Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Thursday August 24th, 2023 6:56:19 AM
The heroes know the dragons' tactics and know the reason they are going into the dragon's lair: they see little point in casting many defensive spells. In fact, Desdichado points out that too many defensive spells could make it look like we're coming for a fight.
And so, with Danko's magical humor, "Hocus pocus smellus EXPEDICUS! "
The heroes teleport, not to the lair itself, but successfully able to bypass most of the tunnel leading to the giant cavern where the Tide knows is a tremendous pile of treasure and: there be dragons.
Nira's permanent Arcane Sight and finely hones skill can immediately see the lair and final approach is warded against teleporting. The heroes can see the final approach to the great cavern is a smoke and heat filled low ceiling passage nearly 30' wide. It is going to be very hot and no one is going to be able to see anything... not in their present state.
From their previous sojurn here, the heroes know this tunnel is nearly 400' long and ends in a great cavern chamber where riverlets of lava flow into a crevice. And they know: here be dragons!
.............
The Tide has the initiative
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Thursday August 24th, 2023 5:54:45 PM
Hmerrin pulls a bag of holding from his belt and then pulls the carpet of flying from the bag. "No point in trying to jump around lava," he comments wryly.
"The smoke is a new touch. Any ideas how to get through other than fly low and deal with it?"
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Thursday August 24th, 2023 6:43:38 PM
"I can protect up to four of us from the heat, but it won't do anything about the smoke. My guess is we just move as quickly as we can unless someone can blow this smoke away."
Cast Endure Elements x4
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:28:18 PM I guess just stay low. I don't have any spells that can move it or see through it. Des, I'll take one of those endure elements if they aren't all taken already. So who wants to yell in there that we have arrived?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday August 24th, 2023 10:11:39 PM "I've got a Rose's spell in effect, so I'm covered from the heat. I've also got one Endure Elements spell. With Des', that should allow everyone to be covered"
Nira is really hoping that it won't come to a fight. "I feel pretty confident to say that we won't be attacked while we still have the egg. Which leads to another point. I think we should keep calling it a crystal and not let on that we know it's an egg. It might work to our advantage if it seems we don't know what it is we're holding"
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Friday August 25th, 2023 3:21:27 AM
OOC: These are the spells Nira has in effect: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency (Freedom of Movement) ... Darkvision ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Resist Fire (5) ... Roses Temperature Control ... See Invisibility ... Telepathic Bond ... Ritual of Sharing (Spell Turning)
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Friday August 25th, 2023 6:33:15 AM
Danko walks towards the meeting and where the dragons likely are....
"Nira, with the level of power these dragons wield, it's likely that they can hear us and our thoughts. It goes against everything I believe in but... I suggest that total honestly in this case IS the best policy "
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Friday August 25th, 2023 6:58:39 AM
Gaffer was his own Endure Elements as well. "I've got a couple of spares as well, Des keep one of yours spare too incase we are dispelled."
He moves forward as an Air Elemental again, going as large as he remembers the full length of the tunnel allowing and taking the lead, in front of the carpet.
Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Friday August 25th, 2023 7:04:20 AM
Between Gaffer (x2 casts), Desdichado (x3 casts), and Nira, all six heroes are protected from common heat, and they are fairly confident that won't be a problem.
Nira can fly with Overland Flight, as can Gaffer as an Air Elemental. And after Hmerrin pulls out the group's 10x10 carpet of flying and the other four get on, everyone can avoid accidentally stepping in a very hot spot, but the carpet is reduced to 30' movement. (ooc: 4 humans plus equipment, didn't do calculations, but fairly confident it will be more than 800 and less than 1600 pounds.)
The heroes don't remember smoke in the tunnel before, but with Gaffer's wind, they see that they can see for 10' okay, and for 20' at a -5 Perception. The result is they can see the ceiling, floor, and both walls, but not the entire length of the tunnel.
With no choice other than continuing on (what with after retrieving the 'crystal' and teleporting to a dragon's lair with the intention of speaking with said dragon), the heroes decide to continue on.
...........
At the end is a great cavern chamber. Riverlets of lava flow into a crevice to the right with one lavastream cutting straight across the path. Nearly 200' away is a massive pile of gold. Upon the gold, smoke rises from the nostrils of a huge, deep green dragon with black fringe. Her large bat-wings are draped, cloak-like, about her serpentine body. A grouping of small horns protrude down the snout and a pair of great horns rise from near the back of her skull and sweep forward beyond her snout. The smoke gathers about the ceiling before being pulled up the entrance tunnel. It is Warp.
A rustling starts that sounds like a wheat field on a windy day, but soon shows itself to be gigantic reptilian scales sliding across lava rock. He is gargantuan, ruby scales with golden edges vibrate with power and reflect the light of lava and flame. Bright scarlet eyes deep within the hard, thorny skull, gives a savage look, and the several rows of sharp teeth seen even when the mouth is closed does little to hide the terror hiding inside. Muscular body, thick limbs, and five-fingered claws ending in obsidian talons are shadowed by the colossal wings at the shoulders that end in curved talons like giant scythes. The long great tail ends in a single massive obsidian spike. It is Vyrnix.
You have returned", he says.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:32/15/30 - CMD 34] Friday August 25th, 2023 4:42:44 PM
Desdichado stands quietly. He doesn't have the crystal, or egg, or whatever they're going to call it and Danko handled communicating with the dragons before. The paladin thinks that's a swell idea this time, too.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Friday August 25th, 2023 5:06:49 PM
Eyes turned to the ground Danko...
" We have indeed returned. Successfully I add. "
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Friday August 25th, 2023 7:17:36 PM
Ramirez nods in agreement with Danko. Yes, we have retrieved the object that you requested.
Ramirez tries to show confidence, but not arrogance when addressing the dragons.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Saturday August 26th, 2023 10:39:56 PM
Nira keeps her eyes on Warp. Vyrnix seemed the more reasonable of the two, and Warp seems a bit more impulsive and unhappy about having strangers in her lair.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Monday August 28th, 2023 6:42:39 AM
Gaffer waits as the conversation plays out. It's hard to show deference while an air elemental, which makes things easier for him.
Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Monday August 28th, 2023 7:21:43 AM Warp seems to curl closer around her golden bed, with more smoke coming from her nostrils.
Vyrnix rumbles deep in his massive throat. "So, the Slow Approach, which shows deference but uncertainty. Unexpected. Do I counter with Straub's Gambit, giving threats or an attempt to overawe to gain what we seek without paying the agreed price? Do I display Valinaar's Opening: joy or gratitude that would quicken the visit, but potentially weaken my position or even make vulnerable in a future meeting with the noble races in centuries to come? Do I bargain like a peasant wife for two coppers cheaper for a pot?"
"Let us try Sturavent's Opening. You claim you have the Crystal. I claim I have knowledge of the Gate and have Talismans that will give you a fighting chance against the Maharaja on his own plane. The Talismans will give you no advantage on this Wold, so the move is mine to begin."
Vyrnix begins casting a spell that Nira, Ramirez, Danko, and Gaffer immediately recognize as Stone Shape. Even Desdichado and Hmerrin have heard the familiar phrases come from their druid in the past. 30' to the left and right of the Tide, two pedestals made of lava rock rise from the floor until they are 5 feet high and 5 feet across, and are slightly concave, dipping towards the center. The gargantuan dragon stands tall, and slowly moves forward until he is barely in reach of the right-hand pedestal, and lays six objects on top.
Each is a 4” dragon’s tooth, dipped in liquid gold at the root and fastened to a cord of twisted dragon scale.
Desdichado stands silent. He listen's to Vyrnix's words and drawing on stories he's heard of draconic nature, tries to figure out how much is dragon subtlety, how much is bluffing, and how much is Vyrnix really trying to retrieve the egg without honoring the agreement.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Monday August 28th, 2023 8:16:58 PM
Ramirez nods, a simple exchange. He walks up to the pedestal and picks up one of the tokens. Vyrnix, how do they work?
I think we need to turn over the crystal Ramirez thinks over the group link.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Monday August 28th, 2023 8:22:14 PM
Hmerrin recovers from his stupefied inaction in the presence of the dragons. He'd forgotten just how big Vyrnix was.
The fighter listens wordlessly to the rumbling line of reasoning. The realization that Vyrnix regards this meeting as a series of moves and countermoves is startling. The realization that Vyrnix has likely played all these moves before is unsettling.
Vyrnix speaks of talismans, and deposits six upon the pedestal he's raised. To Hmerrin, its a show of good faith.
NIra will probably freak, but they came here to trade. So let's trade.
The fighter reaches over his head, grabs the Crystal from atop his haversack, and pulls it out. Holding it securely in both hands, he walks over to the empty pedestal, and gently sits the egg upon it.
"Done and done. May we hear of the Gate?"
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday August 28th, 2023 8:27:29 PM
Nira is just about ready to cast a counterspell as soon as she hears the magical incantation, but on realising it to be a stone shape spell she instead holds her ground.
"Yes, that was the deal. Unless we want to fight it out, I don't think we have a choice"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Tuesday August 29th, 2023 6:50:24 AM
Danko smiles lightly keeping his eyes downward turned,
{ This is the way... }
Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Tuesday August 29th, 2023 8:31:35 AM
Know Nobility DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Sturavent is recognized as the name of the Mayor of Plateau City.} Know Magical Creatures DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { No one knows who Valinaar is/was, but Woldian dragons are known for being near immortal unless slain. } Know History DC 35 Highlight to display spoiler: { Straub was the name of a terrible red dragon in the First Age, full of deceit and greed. (and an Easter Egg for MikeK) } ..............
Desdichado thinks on all his knowledge and skill and senses that Vyrnix is... amused at the actions/inactions of the heroes. He gets the feeling that the dragon is not using subtlety and not being deceiving so much as, what, like he is actually trying to teach a promising but not very bright set of students!
Ramirez asks a question and moves to the pedestal with the Talismans which also puts him in reach of the reddish gold Vyrnix. The gargantuan dragon sighs and clicks his tongue *tsk tsk*.
Nira startles to belatedly ready a counterspell, and then relaxes: Stone Shape can't immediately hurt. Did Warp smile? It's hard to tell with that mouth full of teeth.
Then Hmerrin recovers and, anticipating Nira having kittens, pulls out the Crystal, walks over, and places it on the other pedestal.
........
Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {While subtle, both Warp and Vyrnix momentarily have all attention riveted on the Crystal.} Sense Motive DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Vyrnix seems pleased he judged the Tide correctly.}
Vyrnix slowly moves to be just out of his reach of the Tide, moving from the Talisman pedestal to the Crystal pedestal. He slowly reaches out and cradles the Crystal in one massive talon. "And, the Opening offered and accepted, we move to Sturevant's Continuation. He always said the best diplomacy was 'open agreements openly agreed'. I always told him he was too trusting, but he does have a point in certain situations."
"Each of you should take a Talisman and wear it around your neck which activates the magic. The Talisman will enable weapons and spells to more easily penetrate the damage reduction and spell resistance of the Maharaja."
"For the Gate to get to the Rakshas plane, it moves throughout the Wold. I can cast a special spell to determine the Gate's Location where it will stay for 24 hours. It will be up to you to get to that location and deal with any guardians before using the Gate. I will cast this spell for this agreement only once. Ar you ready for me to begin now?"
............... FATE ITEM: Vyrnix’s Talismans The Talismans will allow the party to cause harm to the Maharaja. Warm to the touch, this 4” dragon’s tooth is gold at the root and fastened to a cord of twisted dragon scale. Effect: neck slot; Epic DR 15 and Spell Penetration +5
Desdichado certainly remembers Sturevant's name as the mayor of Plateau City, not to mention having met him in person. It's not every day a dragon reveals his true nature to a group of adventurers!
He notices that the dragons are very occupied with the crystal for the moment, but that they seem to be pleased that they placed their trust in the Tide to accomplish this task.
Vyrnix offers to cast the gate finding spell now, but Desdichado remembers that Nira has some new spells she needs to learn. Not to mention that it would be best to take the fight to the Maharaja on the Tide's own terms.
He respectfully says, "Thank you, your excellency, for both this exchange and for offering to cast the spell. A point of clarification, please: Is your single offer to cast the spell as part of the agreement for this moment only, or could we return later for that purpose? I'm sure you can appreciate the need to plan the attack for the most strategically advantageous moment."
"Alternatively, perhaps you could teach one of our more magically inclined party members how to cast the spell and then forego us returning."
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) d20+13=27 ; Tuesday August 29th, 2023 4:01:01 PM
Thankfully Hmerrin didn't drop the crystal on his way to the pedestal.
Gaffer wasn't as worried by the Dragon's mention of various openings and such, the Tide's choice has been clear and it seems to have paid off. He collects his dragon's tooth though doesn't put it on just yet and bobs back to his allies.
"I prepared assuming we would be forced to go straight away, so I am ready." He sends to the others while Des clarifies their situation.
Ramirez passes along the information he is aware of over the group's link. I think we all know the mayor, but it looks like Vyrnix knows him too.
Ramirez also mentions Straub, but is not familiar with that particular dragon Also, Vyrnix seems pleased. Let's ask what we need and not overstay our welcome.
Ramirez pockets the talisman. To Vyrnix, he simply says: Thank you Both for the talisman, and...for putting himself within biting reach of the dragon, and Vyrnix restrained himself.
Hmerrin nods at Vyrnix' instruction and takes a talisman, which he slips around his neck (having swapped out the periapt he usually wears).
The fighter is unsure about how to answer the timeline. Nira needs more days to completely charge her staff. But having to come back here later and hope the dragons are still in an agreeable mood feels risky.
He waits wordlessly for Nira's comments and the dragon's answer to Dez.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday August 30th, 2023 1:01:42 AM
Nira finds it interesting the Vyrnix talks as if playing a game of chess. Would that make the party his pawns though?
She takes hold of one of the talisman's and holds it in the air to examine it. Does the tooth look like it formerly belonged to Vyrnix or Warp? She checks the duo to see if they are missing any teeth.
Nira does have one important question. "Do you know if the gate works in both directions? Could something from the rak plane use it to enter the Wold?" This is important for several reasons: a way for the party to return when the job is done, and also something they may need to block or destroy in the future.
----------- Knowl Checks: Take 10. All Pass Perception & Sense Motive: Autopass
OOC All:Highlight to display spoiler: { Nira would like a couple of days to fully recharge the heal staff and maybe scribe a few spells. Nothing that needs roleplaying. Perhaps it could just be handwaved that a couple of days pass and we come back here, ready to depart? I don't want to hold things up}
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Wednesday August 30th, 2023 6:42:15 AM
Danko also retrieves the talisman, keeping his eye low in respect.
" Much gratitude. I can teleport our party to the designated location. As the others have said, we would need a few days to finish preparing, with your approval of course. "
Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Wednesday August 30th, 2023 7:23:59 AM
Vyrnix is willing for the Tide to leave, prepare, and return before casting the spell. They do so; flying out of the smokey and hot tunnel to where they can teleport, and teleport to Dirt City. Several days pass in preparation. When the Tide is ready, Danko again teleports them to the entrance of the smokey and hot tunnel where the heroes repeat their preparations (Air Elemental, Overland Flight, Flying Carpet, various anti-heat spells), and come back in to meet with Vyrnix and Warp.
Warp is still nestled atop the great treasure trove, occasionally blowing smoke under one protective wing. Vyrnix is laying across the lava stones about where the Stone Shaped pedestals used to be, and seems very awake and alert. There is no sight of the Crystal.
The dragon does not answer Desdichado's second question. (Sense Motive DC25 Highlight to display spoiler: { you sense not answering is the answer...no. }
Nira can't determine if the tooth is from Vyrnix or Warp, but probably not. For magical, long-lived, and strategic creatures, it wouldn't be in their nature to give potential links to be used against them in the future.
Vyrnix nods at the Mystic's question. "It is a 2-way gate. The Rakshasa have used it before to enter the Wold."
...............
With the Tide all prepared to (now) go straight away, Vyrnix casts the special spell and looks far, far away. Ten minutes pass with the constant incantation that disappears from the mind as soon as it is heard, his scales vibrating with power, until… Vyrnix begins speaking:
“A landscape of endlessly rolling grasses, green or purple or seared to straw by a relentless sun. Barely seen in the distance are angular sharp peaks, sparkling like huge diamonds, but there appears to be a scoop taken out of the center of the mountain range. Closer, a partial dome of what looks like dried grass gives some shade to a collection of hovels. Hrmmm. OddHolme. That’s’ a funny name. But that is where the Gate will be for the next 24 hours.”
The great dragon's eyes refocus back to the heroes. “That is all I have, good heroes. Where that is, how to get there, and what guardians may be waiting are all up to you.”
Hmerrin Only Highlight to display spoiler: {Hmerrin, who was with the CMTC during the ‘Return of the Saar’ crossover, recognizes the description as the Sargrass Plains!}
As soon as Hmerrin reveals his information... Know Geography DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a mountain range running east-west that bisects the Sargrass Plains called the Crystal Mountains} Know History DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {During the Return of the Saar, a part of the Crystal Mountains exploded, raining meteorites on the Northern Continent and leaving a big hole in the mountain range.} Know Local DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {While there is no knowledge of ‘OddHolme’, the hero knows the largest settlement in the Sargrass Plains is a place called Rattledam. There might be a guide or map there.}
"Ummmm," Hmerrin muses unhappily after Vyrnix' description. "That sounds like the Sargrass Plains...in the Southern Continent...a really long way from here."
[Know Local 27]
"We gotta get someplace here that can get someplace there that get us to this Oddholme place. Plateau City, maybe?"
OOC - Oddholme. Nice one. DM SteveK - I do like using previous game information to have a sense of continuity…
Desdichado greatly appreciates the talisman. But he'll need to trade out his necklace that provides armor to use it properly. He'll have to see if there's time to ask Domi for some protective spells within the next 24 hours.
Desdichado has of course heard of the Sargrass Plains but never thought it was a place he would visit. They need to move fast to catch that gate.
He nods at Hmerrin's suggestion. "Maybe we can ask for a favor from the Plateau City Council and tell them what's going on. Or I could check with the Temple of Domi."
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 d20+16=34 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=20 ; Wednesday August 30th, 2023 7:27:21 PM
kn geography= 34 kn history = 22 kn local = 20
The mountains could be the Crystal Mountains running through the Sargrass Plains
So...off to the City then?
Before leaving, Ramirez bows to the dragons and thanks them for their aid.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Thursday August 31st, 2023 5:53:30 AM "Our last time in Sargrass was pretty eventful." Gaffer sends, realising he never visited the plains after they helped settle it. "Plateau City sounds good to me."
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Thursday August 31st, 2023 6:30:01 AM
ooc? What's the range to Plateau City . Monthor cal Teleport 1500 miles at a time.
" Plateau city works for me. Anyone know how far it is from here? "
Is all are willing Danko teleports the group to Plateau City.
--------------- extended Mage armor
Here Be Dragons - DM Steve K Thursday August 31st, 2023 7:40:36 AM
The Tide realizes they have 2 problems and a limited time to do them.
The first is to wear the Talismans, several of them will have to remove other protections around their neck, and none of them are really keen on doing that. Sure, the Talisman's don't work on the Wold Plane, only the Rakshasa Plane, but do they have enough time to do some shopping AND solve the second problem?
The second, of course, is to get to the Sargrass, get to the city of Rattledam, find out where "OddHolme" is, travel there, find out where the Gate is in/around "OddHolme", AND THEN defeat the guardians in less than 24 hours!
....
As the Tide telepathically 'talk' to each other, there are a few logistical details they share:
1. With only 24 hours to make this happen, there won't be anyone memorizing new sets of spells until they have found the Gate!
2. It is too far to teleport to the Southern Continent from Yrth. But they do know that the Star Mage Guild operates a Teucri Teleportation Circle in Plateau City and Floating City which can be attuned to a place called MudTown outside of Hook City. From there, it may be possible to teleport to the Sargrass Plains with a chance of success (since they can only be described to Danko).
Alternatively, the heroes can purchase and use a Greater Teleport, Limited Wish, or Wish spell to go directly to the Sargrass with little chance of being off, but the Sargrass is huge and "OddHolme" is not known.
3. Rattledam is the only known settlement in the Sargrass Plains.
..............
The Dragons wait where they lay. Time for these long-lived creatures is definitely on thier side.
The Tide has the initiative.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] Thursday August 31st, 2023 5:25:06 PM
Given their options, Desdichado thinks purchasing a scroll of Teleportation will be the quickest way to get there. He's happy to pitch in on the price, "Er, how much do they cost?"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Thursday August 31st, 2023 5:49:36 PM
"Maybe," Hmerrin answers Dez. "Course, we gotta get to a Catacombs Portal, and since there's one of them in Plataeau City as well, I vote that's the first stop. It should be within 1500 miles of here."
Hmerrin thanks Vrynix and Warp for their hospitality.
He breaks out the magic carpet and returns himself and any non-flyers back to the point where Danko has a clear casting spot.
He waits for Danko to cast, as well as for Nira or someone to offer an opinion on this Greater Teleport scroll thing.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Thursday August 31st, 2023 7:26:43 PM Let's get moving. So first to Plateau City, and then find a way to Rattledam.
You know, I think the dragons agreed to this deal as much for their entertainment as for getting their crystal back
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Thursday August 31st, 2023 8:35:03 PM
Nira is happy for a stop at the Catacombs if anyone needs it. She has all she needs and can comfortably wear the talisman.
"Well it's nice to have options, however few they may be. I don't know the greater teleport spell, so can't get us there that way. Anyone else know it? Otherwise we'll have to buy a scroll of one at the Catacombs. Using the Teleportation Circle in Plateau City would work too."
Nira is happy to go with whatever direction the group decides. She has her fully charged healing staff so is happy to go anywhere.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) d20+23=27 ; Friday September 1st, 2023 5:40:09 AM "Plateau City it is then. I didn't prepare any travel spells but a Transport Via Plants scroll might be able to get us to the Plains as well."
Gaffer realises he was a tad over optimistic hoping that the dragons would teleport them to the gate.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Friday September 1st, 2023 6:27:21 AM
" No greater teleport. Just a run of the mill regular teleport. Off to Plateau City it is then. "
Welcome to Plateau City - DM Steve K d100=95 ; Friday September 1st, 2023 7:43:38 AM
The Tide all agree going to Plateau City is the first stop. As Hmerrin gets out their Flying Carpet and prepares to leave the hot chamber, Vyrnix rumbles. "Plateau City, yes. I have heard of the Catacombs for magical item purchase that may assist you. The Great Library has information on nearly anything. Or the Woldian League of Adventurers (yes, I see your pin!). Whatever you do, do not take much time, or you will owe me another favor for another spell."
The heroes travel for 15 minutes out to where Danko can Teleport, and ... ((ooc: Danko did not choose a specific destination in Plateau City nor rolled a %, so the DM took care of this minor ... oops, rolled a 95%, gonna have to consult the books...))
Because his friends want to go to the Catacombs, Danko chooses to teleport to the square in front of the Catacombs building. *POOF* The Tide arrives in a city square facing the Great Library. Oops! Just one square off from the Catacombs, but it takes 15 minutes of walking from Merchant Quarter and along the crowded streets, over a bridge, and into Dragon Quarter to get to the Catacombs.
.......... 0:30
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Sunday September 3rd, 2023 1:34:07 PM
" How fortunate that intuitively I knew to teleport us near the Catacombs! It was almost like devine intervention! Lets go see what we can buy... "
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Sunday September 3rd, 2023 4:06:30 PM
"No, wait," replies Hmerrin to Danko.
"If I understand right, you need good information about the destination. So, what we need now is you and the smart people to hit the Library and learn what you can, while some completely non magically inclined fellow to run down to the Catacombs and get that scroll."
The fighter opens his arms wide. "I'm about as non magically inclined as you get. So, I run to Catacombs. You guys learn stuff."
Unless somebody stops him, Hmerrin takes off at a quick jog.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] d20+6=8 ; Sunday September 3rd, 2023 4:24:36 PM
With Hmerrin off to find the scroll, Desdichado offers to help with finding out anything useful about their destination. He's not able to determine any new information, though.
(OOC: A "Greater Teleport" doesn't have the range or familiarity restrictions on it.)
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Sunday September 3rd, 2023 4:54:58 PM
Danko shrugs and gives Hmmi with grocery list
" AND DON'T FORGET THE CARROTS ! "
Aaaaaand then he goes to the library
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Sunday September 3rd, 2023 6:03:21 PM
Gaffer follows the others to the catacombs for a couple of items, he's not sure how much they'll get from the Library without investing a lot of their limited twenty four hours.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Monday September 4th, 2023 3:15:12 AM
Nira is more than happy to double-time it to the library to find any accounts, journals or maps for the Southern Continent.
"Does someone want to check out the WLA? If they have any offices in the Southern Continent they might be able to help us"
-------------- Perception: 36 (Take10) Profession Librarian 17 (Take10) - to know where to look for the right books
Getting Stuff - DM Steve K Monday September 4th, 2023 2:37:18 PM
(Ooc: short DM Post)
Hmerrin and Gaffer jog to the Catacombs. It should take and hour plus traffic. It takes 15 minutes to get there, one hour with Djali Merrrytoes to get what you want, and 15 minutes back.
Danko and Desdichado look for information in the Great Library. After entering and asking for a Sargrass expert, it take a half hour to find the right person, a weathered gnome who introduces herself as “Flea”. You can ask her any questions you want for an hour before Hmerrin’s telepathic call to gather again.
(It is the heroes initiative to ask what questions, or she will talk about anything g for an hour. Flea is quite chatty)
Nira asks about searching the WLA. If she wants to, it is 15 minutes to WLA (it is right next to the Catacombs!), and an hour of asking for an expert and asking questions…..
……. 2:00
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] Monday September 4th, 2023 6:04:35 PM
Desdichado peppers Flea with questions.
Have you heard of a place called OddHolme on the southern continent? What do you know about it, where is it located, how far is it from Rattledam? (If she doesn't know about OddHolme) Is there anyone in Rattledam who would likely know about OddHolme? What's the best place to get a guide through the Sargrass plains in Rattledam? What is the distance from Rattledam to the Crystal Mountains? Do you have any information about gates used by the rakshasa to enter the Wold, especially one that might open in a different location every 24 hours? Is there any pattern in how that gate like that opens?
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Monday September 4th, 2023 7:48:07 PM
Looks like a good time to split up. Ramirez goes to the WLA while the rest of the team is at the Catacombs and the Library.
He asks about directions to Rattledam via a teleport scroll, and any information they have on a place called Oddholme.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Tuesday September 5th, 2023 5:02:46 AM
Nira adds to Des' questions.
"Do you have any maps of the Southern Continent? Any books?"
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 6:38:37 AM
"Hello... Fleas is it? What a beautyful name. We're trying to get to the Otherside. I do know that the way is not Under the Bridge. If you could tell us how to get there, we wouldn't expect you.. the answer, to just Give it Away. Don't mind my Scar Tissues, they'll heal up soon enough. By the Way, I have other Questions as well.
Danko takes a long pause before asking Flea any questions. He then takes a big breat... and asks....
" How many licks does it take to get to the center of a lillipop? " " If the answer is 42, what's the question? " " Is it duck season, or rabbit season? " " If the butler did it? Why? " " Does anyone really want the truth? 'Cause I don't think they can handle it. "
and most importantly " Do you want a carrot? "
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Tuesday September 5th, 2023 6:44:05 AM
Gaffer does his best to act patient at the catacombs, aware that time is ticking.
Learning Stuff - DM Steve K Tuesday September 5th, 2023 8:50:48 AM
Danko decides at the last minute to run with Hmerrin and Gaffer to the Catacombs. They are met by a ball of energy, Djali Merrytoes! With a happy shriek, she does a little jig on the counter, "I and my toes are so happy to see you! I will get all those things in a jiffy!" She takes care of all three and within an hour, provides them with their receipt and goods, takes their money, and sends them on the way with a kiss on the cheek. (ooc: All three purchases are in Catacombs Board ready for “SOLD”. Because the Tide is physically in Plateau City and the Catacombs in game time, each hero gets their purchase over-the-counter and can use immediately.)
(ooc: Because Danko is in Catacombs and getting the express treatment, he is not with Desdichado in the Great Library and unable to ask his questions.) .................
Desdichado meets with Flea, who is more than happy to tell the paladin of her experiences running with a group of adventurers called the Bloodpack. Turns out her full name is Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbit, but Flea is so much more easy for non-gnomes to remember. She also loved to write in her diary and make maps. Unfortunately, she has to admit that her first-hand experience in the Sargrass was all pre-rise of the Aspects of the Sargrass, so she has had to rely on quizzing the few adventurers that have successfully returned from that land. ”Promise me that if you survive you come back and I can update my records!’ Promise or no, Flea imparts to the paladin the following: - There are no accurate maps of the Southern Continent because Great Migrations tended to move the lands every century or so, so why make maps? Flea has heard the adventuring group, the Children of Chaos did something that made it so there won’t be any more Great Migrations, but I suppose only time will tell. - Flea has been to OddHolme, and it was several days walk or 5 hours by ‘Grass Ship’ from Rattledam in the Sargrass Plains. It was a ruin and a temporary refuge for people when bad things were happening in Rattledam. She has heard Rattledam is better again, so doesn’t know the current occupancy of OddHolme, or even what it looks like. - If the heroes can get to Rattledam, any good ‘Grass Ship’ captain should know about OddHolme, and for a fee to take them there. No captain will ever sell the information. Best place for a guide would be the docks. - Flea is actually unsure how far Rattledam is from Crystal Mountains. - She doesn’t know about Rakshasa, but did know there were large underground passageways beneath OddHolme that contained many Gates. In one instance, the Bloodpack met the Children of Chaos who needed to get through a gate to do something about the Great Migration, and the Bloodpack defended a chamber to give the CoC time to get through their Gate. .............
Ramirez and Nira go to the WLA, right next to the Catacombs in Dragon Square. After asking about the Sargrass, they are directed to a side library and met by a small Beast Folk who looks like a badger. ”I am Rubalad of Rattledam, and I greet you as an equal in the Wold. Please call me Ruby. Would you like some tea?” Ruby turns out to be a Twilight Ranger and had adventured in the Sargrass until a year ago. Then something made the place really, really dangerous, and he left rather than become just another meal for a monster. He is able to provide the following information: - Ruby is able to give you a copy of a map of Rattledam, and a really good description of the docks, and his team’s house. Nira is confident a Greater Teleport can get to either location. - The badger has never heard of OddHolme. - Ruby knows that during the rise of the Sar, or SAAR, or Tri-Saar (all names mean the same thing), that Rattledam was destroyed by creatures. When Ruby arrived at Rattledam, the dome and docks were complete, many buildings rebuilt, and most foundlings that were still alive had returned. ”That was one of the main jobs of my team: find more foundlings and offer to get them back to Rattledam.” - Ruby has no other map about the Sargrass. He is pretty sure there are three volumes of adventurer accounts in the WLA somewhere: one about the Bloodpack, one about the Woldian heroes battling the returned and awakened Saar, ”which included the CMTC if I am not mistaken”, and one that he is still writing about his own team. He is sure that he can collect the first two books within a couple of days and allow Nira and Ramirez to read them in the WLA Headquarters.
Danko, Hmerrin, and Gaffer have enough time to have a short conversation with Djali.
Desdichado has enough time to ask only one round of follow-up questions to Flea.
Nira and Ramirez has enough time to ask only one round of follow-up questions to Ruby.
……. 2:00 (ooc: this will be the time when the heroes get back together)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Tuesday September 5th, 2023 5:07:16 PM
Hmerrin thanks Djali and hands over the scroll of Greater Teleport to Danko, since he's right there.
"By the way," he asks the halfing before heading out. "Do you happen to know the fastest way to a place called Oddholme in the Sargrass Plains?"
Having received his answer, the man jogs back to the front of The Library. {We're back} he sends.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Tuesday September 5th, 2023 6:17:24 PM Thank you, Ruby, but I don't think we'll have time for tea today. Maybe we will be able to return soon and look at those books you mentioned. That sounds like a better time for tea.
We are in a bit of a hurry. The map should prove very useful. Do you have anything else Nira? We should be getting back.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] Tuesday September 5th, 2023 7:50:20 PM
Desdichado pauses ever so slightly when Flea asks him to return "if he survives". But, the moment passes and he replies, "I'd be glad to, even if I have to personally drag the rest of my group here."
He thanks Flea for the information, but he's not sure of any other questions that might be relevant. He heads outside to meet with the others.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Wednesday September 6th, 2023 5:26:37 AM
Gaffer lingers with Djali a moment longer as he realises he made a mistake with his scrolls. but he has no questions for her beyond some normal pleasantries, before hurrying out after the others.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Wednesday September 6th, 2023 6:24:19 AM
Having stashed the protection and circle against evil wands, he accepts the scroll and tucks that away as well.
" I have no questions and I'm as ready as I'm likely to get, "
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] Wednesday September 6th, 2023 6:45:01 PM
Desdichado takes a couple of minutes to relay to the group what he found out. Then, he's ready to to teleport.
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Wednesday September 6th, 2023 7:48:16 PM "How many WLA outposts are there on the Southern Continent? Can you point out their locations on this map?" Nira asks. She doesn't know where the groups travels might lead them, so wants to cover as many bases as she can.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 Thursday September 7th, 2023 8:26:05 AM
Danko eats a carrot.....
".. needs a cheese dip.... "
Learning Stuff - DM Steve K Thursday September 7th, 2023 8:32:36 AM
(ooc: apologies to all in not posting Wednesday. Personal issues. Will Post soon.)
Gathering Stuff - DM Steve K Thursday September 7th, 2023 8:40:00 AM
Nira asks a final question of Ruby, who obligingly points out WLA outposts in Hook City and Heranmar. There are none in the Sargrass Plains. "There may be one in Ice Vein, but we haven't received a message from them in a long time.'
Hmerrin hands Nira the Greater Teleport scroll and Nira has a good description of the Rattledam Docks and Ruby's old house. Which location (or somewhere else) does the Tide try to Greater Teleport to?
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 217/217 AC:32 T:19 FF:28 CMD:41) Thursday September 7th, 2023 3:55:42 PM
Hmerrin listens as his comrades recount Flea's tale.
"Sounds like fastest option is teleport to docks of Rattledam and impress upon some captain the need to drop everything and sail us to Oddholme," he opines.
The fighter looks in his sack. "I got about a thousand gold left. Hopefully, that's a convincing enough argument for them."
Hmerrin stands next to Danko and waits.
Danko Pureheart (Yves) -- AC 29 (33) -- CMD 36 -- HP 132/132 d100=92 ; Thursday September 7th, 2023 6:16:47 PM
" Docks of Rattledam it is. I'm ready to depart. Hemmi, I have gold and more then a few spells to convince the captain to meet our needs. "
------------ ooc Disregard the percentage roll, I failed to notice that Nira has the scroll.
Desdichado (Ryan) [HP:211/211; AC:34/15/32 - CMD 36] Thursday September 7th, 2023 6:22:30 PM
They've got a destination. They've got a plan. Desdichado is ready to set out.
Gaffer - Courtney - HP: 164/164 AC: 37(T:21/FF:30) CMD:39) Thursday September 7th, 2023 7:04:01 PM "Sorry, just sorting my purchase, I'll be ready soon." Gaffer sends to the others.
Ramirez (BrianZ) AC32/20/25 HP 150/150 CMD32 Thursday September 7th, 2023 7:08:03 PM Sounds like a good plan. And if we need to rest somewhere, we could probably use Ruby's old house?
RobC - Nira Wynvyre -- AC 29/15/25 -- CMD 24 -- HP 138/138 -- DarkVision/ArcaneSight/SeeInvis Friday September 8th, 2023 4:20:12 AM "Rattledam docks it is". When everyone gives the nod, Nira will accept the scroll and read it aloud.
----------------- Highlight to display spoiler: {Nira has Gtr Teleport on her class list, has the req ability score, and is an arcane caster. Since it's not a spell she's normally capable of casting she has to make a CL check vs DC15 to use the scroll. She has +14 so will autopass. Phew!}
LOG ON