The Dump/DM Buzz Monday February 7th, 2011 9:31:35 AM
Heather walks and when Gary is mentioned by Beriothian, you hear behind you Jimbim, sneeze while saying under his breath "scumbag". Heather does not seem to hear him though. "Yes, the meeting was meant to be with someone named Gary. We suspected that my benefactor was going to set my family up in a trap, to get rid of us, but Gary didn't arrive and my benefactor seemed quite displeased with him not showing up. Jimbim thought your group was with Gary and was trying to get inside to get to me first. He might drink a lot, but he does a very good job of protecting us all." This time, it is Jimbim that does not seem to notice.
She confirms what most of you already know, even though Bosk asks anyway, "You must be completely neutral in your mind and spirit in order for The Edge to not corrupt you, so I doubt any of you have the capacity to become a Kon."
Some in the group, like Restlin, want to know more about the ritual, "The language of The Kon is a secret language we use amongst ourselves and in our ceremonies. Even understanding the elemental languages would not aid you in understanding our language and only through magic would one be able to understand a Kon speaking their language." What happened to the group last night? Her response, "You were visited by The Edge and blessed by it. Do you really need or have the wisdom to understand more then that? We will see." She explains in complex details how the ceremony works and she uses words and languages that are hard to understand or follow
It is also believed by Beltrin that the kidnapper is known and The Kon denies it. "My benefactor has been very careful when dealing with me. He knows of the Powers of a Kon and does not reveal to me his real name. He asks me to call him, Mr. E and although I feel the name is childish, I believe he is not one to be underestimated. I also know, he lives in Hook City, but I do not know where."
She continues, but you all notice. The direction she is walking now, is not toward her Mudtown home, but she seems to be walking to the east side of the city. "Mr. E has a formulae that can turn sick or dying tissue into living tissue. That is the only thing I could get from his spirit in the limited time I had without his true name. I am curious what he is doing with this formulae. I have sent him people that had only hours to live and I fear, he might be using his knowledge for more evil then what even I would allow to exist around me. If you find his formulae, I want it, so that I might be able to enhance my studies and continue to help the people of Mudtown."
During the walk, Kyan notices Clarissa watching the back of the party, walking in the rear and although she lets you walk beside her, ignoring him for the most part, she keeps everyone in her sight and will slow down or stop, to make sure, no one is behind her.
The real question is, where is she taking everyone? The walk continues for another hour and you see the city walls to your west now, yet, you are still miles away from the walls and off in the distance, there are carrion birds flying about.
Another knoll is seen in the distance and that is where the birds are circling and soon, the group finds the dead from Mudtown. It is easy to see, some of them very cleanly autopsied by Heather recently and in the past. As well, there are diseased bodies that were not used by Mr. E, likely because they died before he could retrieve them. Heather looks around, "This is where we decided to leave the dead and dying. He is supposed to pick them up here. We do not know how he does it. The three B's leave the bodies here and on their way back home, gather more of the dying and dead. It is my opinion, that if you waited here, you would discover more about the man and where he might be taking those dying."
There is nothing on The Edge as of yet. It is a recently, newly developed region of the Southern Continent and I have permission from ACDM Jerry to use it in this module. It is fitting that not much is known about it at this time.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+8=15 ; d20+3=13 ; Monday February 7th, 2011 1:10:01 PM
The cleric makes his way towards the bodies and looks for anything out of the ordinary that may indicate skin regeneration or that something is out of the ordinary.
Heather, can you tell if any of these bodies have been worked on or examined by Mr. E? If we could find one that has been, I may be able to gain information from it. It might also help us if you have any ideas of what evil Mr. E might be trying to use his formulae for.
Perception = 15 Heal = 13
ooc: Bosk still needs to meditate for the day's new spells. I am thinking about using the Speak With Dead spell and possibly Detect Undead.
We should call this the Mr. E Mystery.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) d20+9=13 ; Monday February 7th, 2011 6:56:30 PM
The look of distaste on Restlin is hard not to miss. He quickly casts prestidigitation and fashions a crude noseplug to keep the smell away.
"Well, this has taken a rather morbid turn. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to be over here keeping my mouth closed."
Restlin finds a cloth in his pack to wrap around his mouth and nose. When he has moved away, he casts detect magic and looks for any sign of arcane influence.
Spellcraft=13
ooc: How many bodies are we talking here, Mr. DM Sir?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+13=18 ; d20+11=28 ; Monday February 7th, 2011 7:47:07 PM Heather, you know more about the maladies of Mud Town than I do, would we be in danger of contracting a deadly illness if we were to wait here? Do you happen to know if he comes during the day or at night? The elf surveys the pile of decomposing bodies, looking for any signs of life or any clues to this Mr. E.
perception = 28
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells d20+9=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d20=3 ; Monday February 7th, 2011 7:57:17 PM
When Heather describes the knowledge that she desires from Mr. E, Beltrin nods to her. "Well, that knowledge certainly seems like a fair trade. I think that you would definitely put it to good use."
Arriving at the makeshift morgue, Beltrin tries to cover his initial reaction of disgust and takes a hand in looking at the bodies, especially if Heather points any out from Bosk's question.
"I'm afraid that my trainings did not cover the magicks of life and death in much detail, but let's see what we can find."
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 48/48 d20+12=19 ; Monday February 7th, 2011 10:29:32 PM
Spitting in disgust, Kyan examines the collected bodies and cast a glance Heather's way when she mentions leaving the dead and [i]dying[/b] with a slight frown.
He stares at the corpses a few moments in silence before he moves to circumnavigate the makeshift morgue, searching for recent signs of passage other than their own, particular any leaving the dump sight either towards the city or elsewhere.
OOC: Survival (Track): 19
Tracks head south/DM Buzz Tuesday February 8th, 2011 9:43:02 AM The time of day is now midmorning.
Heather seems willing to answer questions still, so to Bosk she replies, "None here would be used by Mr.E. He wants only living bodies that are near death. I do not know entirely what he is using the formulae for, but if you discover his uses for it are benign and he is able to help others, I would still like for you to acquire it for me. Knowledge like that would be a big help to those that are not near death, when it is used." Bosk OnlyHighlight to display spoiler: { James, according to the old rules and unless it is changed in Pathfinder, your cleric must pick a time of day and must stay with that time of day, when preparing spells. This is not a ceremony of convenience. Pick a time of day and stick with it please. Also, I am going to give you a second thought before using your Perception skill. Heal was also unnecessary, unless I missed your reason for it. Thank you.}
With a strong distaste for the scene, Restlin counts at least a hundred bodies, that are whole and many limbs and parts, cleanly cut away and off a corpse, likely the work of Heather in her studies. He leaves the area and casts a spell. The spell will take many rounds and the character will need to take the next few rounds to discover something, other then what the group or their guests might be carrying, but on the first round, there is indeed magic in the area.
Beriothian has concerns for the welfare of the group in searching the mound and she responds, "Most definitely. I am sure, the many diseases that have killed some of these people have evolved to quite a deadly cocktail of tiny microbes, that would rip you apart from the inside, out. The key, is to have available boosts to your constitution as well as having someone that likes you, with a high healing skill." She smiles at the irony of what she had just said. As for day or night, every morning, the bodies are brought out here. "What happens to them after that, I can not tell you."
Some in the group, like Beltrin feel Heather could use their help, but his training is lacking in some things. He hides his distaste at the scene and it is not a big deal really. Jimbim does not seem very happy about being here either, though Clarrisa seems rather neutral about the situation.
Remaining quiet with what Heather claims to do, Kyan lets others deal with The Kon, while he finds tracks, that lead toward the south. Two sets of tracks. Humanoids of medium size, with two legs, both coming and going from the site.
Please, if you are going to make skill checks, next to the roll that you put in the bottom of the post, please give me an idea about what you are using the skill for.
Also, if anyone at this point wants to get close enough for a perception check, you will also need a Fort DC 14 to avoid getting sick.
Tracks head south/DM Buzz Tuesday February 8th, 2011 10:15:46 AM ooc: Also, there are two family members not here. Katherine and Gat.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+6=25 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+14=20 ; Tuesday February 8th, 2011 11:50:58 AM
Still silent -- trying to think? trying to watch? trying not to be sick? -- Zeoll first casts a Heroism spell, thinking that heroic measures may help his tummy. He adds a Guidance spell for his nausea. Finally, an Elf Vision spell and a Taur's Try for perception. He gets out his lens and edges a little closer, looking around, if his stomach allows him to. He also looks at those tracks, hoping to learn more.
Fort save 25, woo hoo.
Perception 21, Survival 20.
OOC to DM Buzz: Highlight to display spoiler: {I am so sorry to be sick and not giving the game my all. Especially since you are doing an incredible job with fantastic posts. :-( }
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells Tuesday February 8th, 2011 10:30:40 PM
Beltrin waits for others to take the lead in the investigation, wary of the disease emanating from the field of dead bodies and lacking in magical protections. If anything interesting is discovered, he will risk it and get close enough to help examine it.
In the meantime, he discusses the plans for how best to snare the kidnappers with anyone not investigating the bodies. "I suppose that the most obvious thing to do is to lay an ambush. I do have an illusion spell that could be helpful for hiding us. Or we could follow the body-snatchers to the city and try to follow them to wherever they take these bodies, which would be riskier, but might lead us straight to the heart of this Mr. E."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=21 ; Tuesday February 8th, 2011 10:47:19 PM This looks like the kind of place where it would be hard to clean up your tracks after visiting. Unfortunately I've never had a strong constitution when it comes to such illnesses and have no such items to boost my ability to fight it off. I know you are a healer of unmatched skill, do you by chance have something that would allow us to survive if we were to wait for Mr. E?
Diplomacy = 21 (for aid in not being destroyed from the inside out)
Last chance/DM Buzz Wednesday February 9th, 2011 5:27:47 AM Alright, it has been several hours since I last posted and I see that others have not. This troubles me and this is the time of year for illness to hit, but if you do not post to us you are sick, you are at that point, you not fulfilling your daily , WEEKLY, duties. Please, do not believe, I will be lenient with your fellow players. If you do not tell me, you are in trouble, then you are just delinquent, I will play the monsters the way, I want them played against me as a player. Just to be clear, I am even tough on myself. Everyone needs you and you need everyone else. If you are a player that does not believe this, you might want to find a new game, like DDO.com.
Just as a note, this will not be tolerated very long. If you want to play, you will play, if not, we need to have you reconsider your daily obligation...
I am, missing posts, from Keith and Marshall. Cayzle has suggested to us all, his and his dilemma, with his family
Is every ones thinking alright? any problems?
My most value resources used, with the group real soon. "Hi my name is Buzz and while I am away on my vacation, James, which you might believe or not, is the freaking DM until I return and he is The freaking deserving DM! He has the right to try and kill you all, according to CDM Jerry's rules for such conduct.
I can assure you, if I see James pull a punch in regard to his character or someone elses. the repercussions will not be obvious. Just ask Cayzle if you think I am kidding....
I will post through this week and "Monday" morning will be my last post for the week before ADM James takes over until the following Tuesday.
What does this mean? Well, if you have any questions that actually need to be answered by you or by the group, before Heather leaves, this is your last chance, despite excuses or reasons, her and her family will leave after this..
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Wednesday February 9th, 2011 9:30:24 AM
ooc: The cache settings for IE at my work must be set pretty aggressively, because I checked this page several times at work yesterday and saw no updates. I didn't see anything until 8:00 last night when I got home & decided to post in the morning due to illness (not me, but every other person in the house had a stomach virus). My neglect was not intentional, and I'll make sure to manually refresh the page at work from now on.
Restlin is genuinely puzzled at the results of his spell, and continues to focus on the scene before him. He spends the next few moments seemingly stuck in time as he studies the magical auras present.
ooc: According to the spell description, I get Knowledge (Arcana) and spellcraft checks on the 3rd round. I'm waiting until I get DM say so to proceed with them.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+7=15 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2011 10:22:18 AM
ooc: For those who haven't been reading the L&B, this has been a difficult and hectic week for me. My stove had a melt down, my dishwasher broke, I've been sick, my wife got laid off, I've been out of work for a few months, I just got a new (crappy) job yesterday, training today, and got called back for a decent job next week, and I am still applying to numerous jobs looking for something better that can pay my mortgage and monthly bills. Sorry if I've been slacking here.
Bosk takes in what Heather said, and realizes that Mr. E is not dropping of any of his bodies here. What is he doing with the people he is working on if they die, now that Pig Alley is closed? I somehow doubt that he is saving them all. the cleric thinks to himself.
He then moves over to Kyan and assists him in looking over the tracks (15). In particular he is trying to determin if there is any indication that they picked up one of the people close to death and brought them along when they left. (An extra set of tracks, deeper impressions indicating someone may have picked up and carried someone else, etc). He also tries to determine how fresh the tracks are. Could they possibly catch up with the party?
He then returns to Heather and asks her if she has the name of anyone Mr. E may have collected, so that they could question their spirits through the Edge. He also asks if and how they let Mr. E know that they left someone who only has a few hours left to live.
I suppose we have three options: says the cleric. 1) We can follow these tracks and hope for the best 2) We can wait here to see who shows up 3) One of us could tap intothe power of the Edge andask questions of the spirit of one of the victims Mr. E took (if Heather has any of their names)
Actions ---------------------- Track 15, Looking to see if the tracks indicate someone was taken with them from the pile (dead or dying). Also, how fresh / old are the tracks? Could the Iron Adventurers still catch the party?
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Wednesday February 9th, 2011 11:39:59 AM
P.S. You don't have to worry about me pulling any punches against Bosk, he has a reputation as a meat shield to uphold. Bosk currently has the record for most times knocked unconcious and most damage taken (and has had it since the first week of the campaign).
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 48/48 d20+12=26 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2011 1:38:35 PM
When Kyan sees Bosk searching for tracks as well, he points out the two sets that he's found and begins scrutinize those tracks in much the same manner as Bosk. He looks for signs of corpses being dragged or footsteps that aren't as heavy one way as they are the other.
OOC: Track again,
Also, I've just started a new job this week and the last few days I've had to go to the corporate office which has added 4 hours to my daily commute. Luckily this will calm down soon and I'll be able to hopefully keep up a bit better
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Wednesday February 9th, 2011 6:58:03 PM
ooc: It looks like I already posted this round. I am sure I'll have some crazy days later in this semester, but I'll let you know when those are, and will still try to post something those days.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells d20=20 ; Wednesday February 9th, 2011 8:01:36 PM
Beltrin continues to keep his distance from the diseased bodies. Seeing that Kyan and Bosk have found some sort of tracks, he attempts to help the ranger to determine how fresh they are.
OOC: Aid another Survival (Track) 20+5 = 25. Darn it, keep selecting my bonus and then clicking the fancy d20 button instead of Roll.
After the cleric lays out the options, he offers his input: "I doubt that it is worth spending our gift from the Edge to question a victim, since we can't be sure that they were taken by Mr. E, and if they were taken, there seems a reasonable chance that they would have not been in much shape to notice their surroundings and may have even expired in transit.
I'm not certain whether these tracks are from this morning or not, but if they are, we might be able to catch the body transporters and follow them to Mr. E.
If that plan doesn't bear fruit, I think that lying in wait for the body-snatchers visit tomorrow morning will be the best plan. Although we'd be best served to do it further up the trail, away from the foul miasma of this place."
He also thanks Heather. "Thank you Heather, for both the chance to experience the Edge and for the information about these kidnappers. I hope that soon we can bring them to justice and provide you with the knowledge that can help the sick masses in Mudtown."
ooc: I'm not sure how we are doing for sleep after the ritual. I assume that it didn't count as sleep, since it was anything but restful. Obviously, Restlin and myself are the most affected, but I'm not sure that we should go chasing after Mr. E's henchmen if we've all been up for 24+ hours.
ooc: Sorry about missing the posts last week, things got hectic here very suddenly, but I should be able to post regularly from here on out.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday February 10th, 2011 6:49:11 AM
Beltrin's gracious words to Heather remind Zeoll that he has been remiss and distracted.
"Please forrgive me, good Heatherr. I have been rrude and rremiss since the rrevalation of the stunning experrience you have given us. Trruly, I have neverr experrienced the like, although I have been to the Lands of Rrest and rreturrned, and I have walked the Wold in its firrst age, when Domi and Garrgul werre herroes, not gods."
"So I must thank you with deep grratitude." The liontaur bows down low. "What small rreward we may have earrned by helping with the wounded the otherr day has been made rreal beyond rrecompense. Yourr ways and beliefs arre unusual, but you arre an honorrable woman, and I am prroud to copnsiderr you a frriend."
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+14=29 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=26 ; Thursday February 10th, 2011 6:52:32 AM 1) We can follow these tracks and hope for the best 2) We can wait here to see who shows up 3) One of us could tap intothe power of the Edge andask questions of the spirit of one of the victims Mr. E took (if Heather has any of their names)
Zeoll says he likes the idea of tracking, and begins that task. Survival checks: 29, 20, 26.
Farewell/DM Buzz Thursday February 10th, 2011 3:42:29 PM
Surprisingly, the night before was restful and everyone that needs to prepare spells, can do so.
Tracks do lead to and from the location, from the south. The tracks are recent, but not very recent, which indicates, someone might have taken this path last night, but not this morning. The trail is a very easy trail to follow really, but do it's extensive usage, it is impossible to tell if someone had been carried away, but since, heather tells you all, that is what happens, it is safe to assume, it is true.
Getting close, for those willing to risk being sick, one finds maggots and fly's are the primary creatures in the area. Buzzards take off at the sounds of those approaching, stirring up a stink before the area can be examined.
Clearly, the dead here have had many different maladies. Bloated bodies from the expanding gasses given off at death are everywhere, their entrails, hanging out from the occasional hyena pack that comes through, it appears, almost every morning.
After awhile, it is clear, the only magic in the area belong to the people that is around. Besides what his friends have, Heather's breastplate and her quarterstaff is magical. She has items in her pouch and backpack as well. Jimbim has a magical long sword and magical chain mail, with a couple of magical items in a pouch. Clarissa has some magical items in a pouch as well. Billy Boy has a magical item somewhere tucked in his trousers. Highlight to display spoiler: { Unless you are going to be attacking them soon, I am not going to go into detail on the types of magic you see.}
When asked about names Heather shakes her head in a negative manner. "Most of the people we helped, that had names, their bodies were claimed by friends or relatives, much like Jack, but the others, I don't want to know their names, because it might bring me to close to them. Twice was one of the few, but that is because, we couldn't shut him up. Mr.E is said to have people come here daily, to see if there is a body to be delivered."
Heather responds to everyone. "You are all most welcome and deserving of knowledge about The Edge. Please seek us out when you are finished. If I do not hear from you in a week, I will assume the worst and contact your spirits to find out what happened."
With a slight bow, she turns and heads toward the city walls with her siblings. Jimbim offers to leave the small keg he brought along, there being about a gallon left.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Thursday February 10th, 2011 4:02:57 PM
Bosk thanks the family and promises to contact them within a week. Furthermore, he thanks Jimbim for the beer and assures him that it will be put to good use. Bosk agrees with Zeoll, that they should follow the trail and see where it leads. If it goes into Hook CIty, where Mr. E lives, Bosk will suggest the group wait for his men since the trail will become hard to follow inside of the city. If the trail leads elsewhere he will suggest the group follow it, hoping to find where he performs his experiments.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Bosk stores the keg in his Bag of Holding. When he gets a chance Bosk will transfer the ale to his empty 1 gallom keg, that Twice drank, and if necessary add a little sugar or honey to recarbonate it. He will then fill the 5 gallon keg with fresh water.}
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells Thursday February 10th, 2011 4:37:56 PM
Beltrin bids the family farewell and after hearing his companions discussing following the trail, he shrugs "I presume that the tracks will lead into the city, but it wouldn't hurt to verify it. It might help us pick out a good spot to lie in wait for them on the morrow as well."
He does try to grab a 15-minute respite to prepare Mage Armor, which he cast yesterday before setting off.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 48/48 Thursday February 10th, 2011 4:52:16 PM
"Yeah, if the tracks lead into the city they're as good as useless, but I agree with Beltrin. We should at least check and, with luck, we'll find a good spot to set an ambush." Kyan adds after returning to stand by the others once Heather and her family leave. He glances towards Beltrin as the man settles for a rest and nods. "It might be a good idea to take a bit of a rest though, just to be sure we're not caught completely with our pants down if the kidnappers show up."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Thursday February 10th, 2011 6:20:59 PM "Hmph," signs Restlin. "Looks like no one's been experimenting with anything arcane here."
Restlin shakes his head quickliy to return back to reality. "So, we're planning on tracking down the people who come to visit this corpse pile? Sounds like a good idea to me. Chances are people who frequent a place like this aren't likely on the up & up." He glances over at Heather and family before finishing with, "present company excluded, of course. Thank you for letting me experience something truly unique, Heather. Perhaps we can speak more later when I'm not doing me best to avoid breathing in this stench."
Restlin will cast a mage armor before taking off.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Thursday February 10th, 2011 6:33:09 PM
Zeoll thanks Heather and asks her one final question: "Is therre any way to get one's spirrit to not answerr a Kon, or to lie to a Kon, or to one of us, should we call up a spirrit with the gift of the powerr you have given us?"
After she leaves, it is time to strategize.
"Let's follow the trracks to a place we can lay in wait without detection, so that when someone comes in rrange, I can charrm him. That way we can ask all the questions we would like, no prroblem."
"I could make a fine blind by using my illusion magic, but it would disappearr the moment I cast the Charrm. If we dig a trrench, and lay in it, can anyone else make an illusion of the dirrt we have displaced, coverring us, so no one will see us as we wait therre?"
"Failing that, we can make a physical blind. We need to look forr hills orr brrambles orr thickets orr otherr sourrces of coverr orr concealment."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Thursday February 10th, 2011 7:00:42 PM Following the tracks is a good idea. I agree that they likely go to the city, but I have a hard time believing they are just walking through the front door with these ill men, it would cause quite a commotion in the bath house if such illness were being brought before the wealthy inhabitants.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells Thursday February 10th, 2011 7:57:02 PM "Aye, I can create the illusion so that you can use your many charms on Mr. E's lackies."
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+17=20 ; Thursday February 10th, 2011 10:48:28 PM
"Oh, excellent! We will make a fantastic team!"
Zeoll looks at the tracks again, hoping to be able to decipher how many different creatures came by.
Guidance and Taurs Try for Survival ... before the spell is nerfed ... LOL ... Survival 20 ugh.
South bound/DM Buzz Friday February 11th, 2011 9:01:30 AM
A question is brought to ones mind, on how a spirit will respond, but the answer is already known. The spirit will give a person "neutral" information about what they know. Neither friendly or unfriendly, so in most cases, you can determine the power of a creature you know to exist. Highlight to display spoiler: { As if you were looking at a Monster manual} Current information can be revealed about the location of a living body or the location of where a death occurred. Diplomacy can not be used with a spirit. It's attitude unalterable. You can never discover the name of a creature by asking it's spirit.
A walk south takes you a couple more hours, unless you want to hurry, in a rush. But then, you might miss something...
An area is disturbed in the plains. The terrain seems to have many foot tracks around, all of the same humanoid shapes you have been following and they go off in different directions from here as well. Six different tracks, including the one you arrived with, trail off from here.
What will the group do. There are a few hours of light left, but with five different tracks to follow from here? Which one will be chosen?
Perhaps looking about will help and indeed, with a bit of magical focus to aid in tracking, one can tell the tracks are different going to and from the south and north. More traffic seems to be present, besides the typical animal tracks that would be in the area, rabbit and fox
Continuing south, a perception check is necessary.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+17=28 ; Friday February 11th, 2011 11:03:40 AM
"Perrception is my Forrté," says Zeoll, casting a Guidance and a Taur's Try.
Perception 28 to the South.
Zeoll urges the group to camp the night and set up an "ambush" for tomorrow. "But therre will be no actual fighting frrom this ambush if all goes well," he says. In the worst case scenario, we seek to capture with nonlethal damage.
DM Buzz: Just a reminder to all, you can make perception checks and so forth, whenever you want, but when I call for something, immedietly, you do not have time to cast spells, especially two of them, unless they are considered free actions or non actions, like a Feather Fall. Please look at the bottom of Perception, for confirmation on this.
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 48/48 Friday February 11th, 2011 2:49:03 PM OOC: I was under the impression that we'd only need to do a perception roll if we continued south instead of staying at the little nexus area?
Kyan, noticing the animal tracks mixed in with the others gives a not towards Zeoll's suggestion of making camp and setting an ambush. "Here seems to be as good a spot as any. If we post a watch we should be able spot anyone coming and going through here. We'll just want to make sure we're hidden... and perhaps with these last few hours of daylight we can round up some game for dinner while we wait."
DM Buzz: You are in the middle of the plains, with no where to hide. The grass is not tall, this time of year, due to the weather around Hook City in the winter. How will you be making a blind or hiding without magical aid? A tent will be seen and unless you all dig a deep hole, which without magical help, shovels, pick axe, etc is going to be difficult. Want to use your sword as a shovel, you can try that. Don't forget, you have two large creatures with you, so it better be a big blind to hold you all, which is likely somewhere in the "huge" range...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) d20+1=12 ; Friday February 11th, 2011 3:00:59 PM
To anyone who has been paying attention to Restlin, it's obvious the boy hasn't spent much time outside the city. He spends the better part of the morning stumbling over uneven terrain and trying hard to stay out of everyone's way.
When time comes to settle down, he agrees that an ambush is a fantastic idea. This is due in no small part to the fact that he has no faith in his ability to sneak up on anyone out here. Best to sit and hide.
"Unfortunatley, I don't have much to offer as far as illusions go. I can disguise myself, but not anyone or anything else. If anyone can devise some way to hide a 10' rope hanging down from nothing, I can give us one heck of a blind to hide in, though."
Restlin glances over at Beltrin before continuing, "Perhaps we should spend some time comparing notes with the group. Our abilities can vary pretty differently depending on what we have in our books..."
ooc: I'm not sure if a perception check is required in this case, but here's one any way if it is: 12
DM Buzz: A Rope Trick is a great way to hide for certain. The problem is though, the only place you can see, is directly under the spell where the entrance/exit/window is.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d3=2 Friday February 11th, 2011 3:31:33 PM
"This is grreat!" exclaims Zeoll. "We dig a hole big enough forr me and Beltrrin to hide in. Rrestlin makes the Rrope Trrick almost dirrectly overrhead forr everryone else to hide in. Maybe five feet off to the side so people coming out don't step on my head."
The liontaur goes on to explain his idea: Then Beltrin makes his illusion of solid ground covering us and a scraggly tree exactly where the rope is. Zeoll and Beltrin two stay hidden with 100 percent concealment until someone wanders within 30 feet or so. Zeoll casts his spell, the stranger misses his save, and the bard has a new friend.
If there are two of them, Zeoll can cast the spell again, if we are lucky, and we should be all set. Zeoll also has Suggestion and Fascinate to keep things peaceful. To see us, they would have to come over, touch the illusion, and then save vs Beltrin's spell. In the meantime, the others are hiding in the Rope Trick, watching for pre-arranged signs to mean things like "come out now" or "stay put" or "X strangers" where X is the number of times Beltrin moves his hand up and down, say.
OOC: Zeoll's Charm Person Will Save DC is a sweet 18 for his charm person, 19 for his suggestion. For example: "I suggest that you rrelax and honestly answerr all my questions." So that's not too shabby.
If everything goes belly up and we have a fight, alls we have to do is capture the enemy with some nonlethal damage and cast more charms. Eventually they miss a save and then they are talking friendly like with us.
OOC: Zeoll has no problem digging a hole with his claws and paws. Druids get dirty sometimes, and there's always Prestidigitation both to help dig and to cleam up afterwards. That tower shield of Zeoll's may prove a useful tool in digging as well.
DM Buzz: Very well. I don't know of any rule for this except my own past experiences with digging many a ditch and hole by hand. It will take you two hours plus two more hours to dig a hole big enough for a medium and a large creature. That will put you all at near dusk when you are finished. Also, how long will these illusions last and how will you tell when they need to be cast, after Thermo escapes the Woldian sky for the night? Not being difficult, but I am helping you fill in the areas where failure might occur.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+8=15 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+7=10 ; Friday February 11th, 2011 4:11:04 PM
Bosk will insist they go slow, in order not to miss anything or lose the trail. As much as the cleric racks his brain, he has no spells long lasting enough to help the group for more than a few minutes. The tracks are already stale, and we have no way of knowing how soon Mr. E's men will be returning. If they see us digging a trench, it will quickly put them on guard. I suggest we keep looking and try to follow the tracks as far as we can, and that we try to determine which way the trail leads. If we are unable to, I suggest we start a fire, set up camp, and cook some food. The more obvious we are, the less suspicious they'll be. Adittionally, this crossroads seems like a likely place to meet or intersect then.
Bosk will keep his eyes open as they travel (particularly south), and will follow the tracks to the best of his abillity. Learning from Zeoll's actions the previous day, Bosk follows suit and casts Toros Try to boost his perception and guidance as needed (when they wear off).
Perception Checks = 16, 27 Perception = 10
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday February 11th, 2011 4:20:15 PM
OOC: LOL! James, with you and me both putting that Taurs' Try to the max, Buzz is sure to petition the PTB for a revision! :-)
DM Buzz: Nope, not gonna happen. Rules board says it's cool, so it's cool.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Friday February 11th, 2011 4:39:31 PM
ooc: My trig's pretty rusty, but we should be able to see 65'x63' under the rope trick if we're 30 ft' in the air.
"I'm not certain how Mr. E's men will receive us if they just find us here. It's obviously a meeting place of some sort, or at least it once was. I'd feel safer being hidden, but I'll defer to those who've dealt with these characters before."
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+17=23 ; Friday February 11th, 2011 4:49:13 PM
Four hours to dig the hole seems okay to me. We can scatter the dirt created around and cover it with the illusion or put it in the Rope Trick.
I think the illusion lasts for so long as the caster concentrates on it. So if he casts it in the morning and just sits still, he can keep it up all day.
Why don't we make a camp a mile or so out of sight, no fire, quiet like. Get our rest in early. Dig our hole in the night/early dawn before daybreak, with light cantrips. Set up our ambush first thing in the morning and wait through the day.
Can Zeoll tell if these tracks are being made in the night or in the day? If at night, maybe they are more random, less sure, with more stumbling.
Survival 23
DM Buzz: Please show me where in the spell where you can place objects by themselves, in the rope trick? If not, anything taken out and not held will fall back into the Wold.
According to the time frame of the tracks at the dump, it happens sometime in the evening.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells Friday February 11th, 2011 6:26:29 PM
Beltrin thinks that the general plan being proposed of camping a ways off, getting up early and setting up the Rope Trick/Silent Image hiding spot is a good one. However, he wonders at the need for digging a trench. He also mentions to the group that he can use a charm spell as well if things go south and he has to drop the illusion.
"I think that we should make sure that our preparations are done well before daybreak, when I can cast the illusion spell. I will have to maintain my mental focus to maintain it, so I will be of little use for other tasks once I cast it. However, I can keep the illusion up as long as my focus is not broken.
OOC: Is there a reason why the illusion that I create couldn't just depict the area where the entire party is hiding as a piece of grassland? That would remove the need for both the trench and the rope trick. Illusions are pretty open-ended in their interpretation (in other words, they can drive DMs crazy :), so I'm fine if it doesn't work that way. If it matters, the AoE is eight 10 ft cubes. Not that Beltrin is allergic to hard work.... okay, well maybe a little bit....
Upon hearing Restlin's suggestion, he responds: "Indeed, we would do well to share knowledge with each other, for it is the lifeblood of those of us that follow the scholarly pursuit of the arcane arts." He describes the contents of his spell book to Restlin that night over dinner, although they probably don't have time to actually copy spells with the early bedtime.
He also casts Mage Armor on himself before turning in for the night in case of any rude awakenings.
OOC: I added a spells known section to my spells google doc. Feel free to peruse.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 47/47 Spells Friday February 11th, 2011 6:28:06 PM ooc: updating AC in my header for mage armor
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday February 11th, 2011 8:20:15 PM
Zeoll explains why he thinks the illusion is needed.
We need to cast our charms on them before they are alert or suspicious or angry or attacking. The spell fails far more often if the enemy is suspicious. So if we just stand there, they may stop when they see us, outside the spell's short range. They might yell their communications. They might just open fire.
But if we can wait until they are in range, then cast the spell before they are suspicious, they will be caught unawares and be much more likely charmed. OOC: I want to avoid the +5 bonus the spell gives if the caster is perceived to be hostile.
So being able to cast with surprise is key.
Depending on how the DM does initiative, we might be able to cast in a surprise round, then gain initiaitve and cast again before they can act.
Hope that's clear.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 47/47 Spells Friday February 11th, 2011 9:22:59 PM OOC: Not sure if that was directed at me, but I'm totally on board with the illusion. I'm unsure about the need for the trench and rope trick if we already have an illusion up. But I'm okay with having both of those as well if necessary.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday February 11th, 2011 9:57:49 PM
Oh. Well, if we were in a forest or overgrown area, we could make an illusion of bushes and hide in those. But so far as I understand it, there is nothing out here to hide behind, real or otherwise. What could we make an illusion of that would be remotely believable and also hide all of us? That's why I favor the hole and rope trick. All we need is one scraggly sapling to hide the rope, and we're golden. No reason to raise suspicions.
Otherwise what illusion would hide us and not strain credulity?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=16 ; Friday February 11th, 2011 10:33:38 PM
The rogue stands at the cross roads. He sees several trails and starts to carefully examine them, not wanting to delay too long before continuing south. Then the group starts to discuss digging ditches, casting spells, and preparing an ambush.
Perhaps I'm missing something, but why do you want to stop here? Surely one of us is knowledgeable enough to determine which of these trails is the correct one, and it is apparent from the numerous tracks that multiple people travel this way. I would recommend trying to follow the tracks south, and should we not be able to do that we should at least backtrack a short ways so that the only people we are likely to come near us are those coming from the dead bodies.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Friday February 11th, 2011 10:39:32 PM
ooc: if you have low perception you can "aid another" to push Zeoll up to 30
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 47/47 Spells Friday February 11th, 2011 10:40:14 PM
An open grassland was my idea. I presume that I can alter the appearance of existing objects (us) into something else (an open grassland). I didn't think that I have to create something new that blocks vision. I could see it going either way. Illusions are always pretty open to interpretation though.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday February 11th, 2011 11:21:34 PM
Ah. Well, the key text here is from the illusion rules: "Figments cannot make something seem to be something else."
Also, from the silent image spell: "This spell creates the visual illusion of an object, creature, or force, as visualized by you."
I think the illusion cannot make people look like blades of grass, or like they are not even there. You could make an illusion of a cottage, and we could hide inside it. But a cottage is not likely to have popped up here. We can dig a hole, and make an illusion of solid ground over the hole, and hide in the hole. We can make an illusion of a scraggly tree that conceals a rope, I think. Those would be believable.
DM Buzz may want to clarify how he plays illusions. There is room for interpretation, for sure.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Friday February 11th, 2011 11:27:20 PM
Also, normal climb speed down a rope trick rope is one quarter regular speed with a DC5 Climb check, or half speed with a DC10 check. That means if you are untrained with Climb, then it takes you two rounds of climbing to get down a 30 ft rope trick rope. And note that per the spell, "The rope can be climbed by only one person at a time." Therefore I suggest using a 5 ft or 10 ft rope so that those in the trick can hop out or spend only a little time climbing should they have to exit in a hurry.
South bound/DM Buzz Saturday February 12th, 2011 3:15:58 AM "ooc: I am glad you guys are coming up with this stuff, because I WAS ABOUT TO JUST LET YOU DO IT AND CALL YOU ON IT LATER."
:)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Saturday February 12th, 2011 8:35:32 AM
If they take this path often, chances are they'll notice a tree sprouting up as well. This may require some interpretation from Buzz: Can we just pull the rope up into the extradimensional space once those who are going inside are all there?
DM Buzz: According to the spell, you can not hide the rope that hangs out.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+13=28 ; Saturday February 12th, 2011 11:20:29 AM
Well, maybe Zeoll, a druid, can think of some kind of faster-growing or otherwise foliage that would not be out of place here. Tall grasses, a bush, a bramble. The rope can be as short as five feet, so maybe there is something natural that would not be too surprising to see in the area.
Knowledge Nature: 28
DM Buzz: Sorry, I can not help you on this one. You are in the middle of the plains and the grasses are low this time of year. They won't be back until spring when it warms up and rains a little. There are whisps of snow here and there, when not blown away by the high winds, but there is nothing out here except for the tracks you see, at least in this area. Maybe the tracks will lead to another knoll, that seem to dot the area from time to time?
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 19/14/15 HP: 47/47 Spells Saturday February 12th, 2011 2:33:33 PM
OOC: Regarding the illusion, you're totally right, the text you quoted from the illusion rules is pretty specific that a figment (which silent image generates) can't do what I described. A trench it is if we decide to set the ambush.
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Saturday February 12th, 2011 5:27:49 PM
Well, we could do an illusion of a stick in the ground, or a spear jabbed in, or a dead campfire with a thin line if smoke going up. Anything that would hide the rope and offer no place for ambushers to hide. So what if the targets walk up to the stick and take a look. That's fine. A stick in the ground doing nothing, with no one in sight, is not going to grant them the +5 bonus on saves.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells d20+8=23 ; Saturday February 12th, 2011 7:40:40 PM OOC: Perception: 23 From the e-mail conversation it sounds like we have located the tracks and are headed south, so perception check (if it's still relevant).
Perception not enough/DM Buzz Monday February 14th, 2011 2:21:09 AM
The day is much warmer then it has been this last week. The group could determine, with time, it is a natural respite from the norm of late, it being just above freezing. A pack of hyenas are seen off in the distance. They noticeably avoid you and might be returning for an evening meal, back to the carrion from which you have traveled, most of the day.
Walking along, the group is watching the ground closely. Looking for signs of tracks. Not only are they on the main trail, but they stray from time to time, to ensure, they miss nothing that might be starting new trails off to the side somewhere. It is a slow walk, but their perception is as keen as it can be.
Others behind those, make sure not to get ahead of the trackers, staying mainly to the trail. Anyone large, easily taking up the entire pathway and even trampleing down the edges a bit.
Then, everyone needs to roll a Reflex save DC 12.
I am both glad and sorry to be leaving for war. I will likely wear out my battery, checking in on the game. Have a great week!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) d20+3=21 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 6:12:40 AM
"So there I was, stuck hiding in my master's linen closet with his archival spellbook tucked between my legs and hoping desperately that he wouldn't notice my wrapped up in his sheets like some kind of theatrical mummy when..."
Reflex save: 21 (right on)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 d20+11=19 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 7:04:07 AM
Beriothian listens to Reslin's tale, keeping a constant lookout for anything out of the ordinary. Everything is perfectly normal, nothing but mud, a few timid hyenas, and.... "What the..."
Reflex = 19;
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) d20+6=15 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 8:07:59 AM
::listening to Restlin's amazing story::
Reflex 15.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 HP:35 (Spells) Monday February 14th, 2011 8:36:00 AM
ooc: Crap..retcon warning: My master was a she, not a he. I shouldn't post so early in the morning.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells d20+3=8 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 9:35:46 AM
Bosk is walking along listening to Restlin's story when he is suddenly caught off guard. He only has time to say one word, his voice filled with self dissapointment and an iron resolve. Crap....
Reflex save = 8
Perception not enough/DM Buzz Monday February 14th, 2011 9:51:24 AM ooc: Normally, I begin stories like that with "No sheet, there I was..."
LOL, have fun my friends.
Bosk (James) AC: 20/12/19 HP 52 of 52 Spells Monday February 14th, 2011 9:55:55 AM ooc: Normally I begin my stories with "No towel, there I was
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells d20+4=5 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 12:03:25 PM
As he listens to Restlin's story, Beltrin notices a stick stuck in his bootlaces. He lifts his foot, leaving him on one leg and completely off-balance for what occurs next.... his first notice that anything is wrong is Bosk's exclamation.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 15/14/11 HP: 47/47 Spells Monday February 14th, 2011 12:04:48 PM OOC: I was apparently so dismayed with the save that I forgot to post it above.
Reflex: 5 (natural 1)
Zeoll (HP35, AC18) Monday February 14th, 2011 4:57:54 PM
Arrgh! The suspense is killing me! :-)
Kyan(Jon) AC:19/13/16 HP: 48/48 d20+7=17 ; Monday February 14th, 2011 7:20:02 PM
[i]OOC: When I think of grasslands I thinking of rolling hills, not flat plains. I've only really been to the plains in the US once and was just awed by how.. flat things were and being able to see so far.
Spotting the hyena's in the distance, Kyan pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow to just hold it loosely in place as they walk, but ready just the same (assuming there's time between the hyena's and whatever else).
Reflex: 17
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/17/17 HP:41/41 Monday February 14th, 2011 10:57:37 PM
ooc: I bet we summoned a butterscotch pudding gollum >.>
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