 2:19:02 AM
"I can climb, but if I get very high on some of these trees, I will break branches. Who can climb and get a look?" Mundhi asks her friends.
Sheep's wool is able to pretty well shed rain, but there's no sense in letting them soak up more than is necessary. While they ride upon Sled, or upon her shoulders, she covers them with some canvas to shed the rain. If the party stops to climb a tree, she can offer lengths of rope and such. Meanwhile, she sets the tethered sheep down for a while after looking about for something suitable for them to graze upon. She will need to be alert to meadows, and tufts of grass or the like here and there. She wants to be as kind to the sheep as she might. The lanolin that collects on her hands feels nice.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20=19 ; Sunday April 10th, 2022 10:53:28 AM "I s'pose I'm th' lightest," Elron allows as he squints up at the tallest tree. "An' I s'pose it's a lot like roostin' -- but very different from roosterin' you'll please note -- jus' abnormally high in th' tree and goin' ever higher. An' I s'pose trees is one o' th' easiest things t' climb. So I s'pose I can do it." Elron is clearly not relishing the climb.
"Now jus' what am I lookin' for when I get up there?" Elron asks as he starts his meticulous ascent. (Climb = 19)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Sunday April 10th, 2022 9:27:19 PM
The Twins regret their lack of skill in anything that doesn't involve hitting or shooting things.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+5=14 ; Monday April 11th, 2022 1:08:24 AM
Asimov says, "Irony can climb. That is what I enabled him to do with the most recent upgrade I gave it after that business with the drow."
"I'll send Irony up with Elron"
(OOC: Irony has climb speed so I don't think it requires a check)
Irony Perception: 14
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday April 11th, 2022 5:01:57 PM
Honor is not much of a climber, especially in armor. She stays on the ground. "Twins," she says, "I think you're our best archer. Keep him covered."
Honor pulls out her own bow, but has no illusions about her ability to use it effectively.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday April 11th, 2022 8:37:44 PM
Asimov waits to hear what Irony spotted while climbing
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday April 11th, 2022 11:14:02 PM
Irony and Elron climb above the canopy and start looking around. After a half hour they spot one tall tree from which several really big flying creatures emerge and then fly away west.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Tuesday April 12th, 2022 5:14:00 AM "A big tree seems as likely as anywhere else." "Lets get moving." The Twins suggest.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Tuesday April 12th, 2022 12:06:28 PM
So, we have been traveling eastward. With the harpies flying away west, that would indicate they are coming roughly in our direction. Is my interpretation correct?
Whether the case or not, Mundhildur suggests the following: "Let's get ourselves to that tree. If it is their home, it might be a good place to work at taking them down."
Based upon Elron's and Irony's descriptions (if Irony can give a description), Mundhi draws a little map on the ground, showing the direction of the tree, finding out if there were any discernible undulations along the way, other landmarks (hills, mountains, other trees of significant size, gaps in the tree cover, changes in tree species, etc.). She asks for corrections as she sketches out their descriptions. She memorizes the reported and now sketched layout.
"That way, right?" she asks, pointing the direction they were told the tree lies. She gathers her small tethered flock, places them as comfortably as she can back on Sled and her shoulders, and sets out when all are ready.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday April 12th, 2022 3:49:36 PM
"If there are harpies heading back toward the farms, we should try to intercept them," Honor says. "Let's remember where that tree is, but we should deal with the immediate threat first."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday April 12th, 2022 10:37:24 PM
Elron makes sure to note the direction of the tree. If the harpies are up there, flying much faster than he and his friends walk, then intercepting them only makes sense if they are flying this way. And then, only if they can be coaxed down to the ground. Depending on the directions and distances involved, it might be better to find the tree while there are fewer defenders there.
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