Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 d20+25=39 ; Tuesday August 31st, 2021 12:27:54 AM
Toston casts light the 0th level cantrip on his meta magic rod
Perception: 39; has low light vision
Passive Effect: Blindsense 30 feet
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] d20+22=28 ; Tuesday August 31st, 2021 3:47:43 AM
Nira holds still while those ahead of her decide what to do. She casts a Dancing Lights spell to conjure up four glowing spheres of light. She peers down the pit and sends the lights floating 100ft down it.
"Anyone see a safe way down? Well... other than the obvious" She feels quietly confident that she could safely fly down the hole, but she isn't sure about the rest of the group.
------------ Cast Dancing Lights and have them travel up to 100ft downwards.
Perception: 28
Active Effects: Arcane Sight... Blur (20%)... Darkvision... Low-Light Vision... Mage Armor... Magic Vestment... Overland Flight... Roses Temperature Control... See Invisibility... Resist Fire (5)
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Tuesday August 31st, 2021 12:18:41 PM
"Let's see, we've got a dark pit, assumingly full of monsters, and Gaffer's stone is telling us to go down there. What could go wrong?"
Once there's enough light to see - and depending on what they actually do see! - Desdichado prepares to jump down and face some horrible beasts.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:15:27 PM
"I could take us down one by one as an air elemental if need be, but let's make sure to clear up any monsters we can before going down." Gaffer suggests, and waits to see what the two light spells reveal.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:21:55 PM
Hmerrin glances cautiously over the edge, trying to gauge distance.
Once everyone has their various light sources up, he eyes Gaffer's stone suspiciously. "Almost like it wants to jump."
An idea breaks over the young man's face, and he fetches out a small matchbox from his haversack. A worn bow, once bright blue, but now faded, is tied around it.
Hmerrin unties the bow, opens the box, pulls out a small mouse. "Gravity check, Mr. Jingles," he tells the mouse, and tosses it into the void. The man watches with interest to see what happens.
----------- I've always wondered if I'd ever actually use this - Yule present 12/7/2017 - A mouse named "Mr Jingles" that lives in a small match box. Doesn't matter how many times the mouse might be killed, it reappears alive in the box the next day.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Tuesday August 31st, 2021 10:35:15 PM
Sarge peers into the pit. "Hey, if somebody had one of those Feather Falling deals, we could just jump," she says.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 Wednesday September 1st, 2021 1:03:46 AM
Toston says, "I got a ring of feather falling. It comes in handy when you got wings and you never know if someone will knock you out mid flight. I don't know if I want to volunteer to fall down there though."
This room is the Pits. (SteveK) Wednesday September 1st, 2021 10:46:01 AM
Toston and Nira make light, on Rod and Dancing respectively. Sending the Dancing Lights downward, they go nearly to the limit of their range, and then… are swallowed in darkness! A little experimenting reveals there is a Permanent Darkness spell effect 100’ down the Pit.
Desdichado prepares to jump down and face some horrible beasts.
Gaffer suggests to become an air elemental and ferry people down, but waits to see what the two light spells reveal.
Hmerrin breaks out an old Yuletide present and tells the mouse inside "Gravity check, Mr. Jingles!", and tosses the mouse into the void. He squeaks his opinion until swallowed by the Darkness and suddenly the noise is also cut off. Mr. Jingles does not reappear in the matchbox even after a long count of 100.
Sarge peers into the pit. "Hey, if somebody had one of those Feather Falling deals, we could just jump," she says.
……………..
The dead gray walls provide no clues.
The heroes have the initiative.
[OOC: The heroes successfully pierced the Spiral Maze without fighting any of the monsters the DM so laboriously created. Everyone gets 15,000xp!! ]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday September 1st, 2021 5:00:02 PM
"Well, unless someone has a better solution, I'm about to suggest one of my all time top three, at least, bad ideas: we jump," says Desdichado.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday September 1st, 2021 8:39:49 PM
"I'm with Dez. The mouse isn't dead, so good odds it went through another portal."
Hmerrin looks around for a good spot for a grappling hook. "Option 2 is I got 100' of rope. We climb down and see if there is anything obvious at the Darkness spell."
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 1st, 2021 10:06:40 PM "Well, I do have a Feather Fall spell prepared. I can affect all of us so that we fall at a rate of around 10ft per second. It would last long enough for everyone to fall about 720ft. If we're still falling after that period of time I can cast once more, but that would probably be about it"
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Wednesday September 1st, 2021 11:51:04 PM
Sarge nods to Nira. "I think that's our solution," she says. "I mean, yeah, the mouse seems to have survived, but I'm just a tad heavier than a mouse and will fall a lot harder."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 Thursday September 2nd, 2021 12:34:13 AM
Toston says "As I said I've got my ring so I'm covererded I might do a controlled descent with my wings so that if I need to gain altitude for whatever reason I could."
This room is the Pits. (SteveK) Thursday September 2nd, 2021 7:18:35 AM
Desdichado suggests one of his all-time bad ideas: we jump.
Hmerrin agrees with Dez. After all, the mouse isn’t dead. Option 2 is … how much rope we got?
Nira does have a Feather Fall prepared to affect all of the team and Denli.
Sarge sees Nira’s magic as the solution.
Toston agrees, and mentions he not only has his Ring, but wings, and so can do a controlled descent or gain altitude with his wings, if they are less that a 15’ wingspan. (ooc: Pit is 15’ diameter. Toston can use wings if wingspan is less than 15’ using Fly DC 15 per round to go vertical down or up.)
……………..
The dead gray walls provide no answer.
The heroes have the initiative.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Thursday September 2nd, 2021 8:23:08 AM
Gaffer teeters on the edge, ready to jump on Nira's command.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday September 2nd, 2021 4:24:01 PM
Once they've all been hit with the appropriate magic, Desdichado jumps down.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Thursday September 2nd, 2021 7:34:59 PM
Casting Feather Fall on people other than herself is something new to Nira. She's not entirely sure if it will work before the group jump, or, whether they need to be in the air when she casts it. If the latter she will ready the spell and then give a "1..2..3..Jump!" call to make sure they all stick together as a group
She takes the necessary steps and then casts the spell.
----------------- Ready action to cast Feather Fall when everyone is in the air
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:16:01 PM
Sarge jumps on cue, sending up a quick prayer to Domi that this cockamamie scheme actually comes off.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 d20+18=26 ; Friday September 3rd, 2021 5:16:15 AM
(OOC: I've seen nothing that mentions the wing span of a dragon disciple)
If Toston's wingspan is less than 15 feet he grows his wings and does a controlled descent. If his wingspan is greater than 15 feet he casts fly on himself and does a controlled descent.
Either way the gnome is flying down.
Fly check: 26 if using wings; 30 if using spell
(DM SteveK. Neither have I. I was hoping you would be more knowledgeable than I on this. :-). So, since there isn’t a definitive ‘no’, I’ll call it a ‘yes’. Toston can fly down.)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Friday September 3rd, 2021 9:44:43 AM
Hmerrin actually giggles as he launches himself into thin air.
We’re Freeeeeee… Free Falling (SteveK) Friday September 3rd, 2021 11:02:52 AM
Everyone jumps, Hmerrin giggling and Sarge grumbling, and Nira casts the Featherfall spell that only works on freefalling objects. It works! And Toston comes down more controlled on his wings, auto passing a vertical flying check.
100 feet. They enter the magical Darkness and the team discovers there is also a permanent Silence. Toston can’t see the others, but can gauge their steady descent, and so don’t has any trouble bumping into anyone and making flying more difficult.
200 feet. The Darkness ends, the Silence ends, the FeatherFall ends! In fact every non-permanent spell on the Tide and Denli is dispelled. (Spells with permancy are unaffected). Toston, with his wings is also unaffected. There is a jostle and pop, then an endless moment of no movement. Then heroes (other than Toston) begin to plummet!
……….
Next Post only Free, Swift, or Immediate actions allowed.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Friday September 3rd, 2021 10:10:03 PM
As a free action, Sarge considers her life choices. As a swift action, she consigns her soul to Domi.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Saturday September 4th, 2021 5:11:33 PM
Right now Desdichado is thinking that this was indeed a pretty bad idea.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Sunday September 5th, 2021 1:21:03 AM "Well that wasn't good" says Nira, often one to state the obvious. She recasts the Feather Fall spell to try and slow the descent again.
-------------- Use Wiz Bonded Item to cast Feather Fall as an immediate action
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Sunday September 5th, 2021 12:03:03 PM
Gaffer goes through waves of emotion, the calm initial descent, the anticipation of silence and darkness, the panic of sudden, real, free fall and calm once more as feather fall takes hold once more.
"Good catch" He smiles at Nira before looking below to see where they are headed.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 Sunday September 5th, 2021 10:58:19 PM
Toston is holding his quickened metamagic rod. Unfortunately he doesn't have feather fall on his spell list anymore and he isn't in range of being able to touch any of the rest of his friends.
Toston prepares himself to swoop down and start casting fly on his friends.
The Black Room(SteveK) Monday September 6th, 2021 1:19:34 AM
The spells fail, but Nira catches everyone in another Feather Fall, and the Tide flows down together.
The shaft is 300’ down, and then falls another 100’ to the floor of a 200’ diameter hemispherical room.
When the heroes get to the bottom, they have to recast their light Cantrips. None of the re-cast light sources of Light and Dancing Lights reach to the walls. Nor does Darkvision. But the heroes know they are there.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Monday September 6th, 2021 7:14:27 PM
Hmerrin takes a moment to rest both palms on solid floor, and get his stomach back down to where its supposed to be.
"Let's not do that again," he chokes out.
Looking about with his Darkvision, he sees nothing.
"Terrific. Anybody see a Nullifier? Gaffer? That stone telling you anything?"
The fighter takes a few steps in one direction, while keeping an eye on his comrades. Is something dampening his darkvision, or are the walls just that far away?
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Monday September 6th, 2021 8:16:58 PM
Desdichado is in a similar situation to Hmerrin as he looks about, the power of his own Stone of the Forge Lord providing a dark vision that seems no more helpful than his standard vision at the moment.
"Are we...cough...are we still in the Teucri time bubble? And if not, I wonder how much time has passed for us."
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Monday September 6th, 2021 9:27:12 PM
"We may need a more powerful light spell," Sarge says. "Anybody have a Daylight handy? I can get one, if you give me a bit."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Monday September 6th, 2021 9:51:39 PM
Gaffer feels a little more comfortable with the falling than the others seem to, but he thinks they are on the same level about the eerily dark and large room. He holds up his Stone of the Forge Lord to see if there are any further reactions, it has led them well so far.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Monday September 6th, 2021 10:41:06 PM
Nira gracefully touches down, happy that the falling is over.
"I've got a Daylight spell. Just give me a sec. I'm pretty exposed without some of my spells in place"
She can't see any immediate signs of danger but bolsters her defenses in anticipation.
---------------- Cast Mage Armor
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 d20+25=44 ; Tuesday September 7th, 2021 1:54:10 AM
Perception: 44
While waiting for the daylight spell to be cast Toston falls silent and focuses on listening in the darkness.
(OOC: remember Toston has blindsense 30 feet)
The Black Room(SteveK) Tuesday September 7th, 2021 1:57:46 AM
The heroes touch down, and Toston can hover or land as he wishes.
The heroes can see with their Darkvision, the walls (and ceiling) are just further than 60 feet. Toston’s blindsense can only see the Tide and Denli.
Gaffer’s Stone is now mute.
Everyone with their Darkvision can see a blasted area on the floor only 10’ away. It looks like nearly a perfect scorching of the floor material, maybe a little longer to the left.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) d20+13=17 ; Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:28:25 PM
"The old workshop seems to be missing all the shoppy parts," Hmerrin observes dryly.
While the others prepare, he walks to a wall, and starts tracing a path to his right, looking for, well, anything. [Perception 17]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- d20+21=31 ; Tuesday September 7th, 2021 11:57:39 PM
Dez takes a look around the scorched area as well.
Perception 31
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 d20+25=39 ; d20+18=25 ; Wednesday September 8th, 2021 1:25:39 AM
Hearing about the sad state of affairs of the workshop Toston continues to listen and hover.
Perception: 39 Fly: 25
Want Beer (SteveK) Wednesday September 8th, 2021 1:53:29 AM
Walking towards the walls, Hmerrin can see the room is like a cylinder: linear floor, straight walls going up, but curving to the left and right. That is unusual since this is nearly the first straight line the heroes have encountered in this place! The other unusual thing is the walls seem to be covered, floor-to-ceiling, in a muted rainbow curtain.
Desdichado looks at the blast mark, but that’s the only obvious thing he can see. (Ooc: maybe some skills checks can see more.)
Toston observes and continues to hover about 20’ off the floor. He hears whispers. ‘Hssss!’ ‘Alive’ ‘hate them!’ and ‘Want beer!’
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 8th, 2021 3:24:03 AM
Nira keeps buffing herself, this time with a magic vestment spell.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday September 8th, 2021 2:57:27 PM
Desdichado doesn't think he has any skills that would be useful for examining the scorch mark, so he walks over to a wall and attempts to lift back a curtain.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) d20+7=17 ; Wednesday September 8th, 2021 3:22:48 PM
Sarge walks over to examine the scorched area. [Knowledge Engineering 17]
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) d20+24=33 ; Wednesday September 8th, 2021 5:10:45 PM
Gaffer keeps an eye on Des as he lifts the curtain. Thoroughly expecting monsters to be waiting behind it, but also very curious as to why it is there. (Perception: 33)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday September 8th, 2021 8:22:37 PM
Hmerrin was also planning to move a curtain, and so he assists Dez.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:33/25/25 - CMD 35 d20+18=32 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+18=25 ; Wednesday September 8th, 2021 11:14:03 PM
Toston says, "I hear the words 'alive,' 'hate them' and 'want beer.'
He says to his friends, "Anyone have detect undead?"
Want Beer (SteveK) Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:26:42 AM
Nira rebuilds her protections.
Desdichado and Hmerrin try to lift or push the curtain while Gaffer looks on for backup, but they discover thier hands pass right through it. The curtain is an illusion! Try as they will, it doesn’t disappear when they try to disbelieve.
Sarge has some knowledge of engineering and can tell there was an object centered in the blast area. The oblong part of the blast tells her that there was at least something left of it, and it would have been projected up and slightly to the left at great speed.
Toston informs the others they are probably not alone. He can’t recall any form of undead that particularly like beer, but can recall most intelligent undead retain at least a little memory of their past life. He continues to hover at 20’ above the floor and hears multiple whispers. “Kill”. “Hate” “Beer?”
….. The heroes have the initiative
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:54:37 PM
"Huh, I guess somebody didn't like the look of these walls," muses Desdichado. Then, to Toston he adds, "Someone -- er, thing -- wants beer? I don't have any with me."
Wary of the notion of something undead nearby, Desdichado tilts his head back and looks up and around the room near where he heard Toston's voice. He tries to see if he can Detect Evil creatures nearby.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Thursday September 9th, 2021 6:32:42 PM
"Could be the illusion is covering an exit," Hmerrin answers Dez. "While we're looking for beer, I'm going take a walk and see if we got an opening.
The man starts walking counter-clockwise (so that he's going toward the 'slightly left' direction first), dragging his fingers along the wall as he goes.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Thursday September 9th, 2021 8:18:41 PM
Gaffer waits in the very center of the room, away from any walls and continues to keep an eye on Hmerrin incase he should disappear into the wall at any point.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Thursday September 9th, 2021 9:06:58 PM "Did you want to use that gem again?" Nira asks, holding out the Gem of Seeing. It isn't hers and she doesn't want to be so presumptuous as to use it herself without asking or offering to someone else first.
She casts a final buff spell - another magic vestment.
As for the whispers... "Zombie dwarf perhaps?"
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:21:44 PM
"So...." Sarge turns in a circle, looking at the blast area. "So this explosion, whatever it was, launched something." She gestures. "That way."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:37/25/29 - CMD 35 d20+18=37 ; Friday September 10th, 2021 1:02:05 AM
Toston continues to hover and this time casts a mage armor
Fly: 37
Active Effects: Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet
Want Beer (SteveK) Friday September 10th, 2021 3:24:57 PM
Hmerrin runs his hands on the wall behind the illusory curtain. He doesn’t find any exit, but he is fairly sure there is more writing carved into the wall hidden by the illusionary curtains
Sarge provides her information, and points towards the ceiling where Toston is certain is where the whispers are coming from…
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Friday September 10th, 2021 10:42:51 PM
Sarge finally catches up with the conversation. "I don't have the Detect Undead spell prepared," she says. "I could get it, though, if we want it. Or I could just channel energy and see if anything yells."
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Saturday September 11th, 2021 9:44:20 PM
Unless anyone objects or would rather do it themselves, Nira will use the gem of seeing to reveal what is hiding behind the illusory curtains.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 152/152; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Sunday September 12th, 2021 12:14:45 AM
"Go for it, Nira," says Desdichado, "let us know if you find anything."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Sunday September 12th, 2021 3:28:19 PM "Gem of seeing first, Nira use it as you see fit, and channel energy as our go to second?"
Gaffer sits tight and waits to see who is keeping them company.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Sunday September 12th, 2021 3:33:24 PM
"Seems like a plan," Hmerrin echoes Gaffer.
"Nira, I've got a grappling hook and some rope. If there's something to snag up there, let us know please."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:37/25/29 - CMD 35 Monday September 13th, 2021 1:18:46 AM
Toston whispers, "Should I fireball the ceiling?"
Attack! Rd 1 (SteveK) Monday September 13th, 2021 6:27:50 AM
Sarge doesn’t have Detect Undead spell prepared, but she could get it.
Nira proposes to use the gem of seeing to reveal what is hiding behind the illusory curtains. Desdichado Gaffer, and Hmerrin agrees.
And Nira uses the Gem of True Seeing. She is immediately struck by the utter chaos of alien writing! Make DC 25 Will save or be afflicted by as by the Insanity spell for d6 rounds! (ooc: Once a save is made, that individual need not save again.) Highlight to display spoiler: { Strange sigils and glyphs decorate the walls, and among the symbols are carvings of coils and knots, interspersed by occasional eyes, mouths, and some elongated faces. Are they coils, tentacles, serpentine bodies, or sinuously long limbs? It’s hard to tell as they blend one into another. Also, woven throughout the carvings on the walls are ancient Tecuri runes. Closer to the floor are writing that is done in a different style but will take some time to piece together… }
Toston continues to hover and hears the whispers change. “Get them.” “Hate them.” “They didn’t bring beer!” There is movement in the darkeness of the ceiling, and then more than just movement!
Flying out of the dark of the ceiling, are gray whisps, humanoid outlines of once-living sages and magicians. Spreading out as they descend, they go after each of the heroes! Luckily, the monsters themselves are too far away to fly and attack, and so they haven’t quite reached the heroes… yet.
Know Religion DC 19 Highlight to display spoiler: { The monsters are Shadows, but appear enhanced in some way. }
……………
14 Monsters are 30’ in the air. (AC 17) Toston is 20’ in the air. All others on the floor.
"Wow, that is a lot of Shadows!" says Desdichado. "Sarge and I can hopefully channel some of them away, but these look like they are somehow enhanced."
He gets a little closer to Hmerrin and Nira (move to H:11), hoping that he can use channel on a few of the Shadows.
Ready ActionIf at least 3 Shadows move to within 30' of Desdichado, he will channel positive energy against them. (29 damage, Will DC 22)
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) 14d6=40 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 8:44:40 PM
Gaffer looks up at the myriad of enemies positioned far away from his allies and smiles. Stretching out a hand, the area around each shadow begins to shimmer as the temperature rises before coalescing into golden flames that engulf the dark creatures within.
[i] [OOC: It doesn't say in the spell the cubes need to be connected but there are 28 10 foot cubes to place so either way I believe it is possible to catch all enemies.] ----- Action: Casting Fire Storm - One 10 foot cube on each shadow - 40 Fire Damage - Reflex DC 24 for Half - Those that fail catch fire taking 4d6 damage each round until flames are extinguished. [i]
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] d20+15=31 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 8:52:18 PM "Argh!" Nira recoils for a moment from the strange sigils and writing on the wall, but manages to retain control of her senses. "There's some really strange markings on the wall. Try not to look at them!"
If Gaffer is going to burn these creatures to a crisp then Nira doesn't want to be close to them (not that she did any way).
She takes a step backward and casts a spell to protect herself from the shadows.
----------- Will Save vs DC25: 31=Pass Knowl Religion vs DC19: 21=Autopass Free: 5ft step to G14 Move: Store Gem of Seeing Standard: Defensively cast Deathward. Concentration check autopass
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; Monday September 13th, 2021 9:33:12 PM
Like Dez, Sarge also readies an action to channel when she can get at least 3 undead. If her readied action goes off, her channel does 13 damage, DC 17 Will save for half.
Toston bleeds 15 feet of altitude so that he is only hovering 5 feet off the ground while moving diagonally so that he is 45 feet away from where he was horizontally at T10. (OOC: single move; fly check 22; ends up at T10; 5 feet off the ground)
Shadows from the Dark Rd2 (SteveK) d20=17 ; d20=5 ; d20=17 ; d20=14 ; d20=1 ; d20=18 ; d20=9 ; d20=4 ; d20=19 ; d20=18 ; d20=7 ; d20=19 ; d20=9 ; d20=8 ; d20=11 ; d20=12 ; d20=14 ; d20=18 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ; d20=12 ; d20=14 ; d20=12 ; d20=8 ; d20=18 ; d20=9 ; d20=11 ; d20=11 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=14 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:19:26 AM
Gaffer looks up at the myriad of enemies positioned far away from his allies and smiles. Stretching out a hand, he picks one target location and sets an area to blast with sheets of golden flames! The shadows are incorporeal, so only take half damage, and 2 save, so take half of half damage, and none of them catch fire because there is no material to ignite… but all of them have been hurt!
(ooc: magic requires a target location and then expand out. DM rules, therefore, that all flame areas must touch. The spell does not specify if it is a burst or spread, so DM will allow Player to define the shape similar to a wall spell. Therefore, all 14 Shadows are in the area of effect!)
Desdichado moves to Nira and waits until the shadows get closer. Then, the paladin channels positive energy, catching six of them! What’s more, even though one resists, Gaffer’s flames wounded them enough that all six dissipate! Only Hmerrin, Desdichado, and Nira are close enough to hear a whisper of ‘free at last’…
Nira recoils but manages to retain control of her senses. Not wanting to be close to the Shadows, she takes a step backward and casts a spell to protect herself from the shadows.
Sarge also readies an action, and catches eight undead in her positivity. It was rather weak, but Gaffer’s flames wounded many, and five of them are gone with but an echo of a whisper… ‘thank you’ !
Toston drops to 5 feet off the ground, and skims away in an acrobatic maneuver that would make a fairy envious! And he even has time to cast a Shield spell!
…..
Although Druid, Paladin, and Cleric have decimated the ranks of Shadows, it is unfortunate that the two headed to Sarge both survived to close. And with Toston maneuvering to get some space, the only other surviving Shadow goes after the closest living being: Sarge! Three Shadows bore in, reaching out, bypassing armor. Sarge feels the icy touch as she loses 7 points of strength!
……………
3 Monsters are 5’ in the air. (AC 17) Toston is 20’ in the air. All others on the floor.
A-H Dead I 23 Dam J Dead K 27 Dam L 23 Dam M-N Dead
Map via email
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 5:51:04 PM
Losing a good chunk of her strength, Sarge staggers under the weight of her armor. "And me a Strength cleric," she says. "That Domi, some sense of humor."
She channels positive energy again. This time, any undead within range take 21 damage, DC 17 Will save for half.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- 7d6=22 ; Tuesday September 14th, 2021 6:26:26 PM
Desdichado moves as close as he can to Sarge and channels positive energy again. (22 damage; will DC 22)
"Sarge," he gasps as he runs closer, "are you okay? Do you have any restorations ready? I don't right now, but give me some time and I can try and help you out!"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Tuesday September 14th, 2021 6:59:08 PM
Coming out of his daze, Hmerrin rushes toward Sarge while pulling out his axes.
--- Double move to N20
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Tuesday September 14th, 2021 8:53:23 PM
The others look to have the last three shadows well in hand. Nira decides to hold on to some of her precious spell slots for after the battle so she can treat some of the damage done to Sarge.
She does get a little closer to the action though.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 3 (SteveK) Wednesday September 15th, 2021 6:44:29 AM
Sarge staggers under the weight of her armo, noting Domi’s sense of humor. She channels positive energy again! All three shadows are too wounded for even saves to help them: they dissipate without a sound!
Desdichado, Hmerrin, Nira, and Toston all move closer to Sarge, but none have to use energy to combat the shadows: divine, physical, or arcane.
Denli moves back to Sarge to see if she is OK. ”Without my forging tools, I’m less than useless, but you are Clan. Are you OK?”
……..
The shadows are gone, and the heroes are left with the blast mark, the illusion curtain, and the information Sarge, Toston, and Nira have thus far discovered…
Map via email
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) d4=4 ; Wednesday September 15th, 2021 2:30:02 PM
Gaffer moves over to Sarge and casts as Lesser Restoration, he only has one casting but it "Hopefully that lessens the impact, assuming it isn't a more serious effect."
Looking back at the room he adds [b]"So erm, do we climb in through the space they came out off?"
----- Lesser Restoration on Sarge - Possibly 4 Strength Restored
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Wednesday September 15th, 2021 2:31:37 PM
Sarge sits down on the floor. "I'm weak as a mage," she complains, at least partly in answer to Denli's question. "I'll have to change my name to Prudence and learn to throw fireballs.
"I've only got the lesser restoration prepared," she replies to Dez. "And somehow I don't think that's going to get it done. Anybody got any diamond dust?"
[OOC: If I remember right, shadows cause drain, not damage, so Sarge will need a full Restoration to get her strength back.]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday September 15th, 2021 6:59:07 PM
"Oh, no. I'm not sure how much help I can provide then either," says Desdichado. "While we figure out how to help Sarge, can you tell us anything else about the strange symbols you saw, Nira? I wonder if they might help us figure out how to get out of here."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:03:51 PM
Hmerrin grimaces at Sarge's plight. He has nothing that can help either.
"We're still looking for this Nullifier," he answers Gaffer. "And someone said this blast mark sent something up thataway. Can you and Toston fly up and take a look? Anything jumps you, get down here in a hurry."
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 15th, 2021 8:58:07 PM
Nira goes over her spell-list as she looks at Sarge. Not even her Heal spell can cure such damage.
"Sure Des. The symbols themselves were very intense and interspersed with Teucri runes. Unless you have a strong resolve I'd suggest not to look directly at them as I'm pretty sure they'd drive a person insane. There was some other sort of writing closer to the floor that looked to be a different script. I'll try and decipher it."
Nira retrieves the Gem once more and goes to look at the script.
------------- Move action: Retrieve Gem (should still be active) Move action: Move to F15
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 d20+21=28 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+25=35 ; Wednesday September 15th, 2021 11:35:12 PM
Toston says to Sarge, "Hey I resent that. I'm a mage of sorts and I am most certainly not weak but then again I have dragon blood so that certainly helps."
Toston casts detect magic and continues to look around.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 4 and 5(SteveK) Thursday September 16th, 2021 6:38:28 AM
Shadows from the Dark Rd 4 (SteveK)
Gaffer moves over to Sarge and casts as Lesser Restoration. Thankfully, these Shadows only had ability damage, not ability drain, and so the dward is restored 4 points of Strength.
Sarge quips about changing her name to Prudence (Know Local DC5 Highlight to display spoiler: { commonly known, Prudence is a Knights Commander of the Mailed Fist; a powerful Sorcerer, but not known for her physical prowess.}
Desdichado wants to figure out how to help Sarge, and is interested in more of the strange symbols Nira saw.
Hmerrin grimaces at Sarge's plight. "We're still looking for this Nullifier, and someone said this blast mark sent something up thataway.” So who can fly up there for a look, the young man wonders.
Nira goes over her spell-list, and responds to Des. Avoiding the symbols above, she uses the Gem of Seeing again, but specifically for the writing close to the ground. Her tactic pays off! The writing at the floor does NOT drive Nira insane, and with a little piecing together, she can come up with that there are other runes near the floor that are again written in another handwriting than the ones that cause insanity. The heroes may be able to make some guesses…
Know Religion DC 20. Highlight to display spoiler: { The way the writings are repetitive make the heroes think of cults, but strangely there is no reference to any immortal or power.} Know Local DC 20. Highlight to display spoiler: {There seems to be a repeated reference to “no scrying pool and no beer make Toril something, something” } Know Planes DC 20. Highlight to display spoiler: { There appears a farewell to Yarmin, and hoping that he is able to reunite the Teucri race or whatever he was trying to do. }
Toston quips with Sarge, casts Detect Magic, and continues to look around. Staying low as he is, the light spells, darkvision, and detect magic [all 60’ range] don’t extend to the ceiling [100’ above the floor] or the hole through the middle of the ceiling the Tide came down from. In his recent encounter with the Shadows, Toston learns something else… his Blindsense did not notice the incorporeal monsters!
Toston casts detect magic and continues to look around.
Denli moves back to Sarge.
……..
The heroes have the initiative. Players can post 2 rounds of actions this post.
Map via email
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] d20+22=25 ; Thursday September 16th, 2021 7:20:25 AM "Hmm. This is interesting..." Nira relays her findings to the others.
"The writings are repetitive. It feels a bit cult-ish, but strangely I cant see any reference to a deity. There seems to be a repeated reference to, and I quote, 'no scrying pool and no beer make Toril something, something'"
"There also appears a farewell to Yarmin, and hoping that he is able to reunite the Teucri race or whatever he was trying to do."
Nira looks about to see if there are anything radiating any significant magical power/aura.
---------------- Knowl checks vs DC20: All autopass Perception: 25 + Darkvision (60ft) + Lowlight Vision + Arcane Sight (120ft) + See Invisibility
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) d20+10=25 ; d20+6=16 ; Thursday September 16th, 2021 1:46:51 PM
Sarge also glances at the writings [Knowledge Religion 27]. It is indeed reminiscent of a cult, but.... "I don't think this is a ritual," she says. "I think it's somebody going stir crazy."
She glances at the scorch mark. "Maybe that explosion was a last-ditch effort to get out of here. And it failed."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday September 16th, 2021 2:03:24 PM
"A farewell to Yarmin?" wonders Desdichado. "I wonder if that means he made it out - back to the Teucri I mean, or that he died. The Shadows we just encountered make me think it may have been the second."
"And I second Hmerrin's idea - we need someone to carefully take a look at where those things came from and see if it looks like there are any leads for getting the Nullifier or getting out of here."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) d20+8=26 ; Thursday September 16th, 2021 6:57:21 PM
Know Local - 26.
"Yeah, I'm with Sarge," Hmerrin opines. "Ol Toril got stuck here, then went bonkers, then turned into a shade, and then the shade went bonkers."
He shakes his head. "That would take an awfully long time."
The fighter looks to Toston and Gaffer to see if they can find the object up there somewhere.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) d20+24=25 ; Thursday September 16th, 2021 9:25:31 PM
It's been a while, Gaffer's form shrinks down briefly into a small mass of swirling shapes before turnign into a hawk before he flies up towards the area Hmerrin is gesturing towards to take a look for any objects that got hurled that way.
----- Wildshape: Hawk Perception: 25
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 d20+2=6 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+25=43 ; Friday September 17th, 2021 1:10:38 AM
Know Local (untrained): 6 Perception: 43
Toston says to Sarge, "If you change your name to Prudence maybe I need to learn how to turn into things and change my name to Anna"
Toston says "Did you know that the shadows don't pop up on blindsense? Also I totally see that farewell to Yarmin but that is pretty much all I see."
He then flies up and takes a look around for the object.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 6 (SteveK) Friday September 17th, 2021 1:19:38 PM
The others gather and wait for Gaffer and Toston.
Gaffer-Hawk and Toston-with-wings rise up off the ground and get 50’ above the floor (an estimated 50’ to the ceiling), and they discover two things. The first is there does appear to be something like a large rod that is stuck in the ceiling about the location where Sarge pointed the blast-thing must have gone. The second is they can hear whispers again. “Hate”. “want Beer”….
…… The heroes have the initiative
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Sunday September 19th, 2021 11:08:36 PM
Toston casts message targetting the party. He then whispers to everyone, "Hey Guys. I'm hearing those shadows again from the ceiling. Anyone have anyway to pinpoint them so I can hit them with something strong?"
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 76 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 75 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 100 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Shadows from the Dark Rd 6 (SteveK) Monday September 20th, 2021 7:40:59 AM
No DM post, to allow time for more Players.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Monday September 20th, 2021 9:59:53 AM
Hmerrin mutters "great" at Toston's report of more shadow creatures. He has no ability to pinpoint nor really hurt them, and isn't happy about it.
"I don't suppose you can easily get the whatever-it-is stuck in the wall down here?" he asks, without much optimism.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Monday September 20th, 2021 11:17:10 AM
Gaffer will attempt to grab the rod in his beak and pull it free, remembering in the process why he started to prefer turning into an air elemental. He'll bring it back for the others to inspect if he succeeds, or descend away anyway and hope Toston can manage to remove it.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Monday September 20th, 2021 12:20:48 PM
"I can channel some more," Sarge says. "But if they're up there and I'm down here, it isn't going to help much."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Monday September 20th, 2021 1:41:32 PM
"Yep," continues Desdichado along with Sarge, "if you can get them down here we can probably get rid of them. Not sure how we're going to get up there, though."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Tuesday September 21st, 2021 1:52:04 AM
Toston says to Gaffer, "Hold the post"
He zips down and casts Fly on Sarge and whispers, "Let's take out some shadows."
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 75 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 74 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 99 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Fly (Sarge) - 80 rounds; Sarge can fly at 60 feet or 40 if medium / heavy and gets a +4 bonus to the Fly skill Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Tuesday September 21st, 2021 4:19:32 AM
Nira casts Overland Flight on herself. Just in case. She isn't quite sure what to do from here so instead watches Gaffer and Toston with interest.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 7(SteveK) d20+13=31 ; d20+13=26 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ; Tuesday September 21st, 2021 5:34:41 AM
Toston casts message targetting the party. He then whispers to everyone, "Hey Guys. I'm hearing those shadows again from the ceiling. Anyone have anyway to pinpoint them so I can hit them with something strong?"
Hmerrin mutters "great" at Toston's report of more shadow creatures.
Gaffer moves closer to grab the rod, but he doesn’t make it that far. 90 feet up (only 10 feet away), a large Shadow reaches out of the ceiling and touches the Hawk. “Mine!”, it whispers fiercely. “Hate!”, it says again. Another large Shadow emerges, and it also seems to have the most important shred of memory to hold onto. “Want Beer!”, it says in no more than a whisper.
(Gaffer is touched twice and loses 11 points of strength!)
Sarge can channel more, but if they're up there, it isn't going to help much.
Desdichado agrees with Sarge, he’s also not sure how they're going to get up there.
Toston flies back down to pick up Sarge.
Nira casts Overland Flight so she can get in sight and start targeting things.
……………
As Gaffer descends from the ceiling, the Rod still impaled in the rock above, Gaffer (if conscious) and Toston, can notice these Shadows are larger than the last, and they do not leave the immediate vicinity of the Rod. Know Religion DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { It appears these two are bound in some way to the Rod in the cieiling! } Know Religion DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: { These are Advanced Greater Shadows, much more dangerous than the swarm that attacked earlier, but still has the same weaknesses and attack as their smaller cousins. [/spoiler} Sense Motive DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: {} One of the messages in the Spiral Maze mentioned names and beer too…}
"Hold up," Sarge says. "These are different. They're tied to that rod thing somehow. And they're a lot tougher. We're gonna need our A game."
Instead of channeling, Sarge decides to try a Searing Light on one of the shadows. [Used a Hero point to re-roll my touch attack and still missed.]
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Tuesday September 21st, 2021 3:56:33 PM
Gaffer withdraws from the fight as fast as his wings will take him, towards Sarge and Toston and general safety before they head back the other way.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Tuesday September 21st, 2021 6:23:00 PM
"Does anyone have beer? Maybe we can lure that big Shadow down with it" says Desdichado.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Tuesday September 21st, 2021 6:44:26 PM
Hmerrin shakes his head in frustration.
"I got nuthin'" he spits. "No beer, no flying, no restoration. I'm not sure these axes will even hurt those things."
The man rubs his forehead furiously.
"Pretty sure the key is getting to that rod. Any idea if a grappling hook would catch anywhere on it?"
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Tuesday September 21st, 2021 9:21:44 PM "Beer? I might have beer." Nira isn't entirely sure if it will work, but she casts a Silent Image spell to conjure up the illlusion of 5 barrels of ale near the scorch mark, with a puddle of ale on the floor.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 d20+6=18 ; Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 12:46:13 AM
Toston figures if they are fighting more undead and these ones are tougher then the next character to give enhanced mobility to is Des.
The gnome flies over to the paladin and casts fly on him.
Know Religion: 18
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 74 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 73 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 98 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Fly (Sarge) - 79 rounds; Sarge can fly at 60 feet or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets a +4 bonus to the Fly skill Fly (Des) - 80 rounds; Des can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Shadows from the Dark Rd 8 (SteveK) Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 10:26:03 AM
Sarge provides some information, but can’t cast her spell: the Shadows are 100’ up to the ceiling and her Darkvision only goes to 60’. (ooc: retains her Searing Light and Hero Point)
Gaffer withdraws from the fight as fast as his wings will take him, towards Sarge and Toston and general safety before they head back the other way. Since the Greater Shadows attacked as soon as the druid got within range, his withdraw is successful in disengaging without giving an opportunity for an attack.
Desdichado asks if anyone has beer? Maybe we can lure at least one of the big Shadows down with it.
Hmerrin shakes his head in frustration, he got no beer, no flying, no restoration. Maybe the next investment would be a couple of Flying potions? Maybe a grappling hook set in it? (ooc: Gaffer was close enough to see that there were places a hook could grapple, if there was a way to throw it 100’ in the dark and hit the mark…)
NIra might have Beer. She casts a Silent Image spell to conjure up the illlusion of 5 barrels of ale near the scorch mark, with a puddle of ale on the floor.
Toston figures they are fighting more undead, that these ones are tougher, and so flies over to the paladin and casts fly on Des.
……………
The two Advanced Greater Shadows don’t charge Gaffer, Toston, or the illusion of beer. Maybe it is because they can’t see 100’ to the floor, or because they are unaffected by a Silent Image, or because they are forever trapped to be near the rod in the ceiling. With all the heroes back down to the floor, no one can see the two undead, or the rod, or the ceiling.
…… The heroes have the initiative.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 1:00:16 PM
[OOC: Sarge had Fly cast on her last round. I guess I just neglected to say I flew up.]
Sarge flies upward until she can see the shadows. Then she identifies them and tries her spell as before.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 5:09:55 PM
Desdichado begins to arc himself 40 feet up towards the Shadows and rod.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 7:00:01 PM
"Well, hold on," Hmerrin calls to Dez. "If Gaffer says we can snag the rod, lets try that."
The fighter retrieves a grappling hook and a couple coils of rope, and attaches everything so that he ends up with 100' line. He hands the hook and the coiled rope to Dez.
"Once you get close enough to see the rod, try to hook it, let the line fall, and I'll pull it down."
"By the way, does anyone know if magic weapons hurt shadows?"
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 11:19:21 PM "What's your weapon of choice, Hmerrin?" She hasn't known the fighter long enough to know his preferred fighting style.
Nira will cast Ghost Weapon on which one Hmerrin prefers.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Thursday September 23rd, 2021 1:57:18 AM
Toston says to Hmerrin, "Congratulations! you can fly too" and flies over to the young fighter and casts Fly on him.
He calls over to Nira, :"Do you need a boost too or can I star flying up there with the others next round?"
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 73 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 72 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 97 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Fly (Sarge) - 78 rounds; Sarge can fly at 60 feet or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets a +4 bonus to the Fly skill Fly (Des) - 79 rounds; Des can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Fly (Hmerrin) - 80 rounds Hmerrin can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Thursday September 23rd, 2021 5:16:24 AM
Gaffer doesn't want to risk getting close enough to be drained but also can't see the shadows from where he is, he decides to wait a little while longer and see if they can confirm whether the shadows can move away from the rod.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 8 (SteveK) Thursday September 23rd, 2021 12:01:59 PM
(Ooc: apologies, got all mixed up. No DM post today)
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday September 23rd, 2021 2:40:04 PM
Desdichado thanks Hmerrin for the rope and makes his way slowly up. "I should be able to channel while holding this rope, so even if those things get close, maybe this will actually work."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Friday September 24th, 2021 12:13:50 AM
Toston waits patiently for Nira's response.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 10 (SteveK) d20+28=43 ; d20+28=42 ; Friday September 24th, 2021 6:14:45 AM
Sarge, who had gotten a Fly spell only a couple of seconds ago, flies up 40’ and casts Searing Light, but misses.
Desdichado waits for Hmerrin’s preparations, then begins to arc himself 40 feet up towards the Shadows and rod.
Hmerrin calls to wait, creates himself a Rod Puller, and asks Dez to attach it. (2 rounds to complete)
Nira casts Ghost Weapon on Hmerrin’s battleaxe.
Toston casts another Fly spell, this time on Hmerrin! He can remember that Nira had previously cast Overland Flight on herself; the elf probably won’t need a Fly spell.
Gaffer doesn't want to risk getting close enough to be drained but also can't see the shadows from where he is, he decides to wait a little while longer and see if they can confirm whether the shadows can move away from the rod.
……………
Sarge and Desdichado can barely see the two Greater Shadows, well partially, since they have withdrawn into the stone of the ceiling. Being sneaky monsters, the heroes will have to be within 60’ to even have a chance at seeing the Shadows. (Stealth +43, 42)
…… Map in email
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Friday September 24th, 2021 2:49:21 PM
As Desdichado continues to float upward, he notices how dark it's becoming and how difficult it is to see anything, let alone the Shadows. "Can anyone give us a light up here? It looks like the Shadows are hiding up in the ceiling. I'll try to hook this to the rod here in a moment - maybe the light will keep them away from us for a bit."
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Friday September 24th, 2021 11:50:33 PM
If she can, Sarge would like to fly up and cast Light on the rod itself.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Saturday September 25th, 2021 9:48:40 AM
Hmerrin's mood improves considerably after Nira and Toston cast their spells.
"Now that's more like it," he purrs.
Battleaxe in one hand, and an Everburning Torch in the other, the young fighter rises to catch up with Dez.
----- In Effect Fly Ghost Touch (battleaxe) Darkvision
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Sunday September 26th, 2021 1:18:26 AM
Nira bravely stays near the back of the pack. She waits to see how Des goes with the hook maneuver. If need be, she can cast Mage Hand to help move the hook into position but waits to see if her help is needed at all.
------------- Fly to I17 - 15ft up
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Sunday September 26th, 2021 7:16:35 PM
Gaffer flies 30 feet closer to the rod and the others, wanting to be close enough to act as needed, and waits to see what Sarge and Des can do.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 4d4+4=15 ; Monday September 27th, 2021 12:18:10 AM
Toston flies to J17 60 feet up then fires off a magic missile at the nearest shado.
15 force damage to the shadow
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 73 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 72 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 97 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Fly (Sarge) - 78 rounds; Sarge can fly at 60 feet or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets a +4 bonus to the Fly skill Fly (Des) - 79 rounds; Des can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Fly (Hmerrin) - 80 rounds Hmerrin can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Shadows from the Dark Rd 10 (SteveK) d3=3 ; d3=2 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=25 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; Monday September 27th, 2021 2:35:20 AM
Desdichado, notes it has always been dark in the chamber, and only the heroes’ own darkvision or light sources have momentarily revealed the ceiling. He continues to fly upward and asks for a light. (ooc: DM assessing Dez is at 80’. Note that floating or hovering will require a Fly check DC15)
Sarge continues to fly and intends to cast Light on the Rod itself. She’s going to have to touch the Rod, so can’t make it yet…
Hmerrin , purring, with battleaxe and Everburning Torch in his hands, he double flies up and catches up with Dez.
Nira stays low, hoping to hear if her assistance is needed near the ceiling. (ooc: Dm is tracking NIra’s Dancing Lights are at floor level and Nira doesn’t have darkvision. If true, she can’t see the roof or any of the others except for Denli.
Gaffer flies back up to be close enough to act, but far enough not to be drained.
Toston flies 60 feet up, but is unable to perceive them hiding partially hiding in ceiling and shadow. Without a target, the Dragon Disciple does not expend a spell.
……………
Three heroes get close enough to the Rod and the Shadows emerge from the ceiling, ‘shouting’ in their dark whispers. Both of them stay 10’ away from their targets.
The first, now seen as a female human shape, rushes Desdichado, shadowy fingers seeking to move through his armor. “Hate! You left us here! Your fault! Hate!” (Desdichado loses 6 points of strength!)
The second, now see as a male dwarf shape, turns to Sarge, fingers jabbing. “Beer! You have all the beer! Toril’s Beer!” (Sarge loses 1 point of strength)
……
Circe- AC 20 Hp Toril – Ac 20 Hp
Map in email
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) d20+24=28 ; d8+21=29 ; d20+19=22 ; d8+21=29 ; d20+14=28 ; d8+21=26 ; Monday September 27th, 2021 6:49:37 PM
"I got yer beer right here, buddy," Hmerrin growls.
The fighter skips toward Toril, and unleashes a series of blows.
-------- 5' step to M17. Full Attack, Power Attack (flanking) on Toril with Ghost Touch Battleaxe.
Atk 1 hits ac 28 for 29 hp damage Atk 2 hits ac 22 for 29 hp damage Atk 3 hits ac 28 for 26 hp damage
"Almost there," shouts Desdichado moments before the Shadow claws at him. His attempt to slow down near the Rod are thwarted and he falls a bit from the shock. As he moves down, he attempts to channel energy against the Shadows.
Channel positive energy; (16 damage Will DC 22)
(OOC: I'm not sure what happens when you fail a fly check by 5 or more without wings. I'll assume Dez falls a bit or would fly in a random direction)
----------- Active Effects Strength: 13 Fly:78 rounds; 40 speed; +4 bonus to the fly skill Lay on Hands (14/18 remaining)
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Monday September 27th, 2021 9:32:37 PM
Nira can hear the battle start but can't see it from this height. She rises a little further - 40ft from the ground - to get a better view.
"Does anyone else need a Ghost Weapon spell?" she offers, ready to cast one.
------------ Move: Ascend from 15ft to 45ft. Fly check vs DC20: Autopass. Ready action: If anyone wants a Ghost Weapon spell and gets close to Nira she will cast it for them.
Active Effects: Arcane Sight... Darkvision... Deathward... Low-Light Vision... Mage Armor... Magic Vestment... Overland Flight... See Invisible/Ethereal... Resist Fire (5) ... Ghost Weapon (Hmerrin)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Nira has Darkvision as a perm spell}
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) 5d6=16 ; Monday September 27th, 2021 9:39:16 PM
Sarge continues moving upward. "Beer?" she says. "Sure, I brought the beer. It's in my pack down there. You go get it; I gotta get a light up here."
Once she reaches the rod, she tries to cast Light on it.
If she is still not within reach of the rod, she channels positive energy to hurt the shadows. If that happens, they take 16 damage; DC 17 Will save for half.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 4d4+4=9 ; Monday September 27th, 2021 11:44:23 PM
Toston continues moving up toward the ceiling firing off a magic missile if he can find a shadow target.
9 damage from magic missiles.
Active Effects: Detect Magic - 60 foot cone 73 rounds Mage Armor - 8 hours ; +4 AC Shield - 72 rounds; +4 shield bonus to AC; immunity magic missile Message - 97 rounds; whispered conversation at a distance 8 people Fly (Sarge) - 78 rounds; Sarge can fly at 60 feet or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets a +4 bonus to the Fly skill Fly (Des) - 79 rounds; Des can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Fly (Hmerrin) - 80 rounds Hmerrin can fly at 60 speed or 40 if medium / heavy load and gets +4 bonus to the fly skill Passive Effects: Blindsense 30 feet Wings - Fly 60 feet (avg)
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Tuesday September 28th, 2021 5:01:08 AM
Gaffer is not sure if the spell will work while indoors, let alone in an extradimensional space, but knowing it is his old reliable, Gaffer starts casting Call Lightning.
Shadows from the Dark Rd 11 (SteveK) d20=9 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=25 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; Tuesday September 28th, 2021 7:24:14 AM
Hmerrin growls, and takes advantage of the Beer Shadow getting too close, and the Ghost Touch Battleaxe does its work very well indeed. “But… beer?”, and the first Shadow dissipates. But Hmerrin isn’t out of the woods yet! Having stopped in mid-air to fight, he is in danger of falling! [Hmerrin do a Fly Check DC 10, fail by 5 = plummet to the ground].
"Almost there," shouts Desdichado is almost there, then staggers in air at the Shadow’s attack. [ooc: DC while moving less than half is actually only DC 10, so Dez doesn’t fall but doesn’t move forward.] He creates a flare of holy energy that stings the Shadow!
Nira rises 40ft from the ground to get a better view, and can see the ceiling and battle above while ready to cast support spells.
"Does anyone else need a Ghost Weapon spell?" she offers, ready to cast one.
Sarge ignores the Shadow, not knowing that Hmerrin already killed it. She makes it to the Rod and casts Light!
Toston continues moving up toward the ceiling firing off a magic missile at the Shadow menacing Desdichado, now well lit by Sarge’s spell.
Gaffer casts a Call Lightning spell.
………..
The last Greater Shadow moans and flinches from Desdichado’s holy light, but it continues to attack the paladin. “Hate! I lost everything because you left us here! Hate Yarmin!” Fingers slide forward, touching, draining! [Desdichado loses 7 points of Strength!]
Yet the Shadow is also nearly spent. Another hit with a ghost touch battle axe, or holy energy, or magic missle or lightning, and the Shadow that used to be Circe fades. “Free at last. Thank you, heroes.” And is gone.
……
END COMBAT
Heroes have the initiative.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Tuesday September 28th, 2021 2:14:07 PM
"Oof." Sarge settles back down to the ground. "I am definitely getting to old for this nonsense. Are we ready to get out of here?"
Desdichado tries to make it to the Rod, but the additional loss of strength is too much for him and he begins to falter and glide down. His voice is weak as he faintly calls out "Somebody want to take this hook off my hands?"
Hmerrin wheels, and whacks the remaining Shadow into nothingness.
"Working on it, Sarge," he calls back.
He then flies down to pick up the grappling hook from Dez, back up to affix it to the rod, and back down to ground level. (Fly 24)
Once on ground level, the young fighter gives the rope affixed to the grappling hook a tug, then a pull, then a heave...and then a couple more (Str checks 7, 9, and 14).
--- In Effect Fly Ghost Touch (battleaxe) Darkvision
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 d20+3=5 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=8 ; Wednesday September 29th, 2021 12:26:23 AM
Toston joins the fighter on the rope (Str : 5, 13, 8)
At the mention of being too old for this Toston has a brief flash of Nissa. He nearly ended up in a place from which he could not return to her. She had given up so much for him was it selfish of him to continue the adventuring lifestyle when he had a good gnomish woman at home?
He resolves that if he ever gets back he's gonna marry her and maybe settle down.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 29th, 2021 2:56:44 AM
There's not much Nira can do to treat the strength drain that several in the party have incurred. She makes a note to buy some restoration scrolls so as not to be in this position again.
If they get out of here.
"Hmm. Do you think there are any other monsters down here?"
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 8:17:51 AM
Gaffer flies up to be level with the rod and keeps an eye on it, not convinced more monsters aren't going to spill out as soon as it is pulled loose.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 8:17:52 AM
Gaffer flies up to be level with the rod and keeps an eye on it, not convinced more monsters aren't going to spill out as soon as it is pulled loose.
Three Parts. (SteveK) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 8:49:19 AM
Desdichado are feeling weak and float back down to the floor.
Gaffer and Nira keep an eye open while Sarge is feeling age creeping up on her.
Hmerrin takes the opportunity to have no Shadows around to attach the grappling hook and, eventually, with Toston’s help, gets to pull the rod out of the ceiling where it comes clattering to the floor, still lit by Sarge's spell.
Gaffer is holding the Twisted Core, and his wears the Time Pebble (which is also his Stone of the Forge Lord). At the heroes feet is the blackened rod, probably the Ultimate Nullifier.
The heroes also have the instructions of Dali, the crazy wizard back from the room of Divination: touch the Twisted Core to the Nullifier, then touch the Time Pebble to the fused artifacts. That should break the Time Bubble of Yarmin's workshop and then everything should return to the Wold, aged to thier time.
The question that forms at the front of each heroes mind is: what preparations do they want/need to make before trying this?
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday September 29th, 2021 1:28:10 PM
"Something made Yarmin's friends turn into Shadows. I'm not sure what, but just in case it's this thing," says Desdichado, "better safe than sorry." Desdichado casts Magic Circle Against Evil on the group to protect them against possession or mental control the devices might have.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 3:37:50 PM
Sarge casts a quick Bless on the party. "Can't hurt," she says.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 5:42:20 PM
"Probably should all close in together," Hmerrin opines. "I know that's not good if it explodes, but getting left behind if it only makes a small portal would be worse."
Following his advice, the fighter keeps close to Gaffer.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday September 29th, 2021 6:04:32 PM
Nira draws in close with the others to encircle the devices.
"Well... if we die it's been nice knowing you all. However briefly."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Wednesday September 29th, 2021 7:28:31 PM
Gaffer groups up close with the others, dropping his hawk form and, if the others don't mind waiting for him, he'll cast a couple spells. First he summons a Greater Earth Elemental, then another spell to buff it's attacks, and then order it in terran to go and stand 30 feet away from the group.
----- Active Effects ----- Summon Natures Ally VII - Greater Earth Elemental: HP 162/162; AC 21,T7,FF21 - 13/14 rounds Greater Magic Fang - +3 to GEEs Slam attack - 14 hours
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Wednesday September 29th, 2021 10:35:20 PM
Toston joins hands with the other members of his party
Three Parts. (SteveK) Thursday September 30th, 2021 7:04:24 AM
Desdichado casts Magic Circle Against Evil on the group to protect them against possession or mental control the devices might have.
Sarge casts a quick Bless on the party. "Can't hurt," she says.
Hmerrin opines they should be close together.
Nira draws in close with the others to encircle the devices.
Gaffer groups up close with the others, and casts a couple of preparation spells. A buffed Greater Earth Elemental moves off 30’ and guards the group as they prepare for the combining of artifacts.
Toston joins hands with the other members of his party.
………….
The heroes have the initiative.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday September 30th, 2021 12:59:19 PM
"Who is holding the Twisted Core now? Nira? Gaffer? Would one of you like to follow Dali's instructions?" asks Desdichado.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Thursday September 30th, 2021 5:38:58 PM
"Any time, kids" Hmerrin says.
Sarge [AC 20; HP 132/132] (Kathy) Thursday September 30th, 2021 7:43:25 PM
"Yep, let's do it," Sarge says. "Need me to hold anything?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Thursday September 30th, 2021 11:23:45 PM
Toston says, "Let's get this road on the show."
Destruction! (SteveK) Friday October 1st, 2021 4:00:35 AM
Our heroes create thier defenses, get close together, and hope to avoid having a blast (ooc: pun intended). Most of the heroes get antsy to get the road on the show!
When Gaffer is ready, there is nothing esle to do other than touch the Twisted Core to the Nullifier...
The two artifacts jump in the druid's hands, then fuse together into a "T" with a spray of heated sparks! A humming starts, and wisps of rainbow threads pulse out of the combined artifact. Gaffer's Stone of the Forge Lord begins to glow and urge forward like it did in the Spiral Maze.
The way to get out of this time loop is to destroy the Time Bubble, and someone needs to touch the Time Bubble to the Combined Artifact. Gaffer moves forward and touches the Stone...
There is a moment where nothing happens… and then there is an explosion of light and magical force! Strings of lights that brighten until they are a hot white, and then get stronger until it is only a painful brightness! A concussive force pulses again and again! But the heroes don’t seem to be affected by the light or force, just everything around them. And then all at once, the light, force, and sound is gone!!
The Pit is gone.
The Bubble is gone.
The Heroes are gone.
… And Reunion (SteveK) Friday October 1st, 2021 4:01:41 AM
But only for a moment!
The Tide find themselves where they started, in the mushroom cavern of the Deepforge Clan. Denli is still standing with the Tide, too, only completely bald and with a white beard. Around the heroes are several dozen piles of dust, slowly drifting away on the cavern winds. And there are items also scattered on the ground…
Teucri Nullifier (defunct) Teucri Twisted Woldsblood Core (defunct) Scythe +3 Axiomatic 3 sapphire gems. Each is an Elemental Gem (Water) (2,250 x3 = 6,750gp) Boots of Teleportation (49,000gp) Bag of Tricks (tan) (16,000gp) Horn of Valhalla (iron) (50,000gp) Staff of Transmutation (82,000gp) Lump of adamantine that used to be the body of Arkus. Scattered coins, gems, jewelry of an amazing assortment and quantity.
They also startle the beejeezus out of a team of dwarf mushroom farmers! One faints, two scream, and three run.
Soon there is noise in the cavern tunnel, and the dwarf farmers have returned with reinforcements. The ForgeLord and his guards crowd the room. Along with them are two human-sized people who look like adventurers and a gnome wizard.
It's the gnome wizard who breaks the tableau first. "TOSTON! she shouts in mingled worry, relief, and joy. It's Nissa! In the blink of an eye, there is hugging, crying, and babbling. "I didn't know where you were; I was so worried because I couldn't find you; , and so the family and I hired these two who were visiting Dirt City because they were also looking for you; and we all went looking for you at the last place you were which was the Scab; and we found the DeepForge clan; and were talking to them becuase you have been gone a year; and being a fiance' isn't good enough; and we are getting married RIGHT NOW!!!"
............NOTES
Congratulations to the Tide!
All Tide heroes in the last adventure gain: 180,000xp (All PCs now have a minimum of 635,000xp. If you PC doesn't, make the adjustment to 15th level) enough wealth to have a minimum of 240,000gp One Hero Point
Yves and Brian may now Post and introduce thier PCs!!!
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Friday October 1st, 2021 5:46:07 PM
Desdichado gives a respectful nod to the ForgeLord. "Hello again. I imagine you didn't expect to see us again so soon. Gaffer I'm sure can explain what happened better than I can - but, well, let's just say we ended up somewhere we didn't expect."
The paladin isn't surprised, and is actually somewhat relieved when he hears Nissa say they've been gone for a year. "A year, eh? We'd best hightail back to Dirt City, then. I'm afraid of what may have been going on there in our absence. We'd only just moved into Tide House - I wonder if our agreement will have been kept at all while we've been away."
"Do you mind if we make use of a washroom?," he asks, "I need a to trim this year of growth, and I apologize if we smell too much."
"Oh yeah, and from now on, I'm walking."
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Friday October 1st, 2021 9:52:37 PM
Nira has no idea who these people are. It then occurs to her. She's been gone for over a hundred years. How many people will she actually know in the Wold now? Will everyone be a stranger? That's an interesting thought.
She tries to stay out of the way and let the others have their reunions.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Saturday October 2nd, 2021 9:40:55 AM
Hmerrin tries to process events, but there's a lot going on.
He gives Denli a clap on the shoulder. "I don't suppose you could turn that hunk of Arkus into a war hammer?" But he leaves the introductions and explanations to Sarge.
Toston also looks like he's got a large piece of jerky to chew on.
The man merely nods in response to Dez. In a year, nearly anything could have happened at home.
And then there's Nira.
The young man leans over to the elf. "We're headed back to Dirt City." It occurs to him that it might not have existed when Nira was in the Wold, which is mind-boggling. "Uh, it's our home town. You are most definitely welcome to join us."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 135/135 AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:30) Sunday October 3rd, 2021 3:16:33 PM
Gaffer nods and waves in greeting to the group before them.
"We may have forgotten that teleportation isn't without risks over here, and the Stone of The Forge Lord I possessed turned out to be a te... t.. tecruee artifact?" He smiles over at Des, "Not to worry, I have spells for two new ways to get home, and only one of them is teleporting! But really, it sounds like congratulations are to be in order Toston!"
Gaffer imagines a day or two won't make much difference to anything after a year, and hopes they can make use of beds, washbasins and the dwarven cooks before they head back to Dirt City.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 140/140; AC:41/25/33 - CMD 35 Sunday October 3rd, 2021 5:19:26 PM
Toston raises his hands in surrender and says to Nissa, "I never thought I'd end up in a Teucri artifact for a year. You have no arguments from me. In fact it isn't far to you for me to marry only to continue on these adventures. Let's get married and settle down someplace quiet like."
Toston says to the Tide, "Look's like it is here we part ways my dear friends. It has been a real interesting journey and I feel like we've been through a lot but now I think my path leads another way. I don't know where Nissa and I will end up with all these gnome relations but Dirt City doesn't seem to be the place. I'll send you a post card from wherever we end up and if you are ever in the area pay us a visit."
Wedding and Words (SteveK) Monday October 4th, 2021 2:54:23 AM
Desdichado gives his respects to the ForgeLord (who chuckles), then the paladin learns they have been gone a year. His immediate worry is Dirt City and what may have been going on: Tide House, the agreement of the Houses, the Rakshasa.
Nira has no idea who these people are, but how many people does she really know after a hundred years? She tries to stay out of the way and let the others have their reunions.
Hmerrin tries to process events, there's a lot going on! Turns out Denli can totally make Hmerrin an adamantine Warhammer. Re-introductions seem to be better left for others, which leaves… an invitation to Nira to stay with the Tide.
Gaffer waves at the group and admits their oversight about teleportation and the Scab. He isn’t concerned, the druid has another magical way to get home quicky! And congratulations to Toston!
Toston has no arguments after a year in a Teucri artifact. “Let's get married and settle down someplace quiet like."
…………..
Desdichado’s need and Gaffer’s imagination comes to pass, and everyone can make use of beds, washbasins and the dwarven cooks before the wedding.
The wedding? Yes, turns out Nissa didn’t leave Dirt City without a plan: a plan to track down and be ready to marry ‘that man’. Along with the two, currently quiet, hired adventurers, Nissa has every one of Tostons Followers here, plus the couples’ parents! There is a wedding very next day in the Great Hall. Dwarves and gnomes pack the space. Silver and gold, delicately worked to look like flowers are on every column with a gnomish Dancing Lights by each one, making the hall a rainbow of bursting colors. And the bunting draped wherever there isn’t a column only completes the look of celebration. Only an aisle and the dais is relatively uncrowded.
The Tide (even Nira) are asked to stand as Toston’s witnesses, and Nissa has an equal number of gnomes. Sarge is asked to preside. The wedding goes off without a hitch, and the feast afterwards has meat and drink and confectionaries from far and wide, even a pyramid of famed Faragundian chocolate. Music. And Dancing. And Laughter and speeches and more dancing…
And Nissa gets a mischievous look in her eye. “Not quite settling down yet, husband of mine” (she says with possessive pride), “we still have a Night and a Year of a Honeymoon, and I intend to use every hour!”
…………..
The next day ’dawns’ near noon in the halls of the Deep Forge clan. Before the Tide and Mr. and Mrs. Lotor leave, there is a last get together. Turns out, Nissa has some information since she was keeping tabs on Dirt City and the Tide’s WLA contacts. She will try to answer everyone's questions...
All heroes can ask questions Yves and Brian, please introduce yourselves!
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 Hp122/122 CMD32 Monday October 4th, 2021 9:57:12 AM
A man approaches the group. As he walks up to you, his cloak changes color from a dull faded green to a more festive and lively yellow. Greetings! My name is Ramirez. I have been asked by the WLA to report for an assignment. How may I be of assistance?
Appearance: Ramirez is a good looking man of above average height. He has a full head of hair and is typically found clean-shaven and sports a well-trimmed goatee. When he is in a new town, he will quickly adopt the latest fashionable hairstyle so as to better fit in. His clothing tends to be of good quality, but serviceable durability. He makes frequent use of his cantrip to adjust the color of his cloak. He has done this for so long, that he is barely consciously aware that he is doing it.
…… DM Note: Ramirez is one of the WLA heroes ‘hired’ by Nissa in Dirt City. He had been looking for the Tide for a year, and Nissa implicitly trusts him. End DM Note
Danko Pureheart ( YvesB) Monday October 4th, 2021 6:30:12 PM
" Hello my new friends. My name is Danko Pureheart, full time sorcerer, part time rogue. I certainly hope that we can find some shenanigans to get into?? "
Danko is a human male. He has a light bronze skin tone. His slicked back raven black hair has streaks of reddish bronze. His thin black mustache gives him the look of a wealthy dandy. He wears a short hooded white robe tied to the waist. He carries a short sword at his belt, a brace of daggers across his chest and a quiver across his back. He possesses a red-ish colored staff and is currently leaning on same. Black pants and boots finishes his attire.
ooc> Just back from vacation. I'll work on finishing/submitting my character tomorrow.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Monday October 4th, 2021 6:35:50 PM
Hmerrin is clean and fed and drunk and happy and sad. So, a full day.
The fighter pulls in Toston and gives gnome a tight hug.
"It's been an honor, and congratulations again," he says.
At some point in the evening, he'll ask, "Does anyone know if Shield House is still up, independent, and making money?"
He offers a hand to Ramirez and Danko. "We just got out of shenanigans, so give us a minute, alright?" the fellow chuckles.
"I'm Hmerrin. Me and whoever is still coming with me is The Tide, and you are certainly welcome to join our company."
Hmerrin is a young human man with long brown hair that curls at his neck. He has intense green eyes, and an easy smile within a square jawed face. He's also decked out in full platemail, with a battleaxe on his left hip, and a hand ax on his right.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:31) Monday October 4th, 2021 7:54:43 PM
Gaffer is very glad for both the rest and celebrations, the tide have been on a good run lately, but proper chances to blow of steam are still rare.
When the glad tidings are finally over, Gaffer steps up to shake Toston's hand before they leave, "We'll definitely take you up on that visit once your honeymoon is over!"
He'll offer a similar welcome to Dank and Ramirez, "Glad to have your assistance. As mentioned, we've been away from Dirt City for a while, and last we left was just after clearing out a few Rakshasa from just about every group inside. Not sure what we'll be going back to now, but if you're up for a challenge, I'm sure we'll find one.
Speaking of, Nissa, has there been any follow up on this since we left?"
[OOC: I have just remembered, back after we took over the temple (October 20th) Gaffer bought 5 Quarterstaffs which need to be polished for 28 days for the Changestaff spell. I'm not very clear how many days have passed since then.]
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Monday October 4th, 2021 8:23:09 PM
Desdichado greets Danko and Ramirez as well, "Glad to have you aboard. If Nissa and the WLA trust you, so do I."
"I'm guessing you already know something about the troubles in Dirt City," he continues. "As the others have said, we've got a big Rakshasa problem we were investigating before coming out here to help Sarge's clan."
When the Tide has time to themselves, Desdichado asks a few...okay, a lot of...questions:
"What is the latest intelligence on the Houses and the Prince that would be of interest?" "Has there been any overt rakshasa activity?" "Is it known if any of the Houses have removed rakshasa from their midst?" "Are any of the Houses publically denying any rakshasa infiltration?" "What, if anything, has the WLA been doing about the rakshasa? Or just in general?" "How is the Temple of Warrd doing? Any rakshasa reports from them?" "Have there been any escalation of hostilities between Houses?" "What's going on at Tide House?"
Desdichado nods his head at Hmerrin's question about Shield House. "Oh yes, I hope Tombo and the others are safe."
Sarge (Kathy) Monday October 4th, 2021 8:55:05 PM
"Ramirez, Danko, nice to meet ya," Sarge says.
To the rest of the group she says, "Fellas, it's been great, but I think this is it for me. Seeing Toston married reminds me that I've got a husband of my own. It's high time I looked in on him again. I left 'cause I thought I could still do some good in the Wold, and that's what I did. And now, I'm retired. For good, this time."
She grins. "Well. Probably."
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Monday October 4th, 2021 9:59:33 PM
Nira gives a smile to Hmerrin. "Dirt City? No. I can't say I've ever heard of the place. Is.. is it nice there?." It's true. The city didn't exist when Nira got trapped. She isn't going to say no to the offer of joining the group though. She has a lot to catch up on and these people are very friendly (not to mention very capable adventurers).
She doesn't really have any clue as to what is happening. She does manage to catch on to a few tidbits. Something about rakshasa activity, a place called 'Tide House', and of course, Dirt City. She tries to stay close to Des. He has a lot of questions and hopefully that means a lot of answers to things Nira could learn.
If anything it is a relief to meet these two representatives of the WLA. People newer to this little group than she is. "Nira. Pleasure to meet you" she gives a nod to Ramirez and Danko.
Nira is a young elf girl who doesn't look a day over 116, despite actually being 216 thanks to getting stuck in a Teucri time bubble for the past hundred years! Her skin is quite pale from spending so much time indoors and away from the sun, and her hands are soft from avoiding any sort of manual labor. She is both short and lean for her race, with barely any discernable muscle. She has no visible weapons or armor, instead relying on magic to help her get by.
Catching Up (SteveK) Tuesday October 5th, 2021 6:16:18 AM
Ramirez introduces himself, informing that he has been sent by the WLA!
Danko also introduces himself, commenting about shenanigans and the predilections thereof.
Hmerrin settles in to listen and ask questions: clean and fed and drunk and happy and sad.
Gaffer loves the rest and celebrations to blow off steam. The druid give a quick recent history of their exploits, then listens as he does his last day of polishing of his fifth Quarterstaff.
Desdichado greets Danko and Ramirez: if Nissa and the WLA trust them, so does the Paladin.
Sarge meets Ramirez and Danko, and announces her retirement. Again. And she (mostly) means it this time. She takes her leave.
Nira decides to join the Tide! There are things happening and she has no idea what has changed after being trapped for a hundred years. (DM Note: Per Woldipedia: Geography, Dirt City has been a city for at least 400 years. It was founded 300 years before the events of Violet and Arturo, which was pre-YOA. Year of Ascention has been nearly 100 y
Toston has some catching up to do with his parents and relatives and followers, so is absent getting things ready for he and Nissa’s extended honeymoon.
……………….
Ramirez, Danko, and Nissa provide all the information they have. The Tide (Hmerrin, Gaffer, Desdichado, Nira, Ramirez, and Danko) are able to listen and provide follow-up questions.
Dirt City. Things are cautiously optimistic. Nissa and the gnomes coordinated with the underground WLA to keep up the appearance that The Tide was close by; even (occasionally) seen. Whether that is the reason or not, the Houses have so far kept their bargain with the Tide in keeping House business away from the unaffiliated area of Dirt City. There is still crime and violence, just not with House backing. Shield House is still up, independent and making money.
Prince and Houses. There seems to be a confidence shake-up because of the Rakshasa infiltration. Prince and Houses aren’t airing dirty laundry, but there have been some internal reorganizations happening, but Nissa and the WLA in Dirt City don’t know what. No one is denying the Rakshasa existed, but no one is trumpeting it either.
Temple of Wardd hasn’t said much. Just that the high priest in Dirt City has privately mentioned to Ramierez and Danko that the portents only say that Cataclysm may be averted by a rising tide. She also gave Ramierez a sealed scrollcase with instructions to only open only with the hero group The Tide.
Rakshasa. There has been no overt Rakshasa activity in Dirt City. The WLA, however, has been working with the Dragon Consortium to locate and eliminate as many Rakshasa dens as possible. The WLA have found and destroyed 3 more ‘farms’ but agents kept getting away and the WLA didn’t win without cost. They have word that the Mailed Fist encountered Rakshasa as well. The WLA looks to The Tide as the most knowledgeable and capable: the tip of the spear against this incursion!
………..
Ooc: The heroes can ask more questions, do the Catacombs, upgrade PC Sheet, and/or thank Nissa so she can leave and the Tide can open the scroll.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 Hp122/122 CMD32 Tuesday October 5th, 2021 6:16:56 PM Thank you Nissa, for your support. It looks like we can take it from here. I'm glad I was able to help you cover for the Tide's absence. As he speaks, Ramirez's cloak shifts to a combination of mottled gray and green.
Rakshasa can be bad news, Ramirez hopes this new team is up for the challenge, with some of them retiring the new Tide will need to learn each other's strengths and weaknesses pretty quickly.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Tuesday October 5th, 2021 6:47:28 PM
"Thank you, Nissa," says Desdichado. "Now you and Toston go enjoy your honeymoon."
The young man is eager to see the contents of the sealed scroll. With the major changes happening in Dirt City, has had a feeling the Temple might be their best hope of support against the rakshasa threat. He's very glad to hear that the WLA and Mailed Fist have had their own share of successes.
The paladin chuckles to himself. "They thought we've been in town all this time? I'd love to hear how they pulled that off!"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:24:25 PM
Hmerrin also thanks Nissa for a job well done. The fighter also checks in with Denli about that Arkus hammer.
Sarge deciding to retire is a surprise, and the young man gives her a heartfelt hug as well. "We couldn't have made it this far without you," he tells her.
Later, with The New Tide, he looks around at Nira, Ramirez, and Danko. "Any of you a healer?" he asks. "We tend to need one, so I might be buying up some potions if not. Also, these Rakshasa cats are bad news. Spell resistance, weapon resistance to anything except holy piercing ones. So, if you're a melee person, get yourself something blessed and pointy. Option two is stick close to Dez here, 'cause it turns out paladins really do a number on rakshasa."
Hmerrin ducks into the local Catacombs entrance himself to stock up.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Wednesday October 6th, 2021 3:05:32 AM "I'm pretty good at healing things. Well, most things." Her inability to treat the ability drain caused by the wraiths is certainly a weak point. "I'll try and keep you alive as best I can."
Nira nods as Hmerrin heads off to the Catacombs and then turns her attention to Ramirez.
"That's an interesting cloak you have."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:31) Wednesday October 6th, 2021 6:10:34 AM
Having experienced Dwarven homes and hospitality for the first time, Gaffer can understand why Sarge would be happy to retire, "All the best to you Sarge, you deserve some peace and quiet."
To Nira he smiles, "I can keep some restorations ready if you've got the rest covered."
Once everyone is ready to leave, he doesn't forgot to offer "Are we about set to head off then? Des, hear me out, I can now turn us all into birds, and we can fly back!"
Catching Up (SteveK) Wednesday October 6th, 2021 10:20:20 AM
Ramirez reveals he was part of the deception plan covering for the Tide, and privately considers what it will take for the new Tide to be successful.
Desdichado chortles at the deception in Dirt City, and is eager to see the contents of the sealed scroll.
Hmerrin focuses on the Tide’s logistics situation, getting ready for the next challenge whatever it may be. Adamantine Hammer? Healer capability? And providing what they know of Rakshasa from several encounters!
NIra gives some information about her own capabilities.
Gaffer enjoys his time in the dwarf hold, then asks Desdichado ‘hear me out!’
……………
Training. The heroes know that in order to be ready for the next challenge, they need to train and reinforce the experience they have had. There isn’t a crisis that requires their attention either! So, with new WLA personnel and the entire Deep Forge Clan trainers available, the heroes avail themselves to practice new- and hone current abilities. This takes a month.
Preparation. Visits to the Catacombs and the forging of the Arkus Hammer also take a month. (ooc: Heroes can freely go to the Catacombs to purchase.) Denli is as good as his word. He not only provides a masterwork hammer of solid adamantine, but he is a mystic smith, and is able to put enhancements on the hammer as well! (ooc: MikeK, you are authorized to add the Adamantine Hammer to Hmerrin’s PC Sheet with any magical enhancements you want as long as it is annotated in Hmerrin’s WBL limitations.) Denli also has enough adamantine to do other weapons or armor in the same way for other members of the Tide. (ooc: post or email if a hero is doing this)
..........
DM Note: I am deliberately not revealing the contents of the scroll for 2 reasons. 1. To take care of the administrivia 2. To get approval for the next Module.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Wednesday October 6th, 2021 6:44:02 PM
"I can provide some healing as well - definitely not as well as Sarge, could, though," says Desdichado.
As the New Tide takes time getting to know one another and improving themselves, the paladin makes a trip to the Catacombs.
Danko Pureheart ( YvesB) Wednesday October 6th, 2021 6:45:03 PM
Danko's appearance starts to blur ... and he now looks like Ramirez... looking at Ramirez, who's looking back at Danko who looks like Ramirez.... before blurring again and looking like himself... or is this how Danko really looks?
That was... awkward?
Danko Pureheart ( YvesB) Wednesday October 6th, 2021 6:45:43 PM
" No to the healing question,, not much anyway... "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Wednesday October 6th, 2021 6:57:35 PM
Hmerrin considers the 'no healing' answers.
"Gaffer, you got those healing potions we took off the giants, right? Might want to pass those out." [OOC - I believe there are four CSW potions.] Hmerrin will keep any left over.
The fighter then asks Denli to make that a +1 Arkus Hammer, goes to the Catacombs to get some protective goodies, and then the WLA to work on some archery practice.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 Hp122/122 CMD32 Wednesday October 6th, 2021 10:06:23 PM Well, thank you Nira.The cloak is nothing special really, aside from the usual enchantment. One of the first spells I ever learned can change its' color and still my favorite. I used it so much sometimes I don't even think about it. Do you have a favorite color? I could change something for you as well?
Ramirez listens to the the comments regarding the Rakshasa with concern. I do know a few healing spells, but those talents pale compared to a dedicated healer. Maybe some scrolls?
Danko, that was....interesting. Maybe we could fool some adversaries with that trick sometime?
Catching Up (SteveK) Thursday October 7th, 2021 2:41:22 AM
The hero’s continue coordinating skills and getting to know each other.
..........
DM Note: I am deliberately not revealing the contents of the scroll for 2 reasons. 1. To take care of the administrivia 2. To get approval for the next Module.
Nira Wynvyre (RobC) [HP: 92/92 - AC:21/13/18 - CMD 19] Thursday October 7th, 2021 3:02:28 AM
Nira grins to Ramirez. "I've always liked bright purple. Not exactly the best color for blending in to things though"
In her downtime Nira sets to very carefully studying the now the defunct Nullifier and Twisted Woldsblood Core. It's unlikely other scholars have had the chance to see devices like these before. She doesn't cast any spells in their vicinity - just in case she accidentally powers them on. She makes detailed drawings of the devices and writes up her observations of them, as well as how they were found and previously used.
After that, she hits the books. Specifically she's looking for history books. She smiles at the thought. She was likely born before most of these history books were written. As soon as she has read one pile of books, she sets to creating a new pile of books to be devoured. Apparently the Wold is now in a 5th Age. Can you believe Eberyon is awake? So much time has passed and so many great events have taken place.
When she finally has a chance to go to the Catacombs there is one thing she wants to buy over all others: a silver mirror. That night, Nira ducks away from the group for a little privacy and tries to Scry on her mother. Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm happy to play this however you want me to, DM}
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 144/144AC: 25(T:16/FF:20) CMD:31) Thursday October 7th, 2021 10:46:41 AM
Gaffer inquires with the Dwarves as to the state of the caverns since they dealt with the crystal, offering his help if there have been any remnant creatures yet to be cleared out, or if they have any parties above ground who could use some temporary help.
He is a firm believer that practical experience is the best training and his mind is on finding better ways to overcome the resistance to magic that the Rakshasa, and other potential threats, possess. If he can help the Deepforge Clan and try out some new ideas in the process, excellent.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP: 150/150; AC:26/12/26 - CMD 28] DR:3/- Thursday October 7th, 2021 2:23:54 PM
Desdichado wants to hear more from Gaffer about turning into birds. "That...doesn't sound much better to me! What happened to good old fashioned walking, or riding a horse? But, I suppose as long as we don't wind up trapped inside an ancient artifact it won't be a terrible alternative."
The paladin also spends some time talking with the newcomers, getting to know them better.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 167/167 AC:32 T:18 FF:26 CMD:34) Thursday October 7th, 2021 7:12:55 PM
Hmerrin is totally with Dez on this one.
"Firm believer in walking," he declares. "Riding is good too. Turning into a bird, not so much."
Danko Pureheart ( YvesB) Thursday October 7th, 2021 7:36:17 PM
Danko smiles, looks at Ramirez as his face changes to that of Nira.... before changing back to his own.
" Yes, I can get us in all kinds of shenanigans with this trick.. "
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 Hp122/122 CMD32 Thursday October 7th, 2021 9:10:13 PM Well, how far are we walking? I might be able to shorten that trip a little.
Ramirez decides to practice a few of his own illusions. He makes some illusory people holding what appear to be shining weapons. Myabe they would fool the Rakshasa? I'm not sure how good these will be against Rakshasa. We may need to check some other options.
OOC- Ramirez has a little cash leftover, I think I'll have him stop by the catacombs over the weekend.
LOG ON