The Bitter End End Combat DM Dan K Tuesday April 11th, 2023 1:29:45 PM
Des channels additional energy into the house, it objects by rattling walls, pitching the floor about and additional negative energy blasts. With but a single ghost defender though, what true danger the house poses to the group is relatively low. Soon, the last spirit is put to rest and after several more positive energy spells, the house ceases to react as well.
The party takes a moment after the last energy burst to make sure nothing more is going to come their way....all is quiet.
A few moments after that, a faint blue light begins to form in the sitting room.
DM decided to forward through the mop up here. Danko will take another 5 charges for a total of 9 charges used on the Scarab of Protection. Otherwise Des' positive out put, especially if anyone else joins, fully nullifies the haunts capabilities to inflict
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:173/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Tuesday April 11th, 2023 6:22:47 PM
Desdichado remains wary as the house quiets down. "Well, that was certainly creepy. Uh...is this blue light good or bad for us," he adds as the shape takes form.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 6:51:08 PM I suppose we'll find out soon enough. I think I'll keep the bow ready...just in case
inspiring song dropped
Active Effects: haste- +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 feet movement speed, extra attack on full attack action. 13/17 rounds remaining
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday April 11th, 2023 11:44:52 PM "I hope the negative energy of this house isn't a permanent thing. It would probably make it inhabitable for Karce"
She isn't quite sure what the blue light is just yet, but everything in this house has proven to be a little dangerous, and that even goes for the house itself! Best to be prepared.
Nira checks to make sure that Des's energy channel has treated everyone's wounds and prepares a cure spell should anyone still need it.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:24:16 AM
"Now what?", Hmerrin mutters.
The fighter moves to the sitting room, axes at the ready.
[Move to Q20]
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:39:11 AM
Danko puts a hand onver his Scarab of Protection.
" Money well spent. Let's see what shenanigans are going on over there. "
He then casts protection from evil on himself and then follows the others.
--------- Protection from evil
Mage armor
Stoneskin extended (14x20 minutes durartion) DR 10/adamantine 140 pts total
S/R 20 The scarab's possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects.
haste- +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 feet movement speed, extra attack on full attack action. 13/17 rounds remaining
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 2:56:12 PM
Gaffer hurries to join the rest of the group before the blue light can finish coalescing .
[b]"I'm hoping all that positive energy is enough to prove we might be the good guys, and now we'll meet a friend."[b]
Hello There DM Dan K Wednesday April 12th, 2023 4:42:12 PM
The group remains wary as the light continues to pull together and takes on a form.
A humanoid stands before you, fairly regal in demeanor at just over 6’ tall. The light fades nearly completely and you clearly see another apparition stands before you.
A human man with lines on his face marking at least 50 years. The spirit has a well trimmed beard that falls to his mid chest. His nose is thin and carefully manicured eyebrows complete his face. As an Apparition, his color is that of a gossamer transparency. He is clad in flowing robes and transitions to mist, just below the thigh.
"I am in your debt. I am, was, the grand wizard Atharges. These past 200 odd years have allowed me to make peace with my life's transgressions and now with the last vestige of my former ways destroyed, I can rest. With my thanks, I cannot tarry long, but will answer willingly what I can."
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:173/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Wednesday April 12th, 2023 6:07:40 PM
"Hello Atharges. We've come a long way to meet with you," the paladin says respectfully to the spirit.
"Rakshasa are threatening the Wold, as we believe they did in your time. We have reason to believe that you or your apprentice may have known something about them. There are reports that Temryn Cort wrote a book describing what may have been these rakshasa - and he wrote about them in a style we are unfortunately too familiar with."
"Can you tell us anything about how to ultimately prevent them from returning the Wold again?"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 7:21:04 PM
Hmerrin lets the spirit answer Dez' question, as that is the big one.
After it does, he'll ask, "Is that your body under the wine cask in the basement? What happened? What happened to your ring? And have you a preference on burial or cremation?"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:38:27 PM
It looks like the big questions are out of the way. Ramirez puts his bow away and waits for Atharges response.
Active Effects: haste- +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 feet movement speed, extra attack on full attack action. 13/17 rounds remaining
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:42:19 PM
Des and Hmerrin have explained things rather well, and Nira has nothing to add.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Thursday April 13th, 2023 11:49:28 AM
" Any chance you'd want a carrot? "
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Thursday April 13th, 2023 1:33:15 PM
The questions well in hand Gaffer listens patiently and waits for an answer, trying not to get distracted by the idea of accidentally getting stuck as a ghost for 200 years.
Hello There DM Dan K Thursday April 13th, 2023 3:18:20 PM
Des lays out the big question, the reason the group is here. Is there something here that can help the party find the Rakshasa?
Atharges nods at Des's words, "Indeed and I was part of their plans. Or rather i assisted them to my own ruin. I remember the apprentice, though I had forgotten his name until now. Yes, I allowed the Rakshasa, one of golden eye hue to have him. To experiment and perfect her enchantments of control and memory erasure. In return, they provided wealth, long lost secrets and knowledge that none other possessed, but even as I had dealings and helped the Rakshasa, I knew I was nothing to them and worked diligently on a means of escaping their rule once it came to fruition."
"To that extent I eventually became acquainted with a dragon, for the powers I sought were of ages past. The details are unimportant, but together we were able to discover a gate, an artifact of immense power that we planned to make our escape to where the Rakshasa, the Maharaja, could not reach. We learned not so much where the gate lies, but we learned it moves and while Vyrnix, the dragon, worked to discern a means to locate the gate, I delved into the ancient lore I had uncovered to devise a means of protection from the Maharaja."
The spirit then becomes highly animate and exclaims loudly, "And I succeeded! I, Atharges had pieced together the means to which one could not only stand against it, but to inflict pain upon it!"
He clams and chuckles, "So i sent my findings to Vyrnix magically, destroyed the evidence and then?" he lets it hang in the air for a moment. "And then the great and mighty Atharges, went into his cellar to have a celebratory glass of wine."
Hmerrin asks about a burial and he answers, "Nothing so grand, but perhaps place my remains under the willow, it was my favorite tree. And you have my blessing to take anything you feel of value. In my bedroom on the underside of a dragon scale is a map that can be used to teleport to the entrance of Vyrnix's lair. If you think to confront the Maharaja, you would be wise to seek out Vyrnix and bargain for the talisman. Without it you will be obliterated. As to what happened to my ring, I do not know My knowledge of things transpiring here after my death are shaded in red."
Atharges begins to fade
DM note, the ghost and Haunting attacked the party before a thorough search was completed
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Thursday April 13th, 2023 6:46:57 PM
Hmerrin has nothing else to ask, so he waits respectfully for either someone else to say something or for Atharges to fade out.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:173/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday April 13th, 2023 6:57:56 PM
As Atharges spirit disappears, Desdichado lets out a long exhale. "Right, so is everyone ready to teleport to the lair of the dragon who doesn't know we're coming? Nothing could go wrong here, I'm sure."
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Thursday April 13th, 2023 6:59:45 PM Thank you Atharges, we can honor your request. I'd say it's time to bury him. I don't think the bears will object to leaving a special spot under the willow tree alone.
Active Effects: haste- +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 feet movement speed, extra attack on full attack action. 11/17 rounds remaining
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 d20+19=29 ; Thursday April 13th, 2023 7:08:53 PM
With a very disappointed look on his face..
" Guess he didn't want a carrot. "
but, suddenly he grins
" Dibs on the dragon scale ! "
and with that, Danko cries " Shenanigans ! ".. and goes looking for the scale and the map
-------------- Perception check 29
Mage armor Stoneskin extended (14x20 minutes durartion) DR 10/adamantine 140 pts total
S/R 20 The scarab's possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects.
haste- +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, +30 feet movement speed, extra attack on full attack action. 16/17 rounds remaining
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday April 13th, 2023 8:17:12 PM
Nira kinda hopes that Danko does find a carrot here so he can finally let the topic go.
She's in agreement that the group should bury Arthage's body where requested. After that they should probably do a thorough search of the place, and then give the bears (and Karce) a debrief of what has occurred. When that's all done they can probably set off for this dragon.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) d20+28=42 ; Friday April 14th, 2023 8:21:59 AM "He said he allowed Golden Eyes to have his apprentice..." Gaffer repeats, his shoulders dropping slightly. "I feel some concern as to what the dragon was seeking to get out of all this." He feels much less motivated towards Atharges burial after speaking to the wizard, and follows after Danko to help search the rest of the property.
----- Perception: 42
Hello There DM Dan K Friday April 14th, 2023 9:33:34 AM
The group agrees to intern Atharges's remains under the willow, though having learned of his role with the Rakshasa, Gaffer is far less motivated than before. The talk of a dragon scale sends Danko quickly to the upper rooms to search after the burial. Gaffer starts in the den and his search discovers a sliding floorboard with a not so empty hollow. Diamond dust (5k) 1 ruby (10k) (4) Blessed book Staff of Conjuration, Spell Grimoire 500 page; with 15-1st; 15-2nd; 15-3rd; 15-4th; 10-5th; 10-6th; 10-7th; 5-8th; and 5-9th level spells written into it 410 pages used (11,425gp) Rod Security
Upstairs, Danko locates the Dragon scale in a drawer, but little else of value.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Friday April 14th, 2023 8:19:45 PM Well, if we're going to meet a dragon, we might want to upgrade the carrots to something that has a bit of shine to it. Maybe the Ruby?
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Friday April 14th, 2023 8:50:30 PM
Gaffer shares what he found with the others and tosses the ruby to Danko "Is it true that some dragons eat gems and treasure?"
On the topic of next steps he also adds "Is there a rush to meet Vyrnix, would it be worth resting and seeing if we can get some information about them first?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Friday April 14th, 2023 9:34:30 PM "Well, it's been 5 years so I can't see how taking a few more days will make much difference." Nira responds to Gaffer. "I'd like to check out what spells are in that book if no-one minds".
She's keen to read through the grimoire and see what spells are in it that she might not already know. It would take just under 7 hrs to read, and then between a few hours and a few days (assuming she doesn't know any of the spells within) to transcribe.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:173/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Friday April 14th, 2023 11:41:46 PM
Desdichado agrees with the idea of taking a few days to gather intelligence on Vyrnix before going to meet the dragon.
"Not the best town for that, but hey - maybe someone can trade us information in exchange for the story of 'Arthages the Conflicted'." He suggests starting with Karce, and offers to help him get set up in the new house with anything he might need.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Sunday April 16th, 2023 9:00:34 PM
" I can teleport us all back if the rest of you want to go with me. "
waits for answer.
" I can hold onto the staff for now if that's ok? Never know when those magic effects could be useful "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Monday April 17th, 2023 7:30:08 AM
"Back to town," Hmerrin agrees. "Rest up and prep however you see fit. And let's remember to bring Karce along.
The fighter doesn't have any preparations, though he does share Dez' concern about dropping in on dragons.
Next steps DM Dan K Monday April 17th, 2023 1:01:34 PM
The group discusses the next move. After 5 years of chasing leads, they finally have a solid one, but after 5 years, a few more days won't make a difference and it is decided to return to Ham City to see if there is any information to be found on a dragon named Vyrnix. Nira wants to go through the Grimoire with a Read Magic spell and see if there are spells to possibly transcribe. Given the volume of spells, it is a near certainty.
The group rounds up Karce and des offers to assist with setting him up in the house for information on Atharges. Karce shrugs, "I've never heard of him" and it certain that he knows nothing of any dragons.
Whether by teleport or by walking, the group ends up back at Barretts Publik House.
Nira wants to tackle the Grimoire where did the 7 hours come from? though i no issue with the number, curious though. Studying any spell takes 1 hour per spell Nira, with judicious uses of Read Magic and a knowledge of magic nearly unparralleded in the Wold, goes through the book, over 400 pages of spells.
9th—summon monster IX, time stop, soul Bind, Shades, Prismatic Sphere 8th–Maze, summon monster VIII, clone, screen, Symbol Death 7th–Instant Summons , Force Cage, mage’s sword, spell turning, Plane Shift, Symbol Weakness, Statue, summon monster VII, Vision, Sequester 6th—true seeing, Disintegrate, Summon monster VI, Mass Suggestion, Greater Dispel Magic, Stone to Flesh, Cats Grace mass, Veil, Mislead, Analyze Dweomer 5th—cloudkill, dismissal, summon monster V, teleport, Dismissal, passwall, telekinesis, wall of force, feeblemind 4th—arcane eye, confusion, dimension door, greater invisibility, phantasmal killer, solid fog, Black Tentacles, scrying, stoneskin, stone shape, Fire Trap, Remove Curse, Globe Invulnerability, Summon Monster IV, Shout 3rd—dispel magic, displacement, magic circle against good, protection from energy, slow, haste, nondetection, tongues, Water Breathing, Fly, Flame Arrow, Daylight, Fireball, Stinking Cloud, Summon Monster III 2nd—acid arrow, glitterdust, knock, mirror image, resist energy, see invisibility, web, Deeper Darkness, mirror image, obscure object, scorching ray, Scare, false life, Phantom Trap, magic mouth 1st—charm person, color spray, expeditious retreat, feather fall, grease, mount, identify, mage armor, magic missile, true strike, animate Rope, Floating Disc, Sleep, Unseen Servant, Detect Secret doors
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:173/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Monday April 17th, 2023 6:14:38 PM
Desdichado wonders whether anyone in town might know about any dragons, let alone Vyrnix. Without much of a lead, he decides to head over to the Cathedral to let the Priest know what they discovered about Agarthes and how they released him, and also see if he has any knowledge about the dragon.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Monday April 17th, 2023 7:48:45 PM
Ramirez tags along with Des. The Atharges story should be worth a good few trades around this area.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Monday April 17th, 2023 9:26:51 PM
Gaffer follows along too, the cathedral seems like a good place to start and he doesn't have any of his own leads to follow.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday April 17th, 2023 9:54:51 PM
Nira rubs her hands together in anticipation of learning some of these spells. "Would anyone mind if I claimed one of those Blessed Books? Once I've transcribed everything I can sell my current book and share any profit"
Now that she's deciphered all of them it will take her around an hour to study each one. After that it will take even more time to scribe them. The group have other things to do though and she doesn't want to hold up any investigations so resolves to do all that work when there is an agreed downtime, or piece-by-piece while the group adventures on the road.
She tucks the grimoire safely into her haversack and tags along with Dez and Ram as they head off to the Cathedral.
----------- Highlight to display spoiler: {Hi DMs! From what I could tell there are 3 steps Nira needs to follow to copy the spells into her spellbook... 1. Decipher the magical writing. Read magic can do that at a rate of 1 page per minute - that's where I came up with the 7hrs 2. Studying the spell. For the spells she doesn't know she then needs to spend 1 hour studying each - that's the figure you rightly called out. There are 51 spells she doesn't know in that book, so assuming 16hrs downtime per day, it would take her about 3 days just to understand them all. 3. Writing the spell. 1 hour per spell level means 172 hours, so close to 11 days downtime if she were to write all of them.}
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Tuesday April 18th, 2023 6:48:30 AM
" WAIT FOR ME ! WAIT FOR DANKO!"
Danko follows the others to the Catherdral and some more shenanigans
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Tuesday April 18th, 2023 8:11:49 AM
"I'm gonna try that gnome again," Hmerrin declares.
The fighter ambles on over to Brimble's place. With luck, it'll be as empty as it was last time.
Next steps DM Dan K Tuesday April 18th, 2023 2:10:17 PM
Hmerrin heads out to speak with Bimbris as the rest of the party heads to the cathedral.
The fighter finds the gnome almost exactly as he left him a few days ago, tinkering with some type of contraption on the desk in the back. From his point of view, Wardd is with him and no one else is about, The trio of monkeys take note of Hmerrin again and the gnome continues to tinker.
At the Cathedral, the main chambers are relatively empty with only a few souls seeking solitude here and there. Soft prayers murmur through the air with incense and vanilla scents. The main alter is bare. Des leads the crew through a side door where he has been before and finds, or rather is found quickly by, one of the many clerics that tend and celebrate here in Ham. A minor exchange and Des is directed to the same cleric he spoke with earlier and the crew piles into the small office. Designed for perhaps four people, it's quite tight with 6.
"Dragon? Mercy no and than the pantheon for that small favor to be sure. Dragons involve Dragon Nation and Dragon Bay. Quite literally on the other side of the continent m'lord. "
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Tuesday April 18th, 2023 4:24:20 PM
Desdichado thanks the priest and leaves. "It seems like we're not likely to get much more information here. Assuming everyone feels healthy and rested, I suppose we should let Danko take us to this dragon. I don't know what else we can prepare unless you'd like time for a few more spells, Nira."
He spends any downtime healing everyone as necessary.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Tuesday April 18th, 2023 6:48:21 PM Well, if there's not much left to do here, then it might be time to go meet the dragon. Is there anywhere we can go to research what this dragon does or doesn't like? Might be useful information.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Tuesday April 18th, 2023 8:45:58 PM "Other than a nights rest I don't think there's much else for me to prepare. Doesn't make me less nervous about meeting a dragon though."
With information gathering swiftly over, Gaffer heads back to the inn and asks for lots of food before taking an early night.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday April 18th, 2023 11:31:14 PM
Nira will gladly accept any downtime that the rest of the party agrees to. She doesn't want to be a blocker to anyone though.
"Perhaps I can also cast some divinations to help us prepare? With each divination I cast we can ask a specific question. Does anyone have any questions you would like me to ask? I'd be interested in knowing whether Vyrnix has allied with the Raks, or whether he should be treated as hostile, or something like that"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Wednesday April 19th, 2023 11:33:52 AM
Hmerrin smiles nicely for Brimbris, but doesn't leave.
Once the gnome does his Cone of Silence thing, the fighter leans over.
"You were right on the mark with the Karce recommendation, but that just got us a couple steps closer. Any idea who we might be able to talk to about a dragon named Vyrnix?"
The fighter is happy to share any adventure stories the gnome might be looking for.
Next steps DM Dan K Wednesday April 19th, 2023 1:54:55 PM
Bimbris takes a breath and listens, slowly exhaling and obviously giving the topic some thought. His hands continue working on the gear filled chasisis in front of him as he does so. "Karce is a strange fellow, even for a half elf and i knew if anyone knew about old unused places in the area, it'd be the chicken man." He shakes his head after a time, "No I don't know anything about a dragon, but again, you're talking hundreds of years before i was even born. Certainly no tales i know of about dragons in these parts. Outside the plague that supposedly killed them all, I can't come up with a thing. Best of luck"
Nira, back at Barlletts mentions her ability of Divination, the group just needs to come up with some questions to ask.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Wednesday April 19th, 2023 2:33:01 PM
"The question I have is whether Vyrnix will be sympathetic to our cause if we arrive on his doorstep unannounced. You know, rather than immediately devouring us..."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 5:04:12 PM
" Should we ask if it likes carrots ??? "
" Maybe not "
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 9:08:13 PM Maybe not carrots, but a suitable bribe is always useful when dealing with dragons.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday April 20th, 2023 12:06:42 AM "Can we please stop it with the carrots?" Nira pleads. She fears with all this mention of them that she'll never be able to look at a roast carrot the same way again.
When back at the inn Nira will cast a divination spell and ask the question put forward by Des: "Will Vyrnix be sympathetic to our cause if we arrive on his doorstep unannounced?"
------------------- Cast Divination. The chance for a correct divination is 87%
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Thursday April 20th, 2023 4:12:18 AM
Gaffer waits to see what news Nira comes back while asking the others, "Were we serious about offering that ruby? That seems like a good welcome gift?"
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Thursday April 20th, 2023 4:12:19 AM
Gaffer waits to see what news Nira comes back while asking the others, "Were we serious about offering that ruby? That seems like a good welcome gift?"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Thursday April 20th, 2023 8:15:03 AM
Hmerrin returns. "No luck with the gnome. Looks like the hard way."
He nods along with the ruby offering. "Probably should mention Atharges early and often," he offers. "If the two were really seeking a way to defeat the Maharaja, Vyrnix might be delighted to send a few idiots on through to give it a try."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Thursday April 20th, 2023 11:55:40 AM
Danko pulls out a green apple out of thin air
“ Fine. No more talk of carrots. I like apples better anyway… “
“ Oh did I fail to mention that I speak fluent dragon?… Having had a dragon for a grand father.. that something useful to know “
Divining Vyrnix DM Dan K Thursday April 20th, 2023 12:25:27 PM
Nira casts a spell and asks "Will Vyrnix be sympathetic to our cause if we arrive on his doorstep unannounced?" and receives an answer. No
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Thursday April 20th, 2023 12:50:44 PM
Danko pulls out a green apple out of thin air
“ Fine. No more talk of carrots. I like apples better anyway… “
“ Oh did I fail to mention that I speak fluent dragon?… Having had a dragon for a grand father.. that something useful to know “
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday April 20th, 2023 1:56:06 PM
"No - just no, huh? I figured the news would be this good." Desdichado runs his hands through his hair. "Alright, well, any other ideas? Or have an airtight plan for fighting a dragon?"
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Thursday April 20th, 2023 8:23:08 PM Well, if the dragon is against the Rakshasa then we are on the same side, technically. I wonder how do you announce a visit to a dragon without him eating the messenger?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday April 20th, 2023 9:59:50 PM "That sounded pretty definitive" Nira remarks of the 'no' answer. She then looks to Ram. "Hmm. Vyrnix might not necessarily be sympathetic to our cause, but he may not be opposed to it either. Perhaps I should make my divination more specific to our quest?"
She tries another casting: "Will Vyrnix be open to bargain for the talisman?"
------------- Cast Divination. The chance for a correct divination is 87%.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Friday April 21st, 2023 3:13:54 AM "Well if Vyrnix was working with a mage on a plan to oppose the Rakshasa, and that plan fell apart suddenly... It would make sense if Vyrnix is either dead or on the side of the Rakshasa?" he smiles at Danko's revelation of his heritage, "Either way I'm happy for you to lead the negotiations."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Friday April 21st, 2023 7:56:01 AM
Hmerrin's face sets as he awaits the answer to Nira's question. It's looking like they'll have to do this the hard way.
Divining Vyrnix DM Dan K Friday April 21st, 2023 8:16:08 AM
The direct answer to the initial divining is disconcerting for some, but Nira then rethinks the sympathetic course and asks more directly in line with common dragon lore. "Will Vyrnix be open to bargain for the talisman?"
"Bargain made and bargain broken. It awaits to be made whole again."
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Friday April 21st, 2023 9:10:39 PM "Ok, that sounds more promising. Does anyone else have any questions?"
She wonders about doing some catacombs shopping for some anti-dragon supplies - just in case.
If the group allow, she'd like to rest for 3 days before heading out. That would give her time to understand all of the spells in the grimoire. After that she could start scribing them one-at-a-time while the party travel and as time allows.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Saturday April 22nd, 2023 8:29:15 AM
" It would be important to know what kind of dragon we are dealing with.. this will direct how we deal with it and how Vyrnix will react to my presence . "
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 113/159 AC: 27(T:18/FF:22) CMD:35) Saturday April 22nd, 2023 10:20:45 AM "I'm ready and happy to go straight to the Vyrnix. The cleric did mention the Dragon Nation and Dragon Bay though, we could opt to travel that way and ask around again."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 191/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Saturday April 22nd, 2023 1:42:59 PM
"Fewer dragons the better," Hmerrin counters Gaffer. "Let's just go to this one's lair and be done with it."
The fighter considers Nira's question. "Anything about its offensive, and especially defensive capabilities would be useful. It's a dragon, so you gotta figure resistance to both weapons and spells are a given. Any way to bypass that, like we figured out holy and piercing with the Rakasha, would be great to know ahead of time."
He muses. "Bargain made and bargain broken...think old Atharges made this dragon a promise he didn't keep?"
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Saturday April 22nd, 2023 5:25:17 PM
Desidchado considers Nira's prophetic words and Hmerrin's response. "Yeah, maybe, it sounds like he was a real piece of work in life. He told us to bargain for the talisman - so maybe it means we bargain with Vyrnix and then he breaks faith with us."
"Atharges gave us the map to teleport to this lair. Now I'm wondering how much he really understood about working with a dragon. Being willing to work with rakshasa may have made him think more highly of his ability to deal with Vyrnix than he should have."
Desdichado wonders what they might even have to bargain with that a dragon would value. He's afraid that this 'bargain' may end up being the dragon asking them to do something unpleasant.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Saturday April 22nd, 2023 10:27:16 PM
Nira has enough spell slots left to cast another 15 divinations today, though it probably won't come to that.
She gets comfortable sitting on the side of the bed in her room and then starts asking more questions to the gods. She tries to cover those requested by the others in the party... "Is Vyrnix aligned to good or is it aligned to evil?" "What specific things is Vyrnix immune to?" "Was the dragon scale we now possess previously a part of Vyrnix?"
Divining Vyrnix DM Dan K Monday April 24th, 2023 7:49:54 AM
Nira and the party come up with some more questions. All are a bit nervous about the idea of teleporting into a Dragon lair. Nira casts additional Divinations
"Is Vyrnix aligned to good or is it aligned to evil?" No
"What specific things is Vyrnix immune to?" Neither the greatest of heat or mortal frailty can touch Vyrnix
"Was the dragon scale we now possess previously a part of Vyrnix?" No
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Monday April 24th, 2023 5:27:58 PM
Desdichado spends some time healing everyone. "Well, those are some nice vague non-answers," he says to Nira's report. "Did you ask what we can bargain with that would be of interest to Vyrnix?"
He suggests the group rest up and prepare to go to the dragon's lair in the morning.
Everyone should be at full health.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 203/203 AC:33 T:20 FF:29 CMD:40) Monday April 24th, 2023 5:41:25 PM
"Fire and death spells. Get some sleep folks. Tomorrow's gonna be some serious shenanigans."
The fighter gets himself a couple extra helpings of everything at dinner, then retires to his room to figure out what buffs to get and when to get them.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Monday April 24th, 2023 8:17:54 PM Well, if Vyrnix is willing to negotiate, only way we're going to find out what he wants is to ask. I think the question is just the best way to approach him without getting eaten.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 159/159 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Monday April 24th, 2023 8:31:49 PM
Gaffer has enjoyed a few days of easy living while Nira has decoded their spellbooks and is ready to set off once the others are. The dragons resistances counteracts a good number of his own spells, he spends the last bit of time contemplating what he should prepare.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday April 24th, 2023 9:45:55 PM
Nira hopes the party can give her just a couple more days to finish understanding all the spells in the grimoire. She needs/needed 3 days to do it all.
She tries to unravel the answers from her divinations. "If it's neither good nor evil, well, that's something. Being neutral it may be more willing to negotiate than simply trying to eat us. Sounds like it might be immune to fire and death magicks as well. It's a pity the scale wasn't formerly a part of him, as we could test out our spells and weapons in advance"
She asks one final question; the one from Des: "What we can bargain with that would be of interest to Vyrnix?"
Once that's answered and she gets a couple of days to study, she's ready to go.
Divining Vyrnix DM Dan K Tuesday April 25th, 2023 11:23:27 AM
The party is at full health, having spent several extra days in Ham City. The lodgings are beautiful and the city is relatively quiet, certainly not like Plateau or Dirt City with busling crowds, haggling merchants and of course a hearty dose of muggings.
Nira has a final question, "What we can bargain with that would be of interest to Vyrnix?"
"There is but one bargain and it awaits to be made whole again."
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Tuesday April 25th, 2023 4:02:49 PM
"Alright, I'm ready to get this show on the road whenever you are."
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 43/122 CMD32 Tuesday April 25th, 2023 7:57:32 PM Maybe Atharges' death is what broke the contract, and if we agree to fulfill it the dragon will keep its' part of that deal.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 159/159 AC: 32(T:18/FF:27) CMD:35) Tuesday April 25th, 2023 9:09:41 PM
"That's pretty much my guess too. Here's hoping Vyrnix is the talkative type."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 24(29) -- CMD 36 -- HP 127/127 Wednesday April 26th, 2023 6:21:07 AM
" As unlikely as it is, I just hope it's not a red. My family has a bad history with reds . "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 203/203 AC:37 T:19 FF:33 CMD:45) Wednesday April 26th, 2023 7:26:55 AM
Hmerrin drinks a potion just before they leave.
"Let's do it," he says. Then he waits for one of the spellcasters to do that teleport thing they do.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 23 -- HP 122/122 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday April 26th, 2023 7:58:29 AM
Nira feels as ready as she'll ever be. She has a teleport spell ready to go when the others are prepared.
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