To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday April 12th, 2022 11:24:54 PM
You deduce that the fliers, likely harpies, were flying toward the city. But you guys are at least ten minutes walk from that big tree, and these things are fast fliers. I don;t see how you can hope to catch them.
Per wise Elron, you head towards the big tree from which they flew. How do you approach?
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=22 ; d20+1=15 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2022 11:52:06 PM
Asimov and Irony go forth stealthily or as Stealthily as the minion can manage.
Stealth: Asimov: 23 Irony: 15
Perception: Asimov: 22
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=13 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2022 4:59:42 AM
The Twins remain terrible at stealth (7 after armor check penalty) and probably let the others approach while staying behind so as to not give them away.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday April 13th, 2022 2:36:09 PM
Even if Honor hasn't yet summoned Justice (and I'm not sure what the mount situation is for the party), she is not stealthy. And she doesn't see a need to be.
"Do you plan to sneak up the tree?" she asks. "If there are still harpies there, they're going to see us or hear us coming."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Wednesday April 13th, 2022 7:58:37 PM "No one's gonna see or hear us all the way up in a tall tree with th' canopy o' this forest between us. Unless they have guards below." Elron's not set on sneaking. He will, though, once they get closer, if the others think it's best.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday April 13th, 2022 11:32:04 PM
Zeoll and his camel move as quetly as they can. Which is not very,
===== ===== ===== DM Post.
The party advances as stealthily as possible.
This particular tall tree stands alone in the forest actually. There are no other trees, just meadow, for about 100 ft out from the trunk.
The tree itself stands 400-500 ft tall, and the trunk is 15 ft in diameter at the base.
So far there is no alarm. Also no sign of any harpies or other creatures anywhere about.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Thursday April 14th, 2022 12:32:55 AM
Asimov whispers to the party, "So it is looking like we are probably going to have to climb this thing, right? I mean it probably wouldn't be a good idea to just send Irony and Elron up on this one since their was those harpies earlier and their boss could be presumably somewhere up there too. I don't suppose we have some means to potentially assist those who may not be good at climbing."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday April 14th, 2022 6:11:23 AM "Does anyone have rope?" "Knotted rope is easy enough to climb."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday April 14th, 2022 2:08:18 PM
Elron takes the question on climbing seriously. "Well, we could set a fire at th'base o' th' tree so that they would have to come to us t' put it out. 'Course that might get out o' hand if'n we're not careful, an' I don't know how t' carefully light only one tree in a forest. Still, may be better than fightin' off flyin' critters while climbing."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Thursday April 14th, 2022 4:57:55 PM
"That one might be strong enough to hold me," says the tall woman who shrinks from over 10 feet to just over 7 feet tall. She finds a place in the meadow for the sheep to graze, drives in three stakes, and places them so that each sheep has its own bit of grass, but they can come together toward the edge of their tethers to huddle together should they want to. She places two buckets with water near this central meeting place.
"I have lots of silk rope," she says. She takes several coils off of Sled. "Enough for the whole tree. Three lengths of 150' silk rope. Four lengths of 50' silk rope. Two lengths of 50' hempen rope. I used some of my stout twine to tether the sheep, but do have two lengths of 50' twine left." Mundhi also has 20 spikes, and a couple hammers, and two picks. "I can use some of the ropes for harnesses. I have two sets of block and tackle. I can certainly get us all a good start on climbing, with a fair measure of safety. Perhaps Irony, a good climber, can lead the way, set some spikes, tie the ropes."
She plots out a good pathway up, figuring out how often to set spikes. "I have axes, too. We could chop some footholds here and there as needed."
"So, who is game for a climb today? I have a ring of feather fall, by the way."
How far down do the tree branches come? What is a typical separation of branch from branch? How stout are they?
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday April 14th, 2022 10:08:19 PM
"I have rope, too, but it looks like Mundhildur has us covered," Honor says. "I'm not much of a climber, but if I take it slow and steady, I should get up all right."
[Honor can take 10 and get a 12, which should be enough to climb with the help of a rope.]
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday April 15th, 2022 3:33:06 AM
Asimov says, "So Elron and Irony take the rope and climb up there using it to set up some system the rest of us could use to aid our ascent?"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Friday April 15th, 2022 6:09:25 AM
If needed, the twins can tie one end of the rope to an arrow and shoot it into the tree so that there is a rope to use on the way up. Easier then trying to throw the rope up over a branch.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday April 15th, 2022 1:03:09 PM
When Asimov asks if anyone can help with a climb, Zeoll volunteers that he can offer some bardic assistance. [OOC: Inspire Courage to give a +2 on checks, Guidance to give another +1.]
"But speaking as a drruid," Zeoll says to Elron, "I would have to be opposed to setting the forrest on firre. I mean, we can do betterr than that!"
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Asimov asks about climbing, and Zeoll offers some help.
The Twins ask if anyone has rope.
Elron suggests lighting a fire, but the liontaur druid objects.
Mundhi is very well prepared, with gear above and beyoind your needs. Heck, you could even winch the camel up!
Honor suggests that taking it slow and steady will get the job done. [OOC: Taking ten is a fine idea. But if you come under attack, you'll have to make checks.]
Mundhi wants to know about how climbable the tree is, so she advances to the trunk for a look. Anyone else go with her? Looking up from the base, you see that this is an evergreen tree, and that the branches and needles hide a platform that is 140 ft from the ground. You see no trap door or opening in the underside of the platform. It is about 20-30 ft in diameter. The DC to climb up (without rope) is 15.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday April 15th, 2022 8:04:00 PM
"I don't know how we're going to manage that platform," Honor says. "But unless one of you can grow wings, climbing is still our best option."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+12=31 ; Saturday April 16th, 2022 12:58:33 AM
Honor talks about someone growing wings. Mundhi looks over at Elron. Then back at Honor. "I haven't tried that one, yet." She tucks her thumbs up under her arms and flaps. She flies as high as her tiptoes will take her. "Nope."
She grows to her full height, and drives a spike into the tree above her head. "Sorry, Zeoll, but this won't kill the tree, and I'm going to do some more." She wraps hempen rope around, ties it snug against the trunk. Then about every 15 inches ties a knot, starting from the top, then working downwards. "This should do to help get you up near the first branch." Once the knots are done, she shrinks to 7'4", and climbs up until she is able to place one arm over the spike to help keep her up. Her legs wrap around the rope to keep her snug in place. She takes another length of rope, finds a stout branch above, and takes a toss or two until she gets it up and over. This she repeats, spiraling around the trunk, anchoring to branches, leaving knots to help the climbers, until getting up under the platform. She circles under the platform, leaving a good set of rope webbing to help keep climbers pretty safe, with plenty of places to hold on. Then she descends.
"Someone lighter than I needs to get up here. I'll try to help you up and over the platform, and you can tell us what you find out. Who wants to do it?"
She will have a couple of climbing harnesses, similar to what they used to bridge over the troll. She ensures the first couple of people up are harnessed, and assists them.
"I'll stay down here. Up here? -Just below the platform. Say, Zeoll, that's a good idea." She rigs a pulley system to help pull people up with silk ropes. She does tell them it's not a bad idea, though, to get used to climbing, if they can.
============= Mundhildur has the climb skill, and knows her way around ropes. In addition to +7 from climb, I gave her a +5 bonus from rope use, and if we add Zeoll's encouragement, that gives her a 33 on her climb to set the ropes.
Edit: Fixed a typo
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+15=23 ; Saturday April 16th, 2022 3:51:48 PM
Elron's not keen on climbing another tree -- this one looks like a more difficult climb. After teasingly asking Zeoll if cats aren't good climbers, he approaches with Mundhildur and looks around carefully to see if there's anything that may help -- perhaps a rope hanging from under the platform or the lower end of something to lift things from the ground up there.
And while they're headed over, Elron takes the opportunity to whisper to Mundhildur the story of the climbing turtles.
(Perception = 23)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Sunday April 17th, 2022 5:07:53 PM
The Twins draw their bow and prepare an action to shoot anything that comes out to attack.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday April 18th, 2022 12:27:21 AM
Asimov says, "Irony can make the climb without rope." (OOC: he has a climb speed)
He continues, "Perhaps we give him a rope and instructions for look for something sturdy to tie it to? We could then try to climb the tree using rope instead of just the tree. Just a thought."
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday April 18th, 2022 10:52:58 PM
A plan comes together ... Irony uses its natural climbing abiility to get to the platform, carrying a knotted rope that Mundhi has prepared. The Twins stand guard.
How does Asimov communicate with Irony? What does he do if he reaches the top and does not find anything to tie off to?
If you can give Irony better instructions, or communicte with the creation at a distance of 140 ft, then great. If not, then what?
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=14 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2022 5:16:46 AM
The Twins keep a sharp eye out for any danger (perception 14)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Tuesday April 19th, 2022 1:18:12 PM
Mundhildur tries really, really hard to get an answer to the earlier question of how high the branches start above the ground, and their spacing and sizes (stout? skinny? in-between?) and arrangement up to the bottom of the platform - as well, stepping back, of the view above the platform from down below.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday April 19th, 2022 1:52:42 PM
"We have several lengths of rope," Honor says. "And there's no reason we need to climb the tree all in one go. We can do it in stages." She looks up at the tree. "Have Irony climb to that branch there," (pointing to a specific one) "and attach a rope. Asimov climbs up to there, chooses another likely-looking branch higher up, and sends Irony to attach another rope to it. The rest of us follow as it it safe to do so."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday April 19th, 2022 7:29:19 PM
Elron asks Asimov, "How much weight do you think Irony can hold, in addition t' th' weight o' th' rope?"
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday April 19th, 2022 11:35:50 PM
The first 80 ft of trunk goes straight up, no branches. Then there are scattered branches for 20 ft. Then they get thicker.
The tree’s trunk is a DC 15 to climb. Once up there, a character can move along a tree limb with a Climb check (DC 15) or Balance check (DC 10 within 10 ft. of the trunk, DC 20 further out).
There are definitely branches to which you could tie a rope.
The branches are thick up there, and you cannot see if the platform is just a floor, or has a railing, or has walls ... can't tell.
So far, no sign of danger.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+6=11 ; Wednesday April 20th, 2022 12:37:47 AM
Asimov says, "A light load for Irony is 86 pounds, a medium load is between 87 and 173 pounds and a heavy load is between 174 and 260 pounds."
Climb: 11
Asimov isn't having much luck with climbing in the absense of rope.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Wednesday April 20th, 2022 5:25:03 AM
Waiting patiently. Bow in hand.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Wednesday April 20th, 2022 6:27:29 PM "Well then. Fifty feet o' rope weighs about ten pounds, and you need about two o' those ropes t' get t' th' lower branches. I weigh about thirty t' forty pounds, so all together me an' th' ropes can't be more than. . .," he ticks off a few feathers, ". . . ninety-some pounds. If'n we need, I could go up th' rope Irony is holdin'."
If there's some reason Irony can't hold his full carrying capacity while clinging to the side of a tree, someone might want to clue Elron in. . .
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday April 20th, 2022 9:54:59 PM
Like the Twins, Honor can't do much but watch and wait.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Thursday April 21st, 2022 8:48:43 PM
If your DM interprets posts correctly, Irony climbs up 100 ft. Elron climbs the rope and secures it to a branch up there. Elron and Irony are up, standing securely on a thick wide branch. Still, are you two tying yourself off in any way, should a high wind or an aerial attack come your way?
You now have a rope that rises 100 ft from the ground. The platform is 40 ft above you. Elron, from his vantage point, sees that with the lower branches and what look like they may be handholds in the underside of the platform, you could probably climb from the trunk to the edge of the platform with a DC20 check.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Friday April 22nd, 2022 1:05:39 AM
"Fifty feet of silk rope weight about 5 pounds. Double it up, by twisting it together, and then fifty feet weight 10 pounds, Elron. As I said earlier, I have 450 feet of silk rope, in 150' strands. Silk rope is more than enough to hold me. It could hold me and my mule and Zeoll and a bag of rocks, so long as we don't go all bouncy on it over and over."
"What's more, I have four more sets of silk rope, each 50' long. And two lengths of hempen rope, 50' each. I have 20 foot-long iron spikes - one of which is fastened 10' above the ground. I have a hammer. I made two harnesses to help keep people attached to the ropes. I can make more harnesses. I declare, Honor, even you can get up this tree."
She recommends two 75' pulleys - one from just above the ground, up to the first stout branch. "We just tie a knot where the two ends come together. I can haul people up. The block and tackle go at the top of the rope, and I have two sets."
Then a similar arrangement, from the first stout branch at 80', up to just below the platform. She adds that putting together some safety rope at the 80' height would be wise. Drive in a few spikes, attach ropes, some for the feet to stand on, some to hold onto with the hands. Maybe three rows of ropes at 80', 83', 86', using spikes and branches.
Have a similar arrangement just below the platform. Then someone can climb up and over the platform, and some of the rest can follow.
"Zeoll, it would make some sense NOT to haul up Bill, and maybe not you - but, if you want to go up, we can do it."
She shows them how by using a wedge they can arrest the moving of the rope along the pulley. When it's time for Mundhildur to pull people up, they pull the wedge out. The wedge is on a short rope, attached, so it's unlikely to disappear.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday April 22nd, 2022 2:01:41 AM
Asimov says, "I like your plan Mundhi. Why don't you climb up there using the rope and then start hauling the rest of us up. Irony might have a climb speed but sadly I do not."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=12 ; Friday April 22nd, 2022 7:33:10 AM
The Twins don't really feel a pulley system is necessary since there's a rope now lowering the DC to 5 or 10 (rope DC is 10, knotted rope DC is 5). Should a rope be tossed down to them they'll just haul themselves up (12 to climb. probably higher to lazy to check my bonus :P)
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday April 22nd, 2022 11:58:17 AM
Elron does what he can to get people up to the lower branch. He does not quite understand what Mundhildur tries to explain, but he trusts her to know what she's saying. Surely it's their best chance to get any higher.
While folks are working, he tells the story of the climbing turtle. "Most turtles are not that skilled at climbin', but there are some that are. Still, I was a bit surprised one day when I was walkin' through th' forest when somthin' dropped out o' a tree an' almost hit me. It went right past my head and gave a little oof when it hit th' ground. I started t' say somethin' about watchin' where it was goin' when I realized this was quite a young turtle."
"It was a cute little feller, with a real serious attitude. I looked around t' see where its parents were before I remembered that turtles don't really do family, and spied a couple o' blackbirds watchin'. As we watches, th' turtle went back t' th' trunk o' a tree and started climbin'. It had sharp little claws, I guess they were good for that. So it was slow, bein' a turtle, but it steadily climbed t' th' second branch o' th' tree, walked out t' th' end, and jumped off. Only it was a funny jump. Turtles ain't built for flappin', but the way it was wavin' its forelegs about that had t' have been what it was doin'. This here turtle was tryin' t' fly. O' course, it fell t' th' ground again."
"I settled down by th' blackbirds an kept on watchin'. Th' turtle tried th' same thin' over an' over, each time goin' just a little bit higher in th' tree. Th' birds would shudder every time it hit th' ground, but I do believe they were downright proud o' th' turtle's determination. After four or five more tries though, one o' th' birds says t' th'other, Honey, if he keeps this up he'll really hurt hisself. Don't'cha think it's time we tell him he's adopted?."
Elron makes sure to tie off to a branch while he's up there.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday April 22nd, 2022 9:46:42 PM
Honor takes 10 and gets a 12 to climb the rope. She listens to Elron's story.
"I don't get it," she says. "Blackbirds can't climb. Why did the turtle even try to climb if he thought he was a blackbird?" Her wide, guileless blue eyes give no indication of whether she's kidding. Probably not.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday April 22nd, 2022 10:59:01 PM
Zeoll scorns Mundhi's worries. "Bill is a grreat climberr! No worrries. And I'm competent!"
Zeoll takes 10 for a 10. Bill takes 10 for an 18.
Bill makes a wild camel snort. If you speak Camel, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am strong, and Climb is a class skill for me! HA!"}
Up in the branches, Zeoll makes sure that he and Bill are tied to the trunk when not actively climbing. Good thing too, because that joke of Elron's makes him laugh, and he mighta fell off if he weren't tied on!
===== ===== =====
Mundhi puts her knowledge of engineering to work and sets up two 75 ft ropes to let everybody ascend with an easy Climb DC [Your DM assumes you are using knotted ropes, because why would you not? That is, why wouldn't you knot?]
So now everyone is up in the tree. The underside fo the platform is a couple feet overhead. It is rough, with what look like handholds. You can hand-over-hand to the edge of the platform with a DC 20 climb check.
Now that you are up here, you can see that the platform is made of wood. It is 50 ft in diameter. The tree trunk here is about 15 ft in diameter.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Saturday April 23rd, 2022 3:57:26 PM
Mundhildur would not not knot, certainly.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+15=33 ; Saturday April 23rd, 2022 4:08:46 PM
If the spacing of the branches permits it, Elron will circle the trunk of the tree, slowly and carefully and staying tied off, while looking for trap doors, trash holes, or whatnot on the underside of the platform. He wants to do this to make sure they don't miss something before trying a precarious move to the edge of the platform. But it will also suggest to him that whoever the boss is must also be able to fly if there is no other route up.
Perception = 33
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=2 ; Sunday April 24th, 2022 9:48:53 PM
The Twins do their best to keep an eye out but can't see much through the branches (perception 2)
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=15 ; Sunday April 24th, 2022 11:56:21 PM
Asimov takes a careful look around. (Perception: 15 or 18 versus mechanical traps)
He is looking for threats both of the creature and trap variety if they exist.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+7=17 ; Monday April 25th, 2022 2:05:43 PM
Once those are up who plan to come up, Mundhildur looks toward getting people to the next level. She swings a grappling hook next to the tree, with 50' knotted rope (likely ~45' due to knots) attached, and works to get it up and over the lip of the platform. Is a 17 good enough for that?
If so, she asks who wants to give it a try. She anchors a spike, ties the near end of the rope to the spike, so that, should the hook not hold, if the person hangs on, rope and person will not rapidly descend unchecked. As a precaution, she also places it so there are a few branches a little ways below where she stands. In addition to the spike, she holds the line a few feet from the spike.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday April 25th, 2022 2:28:25 PM
"I'll try the rope," Honor says. "If it can hold me, it can hold most of us."
She moves slowly and carefully, attempting to climb the rope. [Take 10 to get a 12. In armor and fully equipped, Honor weighs just north of 200 pounds, so it ought to be a good test.]
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday April 25th, 2022 9:05:08 PM
Elron circles the trunk carefully. He looks for trap doors or other means of egress. There are none.
Asimov and The Twins keep watch.
Honor is the last to ascend. Now everybody is under the platform, most tied off for extra safety.
Mundhildur climbs out toward the underside of the edge of the platform. She discovers that it is not even really a platform! It is not thin! It is thick! A wood wall climbs up 20 feet. Or put another way, the platform is 20 ft thick. It is like a cylinder 50 ft in diameter and 20 ft high!
Somebody will need a DC20 Climb check to climb hand-over-hand to the edge of the cylinder, and a DC15 check to climb up 20 ft to the top.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Tuesday April 26th, 2022 12:32:01 AM
Asimov says, "I could send Irony. He is good at climbing." (OOC: what are the rules for climb speed? Do you get a +8 racial bonus to climb and can take 10 normally when couldn't or was that 3.5)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Tuesday April 26th, 2022 2:18:56 AM
"Sounds like a plan, Asimov. Can Irony drive in metal spikes along the way? Regardless, let him take this rope with the grappling hook. If he can hook it on to something solid up top, then drive in a spike or two along the 20' face to wrap the rope around, that may give us a good way to do it." In addition to the grappling hook rope, she firmly fastens on one of her harnesses for Irony, and ties one of the other 50' silk ropes to it. She adds another spike nearly adjacent yet at an angle away from another, and secures the other end to the two spikes. She takes one of the hempen ropes, ties it so its midpoint will be near the edge of the silk rope just before it bends upward, and sets it so the silk and hempen ropes will be firm at that point. The almost-25' ends will each go off to opposite sides of the trunk, and secured there. Should Irony somehow fall, he will have the silken safety rope to keep him from plunging all the way down, the knotted rope to hang on to, and the two hempen ropes to add some braking, and take some of the strain so that the construct does not jerk all of a sudden to a stop. Three ropes to multiply safety. Figure a net gain in weight carried of about 15 pounds. With the rigging, Irony will not be bearing the full weight of it all.
The hammer she has on a cord one can wrap around the wrist. If it slips from his hand, that should keep it from falling. She gives Irony three spikes. "Use what you can of these. If one falls, let it fall."
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d20=4 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 8:05:59 AM
The Twins continue to keep watch poorly (4 perception)
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+3=6 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 5:04:24 PM
Honor clings to the tree and keeps an eye on the surroundings. Not a sharp eye, but an eye. [Perception 6]
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday April 26th, 2022 7:06:22 PM
Elron wonders whether the platform is really that thick, or is perhaps hollow. Not that it matters, since he doesn't have the appropriate tools to cut into it even if it is.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday April 26th, 2022 11:30:26 PM
You look at the wooden structure above you and see that it is made of planks. So you deduce it is hollow; that is, that there is a pretty big space therein.
Irony, with his climb speed and taking 10, climbs over and up. The thing finds a couple hooks and can easily secure two ropes.
With that, the hard part is done. Everyone can climb the ropes and ascend.
You are all standing on the structure. You are on what is most like a flat roof. The two hooks look ideal for letting down a rope ladder (though there is none there now.) There is a trap door nearby.
Also, looking up, you see that there is another platform 20 ft overhead. There is a ladder you can use to climb up, to a trap door in the underside of the second platform.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=27 ; d20+13=33 ; Tuesday April 26th, 2022 11:43:05 PM
Asimov takes a good look around. (Perception: 27)
He then examines the trap door looking for well traps. (Perception: 33 to find mechanical traps)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Wednesday April 27th, 2022 7:07:19 AM "This must be the old thieves base." "Harpies don't need ladders." The Twins guess.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday April 27th, 2022 4:39:50 PM
Now that Honor is standing on a solid structure, she uses her Detect Evil ability to scan the area.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Wednesday April 27th, 2022 7:58:23 PM "Up or down?" Elron asks. He prefers down.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday April 27th, 2022 10:53:01 PM
Asimov sees no traps on the trap doors. The thought does occur to him that at a thickness of 20 feet, either there is a very tall space in there, or multiple floors.
The Twins cleverly realize that this must be the old thieves' hideout. But is it occupied now?
Honor answers that question definitively! Yes, there are 4 faintly evil creatures down and to the right (standing at the trap door and facing the trunk), two more faintly evil creatures down and to the left, and one more above in an upper platform! (But none directly underfoot.)
Elron urges the party to choose ... up or down?
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:56:15 AM
Assuming Honor tells the party of the evils she senses Asimov whispers, "I vote we go up first and take out the sentry, hopefully before he can alert anyone else. That way we would have the run of the place and we wouldn't have to worry about any potential surprises on our way out of the trap door after we are done clearing the place."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Thursday April 28th, 2022 2:05:45 AM
Privately, Mundhildur wonders whether the evil presences Honor sensed are some of the harpy youngins.
"Up to the top of the enclosure. Down into it, and deal with what's there. Folks - you might want to stuff some cloth or wax into your ears, since it is known that the harpy screech can sing and make you do what they want you to do, if you do not resist." She cuts some of the softer fabric from her undergarments, rolls pieces about 1" long and thick enough to fill, yet thin enough to fit into her ears. The world becomes muffled. Not totally silent, but quieter. She pulls out one earplug. "Zeoll, you are a bard. I have heard some bards can sing against the harpies, so they do not have as much power to captivate the mind, or soul, or whatever it is they try to trap with their music. Is this something you can do?" She awaits his reply, then replaces the earplug, and enters back into greater quiet. She also steels her soul to resist any musical manipulations. She herself is a singer, so she begins very softly humming, so as to warm her vocal cords, that perhaps she might counter any tonal spells the evil fowls may try to cast.
And climbs to the top of the area, glancing upwards to see if she can see what Honor referred to as an upper platform. Once as many are up as plan to ascend, she prepares to enter into the wood-surrounded dwelling now beneath her feet.
Regarding safety, she makes certain that each person has a rope secured about the waist, upper thighs, and torso, and that said rope is indeed tied securely, yet able to be adjusted, even removed, as the need may arise.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:54:41 AM
The Twins do as told and stuff their ears.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:53:41 PM
Elron ponders asking Zeoll if it's okay to burn the place now that they know it's not just a tree. Mundhildur distracts him from this line of thought with her talk of harpies and music. "Roosters is song birds, you know," he mentions -- a claim he has made before.
Seeing how there's one creature up and multiple down, he considers going up instead. Like Asimov said. "We could secure th' trap door, too, so no one down there could sneak up behind us."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday April 28th, 2022 10:03:49 PM
"I agree--we go up first," Honor says. For now, she leaves her ears alone. She's not convinced the evil aura is another harpy, and if the group is quick enough, a harpy won't have time to sing her enchantment anyway.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Thursday April 28th, 2022 11:48:15 PM
"Sadly, as a Grreensingerr, I do not have the ability to counterr the song of harrpies. Irronic, huh?"
Zeoll leaves Bill alone at the top of the platform, with a command to "Guard."
The liontaur himself is last to ascend (in case the ladder breaks).
===== ===== ===== DM Post
I need an order of who goes up first. Ima assume the first one up opens the trap door. And if you have any prep or casting to do, please do so now!
If you are planning to secure the trap door going down before your ascent, please say how, and also how loud it will be.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Friday April 29th, 2022 12:15:26 AM "Beggin' your pardon -- I mean, I know it's not polite t' ask, but. . . Bill's pretty big. I bet he weighs enough t' secure a trapdoor if he rests on it." That should also be no louder than whatever moving around they've been doing.
Elron's light, and willing to go first. He has no prep to do.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday April 29th, 2022 1:13:25 AM
Asimov says, "I'm loaded for damage and heals for the most part so I can get the device I need and use it when I need to. I guess I'll have to see what we are dealing with before we hit it."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Friday April 29th, 2022 6:18:25 AM
Mundhi is willing to be the first or among the first few to go through the trap door, Does the door appear to be secured from above, such that those within would have trouble getting out?
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Friday April 29th, 2022 7:19:34 AM
The Twins will go last as they have good ranged options and can serve as rearguard if the harpies have another exit and attack before everyone can cross.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday April 29th, 2022 9:45:25 PM
Since the Twins have volunteered to take the rear, Honor will be up front with Mundhildur.
To the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Saturday April 30th, 2022 9:41:35 AM
Zeoll laughs and agrees with Elron. Bill will sit on the trap door below.
He waits at the bottom of the 20 ft ladder, not getting on until everyone else has ascended.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Elron is at the top of the ladder, about to push open the trap door.
Mundhi is next, in Medium form, the DM presumes?
Then Honor and Asimov (with Irony). That fills up the ladder.
The Twins wait to go next, and then Zeoll after that.
With a move action, Elron pushes open the door. With another move action, he enters.
The room is empty of obvious foes. There is a ladder going up to a trap door above. And a single door to the west. The shape of the room is that af about a quarter circle; that is, it takes up just over a quarter of the circular platform. The walls, floors, and 10 ft ceiling is wood, no windows. Four wood and leather chairs are arranged casually around the room, and a small table sits in the center. It is completely dark except for the light coming in from the open trap door through which Elron just climbed -- that makes this room dimly lit, and, fair warning, a creature could be hiding in the shadows.
Elron is in the room. Those on the ladder will require a move action to climb up. The Twins and Zeoll would have to spend a full round climbing to get up and in. And the room is not huge ... call it 15 x 15 ish -- so it will be packed.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- d20+15=24 ; Saturday April 30th, 2022 10:21:53 AM
Elron looks at the shadows for anything hiding until the others are in. (Perception = 24) Honor needs to tell them which way to go to find the evil she sensed.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Sunday May 1st, 2022 5:21:46 PM
The Twins remain outside for now as the rest file up and in.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 d20+7=16 ; Monday May 2nd, 2022 12:11:38 AM
Munhi uses the ladder after Elrond. She has a throwing rock at the ready. She looks around.
=========== Perception: 16
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+10=20 ; Monday May 2nd, 2022 2:45:44 AM
Asimov scrambles up when he can. He's ready to hit whatever may be hiding with his corrosive freeze ray pistol weird science creation assuming he perceives it. (Perception: 20)
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday May 2nd, 2022 4:46:53 PM
Honor stays where she is for the moment, detecting for evil.
Up the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday May 2nd, 2022 11:50:19 PM
Elron looks around the room, seeing no enemies. He hears, however, music through the door, the only door in the room.
That's also the direction that Honor detects evil.
Asimov and Mundhi join Elron in the room.
Honor, the Twins, and Zeoll remain either on the ladder or back down 20 ft on the top of the lower platform.
Up the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday May 2nd, 2022 11:50:19 PM
Elron looks around the room, seeing no enemies. He hears, however, music through the door, the only door in the room.
That's also the direction that Honor detects evil.
Asimov and Mundhi join Elron in the room.
Honor, the Twins, and Zeoll remain either on the ladder or back down 20 ft on the top of the lower platform.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 1:24:19 AM
With the sound of music coming through, the singing giantess listens to the tune, the style, and words, if any, coming through. [It's nice to know these things. 'Music' falls very shy of specificity :-) ]
She unplugs her left ear enough so as to better hear what is being sung, though, perhaps, at the risk of being charmed. She tries to fortify herself against such, and plans to replug her ear if the song seems seductive...
She holds up her hand to signal to Elron and Asimov to wait before trying to open the door.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 d20+13=19 ; Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 1:44:00 AM
Asimov gummed up his ears so he can't perceive the singing but he will check the door for mechanical traps.
(19 to check for mechanical traps)
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 8:12:25 AM
If the others give them space the Twins will advance up and through the trap door.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 5:06:23 PM
Honor climbs up to the trapdoor, but does not yet enter the room, because it'll be crowded in there. She continues focusing on detecting for evil.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 6:01:55 PM
Elron hears music, but he doesn't feel compelled to do anything he wouldn't normally do. So much for harpies. He looks to Honor to confirm that the way to go is through the only door as he quietly walks over to it and waits for the others to signal.
Up the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 9:41:39 PM
Zeoll plugs his ears ands waits at the bottom of the ladder.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Elron, the Twins, Asimov, and Mundhi have all entered the small antechamber.
Mundhi unstoppers an ear long enough to sense that the music is instrumental -- pipes most likely.
From the top of the ladder, Honor points to the door. That's where the evil is.
Elron moves to the door, ready to enter.
Your DM thinks that Mundhi, Asimov, and Zeoll have stopped up their ears. Anyone else?
You are poised.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Wednesday May 4th, 2022 7:56:31 AM
The Twins have also stopped up their ears. They draw their bow and indicate their readiness.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday May 4th, 2022 2:45:39 PM
Honor stays just below the trapdoor. She has not stopped up her ears.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday May 4th, 2022 5:27:32 PM
Asimov readies his corrosive freeze ray pistol. Irony stands at the ready.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Wednesday May 4th, 2022 6:25:15 PM
Elron feels a bit foolish when Munhildur says the music is an instrument and not a harpy. He's still more worried about hearing what the others are saying, especially if they need to keep sneaking.
If he sees a harpy he'll be raging and yelling anyway -- maybe that will help.
Up the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday May 4th, 2022 10:53:39 PM
The party continues to wait outside the door. The piping has stopped. How long do you wait before acting? And at that point, what do you do?
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Thursday May 5th, 2022 3:48:20 AM
Mundhi places her hand on whatever device there may be to assist in opening of the door. Knob? Handle? Pull rope? Push plate? Whatever seems appropriate. The rock is in one hand, with a finger wrapped around her longspear. She signals to her friends what she is about to do, then opens the door, ready for action depending upon what she sees. If there is room beyond the door to step through so as to allow others to pass in, too, she does step through and make room.
If she sees a person inside, she is ready to throw a rock, if the person within looks worthy to receive a rock.
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Thursday May 5th, 2022 8:28:18 AM
The Twins prepare an action to shoot if the enemy attacks after the door is opened.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday May 5th, 2022 2:24:50 PM
About the only action open to Honor at this point is to climb into the room, further crowding it, and making it more difficult for her companions. She decides not to do that, and instead stays where she is.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Thursday May 5th, 2022 5:18:42 PM
Asimov prepares to fire with his freeze ray corrosive pistol if whatever is behind the door is a threat and within range.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49, DR 1/-- Thursday May 5th, 2022 7:33:45 PM
Elron gets his whappin' stick out. He's then ready for something whappable to be behind the door.
Up the Tree (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday May 6th, 2022 12:37:59 AM
Here is the room just before combat. I'll post the first turn in the morning.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Friday May 6th, 2022 9:46:41 AM
Mundi is atm medium-sized, not large. In the header, it shows 7'4". So. Map needs adjustment.
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