DM Post -- 11/7 -- If something jumps on me and bites, I do plan to try to bite back. Monday November 7th, 2022 8:11:15 PM
When the next morning comes, Cyrus is emotional. He's going to miss everyone -- you were excellent guests (and paid excellent money). "Before you get going, is there anything I can get you?" he asks, sincerely. If there is, he helps the party find what they're looking for, assuming is is available locally. And whether there is or not, he has prepared a lunch for the road. "Eat it today, because it won't keep."
Lowestoft should only be a few days down the highway.
Zeoll (AC21, HP30of64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday November 7th, 2022 11:05:30 PM
Zeoll thanks Cyrus and offers him thanks for his hospitality.
On the road, Zeoll tends to Bill the Camel and ponders whether some other creature would make for a better companion. The Camel has been hard to manage sometimes, up treehouses, in blizzards, and so forth. Maybe an ape or a snake.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 37/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 7:12:43 AM
The Twins thank him for the stay and wish him well in finding a nice replacement picture for the one he lost.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 62/80 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 11:03:55 AM
Mundhi also thanks the innkeeper, Cyrus. "I really needed that bath the other day."
She shops for some food for travel. Cheeses, bread, beef jerky, perhaps some sausage, flour, some fruits and veggies, and the like. She picks up a few torches, and sees if she can get some more rope.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday November 8th, 2022 6:57:00 PM "Bill's -- I say, Bill's family, Zeoll. You can't just trade 'im away 'cause he don't climb good as an ape. Th' bards'll be singin' songs about th' tree-climbin' camel generations from now. Ain't no ape gonna get sung about for climbin' no tree."
Elron starts singing the song of the tree-climbing camel, which mostly consists of humming the only tune he seems to know over and over, adding a word or two when he thinks of a phrase that might fit, and getting right boisterous on the "doo-dahs". After a couple of hours he has pieced together something he might be able to threaten a bard with someday, if he still remembers it next time he meets one.
DM Post -- 11/8 -- You've been a great host but I think it is time we be going. Tuesday November 8th, 2022 10:13:07 PM
The group heads towards Lowestoft, a journey of a few days. The weather is pleasant and the trip uneventful. About a day and a half out of town, though, something unusual happens. There is a bump -- the sort of thing that makes people wonder if something just happened and look around to figure out what it might be. A few seconds later, there is a stronger rolling, shaking that leaves no doubt something is happening. The leaves on the trees flutter, some small rocks shake. And then it's over. Bill and the mounts are a bit uncomfortable; Irony probably didn't notice because it's flying. A few seconds pass, and then a few more seconds pass while everyone realizes that no one was hurt and whatever it was is over.
Zeoll (AC21, HP30of64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+13=20 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+8=25 ; Tuesday November 8th, 2022 11:55:54 PM
Zeoll has seen some mighty funny things in his long life. Is this a natural occurrence? Magical? Planar? The old taur prays for Guidance and tries to recall anything similar he may have experienced or heard of.
Know Nature 20 Know Arcana 21 Know Planes 25
[Sorry, double clicked the first roll, ignore second]
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 62/80 d20+10=14 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=12 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 5:39:27 AM
Mundhildur's senses are currently honed to a dull edge.
"We have entered a different dimension," she hazards. "Or, an earthquake is coming." She continues moving in a forward direction, adopting a somewhat fatalistic attitude at the moment.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 37/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:24:10 AM
The Twins look alarmed and alert while muttering something about freakin' fairies. It seems recent events have left a lasting impression.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:19:49 PM
Elron isn't sure just what happened.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday November 9th, 2022 10:06:12 PM Zeoll tries to figure out if this was a natural event. If not, he tries to figure out what it was. Asimov tries to figure it out as well. Mundhildur guesses either that they have entered another dimension, or an earthquake is coming. The Twins assume the fairies may be doing something more. Elron hasn't a clue what it was.
The group decides that they must have experienced a tremor, or minor earthquake. There are other possibilities of course. But the notion that a god may have walked past is unsatisfying, and the movement of underground creatures should have been more gradual.
As they continue on, the event does not repeat itself. The afternoon of the following day, they are able to pick out landmarks they've seen before. Lowestoft is near. Pushing on into the evening to avoid another night on the road brings them into town shortly after dark. They can go straight to their house, or stop somewhere else along the way -- perhaps for food.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+7=22 ; Wednesday November 9th, 2022 10:40:27 PM
"Hot food sounds like a grreat welcome home!"
Zeoll wracks his old brain recalling the name and location of the place they've eaten before. Know Local 22
He leads the way, and looks forward to a tasty meal not made on the road.
As the party walks thru town, the old liontaur looks for signs of earthquake damage.
OOC: pretty sure my hp is maxed up after peaceful travels.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( Thursday November 10th, 2022 12:59:14 AM
Asimov could go for some food. He seemed to remember the townsfolk were very friendly and helped provision the party when they left for their first mission to save the Marquis's daughter oh so long ago so he figures they'll be equally accomodating now.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 62/80 Thursday November 10th, 2022 3:43:33 AM
"Eating is good. Usually. Let's hope this is usual," Mundhildur says. Likely, she will enjoy the meal.
Elron -- SteveM Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:12:24 AM
Elron would enjoy a someone-else-cooked meal about now. Or anytime, really.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:35:02 AM
The Twins shrug and go along with the group consensus.
DM Post -- 11/10 -- Eating is good. Thursday November 10th, 2022 8:52:53 PM Zeoll leads then to a local establishment, The Tired Lute. He looks for signs of earthquake damage. Asimov remembers the townsfolk as very friendly. Mundhildur hopes to enjoy the meal. The Twins go along. Elron is always hungry.
The group heads to the Tired Lute, a quiet little establishment. On the way, Zeoll notes some signs of damage that might have been caused by an earthquake, and others of recent repairs. The group is recognized when they arrive, and welcomed. The proprietor assumes they have returned from business for the Marquis.
The meal is well-prepared but not fancy. The group readily confirms that the earthquake hit here, too, from the conversations around them. No one seems to have been hurt, although some buildings were damaged.
If anyone has questions about what happened, the locals are quite happy to talk. Later in the evening, as the group makes its way to their lodging house, they find that it, too, suffered minor damage. One of the windows is broken, there is a crack in the kitchen wall, and a bookcase has toppled over, spilling books and papers everywhere.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=31 ; Thursday November 10th, 2022 11:02:00 PM
Zeoll does what he can with a Mending cantrip ... which is, alas, nothing, because he does not have one. "I should rreally look into learrning some utility spells for fixing stuff," he mutters.
So failing that, he calls for a fey creature to come and help fix the house. Maybe a brownie or a keebler elf or something.
Asimov uses his rapid repair ability 7 times to try to repair some of the damage, which functions like mending only it repairs 4d4 (and affects constructs including mechanical minions) at this stage of Asimov's career growth and he can do it 8 times a day, so he is still saving one in case he has to fix Irony later.
He repairs 72 points of damage in 7 minutes and if that isn't enough he uses one of his 2 prepared rapid repair nanobot capsules which function like make whole to repair and additional 16 points of damage.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday November 11th, 2022 5:54:08 AM
The Twins will work to re-organize the books. After all magic can fix the shelf but not rearrange the books back.
Elron -- SteveM Friday November 11th, 2022 1:07:41 PM
Elron sees that the others have the cleaning up well in hand. To help everyone doing actual work pass the time, he tells a story.
"On a bright an' sunny mornin' in spring, Farmer Jones went out t' plow his fields. He led old Bessie, his plow horse, out o' th’ barn an’ hitched her up t' th’ plow. Th'aroma of newly plowed earth wafted behind him as he made a straight furrow 'cross th’ field. Suddenly his reverie was broken when a strong earthquake struck. Th’ ground shook beneath his feet, an' he fell t’ his knees. His plow fell over almost on top of him, as did old Bessie. But, beyond th’ fence in th’ next field, th’ bull remained standin’."
"Farmer Jones stood, dusted hisself off, an’ grabbed th’ reins t' right ol' Bessie. He pulled th’ plow upright, hitched up th’ horse again an’ began t’ plow. Shaken somewhat by th’ strange experience, th’ furrow began t’ zig a little from side t’ side as Bessie pulled th’ plow blade through th’ fertile ground. Then a strong aftershock rolled through th’ farm. Again it was strong enough t' knock Farmer Jones from his feet, topple his plow, an’ with a loud protest, drive old Bessie t’ th’ ground. This time th’ farmer looked back across th’ field toward th’ house an’ noticed that th’ goats an’ cows had fallen over, too .... But, beyond th’ fence in th’ next field, th’ bull remained standin'."
“Shaken an’ puzzled, Farmer Jones picked hisself up an’ dusted off his overalls. Rightin’ th’ horse an’ plow, he quieted old Bessie as best he could. She seemed more rattled by all this that he was. As strong as th’ two earthquakes were, Farmer Jones could not understand how th’ bull remained standin’. So he started toward th’other field t’ see if he could find out what was goin’ on with th’ bull. As he crossed th’ field, an’ climbed through th’ fence into th’ field where th’ bull stood, a very strong aftershock struck -- much worse than either of th’ precedin’ earthquakes -- puttin’ him on th’ ground flat on his face. Lookin’ behind hisself he saw Old Bessie an’ th’ plow had fallen down again. Down toward th’ house th’ goats an’ cows had fallen down again. In fact, this aftershock was so strong that th’ chickens had fallen over as well. Th’ front porch on th’ farmhouse had crashed down an’ th’ walls looked as though they would not last much longer. But, only a few feet away from him, th’ bull remained standin’.”
“He picked hisself up, dusted off, an’ without botherin’ t’ right either horse or plow, marched toward th’ bull. Shaken t’ th’ core, puzzled an’ angry, Farmer Jones shouted, demandin’ t’ know why everythin’ on th’ farm had been knocked over by th’earthquakes an’ th’ bull had remained on his feet. Much t’ Farmer Jones' s’prise, th’ bull replied, ‘We bulls wobble, but we don't fall down!’”
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday November 11th, 2022 3:31:55 PM
Zeoll thanks Asimov and the Twins for being more useful than one old taur.
He looks at Elron, puzzled at the punch line. "I don't get that one, my frriend."
Highlight to display spoiler: {*I* get it, though -- BOO!}
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 80/80 d6=4 ; Saturday November 12th, 2022 1:22:29 AM
Mundhildur helps out Asimov and the Twins a bit. After lifting the bookshelf back into place, she asks Asimov, "Can you do something to somehow strap or fix the bookshelf to the wall, so that if there be another shaking, the shelves themselves will remain upright?"
She listens attentively to Elrond's tale. At the end, she asks, "Uh, why do they wobble, but not fall? Is it that they spread their feet wide when they sense the earth moving? Or... well, I don't quite understand now, you see?"
[OOC: Yes, there is the old toy shaped something like a Russian nesting doll, called a Weeble, and they do wobble, but they don't fall down. Mundhi has no idea whatsoever about them, though. She is sure there is some deeper meaning to Elron's story.]
She does ask after Daniella, and would see her if the sweet girl is feeling up to it.
DM Post -- 11/11 (ish) Saturday November 12th, 2022 8:16:31 AM Zeoll tries to summon a fey for help. Asimov repairs the damage. Mundhildur helps where she can. The Twins clean up. Elron tells a story.
The group cleans up and repairs the damage done. In the middle of the activity a tiny creature appears. It is a small man, perhaps twenty-four inches tall, with a twenty-two inch long beard. The slender creature watches approvingly when it sees what is going on, but still has a word or two for Zeoll. "That's a nice song, but it's got a specific intent. What is it you need help with, and what payment do you offer?"
The group plans to visit the manor in the morning.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday November 12th, 2022 10:01:19 AM
"My good sirr, I just need help rrepairring and fixing up this town afterr the earrthquake, please. I would be happy to assist you along with my music!"
OOC: Fey Friend: As a spell-like ability, you use Planar Ally spells to call fey folk and magical beasts. This SLA takes one full round of singing to activate; there is no gold cost; and the duration is one minute per character level. The creature only appears if it likes your song: make a Perform (Sing) check vs DC20 + HD called. At level 5, use as Lesser Planar Ally, 1/day; at level 10, up to Planar Ally, 2/day; at level 15, up to Greater Planar Ally, 3/day.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Monday November 14th, 2022 8:16:31 AM
The Twins, in their long travels, have run across something roughly equivalent to weebles, so they proceed to explain the joke to those who are confused. The party may now laugh, because we all know explaining a joke in excruciating detail improves it right?
Elron -- SteveM Monday November 14th, 2022 8:36:23 PM
Elron hears talk of work and heads to his perch. He doesn't need to have the joke explained, he already got it.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday November 14th, 2022 9:37:41 PM
Zeoll continues to chat and perform for his fey friend, in the hope that the fellow will lend a hand.
DM Post -- 11/14 -- I would be happy to assist you along with my music! Monday November 14th, 2022 9:50:07 PM
The little fey gives Zeoll the eye, before admonishing, "If you're going to do something, do it right." He turns away muttering something about kids these days. "Now your friends here seem to understand the close kinship between ability and responsibility. You could learn a thing or two from them." The little man then turns and leaves -- not magically returning to whence he came, just walking out the door.
The group gets some sleep. The next morning, Mundhildur goes to the manor to see if she can see Dani. Gideon notes that the group has returned, and promises to send word if Dani is up to a visit in the next few days.
Over the next two days, the group hears stories from folks in town about something helping out. It only shows up where people are already working, but the work goes fast and is sometimes done better than expected. Most would probably not have realized they had help, but Goodman Virgil saw his butter churn pick itself up. The tales spread from there once people knew to look.
The following morning word comes that the group should visit the manor in the afternoon.
===== OOC: The creature called requires a payment for its services. This payment can take a variety of forms, from donating gold or magic items to an allied temple, to a gift given directly to the creature, to some other action on your part that matches the creature's alignment and goals.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday November 15th, 2022 7:35:58 AM
The Twins are reminded of a story of a lawful outsider demanding someone end every sentence with a word that has an even number of letters for what they considered a minor task. They wonder if the fey will be as creative or just ask for gold or something. For now they'll do standard maintenance on their gear to pass the time until they visit the manor.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20=16 ; Tuesday November 15th, 2022 10:38:38 AM
"Well, therre is no contrrolling the fey. I was expecting just a few minutes forr a song, but if he's sticking arround, he's earrned morre than that!"
Zeoll goes around to anyone who has had work done, and gives them presents to leave around for the helper.
Knowledge check to figure out what kind of present would be most appreciated ... a raw 16, whatever knowledge roll you want, with a bonus of +7 for most rolls, up to +12 for Know Nature. Maybe gold or bowls of milk or sweets or whatever it is.
When it is time to prep to visit the Manor and maybe the little girl, Zeoll is careful to go shopping for a toy, maybe a plushie or some such thing.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday November 15th, 2022 5:42:53 PM
Elron had not considered getting a gift for the little girl. Maybe she would like a little sweet of some sort.
DM Post -- 11/15 Tuesday November 15th, 2022 11:02:27 PM Asimov thinks that Zeoll's fey creature is helping the town. The Twins tell of an outsider they heard of that expected payment in an odd, linguistic form. Zeoll thinks that in some places people deliberately try to attract this sort of fey with food. He considers buying Danielle a toy. Elron tries to find a sweet for the girl.
As Zeoll goes around town to the people who have been helped, he finds some evidence that the little man has been taking his own payment. In any case, it seems to have only stuck around for a day or so. He is able to find wood and cloth dolls, although most folks make their own.
Elron is able to select from small cakes and various fruit confections.
When the time comes, the group climbs the hill from Lowestoft to Lockridge Mansion. Not a blade of grass appears to have been ruffled by the recent earthquake. When the door opens, the group is greeted by the charming young housemaid, a half-elf girl with short braided red hair and brown eyes, who met you when you first came to the mansion. "Please come in. If you will wait in the foyer, I will inform Mr. Page that you have arrived." She hides a shy smile as she says this, a bit more mirth than you have seen in the staff here before.
There doesn't appear to be much going on in this mansion. No new repairs in evidence. Finally you hear the faint closing of a door come from upstairs, followed by Gideon Page's appearance at the top of the stairs.
When he reaches the bottom of the staircase he pauses to give a bow, bending only at the hips, before standing fully upright again "When Miss Karadottir informed us of your return, she expressed particular interest in seeing Miss Danielle." His voice is quite deep and strong, and every word he says is pronounced very clearly. "Fortunately, Miss Danielle has been feeling quite well for several days, and seems fit enough for visitors. Those of you who wish to attend her tea party will need to wash up before going to the dining room. Any of you who prefer stronger refreshment will be attended by the staff in the drawing room." As he mentions washing up and going to the drawing room, he indicates different directions for each activity. Clearly, the stronger refreshments and the tea party will not mix.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( Tuesday November 15th, 2022 11:06:52 PM
Asimov and Irony go to wash up to in order to attend the tea party. He doesn't believe Miss Danielle has ever seen Irony and the mechanical minion may provide some entertainment to the girl, or failing that Asimov could temporarily transfer Irony's spark to some of her toys potentially with the wind-up toy class feature he possesses so he figures why not try to brigthen the day of a child who faced much in her young life?
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 7:18:35 AM
The Twins are interested in meeting the girl all the fuss has been over so will wash as instructed.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 80/80 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 3:05:16 PM
Having stayed in their residence the night before, Mundhildur is already all washed up. Having been requested though, she goes ahead and briefly washes her hands, then repairs to the dining room. She likes both tea and stronger stuff, but the point is to see Dani, so tea it shall be.
When she sees the lass, she smiles broadly, and says, "So, sweet girl, shall we tell each other stories today?"
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+18=29 ; Wednesday November 16th, 2022 3:07:54 PM
Zeoll washes up and gladly joins the tea party. He even brings out his own teacup and saucer, and tells the story of a tea party he enjoyed with two ghost girls long ago. (He tells a slightly sanitized version of the tale.) He presents his gifts and also offers a prayer and a song, the same one he sang to the ghost girls back in Hook City.
Perform 29. Not too shabby.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday November 16th, 2022 6:03:37 PM
Children love jokes, and Elron wonders what Danielle will like. He's not telling any about fairies, though.
DM Post -- 11/16 -- Shall we tell each other stories today? Wednesday November 16th, 2022 10:55:10 PM
The washing procedure is a bit stringent, and the staff takes care to see that it is followed explicitly. Afterward, the group is led to the dining room.
Danielle occupies a seat at the head of the table, and a few toy animals are also there. However, places of honor have been reserved near the hostess. A seat is brought in for the "guest" that Zeoll has brought.
Danielle is a young girl, about 8 years old, in a plain white dress. She looks quite thin and pale, and her eyes are so wide they almost seem too big for her head. Perhaps her auburn hair being pulled back into a ponytail contributes to this. Her voice is quiet and quite high pitched as she welcomes each of the party by name, with fanciful titles thrown in.
The table is set with fine china and lace doilies. There are flowers around the room, but none on the table. Everyone has a clear view of their hostess and the other guests.
Danielle herself pours the tea and approves the assortment or sandwiches and treats. The tea is carried to each guest and the foods served by staff, of course. Elron's present is added to the treats, but deftly not provided to Danielle. When it comes time to play games, Danielle participates by being the singer for tea-pot freeze. In this game, everyone is to dance while she sings, then stop when she says "freeze". The first person to move is eliminated each round, and the game continues until there is a winner.
(OOC: To participate in the game, make a series of four dexterity checks.)
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( d20+2=8 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+2=18 ; Wednesday November 16th, 2022 11:39:27 PM
Asimov and Irony are both equally dextrous which means a little above average however neither probably does well at the game.
Still if it makes Danielle happy then so be it.
Asimov: 8, 3, 4, 10 Irony: 8, 6, 15, 18
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 80/80 d20+4=21 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=23 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 3:11:46 AM
Observing the rigorous nature of the household cleansing rite, the Jotun lass figures those ensuring Danielle's health have found this beneficial. So she submits fully to the care of the household staff.
Mundhildur delights in the titles the noble girl grants each of them, and stores them in her memory by making a little song in her head for each one.
She enjoys the little sandwiches and other snacks. At one point, for fun, she makes a point of slurping the tea in a momentarily audible manner. "Quite delicious, you see? Unladylike slurping really helps release the flavor fully!" She winks jovially at Dani. "Of course, one ought never do anything unladylike."
I'm thinking that, since she has the acrobatics skill, this contest may be an appropriate use for it. If so, her rolls are: 21, 9, 23, 23. If not, her rolls should be adjusted downward by 2 each, for: 19, 7, 21, 21.
She claps for whomever wins the contest.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+2=4 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+2=7 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 7:58:50 AM
The Twins have done ritualistic cleansings back in their homeland that make this washing procedure seem tame by comparison so they get through that with no problem. In the game they quickly become to absorbed in each other to hear the signal to stop though
4, 13, 19, 7, so probably lose in the first round.
Elron -- SteveM d20+4=19 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=14 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 8:13:17 PM
After first asking if she would like to hear one, Elron tells Danielle a story. He starts in his normal voice, but gets softer with each line.
"Way up in th' sky, th' little birds fly. Way down in th' nest, th' little birds rest. Shhh! They're sleepin'.. With a wing on th' left and a wing on th' right, th' little birds sleep all through th' night. Shhh! They're sleepin'. Let's tiptoe away real quiet-like." Then he continues in his normal voice, "Don't wake th' birdies." With other children, this has been enough to startle them and make them laugh.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+2=16 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+2=11 ; Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:38:20 PM
Zeoll is happy to play with the child, but laughs in the middle of the game, when he clearly moves when he is supposed to be still.
"My old bones are not good at this," he says ruefully. "But thank you for inviting me to play. It was fun!"
Assuming Asimov and Irony lose at some point. Asimov instructs Irony to fly around the room seeing as he can fly now and it might provide entertainment for the girl.
Elron -- SteveM d100=79 ; Friday November 18th, 2022 12:49:33 AM Asimov and Irony play the game to make Danielle happy. Mundhildur participates fully in the entire event. The Twins seem to distract each other in the game. Elron tells a story which does indeed make Danielle startle, earning him reproving looks from the staff. Zeoll participates, but feels a bit old for such activities.
The Twins are eliminated in the first round of the game, followed by Asimov, Zeoll, and Elron.
When Danielle starts losing some of her energy and her nurse decides she needs her rest. Danielle is a little disappointed by this news, but obeys her nurse. She decides Mundhildur showed more grace than Irony, and therefore should win. Mundhildur is declared the winner -- and receives the additional title of Duchess of Dance. "Thank you all for coming. It was ever so much fun."
Gideon exchanges a few words with the maid before leading you all to the lounge. "If you would wait a moment more, Master Lockridge would like to speak with you as well. I will inform him that you are available now." He then leaves the group for the moment. The lounge is a very fine room. Two large couches covered in a supple, dark brown leather sit prominently in the middle of the room. At one end is a large fireplace (currently unlit) while at the other is an oak desk by the window. Two long bookcases filled with thick books and tomes adorn the northern wall. A set of empty glasses and a decanter of brown liquid sit on a silver platter on a table to the side of one of the couches.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday November 18th, 2022 6:44:22 AM
Zeoll sprawls out, filling up all of one couch.
"Ah, my lumbago does not thank me forr the dance, but it likes this comfy sofa."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday November 18th, 2022 8:14:28 AM
The Twins congratulate the winner and wait patiently for the master of the house to see them.
Elron -- SteveM Friday November 18th, 2022 7:42:49 PM
Elron looks at the spines of the books, but doesn't find any he likes. They've all got words on them, and he can't tell if the insides have drawings or just more words.
Comberton
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/18 (ish) -- My lumbago does not thank me forr the dance Saturday November 19th, 2022 8:47:28 AM The group members await Master Lockridge's convenience, each in their own way.
After a time Gideon returns and retrieves a clear crystal cube from the desk drawers. It is about six inches square. Gideon pushes various areas of the cube and sets it on the desk, whereupon it becomes a solid gray. Gideon steps back and stands at attention. "Master Lockridge, your guests are ready." he says.
A voice from the cube responds, "Thank you, Gideon. And good afternoon, adventurers. I trust your latest venture had some degree of success?" It is a warm, male voice, lough enough to be heard throughout the room. The cube pulses a dim light, synchronized with the voice. "You were able to find Tarla and solve the mystery of the kilings at Castle Surrender?"
Master Lockridge listens to the details that the group gives him about their adventure with the harpies, or even about events since then that he would have been unaware of. After discussing the last adventure, he continues to today's business.
"As you are no doubt aware, this region suffered an earthquake during your absence. Word has reached me only this morning that the town of Comberton in the Shelldare Mountains suffered more extensively during the earthquake. Roads and trails in the area were damaged enough that it took their messenger much longer to reach me than it normally would. He reports that a large fissure has opened in the ground there. Strange noises are coming from the fissure and townsfolk are scared. They worry there might be a threat to the town there, and have begged for someone to come explore it. I'm afraid that even if you were to leave now, by the time you get there they will have been living with it for a week."
He asks the Marquis, "Do you know if a mineral survey was ever done in the Cumberton area and might you have a reference to it in that library of yours?"
(know: history 18) (know: geography 17)
Elron -- SteveM Monday November 21st, 2022 5:09:48 PM
Elron answers, "Well, o'course we'll go look in th' hole," although he suspects his thinky friends will have questions and planning they want to do first.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday November 21st, 2022 10:19:44 PM
Zeoll is happy to consult on this problem. "We'll check it out, Masterr Lockrridge," the wemic declares. "We are a less able grroup since ourr paladin was called away, but we shall endeavorr to deliverr ourr best."
"Yes, we werre glad to be of use in solving the murrderr and rresolving the harrpy prroblem. We strrive to make ourr serrvice a valuable tool in yourr good worrks."
"By the way, an adventurrerr does incurr certain expenses in the courrse of doing these kinds of good worrks."
===
OOC: Zeoll is at 26.4 K gp. WBL for 8th is 33K. I'm hinting at some reward cash to bring us to WBL for the level. Or did I miss a loot drop somewhere?
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/21 -- Do you know if a mineral survey was ever done? Monday November 21st, 2022 11:45:32 PM ===== OOC, the group paid taxes at Castle Surrender to keep them at WBL. The total for the fairy adventure was: (1x) +2 full plate, (1x) +1 flaming greatsword, amulet of natural armor +2, (3x) cloaks of resistance +1, (1x) headband of inspired wisdom +2, (1x) potion of cure light wounds and 44,200 gp worth of coins and gems. Elron claimed the headband. The total was expected to provide WBL for 6. Is this in Zeoll's totals? =====
"I am afraid I do not have any mineral surveys of the mountains. I might have histories and geneologies of the noble races in the area. Perhaps they would contain details of trade goods," Master Lockridge answers Asimov.
To Zeoll, he says, "I believe I did promise some remuneration. Very well. Provide Gideon a list of your expenses for the job -- meals, lodging, spell components -- and I'll gladly reimburse you. As for a wage, I understood that Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Malinton 'saw to an equitable exchange' for the services. But if I am misinformed, we can discuss wages."
Asimov says, "It might be worth looking into." and proceeds to head to the library to look into these books the Marquis thinks they might have.
(OOC2: it is assumed we can convert our loot from our last adventure into magical items we actually want yes, if so in my next post I will do that)
(OOC3: My knowledge history bonus is +13, what kind of additional bonus does the library provide?)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:06:07 AM
The Twins are happy to volunteer to go explore the strange crack in the ground. In fact they have done such a thing before, in a far away land outside a town called Tristram. It turned into quite the adventure involving cursed magic gems and jewelry which they managed to destroy.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:51:08 PM "Curse? D'you think we're gonna run into another curse?" Elron's not fond of curses.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 8:28:07 PM
When it came time for Danielle to leave, Mundhi blew her a kiss. "I'll bring you a pretty rock from our next expedition," she tells her.
She listens to the explanation and request. "Of course, we will be happy to go and see what we can do."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 9:24:51 PM
OOC: Sorry, no time for making spreadsheets, Dr. Jones. Ima just add items to my sheet to bring my total wealth to 33K. I'll figure it RP-wise like this ...
"Ah, Masterr Lockrridge, do not misunderrstand. All I meant was that yourr perrmission would suffice to let us trrade and buy locally forr what we need, and that will solve all my concerrns. And help the local economy."
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/22 Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 10:39:51 PM OOC: No issue with folks bringing their wealth up to 33,000 GP equivalent. Only items that could be obtained from the Catacombs, please, for magic.
"Gideon will show you to the library then. When do you think you will be ready to leave? I am sure the messenger from Comberton will be willing to lead you back, but at the moment he needs his rest."
Asimov can attempt to learn about Comberton in the library (with a +2 bonus, +4 for history) but will need to pick no more than 1d4+1 specific questions to research.
Asimov goes to the library and researches the following:
Question the first: What types of volatile trade goods might the mountains around Cumberton ever been known to have been the source of dating from as far back as the Marquis's libary allows to as close to current as the Marquis's libary allows??
Question the second: What types of magical trade goods might the mountains around Cumberton ever been known to have been the source the source of dating from as far back as the Marquis's libary allows to as close to current as the Marquis's libary allows??
Question the third: What races, noble or ignoble, have been known to make their home in the vicinity of the Cumberton mountain dating from as far back as the Marquis's libary allows to as close to current as the Marquis's libary allows?
His knowledge history roll for each question are as follows: 19, 21 and 28
After probably hours spent in research in the library the technomancer goes to the catacombs entrance and purchases the following: 1 x bottle of air, 6 additional CLW potions, 1 potion of Lesser Restoration (Cleric, level 2 potion at CL 3)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:47:10 AM
The Twins gather everything needed for another trip - tent, bedrolls, food, etc.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 1:08:27 PM
Elron isn't interested in spending the afternoon in a library. He takes the opportunity to talk to Gideon.
"I figured th' library would be th' tallest part o' th' house. It has so many stories."
"Do we have reservations? I'd hate t' get there an' find it's overbooked."
"I'm worried there might be ghosts in th' library. They go through books very quickly."
"Why did th' elephant use her trunk as a bookmark? So that she nose where she stopped readin'."
"What did th' inquisitor say when a book fell on th' the librarian and killed her? She only 'ad her shelf t' blame."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:18:31 PM
Mundhildur does some regrouping on her possessions, dropping a few things, and picking up others in preparation for this new journey.
[Will see about updating her character sheet updated, with gear taken, in particular, in the next couple of days.]
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 10:03:19 PM
"We'rre rready to go rright away, sirr."
.....
Zeoll laughs at his friend's jokes.
"I may be the barrd, but you, frriend Elrron, arre my masterr in Perrforrm (Comedy)."
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/23 Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 11:29:52 PM
While Asimov researches, Gideon offers to show Elron or any of Master Lockridge's guests out if they find the research tedious.
Asimov learns that the only trade goods that seem to be associated with Comberton are metals mined there. These are at times forged into magical items -- primarily weapons. The area has been inhabited by dwarves and humans. The dwarves have become less prominent over time, and trade has generally decreased over the same time.
Once Asimov is done with his research, he and anyone else remaining is also shown out. Gideon informs this group that their guide to Comberton will be available in the morning.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday November 24th, 2022 12:48:16 PM
The Twins finish their preparations and rest for the upcoming journey.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday November 24th, 2022 9:12:41 PM
Zeoll goes shopping and finds a choice piece of gear -- a spider cloak!
"I think that it might come in handy, climbing down into an abyss!"
Elron -- SteveM Thursday November 24th, 2022 9:49:19 PM
Elron also does some shopping.
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/24 Thursday November 24th, 2022 11:07:22 PM
Nothing happens to delay the group from returning to the manor in the morning. Gideon is prepared for their arrival and introduces a human named Mayang who will lead the group to Comberton. After a last chance to ask questions, the group starts on a strenuous but not eventful trek.
Travel is mostly not too bad. The trail is windy and full of switchbacks. Only once the first day, but several times the second, points are reached where rocks have fallen across the path and the going becomes difficult. That afternoon the party reaches a point where a number of fallen trees rest on boulders -- huge boulders -- on the mountainside just below them. "We'll wait here until morning light," Mayang says. Across a canyon on the opposite mountain, an immense and barren slope may be seen. No trees, brush, or even grass is there. "Things get tricky here." As the group looks, it dawns on them that a slab of that mountain detached from the slope they are looking at, slid down into the valley, and was moving fast enough to rise well up the slope they are now on, snapping trees and tossing these boulders in a fierce disarray.
The group decides to move back up-slope to find a more level spot to camp.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday November 25th, 2022 12:57:59 PM
The Twins hope they won't have another rockslide like the last time they tried to cross mountains.
Elron -- SteveM Friday November 25th, 2022 7:16:53 PM
Elron takes in the scene, and decides "things get tricky" is an understatement.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+11=15 ; Saturday November 26th, 2022 7:48:15 AM
Zeoll takes a watch (with Bill) and also tries to predict the weather. A prayer for guidance and a sniff of the atmosphere ... exactly hits the DC15 needed to peek up to 24 hours into the future.
DM Post (SteveM) -- 11/25 (ish) d100=12 ; Saturday November 26th, 2022 10:20:18 AM
The next morning before they start out, Zeoll says the day will be clear.
It is indeed slow going through the area of the huge landslide, but nothing that a prepared and careful team can't handle. Certainly not as difficult as climbing a tree to a harpy lair. But still slow and careful. Mayang leads the group to a point at the top of the slide's far side, taking most of the day to get there. From there the trail is a narrow path with the mountain on one side and a cliff dropping off on the other. They arrive in town the next morning after another winding path.
Aside from its remoteness, Comberton is a pretty typical mountain town. It is obvious they were much harder hit by the earthquake. Some buildings are heavily damaged, and a couple have collapsed altogether. Repairs and rebuilding are moving forward. All of the town guard are stationed at the west edge of town, facing the fissure, in case anything comes out of it to attack. The fissure is about a half mile from town.
Mayang guides the group to the local inn, the Eagle’s Nest. There is a general store where they can buy provisions and climbing equipment if they didn’t bring enough with them.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=6 ; Saturday November 26th, 2022 2:10:47 PM
The Twins do their best to learn more about the situation. Beyond the strange voices have there been any problems or strange happenings since the crack opened, etc. They aren't particularly skilled at gathering information though (7 diplomacy to gather information if needed)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Monday November 28th, 2022 5:32:25 AM
"What sort of noises have you been hearing from the fissure?" Mundhildur asks some of those who are guarding. "What do you make of them? Also - anything other than odd noises? People? Critters? Substances?"
Elron -- SteveM Monday November 28th, 2022 8:42:02 PM
Elron likes the name of the inn. The Eagle's Nest. Sounds poetic. He hopes they have proper roosts, and not just mattresses.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=34 ; Monday November 28th, 2022 8:57:55 PM
Zeoll follows the Twins example, but brings a bard's natural charisma to the job.
Gather Info / Diplomacy 34
DM Post -- 11/18 -- What sort of noises have you been hearing from the fissure? Monday November 28th, 2022 11:16:18 PM
The group is approached by one of the guards, who seems to be in command of the men at the west end of town. "I hope you're the folks come to explore that crevice," he says by way of introduction, then continues, "My name's Berad. I'm sure you'll have questions first." In response to the questions asked, he fills in a few things.
The noises have been going on since the fissure opened. They were loud enough at first to be heard clearly throughout the town. They've quieted down in the days since, but haven't stopped nor really slowed -- awful groans and inhuman shrieks among them. The guard mostly won't even get to the edge of the opening, although a foray was made that far in the hours after the earthquake. Just enough to see that there wasn't a clear threat to the town visible from the opening. But since the noise continues, some threat remains.
The local dwarves live in houses they've carved out of the mountainside, but it's no fancy underground city like you hear about in stories. Still, they survived better than the buildings did.
No one's seen anything for sure, but the opening showed a dull red light the first evening and it sounded like something big was stomping around down there. With the road taken out by the landslide, no new people have shown up, either.
Berad will try to answer other questions, or find the right person to answer them, if you have them.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 8:17:36 AM "Yes." "We came to deal with the crevice." The Twins look at each other after being told the details. "Is there any particular reason..." "...we don't just drop rocks in the hole?" "It'd crush whatever's making the noise." "and eventually seal it up again."
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday November 29th, 2022 10:04:18 PM
Elron listens to the questions the others are asking, and to the answers.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday November 29th, 2022 11:34:19 PM
Zeoll thinks that the group is going to have to go down there and check it out, eventually. In the meantime, he chuckles at the idea of filling it up with rocks.
"Has anything orr anyone come out of that ditch yet? Has anyone gone down therre?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Wednesday November 30th, 2022 7:34:27 PM
Mundhi, figuring the locals might have some good ideas and recommendations, ask what climbing / mining / spelunking gear they would recommend for delving.
DM Post -- 11/30 Wednesday November 30th, 2022 10:39:44 PM Asimov asks about the local dwarves, and what stories they have of the area. The Twins confirm that the party is here to deal with the crevice. They ask about dropping rocks in. Elron listens. Zeoll thinks they will eventually go explore, but first asks if anything has come out. Mundhildur asks what the locals recommend for equipment.
Berad replies that he does not know the legends of the dwarves, but sends for one the party can ask. He seems a bit taken aback by the Twins' suggestion. "Nothing has attacked us yet. Why would we want to risk provoking anything so haphazardly?" He also tells Zeoll that they have seen nothing come out. As he mentioned earlier, some of the guards went and peered in, although they did not get all the way to the edge -- they stayed three or five feet back from it. None of them have approached it recently. Mundhildur receives assurances that the town can provide climbing gear and sunsticks if they are needed. Mining tools, too, if the party wants them.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( Wednesday November 30th, 2022 11:07:40 PM
Asimov says, "Good news everyone, if we have to go spelunking I bought a bottle of air in case we encounter pockets of bad air or a cave in or something and if worse came to worse we could pass it between ourselves while we held our breath so I thought ahead based on the description of the problem."
He then waits for the Dwarf to show up so he can ask the Dwarf if it's people have any myths, legends, or histories related to what everyone is experiencing now
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:15:53 AM
The Twins don't really see the man's point. "You are miners yes?" "So you already dig in the area." "And presumably you would know what sort of things live underground around here." "But this hole is strange and unlike things you know." "So if we go down there we'll probably find some weird magic monster." "Or portal to hell." "Or long buried troll." "Something that will try to kill us, then use our method of going down there to escape." "Sealing the hold seems the obvious, safest thing to do." "If what's down there could tunnel through the rock" "Or otherwise escape the crevasse" then it'd already be up here" "Not trapped down there until the quake opened the crevasse." "Going down to investigate just means" "If we fail" "we let whatever it is out."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:50:33 PM
Mundhi looks at the twins. And at Berad. And back at the Twins. "We did not grow up in the same place. I can tell, somehow. I'm going down there. If I learn that throwing rocks is a good approach, well, I can do that, then. But maybe dumping rocks before we know what is there may not represent the peak of wisdom. Let's find out, first."
As she very much enjoys climbing, rigging, roping, and such, Mundhildur takes delight in looking over what sorts of things they have available here locally. Maybe picking up some masterwork picks, supplementing her small collection of spikes. She asks if they have some small, strong metal rings that can be helpful in using ropes for ascending and descending. She asks if they might recommend specific tools to help. Would they have anything resembling a jack?
Elron -- SteveM Thursday December 1st, 2022 10:34:19 PM
Elron points out, "Hey, we already found a long-buried troll underground. Best I can remember, droppin' rocks on it would'a only given it a way to climb out of its hole. I mean, how much does it care if it gets smashed by 'em first if it's gonna grow back? Prob'ly just make it mad."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday December 1st, 2022 11:32:02 PM
Zeoll is happy to descend and explore with his pals.
"Come on," the liontaur says. "Let's head on is and see what we see."
With his new spider cloak, Zeoll is confident he can climb down with ease. And he has a feather fall spell ready.
DM Post -- 12/01 -- I thought ahead based on the description of the problem. Thursday December 1st, 2022 11:40:31 PM Asimov mentions that be brought a bottle of air. He figures out what he wants to ask the dwarves. The Twins argue that dropping rocks in the hole is a perfectly good way to deal with the unknown. At least it wouldn't leave behind a rope or ladder that something could use to escape. Mundhildur thinks exploring is the right approach to try. She enjoys talking about the climbing and caving gear. Elron talks about trolls and how they might use rocks. Zeoll is ready to climb down now.
The dwarves have legends of the Lord of the Mountains, the Artisan in his forge, the three kingdoms (the mountains, the secret kingdom, and the belly of the earth), and the fireborn. If the crevice leads to the belly of the earth, that would be a bad thing -- it is a kingdom that hates the sunlit world. The Lord and the Artisan are good and wise. The secret kingdom is too distant to be involved. And the fireborn are like the dwarves, but weaker.
The local workers argue a bit about the best gear to use for climbing. The argument seems to center mainly on whether materials should be lowered to build frames for descending further and whether the group should be outfitted for climbing back up a way they do not first go down. However, everyone agrees that the party will need helmets and sunsticks. As it turns out, sunsticks are smaller sunrods that fit inside bracket attached to a polished mirror on the front of the helmet. Also, the climbing devices provide more friction and a slower descent than the climbing gear Mundhildur may be more familiar with -- racks, not so much rings. "You rappel more carefully when you can't see where you're going."
There are jacks among the mining tools that are available, but no one there considers them to be climbing tools.
After talk of trolls and creatures escaping the deeps, folks avoid talking to the Twins or Elron.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( Friday December 2nd, 2022 3:45:39 AM
Asimov follows up with the Dwarves, "What do this Artisan, Lord of Mountain and Belly of the Earth look like? Like would we know which one was which if we go down there and run into something? I mean I guess if it is a single person making all that racket then we know we found the Artisan or Lord but if it is a bunch of folks then we know it is the belly of the earth right? Is there any part in that legend that talks about the weaknesses of these Belly of the Earth folks in case it is them?"
After getting the answers to his questions he is as ready as he can be to descend. Irony will probably fly down the shaft but Asimov will have to climb
He says, "There are safety ropes we can strap to ourselves yes?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:16:12 AM
The Twins sigh and resolve to rub it in everyone's face later when this all goes horribly wrong. They are ok at climbing but will of course take all the gear assistance that's offered. (they have +9)
Elron -- SteveM Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:01:27 PM
Elron continues talking, either unaware or not caring that he's being avoided.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 Saturday December 3rd, 2022 6:21:14 AM
Mundhi willingly takes the advice given regarding climbing, careful rappelling, the mechanics of the rope/metal racks configuration and techniques. She likes the helmets with the bright little lights placed at the front.
"Might not jacks be useful if there is an imminent tunnel collapse? They can be used to keep in the immediate area from getting crushed, right? Or, under the right circumstances, help to open, or keep open, a bit of passageway. Or, prevent a door from opening."
She thanks those who gave information and instruction. She also ensures they have a good amount of rope, including some silk rope. She really enjoys climbing, and offers to help others get rigged up.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday December 3rd, 2022 9:55:33 AM
"Buck up, Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum," the liontaur laughs as he ribs the Twins. "Arre we not adventurrerrs, seeking out dangerrs so that innocent folk will sleep safe at home?"
Zeoll takes a sunrod-hat-thing and admires it. "Verry nice, and good even in anti-magic fields! Thank you!" He asks for at least two days worth of mini-sunrods. And he intends to also use his own dancing lights; you can send those on ahead.
But the liontaur does not need the climbing gear. "I have my claws and cloak, so I am fine!"
How big is this crevasse, anyway? Dozens of feet long? hundreds? miles? How wide?
DM Post -- 12/02ish -- Are we not adventurrers, seeking out dangers so that innocent folk will sleep safe at home? Saturday December 3rd, 2022 1:11:25 PM Asimov asks for more details about the dwarven legends. He is then ready to go. The Twins know that they're not being listened to, and may bring that up in the future. Elron accepts or doesn't know that he's not being listened to. Mundhildur listens to the climbing advice and accepts the gear that is offered, especially a good amount of rope. She asks about the usefulness of jacks. Zeoll teases the Twins. He makes sure they have a days worth of light, in addition to planning on using his spells.
The dwarf explains to Asimov that the Lord of the Mountains offered to let the noble races to accept the mountains for their home, but not everyone accepted the gift. Those who did were strong peoples like the dwarves. Some of the others wanted to live here but were too weak, and live in the secret kingdom instead. But those who threw the offer in the Lord's face were sent to the belly of the earth, and have since developed a hatred of all who remained in sunlit lands. They were not necessarily weak people, but they were ungrateful and mean.
The town is willing to provide a jack if the party really wants to take one. It's just that they are heavy and a bit bulky. They are used in the mines a lot, but no one normally goes climbing with them.
Zeoll asks about the size of the crevice, and the party is taken to the edge of town where the guards are. From there, they can see a hole in the side of the mountain large enough to hold a house. It's a good half mile from the edge of town. As they approach the hole, however, they note that most of what they see is where rock has fallen from the side of the mountain, and it doesn't go very far back. There is also a crevasse in the ground there, though. It is up to ten feet wide and a good fifty or more feet long, and goes down into darkness. Even with the afternoon sun shining down into the crevasse, there is no seeing the bottom.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday December 4th, 2022 3:04:22 PM
The Twins don't debate the topic any further. It sounds like there are plenty of options for helping with the climb so all that's left is to get started.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+7=12 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 6:44:49 PM
Zeoll recounts what he knows about Drow, Illithids, and such creatures.
Know Dungeoneering 12
Which is not much!
But when it is time to start climbing, Zeoll knows his stuff! At least with his new cloak he does.
Alas, the same cannot be said of faithful Bill the Camel. "I should have traded him in for a bird or something," Zeoll thinks, but what he says is, "You stay herre, old frriend, and stand guarrd."
The liontaur casts Dancing Lights to guide the party, and then descends.
[Cloak of Arachnida - This black garment, embroidered with a web-like pattern in silk, gives the wearer the ability to climb as if a spider climb spell had been placed upon him.]
Elron -- SteveM Monday December 5th, 2022 7:47:27 PM
Elron wasn't particularly happy climbing the tree to the harpy lair, and finds this a little less quease-inducing. He only worries about falling as far as he can see. (So don't get those lights too far ahead, Zeoll.)
DM Post (SteveM) -- 12/6 -- All that's left is to get started Tuesday December 6th, 2022 8:33:22 AM
When they are ready, the PCs can climb down into the fissure. Slow and steady going keeps the climb quite safe. The fissure is a wide crack through solid rock, which after passing a number of fractured shelves and ledges seems to widen at the bottom. When the PCs reach the bottom, they see that the fissure leads to a cave system to the north. They explore a few smaller caves without finding anything of interest – or anything that might threaten the town. Then a tunnel opens up into a crystal cavern.
It is the largest cave they have been in yet, over 40 feet in diameter. The walls glint where the light touches embedded crystals, and there are crystal growths on the ground. The crystals are quartz – not especially valuable, but quite pretty.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday December 6th, 2022 1:41:00 PM
Zeoll looks around. "These glitterring caves are wonderrful! I bet people would spend money to see them."
The liontaur sends dancing lights through the crystals, and also casts detect magic.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) ( Tuesday December 6th, 2022 10:46:05 PM
Asimov says, "I heard a story once about a cave like this in a land called Kentucky a long long time ago and far far away in the past from where I came from. This guy was trying to dig out a passageway to a chamber not unlike this one but his lantern broke and he kicked the wall causing a rock and other debris to fall trapping his leg. People came far and wide to see this cave but most ended up turning around when they got to this one narrow part where you had to slide on your belly before emerging into another chamber where you could descend feet first to get to where the guy was trapped. Only two people, the guy's brother and a bard of sorts who spread the news made it to where the guy was trapped. They brought him sustenance and attempted to dig him out but sadly all the people camping near the cave raised the temperature in the cave and caused a minor cave in, thus making it impossible to reach him. Eventually an army's engineering corps was sent to escavate the man but it was really slow going and by the time they reached him it was too late. The brother ended up funding an expedition to recover the remains and he was buried on the property, unfortunately the father ended up selling the property to an unscrupulous person who had a clause in the contract that stated he could dig up the brother and put him on display in the cave. The cave and the remains became a tourist attraction and someone even tried to steal the remains but their attempt was found out and a chase was given. The persons who stole the remains fled and threw or dropped the remains quite a ways. The remains were found sans a leg and returned to the cave where the coffin was then secured to prevent further robberies. Eventually the cave was bought by the government of this land. The cave was sealed off from the public though eventually the government saw fit to return the man's remains to his descendants and what was left was eventually reburied."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday December 7th, 2022 12:19:50 AM
Zeoll makes a face. "Worrst storry everr!" the bard says. "People like a happy ending! That is just sad!"
But he is careful not to kick any of the crystal formations!
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+9=18 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 5:18:38 AM
Mundhi takes care to enhance the safe descent. She loves the crystal cave. She is saddened by Asimov's story.
She walks, gingerly, around the cave, looking for an opening to continue on. ============ Perception: 18
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday December 7th, 2022 8:50:48 AM
The Twins are focused on the cave and it's dangers rather then stories of other caves and their dangers. They will take the lead and cautiously advance.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday December 7th, 2022 6:25:08 PM
The crystal cave is pretty, but Elron wouldn't climb that far just to see it again. He looks around to see what's interesting here.
"Asimov, I say, Asimov. . . I'm afraid I don't get th' joke. Could you 'xplain it to me?"
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+10=20 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:49:19 PM
After Zeoll detects for magic, he uses his scent and looks around for tracks or signs of habitation.
Survival 20
DM Post (SteveM) -- 12/7 d20+10=20 ; d20+18=36 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 11:01:32 PM Zeoll sends his lights around and casts detect magic. Asimov tells a story about a cave he heard of where a man had died, in which an unscrupulous man tried to profit off of the event. Mundhildur walks around the cave, looking for an opening to continue on. The Twins focus on this cave and it's dangers. Elron asks Asimov to explain the joke.
As the group walks around, admiring the crystals and looking for openings, the crystalline "rock" beside front of Asimov heaves in a most un-rock-like fashion. It appears to be trying to reach Irony, which flies above. Echoes from the movement reverberate through the chasm and take on a screeching quality. Everyone needs to make a DC 22 fort save -- those who fail cannot act for a round.
He then prepares to fire off a wrist rocket at the first sign of attack from crystalline thing
(readied action: fire off wrist rocket for 15 force damage)
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+13=31 ; d20+9=15 ; 4d6+6=17 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 2:06:49 AM
Mundhildur starts at the sudden movement. She decides that she will play the rock vs crystal game. She hurls a stone at the moving sparkling wall, hitting AC 15 for 17 hp bludgeoning damage. She steps to the center of the room. "Mind the walls." ========= Fort save: 31
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+9=18 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 7:57:02 AM
The Twins are unable to resist the effect (fort 18)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+10=25 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 2:23:01 PM
Zeoll rolls a 25 with his +4 vs sonic effects bonus.
The greensinger casts Sculpt Sound to make it so that the creature can only produce garbled whispers.
Will Save is DC19.
Elron -- SteveM d20+22=25 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:33:52 PM
Elron (once the player realizes that should not be a 25) is discombobulated by the sonic attack.
DM Post (SteveM) -- 12/8 d20=7 ; d6=3 ; d20+18=37 ; 7d8+9=37 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 10:49:38 PM Asimov resists the sound and prepares to fire a wrist rocket if the thing attacks. (Irony was unaffected by the sound.) Mundhildur resists the sound and throws a rock at the crystal thing. She moves to the middle of the chamber. The Twins are affected by the noise and unable to act this round. Zeoll resists the sound and casts a spell that turns the creature's sounds into garbled whispers. Elron is affected by the noise and unable to act this round.
Mundhildur's attack glances off of the creature. Asimov's attack in response to the creature moving damages it. The creature's noise transforms in response to Zeoll's spell, and has no further effect on anyone.
The crystal thing lashes out at Irony, hitting AC 37 for 37 points of damage and Irony must make a DC 22 fortitude save or be entrapped in a crust of hardening crystal.
As it moves, the group sees that this crystal creature is medium in size, but amorphous and able to change its shape.
===== Crystal thing -- AC: 17, damage: 15
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 80/80 d20+16=27 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=23 ; 2d6+5=12 ; 2d6+5=14 ; 2d6+5=13 ; Friday December 9th, 2022 2:05:20 AM
Mundhildur takes a step and slams 3 times. AC 27 for 12; AC 19 for 14; AC 23 for 13 hp damage.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+11=13 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+6=23 ; Friday December 9th, 2022 7:46:42 AM
The Twins recover and draw their bow and attack, shooting three arrows in rapid succession. They hit AC 13, 29, and 25 (crit threat, 23 to confirm)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday December 9th, 2022 4:55:09 PM
Zeoll leaps to the walls and then to the ceiling, hoping to get out of reach. He begins to Inspire Courage, giving everyone a +1 to attacks and damage.
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=22 ; d4=1 ; d6=2 ; Sunday December 11th, 2022 3:48:04 PM
Elron tells a tale while he whaps, since he can move this round. . . A bear walks into a bar and sits down. He orders a beer from the bartender and notices a horse at the end of the bar. "Hey", the bear says. "What's that horse doing in here?".
The bartender replies, "Well, you see, the horse comes in here every day and orders a margarita. It's become quite a regular thing."
The bear thinks for a minute, then says, "That's quite strange. How can a horse drink a margarita? He doesn't even have any hands!"
The bartender explains, "Oh, that's easy. He uses a straw!"
The bear starts laughing, then says, "Wait a minute, how does the horse pay for the drink?"
The bartender replies, "He pays... in hay!"
He hits AC 22 for 1+2+1 = 4 points damage. Elron lets out an expletive as the electrical portion of his damage does not seem to affect the creature.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; Sunday December 11th, 2022 6:43:30 PM
The Twins realize they forgot to roll damage so the one not wielding a weapon does so. The fist attack does 10 damage, the second 10 or 39 if the crit is confirmed.
Irony attempts to slam the creature while Asimov fires off another wrist rocket for 13 force damage
Irony misses (10 vs AC)
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
DM Post (SteveM) -- 12/12 d20+18=35 ; 7d8+9=39 ; Monday December 12th, 2022 9:08:05 PM Mundhildur slams the creature. The Twins shoot the creature. Zeoll climbs out of reach, and inspires courage in the others. Elron whaps the creature. Asimov attacks with another wrist rocket, while Irony tries to slam the creature.
The creature's attack did not bypass Irony's hardness. (Irony still needs to make a DC 22 fortitude save or be entrapped in a crust of hardening crystal.) Likewise, the Twins did not score a crit with their arrow. Elron's electrical attack did not affect the creature, although the physical blow did.
The creature switches targets and attacks Mundhildur. It hits AC 35 for 39 points of damage, and Mundhi must make a DC 22 fortitude save or be entrapped in a crust of hardening crystal.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday December 12th, 2022 11:12:17 PM
OOC: Do not forget +1 to hit and damage from Inspire Courage!
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+7=13 ; d6+5=8 ; Monday December 12th, 2022 11:17:18 PM
Upside down, Zeoll casts Produce Flame and hurls a mini-fireball at the crystal monster. Maybe fire will hurt it? The liontaur hits touch AC14 for 9 fire damage, with the inspire courage bonus not reflected in the dice field.
Asimov decides to switch from his wrist rockets to his flame thrower since he's out of ammo in his wrist rockets.
12 vs touch (OOC forgot the singing); 10 fire damage if that hits 18 vs touch (OOC forgot the singing); 14 fire damage if that hits
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 d20+13=21 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+7=18 ; 2d6+7=12 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 12:50:12 AM
Mundhildur finds the crystal framework reaching out to engulf her limbs. Drawing from heroic reserves, she twists to break off from the encroaching beautiful stone (hero point to bring her to 25 save).
"None of that, Shiny!" she yells. She slams twice more successfully (AC 31 for 16 hp; AC 34 for 18 hp), but barely missed the third attack (AC 16). "You tore my dress!" she adds.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+11=18 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+6=18 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:28:09 AM
The Twins press the attack and remember to roll damage this time. 19, 25, and 19 to hit, 15, 10, and 12 for damage.
Elron -- SteveM d20+18=20 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 9:46:32 PM
Elron steps back from the combat, seeing how his last blow had essentially no effect, and looks around. Is it likely that more of these things are around? (perception = 20)
DM Post -- 12/13 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 10:04:49 PM Zeoll attacks with a ball of fire from produce flame, hitting. Elron looks around. Asimov attacks with a flame thrower. Irony is trapped in crystal. Mundhildur slams the creature and berates it for damaging her dress. The Twins shoot the creature again.
The crystal creature stops moving, and has in fact cracked open from the barrage of blows.
Elron points out a rather obvious opening in the cave wall, and also some metal nuggets spilling from the creature's largest wound.
Irony can escape the crystal encasing it with a DC 27 strength or escape artist check. Since the group is no longer in battle, Irony manages to free itself in time, perhaps with a little help.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+8=12 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 11:52:10 PM
Zeoll says a prayer for Guidance and looks the monster over, analyzing it with his bardic lore.
Knowledge Dungeoneering 12
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 3:21:41 AM
Mundhildur takes a sack from within her bag, and fills it as full as she can with the metal nuggets. If more nuggets remain, she ask if others might collect them. "Anyone know what kind of metal this is?" she asks. "That thing tore my dress!" she thinks to add.
DM Post -- 12/14 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 8:27:13 PM Zeoll tries to identify the creature. Mundhildur gathers metal nuggets from the creature.
Zeoll does not recognize the creature, although he is able to identify it as something akin to oozes.
Mundhildur collects 500 gp worth of refined ores.
Looking around finds that aside from climbing back up, there is only one way out of the room. That leads into a long, narrow cave.
OOC: I assume we are not posting here during the Yuletide break. A new post will be up for people to respond to prior to January 5.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday December 16th, 2022 9:08:19 AM
"Wowsy, as the cubbies say. I find that that fight took some out of me. Let's just sit herre and rrest a bit."
Zeoll knows a song for good cheer at the bottom of a chasm after fighting crystal monsters that bleed ore. He creates it with a Sculpt Sound spell applied to his own voice, to give him the sound of a pair of humans and many instruments performing it all at once.
Down in a hole there's a place Where there's no one vacationing There's just the sound of the call Of the wild overcoming The fear of the unknown
And I've got something To help you understand Something waiting there Beneath the land My metal detector Is with me all of the time I'm the inspector over the mine.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 1:24:41 AM
As Zeoll sang, Mundhi did what she could to add by singing harmonies, once she had heard enough of the song to do so.
"That was really beautiful, Zeoll. How can you make all those sounds at once?" Mundhildur asks him.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 6:59:38 AM
The Twins turn into a newt. Then they get better.
DM Post -- 1/4 Wednesday January 4th, 2023 7:41:32 PM There were no actionable player posts after the last DM post, so that post is repeated here. Recall that the group had just successfully fought a crystal creature in a cavern that they had climbed down to from a crevice in a mountainside not far from the village of Comberton.
Zeoll tries to identify the creature. Mundhildur gathers metal nuggets from the creature.
Zeoll does not recognize the creature, although he is able to identify it as something akin to oozes.
Mundhildur collects 500 gp worth of refined ores.
Looking around finds that aside from climbing back up, there is only one way out of the room. That leads into a long, narrow cave.
Additionally: It seems unlikely that another of these creatures would be in the cavern. Zeoll had suggested rest.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday January 4th, 2023 10:35:17 PM
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Thursday January 5th, 2023 1:03:59 AM
Mundhi will take a watch [Assume: Rolex], just in case it is needed, then sleep the rest of the ... rest period.
Elron -- SteveM Thursday January 5th, 2023 11:37:16 PM Mundhildur, you're hurt. I've got a potion of cure major wounds if you need it. I don't suppose it would help Irony much. . . Elron happily takes a watch.
DM Post -- 1/5 Thursday January 5th, 2023 11:43:27 PM
The cavern does indeed prove to be unoccupied by other crystal creatures, and the party can stay here while they heal. Or, if it would help with repairs they could head back to Comberton. The question is whether the press on, and in what condition the injured do so.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Friday January 6th, 2023 2:48:23 AM
Irony and Mundhi are both significantly injured - especially the metal guy.
"Well, we could go back up, and give a preliminary report, and take care of our wounds. Or, remain here, take care of ourselves, then wait to go on until we are all fully fit again. Lastly, we could risk going forward. I'd lean toward the second option, but am willing to consider all three. And, yes, Azimov, if we remain down here, I would love to try that potion."
She listens to hear others' opinions. And takes a minute to sharpen her spearhead.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 7th, 2023 3:27:56 PM
Elron gives Mundhildur the potion of CMW. The cave doesn't seem like a fun place to him, but he understands the need for folks to heal up.
Well, let me tell you 'bout the last time I was in a spot like this. . . Once, before we all met, I was out explorin' a new cave that I had heard 'bout in th' mountains. It was a beautiful day, and th' cave seemed like it was goin' t' be a great adventure. I made my way through th' narrow passageways, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites that seemed to go on forever. But as I was walkin', I suddenly tripped over a rock and fell to the ground, landing hard on my leg. I immediately knew that somethin' was wrong 'cause I felt a sharp pain shoot up my leg. When I tried t' stand up, I couldn't put any weight on my left leg. I had broken my leg!
I was stuck in the middle of the cave with no way to call for help. I tried crawling on my hands and knees, but that was slow goin' and didn't get me at all far. I started t' worry I'd be stuck in th' cave forever. I remembered that I had some mastic gum in my pouch, an' bein' kinda bored I took out a piece o' gum and started blowing bubbles with it. T' my surprise, the bubbles started floating up towards the entrance of the cave. I realized that the air flow in the cave must be just right, because the bubbles were actually carryin' my cries for help up to the surface!
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday January 7th, 2023 11:06:24 PM
Zeoll grins. "Those bubbles floated mighty high. I guess that makes it a tall tale!"
After resting, Zeoll is ready and raring to go. He just wishes he had had some way to bring Bill down with him. He thinks again about putting Bill out to pasture back home and taking on a bird or a snake.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 8th, 2023 9:11:25 PM
The Twins find it slightly silly to rest after just getting down here but if the others want to do so they will do so.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 9th, 2023 11:24:32 PM
Zeoll looks around. "I just wish Honorr werre herre to join us," he says sadly.
Elron -- SteveM Monday January 9th, 2023 11:38:53 PM Mundhildur lays out their options and says she favors staying here to heal up. Elron offers Munhildur a potion and tells a tale to pass the time. Zeoll rests and is ready to go. The Twins think it odd to rest already. Asimov repairs Irony quickly but effectively.
The group waits at least another day for Mundhildur to heal. The potion Elron provided is only worth 2d8+3 hit points. If no one is able to speed the process further, the wait might be days.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 2d8+3=15 ; d20+7=13 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 5:15:40 AM
+15hp Thanks to the potion that Elron gave her.
If someone else can care for Mundhildur with the healing skill, she can recover 32 hp over the course of 24 hours. Though she can care for others, it requires complete rest for her. She may be able to verbally advise others on what to do (maybe +2 to heal skill as aid another? -not certain if this is kosher), but another will have to help her. Otherwise, as DM SteveM points out, it will take two days.
Did anyone bring a deck of cards? Checkers? Where's a cleric when you need one? :-)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 7:23:48 AM
The Twins have no skill in healing so wait.
Zeoll rouses himself from his reverie. "Oh, sorry, Miss Mundhi. I can help."
The bard casts three Cure Moderate Wounds on the giant warrior. Actually, he stops at two, because that is enough to cure 16, and then 22, total 38 hp, leaving Mundhi at 41+38=79 hp.
[OOC: Sorry for the extra clicks on the dice roller. Got too excited.]
Just before setting out, Zeoll plays his Pipes of the Sewers, attracting 1d3 rat swarms to serve him.
Pipes of the Sewers If the possessor learns the proper tune, he can use these pipes to attract 1d3 rat swarms if rats are within 400 feet. For each 50-foot distance the rats have to travel, there is a 1-round delay. The piper must continue playing until the rats appear, and when they do so, the piper must make a DC 10 Perform (wind instruments) check. Success means that they obey the piper's telepathic commands so long as he continues to play. Failure indicates that they turn on the piper. If for any reason the piper ceases playing, the rats leave immediately. The Perform DC increases by +5 for each time the rats have been successfully called in a 24-hour period.
Zeoll has a +11 on Perform (wind instruments), so no worries on the DC10 check. The question is whether or not there are any rats nearby. If any show up, Zeoll will continue playing as the party proceeds, sending the rats out ahead.
Used so far Lvl 1: 0/6+1 slots Lvl 2: 2/6+1 slots Lvl 3: 0/6+1 slots
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 10th, 2023 10:57:29 PM
Elron was just preparing another story when Zeoll saved the party from it by casting those cures.
DM Post -- 1/10 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 11:07:00 PM Mundhildur uses the potion. Elron ponders what story to tell. Zeoll finishes curing Mundhildur. The Twins wait. Asimov offers medihalers if anyone needs them.
With everyone who had been injured by the ooze back to full strength, the group is ready to go on.
The group encounters a few more empty caves before coming to an underground lake. It’s not an especially large lake, but it is fed by an underground spring; the water is clear and cold. The western edge of the lake is right against the cave wall, but there is a ledge going around the eastern side, and what looks like a tunnel beyond.
As the group pauses to take this in, they see two humanoid figures emerge from the tunnel and head for the lake. They are carrying smaller objects and a small barrel, and clearly intend to fetch some water. When they see the group, however, they drop their things and flee.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=25 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 11:57:21 PM
OOC: Did Zeoll summon any rats?
Zeoll calls out, "Wait! We arre not enemies! Can we talk?"
Doplomacy 25
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=16 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:06:27 AM
The Twins keep their eyes out for other possible dangers that might have sent the pair running just in case. Perception 16.
DM Post -- 1/10 Addendum d100=28 ; d3=2 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:49:51 PM
Zeoll was able to summon some rats.
Elron -- SteveM d20+18=34 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:52:15 PM
Elron tries to make out what was dropped. (Perception = 34)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:35:32 PM
Zeoll mentally commands the rats to move off behind the heroes. "Probably scared of rats," he mumbles in Liontaur.
DM Post -- 1/11 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:51:13 PM
Zeoll calls out and asks the retreating strangers if they will talk. He surmises they may be scared of rats. The Twins look for other dangers. Elron tries to see what they were carrying. Asimov also calls out, asking if they are the Fireborn or the Belly of the Earth.
The caves are not exactly well lit, so the party did not see much detail of the creatures or what they were carrying. After a few moments, it does not seem that they are going to respond to the requests to talk. But since they dropped the items when they fled, it would be easy enough to investigate. And, in addition to the barrel there are a couple of stone jugs.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Thursday January 12th, 2023 5:06:48 AM
How far away were the two who fled when we first saw them?
Mundhildur walks to where they left the water containers.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:11:13 AM
The Twins advance cautiously in case of more danger like the crystal monster.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+11=31 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 7:08:12 PM
Hey wait! When Zeoll called out, he had to have stopped playing. So the rats an away, I presume (does the item only work for CONTINUOUS playing? Prolly?)
Zeoll casts detect magic on the objects dropped.
The liontaur sniffs and casts around for a trail to follow those people, praying for guidance. "It only seems neighborrly to rreturrn theirr possessions to them, afterr we scarred them so."
Asimov scans the location where the jugs and dropped objects were located looking for other clues as to the identity of the people here.
He remembers that the Dwarves dismissed one of the legends as being too far from where it is thought to be and that some of the others were singular entities so he is still leaning towards either the Fireborn or Belly of the Earth if any of the Dwarves legends fit what they encountered.
Asimov says, "The dwarves discribed the Fireborn as Dwarf-like but weaker...that could explain why they scampered off. Then again they said the Belly of The Earth was bad news in which case maybe this was a ploy and we are being led to a trap."
Elron -- SteveM Friday January 13th, 2023 12:31:18 AM
Elron follows the others, not unhappy that the rats dispersed.
DM Post -- 1/12 Friday January 13th, 2023 1:00:48 AM
Mundhildur walks over to the water containers. The Twins advance cautiously. Zeoll casts detect magic and then tries to find the creatures' trail. Asimov tries to figure out the identity of the people, and wonders if they fit one of the Dwarven legends. Elron follows.
When the party first saw the creatures, they were barely visible to those with low light vision near the edge of their vision. The creatures were not carrying a light source.
The items that were dropped are not magical. The creatures' trail starts off pretty obviously, a single narrow tunnel. And even though the tunnel divides and branches, there is one well-worn and easy to follow path at each intersection the group encounters. This leads to a cavern. When the party can make out the entrance to the cavern, they also see a handful of humanoids are waiting there.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 41/80 Friday January 13th, 2023 7:53:48 AM
Mundhildur calls out greetings, first in the Common tongue, then in UnderWold. If there appears no response or comprehension, she adds Giant and Auran.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday January 13th, 2023 9:20:36 AM
The Twins will gather any left behind items to return to their owners in a gesture of good faith.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday January 13th, 2023 8:32:37 PM
Picking up on The Twins' beau gest, Mundhi takes one of the large barrels, walks over to the water, fills it up, carries it to a short distance (~30') of the humanoids, and gently sets it down. "Hope this helps," she says in UnderWoldian and Common.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+12=24 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 9:18:09 PM
Zeoll says a word of prayer and then plays a sweet melody on his pipes.
Perform 24
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 14th, 2023 12:45:22 AM
Elron worries a bit at the little maze they just went through, but realizes the path to the lake must be the one that gets the the most use.
DM Post -- 1/13-ish Saturday January 14th, 2023 11:12:00 AM Mundhildur calls out greetings in the Common tongue, and prepares to do the same in others. The Twins have brought the items that were left behind to return to their owners. Zeoll plays a sweet melody on his pipes. Elron thinks about why the path they followed was well worn.
When Mundhildur calls out in common, the creatures answer, still at a distance. "Who are you, and why are you wandering in the caves?"
One of the creatures shuffles towards the party. It walks with a limp. Although the size of a man, it proves to be ugly and misshapen, although its loose-fitting and abundant clothing hides any details. The remainder of the creatures stay back and spread out a bit, weapons at the ready.
As the one approaches, its face is clearly visible -- the bulbous nose is set off by a patchy beard and head covered in bald spots. One ear looks elven, the other is covered in fur. The eyes are mismatched, one like a cat's and the other a man's. When it sees Elron, it shouts to the others, "Hey, one has feathers!"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 15th, 2023 7:20:56 PM "A crevasse to the surface opened." "those above were frightened." "they sent us to investigate." "You left some of your things." The Twins say and they hold out the stuff they collected.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday January 16th, 2023 12:26:27 PM
"I am Mundhildur, and these are my friends. Strange noises and winds have come out of the crevices which opened up. We came to learn what has happened. What may we call you?" .
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 16th, 2023 6:43:31 PM
Zeoll is content to let others speak. He just smiles in a friendly way. Sometimes big folk like liontaurs can be scary to them what don't know them.
Elron -- SteveM Monday January 16th, 2023 9:57:31 PM "Well o' course I have feathers! You want me t' dress up in such outlandish get-ups as my friends here?"
DM Post -- 1/16 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 12:06:28 AM The Twins explain briefly why the group is here and try to return the stuff that was dropped near the lake. Asimov asks about the dwarven legends. Zeoll hangs back, worried that he might seem scary. Mundhildur introduces herself and provides a slightly different explanation how the group came to be here. Elron reacts to the comment about feathers.
The creatures thank the group for returning the items, and respond to the answers with further questions looking for more details until a cohesive explanation forms, with mention of the earthquake and Comberton.
As for Asimov's question, they say they are not the Fireborn or the Belly of the Earth, whatever those are. However, they appear much as the Belly of the Earth were described. All of them are deformed and misshapen.
As they talk among themselves about the group it seems that they are more inclined to trust Zeoll and Elron than Asimov, the Twins, or even Mundhildur. But overall they are agreed that the party "ain't no worm" (or perhaps wyrm or wurm) and went out of the way to return things, so probably aren't a threat.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 5:54:44 AM
The Twins are fine wither other's being more trusted and let them do the rest of the talking.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:17:08 AM
Mundhi knows that some things might be offered to encourage friendship, or at least show kindness. She pulls out of her bag a loaf of bread and a quarter wheel of cheese (about 2.5 pounds of cheese). "If you are hungry," and she tears off a small bit of the loaf, and uses a knife to slice a bit of cheese, which she places on the bread, "You can do this."
She offers the remaining loaf of bread and cheese to the brave one who came forward to speak. "If you need a knife, you can use this one." If he indicates a positive response, she holds the knife by the blade, so the handle faces the fellow, and lets it go if he takes it. If he seems nervous about the blade, she takes a bit of cloth, lays it on the ground, and the knife upon the cloth, then steps back several paces. She munches on her bit of bread and cheese.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 17th, 2023 7:36:44 PM
Elron breaks the ice as well. "A momma sends her son t' th' lake t' fetch water. When th' boy comes back without water, he explains that there was an alligator in th' lake. Don't worry, says th' mother. Th' 'gator is just as scared o' you as you are o' him!
Mom, says th' boy, if'n that 'gator is as scared o' me as I am o' him, we shouldn't be drinking that water no how."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=35 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2023 10:30:58 PM
Zeoll comes forward, seeing as they are friendly. The bard does his best to bring these people around, to convince them that they have nothing to fear, and to sway their attitude to a more helpful state.
Diplomacy 35
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 17th, 2023 11:11:44 PM The Twins let others talk. Mundhildur shares bread and cheese with the creature that approached the party. Elron tells a joke. Asimov asks about the creatures intentions. Zeoll tries to befriend the creatures.
The conversation continues. At the offer of food, the one who approached is very appreciative, and soon the entire guard force is sharing the loaf. Their leader apologizes if they seem rude -- it's just that hunting's been bad since the earthquake. The creatures assure Asimov that they have no designs on the people dwelling on the surface. They may need to hunt on the surface at night, but have no need to go as far as Comberton.
As the conversation continues, the creatures offer to let the party rest here, if you need rest. They are not used to such symmetrically formed people being so pleasant.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:49:54 AM
The Twins do their best to be entertaining guests telling stories of distant lands and strange peoples they have met. While nowhere near the storyteller Zeoll is they prove at least mildly amusing depending on the tastes of the audience.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:06:29 PM
Elron is a bit miffed that no one laughed at his joke. But perhaps a proper roost would be nice for a rest.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=27 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:48:41 PM
OOC: Do we need to rest?
Zeoll enjoys conversing, and asks these folk about the dangers of this area. He tries to sound them out about their enemies, the challenges they face, and maybe some hint of what the heroes are down here for.
Gather Info 27
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 11:44:47 PM
Asimov says to the party, "Well if these folks are the Belly of The Earth we will have to tell the Dwarves that their legends are wrong about them. Either that or they are under new management since whoever came up with the Dwarven legends encountered them."
DM Post -- 1/18 Thursday January 19th, 2023 12:03:01 AM
(The party does not actually feel a need to rest yet.)
Nevertheless, you are shown around this village of mongrelmen. The have serviceable homes, which mostly survived the earthquake, and underground farms, which took a bit of a beating in the shaking. The mongrelmen are insular, independent, and want nothing to do with the outside world. However, they are being forced to hunt on the surface because of the damage to their crops and because of the worm.
They know it is a worm because an injured member of a hunting party said so before he died. It has not discovered their village, but they have lost several hunting parties to it. At least, several hunting parties never returned, and they do not know of anything else down here that could have taken them. . . Although no one has seen it and survived.
The mongrelmen point out that the worm may also discover Comberton at some point, although it is farther away.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Thursday January 19th, 2023 1:15:09 AM
"A worm caused the quakes? The fissures?" Mundhi asks. She does not dispute that there is a worm, and does not let on, but thinks it fairly dubious that a single worm would cause such devastation in so wide an area. "Or, perhaps, did the earthquake do something to stimulate or give passage to a worm?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 19th, 2023 7:26:58 AM
The Twins have heard stories of giant worms causing trouble in other lands. If this one is eating people and causing quakes then the party had best deal with it. They'll ask for directions where the last hunting party to vanish went
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday January 19th, 2023 10:43:45 PM
Zeoll asks for any details about this worm. At least, in which direction was it encountered? "We should go check it out."
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Thursday January 19th, 2023 11:39:51 PM
Asimov says, "Agreed. If these are friendly peaceful folk who just want to be left alone but can't because some worm is plaguing them then we should do what we can to investigate it and either convince it to leave these folks and Comberton alone or if it can't be reasoned with then we should either drive it off somewhere else or better yet slay it so it doesn't harm anyone else."
DM Post -- 1/19 Friday January 20th, 2023 1:06:18 AM
A couple of the mongrelmen offer to take the party to the caves where the hunting parties disappeared. Others suggest it is too dangerous. They're not saying the worm caused the earthquake mind you, but if it did it must be awfully big.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday January 20th, 2023 7:48:06 AM "Well it may be dangerous." "But there's really only two options." "Either our group tries to deal with the problem" Or nothing is done until everyone gets eaten or is forced to flee the area." "We're willing to risk the former to prevent the later." The Twins point out.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday January 20th, 2023 11:59:32 PM
"Come on, my frriends! We have a worrm to hunt!"
Zeoll leads the party out to go worm-seeking.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Saturday January 21st, 2023 5:29:38 AM
"I volunteer to help de-worm this area," says Mundhildur.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday January 21st, 2023 9:34:40 AM "I don't have a joke about worms. But from personal experience, they can be dee-licious. I'm in."
DM Post -- 1/20-ish Saturday January 21st, 2023 2:47:27 PM The Twins point out that their choice is to go fight the worm or wait for it to come. Zeoll, Mundhildur, and Elron are all ready to join the hunt. Asimov is quiet.
The mongrelmen agree to take the party to the area where their hunting parties disappeared. As word spreads in the community, there are a number of volunteers. They seem mostly interested in what tactics the adventurers plan to use to fight the worm, since such creatures are so difficult to land an effective blow on, and seem to so easily take a bite out of a mongrelman. In the end, the community elders limit the size of the hunting party that will accompany the group to eight archers.
Elron -- SteveM Sunday January 22nd, 2023 4:55:02 PM "Tactics?," Elron asked. "Why, birds is th' greatest worm-hunters o' all."
"Did I never tell you about th' time I lived on th' farm with my friends? I was known 'cross th' farm for my brav'ry and love for huntin'. I would dig through th' dirt and peck at th' ground t' find my prey. One day, while wanderin' the fields, I came across the biggest worm I'd ever seen. The worm was as thick as a tree trunk and as long as two carts end t' end.
I knew I couldn't take on th' worm alone, so I rallied my friends and together we set out to hunt th' worm. We searched the fields, peckin' at th' ground, lookin' for any sign o' th' worm. Finally, we found it, hidden deep in a hole.
Me an' my friends formed a plan. We used our sharp beaks and strong claws to dig around th' worm's hole, cutting off its escape routes. Then, we struck at th' worm when it emerged. Th' worm, sensing danger, began t' thrash and writhe, tryin' t' escape. But we were too quick for it. We pounced on the worm, strikin' it with beak and claw. Th' worm let out a deafenin' roar, but it was no match for us brave roosters.
We was proud o' that catch, and showed it off t' all th' farm. Everyone was amazed and impressed by th' size o' th' worm that we had caught. We had proven that with determination and persistence, a chicken could catch even a giant worm."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday January 22nd, 2023 7:13:53 PM
The Twins suspect that the tactic is just going to be 'hit until it dies'. They double check all their gear is in order and are ready to go.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 23rd, 2023 10:21:31 PM
Zeoll explains that his plan is to charm the worm, if it can be charmed, or railing that, to sing songs at it.
DM Post -- 1/23 Monday January 23rd, 2023 11:59:31 PM
Elron tells a tale about hunting a large worm. The Twins check their gear. They favor going toe to toe with the worm. Asimov asks Elron about worms and fire. Mundhildur wonders about cutting her way out of a worm if swallowed. Zeoll plans to charm the worm.
The mongrelmen hunters make themselves ready to lead the party to the region of the suspected worm attacks. It is a good distance from their village, taking hours to reach. Finally the party comes to an enormous cavern. The mongrelmen are adapted to see in the dark, but carry lights to aid the adventurers. This cavern is much bigger than the light reaches.
The cavern is by no means barren, though. There is a veritable forest of fungus growing in the place, and small things scurry through the detritus. Nothing larger than a mouse seems to be moving, whether because larger things aren't here or because the light chased them off. "Until the earthquake, this was the best area for hunting. But listen to it now -- " one of the mongrelmen whispers. It would seem that he finds the place unnaturally silent.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday January 24th, 2023 12:00:33 AM
Elron tells Asimov that worms like moist soil, so he's pretty sure they won't like fire.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 24th, 2023 8:30:52 AM
The Twins doubt that the habits of regular worms have anything to do with giant ones.
Asimov listens when the Mongrelman suggests they do so. Does he hear anything nearby?
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 4:29:31 PM
"I heard just a bit of scurrying as we arrived. Little critters, I think. What sorts of animals used to be here? Also, any idea how big the worm's mouth is?" Mundhi comments and asks.
DM Post -- 1/25 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 10:09:28 PM
Elron tells Asimov about worms. The Twins doubt that the habits of regular worms have anything to do with giant ones. Asimov listens to see if anything is nearby. Mundhildur notes that she heard just a bit of scurrying, as of little critters, I think. She wonders how big a worm is.
Asimov hears occasional scurrying, most likely from diminutive creatures.
The mongrelmen say that the area had a number of creatures the size of Elron or even themselves. The reason they think this is a worm is that Zhehlu called it that before he died, so none of them actually saw it. He was stabbed, not bitten.
The mongrelmen decide that leading the party further into the cavern is their best option, but they don't want to leave the safety of the walls so eventually decide to go to the left. After several minutes of walking, the party reaches a point where the growing fungi have been broken in a path over ten feet wide. This path heads towards the center of the cavern in one direction, and through a 25 to 30 foot wide tunnel in the other.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20=6 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 11:36:53 PM
From how these people describe it, Zeoll tries to recall what this monster may be, its type, abilities, etc.
Knowledge checks range from +7 to +12. raw roll is a 6. +1 with guidance.
Anything?
Elron -- SteveM Thursday January 26th, 2023 6:56:59 AM
Elron asks, "Are we huntin' it or ambushin' it?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday January 26th, 2023 9:55:28 AM
[b]"If we could track it to it's lair" "That would be a good ambush spot if it's out" "We have no way of knowing if it will come back this way" "just that it passed through." The Twins point out.
Asimov also tries to place what the worm exactly is and perceive where it may be or if anything else is near them
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+21=40 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 10:25:04 PM
Zeoll keeps alert and wonders if the worm can burrow up from underneath.
Perception 40
Since any cave or underground dweller is sure to rely on sound and vibrations, Zeoll casts Sculpt Sound. That lasts 8 hours, and it makes all the members of the party (up to 8 creatures) sound like tiny spiders as we walk.
Note that Zeoll, with his spider cloak, is walking on the ceiling and playing his pipes. He seems to attract rats, to swarm up in front of the group.
DM Post -- 1/26 d100=15 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 1:02:32 AM Zeoll tries to recall what the monster may be. He wonders if it can burrow from underneath. He casts a spell to make the party sound like spiders when they walk, and summons a swarm of rats. Elron asks how to proceed. The Twins favor tracking it to its lair. Asimov also tries to place what the worm is. Mundhildur is quiet.
Upon seeing the size of the creature's trail, Asimov deduces that this could be the near-legendary purple worm, a gargantuan beast notorious for swallowing their prey whole. It is not uncommon to hear of a group of adventurers vanishing down the ravenous maw of a purple worm, screaming as they disappear one by one.
The mongrelmen say that if it nests in this cavern, the path to the right should head toward the nest, since that's towards the center of the cavern. Of course, if it nests elsewhere then either direction is as likely to get there.
Zeoll is able to stay near the others while spider climbing here where they are near the wall of the chamber or going into the tunnel. But if they move toward the center, with him on the ceiling, he will move further away and not be able to easily rejoin them except by falling.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday January 27th, 2023 3:58:01 AM
The tall woman checks her supply of stones for throwing at things and critters. Yep, good supply.
She takes a moment to hone the blades of her two longspears. "You think you can track it? Looks like it leaves big tracks," she says to the Twins.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=3 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 8:05:36 AM
The Twins shake their head. "We only get two skill points per level." "We have a very basic understanding of a wide variety of things."
Elron -- SteveM d20+9=23 ; d4=4 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 11:14:22 AM
(Survival = 23 to track)
Elron studies the broken down fungi. "Easy enough t' tell where ti's been. An' from th' way things're broken, I think it went this way," he says, pointing to the right.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+5=20 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 3:12:28 PM
Mundhi considers Elron's recommendation. She says, "I agree."
=========== Survival for tracking: 20
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/27-ish Saturday January 28th, 2023 5:00:46 PM Mundhildur takes stock of her throwing rocks. She asks about tracking the creature, and agrees when Elron explains what he thinks. The Twins say they can't track. Elron is pretty confident he puzzled out which way the worm went.
The party still has to decide which way to go. The mongrelmen are ready to follow the party, but don't seem too keen on leading anymore.
========= Edit by Kim M: Put DM's name in header ;-)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday January 30th, 2023 3:01:23 PM
"Since as the worm moves, it will tend to smash things down in a certain direction, we simply follow the trail that leads out, rather than the one that leads in." I am assuming that combining Elron's tracking of 23, with a +2 add from Mundhildur's of 20, to give us 25, has a high probability of leading us in the right direction. Our DM will have to tell us which direction that is, as we have no map. We go that way.
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/30 Monday January 30th, 2023 10:53:00 PM
Elron says, "Well, it went this way," as he heads into the cavern rather than into the tunnel. "An' I think I'm happier meetin' it in th' open than in a confined hole in th' wall."
=====
Asimov worries that a purple worm is beyond their ability. Mundhildur is ready to follow the worm. Elron leads the way. Behind Zeoll's rats, of course.
The eight mongrelmen fall in behind the party, trying to watch everywhere at once.
Zeoll needs to say whether he's traveling on the ceiling or joining the others on the floor. It is not so high here, meaning that the ceiling is clearly visible within 60' of the lights the mongrelmen are carrying.
Asimov keeps an eye out for trouble as the party continues to move.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday January 30th, 2023 11:28:03 PM
Zeoll moves to the right wall, about 30 ft up, and keeps his rats moving forward. How many swarms are there?
Hopefully the party does not mind following the wall of the chamber, to the right please.
Cyrion the Black - HP Rolls 2nd: d8=1 ; 3rd: d8=2 ; 4th: d8=1 ; 5th: d8=7 ; 6th: d8=1 ; 7th: d8=8 ; 8th: d8=6 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 4:10:33 AM
I wasn't sure where else to roll these lol
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday January 31st, 2023 6:17:06 AM
The Twins follow along bow at the ready.
DM Post by SteveM -- 1/30 d3=2 ; Tuesday January 31st, 2023 11:04:39 PM Asimov keeps an eye out for trouble. He positions Irony near Zeoll. Zeoll moves along the wall, keeping two rat swarms in front. The Twins have a bow ready. Mundhildur and Elron are quiet.
The path they are following leaves the wall and heads towards the center of the cavern. Elron and Zeoll see nothing unusual out there to the extent of their vision.
The group continues along the path until a mongrelman asks, "What's that?" He points into the darkness.
Everyone strains to see. "Well, what do you think it is?"
"Where is it?"
"Out at the edge of my vision."
"I don't know. I think it's big, but it's not moving."
"Maybe it can't see us this far away."
"I can't see it this far away."
(OOC: As I recall, Cyrion gets to re-roll 1's rolled for hit points.)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+11=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+6=11 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d100=58 ; d100=24 ; d100=80 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:00:12 AM
The Twins knock an arrow. "An unknown thing" "In an area where everyone who goes there dies?" "Likely our target" They will wait for the others to be ready to start combat, or voice objections, then fire a round of arrows at the thing (24, 26, and 11 to hit, 13, 16, 14 damage, first and third arrow succeed vs concealment if I need to roll that.)
Elron -- SteveM d20+18=29 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:29:29 AM
Figuring he's fast and sounds like a spider now, Elron moves up slowly to get a better look. (Perception = 29)
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Knowledge nature: d20+2=12 ; Knowledge dungeoneering: d20+2=9 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2023 7:51:03 PM
Mundhildur says quietly, "Hold. I do not know much about purple worms, but I know they are large and can swallow people. Let us quietly spread out, and quietly walk, slowly, carefully toward it. I know little worms can sense vibrations. Big ones, maybe, too. I have silk rope and a grappling hook. I might want to get on top of it, ride it, and stab and bash it a lot. I will take the far left side. Let us spread out to my right. And have a zig-zag pattern, so it cannot simply turn and swallow us in a row.
"Everyone make sure you have a knife. If it swallows you, stab it as much as you can from inside. Those of us outside will try to kill it, too. If it dies, I will go in and try to bring you out. I have extra rope. If you want, tie one end around your waist, so if you go inside, we can maybe pull you back out." She makes four lengths of hempen rope available to whoever wants it.
She will see if others agree to the plan, or have improvements. Then she moves, slowly, off to the left, then slowly toward where the mongrelmen perceive the mass ahead of them. She does have 60' low-light vision.
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- An unknown thing. Wednesday February 1st, 2023 10:45:20 PM The Twins are ready to fire into the darkness when Mundhildur says, "Hold." Elron moves forward to look. Mundhildur lays out a plan of attack.
The mongrelmen hold the torches.
There is now a link to a map, and I think it's set up so that people can move themselves. The mongrelmen have the light sources at the moment, which limits the field of vision as shown. The cavern's fungal life is well beaten down in the area. There are occasional rock outcroppings keeping the floor from being even, but not enough to make movement difficult. Zeoll's spell makes the movement of the adventurers inaudible, but he was not able to affect the mongrelmen. Zeoll himself is playing his pipes to maintain control of the rat swarms.
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly), medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 2nd, 2023 12:31:15 AM
Zeoll holds off for now, not sure this is an enemy or not. He readies to command the swarms to attack if the party (or allies) is attacked.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=9 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 7:35:51 AM
The Twins shrug and put away the bow to switch to their greatsword. One of the Twins cl gets a torch and advances. They are not stealthy at all as they advance. (If there are no extra torches the Twins will take one from a mongrolman, otherwise they will light one for themselves.)
Time slows down for Asimov and Irony as they wait for their companions and quarry to move
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+13=31 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 10:41:18 PM
Zeoll takes a closer look as he plays his Pipes of the Sewers ...
Perception 31
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- I see somethin'. d4=3 ; Thursday February 2nd, 2023 11:15:41 PM "I see, I say I see somethin'," Elron calls out. "Pretty big."
======
Asimov and Irony move up a bit and Asimov casts light emitter on his mechanical minion. Zeoll waits to get a better look. He continues playing the pipes. The Twins switch weapons, grab a torch, and move closer. Elron sort of describes what he sees.
As the light sources multiply and move closer, it is clear that the party has indeed found an incredibly large purple creature of some sort. More, the end of the creature that they see tapers to a massive stinger of a sort that might reasonable puncture a mongrelman nastily.
The mongrelmen start muttering among themselves.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday February 3rd, 2023 3:09:55 AM
"Wonder if we could chop that pointy thing off before it tries to stab us?" asks Mundhildur. "Twins - might your sword be up to the task? Maybe I swing on one side with the blade at the end of my longspear, and you swing from the other side with your sword?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=24 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 8:11:02 AM
The Twins decide that they've scouted enough, this is clearly their target. They charge to W28 and attack (24 to hit, 17 damage)
Elron -- SteveM d20+11=16 ; d4=3 ; Friday February 3rd, 2023 9:59:05 PM
Elron looks at the thing. Going and attacking it would be like going and attacking a rock. They need to out think it. And he's the one here least qualified to do that.
Elron moves up and attacks with his scorpion style. He hits AC 16 for 3 damage.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Saturday February 4th, 2023 10:38:49 AM
Ugh, with attacks launched, there is little chance of charming the monster. Ah well.
Zeoll throws his swarms at the things, making sure that they do not swarm friends.
DM Steve -- Here is a map. -- Wonder if we could chop that pointy thing off before it tries to stab us? d20=3 ; d20=11 ; d20=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=11 ; d8=3 ; d4=2 ; d20+25=28 ; 2d8+12=25 ; d4=3 ; Saturday February 4th, 2023 5:13:12 PM Mundhildur wonders about cutting off the stinger, and asks the Twins about coordinating an attack. The Twins charge to the attack. (Not sure if that's meant to be a literal charge, but the results don't change if it is.) Elron makes an unarmed attack. Zeoll sighs as he realizes he can't charm the creature now, and send the rat swarms at it. Asimov and Irony wait for their companions and quarry to move. . The Twin's attack glances off the gargantuan creature without fully piercing its hard hide. Elron's doesn't even come close to penetrating. Zeoll's rat swams move towards it, but do not reach it this round.
Four of the mongrelmen in back hold torches, while the four in front shoot their bows. (One natural 20 = one hit, not confirmed -- for 3 points of damage)
The purple worm, which can be completely seen in the torchlight now, swings its head around towards the Twins. Meanwhile, it's tail constricts in a movement that quickly sends the stinger in Elron's direction. It hits AC 28 for 25 points of damage. Elron also needs to make a Fort save (DC 25) or be poisoned, losing 3 points of strength,
Even with some damage reduction that hurts, but at least Elron isn't poisoned. But he does get angry.
Elron attacks with a flurry of blows, hitting AC 23 and 27 for (miss) and (4+2+1+2=) 9 points of damage.
"Course you know, this means war."
===== AC: 23 HP: 43/64 Rage: 1/12
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 35/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) d20+10=15 ; Sunday February 5th, 2023 9:03:37 PM
Irony fly charges the worm, attempting to slam into it but alas the mechanical minion misses. Asimov boots up his jetpack and takes to the air in the cavern himself moving up to fly overhead near Zeoll.
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly) - cast, medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=29 ; d20+13=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Sunday February 5th, 2023 9:42:57 PM
One Twin presses the attack, blade biting into the thing's flesh this time for 20 damage (29 and 24 to hit). The other then switches out, dropping their torch on the ground so it lights the area while leaving them free to raise their shield against the counter attack.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=20 ; Monday February 6th, 2023 4:54:14 AM
The Twins' impatient attack throws her off. Mundhildur thinks them impetuous, imprudent. She scrambles to draw near, but her first slash of the spear misses entirely. She tries for a better follow-up, yet fails.
[OOC: Though I stated she was moving forward, I earlier neglected to move her on the map, so her current position assumes she actually moved as stated, rather than concur with the cartographic representation.]
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday February 6th, 2023 7:58:00 PM
Zeoll continues to send his rats after the thing.
OOC: I'm assuming I need to spend a standard action each round controlling rats. Sound right?
Time slows down for Asimov as things start to get real
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/6 d20=6 ; d20=9 ; d20=7 ; d20=5 ; d20=8 ; d20=8 ; d20=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=13 ; d6=5 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=39 ; 4d8+18=30 ; d3=1 ; d20+25=35 ; 2d8+12=21 ; d3=3 ; Monday February 6th, 2023 10:40:03 PM Elron injures the worm. Asimov takes to the air while Irony attacks the worm but misses. The Twins succeed in gashing the monster. Mundhildur moves towards the middle of the creature. She misses with her attacks. Zeoll concentrates on a rat attack, moving the creatures. They have a 15' movement rate, which lets them reach the worm but not attack this round as it takes a full move.
In two rounds of firing their bows, the mongrelmen successfully hit once more, causing 5 damage.
Now that the worm is aware of the party, when Mundhildur approaches it makes an attack of opportunity with its stinger. Fortunately, it misses (natural 1). When it constricts to lash out, it has a good 15' reach.
The worm brings its head to bear on the nearest creature -- one of the rat swarms. It does 30 -- excuse me, 24 (I used the swallow whole adder) -- points of damage to the swarm. The worm would attempt to swallow the swarm, except the swarm has no CMD. However, I'm calling the damage bludgeoning, which means there's enough to disperse that swarm.
The worm targets Elron again with its stinger, hitting AC 35 for 21 points and make a Fort save (DC 25) or be poisoned, losing 3 points of strength,
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 37 HP damage
Zeoll has to keep playing the pipes or the rats leave, so I agree with it taking a standard action.
Cyrion the Black HP 68/68 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 7th, 2023 5:54:50 AM
test
Cyrion the Black HP 68/68 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 7th, 2023 5:55:44 AM
OOC: Sorry it took me so long ... here's the finished product however
Mitch - The Twins HP: 84/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+18=32 ; d20+13=25 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:41:58 AM
The Twins take a 5 foot step to be at the head of the monster and fullfill their duty as a meat shield. They hit once (30 and 23 to hit, I've been rolling with the +2 charge bonus since last turn doh!) and do 16 damage.
Asimov decides the time is right to use his electromagnetic charge emitter and sends a light of lighting straight at the worm being careful that none of his friends are caught in it (DC 18 reflex save or take 27 electric damage; success means only 13 electric damage)
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly) - cast, medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt) - cast
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday February 7th, 2023 10:33:06 PM
Zeoll hurls all remaining rats at the worm!
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/7 part 1 d20+8=12 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:26:26 PM The Twins attack the head of the monster, hitting once. Irony misses with an attack, and Asimov uses a device on the worm that catches it full force. Zeoll has the rats attack, which they can do since they are climbing on the worm. 1d6 damage = 3
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 83 HP damage
Elron -- SteveM d20+10=30 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=24 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:32:31 PM
Elron saves for a second time, and suddenly feels invincible. That's a bad way for a slightly large chicken facing a sixty-foot long worm to feel.
Elron attacks with another flurry of blows, missing twice in his excitement at still being alive. The spirits surrounding him also miss.
===== AC: 23 HP: 22/64 Rage: 2/12
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/7 part 2 d20=11 ; d20=3 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; d20=10 ; d8=5 ; d20+25=36 ; 4d8+12=25 ; d20+36=48 ; d3=3 ; d20+25=44 ; 2d8+12=21 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2023 11:39:25 PM
The mongrelmen manage to hurt the worm with another arrow.
Then the worm attacks. * It bites at the Twins, hitting AC 36 for 25 points of damage and following up by swallowing them (48 vs the Twins' CMD of 29). * It strikes at Irony with its stinger, hitting AC 44 for 21 damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26, 88 HP damage
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+20=37 ; d20+15=24 ; d8+5=6 ; d20+15=30 ; 2d6+4=9 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=16 ; 2d6+4=10 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 4:11:32 AM
[Sorry - slammed by work, health, and roof problems made it hard to get in a post. Am combining two posts into one. DM may overrule: If such is not allowed, then simply ignore 2nd paragraph below. -Kim]
Munhildur uses a hero point to lean and stab her longspear deep into the back of the worm (AC 37), doing only 6 hp of damage, and also giving her a stout anchor to cling to for mounting the worm to attack it further - as well as possibly to avoid stinging and swallowing - but we'll see on that. Climb check 24 (left hand holding firmly to embedded spear shaft). She slam attacks with knee (AC 30) for 9 hp damage.
She slam attacks twice (AC 21, miss; AC 35 - nat 20, not confirmed (nat 1 on confirmation roll)) damage 10 hp.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 59/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+13=22 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:25:36 AM
The Twins attempt to escape the the creature as it tries to swallow them (Apperently you can attempt a CMB to escape the grapple in addition to just cutting your way out. I'm guessing a 22 doesn't do it though)
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=29 ; d20+12=27 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; d6=1 ; d4=2 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=19 ; d4=2 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:56:55 PM
Elron tries his attacks again, hitting AC 29 and 27 -- for a total of (6+3+2+1)+(1+2+2+1) = 18 points damage.
The spirit wisps hit AC 30, but do not crit -- for 2 points.
===== AC: 23 HP: 22/64 Rage: 3/12
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday February 8th, 2023 8:13:24 PM
With the rats only doing 1d6 per round, maybe Zeoll should be doing more. He dismisses the rats and starts singing, giving everybody a +2 to hit and damage. And he backs off 40 ft!
Mundhildur sets a spear in the worm's hide that she hopes will stop it from attacking her, and uses that to anchor herself while she attacks. She hits two more times. Let's say a DC 20 climb check is needed every round to keep hanging on, and another every attack from which she takes damage. The Twins try to escape the worm, but do not succeed (a 40 is needed). Elron attacks, hitting three times. Zeoll releases the rats and starts inspiring courage. Asimov hurls a ball of flame at the worm, hitting. Irony misses with it's attack. The stinger is a physical attack, so I don't think it would bypass hardness.
The rats do 4 damage as they disperse. The mongrelmen are ineffective this round.
The worm continues to twist around, bringing its head closer to its tail. * The Twins take 40 points of damage inside the worm, and retain the grappled condition. Forgot to roll the combat maneuver until the end, but it was 45. * The worm is unable to bite this round as it is performing the swallow. * The worm lashes its stinger at Irony again. It hits AC 34 for 23 points of damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4), 144 HP damage
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20=8 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+16=31 ; 2d6+6=13 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 3:20:49 AM
The side? It was as close to the top as her height would allow.
The first roll was supposed to be d20+12, which barely, yet exactly, equals 20. She hangs on.
The second roll was an attempt to sink her second longspear into the back which was not good enough (22 - adding the +2 from Zeoll's song).
The third roll, 31+2=33, hit that AC for a slam of 13 hp damage to the purple worm.
She begins to recalibrate for a better spot to sink her second longspear.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 19/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+13=28 ; d20+13=18 ; d8=7 ; d4=2 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 7:19:23 AM
The Twin's don't usually carry a knife, but considering it was specifically mentioned they should get one on the way over I'm hoping they can have one despite me forgetting to put it on my sheet. Presuming it's allowed they cut the inside of the thing for 7 damage. (28 and 13 to hit)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 9th, 2023 12:50:54 PM
Zeoll is really worried about the twins, but does not have much that would help. He attempts to confuse the monster, using a DC20 Confusion spell to befuddle the worm.
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=27 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+10=20 ; d6=4 ; d4=4 ; d6=2 ; d4=4 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 8:15:33 PM
Elron continues as he has been.
Hits AC 27 and 31 for (4+4+1+2)+(2+4+1+2) = 20 points damage. Spirit wisps hit AC 20, missing.
Asimov throws another small fireball at the worm (15 vs touch; 8 fire damage)
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/9 d20+4=12 ; d20=4 ; d20=20 ; d20=10 ; d20=10 ; d20=6 ; d8=6 ; d100=20 ; d20+5=25 ; 4d8+18=33 ; Thursday February 9th, 2023 11:12:05 PM Mundhildur manages to hang on and successfully hit with one of her attacks. The Twins attack the worm from the inside, where it is less protected. They deal some damage. Zeoll attempts to confuse the monster. It fails the save. Elron hits with a flurry of blows. Asimov throws another ball of fire at the worm.
The mongrelmen lauch a small volley of arrows at the worm, one of which gets through.
Unexpectedly hurt, the worm abandons its attacks and tries to escape, getting half of its length into the ground.
The Twins take another 33 points of bludgeoning damage.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4) (AC 20 from inside), 198 HP damage, Confused ===== OOC: I had not expected the party to do this well.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+12=31 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+18=29 ; 4d6+8=31 ; Friday February 10th, 2023 2:51:03 AM
Mundhildur is getting the hang of riding the monster. She does not sink her 2nd longspear, but this time chucks a rock onto the back of the critter (should have been AC 26, not 29 - but 26 hits) for 31 hp of bludgeoning damage.
She wants to kill this thing, and get the twins out. ========== Edit: Autocorrect changed 'hang' to 'hand' - so I fixed the nasty autocorrect's choice.
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday February 10th, 2023 7:40:37 AM
The Twins fall unconscious inside the creature.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+9=21 ; d6+7=9 ; Friday February 10th, 2023 5:22:38 PM
Still singing, Zeoll casts Produce Flame and throws the fire missile at the worm. He hits touch AC21 for 9 fire damage.
REMEMBER: +2 to hit and damage, everybody!
Elron -- SteveM d20+12=20 ; Saturday February 11th, 2023 2:35:43 PM
Elron gives the scorpion style attack another try, hoping to slow the worm. He misses (hits AC 20).
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Level 2 reroll: d8=6 ; Level 4 reroll: d8=4 ; Level 6 reroll: d8=2 ; Saturday February 11th, 2023 10:54:02 PM
OOC: HD rerolls to hopefully replace the ones I rolled lol ... that would move his HP up to 77
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/10-ish Sunday February 12th, 2023 11:40:23 AM Mundhildur bashes the worm with a rock. The Twins fall unconscious inside the creature. Zeoll casts Produce Flame and attacks. Elron misses with his attack.
The worm stops moving under the onslaught. Half of its length in the ground, the Twins are somewhere inside there and injured.
===== Purple worm -- AC 26 (touch 4) (AC 20 from inside), 238 HP damage, DEAD
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 d20+3=12 ; Sunday February 12th, 2023 4:40:25 PM
The Twins manage to stabilize inside the monster, giving their allies time to find them (12 con save)
Since Irony is now in positive hp territory Asimov asks the beaten up mechanical man to probe the dead worm for the twins
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday February 13th, 2023 2:29:37 AM
The Jotun removes the longspear from the back of the worm, then moves to a point about ten feet this side of the hole. She pulls out tools from her bag. Two picks, two axes, two shovels, three crowbars, and a pile of iron spikes. She points to the tools. "Use what you need." She also gets a few lengths of rope. "We make a hole. I promised to go in. I'm fine having Irony do so, too."
She uses a pick to start cutting a hole in the side of the worm, likely getting splashed with blood and gore the deeper she goes. Where an ax works better, she uses that. She uses crowbars to spread the opening, and perhaps a shovel or two to help prop open the entrance. All who want to help, she welcomes. Having an opening about 3 - 5 feet wide, 6 to 8 feet tall, and enough depth to get inside the throat / digestive tract / esophagus is her initial aim. When that aim is met, she takes several deep breaths, then enters into the worm (in her smallest form, which is not terribly small).
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday February 13th, 2023 8:54:57 PM
"Does anyone have a couple of healing potions I can deliver to the Twins once I find them?" Mundhildur asks before entering the worm.
Elron -- SteveM Monday February 13th, 2023 10:17:51 PM
Elron tells Mundhildur that someone smaller can get in and to the Twins sooner. He might not be able to drag them out as easily, but he could take potions to them just as well. He has a potion of cure moderate wounds.
===== AC: 23 HP: 22/64 Rage: 5/12
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/13 Monday February 13th, 2023 10:57:11 PM The Twins are still inside the monster. Asimov patches up Irony and asks the construct to look for the Twins. Mundhildur begins cutting the worm open, planning to go in herself. She asks about potions to heal the Twins. Elron points out that as the smallest of the group, he'll likely be able to fit into any hole they cut before the others can.
It takes time to cut a hole in the rough exterior of the worm, which is effective natural armor. Saws would be faster. Once a large enough hole is through that, though, the job becomes easy -- messy, but easy.
Eventually, they get a potion to the Twins (curing 2d8+3 damage), then if necessary can make the hole bigger and get someone in who can carefully bring the Twins out.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday February 13th, 2023 11:42:38 PM
Zeoll lends a hand -- and maybe a couple claws -- to help dig out his friends.
After that, a Detect Magic may help see if there is anything else of valus in the monster's craw.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday February 14th, 2023 12:36:38 AM
"I should add a few saws to my toolset," Mundhildur absently comments.
Since she has the rope harnesses that she rigged for the party's descent into the caves, Mundhildur ties each onto its own rope. "Someone put each of 'em into a harness." Whoever - Elron, perhaps... "No offense, Asimov, as Irony is terrific. I'd rather someone with blood in his veins hook up each Twin to the harness. Once that's done, maybe with Elron offering guidance, Irony can pull within - and I can hold the far end of the rope, and take up the slack as they come through. Although this worm is large, I could get in on my hands and knees. Ruin my dress, of course. Zeoll knows mending though, right?"
She will defer to the smaller party members, but if they run into difficulties, Mundhi is more than willing to get in and lend a hand, and her muscles.
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday February 14th, 2023 8:03:50 AM
If only the Twins could twiddle their thumbs. Alas they cannot while unconscious.
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/14 Tuesday February 14th, 2023 10:10:21 PM {OOC: Sorry, rough afternoon shoveling snow. To be honest, when I said the PCs were able to get a potion to the Twins curing 2d8+3 HP, I figured there would be a roll to see if the Twins healed enough to aid in their own rescue.)
The group continues to work to get the Twins out.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d8=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2023 10:12:32 PM
Zeoll continues to search for the Twins amid the goopy wreckage of the Worm. If he finds them, he casts cure mod wounds a couple times: 20 hp and 16 hp curing.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=29 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2023 11:47:25 PM
Since others are delving inside, Mundhildur steps to where her head is out and calls to the mongrelmen. "The worm is dead. Two of our friends are inside."
Since everyone is presumably going toward the mouth of the worm, Mundhi gets out a light and starts to head in the other direction. Maybe other people, or treasure, may be found by delving deeper within.
Perception: 29 (nat 20)
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday February 15th, 2023 7:20:19 AM
Somehow, miraculously, the Twins manage to twiddle their thumbs while unconscious. Truly a gift granted by the gods in a time of need.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 2d8+3=15 ; 2d8+3=15 ; Wednesday February 15th, 2023 11:56:50 AM
Though someone else (Elron?) administered the potions, here is the amount of healing done for each Twin: 15, 15.
Mitch - The Twins HP: -14/84 AC 29/15/27 Wednesday February 15th, 2023 4:05:29 PM
(I totally missed that the twins got healed oops)
Asimov stands ready to administer a medihaler serious when they are free (heals 18 more damage)
devices prepared 0th: corrosive pistol (acid splash), freeze ray (ray of frost), magic detector(detect magic), walkie talkies(message), light emitter (light) 1st: wrist rocket (magic missile) x 2 - cast, medihaler light (cure light wounds) x 2, fire handling gloves (produce flame), parachute (feather fall) 2nd 5 per day medihaler medium (cure moderate wounds) x2, energy shield (resist energy), stamina capsule (bear's endurance), flame thrower (scorching ray) - cast 3rd 3 per day jetpack(fly) - cast, medihaler serious (cure serious wounds), electromatic charge emiter (lightning bolt) - cast
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday February 15th, 2023 9:53:27 PM
Elron has worm fluids in his feathers, and is none too pleased. But he keeps working.
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/15 Wednesday February 15th, 2023 10:12:38 PM
Zeoll looks for the Twins so he can help heal them. Mundhildur enlists the help of the mongrelmen and looks for other victims or treasure in the remainder of the worm. The Twins are healed enough to make their way out, where they are healed some more. Asimov is ready to heal the Twins, and Irony helps them out. Elron helps cheerlessly. (Guess he doesn't have jokes about worm guts.)
In the worm, Mundhildur finds assorted gems that total to 500 gp value. She also finds a metal man. At first it seemed like it might have been armor, but it's much too solid. The worm's digestive system does not seem to harm metal, and the thing comes out gleaming.
Once the Twins are feeling up to moving and the searching is done, the mongrelmen excitedly invite the group back to their village.
Asimov identifies the metal man as a construct of some sort. After a little tinkering, he thinks it should be in working order provided its power supply still functions.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday February 16th, 2023 7:29:08 AM
The Twins will help carry the construct until Asimov has a chance to work on it.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 16th, 2023 7:08:01 PM
Zeoll wonders of the purple worm poison is worth trying to re4cover for use. "I had some rrangerr trraining in my youth," the bard-druid says, "but I've forrgotten what I used to know. Still, if Irrony is immune to poison, maybe it can harrvest the stingerr and brring it back?"
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 16/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) d20+13=21 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=29 ; 4d4=8 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:25:33 PM
Asimov says, "Irony is indeed immune to poison, Zeoll. If you want that stinger I'll have him get that stinger but let me fix him up a little more first and look at the other construct we found."
He then uses another daily use of his quick repair on Irony repairing another 8 damage
Elron -- SteveM Thursday February 16th, 2023 11:02:32 PM
Satisfied that the Twins are okay, Elron looks forward to a bath. As far as he's concerned, metal men are for his more thinky friends.
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/16 Friday February 17th, 2023 12:32:22 AM
Once the adventurers seem to have wound down on the treasure hunt, the mongrelmen invite them back to their village for feasting and recovery.
As far as the mongrelmen know, the worm and the crystal creature the group had already encountered were the only dangers on this side of the lake. And nothing has ever come this way across the lake. Comberton need not fear that something will attack them from whatever opening the earthquake created.
(OOC: I will discuss the construct in email.)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday February 17th, 2023 1:44:26 PM
Zeoll thanks Asimov and agrees.
OOC: Is the poison harvestable? Purple Worm poison is a thing available in the poison core rules. What rolls should we make to harvest and process it?
DM edit OOC: The actual worm injects poison through a stinger and the effects are slightly more potent than the poison sold as purple worm poison, but the worm probably injects considerably more than enters through a wound from a weapon. So I think you would be looking at checks to identify the right parts to harvest, to skillfully harvest them, and possibly to preserve them. Then a check to process the worm poison into the blade poison, assuming you don't sell it to someone else to do this last part. . . Say, know nature 10 to identify; heal or an applicable craft 15 to harvest (butchery, hunting); and an applicable knowledge 15 to preserve (dungeoneering)? Craft alchemy 20 to process?
Elron -- SteveM d4=4 ; Friday February 17th, 2023 10:25:36 PM
Elron tastes a bit of worm and declares it excellent. Better than earthworm, even.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Saturday February 18th, 2023 12:49:47 PM
Feeling someone around him, Cyrion moves himself, then pops open his eyes and looks around. In a deep grating voice he asks, "Hello, I am somewhat stuck, could someone offer me a hand up?"
OOC: I'm not sure how to post his pic here, but it's on his toon sheet
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday February 19th, 2023 12:25:27 PM
The Twins note the construct now in motion and oblige it. "Hello." "We are the Twins." "Are you intelligent?" "Or merely a programed construct?"
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Sunday February 19th, 2023 1:42:04 PM
Cyrion is caught offguard. "I was created with a purpose, but I am now self-aware and in charge of myself. I am known as Cyrion the Black .. although right now I feel like that should be the slimy thanks to this stupid creature that caught me off guard."
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 26/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) 4d4+4=10 ; Sunday February 19th, 2023 10:30:18 PM
Asimov says, "Welcome to the group Cyrion. I'm Asimov, a tinkerer of sorts and this is my mechanical minion Irony, whom you previously met inside the worm. Do you need any type of repair? I can repair objects and constructs pretty good myself." and he demonstrates that by repairing another 10 points of damage on Irony
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Monday February 20th, 2023 6:37:29 PM
Cyrion looks himself over, then smiles at Asimov, "The only wounds I seem to have are to my pride." He will stand up and stretch, and look to make sure his weapons haven't been eaten by the Worm's stomach juices
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/20 Monday February 20th, 2023 7:53:27 PM Zeoll ponders harvesting purple worm poison. Elron decides the worm is edible. Cyrion stirs. He answers people's questions, and finds that he is in good repair despite his recent environment. The Twins help Cyrion, and ask some questions. Asimov welcomes Cyrion to the group and asks if the construct needs repair. Mundhildur satisfies herself that they have done what they can with the worm, and also welcomes Cyrion.
While Zeoll and Mundhildur puzzle out the poison-gathering situation, the mongrelmen talk about the feast the town will have. It sounds a bit mushroom-heavy.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 26/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Monday February 20th, 2023 8:31:43 PM
Asimov says to Zeoll, "Irony doesn't really know many skills. He could probably do wing crafting but he ins't the brightest bulb in the bunch if you catch my meaning. Do you still want me to have him try to bring you that stinger? I'm sorry if he ends up breaking it but I don't think I have the requisite skills either and I'm not risking getting myself poisoned but Irony shrugs off poisons like they are nothing to him, which they are."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday February 21st, 2023 7:27:16 AM
The Twins look forward to eating exotic mushrooms. They have eaten far stranger on their journeys.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday February 21st, 2023 5:51:55 PM "Well, you know," Elron tells the mongrelmen, " There's a lotta meat on that worm there. Shouldn't let it all go to waste."
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 21st, 2023 6:11:57 PM
OOC: So I'm no longer getting email notifications about new posts from the Wold games I'm in ... did something change recently?
DM Post by SteveM -- 2/21 Tuesday February 21st, 2023 9:47:43 PM
While Asimov waits for Zeoll's input on the worm stinger, remember that anyone can try to aid others with their skill checks. Irony is dexterous enough, but Asimov should have a good view of the work if he wants to give detailed instructions.
The Twins look forward to the mushrooms. Elron tells the mongrelmen they should harvest the worm, too.
Cyrion gets his bearings. This is not where Cyrion originally encountered the purple worm. He is now in a huge cave, underground, having just been pulled from a now-dead worm by a strange assortment of folks. There's Zeoll, a human/lion hybrid. Asimov and his construct Irony. The Twins, who have two bodies but act of one accord. Elron, an anthropomorphic chicken. Mundhildur, who may be of giantish lineage. And eight other humanoids who all look different but have the common characteristic that each seems to have the traits of many different creatures.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday February 21st, 2023 10:50:48 PM
Zeoll abandon's the idea. "I'm no alchemist." he says. "But thanks."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 d20=6 ; Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 7:34:15 AM
The Twins take up a guard position in case any other underground dangers wander by (perception 6)
Mitch (subbing for Hugh/Asimov) d20+12=28 ; d20+12=18 ; Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 7:58:14 PM
Asimov backs up to get a good view and supervise the process. (Perception 28)
Elron -- SteveM d20+3=13 ; d20+4=24 ; Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 9:34:41 PM
Elron tries to help Zeoll out. "This here's th' stingery thing," he says, pointing to the stinger that no one had any doubts about, "and th' venom sack," pointing to another part of the tail. (Nature = 13) "I'd advise cuttin' along here," he points out (heal = 24) a very obvious membrane.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 9:36:56 PM
Zeoll talks with the mongrelfolk on the way back. How long have they lived down here? What do they do to survive? Are they happy with life like that?
DM Post -- 2/22 Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 10:52:43 PM
The group heads back to the mongrelman village. The mongrelmen do indeed feast them, providing the best they have to celebrate. At Zeoll's urging, they tell their history as well.
The mongrelmen have lived here for a few decades, preferring not to deal with the noble races. Over the years they learned what the could grow well in the dark, and hunted in the caves or at night on the surface. This is a better life than what their legends say they used to have. As the party gets a good look at the village, the skill and ingenuity of these people is clear.
The mongrelmen would like to thank the group for helping them, but they aren't a wealthy people. They offer a selection of mundane goods and tools, and the knowledge that Comberton has nothing left to fear down here.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Thursday February 23rd, 2023 6:40:30 AM [I sent an email - could not get onto the website for most of my trip to California. Back now.]
Mundhildur will assist with the stinger-ectomy.
She compliments the mongrelmen on their clever craftsmanship, and also on what appears to be their improved way of life, based on their stories.
She gives them one of her ever-burning torches as a gift.
She asks her companions, "Is it time now to return to the surface?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday February 23rd, 2023 7:36:17 AM
The Twins enjoy the exotic food, accept whatever gifts are offered, and are ready to return.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday February 23rd, 2023 10:49:22 PM
"Sorrry Elrron," Zeoll says, "But even if we had harrvested the poison, I do not have the alchemy expertise to make it usable."
Zeoll is happy to accept some mundane craft from these people. "I collect things to rrememberr my trravels," he says, "and this will rremind me of my time herre."
OOC: What does Zeoll get?
Mitch subbing for Hugh Friday February 24th, 2023 9:18:09 AM
Asimov is ready to go.
DM Post -- 2/24 (or 23-ish) Friday February 24th, 2023 9:47:09 AM
The group bids goodby to the mongrelmen, accepting a few blankets as tokens of appreciation. The blankets, made from the local fungus, are thin and compact easily but are still warm. Among mushrooms, they would also provide some concealment. Then the group heads back to the surface.
It is an easy walk to reach the chamber where they fought the crystal ooze, followed by a long and meticulous climb. Fortunately, Mundhildur had seen that they were well equipped for a climb, and is a patient climber not given to needless risks.
As the heroes emerge from the crevice, their faces and bodies are streaked with dirt and sweat. They are exhausted and weary from their ordeal. Despite their fatigue, they can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction as they make their way back.
As they approach the town, they can hear the sound of cheering and applause. The people of Comberton have been waiting anxiously for their return, and they have prepared a hero's welcome for the brave adventurers. The streets are lined with people, waving banners and holding up signs that read "Welcome Home Heroes" and "Thank You for Saving Us."
There is an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude and admiration from the townspeople. The mayor of Comberton is waiting for them at the town square, where a stage has been set up for their reception.
The mayor gives a rousing speech, praising the bravery and courage of the heroes. He presented each of them with a medal of honor, and the people of Comberton cheer and applaud even louder. The heroes were touched by the recognition and grateful for the warm reception they had received.
As the festivities continue into the night, the heroes are encouraged to share stories of their adventure with the townspeople. The people of Comberton listen with rapt attention if they do.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday February 24th, 2023 2:03:40 PM
Cyrion, who's caught off guard by the reception with the Mongrelmen, and now this community. He will take it all in stride, and share stories about his past exploits and then share how the worm ate him, and then how the party woke him up and now he's here.
Elron -- SteveM Saturday February 25th, 2023 9:04:54 AM
Elron relishes the crowd, although he has no joke for this occasion. "Well, howdy y'all! Let me tell ya 'bout how me and my friends took on that giant purple worm. It was -- I say, it was a sight to behold! . . First off, we knew we were in for a tough fight when that worm popped up outta nowhere. But we didn't let that stop us! Me and my pals, we banded together and came up with a plan. . . Now, this worm was big and slimy, but we were quick on our feet. We dodged and weaved, and we landed some good hits too! And let me tell ya, that worm didn't like that one bit. . . But we didn't give up! We kept at it, even when it seemed like that worm might swallow us whole. And in the end, we emerged victorious! . . So here's to us, and here's to our bravery! We ain't afraid of no worm, no sirree!"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Sunday February 26th, 2023 6:50:20 PM
The Twins note that a lot of assuming seems to have been going on and wonders how the town would react if they reported failure and them just coming up to get food or something.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 26/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Sunday February 26th, 2023 8:21:00 PM
Asimov says, "So it turns out the mongrelmen were none of the Dwarves legends and they were more afraid of us than we were wary of them. We even slew a purple worm down there and The Twins got eaten but we recovered them and Cyrion from the inside."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Monday February 27th, 2023 10:21:22 PM
Zeoll spends some time getting to know Cyrion. "We can always use a brrave fellow such as yourrself among ourr company!"
DM Post -- 2/27 Monday February 27th, 2023 10:27:48 PM
The citizens of Comberton ensure that the heroes have time and a place to rest and recover after their ordeal. The mayor sees to it that each of the heroes is rewarded with a gem from the local mines (of 500 gp value).
After getting to know Cyrion while they recover, the friends set out from Comberton for Lowestoft. The path that had been damaged in the earthquake has been repaired, and they are grateful for the smooth journey ahead.
As they make their way through the mountains, they are greeted by the breathtaking scenery of rugged cliffs, towering peaks, and crystal-clear streams. The air is crisp and fresh, and the sun shines down on them, warming their faces. They walk for several hours each day, taking breaks to rest and eat along the way. They talk and laughed, sharing stories of their adventures and reminiscing. They are grateful to be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and each other's company after their recent ordeal.
At night, they set up camp in a clearing or find shelter in a cave. They build a fire and cook their food, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the flames. They can look up at the stars, marveling at the beauty of the night sky and feeling a sense of peace and contentment.
The three-day trip is uneventful, with no dangerous creatures or unexpected obstacles to face. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, and they arrive in Lowestoft feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As they entered the town, they are greeted by the hustle and bustle of a lively market, and they know that they have their own beds waiting for them that night.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday February 28th, 2023 2:06:11 AM
The first night they make camp, Cyrion will offer to "take all the night watches; I don't sleep much, if at all."
OOC: Is there specific info y'all are looking for or just general info about him?
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday February 28th, 2023 6:25:40 AM
The Twins are interested in Cyrion's origin area and the culture that exists there. They'll tell stories of their own homeland, the religious significance of Twins there, and the many other places they've traveled.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+17=34 ; Tuesday February 28th, 2023 6:52:58 PM
On the road, Zeoll offers his own tale. "I am olderr indeed than I look. I have met gods and powerrs, and seen two ages of the Wold. And as a barrd, I am a collectorr of tales. Sharre yourrs with me, my new frriend. Arre you of a new kind of people? Orr a unique individual? Wherre have yourr trravels taken you?"
=====
Back home, Zeoll makes discreet inquiries as to how the little girl fares these days. (Diplomacy to Gather Info ... 34
=====
And it is time to find a new owner for Bill the Camel. Zeoll sells the magic leather barding he bought the creature, and uses the proceeds to find Bill a good retirement home. Then he heads into the wilderness for a day and returns with a new feathered friend, Bill the Eagle.
=====
Sheet updated for new blanket, 500 gp cash, new companion, and a couple small errors in my inventory.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday February 28th, 2023 10:10:35 PM
Elron clears his throat and begins his story: "Once upon a time, there was a roosta’ who decided to climb th’ highest mountain in th’ land. He gathered his closest friends, a group o’ adventurous hens, an’ set out on their journey.
As they climbed higher an’ higher, th’ air grew thinner an’ colder. But th’ roosta’ an’ his friends were determined to reach th’ summit. After several gruelin’ days, they finally reached th’ peak o’ th’ mountain. They were tired an’ hungry, but their spirits were high, knowin’ that they had accomplished somethin’ great.
Suddenly, a huge, fierce-lookin’ eagle appeared out o’ nowhere. Th’ eagle swooped down an’ snatched up one o’ th’ hens in its talons. Th’ other chickens were terrified an’ didn't know what to do. But th’ roosta’ had a plan. He knew that th’ eagle's nest was located on a nearby cliff, so he set out to rescue his friend.
He climbed down th’ cliff an’ sneaked up to th’ eagle's nest. There, he found his friend, safe an’ sound, surrounded by a group o’ baby eagles. Th’ chicken realized that th’ eagle had only taken his friend to feed her hungry babies. So, he came up with an idea. He suggested that they all work together to brin’ food to th’ eagle's nest, so that th’ eagle wouldn't have to hunt for its food anymore.
Th’ other hens thought it was a brilliant idea, so they all set out to find food for th’ eagles. They brought back worms, insects, and even some grains from th’ nearby farm. Th’ eagle was grateful for their help an’ became friends with th’ chickens. In th’ end, they all lived happily ever after, with th’ chickens visitin’ th’ eagles at their nest every day to bring ‘em food."
Elron clears his throat again and says, "I guess you could say that th’ moral of th’ story is that sometimes, th’ greatest adventures can lead you to unexpected friendships. An’ if not, at least someone learned that worms is good eatin’."
Asimov says to Cyrion, "Let Irony join you. I trained him to be able to stand watch all night."
DM Post -- 2/28 Tuesday February 28th, 2023 10:23:14 PM Cyrion makes himself useful on the journey. The Twins ask about Cyrion's background. They tell stories of their homeland. Zeoll offers his tale as well, and asks more about Cyrion. Elron shares a tale. No one's sure if that was supposed to be a punchline. Asimov has Irony join Cyrion on watch. Irony is back to full strength.
Once in Lowestoft, most of the friends know to expect a summons to the manor in a few days. Zeoll tries to find out how Dani is doing, and is met with sad news. She seems to have suffered a relapse and is being more closely attended to of late.
Zeoll spends some time tending to his animal friends. Bill the Camel departs, Bill the Eagle arrives. (Elron may or may not look worried.)
OOC: If the plan is still to level at the end of each module, then it is reasonable to think about leveling.
Asimov pays attention to what Zeoll found concerning the child and says, "Do you think the next quest will involve finding some new medicine that may help her?"
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Wednesday March 1st, 2023 8:35:48 PM
"In anotherr life, I have hearrd of spells such as Heal that would rreally do the trrick herre. I think we need to find a way to get that kind of majorr magic to the child, and soon."
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday March 1st, 2023 9:08:27 PM
Elron helps Cyrion find a room at the house, one that isn't claimed by one of the folks he's met or by Honor.
DM Post -- 3/1 Wednesday March 1st, 2023 11:05:37 PM
As the heroes arrive in Lowestoft, they are greeted by friendly locals who remember them from their previous stays. The townsfolk are eager to hear about the heroes' latest adventures, asking them about their journey and what they have encountered on the road.
The townsfolk offer them meals, drinks, and lodging, grateful for all the help the heroes have provided in the past.
The townsfolk also take the opportunity to ask the heroes for advice and help with various issues. They know that the heroes are skilled and knowledgeable, and they trust them to provide wise counsel and assistance.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Thursday March 2nd, 2023 2:16:09 AM
Mundhildur has been uncharacteristically quiet since shortly after the worm was slain. [OOC: Sorry, away from wifi for a week, and swamped on return.]
But she enjoys the company of her friends, Elron's stories, and even meeting someone somewhat like Irony, but able to converse.
In town, she engages with folks, answers what she can, helps where she might. She writes a little song to share with Dani, when the opportunity presents itself. She seeks a priest or cleric to ask for prayers for the frail girl, and she herself prays for her.
She commissions a new dress, made of wool, and dyed in her favorite color of green.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday March 2nd, 2023 7:49:58 AM
The Twins go track down a good meal that isn't cooked over a campfire.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday March 2nd, 2023 5:56:10 PM
This is a great opportunity to teach Bill how to be calm around people and hustle and bustle, and how to play nice with kids.
[OOC: I pushed a point into Bill's Int so I do not have to worry about teaching tricks and all that, and so he'll be smart enough to take a range of feats and act better than a dumb beast when interacting with persons and creatures.]
Elron -- SteveM Thursday March 2nd, 2023 8:16:02 PM
As the heroes wait for their meeting with the lord of the manor, Elron decides to explore the town and entertain himself. He heads to the outskirts of town, where he finds a quiet meadow surrounded by trees.
There, Elron spends some time practicing his archery skills, shooting arrows at targets he sets up around the meadow. He enjoys the peace and quiet of the countryside, but not the archery. It only reminds him that his skill lies in whappin' things. Elron quickly grows tired of shooting arrows and decides to explore the nearby forest. He follows a winding path through the trees, taking in the sights and sounds of nature around him. He marvels at the beauty of the forest, with its tall trees, colorful flowers, and chirping birds.
He hums the little ditty that he favors -- the one with the highly inconsistent lyrics aside from the nonsensical refrain.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday March 3rd, 2023 8:01:52 AM
The Twins will level up at some point.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday March 3rd, 2023 2:52:18 PM
The giantess tells Zeoll, "When I was a child, eagles nested in a rocky crag a few miles from our home. My brother and I, and our friends, would sometimes climb to where we could see the nest across a gap in the rocks. Our parents forbade us from disturbing the nest. We loved to watch these noble birds soar, and hunt."
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday March 3rd, 2023 3:04:23 PM
When the Twins ask Cyrion about his past he almost seems reluctant to share. However, realizing that these people seem accepting of him he starts talking, "As is always the way of things, there was a war. Both sides were fairly evenly matched. One side depended on Divine magics and interventions, the other sought mastery of the war through arcane practices. He will look up, and then look at each person, "The arcane users were struck a serious blow when the combined might of several 'powers' were able to close all the portals the arcanists were using to summon demons and devils to fight on their behalf. The 'powers' gave their lives in order to accomplish this feat. Left reeling, the arcanists fell upon a practice that was possibly worse than summoning lower planar beings. They began to take wounded soldiers, the young and the old who were noncombatants, and remove their essence, binding them to created bodies." He lifts his arms and slowly turns them. "I was 15. I was born sickly, my mind was my weapon. When the arcanists discovered this, they bound me to this body. It was designed to amplify my powers. I don't know how many years ago the war was, nor if it was even on this world. There was a point when massive surges of energy, a blending of the two swept over the planet. I awakened at some point, and thats when that worm thing got me. I wasn't back to being fully awake I guess. I haven't been able to manifest my little friend yet, so I may not be fully re-engaged."
Elron -- SteveM Friday March 3rd, 2023 3:53:41 PM
Elron says his goodbyes to Bill. It's not just any camel that you haul into a four hundred foot high treehouse. It's a friend. . .
Flying camel, oh flying camel, / Through the sky with humps so high, / Carrying treasures, and endless pleasures, / With a twinkle in his eye.
Fly, fly, oh flying camel, / On your wings, you soar so free, / With your humps so high and your spirit wild, / You're the ruler of the breeze.
He soars over mountains, and he glides over fountains, / With his wings so strong and wide, / And he never stops, with the world as his backdrop, / He'll explore till the end of time.
Fly, fly, oh flying camel, / On your wings, you soar so free, / With your humps so high and your spirit wild, / You're the ruler of the breeze.
Oh, people come from miles around, / Just to see him in the air, / And they'll never forget, the sight of that flying camel, / And his wings that take him there.
He brings joy to the world, with his wings unfurled, / And his spirit so full of life, / And he shows us all, that we can stand tall, / And reach for the stars in the sky.
Fly, fly, oh flying camel, / On your wings, you soar so free, / With your humps so high and your spirit wild, / You're the ruler of the breeze.
(No doubt Cyrion now recognizes that Elron is no bard.)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday March 3rd, 2023 10:34:19 PM
Zeoll chuckles at his friend's song.
He trains and ponders the new spell he should learn.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Sunday March 5th, 2023 4:37:31 AM
"Thank you, Cyrion, for telling us a bit about yourself," Mundhildur tells him.
On the second time through the chorus, Mundhi joins Elron in singing, "Fly, fly, oh flying camel, / On your wings, you soar so free, / With your humps so high and your spirit wild, / You're the ruler of the breeze." And, she laughs at the end.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 66 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Sunday March 5th, 2023 9:32:29 PM
Asimov says to Cyrion, "So you aren't from around here either then? Good to know I ain't the only one. I mean where I came from had space ships and computers and robots and powerful ranged projectile weapons and I was an engineer of sorts. I mean things are better here as you don't have to sell your soul to a corporation to make ends meat but my knowledge of science, technology and engineering kind of translates into a new kind of magic, though I don't think it has anything to do with summoning demons unless you think Irony is a demon but he is just a construct, though he wasn't a non construct creature before becoming a construct."
(OOC: forgot about leveling will do it tomorrow, too tired now)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d8=6 ; d8=7 ; Monday March 6th, 2023 4:57:44 PM
Rolling a d8 for Zeoll hit points ... and for Bill the Eagle. Sweet, 6 and 7.
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Monday March 6th, 2023 9:08:21 PM
Asimov says, "Actually I was reviewing my device folio and what do you know I actually do possess the schematics to make a cure-all capsule that will remove diseases. Do you think it could work on our patron's daughter?"
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday March 7th, 2023 3:31:25 PM
Zeoll grins. "It is worrth a trry, forr surre!"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d8=7 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 4:44:35 PM
HP for Mundhildur: 7 hp (3rd time in a row!) for 9th level. Will see about getting her CS together this week.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:46:38 PM
Cyrion is grateful that this group of explorers have accepted him. He turns at Asimov's statement, "What is wrong with the child?"
Elron -- SteveM d12=6 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:48:41 PM
(Roll of 6 for HP. . . May get the sheet updated by the weekend.)
"We're not sure what's wrong with th' child. She has some sort of disease, and it's not a nat'ral one. First mission we tried was t' find a cure for her -- found the items we were sent for, but they didn't work out." Elron explains to Cyrion. "Cute tyke, though."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday March 7th, 2023 10:47:45 PM
"Yeah, all the ingredients were not fresh. Wine instead of berries was a real stretch."
OOC: Almost done leveling. Gotta figure out Bill's new stats. Remember, everybody, your new gear should total 46,000 gp in value. Also, I will dig out a new module ASAP.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:57:22 PM
Elron the martial arts rooster stood atop a wooden fence, overlooking the bustling town. He sighed deeply, feeling restless and unfulfilled. He was a rooster of great strength and skill, trained in the ancient arts of combat, but he had no outlet for his abilities.
As he gazed out over the town, his eyes caught sight of a group of rowdy young men causing trouble in the marketplace. They were shoving and taunting innocent passersby, and Elron could feel his blood boiling with anger. This was not the kind of entertainment he was looking for.
But then an idea struck him. What if he could use his martial arts skills to entertain the townspeople, without hurting anyone? With a glint in his eye and a spring in his step, Elron leapt down from the fence and made his way towards the marketplace.
The young men looked up as he approached, and burst into laughter at the sight of the rooster. But Elron was undeterred. He puffed out his chest, squared his shoulders, and began to strut back and forth in front of them. Elron's movements were hypnotic, graceful, and strangely compelling. He seemed to be performing some kind of martial arts dance, weaving and ducking and dodging in a way that was both mesmerizing and beautiful.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Thursday March 9th, 2023 3:04:52 AM
Capoeira Cock-a-Doodle...
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d20+14=30 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:20:26 AM
Zeoll is encouraged by his friend's movements, and he joins in.
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Friday March 10th, 2023 1:07:08 AM
[OOC: Sorry guys, super busy. Just got a new job offer and handed in my two weeks notice. Also, Jerry came up with a method for us to use that has randomly generated modules. Let me share the link, and people can say what they think.]
Elron -- SteveM Monday March 13th, 2023 10:47:44 PM
Elron still ponders life choices.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:01:25 AM
(Apologies I went on vacation and stuff happened so I wasn't able to post last week. I also didn't realize I needed to take over during downtime as last time I DM'd I just did the module and someone else the the downtime on both ends.)
The party rests, shops, and recuperates from their latest trip. There seems to be a lot of rest and recuperation going around town - some sort of nasty cold or flue is going around and laying up people. The manor is in lockdown to protect the health of their fragile charge so you aren't able to visit the Marquis or his daughter just now (So I can go back and reread their previous scenes and DM them properly :P)
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:20:02 AM
[OOC Mitch, no, I was a little thrown by Jerry's suggestion, I guess. Let's consider using that in the future, and I'll send you the first scenes of a module asap. Not sure if it will lend itself to the "Heal the Child" quest, but you can adapt it to that if you like.]
Zeoll finishes training his new companion. He especially teaches Bill the Eagle not to attack creatures that are Calmed by a Peaceball, or Confused, or Charmed. "Ha!" laughs Zeoll, "That's a good lesson forr everrybody in the parrty!" Zeoll makes sure his friends can repeat back the protocol.
"A confused crreaturre attacks a crreature that attacks it. A Charrmed or Calmed crreaturre is out of the fight, but those spells brreak if the tarrget is attacked."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Tuesday March 14th, 2023 9:01:39 PM
"I can tell if someone fails a save vs Calm orr Charrm orr Confusion, so I'll be surre to point out the ones that we should not tarrget! Yes, thanks, exactly!"
"And if I charrm one of a numberr of foes, targeting the rrest with nonlethal attacks may be a wise idea. So everrybody should have a sap orr a merrcuful weapon orr some such."
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday March 14th, 2023 11:13:28 PM "Merciful weapon? I don't b'lieve I've ever seen such a thing."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 d4=4 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 7:41:52 AM Zeoll works to train his companion and fellow PC’s about different status effects. Hugh asks if Zeoll will say when he inflicts what status. Elron has not heard of merciful weapons.
The local flu proves fairly virulent - a quarter of the town is laid up for at least a week. Even some of the party catch it and will need rest or magical curing (roll a d4, on a 4 you caught a nasty cold and are laid up for a week or until someone casts cure disease on you)
The Twins catch it, first one then the other the next day. They do their bests to care for each other, but overall are very miserable (rolled a 4)
He presents the pair with the pair of pills and says "take this and you should be fine. "
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle d4=2 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:51:19 PM
Zeoll does not catch the cold, thanks goodness, but he is happy to minister and perform for the people who have fallen ill in town.
Elron -- SteveM d4=1 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 11:50:59 PM
Elron does his best to see the others get rest.
Elron -- SteveM d4=1 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 11:51:03 PM
Elron does his best to see the others get rest.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d4=2 ; d20+7=24 ; Thursday March 16th, 2023 6:50:27 AM
Mundhildur retains her health.
She applies her healing skills toward helping others who have come down with the current illness.
Healing: 24
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:07:50 AM Hugh makes three cure-all capsules and feeds one to the twins. Remarkably they manage to split it and both get better (Since they are mechanically treated as 1 character) Zeoll manages to avoid the disease and helps others in town. Elron does as well. Mundhildur is able to make good use of her healing skills.
With most of the party avoiding the disease and the Twins quickly cured the party is able to help out a lot around town. After about a week and a half the disease seems to burn out and go away as everyone recovers.
It is about this time that Mr. Page, the house steward, gathers the party together. ”I have a message from the Marquis. It seems that although Daniella has been cured from her magical illness she is still weakened and quite vulnerable to more common diseases. Despite our efforts to quarantine she caught the cold that’s been going around and has been bedridden two weeks. He would like those of you with medical skills to come tend her for a time while he looks for a more long term solution. I’m afraid only they can enter and you will have to remain in quarantine with us until the mission is prepared.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:08:36 AM
The Twins are regretful that their skills are useless here and they cannot see the little girl they've worked so hard to help these past months but they resolve to patiently wait in town until further news occurs.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+7=15 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=8 ; Thursday March 16th, 2023 1:08:43 PM
Mundhildur volunteers to attend to the frail Daniella.
Rolled Healing skill to cover 7 days. If in conjunction with one or more others, she can aid another for +2. On days 2 and 4 her skills approach their apex where she might take the lead. On days 5 and 7 her skills fall short.
Day 1: 15; Day 2: 23; D 3: 14; D 4: 26; D 5: 9; D 6: 13; D 7: 8
While aiming to be sensitive to the girl's energy and interest levels, she will tell stories, sing songs, and occasionally pull out the hand puppet of a sweet lamb with whom she tells more stories and engages in conversations.
"Sweetheart, we are here to help you. Let us know anything you would like for us to do for you. If at different times you would like particular food or drink, stories, songs, prayers, or just quiet so you can rest, let us know. Your father loves you so much, as do all in this household."
Zeoll (AC21, HP64) | Bill the Camel (AC21, HP48) | Cayzle Thursday March 16th, 2023 5:01:56 PM
Zeoll lets Mundhi be the nurse, and the liontaur can be a nurse's aid. "I can cast curres, but that is morre forr wounds than disease. On the otherr hand, I can help you do a betterr job, Mundhi, I think."
If Zeoll's +3 Inspire Competence bardic power helps, he'll be happy to lend his voice.
Elron -- SteveM Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:37:31 PM
Elron is not trained in healing, but he has good instincts (i.e., high wisdom) and might be able to support someone who is.
But he is also able to recognize why Zeoll would be better at it.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:21:27 PM
OOC: Sorry, I've been super busy lately ... I'll get Cyrion updated to 9th ... and get him updated here in the next few days
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Thursday March 16th, 2023 11:45:02 PM
Asimov prepares a cure-all capsule for Danielle as it functions like a cure disease spell. Perhaps they can figure out a way to keep the child in some sort of protective bubble once the disease is cured to prevent further illness.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday March 17th, 2023 12:51:55 AM
"Oh, friend Zeoll, your voice inspires well," Mundhi says in her own rich contralto voice. "It helps me take a rhythm to her care, and see a bit here and there I might otherwise have overlooked."
Day 1: 18; Day 2: 26; D 3: 147 D 4: 29; D 5: 12; D 6: 16; D 7: 12 (although a nat 1 was rolled by Mundhi on this last one)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 30/84 AC 29/15/27 Friday March 17th, 2023 8:19:54 AM The Twins are unable to help Mundhildur is happy to attend the child and tries to be entertaining while caring for her. Zeoll suggests bardic music to inspire competence. Elron might be able to aid another. Cyrion resolves to level up. Asimov prepares a cure all capsule. Mundhildur appreciate’s Zeoll’s help.
Having a small crowd helping would rather defeat the purpose of quarantine so it’s agreed that two people can enter. If Asimov’s cure all can be administered by someone else then that works perfectly, allowing Mundhildur and Zeoll to attend to the child.
The manor is quiet and subdued. When the party managed to gather all the ingredients for the cure the place had started to liven up, but the quarantine has halted any resumption of normalcy. They find Daniella in her room passed out under the covers and burning up with fever. Asimov’s medication and the tending of Mundhildur and Zeoll produce immediate results - she recovers and improves quickly over the next day or two. However on the fifth day she starts to cough again and though she doesn’t become bedridden again she constantly struggles with minor illnesses that drain her energy and leave her miserable.
After the week ends Mr. Page collects Mundhildur and Zeoll to gather the party for another discussion. ”I believe we have found our best option. There is a healer named Lady Femmu known for dealing with plagues through strengthening people’s ability to fight off disease naturally. Her skills seem ideal for helping Dani strengthen her immune system and fight off these constant colds. However her last known whereabouts seem to be in the nation of Cheliax. Their queen is a known devil worshiper as well as many of the higher nobility.”
He hesitates before continuing. ”I know you’re heroes and that going out of your way to help people is what you do, but I urge you not to get involved in local politics. If you start fights with the demon worshiping nobility it will end badly for all of us. You can’t overthrow an entire nation and they are perfectly capable of preventing you or the healer from leaving the country. She’s known for crossing borders and helping anyone who needs it so you should be able to convince her if you can find her without causing trouble.”
He gives the party a large sack of gold to pay Lady Femmu with and information on a minor noble in Cheliax who rules the area she was last seen in.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+8=23 ; Friday March 17th, 2023 9:18:47 AM
Zeoll ponders all the little kingdoms that pepper the hills nearby and tries to recall the way to Cheliax.
Knowledge Geography check, with a Guidance blessing, is a 23.
"I think I rrecall this place, and I have a clue how to get therre. But would it be betterr to walk or trravel by ship parrt of the way?" Zeoll estimates the travel time and shares his best guess with the group.
OOC: Updated my post header for level 9.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d10=10 ; Saturday March 18th, 2023 2:45:53 AM
The Twins make preparations for the trip (rolling HP,)
Hugh Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) Sunday March 19th, 2023 9:00:40 PM
Asimov asks, "Why does the healer live in a kingdom dominated by demon worshippers? I mean if we think she can help sure but couldn't she do more good for people if she relocated to somewhere where the government isn't ruled by evil? Do we need to help her relocate permanently?"
Elron -- SteveM Monday March 20th, 2023 1:29:01 AM
Elron listens.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday March 20th, 2023 7:04:20 AM
"Maybe she spends time in an evil land to provide mercy and relief to those oppressed by the wicked rulers," Mundhi suggests to Asimov. "Perhaps she has some secret reasons. When the proper time arises - such as not in front of the demon worshipers - we might ask her. I, too, am curious."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday March 20th, 2023 8:11:43 AM Zeoll tries to remember what he can about the kingdom Cheliax. The Twins make preparations Asimov wonders why the healer is in a demon worshiping nation Elron listens. Mundhildur speculates as to the healer’s motivations.
Mr. Page reviews his words mentally before realizing where the confusion started. ”Her current location. She travels from place to place helping wherever she can. A disease was running rampant among the common folk and she went there to help out. No telling when she’ll move on again - all the more reason to move quickly and not get tangled up in local politics.”
Zeoll is able to figure out the fastest route there. It will take a few days overland to reach the area they need to go - although the nation is coastal it is close enough that it would take more time to travel to the nearest port and sail there rather than just walking there. There’s enough wilderness on the way they should probably prepare for some random encounters. He also remembers that the place didn't used to worship demons until a particular noble family ran a successful coup and took over things a few generations ago.
Their mission set the party is presumably ready to head out (unless someone has something to do in town next post will describe the first day on the road)
Asimov either goes on a last minute shopping trip (see OOC) or starts the journey on the road with Irony flying over head and he on the ground.
Perception: 30
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday March 20th, 2023 11:28:20 PM
Zeoll practices with Bill the Eagle, making sure the bird has experience in delivering touch spells, including cures to friends! Then he is ready to go.
Elron -- SteveM Monday March 20th, 2023 11:55:08 PM
Elron is ready to head out. But you can't go anywhere without a joke, and Elron makes the staff promise to tell this one to Dani -- "What did th' evil chicken lay?
Deviled eggs."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 6:04:29 AM
(OOC: Ditto what Hugh said, only regarding Mundhildur)
Mundhildur was so pleased as Dani improved, and discouraged once she again succumbed to yet another fall into illness. Hearing of a new potential cause for help, she bids Dani and the household servants farewell, and asks for their prayers as the party seeks out another helper.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:26:42 AM Asimov does some quick shopping. Zeoll practices with his eagle Elron tells an evil chicken joke. Mundhildur is affected by Dani’s health, positive and negative, and asks for the locals to pray for the party’s success.
Now prepared the party heads out. The first day of travel is fortunately pleasant. They follow the roads and pass by small towns as they make their way out of the local kingdom and the small ones next door. A local inn is available for both lunch and dinner, though the food is somewhat bland at both locations, serving simple meals made out of local produce. The weather stays clear and it’s a nice warm day.
According to Zeoll’s knowledge the next day is where things will be more difficult. The roads will peter out and they’ll be traveling through some wilderness before they reach the outskirts of Cheliax and start having roads and civilization again.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday March 21st, 2023 4:40:04 PM
Once they need to travel cross country, Zeoll will have Bill the Eagle fly overhead to keep watch. He'll cast Guidance on himself and the bird every so often. If Bill returns with something to describe, Zeoll will cast Speak with Animals to allow better communication.
(I upgraded Bill's Int, so he is smarter than the average eagle!)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 12:03:59 AM
"Very spiffy, my frriend," says Zeoll, admiring the weave.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 12:51:29 AM
Elron guesses he's ready to go. He travels pretty light.
If'n we're dinnerin' at an inn, should we maybe stay th' night before the roads peter out? Might not have th' chance again for a while.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 3:18:09 AM
The tall Jotunar maiden is pleased they are in search of a woman who may be able to heal poor, sweet Dani. She prays they find her right soon, and can get away without causing a war. Though she also thinks in the back of her mind that it would be a good thing to overthrow the demon worshippers and help this place be far more healthy in spirit.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 3:54:03 AM
test
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 3:56:52 AM
Cyrion also hopes that they can find someone to help Dani ... "Maybe she uses the demons to hide herself from people chasing her...makes sense to me"
OOC: Havent gone shopping ... I'll look at what MI's might benefit him
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=2 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 8:25:24 AM
The Twins keep a close eye out for trouble as the party travels. Well as close as they can with a skill they still haven't trained in (perception 2).
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=8 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:06:14 AM Zeoll is ready to have bill scout. He thinks Asimov’s cloak is spiffy Asimov mentions Irony flies and his fancy new cloak. Elron suggests they spend the night at an inn before they hit the wilderness. Mundhildur is pleased they can help the child and partially tempted by the idea of overthrowing the demon worshippers. Cyrion wonders if the healer makes use of demons. The Twins try to keep an eye out.
The party rests at the final inn before heading into the wilderness. As the roads peter out they find themselves first traveling through thick grass plains before entering a thick, dark forest. The grassland is simple but tiring to travel through - it takes a lot of effort to brush aside or stamp down the tall grasses and they seem to bend right back after someone passes forcing the next person to push through them as well. There’s a close call with a herd of large herbivores that grunt and posture at the party as they pass by but don’t attack. At forest’s edge the party stops for lunch before heading into the darkness.
The forest is somehow worse. The thick canopy blocks most of the light making it either dim or pitch black in most places. The thick trees and uneven terrain make it difficult to keep heading in the right direction and there’s a lot of doubling back. Please make survival and perception checks everyone to determine how well you’re able to navigate the forest.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20+5=12 ; d20=9 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:07:57 AM
The Twins are mildly more able to help keep the party heading in the right direction then they were able to help the party spot danger the day before (12 survival 9 perception)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+15=28 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=21 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 11:33:33 AM
Zeoll expects that this is where he will shine, if Mother Wold wills it. THe liontaur prays for guidance and does his best.
Perception 28 Survival 18
Bill the eagle does his best to Aid his master (Aid Another) Perception 10. adds +2 Survival 21, adds +2
Asimov and Irony are probably better at spotting things than they are at surviving. However Irony can fly at a 40 foot fly speed at good maneuverability so his vantage point should help some.
Elron -- SteveM d20+9=23 ; d20+19=24 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 12:23:23 AM
(Survival = 23, Perception = 24)
Elron helps out if he can as they move into the forest. He ponders if he knows jokes about dank and dreary labrynthine woods.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=18 ; d20+5=23 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 5:33:21 AM
Mundhi adds her viewpoint to those of her friends - Elron in particular.
Perception: 18: Add +2 to Elron for 26 Perception Survival: 23: Add +2 to Elron for 25 Survival
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=20 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 1:26:50 PM The Twins try to help the party keep on track. Zeoll is much more effective. Asimov helps spot things with Irony’s flight Elron thinks about jokes. Mundhi works with Elron to keep an eye out.
With the skills of the party members they are able to keep track of their direction and make good time. They’re almost through the woods when several people note they are being tracked by a pack of vicious wolves. They stealthily follow the party but cannot hide from their sharp eyes (Everyone that rolled higher then 23 sees the wolves)
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+25=32 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 9:56:58 PM
Zeoll grins. "At last, my experrtise can be put to good use!"
The greensinger has this ability: Beast-Soother: You can improve the attitude of one animal or magical beast per character level by making a Perform (Sing) check as a Diplomacy check.
Zeoll says a prayer and sings to the Wolves, hoping to make them friendly. He affects 9 of them. His Perform check is a 32. Let's assume they are hostile ... - If they have Charisma 27+ they are unaffected. - If they have Charisma 17+ they are shifted from hostile to unfriendly. - If they have charisma 7 to 17, they are shifted from hostile to indifferent.
We'll see, Zeoll thinks.
Elron -- SteveM d20+22=30 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:40:43 PM
Elron alerts anyone who didn't see them to the presence of the wolves. He then prepares in case of an attack by readying his weapon and blending in with his surroundings (stealth = 30 thanks to his nifty new ring).
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Friday March 24th, 2023 1:56:46 AM
Thanking Elron for the tip, the giantess steps near to the tallest nearby tree she can find, and levitates upward (at 20'/round, she plans to arrive at about 30', if the tree is tall enough). As she rises, she withdraws a pair of stones from her Jotun's bag. Not wishing to thwart Zeoll's efforts, Mundhildur does not throw the rocks, unless more than two wolves move to attack members of her party.
Her longspears are stowed in her efficient quiver.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday March 24th, 2023 9:34:13 AM
The Twins get ready to fight but don't make any threatening motions just yet.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday March 24th, 2023 9:36:29 AM Zeoll uses his magic song to sooth the wolves. Elron alerts those who perhaps didn’t notice the wolves and is ready to fight if required. Asimov waits to see what Zeoll accomplishes. Mundhildur floats to the trees and is ready to fight if required. The Twins do what basically everyone else is doing.
Zeoll’s magic is effective against the ordinary wolves. They go from hostile and ready to eat the party to hungry and mildly curious. One or two approach the singer hesitantly, drawn to the magic singing but wary as any wild animal would be. They look like hunting's been rough for them lately, which is probably why they were willing to risk attacking a large and dangerous group.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday March 24th, 2023 12:56:43 PM
Cyrion is following his friends. It appears he is deep in thought about something, and is heard to murmur, "Crystals, I need some good crystals...make a little friend, yes, that would be good."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+12=31 ; 8d4=21 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 10:54:50 PM
Zeoll casts Speak with Animals and tells the wolves that he and his people are friends. He casts cures on any that are injured. He looks for berries (Survival 31 with guidance) and casts four goodberry spells, creating 21 berries for the wolves (each is a meal, so they can bury some for later).
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Saturday March 25th, 2023 5:38:33 AM
Mundhildur enjoys watching Zeoll offering berries to the wolves.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Saturday March 25th, 2023 1:58:58 PM
Cyrion will snap out of his thoughts at the approach of the wolves. He will add in what food stuffs he is carrying as he doesn't necessarily need to eat
Elron -- SteveM Sunday March 26th, 2023 7:36:43 PM
Elron, being sneaky, stays still.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday March 27th, 2023 6:41:27 AM Cyrion is thinking about something, but eventually snaps to and adds some food to the offering. Zeoll uses his magic to talk to and feed the wolves. Mundhildur enjoys the sight of wolves eating berries. Elron stays still and sneaky. Asimov wonders what else they’ll run across on their journey.
The wolves accept the offering and everyone leaves friends. The rest of the trip through the forrest is uneventful and soon they’re on the outskirts of Cheliax.
Cheliax is… surprisingly normal. You pass fields of grain with farmers working the day like in any other nation. There aren’t demons walking around beating slaves or constructs manning the fields or anything, it just looks like a normal farming area like any other. The party finds themselves in a small farming town as the night closes in. The Angry Chicken is the biggest building in town, a small inn that mostly serves as a gathering place for local events rather than a place for travelers to stay since so few come this way, but they’re happy to take your coin and it seems pleasant enough. News of strange arrivals soon filter through town and the common room fills with locals curious to gawk at the traveling adventurers.
Elron -- SteveM Monday March 27th, 2023 9:01:15 PM "Th' Angry Chicken!?" Elron isn't sure whether this is a fortunate turn of events or some sort of slur. But at least they should have proper roosts and not just human-style beds. He heads in as if he owns the place.
After a bit, Elron gets to telling a story. "A nobleman decided that he'd had enough o' living in th' city. Crowded streets, traffic, constant noise, all of it was starting t' get t' 'im. One day, he decided that he wanted t' become a farmer, so he moved out to th' country an' bought a farm. How hard can it be t' be a farmer, he thought t' hisself as he headed to the local co-op where he told th' man at the counter, Give me a hundred baby chickens. Th' co-op man complied.
"A week later th' nobleman returned an' said, Give me two hundred baby chickens. Again, th' man from the co-op complied with his request.
"A week later th' farmer returned again. This time he said, Give me five hundred baby chickens. Th' man from the co-op replied, Wow! you must really be doing well with your chicken farm!
"Not really, said th' new farmer with a sigh. Either I’m planting 'em too deep, or too far apart!"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+7=18 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 3:54:34 AM
Once the animals depart, Mundhi thanks and congratulates Zeoll for his clever and peaceful resolution to caring for the hungry wolves.
In Cheliax she notes the current lack of clearly evident evil. She recalls one of the most evil of persons she ever knew was quite charming, skillful of tongue, who managed to seduce, cajole, tempt, mock, and generally use his talents to corrupt others. Much of his evil was hidden from others - for a time.
At the inn, seeing how many came to look them over, Mundhi, after both wincing and laughing at Elron's story, nudges Zeoll. "Say, bard, let's sing them some songs. I'll start - you've heard me sing this one before - Storm at Night While at Home in the Mountains." She hums the tune to refresh Zeoll's memory, then launches into the verses and chorus. After that, she challenges the bard to sing one of his own songs, then joins in to harmonize with her contralto voice.
============ Perform, singing: 18. Zeoll can help spice that up.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:18:46 AM
The Twins are tired after the long trip and try to find a quiet corner to drink mead in.
LOG ON