Dirt City: What’s the Sitch? Monday August 15th, 2022 3:44:25 AM
Hmerrin breathes in the outside air, and suggests a trip to Dirt City. It’s been 2+ years (because of that Teucri Time Bubble!) since the Tide has rolled into the city…
For Nira, it's been a little longer than two years – it’s been 100! She is looking forward to seeing Dirt City! She also has a suggestion to better communicate over distances and safely in tactical situations…
Desdichado gives the elf a rundown on the Dirt City situation. The Tide has a non-interference pact with the Houses, and the last the heroes knew, the Houses claimed to have taken care of their own rakshasa problems (and refused all offers of independent verification). He writes to the Domi Plateau City temple, and (supposedly) intends to drop it off at the nearest Woldian gods temple or WLA for delivery ……………
The mine and pocket-plane are destroyed, the hub of Rakshasa operations in the Emerald Kingdom is cut off and removed.
The heroes report the situation to the Karri authorities, providing reports to the local temples and WLA. Then there is a trip to Dirt City. While Nira has never been to Dirt City, Danko has, and the Sorcerer/Rogue also knows the Teleport spell. The heroes will not have to find a boat and make the arduous voyage south along the river: through the Emerald Kingdom, along the plains of western Izen, around the long bend with Mount Bone in the distance… And then getting off at the hills just north of the Forest de Blanc and walking the final days to Dirt City. No, it is only gathering the courage to have a magical transportation, casting a spell, and arrival in the courtyard of The Tide’s Dirt City headquarters!
There is a bit of hullaballoo: a surprise appearance of Danko and Ramierez who have been gone nearly a year, and with Hmerrin, Desdichado, and Gaffer who had disappeared from the face of the Wold! And the roster of the Tide has changed since they were last here too: Sarge and Toston are no longer around, and Nira is.
It looks like the heroes are going to have to calm folks down, find some trusted people, and then get a low-down of what’s been going on! …………..
Reminder Notes: The last the heroes know the Dirt City NPCs know… 1) Two+ years ago; Sarge, Toston, Hmerrin, Desdichado, and Gaffer left to travel to Sarge’s dwarf clan in response to a letter asking for help. 2) A year later, Toston’s fiance’, Nissa, hired Ramirez and Danko, and (with all of Toston’s gnome followers) packed up in search of the Tide.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 127/144 AC: 34(T:16/FF:) CMD:29) d20+26=29 ; Monday August 15th, 2022 7:52:59 AM
Gaffer is happy to visit the city after such a long time and his first port of call is to check on his old gardens and the tree he had moved into their courtyard not long before they left. He'll spend much of his first day back flying over the city, back in hawk form, reacquainting himself with it's alleyways and getting a feel for what might have changed in their absence. (Perception: 29)
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:122/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] d20+22=24 ; d20+26=33 ; Monday August 15th, 2022 3:11:45 PM
Desdichado feels like the entire town is watching them as they step out of Tide House (OOC: is that we we named the new HQ?) after having been gone for so long.
He begins taking up his usual patrols and tries to reacquaint himself with the area (Perception: 24)
As he patrols, he strikes up conversations with those willing to talk with him, trying to improve attitudes and undo any fears or concerns that might have arisen from their long absence (Diplomacy: 33). He will make his way to the Temple of Wardd eventually, but for now figures there are too many eyes on him to try to re-make any acquaintances there.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) d20+17=25 ; Monday August 15th, 2022 5:24:47 PM
"Hi everybody!" Hmerrin waves as they appear in the courtyard. "Did you miss us? Do we still own the place?"
The young fighter will start off by making the rounds of Tide House, which seems as good as name as any.
He walks around the grounds, poking his nose into just about everything, and asks in general how people are doing.
Perception checks for anything different - 25 Diplomacy (taking 20 to gather information) - 21
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30, 31 haste, 35 with Shield ) -- CMD 36 -- HP 64./110 Monday August 15th, 2022 8:03:44 PM
Danko gives a weak wave and heads straight to the nearest ale house.. for some ale.... and to plan how he's going to spend his loot.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Monday August 15th, 2022 8:50:32 PM
Ramirez joins Hmerrin, checking out the house, and then checks in with the local neighbors to see how things have been.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 22*/14*/18* (+2 vs Evil) -- CMD 21 -- HP 109/114 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday August 15th, 2022 11:17:05 PM
Nira joins Dez to get a tour of both the house and local surrounds. She figures being seen with him will help others see her as a friend (and not a likely pickpocket target). She smiles to all the people that he meets and introduces herself as well. When they're out of earshot she asks Des: "Are people around here always this friendly?"
At the house she asks meekly whether there are any spare rooms that she might call her own.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) d20+27=33 ; Tuesday August 16th, 2022 5:11:55 AM
Gaffer takes to the skies as a Hawk once more and does a full lap of the city, seeing what has changed and getting a feel for the mood of the city. With a few years passing, who knows what has happened in the city with their absence.
[i]----- Perception: 33 [i]
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30, 31 haste, 35 with Shield ) -- CMD 36 -- HP 64./110 Tuesday August 16th, 2022 6:24:29 AM
A somewhat drunk Danko leaves the ale house. A big grin on his face and a few coins lighter.
He too wishes to take to the air.
Leathery wings sprout from his back and he starts running before yelling " UP UP AND AWAAAAAAAY! "
He takes to the air and goes for a joy ride using his new wings.
Tide House: Past and Present Tuesday August 16th, 2022 9:40:52 AM Tide House, as heroes are reminded or learn, is a former manor with an enclosed courtyard in the Moon Quarter of Dirt City. Out-buildings line the three walls and are filled with workshops on the main floor and living quarters above. A clean water pool now sits in the middle of the courtyard, and the solid wooden gates keeping out the rest of Dirt City seem well maintained.
Tombo Greenhand (human tavern-owner), Mazea Ironthane (dwarf leatherworking), and Sunny Culpepper (human sewing school), and Cinzi (human nightwatch) have all moved to Tide House and can give the skinny on what has been going on.
Two years ago, this sandstone and red tiled roof was the home of Galafar, a successful ‘independent’ merchant, who used his house as a secret temple to Ga’al (the heart-seeding god of Alisidur). The heroes of the Tide had discovered Galafar was in fact a Rakshasa lieutenant of Golden Eyes (main rakshasa baddie) named Anduin who had also killed most of the WLA in Dirt City and tried to kill The Tide, and the Rakshasa were using the Ga’alian priests as dupes to further subjugate Dirt City!
In the ensuing fight, The Tide revealed the multi-layered plot of the rakshasa and that they had been busy infiltrating the Houses of Dirt City too! Afterwards, representatives of the Houses, the Prince of Thieves, and The Tide all met and hammered out an agreement. The Houses got a promise of no interference from the powerful heroes, and got the inside information that Rakshasahad successfully infiltrated all Houses, the Princes Household, and several other organizations (the WLA and possibly the temple of Wardd, too). The Heroes got possession of the former Rakshasa headquarters (in Moon Quarter) and the promise that the Houses would not have House operations in the MoonQuarter, enabling the heroes to have a House-free part of the City Above.
Soon after The Tide moved in, most of their protected supporters felt it was also time to move!
Finally, they have been using the last of Toston’s fiance’s (Nissa) proceeds to refurbish the House. There is a ground floor of commonly used rooms, a first floor of 8 unused bedrooms (sparsely furnished awaiting a personal touch), and a flat roof that could be used for just about anything.
In Dirt City
The paladin doesn’t waste a day, taking up his usual patrols and reacquainting himself with the area. Danko also heads straight out, but to the nearest ale house… Ramierez, after a look at the House, checks in with neighbors. Nira also joins Dez to get a tour and to be seen as part of The Tide. Gaffer does his old thing as a Hawk and takes to the skies.
The heroes don’t see much that has changed. Busy markets, foreboding House Towers, and the over-topping Prince’s Castle, Arena, and Temple of Wardd are in their accustomed place. So too is the squalor of the docks, Grubber Town, and the Burn.
The only people who really talk to the heroes are the merchants calling from their stalls during the day: everyone else keeps their business to themselves. Again, normal.
What is not normal is that people don’t seem to notice that The Tide has been gone for so long. That is, until Danko and Ramierez remind Hmerrin, Desdichado, and Gaffer that D&R helped Nissa pretend the Tide were still in residence. They made illusions and disguises, and made occasional appearances as the team. Most of Dirt City think they have only been gone 6 months. Which, after all, is only usual in long-distance travel…
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Tuesday August 16th, 2022 5:16:24 PM
Hmerrin's face falls a bit as Nira proposes her telepathy idea.
He sheepishly holds up his recent purchases from the Catacombs. "oops."
"It's a great idea," he hurriedly continues. "And as soon as we pick up some more loot, I'd say its the first thing we should do."
The lack of general knowledge regarding The Tide's prolonged absence is fine by the fighter.
To make up for his greedy faux paus, he gives Nira a tour, pointing out the available rooms on the second floor. OOC - I thought we had a map of this place. Anybody got a map?
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Tuesday August 16th, 2022 6:04:35 PM
[OOC: I think Gaffer moved a tree from outside the city to the courtyard using Liveoak, giving the triggering phrase to their friends as a form of defence. It wasn't in the description so wanted to check if it is still present? Otherwise Gaffer asks how the new tenants would feel about a new tree being brought in.]
Gaffer meets up with a merry Danko in the air for some flying acrobatics before regrouping with the others on the ground. "I can cover your share Hmerrin, I think this is something worth us having. Though erm, Nira, would we all heareverythingwe each think?"
Since it is a bit of a reunion in the city, he suggests that they all go for food at Tombo's like old times.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:122/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Tuesday August 16th, 2022 6:09:26 PM
"This is particularly pleasant," Desidchado says to Nira about the responses from people. "We've definitely been treated worse."
Back at Tide House, he asks Tombo what he's fixed up. He chats with him for a while about their trek out and the brief stay they had in Angel Springs on their way to the Scab helping Sarge's clan. He spends particular time telling him about some of the halfling dishes they had, figuring he might like to add them to his menu.
As the group meets back together, he says "Since Nissa has been keeping up the illusion that we've been here are along - and she's been looking for us - maybe we should stop by and give her an update...as well as ask her for updates about the past couple of years."
The paladin is up for the telepathy plan as well.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:122/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Tuesday August 16th, 2022 6:14:04 PM
(OOC: About Tide House: A map would be great! If I recall, we've only seen the top floor and I think there are supposed to be more rooms below?)
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Tuesday August 16th, 2022 8:01:27 PM Checking in with Nissa sounds like a good plan. Can I pick one of the rooms and cleanup first?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis d20+14=28 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=34 ; Tuesday August 16th, 2022 9:17:37 PM "Would that be a problem, Gaffer? Any thoughts you wouldn't want to share with the group?" Nira tries to keep a straight face but can't. "Just kidding. No. It doesn't work that way. It's just like talking, but you do it with your mind instead of your mouth"
Nira will duck off to the Catacombs to get the scrolls (and a few other items for herself), and then when they have a moment at the house she will do the castings.
She waits to hear the response to Ram's question. She'd also like one of the spare rooms. If the party don't mind of course. She's not particularly fussed which one. As long as there is room for some books she'll feel right at home.
"Are there any good taverns about? How about we all meet up for dinner later. First round on me?"
----------------- Caster Level checks to use CL20 scrolls: DC21. 28, 21, 29, 24, 34 = All Pass.
Settling In Wednesday August 17th, 2022 2:08:13 AM
Danko, somewhat tipsy, leaves the ale house, and decides to get some air with his new draconic wings. Citizens scatter, children scream, and the Sorcerer/Rogue creates quite a consternation across the city!
Hmerrin is a little sheepish at Nira’s proposal: it’s a great idea, but the Fighter has already blown his loot! The lack of general knowledge regarding The Tide's prolonged absence is fine by the fighter. ooc: The DM is searching for the map. I may have to make a new one from memory.
Gaffer sees his tree is still standing alive and tall in the courtyard (ooc: thank you for the reminder!), and the people of Dirt City who stick around can see the dragon-man have some acrobatics with a common hawk. He wants a little clarification on the mind-speaking, and suggests that they all go for food at Tombo's like old times.
Desdichado provides commentary to Nira on the ‘citizens’ of Dirt City, talks with Tombo,about possible menu changes, and suggests a visit to Nissa.
Ramierez agrees checking in with Nissa sounds like a good plan, but he wants to clean up first!
Nira teasingly clarifies how the telecommunication magic works. She’s also interested in getting a spare room, a cleaning, a Catacombs run, a good tavern…
……………
The heroes meeting with Tombo, Sunny, Mazea, and Cinzi seems to be particularly useful. And they are joined by a gnome couple; Jaspertink (Jasper) and Posiepocket (Posie). Introductions are given all around, and soon the conversation is dotted by Jasper opening his mouth to talk, but Posie finishing the topic! The fond looks they pass back and forth ensure the heroes this is an old and fond game between the married pair.
Through this conversation, The Tide learn several things: a. Tombo gives the group a map of the refurbished Tide House. (Ooc: follow-on email)
b. Tombo, Sunny, and Mazea agree that the heroes will probably hear three different types of stories and information: 1) those within Tide House and close Tide allies [i.e. WLA and Brother Elthorn from the Temple of Ffloy] , 2) most people of Dirt City, both Above and Below, and low-level Houses, and 3) House and Prince leadership.
c. Tombo, Sunny, and Mazea have been managing the courtyard area of Tide House as an informal committee. They have their shops open during the day and live inside the walls.
d. Japser and Posie manage Tide House proper: Posie the ground floor and kitchens, and Jasper the upstairs cleaning and upkeep. Their five children (Marygold, Calla, Agate, Obsidian, and Nickel) all help.
e. Nissa and all of Toston’s relations are no longer in Dirt City. The heroes remember that Nissa, Ramierez, Danko, and all Toston’s relations were at the dwarf hold when the group got out of that Teucri Time Bubble. Nissa ambushed Toston with a wedding and the pair planned an extended honeymoon! That’s why most people think The Tide have only been gone 6 months.
f. Tombo’s Tavern is open and doing well just outside the gates of Tide House. “Best move I made. Brisk business and better access to seafood and imported wines! Mistress Nira, I dare say you won’t find better in Dirt City.”
………….
Packages soon arrive from the Catacombs for Gaffer, Hmerrin, Danko, Desdichado, and Nira.
The heroes take a week to settle in and get used to the goings-on in Tide House and in Dirt City in general. In that time, there are no reports of House activity in Moon Quarter, nor any rumors of what has been going on in the Houses.
A ten-day after the Tide appeared in the Tide House courtyard, an invitation from the Prince of Thieves arrives, asking for a quiet meeting…
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday August 17th, 2022 4:16:07 AM
Nira grins widely to Tombo. "I'm sure I won't. Still, I think I had better check it for myself. Do you have a table or two free? Uh... regularly?"
She spends quite a bit of time in the Tide House library. Can you believe it? A library right where she's staying! Amazing! She starts by looking for history books to try and catch up on the past hundred years. After that, she looks for the dustiest books. They're usually the oldest ones. Sometimes it can be a lucky find and it's a tome of great information no-one has ever heard of before! Other times it might turn out to be a record of local tax matters, so, you know, you take your chances.
Besides that she makes herself a regular at Tombo's Tavern, getting to know all the staff there on a first name basis, and trying all sorts of different food. She isn't that keen on seafood, but tries whatever else she can get her hands on. She tries to make sure she visits every day, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and always invites the rest of the party to join her if they wish. When dining alone she often brings a book from the library to read.
It's on one such day where Nira is returning from the tavern, book in one hand and half eaten apple in the other, that the invitation arrives. She doesn't know if this is a common occurrence or not so bites into her apple while waiting for someone to comment on it.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30, 31 haste, 35 with Shield ) -- CMD 36 -- HP 64./110 Wednesday August 17th, 2022 6:25:39 AM
Every once in a while the shape of the mid size dragon can barely be seen overhead... Then one morning, close to dawn, what appears to be a dragon lands near the edge of Tide House, The dragon takes a few steps then starts to shimmer.... the dragon disapears and where it had been is now Danko, grinning from ear to ear.
{ Well, }
he thinks to himself.
{,,, that should prove useful,,, }
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:122/161; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 32] Wednesday August 17th, 2022 2:33:40 PM
Desdichado enthusiastically greets Jasper and Posie, and appreciates the information from everyone on what's been happening. He thinks it's nice to see a bustling little marketplace in the courtyard.
"Well, we were only here for a very short while after claiming this place," explains Desdichado when Nira asks about where she can stay, "and these rooms weren't even set up yet. Please take whichever looks best to you."
On hearing of the Prince's request, he winces. "He doesn't ask to speak with us often, but when he does it's never for anything good."
(OOC: Oops, Brother Elthorn from the Temple of Ffloy is who I was thinking of earlier, not the Wardd temple.)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Wednesday August 17th, 2022 4:48:55 PM
Hmerrin claims the room next to the stairs (AX 12), and let Nira knows she's welcome to the corner (AX 6).
At one of the group dinners, he asks about magical defenses. "I mean, can we do all those glyphs and wards and whatevers the raks are using?" we wonders over a chicken leg. "By Domi this is good. Tombo is gonna make me fat."
The invitation by the Prince elicits a look that echoes Dez' comment.
"Maybe he just wants to know about the dragon buzzing the city," he grins. "Seriously, last time he told us to leave him and the Houses alone. And we have. Should be interesting given all the skills and goodies we've gained since our last talk."
He ponders. "'Quiet talk' sounds unofficial. Probably should go as we are, rather than get all formal."
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Wednesday August 17th, 2022 6:32:55 PM Maybe not too formal, but it is an invitation from a Prince. I'll at least have to consider what color to make my cloak.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Wednesday August 17th, 2022 7:51:47 PM
Gaffer throws his things into one of the corner rooms at random (AP22) only to be pleasantly surprised in the morning when the smell of Tombo's cooking wafts it's way up through the floor.
He spends some time during the week preparing another Spellstaff. He also purchases a few Holly Berry seeds to plant in the soil around the tree.
"We had a Hallow spell on the old place, I could look at putting up another one here."
As for the Prince, Gaffer finds himself caring a lot less about what the Prince has to say after the houses allowed the Rakshasa in.
"We need to make our way to Plateau City sooner rather than later, as long as they keep our Wardd clear, I'm not too keen to get wrapped up in house politics at the same time as we're dealing with the Rakshasa."
A Visitor Thursday August 18th, 2022 3:28:31 AM
Nira integrates with the Tide House people quickly, especially drifting to the library and Tombo’s. She might find what is called the ‘library’ as less than impressive. It has plenty of light and places to sit or write, but the number of books is… 12. Six ledgers on the former estate, three ‘Trixie Belden’ books about a teenage girl solving mysteries, two identical grammar books (tattered and dog-eared), and one of extremely sappy love poems from Nissa to ‘my Tosty-Wosty’. None are magical or otherwise significant.
Danko finds the only time he has wings is when he casts his new spell “Form of the Dragon II”. (Still a couple of levels before he has his own.) And keeping higher up helps alleviate the panic that was in the streets. Shimmering from dragon to Danko in front of Tide House also enables the rumor to quickly spread on who the ‘dragon’ that’s been seen actually is.
Desdichado is happy things are going well until the ‘invitation’ arrives. He morosely tells Danko, Rameirez, and Nira his opinion of the Prince’s interest.
Hmerrin claims two rooms for him and Nira, and suggests improving magical defenses. The blonde young man echoes Dez, then grins. Should be interesting! 'Quiet talk' sounds unofficial.
Ramirez does note it is an invitation from a Prince. Even if the ‘prince’ is elected by the Houses and his job is more on minimizing House conflict, and if he can’t do that he doesn’t last long…
Gaffer chooses a room, sets plants and spells, suggests another Hallow spell, and scoffs at the Prince’s invitation. The druid notes they need to NOT get involved in politics at the local level when dealing with the Rakshasa. As long as the Houses are leaving Moon Quarter alone, the Tide need to get ready for Plateau City!
…………..
Hmerrin and Ramirez want to visit the Prince. Dez groans about the invite, but hasn’t agreed one way or the other. Gaffer hasn’t rejected the invite, but hasn’t said they should go, either. Nira feels she doesn’t know enough to weigh in, and Danko just seems to want to blow off some steam.
It is a luke-warm response, at best, but given the history of both Dirt City and the ‘Prince of Thieves’, it could hardly be any better. The same evening that the Tide has the conversation, as the heroes are doing their final actions before sleep, Jasper comes knocking on doors. ”Excuse me, sirs and ma’am, but a visitor showed up in our Parlor, and is asking for you.”
Arrival at the Parlor finds Cinzi standing at the doors and watching an athletic-looking human man with well-groomed but graying beard. He does not have a cloak nor weapon, and his tight garments would make it difficult to have anything hidden on his person. He puts aside his teacup and stands slowly, making no sudden moves. “Tide Heroes, I am Darmious Foxx, a lieutenant for the Prince of Dirt City. I am here to unofficially pass information between you and my principle. He most wishes to keep the present arrangement with the Tide, and toward that end, to inform you of House actions to ensure the removal of Rakshasa in Dirt City. He also wants this discretely, so has sent me to you instead of you visiting the Castle, which would certainly be noticed.”
……. Sense Motive DC 20 or Detect Lie Highlight to display spoiler: { Darmious believes he is not lying and feels he is sincere } Detect Evil Highlight to display spoiler: { Darmious doesn’t detect as evil } Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: { Darmious has no magic auras or equipment } True Seeing Highlight to display spoiler: { Darmious is as he appears } Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { he has a mark on two fingers where there have recently been a ring, and his left ear is pierced but no earring. He moves like a rogue. }
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday August 18th, 2022 6:31:06 AM
Nira hereby makes it her mission to populate this 'library'. She considers those vile books that were recovered from the rakshasa hideout. It would be best they are kept somewhere safe and out of evil do-er reach. Perhaps this is the right place for them?
She makes use of the new telepathic powers of the group while inspecting Darmious and relays what she sees while silently eyeing him. "He speaks the truth. Well, and least he thinks he is. I don't see any magical auras on him either. Looks like he lost some jewelry. Missing two rings, and looks like an earing too."
Nira is a little confused by what she's hearing and when an opportunity presents itself she quietly speaks up. "I'm new to Dirt City and I don't really understand how things work here yet, but why would he want to be discreet about the removal of Rakshasa from Dirt City? Wouldn't that be a good thing? I mean no disrespect. I'm just trying to understand the politics here a little better."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) d20+13=14 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 2:54:29 PM
Gaffer's eyes take in the man and he notices the missing jewelry, an effort to hide parts of his identity perhaps? or just ensuring he isn't worth robbing while traveling the city. Hearing Nira's reassurances, he relaxes a little into his seat.
"I welcome any news of the Rakshasa removal." He offers, though sure there is an ask coming their way. It seems to much to hope that the Prince has been so open as to send someone over just for an update.
----- Perception DC25: Autopass Sense Motive DC20: Fail
The discussions continue about going to meet the Prince. Then, Jasper makes his announcement, and the group finds a well dressed rogue in the foyer.
"Or, we could just meet here," Hmerrin deadpans.
Darmious Foxx makes his pitch, and Nira reports her observations. The fighter is on very high alert, and gathers the same intel as well.
He's got a pretty good idea why the Prince doesn't want to publicly disclose how badly each House was infiltrated, but makes no comment. He's curious to see how Foxx responds to Nira.
"I don't suppose asking you what House you worked for will do us much good?" he asks, with all politeness he can muster.
Desdichado does his paladin stuff and confirms Nira's analysis of Darmious Foxx.
He lights up at Nira's words. "See! That's what I said! If we're all fighting rakshasa there's nothing to hide. But the Prince and the House leadership didn't want to agree with a paladin for some reason."
He's all ears to hear what the Houses have planned to ensure the rakshasa are removed.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Thursday August 18th, 2022 7:28:40 PM It seems that the current arrangement continues to be agreeable. So you are here to provide a report of the Houses? How are their efforts to root out the Rakshasa proceeding?
Ramirez does not yet know all the politics involved and he wonders if this 'arrangement' is actually favorable for the Tide, or moreso for these Houses.
A Visitor Friday August 19th, 2022 3:02:16 AM
(ooc: The Dm isn’t sure the heroes have the permanent telepathy yet. I didn’t see 12,500gp listed for gear for 6 people, even if supported temporarily by other PCs.)
Nira waits for an opportunity and asks what to her is an obvious question.
Gaffer notes the missing jewelry, and waits for the next shoe to drop.
Hmerrin is on high alert, but trying to conceal it with aplomb.
Desdichado all ears to hear what the Houses have planned to ensure the rakshasa are removed.
Ramirez doesn’t want to beat around any bush, so comes right out and asks for the reason Darmious is in the Tide’s parlor. There are unasked questions lurking behind his eyes.
…………………
Darmious inclines his head respectfully. ”Mistress Nira, yes? The elf maid who seems to be the only one in The Tide on whom the Prince doesn’t yet have a full dossier. I believe the reason is simple: the Prince still wants to be Prince.”
And with that start, the poised, deliberately moving man provides what he believes is truthful and honest information, both to the heroes’ questions, and also to some that have been unasked! (It is evident he is both well-prepared for this meeting and quite an astute observer of situations and people in his own right. [i.e. high ranks in Diplomacy, Perception, and Sense Motive] )
- The Prince of Thieves is selected by the Houses to minimize inter-House conflict and promote House prosperity. In recent memory (just before Hmerrin joined the CMTC), when Prince Liam Kent died, Dirt City saw the rise and fall of three Princes in a single season. The next, Prince Argus Fexel, used immediate, disciplined violence to balance peace in the City. It is a precarious balance. Every House is ready to jump on another House (or Prince!) that shows weakness or an opening. So no-one will admit to the others there is a problem, but have every incentive to ensure they are independent from others (including Rakshasa).
- The Prince recognizes The Tide are powerful, and open or clandestine warfare against (or because of) The Tide would unbalance the current situation. No matter what happens or who is killed, the result of an unbalanced Dirt City would be the end of the current Prince. But if the Prince is seen working with The Tide, the Houses will see a shift in balance (i.e. Prince too weak/ powerful, The Tide as Prince’s patsies/ power-behind-the-throne). Result = unbalanced Dirt City.
- At the same time, the Prince sees The Tide would also want to keep the balance. An unbalanced Dirt City will kill a whole lot of people, most of them innocents.
- At the same time, there is the Rakshasa, also unbalancing, also end of the Prince. And The Tide are the lead in finding out and doing WLA work in stomping them out of the Wold.
- Therefore, it is in the Prince’s interest to cooperate with The Tide, but not openly. And the Prince thinks the clandestine cooperation is in The Tide’s interest too. If the heroes can agree with this assessment, then Darmious can provide information and updates on what’s going on which would assure The Tide they need not get involved.
For Darmious himself, he smiles depreciatingly. ”The Prince knows you don’t trust him, but you need information from a trustworthy source so you will not get involved. He found me: an honest outsider not affiliated with Dirt City or any House. I am unselfish enough for a paladin to speak with, confident enough to meet with you without any weapons (he touches his belt) or magic (he touches his ring and earring spots), and skilled enough to both avoid detection by the Houses and can provide the Prince as much information about The Tide as he is giving you.”
“So, are we at an accord?”
……. (All detection and skills reveal Darmious Foxx is trustworthy and believes he is telling the truth)
"You know, in a perfect Wold my tasks wouldn't include meeting with a representative of the Prince of Dirt City about why we should let the Houses do what they want."
"Help me understand exactly what we are agreeing to here: you are giving us information on what the Prince knows his happening with rakshasa activity in the Houses and we agree not to interfere with what they are doing? I've got to say, what if what they are doing is something we know won't work? Because so far, us killing them seems to work. It's slow and very difficult, but it works."
Desdichado is frustrated at this proposal, but if the rest of the group wants to go this route, he's willing to go along as well.
(OOC: Desdichado's equipment updated with 12,500 gp permanent telepathy scroll.)
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Friday August 19th, 2022 4:33:58 PM
OOC: Updating Gaffer's sheet for 25,000gp for himself and Hmerrin's telepathy costs.]
Gaffer is reminded by Darmious' comments that not every city need be like Dirt City, but the conspiring of the houses is something he takes as given at this point.
He pours himself a tumbler of what whisky remains from before they left and waits for the conversation to continue.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Friday August 19th, 2022 5:52:36 PM
Hmerrin chuckles a bit at the line about being unselfish enough for a paladin to speak with.
"What?" he replies defensively at Dez' look. "It's a good line."
He listens to Foxx's spiel, and Dez' reply. "Well, I can see the difficulty with trying to keep six Houses in balance with each other and the Princehood," Hmerrin admits. "And I'm fine with exchanging intel. And I'm fine with continuing with 'We don't bother you and you don't bother us', especially while we got bigger fish to fry."
"But, he and you have surely noticed our fights with the rakshasa tend to be loud and smoky and attract a lot of attention. What's the point in sharing information on Dirt City's dealings with them, if we can't doing anything about it? Under these conditions anyway."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Friday August 19th, 2022 9:39:26 PM "Well, I've been out of the Wold for a while, so it's no surprise the dossier is a little light. I'm guessing by that statement the Prince has dossier's on the rest of the group. I guess it makes sense to know those around you". The others in the party don't seem surprised by the fact. Perhaps they already knew?
"I wonder what's in them..."
The rest of the Tide know far more about the politics here and who can be trusted. Nira tries to take a quiet bite from her apple and is prepared to follow the lead of the others.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30, 31 haste, 35 with Shield ) -- CMD 36 -- HP 64./110 Saturday August 20th, 2022 9:42:22 AM
Danko steps from the shadows having again visited the ale house.
He's not keen on what is being proposed as he generally has no trust with royalty or those that work for them. He feels that the proposal is bold but doesn't see how it benefits the group.
" Information is a powerful and VALUABLE commodity. I don't see how this proposol benefits anyone but those in power. In other words 'what's in it for us' ? "
Shrugging
" But, I'm just a hired blade so... you know... "
ooc> Danko isn't keen on a permanent telephathy being a thief and generally an untrusting person. And he doesn't have the coing.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Saturday August 20th, 2022 4:33:20 PM
Gaffer is happy to let Danko's comment hang and see if they can eek anymore benefits out of this conversation, but he makes a mental note to talk to Danko and Nira about the value of a none house controlled section of Dirt City. It's not something he thought the Tide would manage when they first joined, and he is honestly surprised it has lasted this long.
"I think our agreement to not get involved is as firm as the Prince's agreement to let us be."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Saturday August 20th, 2022 10:38:50 PM OOC: If it's a matter of gold, Nira will happily put in for Danko so he can be included in the telepathic bond. If it's that he doesn't trust the rest of the party, that's a different issue
A Visitor Explains Monday August 22nd, 2022 3:40:35 AM
(ooc: please mark off the costs for telepathy, and we will assume this has already been done. So the Tide can ‘speak’ with one another without others in the same room to hear. Unless those people have ‘Detect Thoughts active…) ……..
Desdichado sighs. Gaffer pours himself a tumbler of whiskey. Hmerrin chuckles and points out how noisy fighting rakshasa tend to be. Nira wonders about the files Foxx mentioned, and tries to take a quiet bite from her apple. Danko shrugs, feeling he is just the hired muscle. ………
Darmious Foxx looks confused, then a half-smile and glint in his eye gives a hint he thinks something said has been humorous. He doesn’t take long to explain.
”I think I see: we are having a problem with definitions. You think the Houses ‘dealing’ with Rakshasa means ‘cooperating’ when the Prince and Houses think it means ‘eliminating’. The Prince and Houses have no more interest to be ruled or killed by Rakshasa than to be deposed or killed by The Tide.”
“The Prince is certain there are no Rakshasa in the top tier of any House or anywhere in the Prince’s household. Prince Fexel had a meeting with all House leadership in a room with a permanent anti-magic through a doorway with a forbiddance spell against Outsiders, and accessed by a corridor observed by a permanent true-seeing crystal ball. Anyone who did not get through or refused to go through, including the Prince, was killed.”
“The Prince then had every person in the Castle go through the same process. And each of the Houses have a similar process for their cadre and at any leadership meeting, the magic verified by the Prince’s team.”
“Outside of House leadership, do you know that 793 ‘people’ in Dirt City have recently deceased, disappeared, or fled? The Prince has a bounty for anyone to point out a shapeshifter, and then a flying squad with blessed crossbow bolts, well… Prince Fexel ‘dealt’ with the rakshasa problem: no rakshasa, no problem.” Foxx nods socially to Desdichado. ”Because so far, us killing them seems to work. It's fast and there is the occasional mistake, but it works." …………..
Again, every indication is Foxx is telling the truth. Nira (and through her telepathy: the other heroes) immediately knows that the magic that Foxx describes would require at least three Wishes or Miracles to set up. And with Foxx telling the truth, that gives an indication of the amount of power the Prince (and each House!) has available.
A Visitor Concludes Monday August 22nd, 2022 3:42:27 AM
Foxx holds up a conciliatory hand. ”The Prince doesn’t want rakshasa and doesn’t want a war either with or because of The Tide. He has concluded the best way to get those objectives is to give you a trustworthy source, me, and enough information without strings attached, for you to decide on your own that the best interests of you and yours are the same.”
Darmious Foxx straightens his tight shirt. ”That’s all I’ve come for. Would you like a visit from me each time you are in Dirt City? I can also relay any message to the Prince.” The man waits expectantly, but clearly has nothing else to say or offer.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Monday August 22nd, 2022 1:50:15 PM
Desdichado nods. "That sounds...like a good plan." He turns to the more magically inclined members of the party. "Would the measures they've put in place work to ferret out rakshasa?" he asks.
Turning back to Darmious he says, "I was called to Dirt City apparently to deal with this rakshasa problem, not to tear down the Houses or the Prince. For my part, I'm satisfied...well, mostly. I'm sure some of these mistakes might just happen to be those who are imminent threats to the Prince, eh? In any case, Dirt City isn't the only place with a rakshasa problem."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 26 ( mage armor 30, 31 haste, 35 with Shield ) -- CMD 36 -- HP 64./110 Monday August 22nd, 2022 3:56:49 PM
Danko leans against the nearest walls and throws his hands up in a "I don't know" gesture.
" You know my motto Des. Have shenanigans... and coins... and I'll be there. "
ooc> Rob, it's 90 percent coin, 10 percent being difficult. After some conversations between my Danko-ness and my Yves-ness we're prepared to accept your offer. Danko does have a slightly used and totally useless for him Cloak +4 of resistance that he's prepared to trade if you're interested.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Monday August 22nd, 2022 6:58:12 PM
"I see nothing wrong with a bit of information exchange," Hmerrin agrees. "So, sure. Feel free to drop in from time to time. I for one am delighted the rakshasa are getting it handed to them here. Though nearly 800 seems a wee bit high."
The fighter lets it drop.
"Anyway, we thank the Prince for driving things along. You can let him know we could be out of town for a bit, following up on another lead."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:31:27 PM "How is the Prince finding people accused of being rakshasa? Is it only in response to the bounty or have other means been found?" Nira is curious as to whether there is a way the Tide might adopt.
Antimagic with both forbiddance and true-seeing is a very powerful combination. She can see how it would be useful to escort any accused through it. Nira puts her mind to how it could potentially be bypassed. "The forbiddance spell wouldn't necessarily stop them, but would hurt them. The True Seeing would see through any magical disguises - illusions or polymorph spells. The anti-magic field would temporarily suppress all magical effects. The only way I can think of to try and sneak through would be to use some mundane disguises. A very talented artist could make them appear to be any race." she considers this a moment "I'd imagine anyone who went to the trouble to set up so many magical means of detection would also have some very perceptive people checking for disguises though"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Monday August 22nd, 2022 9:41:17 PM Well it certainly appears that the Houses and the Prince have been rather ...thorough in rooting out Rakshasa.
An exchange of information sounds quite good. I hope this peaceful agreement will continue.
Ramirez is again left wondering, this time on just how zealous the rooting out of outsiders has become?
Bigger Fish to Fry d20+23=25 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 3:04:55 AM
Desdichado checks with the Tide magicians on the effectiveness of the steps described. The paladin has a sudden insight: the gods or the Jericho or whatever have known about the rakshasa since Desdichado and Sarge was sent to Dirt City! (ooc: DM reveal!) Danko leans dramatically and gives his catchphrase. Hmerrin agrees there is nothing wrong with a bit of information exchange. Nira also agrees it could work, especially with some sharp-eyed thief-catchers. Ramierez is… diplomatic in his thoughts. ………….
The heroes seem to come away from the meeting with three themes. First, the truthful information exchange should continue. Second, the ‘rakshasa rooting’ seems systematic at the leadership levels, but much more rumor and innuendo otherwise. (ooc: note, ‘Outsider’ refers to the monster type, not anyone not of Dirt City). And third, the heroes have other fish to fry.
Darmious Foxx declines to elaborate, and, since our heroes have agreed future meetings are a good thing, the Prince’s man feels comfortable enough to make his slow and deliberate way to the exit. Outside the House doors, he blends skillfully into the shadows and is gone. Perception DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Foxx climbed and hopped the wall over Cinzi’s house. }
With Foxx gone and their next lead on rakshasa going to Plateau City, the heroes can set about planning 1. How to get to Plateau City. 2. Once there, how to find out where, how, and who the caravans (who were not rakshasa, in on it, nor dominated) from the Emerald Kingdom linked up with the rakshasa in Plateau City under the very nose of some of the most powerful people in the entire Wold!
Desdichado watches Darmious jump over the wall. "Uh...if he can leave that way, someone can also get in that way. We should look into having that fixed."
Thinking of ways to get to Plateau City, he wonders if teleportation might work? "Danko, have you been to Plateau City before?" Otherwise, going part way by ship might be fastest, although he doesn't relish another boat trip.
"We should probably look through these ledgers we collected some more and see if there's anything useful about the caravans," he adds.
He has a sudden thought. "Oh, what about our gnome friends in the mine? Is there a way to get them out now? I wonder if their contract with the kolyrut was with the Emerald City rakshasa."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 3:35:50 PM
Hmerrin winces at the mention of the gnomes. He had totally forgotten about them. "We can teleport to the mine," he answers Dez. "And either kill Korlis and company a few more times, or just tell the gnomes its time to go."
"Plateau City - anybody got one of them Wind Walk spells?"
"As for what happens once we get there, I got no idea. Let's start with the gnomes, then read the ledgers again. Otherwise, I guess we mosey about town until Gaffer can match the view he saw in the vision. Or we get jumped by the bad guys."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 5:41:02 PM
ooc> It would make sense that Danko would have been to Plateau City before being that it's a major city. DM ?? 1300 miles per teleport with four medium char and their gear.
Danko also sees the jumps and looks on with admiration.
" I can think of a few ways to fix that " He says...
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 6:30:08 PM I don't have wind walk, but I do have shadow walk. It's not an exact transport like teleport, but it should get us there in 2 or 3 days. maybe not the safest way to travel, but it can get us there.
But I agree we need to see to the gnomes first.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:50:22 PM "If we defeat the kolyrut again, I could cast disintegrate on the remains. That should work. Another method would be to plane shift the remains somewhere. Either way, now that we know they're there we can plan for how to remove them"
Nira also has a teleport spell prepared.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:03:30 PM "If I spend some time with a map I should be able to get us very close with a Transport Via Plants, and I do have Wind Walker as well. Or at least I will have both of these ready tomorrow.." Gaffer offer his own transport options to the group. "But yes, the gnomes first thing tomorrow sounds like a good plan."
Transportation and Information. Co-DM SteveK Wednesday August 24th, 2022 5:41:33 AM
Discussion centers on transportation options and information options.
Transportation. It turns out that everyone except Desdichado and Hmerrin have magical means to transport the entire group long distances. Danko and Nira can Teleport, Ramierez can Shadow Walk, and Gaffer can (when not in the Scab) Transport via Plants. Danko and Desdichado have also both been to the greatest city in the Wold, so they can easily overcome that obstacle. There really is no need to sail or walk anymore!
Information. Where to get information boils down to looking over all the ledgers they collected from Greenleaf’s ‘bungalow’ (Boring!), or popping over to the gnome mines to free the gnomes from the contract being enforced by the three Kolyaruts headed by Korlis. The heroes recall they found out: 1. Korlis and his team was there to enforce the contract signed by the gnomes and rakshasa. There was no interest or tolerance to reexamine the contract or the signing circumstances, only that it was and the sides were holding up their ends. 2. The gnomes were not interested in leaving because their clan bargain binds them doing the mine work, regardless of the state of the above guard. 3. The gnomes had no contact with the un-dominated merchants who were moving the goods from the mine to the warehouse in the city of Karri in the Emerald Kingdom. ………………..
Ooc: If the heroes go to the mine, your kindly DM will need to know who cast which spell to get them there to ensure that spell slot was used…
(The heroes have the initiative.)
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 5:08:27 PM The kolyaruts are there to enforce a contract, which may still be in place until the rest of the rakshasa leaders are dealt with. So what can we do for them?
Ramirez still thinks the team should visit the gnomes and offers his transport spell if interested.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Wednesday August 24th, 2022 6:43:32 PM
Hmerrin recalls some of the comments by the gnomes.
"The kolyaruts we'd just have to deal with. But, as I recall, the gnomes weren't interested in leaving regardless, and they had no actual contact with anyone on the surface. I'm guessing its a dead end.
Which leaves..." he looks at the ledgers unhappily. "Reading."
The young man grabs a tome, and starts working his way through it.
Desdichado looks through the documents as well, hoping there will be something helpful.
"I'm sure the gnomes will be okay. Mostly I was worried that they'd still be down there if the contract was with the Emerald City rakshasa. I suppose they seemed happy enough down there for now."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:29:06 PM
It sounds like Danko can handle teleporting the group over to the city but Gaffer stills spends some time with a map so he knows the surrounding area.
The party haven't been back in a while and will be leaving shortly, so he makes a point to go around their courtyard residents and ask if there is anything they need from the Tide before they leave.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:54:04 PM
It looks like Nira is the only one rubbing her hands together in glee at the thought of reading through documents. So much information!
She also wonders about visiting the local WLA outpost and see if they have heard any rumours. She decides it's worth a shot.
"Don't read through everything without me" she asks "I'm just going to check the WLA. Anyone want to come along?"
Nira hasn't been to Dirt City before, so asks for directions before she goes.
Leads. Co-DM SteveK Thursday August 25th, 2022 3:09:50 AM
Ramirez still thinks the team should visit the gnomes, but there doesn’t otherwise seem to be further interest.
Gaffer spends time with a map and general description of Plateau City and realizes the place is huge; easily six times the size of Dirt City! Plateau City is divided into 18 areas called Quarters, and each has its own architecture and ‘personality’. Built on both banks of a bend of the Endless River, Plateau City is the chief residence of the Woldian League of Adventurers, Star Mages Guild, and each main Temple of the Woldian gods. Finding the rakshasa is going to be like looking for a specific grain of sand on a beach!
Nira looks for directions to the WLA, and the long-time Tide members give her another shock: the WLA doesn’t officially exist in the City of Thieves! Hmerrin is a member, however, and knows how to contact the hidden WLA outpost. They drop in on Brother Elthorn at the small temple of Ffloy and leave a message. Soon enough, a Grubber boy drops off a message at Tide House with directions to a particular cul-de-sac in the City Below. The cul-de-sac contains a muddy sack that has a Refuge spell that transports the WLA members to the secret WLA outpost and met by Walker, a grizzled human in non-descript traveler’s gear. ”We were too much a target when we had a shingle out on the road like any merchant. Got the previous outpost raided and everyone killed. So we are more … careful… now. We change the entrance process and location every time.”
Any hero visiting the WLA can learn the WLA hasn’t been able to find traces of rakshasa in Plateau City, but they have a young team in the Nightmare Quarter that they have their eyes on. Paige Potter and Rhys Saelion are both members of the WLA. They may have local contacts…
Hmerrin and Desdichado look through ledgers reluctantly, Nira with great enthusiasm. And so it is little surprise that the small elf-girl is the first to find a lead! Greenleaf only used unmagiked merchants, and not always the same one, but they all went to the same place: Guild Company Limited. Hardly the most descriptive name! …………..
(The heroes have the initiative.)
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday August 25th, 2022 5:42:57 AM
"Right then, we've got some names, we've got a potential location, we've got travel options - shall we be off, then?"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 Thursday August 25th, 2022 6:17:18 AM
Danko agrees with Des
" Air Danko is ready when the rest of you are. Teleport anyone? "
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 Thursday August 25th, 2022 4:55:28 PM Do we have anything to take care of before we leave? Maybe we should make a few appearances so people know we are in town. That way the deception can be kept up if needed that we are around.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) Thursday August 25th, 2022 5:47:54 PM
Hmerrin shrugs at Ramirez' question. "Nira and I were just at the WLA, and Danko's been doing that dragon shifting deal of his all over town. I'd say we're good."
He gets his gear together, and meets up with the team.
"Danko, can you put us in the Nightmare Quarter? Might as well start with our WLA people."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 d100=16 ; Thursday August 25th, 2022 8:05:29 PM
" Shouldn't be a problem " He responds to Hmerrin.
" Who's gonna be the four going with me for the first trip? "
--------------- Success role 16 - On target
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:36:15 PM
Gaffer raises a hand to join the first trip. "Let's go, and hope not everyone we meet today will be a Rakshasa."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:53:34 PM
Nira is ready to go. "I've got a teleport spell prepared as well, Danko. Shall we share the load? Cast one each and get there in one trip?"
She places one of the ledgers into her haversack to take with her. Just in case it comes in handy.
She still isn't quite sure what to do with the stuffed unicorn.
New Elenna! Co-DM SteveK Friday August 26th, 2022 2:20:40 AM
Desdichado, Gaffer, and Danko are ready to go: The Tide has names and a potential location!
Ramierez asks if more face-showing would be appropriate, but Hmerrin points out there has been a lot in the two weeks the team has been in Dirt City. From Foxx’s visit, the Tide know the Prince was not fooled by the deception. And with flying dragons and walking the Moon Quarter and the streets to the Temple of Wardd and Danko’s contest on how many bars he can drink people under the table…
Nira places one of the ledgers into her haversack, just in case. She thinks about the stuffed unicorn, but it was one of the things that had a funeral pyre in Greenleaf’s boudoir (thank goodness!)
Nira and Danko set up the entrance to the Temple of Gargul as the meeting point for the teleports. The centerpiece of the Nightmare Quarter looms over the rest of the district in a decidedly macabre tone! Two teleport spells: three, two, one… ………………
And The Tide appear, but not in Plateau City! A fortress town guards a bridge across a good-sized river. (Know Geography DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: { This is Edenmoor, part of the kingdom of New Elenna. It is a defensive position and preparation area for caravans; either overland towards Izen or upriver to the Culverwood.} )
The local guardsmen apologize for the mis-direction of teleportation magic, especially after introductions happen (Edenmoor has heard of The Tide from Dirt City!). New Elenna has implemented a temporary moratorium of magical entrance into the kingdom. Although the kingdom can’t completely stop non-official travel, they are ensuring a better record than before. ”Going all the way to Plateau City? You will need custom stamps for each town on your way, or you will have trouble getting cooperation in the City. At least-wise, from those law-abiding.” (Know Local DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Those in the know understand that this is to curtail Rakshasa activity.}
There is nothing to do for The Tide other than get their stamps, and begin the walk to Plateau City, stopping off at each town for another set of seals.
The first look at New Elenna (for most), the kingdom seems prosperous and well- defended. The road continues amid farm and orchard with the imposing cliffs of the First Plateau getting closer and closer. Soon enough, the heroes arrive at Huxwell. Here the cliffs are 5000’ high! The town of Huxwell rests at the bottom and the Niffwig fortress and town loom above. To ascend, The Tide gets a ride up on a “raft” inside the Huxwell fort, which only takes an hour. Each ‘raft” is between 30-50’ square and have thick 6”-12” ropes on each corner and are lifted, and has a mix of trade materials, wagons, and people along with guards on each raft to protect the passengers. Adventurers travel free as they are added protection for the trip. By law, there are no “trails” up and down. At least no official ones. This dates back to the early days when Aisildur was trying to take over the entire peninsula.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP78/122 CMD32 d20+16=19 ; d20+16=21 ; Friday August 26th, 2022 6:13:44 PM
Ramirez recognizes the area, and gives a few minor details about Edenmoor. He thanks the guard for the information.
It looks like those stamps will be a good idea. Should prevent some problems for us in the City. Maybe it's a good thing the teleport brought us here first?
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 Friday August 26th, 2022 7:48:36 PM
" What a revolting development this is! "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 152/178 AC:32 T:18 FF:27 CMD:35) d20+10=30 ; Saturday August 27th, 2022 1:48:29 PM
Ramirez explains where they popped up, and Hmerrin figures out for himself the need for stamps from each town. [Know Local 30}
As they walk the road to Huxwell, he explains. "That stamp thing is likley to curtail rakshasa activity. These guys are already on it. I'm guessing Green Eyes doesn't go out much."
Getting hauled up the side of really high cliff face on a "raft" is not a favorite experience. "Sweet Alemi, that's a long way down," he mutters, more than once, on the trip up.
Getting on solid ground in Niffwig is a relief. "Well, I get the defensive scheme," he sighs reluctantly. "Its impressive. It really is. But, I sure wish we didn't have to deal with it."
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Saturday August 27th, 2022 5:17:01 PM
Desdichado thanks the guardsmen for the information, and appreciates Hmerrin's information about why it's being done. "Thank you all. You can't be too careful these days."
He tries to stand as still as possible while on the raft, afraid his movements might tip everything over!
Once up top, and catching his bearings, he looks for sign posts or asks for directions on the best road to take to get to Plateau City from here.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Sunday August 28th, 2022 11:02:20 PM
Nira's first reaction is to think that she's messed up. She's teleported to the wrong destination. She looks about and sees Danko and quickly realises it wasn't her fault if he's also teleported here. The guards explanation then confirms it.
Her flight spell is still active (even if she's just walking), and she has her feather fall spell on hand too. For someone who's regularly in the air she does have a real fear of falling. With those measures in place though it allows her to relax and enjoy the view as the raft takes them up the cliff.
"Nice views from up here"
Magically Safe Roads only work when… Co-DM SteveK Monday August 29th, 2022 3:55:31 AM
Danko is a little embarrassed he teleported wrong, but the guards are quick to point out it wasn’t his magic, but New Elanna’s magic that brought them to Edenmoor. Hmerrin and Ramierez are philosophic, might as well collect stamps and see the kingdom!
At the top of the “raft” ride is Niffwig. The Tide gets another stamp and, after a walk through the small fortress town, can gaze out on the First Plateau. The First Plateau has cultivated forests, farmlands, and Teucri magic roads! The roads circle the first plateau and allow travelers to move at incredible speeds: any traveler can arrive at any First Plateau location in four hours or less. The heroes walk for only two hours before they arrive at Zidiac (below the 2nd Plateau) and Baenville (on top). Like Huxwell and Niffwig, the route to the plateau above is by “raft”. A friendly guard provides a Zidiac stamp at the bottom, and another gives a Baenville seal at the top where the Tide can have lunch.
The Baenville guards explain to travelers that the major roads on the Second Plateau are magically safe: no evil act can occur on the road. This is useful because off-road is dangerous, and not only because of the MonsterPreserve! (See Wikipedia Geography for more information) The heroes travel generally south. They leave Baenville and pass through Tincrow, skirt Lake Wellogy, and follow the Brinkwater River from Brinkwater towards Middleton and Hoomwix. It is after the heroes have left the town of Brinkwater far behind that they hear a cry for help. Ahead of them is a stopped caravan, and the people are looking at a clearing. A young gnome ran after his mule and is now trapped by a monster!
Know Engineering DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { This stretch of road has fallen into disrepair. A rapair crew and mage is needed to repair it! }.
The mule is being eaten, and the caravan master will say “Young Wil managed to get into ahole when the beast arrived, but his poor Honey wasn’t so lucky. And soon it will be Wil’s turn…”
Standing 20’ tall in the clearing is a bizarre creature with three twisted feline legs, a dense body resembling jungle undergrowth, clawed arms like those of a praying mantis, and a head resembling a cross between a monstrous spider's head and a jungle orchid!
……………
Know Nature DC 27 Highlight to display spoiler: { The huge creature is from the Fey: a Tunche! Strong and venomous, it can also control the plants around it. Like other fey, it is affected by Cold Iron. } Know Nature DC 32 Highlight to display spoiler: { It has Damage Resistance 15 bypassed by Slashing Cold Iron only} Know Nature DC 37 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Tunche is intelligent and has a constant ability to speak any language (i.e. Constant Tongues spell) }
"That's new," Hmerrin declares, looking at the creature. "Well, I haven't done anything really stupid in a while, so..."
The fighter is off, pulling out his axes and crossing the field at a serious clip, given he's fully armored. If he gets to where he want to, he slams his battleaxe into the thingy.
-------- Double move (80') Charge to K15, pulling axes (quick draw). AC 34 v AoO (mobility). Charge ac penalty included. Atk hits ac42 for 19 hp damage.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Monday August 29th, 2022 2:51:45 PM
Desdichado is completely bewildered at the bizarre creature and follows Hmerrin's lead to attack.
Double-move (60 ft) towards the creature.
(OOC: I don't think I received the map via email.)
Looks like the magic road is damaged. And I dont know what that is but it doesnt seem too friendly, and that gnome is in trouble.
Ramirez retrieves his bow and fires a shot at the creature and hopefully distract it from the gnome.
hit AC 27, 10dmg
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 Monday August 29th, 2022 4:44:05 PM
Danko shurgs and fires off a lightning bolt at the creature.
" Hope no one yells at me this time.. let the shenanigans begin! "
-------------
Maximized lightning bolt target is I16 73 points of damage.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 149/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) d20+23=38 ; 3d6+16=28 ; Monday August 29th, 2022 7:22:56 PM "It's a fey! Intelligent, venemous, plant manipulating and only really hurt by Cold Iron, don't take it lightly!" Gaffer calls out to the others as he runs closer to the fight. He tries to think whether Tunche would normally be in the area.
Seeing the young one in danger, he doesn't hold back, leveling a blackening finger at the Tunche and sending out a bolt of necrotic energy.
----- Know Nature: 38 Move to O11 Cast Finger of Death: DC 26 Fortitude check: 160 Damage on a failure, 28 on a success.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday August 29th, 2022 7:38:46 PM
Nira concurs with the assessments the group has provided. Since it's intelligent and can speak any language, she holds her ground and tries diplomacy first. There's no need to attack everything on sight. She calls out to the fey:
"Could you stop eating that donkey please? We'd prefer not to kill you for it. You're clearly outnumbered now, so the smart thing would be to retreat while you can. We'll hold off our attacks if you do"
----------- Free: Call out to the fey.
Tunche! Rd 2. Co-DM SteveK d20+22=25 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=29 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 2:45:15 AM
Hmerrin doesn’t hesitate, charging across the barrier and verge! The Tunche strikes out with a claw, missing, before the young warrior lands with an axe. Hmerrin’s axe passes most of the way through the creature, leaving only a small cut! It must have Damage Resistance!
Desdichado is completely bewildered at the bizarre creature and follows Hmerrin's lead to attack. The paladin gets close (ooc: to L14. Sorry, I didn’t include you in the map email. O-o), but not all the way across the sward, and discovers the Tunche also have Combat Reflexes! Another claw swipes at Dez, also missing.
Ramirez notes the magic road is damaged. He retrieves his bow and fires a shot at the creature that bounces off its super dense body.
Danko shurgs and fires off a lightning bolt at the creature, displaying his usual bravado and battlecry. But the creature dodges the entire strike! It must also have Evasion!
Gaffer calls out knowledge to help The Tide in the confrontation. Seeing the young one in danger, he doesn't hold back, leveling a necrotic energy bolt that makes the spider eyes wince, but the Tunche withstands the negative energies.
Nira concurs with the assessments the group has provided. Since it's intelligent and can speak any language, she tries to reason with the Fey.
…………… The Tunche starts a sing-song in Common, Fey, Alko, Elf, and Gnome languages: all at the same time. It is irritating, but not a magical effect. :-) ”Inchworm, measuring the marigolds. Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly..” It doesn’t appear to be listening to reason.
And then, the huge fey defensively casts a spell! Instantly, a huge hedge of thorns grows in a line, encasing the Tunche and all of The Tide! In an instant, each hero is cut off from seeing anything except brambles and the huge, sharp, pointy thorns! (ooc: with team telepathy and amazing Know Arcana skills, it is easy for everyone to know this is a Wall of Thorns spell). The Tunche then steps away from Hmerrin, not drawing an AOO and is lost among the brambles.
The heroes take damage depending on their AC25 not including dex and dodge bonuses. (Damage: Danko 3, Dez 0, Gaffer 2, Hmerrin 0, Nira 7, Rameriez, 2)
Further, every hero is trapped and unable to move unless they either have magic in place (ex: Pass Without Trace, Freedom of Movement) or can succeed on a Strength check DC 20 to move 5 feet!
Miraculously, the caravan master is NOT in the thorns. So too is Young Wil: because he was in a hole, the thorns grow over his hiding space. Desdichado can hear the child call out: ”I’m OK, mister!”
……………. Tunche AC 31 Dam 32
Map by Email
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 115/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis d20+16=25 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 4:13:48 AM
Nira is pleased that she tried diplomacy first. Now she won't feel bad at having to cut this fey down to size.
She activates her Freedom of Movement contingency spell by thinking the triggering phrase: "Help! I'm stuck!". With her magical freedom she now flies 25ft upwards and free of the thorns.
The best thing she can do to help the party is dispel the wall. She tries but it's not her best effort. That last remaining thorn stuck in her palm was distracting. Yeah, that was it.
"Move! Move! Move!" she yells in the direction of the wagons. It would be best they made their way to safety.
------------- Free: Activate Contingency spell (Freedom of Movement) Move: Fly 25ft upwards Standard: Cast Dispel Magic. Dispel check: 25 likely a miss
Tunche! Rd 2. Co-DM SteveK Tuesday August 30th, 2022 12:20:57 PM
Addendum. Dispel Check for Tunche magic is 31.
Desdichado struggles against the thorns, but they are so thick he has no success.
He calls out to the boy. "You'll be okay, Wil! Just wait tight, we'll have you out of this jam soon."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 192/192 AC:32 T:20 FF:26 CMD:40) d20+6=16 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2022 2:29:29 PM
Hmerrin also struggles to move, without success. [Str 16]
"Rutabega," he mutters irritably.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 119/119 Tuesday August 30th, 2022 3:52:49 PM
“ Forsooth! I have an idea!”
Danko tries to make contact with Ramirez and Nira before uttering the magical phrase ..
“Banff!”
… and teleporting away …
And then reappears behind one of the wagons
——- Teleport to U19. Current HP 116
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 146/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Tuesday August 30th, 2022 7:40:51 PM
Gaffer finds himself surrounded by the thorns but thankfully the walls before him part slightly so that he can slip out quickly. As he moves, he begins casting, a summoning spell to draw a Cloud Giant to the parties aid.
"Shout if you catch sight of it" he suggests to the group.
----- Druid's Woodland Stride to move through Wall of Thorns normally.(?) Move to O13 Summon Nature's Ally VIII - Cloud Giant, Against the thorns at M18
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Tuesday August 30th, 2022 8:13:19 PM
Ramirez starts casting a spell, hopefully it will help get him and the rest of the Tide out of these thorns.
Actions: casting summon monster
Tunche! Rd 3. (Oh, that hurt!). Co-DM SteveK d20+22=34 ; d20+22=30 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=35 ; 3d6+11=20 ; 3d6+11=21 ; 3d6+11=22 ; 3d6+11=24 ; 3d6+16=25 ; 2d8+11=18 ; Wednesday August 31st, 2022 2:04:19 AM
(ooc: Wall of Thorns. Creatures in a wall of thorns can remain motionless to avoid damage. Creatures are not grappled or have other condition to impede movement, defense, or attack; except that any movement causes damage as described last post. Forcing through the thorns takes damage as last post and requires DC20 Strength check to move 5 feet +5 feet for every 5 points above 20.)
Nira her conscience appeased, activates her contingency Freedom of Movement and flies 25’ up out of the thorns. She can describe the battlefield, where most of the thorns are 10’ tall, but where the Tunche was is 20’ tall, which is completely concealing the monster. Nira gives direction to the caravaneers, and tries to dispel the thorns without success.
Desdichado struggles against the thorns, but they are so thick he has no success.
Hmerrin also struggles to move, without success.
Danko has an idea. Nira is already gone, but Ramierez is in reach. Danko takes 3 damage and has to concentrate to cast his spell, but he succeeds and the two heroes *bamph* to a clear space along the road. (Concentrate +17 vs DC18)
Gaffer, a druid, has little problem in slipping out of the magical thorns, then begins to summon a Cloud Giant to come to the party’s aid. (ooc: summon is a full round casting time. Because Gaffer moved first, the Cloud Giant will arrive at the end of next round, not the beginning, and will not be able to act.)
Ramirez also starts casting a summon monster spell, for it to arrive at the beginning of next round
………….. The thorns are so thick and high that it blocks all line of sight to the Tunche: no one knows where it is!
Well, except for Hmerrin. Hemmed in as the young man is by the thorns, he can’t see the huge monster, but the creature can obviously locate Hmerrin. What’s more, the Tunche seems unimpeded by the thorns as it reaches through to rend at the armored hero! ”Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey…”
Four praying mantis claws and spider mandibles inside a beautiful orchid slide through the thorns. Three claws strike Hmerrin, one critically. The Tunche rends the young fighter, and to cap it off, bites hard! Hmerrin takes 130 damage AND feels poison coursing through the bite. (Fort DC 29;frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Con and 1d4 Wis plus nauseated for 1 round; cure 2 consecutive saves)
What is worse for Hmerrin is, hemmed in by the thorns, he can’t reach the Tunche to fight back!
The caravaneers listen to Nira and, belatedly, jump off the wagons and take scant cover. The horses in harness neigh and roll their eyes.
……………. Tunche AC 31 Dam 32
Map by Email
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 115/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis d20+16=34 ; Wednesday August 31st, 2022 2:33:33 AM
Nira tries once again to dispel the wall of thorns. Now that she's had a chance to survey the area a little better she finds she's able to concentrate a bit harder on her spell. This time she is successful with her spell.
------------- Standard: Cast Dispel Magic on the Wall of Thorns. Dispel check vs DC31: 34=Pass!
DM Note. The Tunche is 5’ away from Hmerrin!
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 113/119 Wednesday August 31st, 2022 3:50:21 PM
Seeking to save Hemmi, Danko uses a trusty wall of force to seperate his friends from the ennemi,
With a magical "WHOAZZA" he casts
If successful
" Grab the boy and rush back fellas! "
-------------- Wall of force across J11 to J22 and 25 feet high,
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 62/192 AC:32 T:20 FF:26 CMD:40) d20+18=30 ; Wednesday August 31st, 2022 4:43:47 PM
[Fort Save 30 - save]
Hmerrin gets shredded. The Wall of Thorns falls away to reveal a seriously blooded fighter. The man can feel the poison in his system. He manages to fight it off, and then activates his tattoo to keep it at bay a bit longer.
"Time to run, Wil. Get moving!" he calls out.
He retreats a little, making sure he's between Big Fey Al and the kid the whole time.
More fun news. It's poisonous, he mentally informs his group.
------- Activate Brahmah Tattoo - Delay Poison Move toward road, either 30' to Q15 or 10' in front of Wil, whichever is shorter. AC 36 vs AoO
In Effect Delay Poison - 3 hours - Temporarily Immune to Poison.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] d20+6=15 ; Wednesday August 31st, 2022 6:44:00 PM
Desdichado helps pull Wil out of the hole (STR check = 15, if needed) and then moves back to M:12.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 146/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Wednesday August 31st, 2022 8:04:18 PM
Gaffer finishes his summoning as he calls to the group. "We'll still need to take the creature down since the guarding is damaged. You alright in there Hmerrin?"
----- Summon Nature's Ally VIII - Cloud Giant, next to the Tunche
Thanks Danko Concentrating on the spell, Ramirez completes it and summons a fire elemental. With the thorns gone, he sends it at the creature instead.
fire elemental attack on creature: hit AC 19, 35(nat 20) crit check = 24 damage 9 plus burn(burn (2d6, reflex save DC 18 or catch fire)
used: spells: 0/1 6th level remaining
Tactical Withdraw. Co-DM SteveK Thursday September 1st, 2022 4:23:12 AM
Nira tries again, this time dispelling the Wall of Thorns. It reveals the Tunche is 5’ away from Hmerrin!
Danko uses his trusty Wall of Force spell to manage the battlefield, seperatin his friends from the monster.
Hmerrin feels shredded and poisoned, activating his delay poison tattoo. Its time to run, and the bloodied fighter still ensures he is between Big Fey Al and the kid. (he withdraws to O15.)
Desdichado helps pull Wil out of the hole and moves back to the road (he’s able to get to P14).
Gaffer finishes his summoning and a Cloud Giant appears next to the Tunche!
Ramirez also brings help, a large Fire Elemental, sending it against the weird fey, striking it once.
…….. The Tunche tries to follow Hmerrin, but is blocked by Danko’s Wall, and soon flanked by a Cloud Giant and Fire Elemental. It clicks its mandibles in frustration, then another Wall of Thorns completely obscures the huge fey! The heroes can hear it sing-songing: ”Ladybug, ladybug fly away home: your house is on fire, your children will burn!”
It takes a minute as the two summoned creatures romp around the new Wall of Thorns before the heroes realize the Tunche must have retreated into the woods. Wil is safe and it looks like back-up is arriving from up the road.
The Caravan Master is very appreciative of the heroes rescue of Wil, and offers his most prized possession: a Carpet of Flying 10x10 (60,000gp = 10,000gp per person or 5,000gp if sold). Wil, for his part, looks like he has learned a life-changing lesson about going off-road even for a super prize! Wil offers the heroes the very pretty Iris that he picked right before the Monster showed up.
From behind the heroes and walking up the road is a road repair team, headed by a mage and engineer. They will ensure the road is fixed once more.
Both the Caravan Master and the road crew try and dissuade the heroes from going after the Tunche: it has gone back into the Monster Preserve and people on the road will be safe once the road is repaired. It seems there is a strong political faction in New Elenna. By law, a monster is ‘safe’ if inside the Monster Preserve unless there is special permission from the Lord Mayor of Plateau City.
If the heroes really want to take care of the Tunche, they should go to Plateau City and get a special hunting license. Yep, that’s the best way to go about it!
END COMBAT
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24 -- CMD 36 -- HP 113/119 Thursday September 1st, 2022 11:35:50 AM
Danko is in no hurry to take that beast on again.
Desdichado takes some time to heal Hmerrin. "Let's get out of here and be on our way. No way to I want to go hunting that thing."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 164/192 AC:32 T:20 FF:26 CMD:40) d20+18=21 ; Thursday September 1st, 2022 3:46:51 PM Fort save 21. Fail.
Hmerrin sits down, and spits out a mouthful of blood as Dez tends to him.
"Don't know why y'all think I wanna go after him," he chuckles "He's just fine way over there."
The fighter rises, and accepts the gifts on behalf of the Tide.
Then he glances at Nira. "You got something that cures poisoning? If not, I got some antitoxin that should help me kick it before this spell wears off."
Hmerrin continues after the caravan.
------ If no one in the group can heal Hmerrin, he'll drink a vial of antitoxin, which gives a +5 bonus v poison. That makes his Fort save +23, and he statistically should come up with two consecutive DC29 rolls in the next three hours.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday September 1st, 2022 4:06:04 PM
(OOC: Desdichado has an open spell slot that could be used for Neutralize Poison if no one has any better option. But he's unlikely to beat a 29 DC with his caster level.)
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 115/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday September 1st, 2022 7:14:11 PM
Nira shakes her head. "Sorry. Poison is one of those things I can't easily cure. I could cast a Heal spell, but it's a pretty powerful spell and I've always needed more of them when we get into a fight. I might be able to help you with the antitoxin though."
She rubs Hmerrin's back as he takes the vial.
---------------- Standard: Use Bit-of-Luck ability to allow Hmerrin to roll his d20s twice and take the better results
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 146/149 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Thursday September 1st, 2022 7:58:35 PM
Gaffer lets go of the magic holding the giant and settles back in step with the others as the set off again.
He has a moment of reflection that he's gotten so used to fighting Rakshasa that he forgot to consider other types of threats. He takes a second to cast himself an extended Barkskin for the next 5 hours.
"I don't have anything for poison, but I'll make sure to prepare it for tomorrow. If you want to rest for a bit I can get a Treant to carry you for the rest of the day!"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:15:28 PM I wonder how the road got damaged. Maybe that's something we'll need to look into later.
Ramirez casts delay poison on Hmerrin, sometimes a poison will wear off before the spell does.
Welcome to Plateau City! Co-DM SteveK Friday September 2nd, 2022 8:11:15 AM
No one is eager to go after the Tunche. A meeting engagement to rescue young Wil was bad enough: no one wants to hunt that thing in the forests or its den!
Hmerrin is mostly healed. The Paladin provides 3 Lay of Hands (for 102 hp), gives a Bit-of-Luck, and the fighter drinks his anti-toxin, which pretty much guarantees he is able to get 2 consecutive Fort DC29 saves sometimes in the next four hours. The Tunche’s poison passes without damage.
Gaffer considers how they have gotten so used to fighting Rakshasa, they are less prepared for other threats. A difficulty the druid does not intend to replicate.
Ramirez casts delay poison on Hmerrin, but as Hmerrin already activated his delay poison tattoo and the magic doesn’t stack, nothing happens other than the loss of the spell. (The road crew tells Ramirez that breaks occasionally happen; usually nothing sinister about it.)
And the heroes, a Flying Carpet richer, continue on their way.
……………..
The heroes arrive at Hoomwix in mid-afternoon and repeat the process they had at Huxwell (First Plateau) and Zidiac (Second Plateau). THIS time, however, the top of the escarpment is different!
The plateau is not very large, maybe only five miles across, and it is nearly full of well-manicured gardens and orchards and ordered farmland. And the south-west corner of the plateau sits Plateau City, the City of Adventurers! Imposing walls that have never fallen to an enemy fail to hide the Rainbow Palace and the Star Mages Keep, both of which tower far above the walls. There is a broad Trade Road from Hoomwix due South to one of the splendid City Gates…
The heroes walk south and arrive at Quest Gate, waiting until they slowly get to the front of the line. The guards’ questions are standard, thorough, and polite, and there is no problem paying the tax and moving into the greatest city in the Wold! And they arrived at the perfect place: Adventurer’s Square! Look, there! The fabled Red Dragon Inn! The first and original Woldian League of Adventurers!! The physical entrance to The Catacombs!!!
Further away, the heroes can see the tops of other fabled buildings. The ruins of the Temple of Domi! And the Skull-like Temple to Gargul in Nightmare Quarter! And the shining Cathedral of Light dedicated to Alemi over there on the largest island in the Endless River! The need to gawk and play the tourist is strong.
(ooc: Desdichado and others who have been in Plateau City know the Temple of Domi was destroyed by Marteus during the Year of Ascension a hundred years ago. When Marteus was defeated and gods of the Wold restored that Year, the priests of Domi never rebuilt. Instead, they saw the ruined Temple as a triumph of the indominatable defense and will of Domi, and have kept the Temple in its ruined state as proof of his ultimate success.)
(ooc: feel free to role-play doing so or resisting the urge :- )
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:198/198; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Saturday September 3rd, 2022 6:32:11 PM
Desdichado is glad to back in the City after having been away for so long. While not home, it's what has felt like it for several years now. He knows one of his first duties must be to report in on what he's been up to, especially having disappeared for over a year!
He goes to the temple ruins to be debriefed. He offers to show anyone around the Outcast Quarter near the ruins, take them to some of the more popular inns, and help them find a place to stay. "If you're feeling brave, you could try a jump down the Endless Falls," he laughs.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC30/19/23 HP122/122 CMD32 Saturday September 3rd, 2022 8:59:49 PM Lots of important buildings and history here. I bet the bars are full of good tales.
If he has the time, Ramirez will stop by the WLA and see how things are going. The chapter here probably doesn't need to hide like the one in Dirt City.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 115/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Saturday September 3rd, 2022 9:00:06 PM
Nira shakes her head on seeing the Temple of Domi. The last time she was here it had only recently been destroyed. She'd hoped it would be rebuilt but can understand the reasoning for leaving it as-is.
She's keen to see what else may have changed in the town (and what has stayed the same), and resists the urge to utter the phrase "Back in my day..."
The Mining Guild Hall - Co-DM SteveK Sunday September 4th, 2022 3:14:51 PM
Before The Tide can split up, a message arrives from the WLA.
The WLA heroes from Nighmare Quarter are visiting the Mining Guild in Guild Quarter only a couple of blocks away. It would be a good idea to go see them…
The Tide follow the message directions and walk through Adventure Quarter and over a bridge to Guild Quarter. There, to the left, is the Mining Guild, with a young group emerging from the building, including two with WLA tokens on their shoulder…
…..
All CMTC Heroes are invited to post on the Nightmare Quarter Board. … we are having a CROSSOVER!!
Nightmare Quarter- Co-DM SteveK Sunday September 4th, 2022 3:30:11 PM
CMTC heroes, please post in Nightmare this week.
Factoring in Plans. Co-DM SteveK Monday September 12th, 2022 1:45:02 AM
The Tide gives farewells and invitations to the young Nightmare heroes.
And then, they need to decide what to do! Luckily, they had all evening and morning before breakfast to plan in a safe place. And they have a lead. And they know the Rakshasa know the Tide is back and where they most likely will come next.
Unknowns are still present. How many dominated and I dominated innocents are working unwittingly for the Rakshasa? How overconfident and arrogant is the group here?
LOG ON