Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 21st, 2012 10:15:03 PM
"Van, I'd say have the potion ready. It's only going to last a few minutes. Gnowsy may be able to smell them coming."
DM Kathy Monday May 21st, 2012 10:22:50 PM Vaniime considers things. It is after dark, although some of your fellow students (and a few professors) have low-light vision. Still, there would be nothing unusual about a few members of the Maplehurst competition team walking out of their headquarters. You'd have to be careful about Gnowsy being seen, of course, but all in all the danger is going to be much greater at Gnowsy Thornton than it is here. You might want to save the potion.
Emrys is able to explain things to the dog, who cautiously nods his head "yes" when Emrys asks him if he understands.
The dog walks quietly as Vaniime, Emrys, Grell, and Tuck leave the headquarters and begin searching for the others. After some scrambling, you are able to locate them in one of the magic labs, talking to Fizzle.
[Yes, I know the timing is unlikely, but I want you all together for The Reveal!]
Meanwhile, the thought of flying in an untested contraption fills Ariach with a cold dread. Which just goes to show how sensible he is. Wilma, clarifying, asks if you can take the machine on a test flight, just as the rest of the group enters with Gnowsy.
"Yes, yes!" Fizzle says excitedly. "I can't go with you, I'm afraid. I've got far too much to do here. Be sure to take careful notes of your observations." He puts down the drawings he had been messing with and leads the way to the covered device in the corner. He grabs hold of the sheet.
"Behold!" he shouts. "Fizzle's Fantastical Flying Floop!" And he sweeps the cover away.
It takes you a moment to fully understand what you are looking at. Two sofas have been tied together, facing each other. Four wood-and-canvas "wings" have been affixed to the sofa backs. From one end, where the arms of the sofas meet, juts a broomstick tail. Affixed to the other end is a stuffed, mounted goblin's head.
You all stare for a moment. Finally, the goblin head rolls its eyes and looks right at Wilma. "Why don't you make a sketch, Red? It lasts longer!"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday May 21st, 2012 10:24:08 PM
OOC: Okay...so I'll stay with Emrys group then...no big.
Grell looks over at Van. Yeah, the sooner you guys get out of here, the better. You want me to cause a distraction?
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 21st, 2012 11:42:26 PM
ooc: Hmm... reminds me of The Gump from Return to Oz.
Carver hesitantly takes his place on the flying sofa, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible. He shrugs. "When in Plateau City, as they say."
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 12:56:42 AM
"Ah...ha..." Wilma was rendered rather speechless by how incongruous the entire device looked, but then she had to admit that at least the sofas would make the flight comfortable.
"Yes, I'll just have to make sure to take very good notes, Fizzle," she agreed, then looked at the gnome. "Can you give us the rundown on how this machine of yours is supposed to work? Carver and, eh...Emrys!" The young acolyte brightened considerably as she pulled Emrys over beside her by one shirt sleeve.
"Emrys...right...Emrys, here, will also be helping Carver to take notes about how our, um, test flight goes...so they will need to have the precise operating instructions for your...Floop." Somehow, in spite of herself, that last word squeaked out as more of a question.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 5:03:33 AM
Ariach decides that *confused*, appears not to be the right word for the gnome when he uncovers his machine. But when he wants to express his protest, he notices that no one else seems to raise objections. On the contrary, most of his friends seem to be very keen to fly with this device. Reminiscent of his duties as a fearless warrior, he also takes a seat on one of the sofa and decides not to ask the most important question.
*How much weight can carry this thing?*
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 8:49:57 AM
"Oh man," says Tuck after Fizzle's triumphant flourish with the cover. He walks slowly around the contraption, one arm crossed over his chest, the other holding his mouth to keep from any incredulous outbursts. His eyes widen in skepticism.
I hope there's some form of securing yourself into this thing. If one of us falls, we're gone.
Was she the only one to notice the goblin head roll its eyes and look at Wilma? Perhaps she was seeing things.
Watching the goblin head closely she walks up to it and looks it straight in the eye.
"Are you sentient?" I mean can you communicate with us? And are you aware of everything going on around you?"
Waiting for an answer from the Floop, she feels more than a bit foolish.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 8:54:59 PM
Grell looks over the contraption with EXTREME suspicion. "Uhhhhh...you know...I could...uhhhhh...stay here to make sure we're not missed."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 10:06:14 PM Carver pulls out his book and continues reading, waiting for take-off.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 11:24:41 PM Ariach asks how much weight the Floop can hold. "Oh, it should hold all of you just fine," Fizzle replies. "About 1500 pounds, give or take a few. And the dog is going, too? Wonderful!"
Meanwhile, Vaniime talks to the goblin head. "Yeah, I'm sentient, Ears," it replies. "I'm not sure i can say the same thing about you."
Grell gallantly volunteers to stay behind.
"Well, you must suit yourself, of course," Fizzle says. "But first, we need to get it up to the roof, so it can take off." He looks at Carver, lounging on one of the sofas. "It can't generate enough thrust in here to get the proper lift," he adds. "So, all together now!"
He calls encouragement and leads the way to a little-used set of stairs that lead to the roof. The Floop is heavy, and the goblin-head mocks you the entire way. But at last, you are out on the roof, under the starry sky.
"So, to fly it," Fizzle says. "Well, just tell it where you want to go." He frowns. "Sometimes you have to argue with it. It's a little more self-willed than I'd intended. Rush job, you know. Still, it will eventually go where you tell it. Or, at least, it always has in the past. Now, all aboard!"
[OOC: Yes, it is totally a Gump, only based on the one in the books because I haven't seen that movie. :) ]
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20+10=15 ; Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 12:12:39 AM
Wilma inspected the Floop head once more, using her powers of Perception to see whether or not the head was merely what amounted to an animated stuffed pillow, or if it was, in actuality, an ex-goblin-head. If it turned out to be the animated remains of an ex-goblin, then Wilma would have to refuse to allow this device to be used by anyone because she was obligated to destroy the undead as an acolyte of Gargul.
OOC: Wilma's Perception on this observation is 15.
If it turns out that the goblin head is NOT an undead goblin, Wilma will sit down in a spot close to the head.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 3:48:40 AM
Grell would probably like to lag behind. But as a team, that they are now, they will do something together against this conspiracy. Ariach had decided to go along with them and so Grell would have to go too.
The talking goblin head doesnīt increase Ariachīs confidence in the flying loop and makes the whole scenario unreal for him. But knowing that he isnīt alone with his discomfort solaces him.
"No way! We need you Grell. In addition, we are a team. The adventure will bind us together even more which will help us in the competition." With a broad grin Ariach knocks a few times on a sofaīs seat. "Here is a nice seat - just for you."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 5:10:02 PM
Tuck uncoils his rope and ties it to the most secure looking piece on the...Floop.
"Here we go, Gnowsy," he says, helping the dog up onto one of the cushions. He creates a harness for the dog. Should the mascot fall during flight, hopefully they'll have a chance of reeling him back in.
After Gnowsy is secured, Tuck provides the remainder of the fifty feet of rope for others to loop themselves in. If it's not enough, perhaps some others might have more rope on them.
Tuck settles into a relatively comfortable position and takes a deep breath. "Ready as I'll ever be, Captain Wilma."
"Well aren't you a bit of an uppity fellow. I meant no disrespect. Having never met anyone quite like you I wanted to make sure you could actually think, as opposed to just being a programmed automaton. I mean such a unique being as yourself deserves to be treated as an individual not as a thing."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 9:38:23 PM
Following Gnowsy, Emrys also tries to show confidence in the flying contraption so not to worry the bulldog.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 10:24:52 PM
With a big sigh, Grell pulls out a length of rope and helps Tuck tie everyone in. Then he looks over at Wilma. "You better get this thing moving before I change my mind!"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 11:26:37 PM
ooc: I knew it! :)
Carver continues to sit, waiting for his companions to board.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 11:48:23 PM
[OOC: Before I forget (again!) everybody take 200 XP for the second scene. Also, some of you still show that you're down some hit points in your headers. Your dungeon adventure was over weeks ago; you're all healed up. Not that it's going to be relevant or anything...]
Wilma spends some time studying the goblin head, and also asks a few questions of Fizzle, who is glad to tell her all about it. The goblin head was stuffed (by a taxidermist) and mounted on its wooden plaque some time ago; Fizzle found it someplace and attached it to his flying machine. When he animated the machine, the head animated, too. So, the head is an animated object (or rather, part of an animated object), and not undead. Macabre, certainly (who in the Wold would want a stuffed goblin head?!), but not evil.
Meanwhile, Ariach refuses to let Grell stay behind, so Grell helps Tuck secure some ropes to help the group stay in the contraption. Tuck lifts Gnowsy onto one of the couch cushions and makes him a harness out of the rope. Gnowsy seems to enjoy being on the couch; he pants with an open mouth that makes it look like he's smiling. And maybe he is.
As Emrys settles himself on the cushion, attempting to relay a feeling of calm, Gnowsy shoves his head under Emrys's hand in a blatant invitation to be petted.
Vaniime's answer seems to appease the testy goblin head. "Right you are, Toots," he says. "Now, let's get this show on the road."
"Indeed," says Fizzle. "All aboard!"
You (I assume) all pile into the Floop. The sofas are quite comfortable, except there's really no place to put your feet. "Just tell it where you want to go," says Fizzle. "Oh! And don't damage it. I need to hand it in next week."
With that, the wood-and-canvas wings begin to beat, kicking up an impressive amount of wind. Slowly, the Floop rises into the air and begins moving forward.
"Woo-hoo! We're on our way!" the goblin-head shouts. "Okay, who's buying the first round? I can't because my money is in my other pants. Also, I don't wear pants anymore. Ha! Oh, and you'll have to tell me the way to the pub; I doubt you want to fly all the way to the Duck and Salamander."
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Thursday May 24th, 2012 2:33:39 AM
Wilma smiled at the dog as it demanded attention from Emrys--even if the mascot was technically for a rival school, Gnowsy was entirely too charming to not like.
"We're on our way to the school at Gnowsy Thornton, Mr. Floop," the redheaded human told the goblin head, "Some jealous classmates of ours took the dog and left things that belong to us at the scene of the crime so that we will be blamed...we are flying there to return the mascot and, hopefully, get back our own things before we are unjustly accused of swiping Gnowsy here..." She looked around as the machine flew on.
"We simply must make sure that nothing happens to Mr. Floop," Wilma remarked, "Fizzle outdid himself with this..!" The young cleric of Gargul decided that she liked flying in such a machine even if the design was rather odd.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 24th, 2012 3:03:36 PM
Tuck holds on tight to an armrest as the Floop lifts into the air.
"Oh man!"
After a few minutes of travel, Tuck becomes a little more comfortable. He keeps a firm grip on the rope, however.
"We should land in an inconspicuous place, a little distance from the school. If we're seen flying this thing into the school, people will come looking for us. Or even try to bring us down by violent means."
Otherwise, Tuck seems to enjoy the ride. The wind ruffles his hair as he looks out at the land passing below.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday May 24th, 2012 4:46:44 PM
As the wings start to move Ariach breathes deeply and tries to remain calm on the outside. To his surprise, flying seems to be very comfortable. The machineīs light up and down movement is similar the movement while riding. If he still avoids the gaze straight down and looks at the landscape in the distance, flying is not even that bad. Only the fact that a stuffed goblinīs head is the navigator of this Floop, prevents that he is completely relaxed. He gives Grell a slight dig in the ribs and then says mischievously.
"Flying seems to be a good thing. I just hope we come back to the floor in one piece."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:48:09 PM
Emrys gives Gnowsy a good rub. "Don't worry, Gnowsy. You'll be home in no time at all."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:56:45 PM
Taking a seat near the head Van keeps up her conversation as the flight gets underway.
"So you mentioned an inn, but do you actually need to eat or drink? I mean I know you have a mouth and teeth, but does your mouth lead anywhere, so to speak? "
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Thursday May 24th, 2012 10:14:10 PM
OOC: Dag nab it!! I can't believe I forgot that Grell was deathly afraid of dogs!! Geeeez, I suck!!
The warrior looks very uncomfortable as they lift off, and Ariach can physically feel the warrior tense up. Though the funny thing is, it doesn't seem to be the fact that they are rapidly accelerating off the ground that bothers him. Rather, it seems to be the dog. The cute, innocent little pooch seated directly in front of them. Grell locks eyes with the beast, never letting it out of his sight, as a film of sweat begins to form on his brow. So intent is he on watching Gnowsy's every move, that he misses half of what Ariach says. "Uhhhh...yeah...one piece..." Grell gulps as he notices the massive canine teeth on the bulldog. He absently rubs at an ugly looking scar on his neck and begins to feel like he's going to vomit.
DM Kathy Thursday May 24th, 2012 11:48:34 PM Emrys reassures Gnowsy, who, truth to tell, looks a little nervous about flying. He's in good company with Grell, who looks a little nervous about Gnowsy.
Wilma attempts to explain your situation to the Floop. "Yeah, I care deeply about all of this," he replies. "Who's buying the first round?"
Vaniime asks him whether he can actually eat and drink. "Well, you never know until you try, do you? All I know is, my head is stuffed with sawdust, and I'm parched!"
Tuck finds flying rather pleasant, as does Ariach. You realize that looking down is not really a problem; you are flying high enough, and it is dark enough, that you can't really see the ground. At least not in any detail. Which, considering you're trying to reach a specific destination, is a little worrying.
[OOC: Monday is a holiday in the US, so I'm going to assume we're not posting. My next DM post will be Monday evening for Tuesday.]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 25th, 2012 2:52:38 PM
"Hmm, I don't know if alcohol is a good idea while you're flying, Floop. Maybe we can get you a drink when we return to Fizzle's. Right now, I can offer you some water."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday May 25th, 2012 4:34:48 PM
The longer the flight lasts the more Ariach relaxes and soon all doubts are vanished. So he can refocus on the important things. While his eyes look off into the distance, he begins to muse to himself. "Donīt you find it incredibly sad that students of our own school weave such an intrigue? Why did they do that? Holly, Iris, Neave, Belhorn and Zeliak ....... hmm, I never had problems with one of them. Nothing what could justify such an approach. "
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday May 25th, 2012 10:24:05 PM checking in
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Saturday May 26th, 2012 10:55:15 AM
His eyes still firmly locked on the dog, Grell shrugs his shoulders at Ariach's musings. "Competition does strange things to people. Some people just can't handle losing." Grell begins to do a mental countdown, counting the minutes they've been in the air, and how long until that *thing* in front of him will be gone out of his life forever.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Saturday May 26th, 2012 6:34:13 PM
Wilma spent the rest of the flight trying to think of how the group would get Gnowsy to where he needed to go. She also used the opportunity to see just how the immediate area looked from the air. One of her favorite stories that she'd made her parents tell her over and over was about the time that they'd actually flown over the Wold on the back of a golden dragon. This Floop was no dragon, to be sure, but flying was something that the young acolyte found that she rather liked...
DM Kathy Monday May 28th, 2012 9:24:05 PM Tuck tries to reason with the Floop. "Water?!" the goblin head repeats in disbelief. "Who brought the boring kid? Oh, all right, fine. Later on." And he flies in silence for a while.
Ariach and Grell discuss the possible motivations of their rivals. Carver and Wilma allow their thoughts to drift. It's so easy to get comfortable on the sofas...winging through the night....
Which is why it's a little startling a few minutes later when the Floop says: "So....this Gnowsy Thornton place....where is it? And are we headed the right direction?"
You realize that, apart from the name of your destination, you didn't give the Floop any information about how to find it. And now, flying through the dark, you're not sure where you are. It is too dark to see the ground. Even those with darkvision cannot see it, which probably means you're flying more than 60 feet high. The stars are out, so you can probably work out where you are and where you need to go. But it will take a little effort on your part.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 28th, 2012 9:57:08 PM
Emrys tries his best to answer the Floop. "That is a good question, Mr. Floop. Maybe I can be of assistance." He tells the Floop every detail he can recall.
(Not sure which Knowledge skill to use. The book has Knowledge Geography and Local as skills that give info about regions, location (well-known and secret), people and personalities on page 100 and on the Knowledge Skill DC Chart on page 101. However, Geography will also recognize terrain and locations, so Emrys will use his Loremaster ability (1/day) and take20 as a standard action on a Knowledge skill check. In this case, to determine the right direction and location of our destination. Knowledge [Geography] 30)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday May 28th, 2012 11:41:35 PM
Grell looks more than a little concerned from the Floop's message. "Uhhhhh...that way?" he points randomly, having no clue which way they should go. He smiles at Emrys who is no doubt working out the problem as he speaks.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 1:45:35 AM
Wilma sighed. She could have sworn that she had explained to the Floop where it was that the group had to go and why. She recalled that the cheeky device had asked who was buying the first round instead of asking her where the school was located. This annoyed her a bit because if the Floop hadn't known where Gnowsy Thornton was at the time that Wilma had mentioned that the school was their ultimate destination, then why hadn't the Floop spoken up at that time?
"Because the Floop's mind--what there is of it--was probably not focusing on what I said, most likely..." the young cleric-in-training muttered with another gusty sigh. She would have to remember to be more clear in the future...assuming that they were not now hopelessly lost in the skies over this level of the Plateau...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 9:06:18 AM
Ariach stops his conversation with Grell irritated as he hears the testimony of the Goblin. But when he sees Wilma handles the problem, he relaxes again convinced they will find the right way.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20=13 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 1:39:51 PM OOC: voluntary check to see if Wilma can figure out the proper set of directions to give the flippant Floop...(just not sure which skill to use for this, though, so it's a straight d20 roll...
Rolled 13 for Wilma's attempt to tell where they are and how the group needs to get to Gnowsy Thornton.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 3:02:02 PM
Tuck has no idea where the school is. There are others better suited to figuring that out, and Tuck stays out of it. Instead, he keeps an eye on the dog and enjoys the ride.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+4=22 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 9:01:32 PM
ooc: Intelligence check to see if I can figure out where to go.
Int check 22
DM Kathy Tuesday May 29th, 2012 10:07:35 PM
When your craft asks which direction to go, Grell indicates a random direction, and Ariach and Tuck don't feel up to figuring out your location. Wilma and Carver give it a try, but don't come up with an answer.
Emrys gives the matter some thought. You close your eyes, and can picture the map of the second plateau quite well. There is the village of Gnowsy Overton, and there is Maplehurst. Gnowsy Thornton is almost due east from the village, and south-southeast from Maplehurst. You know right where it is.
Getting there, however, is more of an issue. You need to figure out where you are now, which will entail either navigating by the stars (Knowledge Nature), using intuition (Survival), or asking the Floop to fly lower so you might be able to make out some landmarks. (Perception, or Survival, or Knowledge Local. That is, once you've persuaded the Floop to descend.)
"Any ideas?" the Floop persists. "Look I don't care; I can fly all the way to the Scab without getting tired. Only that gnome guy seemed to think he'd be showing me to some people pretty soon."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+11=23 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 11:46:47 PM
Knowledge (local) 23
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=16 ; Wednesday May 30th, 2012 4:18:47 AM
"I can see from up here absolutely nothing. When we could fly lower, I could perhaps say where we are and what direction we need to go (knowledge local 16). Maybe our Floop captain is willing to lose a little height so we can orient better."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 30th, 2012 3:28:53 PM
"Yes," Tuck agrees with Ariach. "If we could descend a bit so we might make out the land, then we can get the direction right."
"I expect the quicker we get to Gnowsy and back to Maplehurst, the quicker we can get the Floop a drink," he adds to entice the wacky flying craft into cooperating.
Trying to get a sense of how far they may have gone, Van asks floop a couple of quick questions.
"So Mr. Floop, Can you tell us just how fast you have been flying and how long we have been flying?"
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+11=25 ; Wednesday May 30th, 2012 8:38:26 PM
Emrys opens up his backpack and retrieves his compass. After consulting his little brass compass, he is aware of which direction they are going. "Ahh, I see we are going ..." ." He then turns his gaze up to the stars and constellations that twinkle above in the sea of night. "Ohhh, I see! I think we need to head to that part of the second plateau. We should also keep an eye out for the school's everburning flame that burns in the main courtyard."
(Knowledge Nature: 25 to study the stars for the right direction ... and with the help of his compass.)
Bitten by inspiration, Emrys offers up an idea for when they begin to close on their destination. "With all the talk of drinking early in this flight, why not Mr. Floop drink the Invisibility Potion, if he is able to. Since he is carrying us, we'd be invisible as well! No one will notice us as we arrive!"
(Invisibility spells affect objects too. So if the Floop can drink, then why not?)
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 30th, 2012 9:56:13 PM check
DM Kathy Wednesday May 30th, 2012 10:55:19 PM Vaniime tries to get some sense of speed and direction. "Uhh....this way," the Floop replies vaguely. "And I only go one speed, which is as fast as I'm flying now."
Emrys uses his compass to get a heading, and is able to point the Floop in the right direction. Specific navigation, however, will almost certainly require landmarks.
You therefore talk with the Floop, and try to persuade him to fly lower. Tuck promises him a drink once you return to Maplehurst. Ariach thinks to ask nicely.
The Floop seems unimpressed. "Boring bunch, aren't you?" he grumbles. Then he seems to perk up a bit. "Maybe we can fix that. Lower, you say? Sure. Let's go lower!" And with that, the wood-and-canvas wings fold back and the Floop goes into a steep dive.
Luckily, you thought to rig ropes ahead of time, so you stand a good chance of catching yourself! [Everybody make a DC 5 Reflex save, or unpleasantness may ensue!]
Gnowsy, secure in his harness, stays aboard the Floop. But he clearly doesn't care for this turn of events, and sets up a surprisingly loud howl.
"Yeeee-HAAAAAA!" shrieks the Floop as you plunge out of the sky.
"OOO-wroooowwroooww-OOOWWWROOO-roooow!" howls Gnowsy, not to be outdone.
Between the two of them, they are likely to wake the entire countryside, which isn't really what you want on a stealth mission.....
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20+3=5 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 12:37:18 AM
Wilma--who was trying hard to recall which stars one had to locate in the sky in order to actually tell where one was--was completely unprepared for the sudden change in direction and found herself literally flying out of her seat on the Floop, only just barely latching onto one of the ropes that was meant to hold them onto the couches.
She was in no position to admonish either Gnowsy nor the Floop about their noises, as her own scream of surprise was adding to the din...
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=16 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 3:56:34 PM
As the Floop plunges into the darkness, Tuck instinctively latches onto the back of the sofa with one hand. His hair gusts out behind him as they race downward. "Oh man!" His lips flap back from the pressure to reveal his gritted teeth.
Reflex = 16
With his other hand, Tuck snatches at Gnowsy to pull the dog close and comfort him. "Hush, boy. I gotcha. We're okay. I gotcha."
Touch attack to grab the dog = 24 (natural 20)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+3=7 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 5:47:05 PM
Before Ariach can respond something to the goblinīs head it seems the Floop finally crashes. (Reflex=7) Ariachīs viscera want to leave his body and his head wants to explode. His body is lifted from the seat and he cannot even hold on to something. At least he is not the only one at the moment of death who screams. Although his subdued "Arrrgh" stands in stark contrast to the other death cries. Because a "YEEEEEEEE-HAAAA!" doesnīt appear to fit in here.
Vanime realises just in time what Floop intends and grabs hold of the ropes and braces herself (DC 14)just as Floop goes into his dive. Her loud "Waaaaiiittttttt!" melds well with the other screams and howls being emmitted by the others.
Slightly louder than under her breath, Van quietly says to whoever can hear her.
"Remind me to remove all the stuffing from this contraption and use the remaining wood for kindling if he ever does something like that again."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+6=21 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:48:31 PM
"THE DRINKS ARE ON US! THE DRINKS ARE ON US!!" is all Emrys can say as they go into their dive.
(Reflex save: 21)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:49:45 PM
(sorry, I just remembered to update my info in the name line)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+3=7 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 11:21:26 PM
Suddenly lunging forward, Grell is caught by his safety rope, but almost slips under it. Grasping about desperately, he finally manages to get ahold of a cushion and holds on for dear life. To his extreme terror, he finds himself directly in front of Tuck and the Gnowsy...almost in Tuck's lap. Turning crimson, and then pale, Grell prays to Domi that the contraption settles out soon, because when they're all said and done, he's gonna grind it into saw dust!!
Reflex=7
DM Kathy Friday June 1st, 2012 12:29:14 AM
You are unprepared for the sudden change in direction, but fortunately nobody tumbles out of the Floop. Wilma, almost tossed from the contraption, lets out a scream. Ariach also cries out, not quite as loudly, in the face of imminent doom.
Tuck catches hold of Gnowsy and reassures the dog. Ordinarily, this wouldn't do much good, but thanks to Emrys's spell, the dog still understands Common. He subsides to whimpering.
Grell manages not to cry out, though he almost falls before finding himself face-to-face with a savage, ravening bulldog! Vaniime calls a belated order to wait, while Emrys cleverly offers to buy the next round.
It may have been the threats, promises, or shrieks, but the Floop probably only stopped because it felt it had dropped low enough. It fans its wings, and the dive levels out into a treetop-level skim across the countryside.
"Woo-hooo-hoooo!" the Floop cries. "That was great! Hey, I should get some altitude so we can do that again!" And with that, the broomstick tail tilts down, the front end tilts up, and the Floop begins climbing again.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 1st, 2012 4:20:18 AM
After an abrupt stop Ariach realizes that they will not die. Relieved he takes a deep breath before the talking head announces to make a nosedive again. With wide eyes an obvioulsy worried Ariach begins to speak. "Stop this madness, please! Otherwise ..... "
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday June 1st, 2012 10:33:57 AM
Carver looks rigid and stone-faced, gripping the sides of their precarious vehicle with white-knuckled fingers.
I'm going to murder this abominable thing as soon as I get a chance.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday June 1st, 2012 4:21:18 PM
Still clutching tightly to Gnowsy, though the others might not be able to discern whether it's to calm the dog or so Tuck has something to hold onto, the wild-eyed youth gasps out, "No! Keep it at this level! This level is good! Someone tell him, for Pete's sake!"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Friday June 1st, 2012 10:13:43 PM
The warrior bellows out at the top of his substantial lung capacity "STOP! HOLD your altitude and listen to Emrys and Wilma or I will carve you into a back scratcher in mid flight!!!"
Still hugging the couch, Wilma's relief at being level is very audible as she quite loudly says "Thank Gargul." which is followed up just as quickly by "Floop Please wait!" as she hears the Floop's comment and feels the beast begin to angle upward for another dive.
Leaning forward to make sure he hears Wilma speaks calmly and firmly to the Floop.
"It is very important that we and the dog get to where we are going in one piece." and at this lower level we can see where we are and how to get there more quickly and then when we are done then perhaps we can see about some more arial acrobatics."
VANIME
As she realizes that the Floop is acyually going to be able to stop the dive in time and not crash into the ground, killing them all, Van realizes that the dive was kind of fun and exhilerating and is almost looking forward to another dive as the Floop begins to angle upward again and then she hears the others and adds her two cents to their pleas.
" Hey Floopster, That was actually kind of fun, though next time a little bit more warning would be appreciated so we don't all nearly go flying over the edges and die." I tell you what If you will just follow our directions and get us to where we are going and back safetly, I will get permission from Fizzle and you and I can go out and take the ride of our lives. How does that sound.?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=26 ; Sunday June 3rd, 2012 5:17:15 PM
Emrys squirms his way over to the Floop's goblin head and speaks as calmly as he can, even though his heart is still beating as fast as a drum roll.
"Mr Floop, you are truly a master of the art of flight. To watch you work is not just a pleasure but is equally exciting. However, many here have been earthbound all their lives. They fear their separation from the ground, especially poor Gnowsy. If we can fly low enough to spot landmarks and hasten Gnowsy's return home, that gives us more time for games and merriment afterwards."
(Diplomacy: 26)
DM Kathy Sunday June 3rd, 2012 9:16:49 PM
There is universal alarm aboard the Floop as it starts to climb again. Grell bellows threats. Ariach and Tuck exclaim in dismay. Carver white-knuckles and promises a reckoning to come.
Wilma and Emrys ask nicely, and Vaniime tries to jolly the Floop along, promising fun times later. Whether its the politeness or the promise, the Floop sighs a little and levels out.
You are now flying at about 40 feet above the ground. Those with low-light and darkvision can see reasonably well. Those with regular human-style vision are having a little trouble. Carver thinks he recognizes a few landmarks [I used your earlier roll], and guides the Floop a little more eastward.
After that rather exciting start, the bulk of your journey is still ahead of you. You will need to navigate [Knowledge Nature, Local, Geography; Perception], and it might not hurt to stay on the Floop's good side [Diplomacy and/or really good role-playing. :)]
You may also want to formulate a strategy for when you arrive.
Emrys sighs in relief that the Floop has decided to cooperate. Now that they are close to the ground and the stars allow him to see, he able to find his bearings. "That river must be the Brinkwater, and there are several roads in the area that would lead to Gnowsy Overton when the two converge. Gnowsy Thornton will just be east of there."
Emrys looks to the stars again, admiring their beauty. They seem to twinkle more brightly in the night's sky. His eyes seem more keen than they once were. Maybe it's because of their altitude. However there is something more ... he feels connected in some way. Emrys thinks to himself that someday he will learn of all the stars' origins ... "your secrets will be known to me," he says softly.
Suddenly his ears detect a whisper in the evening's breeze. Emrys eyes dart around to each of his friends. None appear to be aroused by it. Then again, the whisper speaks again, "They say the forest cried the day she died ...."
"What?!" Emrys sinks down in his seat and appears quite shaken. He looks about at his friends again, but none of them appear to be the source. In fact, Gnowsy seems quite confused.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20-1=2 ; Monday June 4th, 2012 6:21:47 AM
To Ariachīs relief the Floop waives to launch a daring action again. It seems that they fly a little deeper though Ariach still cannot see anything on the ground in this darkness.
(Diplomacy=2) But the absence of all manners of the Goblin makes Ariach angry. In addition it is irresponsible in accordance with the Code to arouse fear just for fun. In the belief that once has to speak with the Goblin in a proper way he raises his voice. "What is this nonsense! I command you to hold on immediately. Your behavior is outrageous and inexcusable. If you had a body I would hold you accountable in a duel."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday June 4th, 2012 7:31:51 AM
Emrys looks on in complete disbelief as Ariach challenges the Floop to combat after they had finally gotten the "goblin head" to calm down and cooperate!
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday June 4th, 2012 3:25:01 PM
"Let's keep it here, Floop. I think this is a good level for us. Ariach, chill out. He's flying okay, now."
Tuck pets Gnowsy's head. "We're okay, now buddy. Almost home."
As he's thinking of what to do once they land, Tuck remembers the spell that was cast on Gnowsy. He can understand what they're saying!
"Hey, Gnowsy. Are you familiar with the school's grounds? Could you take us back to your bed in a way that we could avoid most people? It would be better if no one saw us taking you back, you see."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday June 4th, 2012 9:18:54 PM
Satisfied that the contraption has listened to his threats, Grell settles back in to his spot and tries to avoid the dog's glances.
OOC: I'll be out of town next week. If Donna or Kent can take over Grell, that would be swell, otherwise, please try not to kill him. ;)
DM Kathy Monday June 4th, 2012 9:30:49 PM Grell settles in and hopes this will all be over soon.
Emrys, now that he can see his surroundings, is able to direct the Floop. Then....he seems to start hearing voices. Fortunately, they don't seem to be telling him to kill anybody. Yet.
Ariach's indignation causes him to speak more harshly to the Floop than he otherwise might. "I have a body, Sword-for-Brains, and you're sitting in it now," the goblin-head replies.
Fortunately, Tuck is able to intercede and the goblin-head calms down again. Tuck takes a moment to speak to Gnowsy, asking him about returning to his place without meeting any people. Gnowsy looks puzzled. He makes a "hrrr?" noise before shoving his head under Tuck's hand again.
The Floop continues winging through the night. It really is a comfortable way to travel, when you're not having to argue with the contentious goblin-head.
Eventually, you see that you are approaching the cluster of buildings that comprise the Gnowsy Thornton school. You are almost at your destination.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday June 4th, 2012 10:56:46 PM I'm going to set this thing on fire when we get back.
Carver clings until the abomination lands, then alights quickly and steadies himself.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+19=36 ; Tuesday June 5th, 2012 12:04:35 AM
Emrys smiles when they first start to see the school. He then turns to his friends and asks an important question. "Do we want to simply return Gnowsy, or do we place one of the lead conspirators at the scene of the crime?"
The bard mutters a few small words of power and Emrys takes on the appearance of Zeliak, one of the Maplehurst ring leaders who created this unfortunate situation.
(Casting Disguise Self and then Emrys makes a Disguise skill check: 36. Emrys gets a +10 to his check because of the spell.)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 5th, 2012 3:16:51 AM
The renewed offensive by the Floop does not contribute that Ariach really calms down. But it would be dishonorable to duel with someone who cannot defend himself. Dishonorable, but not entirely without charm as Ariach notices shocked about his own thoughts. Fortunately, it seems the Floop doesnīt add another insult.
To Emrys he says, "As tempting as it is, let's not sink to their level. We do not need such charades."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Tuesday June 5th, 2012 2:28:23 PM "I have no problem with stooping to their level. After all, their level seems fairly competent in causing trouble for their opponents."
I do not think we go out of our way to implicate anyone in our place, The question I have is, do we try to get back our things that were left here, or do we just simply leave Gnowsy and return and see what occurs.? Also do we see if Floop here can drink a potion and possibly waste it or what?
Vanime
Van can't help but chuckle at Ariach's response to the Floop, Domi knows she had the same reaction at first but what can you expect from a constructe being that has basically been alive for only hours and has a Goblin brain.
At Emrys's comments and thought about reframing the others, her first thought is Most Definitely! and she is about to agree with him and support the idea when Ariach and Wilma speak up against the idea and with a moment's true thought, she realizes that doing nothing but returning Gnowsy would be the honorable and the correct thing to do.
Van shakes her head in disbelief at herself.
"Hey Guys, I can't believe I am actually saying this but, we said we would keep our noses clean and not do anything to bring dishonor to Maplehurst, so we need to return him and leave without causing any other problems or getting anyone from Maplehurst in trouble. Whether they deserve it or not."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:09:34 PM
Emrys sighs, "Agreed. Let's not dishonor Maplehurst. I'll simply have to deal with Zeliak and Belorin on my own time. However, I'm keeping this disguise though, I have a reputation to maintain."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:43:56 PM
On second thought, why cover up, he thinks? Emrys decides he may need his natural allure, and not Zeliak's ugliness, in case his charm and charisma becomes necessary. He could always cast the illusion again.
(Dropping the Disguise Self spell.)
DM Kathy Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:45:48 PM Emrys disguises himself as one of your rivals, thinking to implicate them in turn. Wilma, Vaniime, and Ariach manage to talk him out of it, but he keeps the disguise on, because you never know.
Absent any instructions from you, the Floop sets down in the middle of what appears to be a large, grassy field. It is after midnight by now, and only the occasional glimmer of light shows from the windows of the school. Starlight and the fading moonlight is pretty much all you have to see by. Gnowsy, sensing that home is near begins to make anxious little whiny noises. You get the sense that only Tuck's previous explanations are keeping him from barking in joyful anticipation.
Royse did sketch you a map before you left, so hopefully somebody has it with them. Of course, in order for the map to do any good, you need to figure out where on campus you set down.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:08:23 AM
After landing Ariach notices the constellation of the heavenly bodies and that it must be after midnight already. Even if they bring the dog back in time and disappear without any further complications, they will be tired tomorrow. They will be tired at their most important competition of life.
With a resigned sigh he turns to his companion. "If we want to appear to the competition rested, we must now hurry. Zeliak and his friends have achieved at least that we get no sleep tonight."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 3:26:00 PM
Tuck stares off into the evening for a few minutes, absentmindedly petting Gnowsy's head. When they set down, he blinks a few times and lifts the dog out of the Floop. He gently unties himself and the others from the contraption, leaving a bit of length as a harness for Gnowsy to use as a leash.
After a quick stretch, Tuck squints towards the school grounds. He kneels next to Gnowsy. "You're a good boy, aren't you?" The dog receives an ear scratching. "Good boy. We need you to keep quiet now, Gnowsy. Do you know how to get to your home from here? Nod for 'yes' or shake your head for 'no'."
"I think we should leave one or two of us with the Floop, just to make sure he doesn't...take off without us," he says to the others. "It will be easier to sneak in with fewer people as well."
"Tuck maybe you and I and perhaps one other should go and the rest should remain here with the Floop, but that is just my opinion."
Wilma
Thinking that perhaps it would be best if she left the delivery to others decides to remain with the Floop and keep it calm and relaxed.
Grell
Grell checks his gear and waits sullenly, emitting a grunt every few seconds to show his impatience.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+14=33 ; Wednesday June 6th, 2012 9:06:44 PM
(I don't remember who took the map, so in the interest of speeding things along ...)
After having changing back to his normal form, Emrys opens a pouch and extracts a single piece of folded paper. Once unfolded, everyone can see a crude, hand-drawn map of the school and a location marked, Gnowsy's room. "This is the map that Royse had drawn for us. Judging by what I saw from above in the Floop, I believe we are located here." Emrys points to a spot on the map and then traces a path to the destination.
(Knowledge [Geography]: 33, to match up what he saw above to the hand-drawn map to discern their current location.)
Giving a nod to Ariach suggestion, "Very true, our lack of sleep will effect all of our performances tomorrow. We should finish this as soon as possible."
Emrys turns to the dog, "Gnowsy, you have been so good on this trip. You can help us find our way, but could you warn us if you smell someone else approaching?"
DM Kathy Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:37:17 PM Emrys studies the map. As far as you can tell, you have set down in the riding-paddock. So, you know, watch where you step. Gnowsy's enclosure is at the end of the stables (outside the stables, but built onto the end). The stables are marked on the map, and don't look too far away.
Both Emrys and Ariach note the lateness of the hour, and seem to think that you guys are going to get some sleep at some point, which is cute. :)
Tuck asks Gnowsy if he knows the way home from here. Gnowsy neither nods nor shakes his head, but lowers his head to the grass and starts sniffing. He walks back and forth, nosing along the grass. His stumpy tail wags. He seems to know that he is near his home, and could probably find it if need be. But he doesn't know the direction yet.
Tuck also suggests that someone stay with the Floop to keep it from taking off. Wilma volunteers to do so, while Vaniime feels she is stealthy enough to help return Gnowsy.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 11:45:10 PM "You know, if we were to just leave him right here, someone would likely come along and find him. They would say, "Hey, that's funny. How did Gnowsy get out?" Then they would put him back in and we wouldn't have to worry about finding his room."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday June 7th, 2012 5:00:07 AM
Ariach replies Carver's idea "We necessarily need Wilma's ring and the hair band to make sure they cannot prosecute us for doing anything."
He agrees to go along to the stables. But he strictly rejects to enter one of the houses. But he will take position in front of the stable and warn the others if something unnatural happens.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday June 7th, 2012 3:07:29 PM
Tuck nods at Vaniime. "I will go. I'm fairly sneaky." He pauses for a moment. "Not trying to brag, or anything. And not that that's a skill to be proud of." A pained expression appears on his face and he shakes his head. "Sorry."
"I can scout ahead to make sure there aren't folks about. Then the rest can come when it's safe. Should we use the invisibility potion, now?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday June 7th, 2012 9:41:01 PM
A dark thought enters the bard's mind. "We cannot assume that others aren't already privy about our visit. This could very well be a trap. Splitting up may not be a wise decision." Emrys thinks a little bit and turns to dog and asks, "Gnowsy, did strangers sneak you away from your home and put you in the room where we found you? Nod your head for yes, shake your head for no."
Emrys becomes a bit shaken with the idea. "Now that I think of it, Gnowsy being at Maplehurst is completely logical. Why not bring the school mascot to such an event? It's at least 7 to 8 hours travel time, without magical means. (I remember reading that the two schools were 50 miles apart, correct me if I'm wrong.) I knew there was something about Royse's story that didn't sound right!"
After humming a little tune, Emrys begins to scan the area for divinations and other forms of magic. "We may have actually been tricked to steal Gnowsy. If that's the case, then we really are in trouble!"
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