Yanosh d20-5=-2 ; Monday September 1st, 2008 4:29:13 PM
Yanosh test and fiddles with his new weapon. Looking it over. Testing the loading of it. Yanosh sets his sheild up and fires the crossbow at it. Missing it horribly. Putting it away Yanosh grimiaces tightly.
hit ac -2 (thankfully that wasnt in combat.)
Olaf Monday September 1st, 2008 8:53:15 PM
Glancing at the strange apparatus they set the prior evening, Olaf settles down to call upon the Vein for some powers to help in the coming time. Again, no answers meet his prayers beyond a faint whisper. Sighing, he starts to take apart the trap, making space for the 'pack to enter and leave without untoward effect.
[ooc: updated character sheet for catacombs results]
Gilan Monday September 1st, 2008 11:26:54 PM
Gilan, back in his human form, goes about his morning prayers...though his involve songs to both Mother and Father Wold. He performs these outside of the grass dome and facing the early rising sun that he has become accustom to watching every morning.
With this done he goes back inside to wait for a discussion of what the pack is going to do now that they are rested and maybe ready. He does not volunteer any information as he really has nothing to give out. He does take the time to watch the others go about their own moring rituals with some greater interest than he has ever shown in the past.
Flea(Evasion) d20+14=31 ; Monday September 1st, 2008 11:59:15 PM
"I can help!" volunteers Flea. This time, she is of better use to Olaf. (Disable Device-Aid Another=31).
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 11:07:34 AM
Tishe' breaks her fast after she spends an hour in meditation outside of Oddholme. Communing with Mother Wold with her arcane spellbook on her lap, she strives to understand what would be the best spell complement this day to support her packmates, and also remembers those to who she will no longer see; Machastai the minotaur, ever her strength; Anuk and Sterlin the rangers; Ulgren the black elf wizard who worked with them for a short time; Stripes, her hyena and first companion struck down by a lightning bolt; Tacia the loyal dog killed almost the same with a fireball; and Malafret the Bloodpack's former mentor.
She casts her daily Endure Elements and Mage Armor to be prepared and then returns to see what has been decided on going through the portal today.
If there is time, she will scribe spells from her recently acquired scrolls into her spellbook.
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor*, Mage Armor, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Haste, Lightning Bolt Green (3)- Dimensional Anchor, SummonIV, SummonIV }
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 12:58:17 PM
Vayine leads Murdock, Aeryon and Trellus back to where the Pack is camped for the night. After everyone is settled the drow moves to a corner and begins praying to Gargul for his spells to aid the pack in their battles.
Trellus Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 2:08:04 PM
Trellus shakes himself out of his reverie as he returns to the Portal Room with Murdock. The mage says the vampire in gaseous form couldn't activate the portal, and at his words the blond man frowns. "Sure looked like he did to me," he notes. "He floated over them symbols, and then he was gone." Trellus grimaces - yet another puzzle.
Arriving at the Portal room, the cleric quickly notes there are no takers on the vampire's gear.
"How 'bout I take it to the Catacombs and buy us some more Restoration scrolls?" he asks, before adding unhappily - "we're probably gonna need 'em."
Trellus learns his morning spells, while reminding the group - "we're going someplace vampires like to be, so get ready for undead and other treadles."
Once ready, the cleric also takes some time to place a Glyph over the area covered by the portal [Glyph of Warding: area effect centered on Portal - non-evil creatures can enter freely - Spell Glyph (Searing Light CL11)]. "That oughtta make somebody's day," he remarks with grim satisfaction.
He turns to Grymash. "Gry, I gotta right shady spell for your axe to help against undead. but it'll only last a minute or so. We get into it with undead treadles, hold up one thread so I can cast it."
Trellus then casts a protective spell on himself [Extended Magic Vestment], and one on his friends [Status - Gry, Olaf, Flea].
Spells in effect: Extended Magic Vestment (armor) - cast this morning Status (Gry, Flea, Gilan) - cast this morning ------ Spells Prepared: Highlight to display spoiler: { (cast as level 11 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell p -- recast with pearl of power * - cast spell
0 -- Create Water (x2), Detect Magic (x2), Resistance, Read Magic 1 -- *Endure Elements (x2), Remove Fear (x2), Shield of Faith(x2), Sanctuary (d) 2 -- Align Weapon, Eagle's Spendor, Resist Energy(fire), Resist Energy(elec), Spiritual Weapon, *Status, Bulls Strength (d) 3 -- Dispel Magic, *Glyph of Warding, Prayer, Searing Light, *Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, Inflict Critical Wounds, Sending, Spell Immunity (d) 5 -- Disrupting Weapon, Flame Strike, Shield of Faith(Quickened), Spell Resistance (d) }
Yanosh Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 4:03:00 PM
Talk of entering the portal visably unnerves the Dwarf Cleric. Yanosh has yet to near the portal since he came into the Sargrass from it.
"I think we should not enter the portal," he states gloomily. Looking the 'Pack over, Yanosh eyes each one closely. "We do not know how to control it. Nor do we know how to come back here. What if we wind up back in the Ice Vein? Olaf and I can survive there for we still have our heavy weather cloths. But the rest of you will freeze quickly. We need to slow daown and, as Tishe' would say, look closer at the pattern on this side."
Should We Go, or Should We Stay? (DM JohnP) Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 10:22:59 PM
The Bloodpack have survived the night without disturbance and now debate the merits of venturing through the portal, or staying put in Oddholme.
When Yanosh isn't fiddling with his contraption, he voices some reluctance at going since the destination is unknown. Trellus also suggests taking the time to sell off what might be the unwanted gear from the vampire and using the proceeds to purchase some scrolls and similar devices.
Otherwise, everyone else seems to be making preparations for departing.
When the spellcasters discuss it, they are certain that the vampire was not able to activate the portal and perished after being unable to return to its coffin which must, presumably, lie somewhere on the other side of the portal. Using the same sequence, the spellcasters are also convinced that they would be able to trigger the portal.
There is, of course, still the need to make the tokens required for passage. Whatever the vampire used was presumably destroyed along with all of the other perishable items that the undead carried. The tokens would be small and could be crafted from plaited grass or similar means, provided that someone knowledgeable about High Woldian and, ideally, cosmology assisted.
DM Note - I'd suggest that you take the conversation about the items to e-mail. Planning the preparations for venturing through the portal might also be best done that way.
Flea Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 11:46:32 PM
Flea stands by, waiting for whatever the pack decides as a group, to do.
The rogue is quite happy to remain in the Sargrass in Oddholme, providing a safe haven for those who don't fit in with the monks of Rattledam, helping the Manfri, and monitoring/guarding the portal. (Who will do that if the group actually goes through the thing?)
On the other hand, should the party end up in Ice Vein, might she not have a chance at reuniting with BN?
"Um, Yanosh?" Flea aks the cleric, "where 'xactly did Bodhi end up? Did he return to Zarnan City? Did he leave any idea where he might be found, if it was, like, important?"
Trellus Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 10:16:38 AM
Trellus completes his spell around the portal [finish Glyph of Warding], and looks around at the Bloodpack, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Dudes," he proposes. "I've been thinking, and maybe right now we should concentrate our energies on preventing other folks from coming in, and not us going out. I just cast a spell that'll zap any evil treadle entering this room with a Searing Light spell. But it took two to kill that vampire, and its a one shot spell.
So we need more to either prevent entry, or warn the dome if someone does enter, or both."
The blond man looks at their camp.
"And I propose our second step is to find us some living quarters here in Oddholme and start making this place our home. And only after all that, <grinning> assuming no druid or manfri or any other dudes show up needing help, we can see if we can figure out where that sequence goes, what tokens we need to get there, what we're likely to find, and whether we can find some other locations."
He looks around at his friends questioningly. "Whaddya think?"
Olaf d20+8=28 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 12:02:13 PM
Screwing his eyes briefly, the young blonde man eventually nods at the wisdow of Trellus's words. Still, he recalls the urgency of finding and stopping Horvis. Should something as mundane as a portal prevent them from sallying forth? Uncertain, he decides instead to concentrate on the puzzle of the tokens. He thinks back to his rudimentary knowledge of Gods and Powers and their sigils, hoping that a clue might be found there. [knowledge (religion) 28 (nat 20)]
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) d20+13=22 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 12:11:18 PM
Tishe' is at first surprised that the Bloodpack isn't immediately going through the portal, but when she stops to think about it, other considerations make sense.
"We can't go through without creating the keys for the sequence anyways", she starts out in a practical manner. "And besides, just like Yanosh and Olaf, just because we can go through the Portal is no guarantee that we could return. It took us almost a year to get back to the Sargrass from the last time we 'ported!"
"For ensuring others can't use the portal, while here I can cast a daily Alarm spell that will trigger if any come into the chamber. I can also put down a couple of magical Snares that can trap folks as well." Tishe' thinks for a moment. "We can also get a scroll for various more permenant solutions. (Spellcraft:22) An Extended Dimensional Lock spell on a scroll would work for 36 days for about 3,825gp cost. Of course, since none of us can cast that high of a spell yet, it may take more than one scroll to do it."
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor*, Alarm, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Haste, Lightning Bolt Green (3)- Dimensional Anchor, SummonIV, SummonIV }
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 12:30:37 PM
I agree, we should familiarize ourselves with our new home. Plus if we can find the funds, maybe we could find some others who need a home and would be willing to work here, for shelter and protection. after all, the more people here gaurding this place, the harder it will be for anyone to take it over. I'm still new in the blessings of Gargul, but I know there are scrolls that can consecrate an area. if we could buy a few of those as well we could use them in select rooms until we can cover the whole structure. I know that all the scrolls we'll need will more likely then not, cost more then we have right now, so we would need to figure out whats the most important.
Yanosh Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 2:21:48 PM
Looking at Flea the Dwarf smiles a quite unsettleing smile that he seems to have picked up since his "Death". One eyebrow lifted and a half smile croses his face. "Bohdi said he was being called back to Zarnan City. Form there I do not know what has happened to him. He said it was important or he would not have left us when he did. I am sure he is still there locked in some wizard tower or some such thing." Yanosh says with a touch of humor. "If I didnt know him better I would think he got scared and run off. But I saw him face two winter wolves because I failed to stay with the group and tryed something stupid. It is because of him and Garrett, and the others, that I survived to even see the village of Ice Peaks. No if Bohdi says it was important then it was. And I am sure he lives on."
Remebering something vague about being transported to the Sargrass Yanosh looks at Tishe'. removing his helmet yanosh scratches his bald burnt head. "I seem to remember a corridor of doors. When we left The Vien we didnt just pop in here. We walked a little and then came through another portal. I dont know if it was a place in between or a different place with another one of these," he gestures to the portal. "if it is a place in between then we would have to mark our 'Door' some how so we can come back here."
Picking up all of his gear Yanosh perks up at the idea of finally settleing in to his own place. "Yes lets find some where to call our home in here." With that he pats Flea on the shoulder and waits for the rest.
Gilan Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 6:13:13 PM
With a shrug Gilan nods his head. "Then we will deal with the immediate problem...getting this place ready, defended and figureing this portal out more." To be honest he did not like the idea of jumping into the unknown like they had been thinking...it has gotten the pack into trouble in the past.
He will gather his own gear that is still mostly in his pack, except for what he is wearing and move to have a true look around the dome. Hopefully it will have an area that is much like Rattledam, that is open to the sky and air. A wild place would give him something else to do and he feels a need to do something, maybe make a place that he could finally call home.
Grymash Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 7:22:21 PM "Yep, Gry think also dat weez need ta, uhh fortaflies Oldholme. Whut weez do first?" Grymash begins to look around. He wonders after taking a swig of water from his waterskin that there is a well or other source of water in Oldholme. There has to be. So he cast his Locate object spell again. This time he looks for "water well".
(Cast Locate Object: Water Well.)
Settling Down (DM JohnP) Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 9:50:41 PM
The Bloodpack settle down for an extended stay in Oddholme. Trellus and Tishe' set some spells that should halt or, at least, warn the Bloodpack that an opponent has entered the dome through the portal.
Murdock and Ayreon show everyone around the portions of the dome that they have explored. The pair have settled into an area not too far from the portal and the central assembly hall that had been used by the strange creatures resident in the dome when the Bloodpack first explored. Exploring further out, there are abandoned residential areas near the exterior wall of the dome. From what the Bloodpack can tell after some early explorations, the larger structures are higher inside the dome, suspended somehow from the exterior walls. Even though the floors seem solid, Olaf can't shake the feeling that he doesn't have solid ground beneath his feet.
Grymash uses the direction provided by his spell to find a well near the centre of the dome. From the basins and other stone furnishings, there might have been some means in the past to raise water for easy use for the past residents of the dome. Now, the Bloodpack have to lower waterskins or buckets down to the surface of the water. When they bring water up, they find that it is sweet and palatable. Murdock and Ayreon are relieved that they no longer have to forage for water outside.
The immediate area of the dome looks like a typical stretch of the Sargrass. Of course, Gilan can find no sign of the largest creatures but that is as he expected.
After a day or so of work, the Bloodpack finds that they have at least a week for work, research or whatever they choose to do. Of course, further exploration of Oddholme or improving their living quarters might be useful.
DM NOTE - Assume 1 week (7 days) for crafting, enchantment, potion making, scribing, or whatever your character chooses to do.
You have Catacombs access. You need to decide what to do with the items from the vampire.
Flea d20+8=28 ; Thursday September 4th, 2008 1:02:31 AM
Flea will spend the week exploring the nooks and crannies of Oddholme and imprinting the place on her memory. She will also spend some time in the portal room trying to understand the glyphs more fully. (Decipher Script=28, yay! Nat 20!)
Sometimes, she will just follow Gillan around, and, if given the opportunity, have a chat with him about what happened after he went off with the Walker, Mr. Black. If he lets her, she will offer to trim his long black hair 'just a little'. She will use the opportunity to brush out its long darkness before rebraiding it in the style the druid seems to prefer. The gnome hopes the grooming ritual helps her friend relax a little.
She imagines a picture of Bohdi as described by Yanosh, and draws comfort from imagining him safe in some high tower studying the books and scrolls he seemed to love so much.
After a couple of days, she starts to wonder what type of key or token she should choose for herself. She turns to her friends for suggestions. "Tishe?" she asks, "maybe you can teach us to weave something? Something small and could be crafted from plaited grass or, or," Flea fixes the comb still containing some of Gilan's long silken strands, "hair, an', an'" she lifts the fringe of her crimson sash, "an' this. Something Sargrass and something Bloodpack, and something personal!"
Trellus Thursday September 4th, 2008 10:26:15 AM
Trellus will take the vampire's equipment to The Catacombs, after first casting a Detect Evil spell on the equipment, just to be sure.
After that, the cleric turns his attention to two tasks - finding a nice place to set up house, and figuring out the Portal.
The blond man will spend a couple days poking around with Flea and any other explorers, getting comfortable with the layout of the dome. Eventually, he will pick out a nice residential spot as his own, preferably one abutting (or part of) a small complex he can turn into a shrine/temple/dorm. The cleric envisions a shrine to Domi, with a dorm for several caretakers, and a medium sized common area for meals, fesitval, or emergency help. [OOC - Can we get a general map of OddHolme?]
[OOC - Also, Trellus will use his Leadership feat in an attempt to attract a cohort - preferably a Hand of Domi, and followers to OddHolme.
Trellus also wants to figure out that Portal. As he explains to his packmates, he considers that portal to be the key to Oddholme's expansion. He's not totally convinced its can only go to one place. If they can figure out how to go wherever they want, and get back, and teach a few other trusted dudes to do they same, then they can trade, buy food, recruit inhabitants, and all kinds of stuff without ever having to physically transport the stuff to the dome. Use of the Portal for trade practically eliminates the risk of being followed or scried, as no trade ship will ever need to show up at Oddholme's gates. All they gotta do is set up a trading post at Hook City, and then pop back and forth through the Portal.
With that in mind, the cleric works with Gilan and Tishe to understand the Woldian symbols used to activate the portal, as well as the others on the mechanism. He also spends a lot of time unabashadly pestering his god like a five year old son (via Divination and Commune). Highlight to display spoiler: { - Is there only one possible destination when activating the portal from this site? - Will we be able to return, at will, to this site? - If yes, do the tokens get us back? is there a portal at the destination site? is there an item at the site we need to possess? is the means of return already in our possession? - Will we be attacked immediately upon arriving at the destination? Are the immediate inhabitants of the destination friendly, hostile, neutral? - The tokens we need to activate - must it be fabricated? must it be magical? what material (go through a list until he gets a yes), what symbols should be on it (get ideas from Gilan and Tishe, and roll through the list until he gets some more yesses)
Will we successfully pass throught the portal and return? }
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} d20+20=38 ; d20=16 ; d20+5=20 ; Thursday September 4th, 2008 12:34:07 PM
Vayine will accompany Trellus to the Catacombs. the Drow warrior insists that he is going to find aid for Oddholme (Leadership Feat.) but he is also watching the proud Clerics back. knowing that the Pack has many enemies in many places.
When they return from the Catacombs Vayine will see if anyone wants to accompany him, (especially Flea) because he's going to explore the upper reaches, knowing that few if any of the Pack have been up there. he will search for evidence of what the place was, what it was created for, created by, and search for anything that can still be used, and any items of value. (search roll =20) (Gather Info. roll=16)
if need be Vayine will climb to area's to search for the above mentioned (climb roll=38)
Yanosh Thursday September 4th, 2008 3:44:29 PM
Yanosh spend the wek finding a place he likes and cleaning it up. he also works with the new hand crossbow, something he must become proficiant with. Turning his new place into a temple to Gargul with living quarters in the back.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) d20+10=22 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=28 ; Thursday September 4th, 2008 4:35:53 PM
"Getting used to Oddholme is a great idea", confirms Tishe', and she quickly goes to claim an area of her own near Murdock and Aeryon, that is, in between the central Council Room and the Portal Room. Finding a place that contains three rooms, Tishe' begins to make herself at home, using her skills as a weaver coupled by use of woodshape (2 each) and stoneshape (2 each) spells. By the end of the week, she has the beginnings of a comfortable visiting room, bedroom, and study.
Tishe' soon goes into a routine, daily casting an Extended Alarm spell on the portal room to alert if anything halfling sized or larger enters the room. She also weaves some tough Sargrass rope (Weaving: 22) and places one Snare spell a day around the portal. By the end of the week, there are seven Snare spells blanketing the floor of the Portal Room.
She spends the better part of five days carefully scribing spells from scrolls to her spellbook [Spellcraft checks: Hold Person(23), Dim Door(19), Secure Shelter(14 fail), Secure Shelter(27), and Resilient Sphere(28)]
For the last two days, the curious woman explores the dome with Flea, ensuring she can get in and around Oddholme without getting lost too many times. As she moves around, she casts Prestidigitation (2x day) and Unseen Servant (2x day) to tear down more cobwebs and continue the cleaning that Murdock and Aryeon have begun. Finally, she weaves a rope and Grass-bucket for the water well. (Weaving:17)
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation*, Prestidigitation*, Unseen Servant*, Unseen Servant*, Acid Splash Red (6)- Mage Armor*, Alarm*, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Animate Rope, Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Hold Person, Haste, Lightning Bolt Green (3)- Resilient Sphere, Dim Door, SummonIV }
Gilan d20+11=27 ; Thursday September 4th, 2008 11:19:55 PM
Gilan finds his time equally spent with those that are working on the portal and mainly with Flea. When she makes a mention of trimming his hair he smiles and nods his head. "Just don't take off too much...I have gotten use to it being long." He does take the time to clean himself completely before he will allow her to touch his hair...having not had the chance to wash it in some time.
He goes about finding an area that is lit by the sun, even through the grass dome itself and goes about the hard work of getting it ready. It is with great care that he tends to the grass here and gets things ready for something that he feels is needed here. In fact it appears that he has taken up residence in what have been a small garden or maybe a courtyard of sorts.
When he hears the comment about going to the Catacombs for some shopping he nods his head. "I will come along...I need a few things that they might be able to supply." His eyes sparkle and you might wonder what it is that he is planning...though has given no hints to his desires.
With most of his duties done as far as he can go with them he spends long hours in his own little garden...as he has come to call it. The equipment for brewing potions is set up in a rough dirt spot and there is an odd pentagram marked with a number of symbols that are most definitely not arcane. He takes the time to water down the area and then mark all the symbols in the ground several times...keeping the area muddy, then a simple spells turns the small area into rock and he is satisfied.
Other days are left in talking to Flea especially, who seems to be interested or worried about him. His more animal features were a bother to him as well for awhile, but now he has gotten use to them. "I spent some time in the realm of the fae, mostly visiting with Elbyron. He said that I had a rare gift with animals and that my understanding of them could be strengthened...but the process has only been attempted by one or two others." A little bit of sadness enters his eyes and crosses his face. "I went to sleep one night in the form of a wolf, staying that way for a month in the fae realm. Time passes differently there...faster. When I awoke, Father was standing over me and I was back in my human form...but I felt stronger and more attached to the more animal side of me. For this power though, I had to leave Ciaran with Father to take care of and I lost some of my spell power as well." There is a little bit of bitterness in his voice but also a lot of pride as well. "There is always a sacrifice for power that must be made, but now I can take the form of some of the monsters that we have fought in the past...and those that we will fight in the future." He shrugs as he goes back to carving a piece of wood into a vaguely humanoid shape...it has the appearance of the start of a halfling actually[carving: 27].
[Brewed potion list to come]
Grymash Thursday September 4th, 2008 11:33:18 PM
Grymash also spends his week trying to make heads and tails of Oldholme. Locating the kitchens, root cellars, the granary, washrooms, distillery and so on. The common creature comforts of modern Sargrassian societies. Then it dawns on him, there needs to be a place for Gargul as well. He begins looking for a suitable room to establish a chapel. For the needs of the spirit are just as important as the stomach. Not to mention, he still thinks the room where the portal is needs to be hallowed.
Other things on Grymash's list: war room, armory, soldier barracks, training grounds, weapons and a invitation for like minded souls to move to Oldholme. Yes, a bee hive of activity in Oddholme is what Grymash sees in his head. A place for those seeking freedom from Rattledam. Not to mention they will need the might of many to defend themselves when Rattledam comes calling. Deep down, he knows Rattledam will soon come seeking for them... to crush them. And by Gargul, they were going to be ready.
Domestic Affairs (DM JohnP) Friday September 5th, 2008 12:05:55 AM DM Apology - Sorry for the short post tonight. More coming tomorrow night.
The Bloodpack spend some time exploring the grass dome that they have called 'Oddholme'. And odd it certainly is. They had previously identified what they believed to be living quarters, and that is probably the best and most useful identification. And they found a well, too.
But what they don't find are many of the common features of modern society. Certainly, they could make do with many of the buildings and structures inside the dome. But there is nothing that they immediately recognize as food storage, or even food preparation. Or, for that matter, forges or other craft places. Perhaps the builders and original occupants of Oddholme subsisted solely on what could be foraged from the surrounding Sargrass. Or fed and provided for themselves some other way.
The best conclusion is that the builders of Oddholme were unlikely to be members of the noble races, at least not modern ones. Even so, the scale of doorways and passageways is not too far off what is comfortable for all the members of the Bloodpack.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Friday September 5th, 2008 10:51:22 AM
Tishe' is content with the real explorers to find all the nooks and crannies of Oddholme. "I'm sure one of them will map the place out properly", she tells Wart, her horned toad familiar.
She takes Flea up on the suggestion of teaching the weaving of simple ropes, pots, bedmats, and other domestic items from the tough Sargrass, and also visits Gilan, Grymash, and Trellus' budding areas of godly worship. Having met more than one Power and god, Tishe' is certain they are all real and the good ones deserving of respect.
A puzzle of no domestic community areas keeps the spellweaver puzzled. "A place this big would almost have to have some means of sustaining themselves, gathering would not be enough. I wonder if there were a very lively trade in ships that kept the need for those goods at a household level?"
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation*, Prestidigitation*, Unseen Servant*, Unseen Servant*, Acid Splash Red (6)- Mage Armor*, Alarm*, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Animate Rope, Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Hold Person, Haste, Lightning Bolt Green (3)- Resilient Sphere, Dim Door, SummonIV }
Trellus Friday September 5th, 2008 1:24:23 PM
Noble or not, a body's gotta eat. Trellus becomes more convinced that the Portal is the answer to all this.
Unless...
Unless it was created much later than the rest of the dome. The cleric tries to figure out if that is the case.
Yanosh Friday September 5th, 2008 3:18:01 PM
Yanosh continue to work on the preperations for the temple of Gargul. His living quarters are kept simple and basic spartin even.
In the evnings he works with his crossbow.
Gilan Friday September 5th, 2008 11:09:25 PM
Gilan looks over the area that he is specially preparing and smiles to himself with a bit of satisfaction. "This might do nicely." As he slowly paces around the small garden area that he has taken as his own he stops to commune with the natural surroundings. The visit from Tishe' is not totally unexpected as he figured she would be interested, as a fellow druid. For his part you get the feeling that he is looking to add something else to the garden area as well...but there are many things that you are still unsure of about your friend and his new abilities.
Though he has went to some lengths to speak to each of his companions, especially Trellus and Flea about it. The story is not that long but filled with details, though you might suspect that he is leaving out minor points or things that he is not ready to reveal. Tishe' gets almost the same story that the rest get, though he elaborates on somethings that he knows she will understand more than the others...druidal training is required at times.
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Saturday September 6th, 2008 1:08:36 AM
after his shopping, and possible recruitment. Vayine looks for a set of rooms that are close by. He will set one room up as an Alter of Gargul, with a small clay pot to hold water for blessing and a holy symbol of Gargul. In the second room he will make his home. 2 small night stands, one to hold his personal itemes, one to hold his weapon and armor care items, a small bed, and a closet. the third room he sets up as a training area.
Vayine plans to help the others learn how to use their weapons, having been a weapon master in the Drow academy. Vayine will offer his services to anyone who lives in Oddhome (the help and the Pack) in order to help the Pack out. He will also help the others in fortifying the place.
OOC: DM can I get a description of the upper reaches when ever you get a chance?
Answers (DM JohnP) Saturday September 6th, 2008 10:42:20 PM
Flea spends her week socializing, mainly with Gilan and Tishe', and learns more about her companions and something about weaving. The gnome also asks the newcomers about their companion, Bohdi Knackle.
Trellus makes arrangements to sell the loot from the vampire before turning to immediate concerns. Vayine accompanies the cleric. While both are in the magical anteroom of the Catcombs, they make it known that living space and adventure can be had with them in Oddholme. No applicants immediately appear but this sort of thing usually takes time.
Even though the explorers find that the original construction of the dome is unusual, they feel that they can re-make the structures and put them to new uses. New chapels, work areas and living quarters begin to take shape over the course of the week.
After exploring the dome, Trellus starts planning for the long term development of Oddholme and investigating the portal. When all else fails, he beseeches his deity for answers.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Is there only one destination when the portal is activated from this site? -- YES Will we be able to return, at will, to this site -- YES Do the tokens get us back? -- YES Is there a portal at the destination site? -- YES Is there an item at the site that we need to possess? -- NO Is the means of return already in our possession? -- NOT YET Will we be attacked immediately upon arrival at the destination? -- UNCERTAIN Are the immediate inhabitants of the destination friendly, hostile, neutral? -- NEUTRAL Will we successfully pass through the portal and return? -- UNCERTAIN
The series of questions concerning tokens reveals that the tokens must be fabricated for each person, do not need to be magical, and can be made from any durable material (wood, stone, metal, woven cloth, etc.). The tokens must contain symbols related to each individual (e.g. names, preferred deity, etc.) and High Woldian symbols for the calendar date. Each token should function for a minimum of 24 hours, and up to 72 hours.}
DM NOTE - Re-ask any questions, etc. that I haven't answered clearly. Let me know how the Catacombs transactions are proceeding. And update any character sheets as necessary.
Thanks for your patience.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Sunday September 7th, 2008 4:45:03 PM
ooc: I'm actually having fun doing domestic-building stuff instead of always stopping the bad-guys from destroying stuff. Don't know about the others, but this is really going to bring Tishe's protection feelings for Oddholme to the fore. :-)
Flea d20+3=22 ; Monday September 8th, 2008 7:59:20 AM
Flea is pleased with the size and general appearance of Oddholme, though she wonders at the absence of some of the more domestic facilities. "Maybe folks transported goods trough the portal?" she asks later when the group assembles to discuss how they are progressing with their exploration and work projects.
The rogue tries to find a room near Trellus' place. It doesn't need to be particularly large, but she would like it to abut a little garden or courtyard where she might have the opportunity to dig in the dirt, and tend a few plants. She helps the cleric with the temple part of his complex, cleaning mostly. Each day, she takes a few moments to thank Domi for his guidance and prays for courage.
A small part of each day she works at crafting (Craft=22) a token using the technique shown to her by Tishe'. She uses a bit of her own hair and some grass from the plains. Finding the item well made, but a bit plain, she collects some small pebbles from the grounds around her new home and brings them to the dwarf, Yanosh and asks if he is able to pierce a hole through each one of them. There are 9, one for each member of the pack.
Yanosh d20+4=23 ; Monday September 8th, 2008 12:01:32 PM
Smiling the crooked half smile Yanosh takes the rocks from Flea. "I see. Bring the rocks to the Dwarf." He chuckles softly. "Come Flea. Lets see what I have." Yanosh leads her through his unfinished Temple to his spars living quarters. Looking through his gear Yanosh finds a tool from his armor working kit used to drill holes with. Smoothly he drills small holes in the pebbles.
Craft 23
Olaf d20+8=12 ; Monday September 8th, 2008 5:30:26 PM
Olaf feels out of place in this strange, humid, interior space. Nonetheless, he wants to be a part of helping his companions and new friends with their domestic enterprises. Talking with Trellus and Flea, he indicates, "Well now, I don't know much 'bout living in a space like this, but I'd be happy to help n' put a few warnin' traps about, here n' there. A bit handy with things like that, back from my trappin' days."
With Trellus's blessing, he will proceed to work on building a more permanent early warning system into the portal room, and another at the main exits to the Sargrass. Assuming materials are available, and use of Stone Shape, he works hard into the evening and early from the morning. [Craft (trapmaking) 12, no progress]
Gilan d20+11=24 ; Monday September 8th, 2008 8:42:56 PM
With his little space carved out he moves towards the outside of the dome to locate some wood, though he has some of his own...he is looking for new. He knows that there are a number of grasses growing on the Plains that double as wood when needed. With the others talking of making tokens to use for the portal he feels that putting his own skills to use would be a good idea. Soon he has a fair carving of a wolf's head, looking suspiciously like his former companion(craft: 24).
Standing at the entrance to the dome he lets his senses extend outwards, searching the surrounding area for animals and other life(commune with nature). Maybe he can call some animals to the dome to help them out...then again he is not sure he will find anything that would be that useful on the Plains...maybe some wild prairie pigs could be found.
Trellus Monday September 8th, 2008 8:51:25 PM
Trellus is more than happy to give Olaf the go ahead to create any kind of traps he wants. "Uh, just remember to tell us where they are, OK?" he says half-jokingly.
A few days later, the cleric emerges to update the Pack on what he's learned about the portal.
"Domi says the portal only goes to one place. That place also has a portal setup. We gotta make tokens out of something permanent - wood, stone, bone - something like that. The token doesn't gotta be magical, but its gotta have symbols engraved on it - something connecting the token to the dude carrying it, like your name or god, and the calendar date in the High Woldian language. The token will let us go through this portal to the other side, AND back again. The token is only good for one or two days, maybe three.
The other side is not totally dangerous. Domi said the natives would be neutral to our appearance."
The cleric looks around. "I think we should go through," he declares, ticking his reasons off on his fingers - "To be truly safe, we need to control the other side of the gate. Plus, we gotta get food from somewhere, and the gate is our best bet. Plus, Horvis is definitely on the other side, and we oughtta see if we can find him."
Spells in effect: Extended Magic Vestment (armor) - cast each morning Extended Magic Vestment (shield) - cast each morning Status (Gry, Flea, Gilan) - cast each morning
------ Spells Prepared: Highlight to display spoiler: { (cast as level 11 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell p -- recast with pearl of power * - cast spell
Domesticity (DM JohnP) Monday September 8th, 2008 11:08:19 PM
Flea has a difficult time finding a place to garden, at least inside the dome. The ever-present gloom normally would allow only mushrooms and the like to grow although, strangely, nothing of the like has been spotted anywhere inside. However, in the central meeting place there is enough light from the distant opening at the top of the dome that Flea thinks that she could coax some plants along. Otherwise, it would mean venturing outside into the grass. Perhaps the gnome could get something to grow near the walls of the dome?
Together with Yanosh, Flea begins crafting what might serve as tokens for the Bloodpack. GIlan is fashioning something, as well.
While the others are doing that, Olaf tries improving the mechanical alarms guarding the portal. He is having a difficult time figuring out any way of making the device more reliable, but he can always keep working.
Vayine explores the upper floors and finds that the spaces there are larger and more open. There are no stairs and, instead, he moves between levels using ramps near the walls of the dome. When he moves closer to the centre of the dome, Vayine finds that the chambers there all contain open balconies. Standing as close as he dares to the open edge, Vayine can look down at the large area where he and his companions battled the creature and its spawn far below. He could easily find a place to make a dwelling place if he didn't mind living apart from his companions. Perhaps, some time in the future when more people live in Oddholme, it would be possible.
After completing his potion making, Gilan moves to the entrance of the dome and sends his mind outward. The shifter finds that his senses and awareness end somewhere beyond the dome, probably near the magical barrier that cloaked Oddholme from vision and scrying from outside. Within that circle, he can sense numerous small and medium creatures from the Sargrass, including several prairie pigs.
The momentous news comes when Trellus announces the results of his magical questions to his deity. The cleric leaves the Bloodpack with a question, "Should they go through the portal now that they know that it is safe to do so?"
Trellus Only - Highlight to display spoiler: {How did you program the Glyph of Warding, besides including the Searing Light spell?}
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Tuesday September 9th, 2008 9:36:27 AM
The impulsive mystic's immediate response is YES!, but then she settles down and thinks. "I think we need to weave contacts and stuff on the other side", she agrees, "If they are neutral, and there are other portals in the central portal place, we DO need to secure our own exit/entrance area."
"It sounds similar to the portal set-up of the Catacombs, or the Star Mages Guild.", she reasons. "Lots of portals to a central area."
Trellus Tuesday September 9th, 2008 9:59:46 AM
Trellus' brow furrows at Tishe's leap. "I don't know if the other side is like the Catacombs or not," he admits. "I, uh, well, never asked."
"I'm just saying now that we know we can get back, let's go check it out."
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Glyph is triggered by any creature of evil alignment entering area of effect.}
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Tuesday September 9th, 2008 10:25:45 AM
Vayine sets up his living quarters in the upper reaches, he like the solitude, and takes it as a time to think and collect his thoughts, contemplating the days events, and all that he has seen and heard since being on the surface. He eagerly begins his training the next morning, running through his sword drills. the spining,, twirling dance that he had mastered not that long ago. his blade arcs and falls, twisting and spining to strike at some imaginary foe. After his work out every morning the drow moves to assist the others with there jobs.
He appears one morning, joining the others for the morning meal, his cleric vestment and most of his clothing and belongings in his chambers. hes sword glitters on his side, his pants have been mended and cleaned, the stains of travel and battle scrubbed away leaving a deep blue material behind, he wears a thin but excellently made suit of chain armor that glitters gold in the torch light.
"I agree, it is sound advice that we could investigate the portal, now that we know we will be able to return. I also agree with the idea that the otherside musts be secured before we leave this place again"
Flea d20+3=21 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2008 4:51:21 PM
Flea listens to Trellus, and his words goad her to work on her project. She threads one of the stones onto the token she had been crafting, and with a few deft twsits and turns of clever fingers it is finished.
Flea's token is a small stiff circular disk about 3 inches across with the rogue's reddish hair and various plains grasses woven together to resemble a kind of irregular spider web. One pebble is woven into the fabric of the item as are some of the other indicators suggested by the cleric of Domi.
"If you want, I can make some more?" she volunteers. Without waiting for answers, she runs a hand through the half orc's tangled mess of hair and comes up with a wad of wiry strands. She selects the biggest pebble from the collection pierced by Yanosh, and starts to weave a token for Grymash.
Craft=21
Trying to make the token personal to her friend, crafty rogue manages to approximate the image of a lidless eye using different colours of grass, the hair, and the pebble.
Olaf d20+8=12 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2008 7:15:05 PM
Olaf redoubles his efforts to improve the security system at the portal in the remaining days. Once Trellus's news is passed around, he chimes in, "Well now, looks like we'll be needin' some tokens fer ourselves. And some remembrances to keep 'round us, just in case. Keepsakes, if ya will."
For himself, he arranges a miniature snare with a bit of fur from the lining of his cold weather gear trapped inside (Craft 12), which promptly falls apart. Disgusted, he asks 'Tishe or Flea for help, seeing how handy they are with making such tokens.
Gilan Tuesday September 9th, 2008 7:44:40 PM
Gilan comes back into the dome sometime later to find that a discussion is going on. As he listens he nods his head several times and then smiles. "I have more good news...I have found wild prairie pigs." His eyes glitter as his smile widens. "The would be excellent breeding stock and we have the room...plus there are other creatures out there as well...I think that I might have sensed a few of those blind birds of the Plains." For now the name escapes him in his excitement.
As some of the others show off their tokens that they have made...he pulls up his own wolf token that he carved. It is mostly a circular disk about the size of a gold piece, maybe a little bigger. The one side is carved with a wolfs head...if anyone takes the time to look it over, it also has a few High Woldian symbols carved into it as well. Frowning he looks at the token and shrugs. "I think that I will try to add a wasp in flight to the other side." There is a lost look upon his face as he says these words, mixed with a lot of pain as well.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) d20+10=27 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=11 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2008 9:15:01 PM
Tishe' of course jumps in to help with the weaving of tokens for everyone. She makes three good ones before her mind wanders and she ends up accidentally tying her own fingers with the grass strands!
"Ooops", she says turning red.
Waiting on the Catacombs (DM JohnP) Tuesday September 9th, 2008 10:34:29 PM
The Bloodpack continue with their domestic work and their preparations for passing through the portal. Between them, nearly everyone has a token for passage.
DM Note - If there's no progress with the Catacombs, I'll jump in myself tomorrow night
Trellus Wednesday September 10th, 2008 2:46:38 PM
Trellus nods happily as Gilan reports finding the Sargass equivalent of livestock. "Shady," he replies.
The cleric is just as happy that Tishe is working on a token for him, as he has no talent in fabricating anything whatsoever.
Everyone seems to agree on checking out the other side of the portal, and Trellus sets the next morning for the time to try it. "Get some sleep, and prep those spells," he cautions. "Could be just about anything on the other side."
Yanosh Wednesday September 10th, 2008 3:55:16 PM
Hearing what trellus has to say does not exactly bring a flood of good feelings to the Dwarven Cleric. Still he nods his head hoping noone sees his tenative stance about entering the portal. But true to his word he will go where ever the pack goes.
Flea d20+3=13 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=14 ; Wednesday September 10th, 2008 6:12:39 PM
Flea tries to help Olaf (Craft/Aid Another=13) but her creativity fails her. Frowning she tries to make another token, but the item ends up in useless knots. He second attempt is a little better, but not much.
Setting the projects aside, Flea sighs a heavy sigh.
"Anyone else hungry?" she asks.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Wednesday September 10th, 2008 7:13:21 PM
Taking her time, (Taking 10 on Craft:Weaving check = 20 for each attempt), Tishe' is able to produce enough of Olaf and Flea's tokens for everyone in the party. "They are supposed to be useless after a few days, so we would probably want to use something easily made.", she guesses.
After the initial ring-and-stone are made, Tishe' uses her High Woldian language knowledge to mark the necessary runes from the portal on the tokens. "This should align us with the Oddholme Portal, and as long as each person keeps thier token, they can come back to Oddholme."
Once everyone is taken care of, Tishe' will take thier leaders' advice and get some sleep in her HER! sleeping quarters and her HER! sleeping nest of sweet smelling 'grasses. In the morning, she will be ready with good spells to support her packmates in whatever they may find.
Grymash Wednesday September 10th, 2008 8:52:57 PM
(sorry for not posting the past couple of days, setting up my new computer and school work kinda weighing me down)
Grymash continues with his domestic chores. Doing all he can to secure Oddholme from their enemies and make life more comfortable for his pack. After a full day of working, his new chair is a welcome comfort as he reads his book of Gargul by candle light.
Gilan Wednesday September 10th, 2008 10:25:12 PM
Gilan simply smiles at the comment from Trellus about the foodstock. "I think I will see if I can get us a few nice specimens for breeding." Glancing to each in turn he cannot suppress a smile. "Anyone feel like stretching their legs?" With the token now secured on a leather thong he moves to leave the safety of the dome itself. He stops as he makes his way outside of the dome and breathes in the air. With a smile and a sigh he closes his eyes and casts the first simple spell that he will have need of.
Taking a last few minutes to let anyone that wants to come along do so, he will start to move out. With commune with nature once again working for him, he locates the prairie pigs and moves off to find them in the grass. He does not figure it will take more than a few hours and he should be back at Oddholme. Stretching his senses he tries to locate some of the Plains' blind birds as well and see if any are on his way to the location of the prairie pigs.
[Going to check again on my CC purchase and see how it is going.]
[Gilan's objective is to find about 4-6 prairie pigs. At least 1-2 males and the rest females for breeding stock. He is also interested in finding the birds as well...a single male and at least a dozen females would be useful. Will make an needed rolls if he is successful in his search.]
Herding Pigs & Birds (DM JohnP) Wednesday September 10th, 2008 11:39:21 PM
The creation of tokens is completed, with one for every member of the Bloodpack. The only part that remains is the application of final touches that would complete the attunement of the tokens.
Gilan heads out into the Sargrass to locate the closest herd of prairie pigs. As he expected, the small group is composed of a dominant male and female, three younger females and the offspring of all the females. In total, there are nearly a dozen creatures. Of course, the shifter is then faced with the problem of herding the pigs and persuading them to enter the dome.
Hunting for the blind swallows is more difficult. Eventually, he locates a small nesting colony where the nesting tunnels are clustered together in the middle of a patch of Hookpoint Grass. Gilan guesses that the swallows have chosen to nest within the grass to protect their eggs and hatchlings. When he looks closer, Gilan spots the remains of a small prairie pig that tried to squirm through the grass only to be caught upon the curved and barbed tips of the grass leaves. Eventually, after becoming hopelessly entangled, the pig must have starved.
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Thursday September 11th, 2008 12:47:07 AM
Vayine will continue aiding the his packmates with what ever they need while he waits for his purchases to arrive.
Yanosh Thursday September 11th, 2008 5:50:28 PM
Yanosh approaches the giant half-orcs quarters, "Gry, my brother Eye. I have a need for something to ask of you. May I come in?" he calls out.
When he is invited Yanosh speaks softly with his fellow Cleric. "I am in need of a bed. I know that seems kind of frivolous but there is nothing here. If this is to be our home should we not have proper beds? And I do not have the ability to search like you did for your chair."
Gilan d20+13=27 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+10=18 ; Thursday September 11th, 2008 6:02:07 PM
Having found what he is looking for with the prairie pigs he smiles and then casts a new spell upon himself. With the ability to speak to the animals, he slowly moves forward...using body language and the like to ease the mind of the bull of the herd. With some ease he tries to get the animal to be his friend or at least shift him to be more open to suggestions. He offers the things that the large slug would want most...safety and food, plus care for his little herd as well.
Hopefully with the small herd in tow, he will be able to get them to follow him to the blind swallows as he is returning. With almost uncaring ease he slips through the grass to the nest, recasting the same magic as before to speak to them now. With great care he tries to convince them to come with him as well. A life of ease and safety can be theirs if they are willing to move and he lets them know that he can move their eggs without harm as well.
Depending on his succes he will return to Oddholme with a small group of prairie pigs and blind swallows. He can set them up with safety once he gets back and food should be no problem as well. Though he will suggest to the group to not think of eating any of them right away.
[cast speak with animals twice if needed] [wild empathy check - prairie pigs: 27 : handle animal to get them to follow him: 13(will take 10 if optional for a 20)] [wild empathy check - blind swallows: 15 : handle animal to get them to follow him: 18(will take 10 if optional for a 20)]
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Thursday September 11th, 2008 6:17:57 PM
Vayine... who has been searching for his fellow Eye's of Gargul stumbles upon the two clerics talking.. being mildly nosy the drow knocks on the door frame to announce his presence.
"I have just been talking with one of the workers at the Catacombs about this very problem. he has told me that for a small fee he can procure a full set of furnature for a person... the more money of course you are willing to spend the more fanciful and elegant the set will be. I would be happy to share some of my money with a brother Eye. I'm afraid that after my purchase I don't have all that much left but I have enough left for you to purchase at least a basic set of furnature."
Vayine waits to see how the Dwarf reacts before moving to his money pouch.
Flea Thursday September 11th, 2008 7:00:39 PM
After thanking Tishe' for sorting out the tokens, Flea volunteers to accompany Gilan outside the dome. The druid's communing with the creatures confounds the gnome. Does the druid really think they'll listen to him? The gnome is sceptical.
Just to make sure Gilan doesn't get himself into any trouble, Flea hangs around. She looks around the area closest to the dome for a sunny spot where she might manage a little garden.
Absentmindedly fingering the token she has stung around her neck with a cord of woven grass, she wonders where their next adventure will take them.
Olaf Thursday September 11th, 2008 9:47:25 PM
Olaf joins thanking Tishe for the tokens and Gilan for seeing to the gathering and creation of a herd. As for the problem of furniture, he realizes that the 'pack means to stay for a long time. For now, he is content to keep his traveling roll, uncertain whether settling in this dome is his lot in life.
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Thursday September 11th, 2008 9:50:04 PM
Tishe' enjoys making things and also cleaning, especially making her own area her 'home'.
And she is also looking forward to go through the portal, so she prepares the tokens with the High Woldian glyphs, and prepares her spells.
Deliveries (DM JohnP) Thursday September 11th, 2008 11:30:08 PM
The Bloodpack are startled by the arrival of a swirling flock of flying things, each screeching "Catacombs Delivery" in high-pitched voices. Once their packages have been dropped, the flock swirls high into the sky until not even the keenest eyes can see them.
The preparations for exploring the Portal are, for all intents and purposes, complete.
DM Apology - Sorry folks, I'm in Flea's hometown tonight for work. Depending on when I get back home tomorrow night, I might get a post in. Hopefully all of your Catacombs purchases are completed by next week. If you want, include delivery of your rather inventive purchases in your posts.
Grymash d20+10=17 ; Friday September 12th, 2008 8:37:51 PM
Grymash goes out and forages for some tubers, grubs, blind swallows, grains, sweet smoke grass or glass grass or anything he happens to find. He is feeling the need to start building up some food stores. Maybe even take up some gardening. But hunting sounds more enjoyable than digging in the dirt. He'll keep his bow out and ready to shoot if something tasty happens to come into range. He'll leave Gilan to gathering together a herd of prairie pigs. He is probably more suited for animal husbandry.
(Survival 17)
Gilan Friday September 12th, 2008 10:05:45 PM
Will replace this with a true post, but I need to know the outcome of my gathering first. :)
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Saturday September 13th, 2008 3:17:20 PM
Tishe' feels that she is ready wtih her spells, equipment, and the tokens. All she needs now are her stout companions and go through tthe portal! :-)
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Unseen Servant Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Haste, Summon III Green (3)- Dim Door, SummonIV, Resilient Sphere }
Yanosh Saturday September 13th, 2008 4:18:30 PM
Yanosh turns to Vayine, "Keep your money brother. I have plenty of my own for a bed and things. But thank you I did not know the Catacombs had them."
Yanosh seems to be avoinding the portal and going through it.
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Saturday September 13th, 2008 10:23:57 PM
Vayine shows the carriers where to put his delivery. Bows low in thanks and immediatly begins to examine his purchase. the bed he had delivered is massive, four wooden pillars just out from the corners, a cap at the top end of each holds a peice of curling iron that all connect in the center forming a roof of sorts once the cloth is placed over the top.. the head board is massive forming a semi-circle ectched with an intricate designs and swirling runes, the written language of the Drow carved into the wood. Vayine knows what the etchings mean, having requested them himself. the foot board curls like the front of a sliegh, the same runes and etchings continuing what ever story was started at the head board. a large portion of the wood has been left unmarred as if waiting for the story to continue.
a large Dresser made of dark wood matching the bed is placed along one of the walls a tall mirrior applifing the light from an everburning torch the drop placed in a wroght iron holder. twin matching night stands sit at the sides of the bed. Vayine places his whetstone, some paper, cloth, and his armor repair kit in one of the nightstands and takes a small book out of his pack and places it in the second night stand. his silver Eye of Gargul its on this stand while Vayine is in the room, when he leaves he takes it with him.
Vayine leaves his room, and touches up a few last things in his alter room and the training room before he heads down to the lower sections to see the others, and to tell them that an Alter of Gargul and the combat training room have been finished if any wish to use them. While there he looks for Tishe.
"Tishe' I have no skill with crafting, I was wondering, I know we need a charm of sorts to allow us in and out of the portal, would you know how to make one, or would you happen to have one I could use?"
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor, See Invisible, Endure Elements) Sunday September 14th, 2008 2:52:10 PM
Vayine is able to find Tishe' puttering about her own three-room home close to the central meeting area. The entrance room has a low oval table of some native wood-grass surrounded by half a dozen silk-grass woven poofy balls filled with small Sargrass seed-pods. Tishe' indicates one for Vayine as she sinks onto another of the seed-pod chairs, the ball forming to her body in a comfortable manner. Her rooms are brightly lit with many Everburning Torches, and the brown-haired woman smiles as her Unseen Servant offers Vayine a tankard of fresh water and a bowl of candied hoppers.
Tishe' munches on a hopper herself and picks out a leg from between her teeth as she listens to the dark elf. "Well, of course, sweetie", she responds. Holding up one of the dozen bracelets Flea wanted made, Tishe' shows off the weaving of each person's hair, strands of Sargrass, and a small stone with the HIgh Woldian glyphs. "I've made one for each of us, and here is yours!"
Last Minute Preparations (DM JohnP) Sunday September 14th, 2008 7:10:30 PM
The Bloodpack make whatever preparations they feel necessary before heading to the Portal Room. Gilan is soemwhat with his efforts to fidn soem livestock for Oddholme. The prairie pigs were quite happy to accompany the shifter back to the shelter provided by the grass dome and their happy snorting and grunting can be easily heard whenever anyone goes near that entrance. As can the slight, but unmistakable, odour of prairie pig. The blind swallows were quite happy to remain in their burrows under the hookpoint grass and Gilan could not persuade them to accompany him.
Grymash was out foraging and hunting. Fortunately, Gilan could point out the pigs that he had brought to the dome.
Vayine supervises the delivery of the furniture ordered from the Catacombs before seeking out Tishe', The dark elf is pleased to learn that the theurge has made enough tokens for everyone.
Olaf, for some reason, isn't venturing anywhere near the portal.
Is there anything else that anyone wants to do before they go to the Portal Room and start removing the traps and alarms?
Flea Monday September 15th, 2008 7:12:26 PM
Flea's room contains a small bed with a chest at the foot. A length of cloth strung from one side of the room to the other divides the room and ensures some measure of privacy for the sleeper. A low table, flanked by two long backless benches makes up the gnome's only other furnishings.
In a small attempt at domesticity, a bouquet of wildflowers and grasses loosely arranged in a ceramic bowl sits in the middle of the table.
Flea takes inventory of her HHHaversack, and looping her arms through the shoulder straps, readies herself for traversing the portal.
Gilan Monday September 15th, 2008 8:05:12 PM
Gilan brings back a small herd of prairie pigs with a smile though he is rather annoyed that he could not get the birds to come as well. Still he figures that he still has time to do it in the future and upon returning he smiles. Glancing to Flea he shakes his head. "Bet ya thought it could not be done." There is laughter in his voice that covers his own doubts as well.
Once he finds Trellus and the others he will see about finding a suitable place to put the small herd. He feels that a place that is currently growing with at least a small measure of the Plains grass should work. If he cannot find a place like that he can make it sure enough. "I brought in a small herd of prairie pigs for breeding purposes...they should provide some food for the future." Tilting his head to the side he smiles. "Now all we need is a place to put them that the will be safe." He will take whatever suggestions are made and help to put them together so that they are ready to leave.
Within a few hours he is tired but more than happy with the results. With another thought he finds Trellus and the worried expression on his face does not pass till he is able to find out something. "Were you able to get anyone that would be willing to work here...I doubt that Murdock or Vayine's brother are going to want to take care of the livestock." Freetime is spent finishing up the small token that will allow him passage through the portal and back. He just hopes that if nothing else he can keep it...maybe reuse it as needed.
Olaf Monday September 15th, 2008 9:15:05 PM
The strange sight of a near literal livestock farm inside the dome seems unnatural to Olaf, but he holds back on commentary as Gilan's easy smile indicates the pleasure others have taken in creating a stock for the future. With Tishe's token, he returns to the portal room to investigate the runes and his prior attempts at a sturdier trap system. Musing at the mess of rope and cables, he realizes that it will take a substantial portion of time before anything feasible can be made.
Seeking out Trellus, he asks the leader of the 'pack, "So now, is there anythin' I can do ta help out in the portal room? Seems to me like we're gonna need more defense than we got, least for the long term. It'd take me the better portion of a few months to rig it right, I'm thinkin', and it don't seem like we got that much time 'fore we should head out for Horvis n' all. I'm hopin' you got a brighter idea than me."
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Monday September 15th, 2008 10:03:25 PM
Vayine gathers his equipment placing it in his HHHaversack. The drow warrior moves towards the portal room knowing that his companions would be gathering in the area as well. Seeing the Druid leading a pack of pig like creatures the drow meerly shakes his head... such a strange land. Drawing out his blade and a whetstone Vayine makes himself comfortable and begins sharpening his blade until the others are ready to leave.
The Portal Room (DM JohnP) Monday September 15th, 2008 11:32:30 PM
The Bloodpack finish their preparations before bidding farewell to Murdock and Ayreon. The pair agree to keep watch over their new living quarters and to settle any prospective settlers that respond to the notices posted in the Catacombs.
The group trudges to the Portal Room. It's a matter of moments for Tishe' to remove the Alarm spells that she had cast over the room. The Glyph of Warding can be left in place to serve a guard over the portal, just in case something or someone tries to come back through with them. And it doesn't take long for Olaf and Flea, working in concert, to remove the mechanical traps.
Now it's merely a matter of ensuring that everyone is ready and holding their token before the portal is activated. Perhaps a verbal roll call is needed?
Trellus Tuesday September 16th, 2008 8:34:43 AM
Trellus finally gets around to opening the package from the Catacombs, which contains the scrolls he purchased, as well as some change. "Got a bunch of leftover gold after I sold that vampire's stuff," he notes, passing around sacks of platinum pieces to the pack. [Everyone gets 586 pp 5 gp 2 sp and 2 cp]
---
Everything is set, everyone is here. An idea strikes, and the blond man beams as he turns to Gilan and Grymash. "Dudes," he points out, "this is the first time in forever that we've actually chosen for ourselves what we're gonna do next." The idea is so novel, so exhilerating, that the cleric can't stop smiling.
He pulls out the token fashioned for him. Presenting the token to...well.. just presenting it, he steps into the portal, and announces (just a bit self-consciously) - "Trellus, of the Bloodpack".
Spells in effect: Extended Magic Vestment (armor) - Extended Magic Vestment (shield) - Status (Gry, Flea, Gilan) -
------ Spells Prepared: Highlight to display spoiler: { (cast as level 11 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell p -- recast with pearl of power * - cast spell
Tishe' (AC 19 HP 66/66) (Mage Armor) Tuesday September 16th, 2008 11:02:17 AM
After removal of the traps to avoid unneccesary unpleasantness, Tishe' presents her token and touches the four High Woldian glyphs. "Tishe' Bloodpack of Oddholme", she states confidently.
Arcane (DC 10+4+lvl) [+2 conjurations]) White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor*, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Unseen Servant Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, See Invisible, Scorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Haste, Summon III Green (3)- Dim Door, SummonIV, Resilient Sphere }
Yanosh Tuesday September 16th, 2008 4:27:19 PM
Never one to be called a coward Yanosh takes the token given him by Flea and Tishe' he steps forward. Rouching the four Glyphs, "Yanosh of the Bloodpack from Oddholme."
Vayine AC27 HP 89/89 { Endure elements, See Invisable} Tuesday September 16th, 2008 4:48:52 PM
"Vayine of the Bloodpack from Oddholme." The drow announces holding his token in hand, sword drawn and ready in his left hand.
Gilan Tuesday September 16th, 2008 9:37:28 PM
Gilan steps foward with the rest of the pack, his own token held loosely in his hand...still around his neck. He reaches out and touches the four glyphs as well. "Gilan of the Bloodpack, of Oddholme." He smiles as he glances to Trell with a nod of his head. Finally making choices of their own, though it will most likely lead to mistakes as well, but they will deal with that when the time comes.
[Sending an email to you JohnP about my CC transaction. Been rather busy and did not get to it sooner. Though nothing major has changed, I will also update my CS.]
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