The Ruined Chapel (DM SteveK) Wednesday June 19th, 2013 12:03:46 PM
Zeoll, Restlin, Beri, and Bosk (with a puffing Durgan and Kazak) slow and then stop their headlong run as they get to the ruined entrance to the destroyed Chapel outside the southern walls of Heranmar. The dwarf brothers look at each other. "I think we'll need to get the militia ready", says Kazak as a statement, not a suggestion And with that word, the two dwarfs turn and jog towards Heranmar's southern gate, leaving the Iron Adventurers to watch the spectacle.
The heroes are perceptive and knowledgeable, and quickly confirm that the Chaos Bell, somehow, is pulling energies from the cursed items in the care of the Iron Adventurers. And, somehow, it is forming more solid. The Clapper is here, and now another piece, a Shard, is also present in the physical Wold. The rest is now like a dense fog, slowly getting more solid.
Bosk takes a quick glance into the Realm of Shadow. What he learns is that the Shadowrealm is completely unaffected by what is happening here. The mists of Shadow and the ley lines of woldsblood flow uninterrupted by the forming Bell, the magical energies, or the shadows of the Five Crones and Gargul.
The five hooded women solidify, suddenly standing very present beside the Bell and in front of the Iron Adventurers; five old ladies wearing hooded robes and four bearing a quarterstaff, and one a two-handed sword. A closer look reveals that each robe is trimmed at the edges with a different color; Red, Pearl, Gray, Green with a pattern of leaves, and Jet.
The one with Pearl trim speaks, smacking her lips as if constantly trying to taste something.
"The Bell is trying to justify its existence. It doesn't want to die, seeming to mature. And it is not just here. It is reaching out to somewhere....see the tendril of chaos heading north? We must follow it."
The Red trim one speaks next, quietly but almost like repeating a conversation. "What of these who are connected? They should not be. The agreement was for no mortal to be connected until the need arises."
The Pearl trimmed one looks to the Iron Adventurers. "Speak and I shall know the truth" (smack, smack). "Are you connected with the Bell by your will or not?"
From beneath the hoods, five sets of eyes turn towards the Iron Adventurers, the eldest glinting like black, soulless stones.
"No ma'am! I mean, we went and got that clapper back and used it to free someone named Sir Maran from being polymorphed into a demon, we did that of our own will...and those items swirling around were on our possession at one time, and we happen to be standing here by the bell that's forming as we speak. Other than that, we have no ties to this thing. We had a connection to the Edge, but we gave that up to fight this lady named Trella who turned into a dragon, and it seems we can't throw a rock without hitting a Child of Chaos these days.
"I'm sorry, what was the question again? Oh right...well, we didn't set out to find or get involved with the bell, but darned if it didn't happen anyway."
***
Diplomacy: 17
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Wednesday June 19th, 2013 7:08:51 PM
Beri finishes casting his spell and looks up at the hooded figures. Our involvement was the result of a dream sent to one in our party. I do not know if you would interpret following this path as being our will or that of the one who set it before us.
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells Wednesday June 19th, 2013 9:42:45 PM
Bosk looks with puzzlement at the hooded women. Pardon our ignorance, but we really aren't sure what you are asking or how we came to be bound to the bell. We collected those items anchoring the bell on a variety of adventures, complete unaware of the bell. We were drawn here by visions, be it fate, the bell's will, or some other power unknown to us. The bell appears to have had some link with several of our items and blessings bestowed upon us, and it seemed particularly drawn to a blessing bestowed upon us by The Edge. We had to offer these things up in order to keep the clapper out of the hands of an evil person. I hope that helps. I don't actually know how or when this connection was made.
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20+20=39 ; Wednesday June 19th, 2013 11:37:22 PM
Zeoll knows who these persons are, and part of his mind panics as he comes face to face with an immortal power.
Another part of his mind wonders if this is one immortal power, or five?
However, another part of his mind is excited to add this encounter to the list of gods and demigods he has met in his life ... Domi, of course. Gargul. Marteaus. (He shudders a little at that memory.) The Fae King. And now the Crone of the South! And the Chaos Bell!
Another part of his fragmented mind is trying to think of the best thing to say. The old liontaur takes a deep breath, and speaks.
"Grrandmotherrs, of courrse we came herre to seek a sharrd of the Bell. That was ourr mission, dirrected by the grreat Peerrimus of the Childrren of Chaos. Did we seek a connection with the arrtifact such as the Childrren had? No. Not at all. And I would say 'No thanks' werre such offerred to me, if it please you."
"Ladies, we sought only to help the people of the Gateway Downs, and then to defeat an evil witch who plagued them, and to frree frrom bondage a trravellerr frrom a farr countrry. Se seek no connection with the Bell. But we arre at yourr serrvice, should ourr serrvice be useful to you."
Zeoll's silver tongue does not fail him. Diplomacy 39.
The Ruined Chapel (DM SteveK) Thursday June 20th, 2013 11:48:28 AM
Restlin, then Beri, Bosk, and Zeoll all speak to the Five and explain in their own words what they understand.
Pearl smacks her lips again and again as the Iron Adventurers claim no willing connection to the Chaos Bell. In fact, Restlin and Bosk state they even willingly gave up connections to other parts of the Southern Continent.
Zeoll, perhaps because the liontaur is older than the humans and minotaur, more readily recognizes the Power that is standing before the heroes, offers the service of the group as well.
Pearl talks again. Watching her, the heroes can notice a glint of something shiny and silver like a pearl as she speaks. "Truth, every word."
Ruby then ahems. "And the agreement?"
Pearl nods. "We must honor the agreement and break any connection with these mortals and the Bell. Yet every action has consequences, and we must follow the chaos trail." She pulls back her hood to reveal a very old female elf. Her left ear is missing and in place of her tongue is a pearl. "You offer service wemic, and I as Lady Wisdom accepts. Until we return, you must fight the Bell from draining the magic that is associated with you." (And at this, she points to the cursed items feeding the Bell.) "Take and eat the leaves from Lady Mercy and you will be able to touch the incorporal and cursed items without harm. Pull them away from the Bell. We must deal with what is happening at the other side."
At this, the fourth Crone moves forward, the green trim of her robes moving like leaves in the wind. She holds out her left hand, which looks like a wooden fist fused to the fleshy arm of an old woman. The Fist immediately sprouts four small leaves that snap off and float to a foot in front of each hero.
And then the Crones fade to only being shadows near the Bell once again.
The Bell surges, crackling energy spiking into the sky! The cursed items seem to writhe and begin to whither. Whatever the heroes decide to do, they better do it pretty quick!
.....................
Note: Any Hero that Grabs and Pulls make a Strength Check. (d20+ Strength modifier)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) d20-2=10 ; d20+15=32 ; Thursday June 20th, 2013 12:25:59 PM
"Eat a leaf that grew from a crone's wooden hand? Why not...seems par for the course, lately."
Restlin snatches the leaf from in front of him and downs it quickly.
He checks to make sure the entropic grizzly he summoned is nearby & that the thing has his back. Restlin doesn't speak bear, but trusts the thing to attack if something threatens him.
He spots the brand that changed those kids into exploding acid slaves. Some of his friends had once stated they'd consider using it for "good" purposes. Restlin sees no possible good purpose to the thing & decides he'd rather make sure it ends up in his hands. As such, he reaches for and grabs it, trying to pry it away from the bell.
Str: 10 Knowledge, Arcana: 32 - Restlin's trying to get some idea of what the heck is happening.
If knowledge, local is more appropriate, that's a 31. Religion would be a 27.
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells d20+6=8 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=17 ; d20=1 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=20 ; Thursday June 20th, 2013 2:57:10 PM
Bosk accepts the leaf from the crone, although he already has the ghost touch ability he wants to make sure the curses do not effect him. As the bell begins to writhe and wither Bosk casts bulls strength on himself and begins tugging at the various cursed items, pulling at them with all of his might. The branding iron, the swords, the assassin's box. He tries them all, some of them multiple times.
It doesn't want to die. The comment repeats itself in his mind. Gargul was protecting it, the god of life and death who preserves the eternal balance of the Wold and his servant provided the items that were renewing its strength. Bosk keeps pulling at the items determined to undo the damage.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=15 ; d20+1=18 ; Thursday June 20th, 2013 8:23:47 PM Our fate depends on me being strong... great. Well, I may not be the strongest of the Iron Adventurers, but I can still be smart about this. Beriothian eats one of the fallen leaves. He takes a moment to look at the objects, hoping he can determine a weak point in a items that will make the most difference if pulled free. He gathers his strength and with an almost animal roar escaping his lips pulls for all he's worth on the cursed items.
strength=15 knowledge (engineering)=18
Fighting the Bell (DM SteveK) Friday June 21st, 2013 11:13:10 AM
Restlin snatches the leaf and downs it quickly. With the grizzly guarding his back (the animal doesn't have an obvious enemy to attack and so sticks near the wizard), he grabs as the cursed brand and begins pulling hard, pulling it 10 feet away from the Bell. Never resting, the wizard's mind mulls over what the heck is happening!
Restlin immediately knows that the effects are way above normal magic, stronger than he would hope to have at the pinnacle of arcane might. But it is not just divine magic either, and even beyond what he knows of Teucri artifacts like the Hooks in Hook City. Even so, he can see the magic is like a siphon, pulling energies from the Cursed items to the Bell, and the Bell is attempting to form a Teleportation Circle to... somewhere.... that will link the Gateway Downs and the other place.
Bosk accepts the leaf from the crone because he wants to make sure the curses do not effect him. The Grim casts bulls strength on himself and begins tugging at the two cursed items in his immediate reach, the swords (since Restlin is already pulling the Brand), pulling them each 5 feet further away from the Bell. He is wondering what would Gargul do, who is supposedly protecting the Bell, and Bosk is trying to stop what the Bell is doing.
Beriothian is a little self-deprecating, but is dertermined to do his part. He eats one of the fallen leaves and takes a moment to look at the objects, and chooses the Box, pulling and moving back 15 feet!
.......................
Immediately, the heroes see the siphon and teleportation circle effects pause, and the solidification of the Bell slows. It is working!
The shadows of the Crones remain distinct, but only shadows, as does the towering presence of Gargul. But a smaller object solidifies at the Gray Ones feet and becomes a gnarled and ugly gnome. "Where oh where oh where is Shadow?", he sings in a childish tune. "Well, young Grimlette, you look busy! Heave, ho; heave Ho!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) d20-2=8 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+10=24 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 1:04:58 PM
Restlin keeps pulling, but he's just not very strong. (Str = 8)
"Ok, so that's obviously a teleportation circle, which means it has another end somewhere. Ok Mr. Smarty Pants...where would that somewhere be? Is that a gnome? Who invited him? Can't he see we're busy over here right now?"
***
Knowledge, Planes: 27 - Where's that circle likely to end up? Knowledge, History: 18 - Who's the gnome? Knowledge, Arcana: 27 - Is there anything Restlin can do, aside from dragging this brand away, to help delay or stop this bell from opening a gate? Knowledge, Religion: 24 - Grimlette? Is that what they call female Grims? What did the gnome mean by that? (also, in case this is a more appropriate skill than history, who's the gnome?)
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20=11 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 1:16:33 PM
Zeoll eats a leaf and pulls -- or rather, tries to aid a friend, since his Str is poor. Either way, he gets an 11.
Bosk AC: 26/12/24 CMD:22 HP 72 of 72 Spells d20+6=18 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=11 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 1:21:00 PM
Bosk grabs another item and begins pulling with all his might, his muscles straining. Sweat begins to drip down his face from the exertion. Come on, we can do this!
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=4 ; Friday June 21st, 2013 5:04:16 PM
Beri grabs onto another item and pulls... this one is apparently really wedged in there, but the druid still gives it his all. Good gnome, please tell me you have some advice to help us with the task at hand. strength check = 4
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20=3 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 8:32:30 AM
Zeoll makes a superhuman -- supertauric? -- effort, using a hero point to gain himself a reroll ...
a 3.
Zeoll accidentally pushes a cursed item ... the poker of evil coercion, maybe? instead of pulling it!
Fighting the Bell (DM SteveK) Monday June 24th, 2013 10:03:01 AM
Restlin pulls the Brand back 5 more feet, and Bosk is able to move the two swords he is holding back another 15 feet; but the magic seems to be pulling back, and there are other items that even four heroes can't pull at them all. It is slower, but the Bell is still winning...
Still, the gnome just grins and does a head stand, peering at the heroes from another angle. "Looks like you are doing pretty good on your own, prettyboy", he responds to Restlin. "The Boss is just a little busy right now dealing with the Ladies and the heroes at the other end. And there is a strict rule that invervention is a last last resort. He told me specifically," and the gnome falls sprawling on the grass. He gets a thoughtful look and then tries for a deep, sonorous voice which only succeeds in sounding silly. "If they aren't dead, they don't need your help."
The gnome looks hard at the four heroes. "Guess you don't need help yet."
................ (Ammended cause I forgot Restlin's Knowledge checks) :-)
Restlin doesn't know where the circle is going, but as a teleportation circle, it has to be somewhere on this plane...
Restlin can always try dispelling or disrupting magics to try and see if they help dispel or disrupt the effects of this artifact...
He does have an inkling that the Gnome's 'Boss' is Gargul, and that the usual person who hangs around Gargul and calls him Boss is Gimp the Imp. And that Gimp can look like just about anyone...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 18/17/16 CMD: 19 HP: 62/62 (Spells) d20-2=9 ; d3=1 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+5=24 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 10:42:37 AM
Restlin briefly considers killing everyone to incite the gnome to action, but dismisses the idea.
He decides what he really needs are more hands. Restlin only has two, but he can summon more. He stops in his tracks, holding the brand as well as he can (Str: 9). He summons a small earth elemental to aid him (concentration to cast the spell while holding the brand: 28).
When the elemental appears, Restlin begins to hand it the brand, but realizes it won't be able to touch the thing. Instead, the wizard offers his other hand to the elemental. In terran, "Friend, if you'd be so kind as to take my hand and help pull me away from that frightening looking bell, I'd be most appreciative!"
***
Str: 9 Concentration to cast Summon Monster III while holding the brand: 28 Summon 1d3 small earth elementals=1 (bugger) Earth elemental Str check: 24 (augmented summoning means the thing has a 20 STR)
Did my knowledge checks come up empty?
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Monday June 24th, 2013 7:45:38 PM
Bosk quickly examines the bell to determine exactly how big it is.
ooc: What are the bell's dimensions?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=17 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 10:31:01 PM
Beriothian tightens his grip and digs his feet into the ground as he pulls one more time on the stupid item that just bested him. Come on you stupid thing, move!
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+6=18 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+4=17 ; Monday June 24th, 2013 11:07:58 PM
Bosk continues pulling on the swords back, hoping the pull will decrease as he gets them further away from the bell.
Strength checks = 18, 16, 8 Knowledge Arcana to try to recall anything about the bells spell resistance level = 17
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20=2 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2013 8:37:41 AM
Hmmm ... two Zeoll posts, including the use of a hero point, and no Zeoll love in the DM post?! Poor Zeoll. He's already gone from the hearts and minds of his old friends. :-)
Zeoll figures that if a heroic pull does not work, maybe a regular one will. Str check 2. Actually, no. He seems to have stumbled and bumped the darn bell in the wrong direction. Again.
After the 3, and then the 2, he is thinking maybe he can roll a 1 tomorrow.
Fighting the Bell (DM SteveK) Tuesday June 25th, 2013 11:40:24 AM
ooc: don't make me feel guilty :-) Beri and Zeoll both got below 5 and so their attempts did not pull the cursed items away at all. It was a quick post, and I apologize that I inferred, not specified, the action. ....................
Restlin is able to maintain a pull and to summon an earth elemental that wraps its rocky hands about the Wizard and pulls to assist (Earth Elemental performs Aid Another checks; DC 10 to give Restlin a +2 to strength check). With the assistance, Restlin has the Branding Iron 40 feet away!
Bosk wrenches his Cursed swords now 40 feet away from the Bell, but here they stop, not going any further. The Large-sized misty Bell refuses to let them go back any further.
Beri digs in and jerks the Box back 15 more feet, and is now 30 feet away!
Zeoll continues to try and pull the Assassin's Blade, but is having a difficult time even grasping it without injuring himself. Just him touching the object seems to reduce the Bell's influence.
............. Restlin doesn't know where the circle is going, but as a teleportation circle, it has to be somewhere on this plane...
Restlin can always try dispelling or disrupting magics to try and see if they help dispel or disrupt the effects of this artifact...
He does have an inkling that the Gnome's 'Boss' is Gargul, and that the usual person who hangs around Gargul and calls him Boss is Gimp the Imp. And that Gimp can look like just about anyone...
..................
The Gnome looks at Bosk and calls out. "Don't think you can pull those any further away. But it is probably stable enough to ... oh, well look at that!"
On the gnarled gnomes' words, the shadows that are the Five and that of the Grey Lord solidify and are present on the south field of Heranmar. If the Bell's might was impressive, the sheer presense of the Crones and Gargul are nearly overwhelming. Each mortal; Zeoll, Bosk, Restlin, and Beri; know that they are before not only two of the most powerful entities in the Wold, but two that mold the very patterns of life and the transition of death!
They also seem to be continuing a previous conversation... "...ARE LACKING.", finishes Gargul.
Lady Wisdom (the Crone with pearl trim) responds, now crackling with power and authority herself. "AS THE CURRENT PLAN WILL NOT. CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, AND THE BELL SEEKS TO BE THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE. KEEPING THE PARTS SEPARATE WILL ENSURE ITS PURPOSE AND AWARENESS WITHOUT ALLOWING MORTAL INTERVENTION."
Gargul's response is agreement and warning both. "OR IMMORTAL INTERVENTION UNTIL THE TIME COMES."
"UNTIL THE TIME COMES.", agrees Lady Wisdom.
..............
Now appears to be the heroes chance! Both the Crones and Gargul in the same place and both seemingly in agreement and done with talking to each other. Unless Bosk and the others once again stand in the throne room of the Gray One, there is probably not a better time to ask questions!
Stuck at the edge of how far back this bell will let him take the brand, Restlin turns to the elemental. "Right, ok, just hold me at the waist and stand fast. Your kind is good at that, right?"
Restlin brings the brand in tight, but doesn't allow the end to touch him. He'd hate to find out the hard way that it's functional in this state.
"Ok, Restlin" he says under his breath, "don't say anything stupid."
"Zeoll, say something pretty to them and see if we can figure out what's going on!"
The wizard doesn't think he can end this with his magic, but maybe he can buy some time? He casts dispel magic on the bell itself.
***
Dispel check: 27 Concentration: 31
Total duration of this elemental is 12 rounds, btw.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=13 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2013 6:45:29 PM
As he continues to yank on the artifacts connecting the bell Beriothian addresses Gargul as respectfully as he can. Gargul, Lord of Life and Death! Tell me it is a good omen that we find ourselves in your presence once again. *yank* It appears out paths have been entwined with this bell far longer than any of us were aware... *yank* Has the bell been luring us this hole time? *yank* Or have we been guided here to prevent it from ringing? *yank*
strength=13
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+6=19 ; d100=93 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2013 7:16:45 PM
Bosk watches as the group struggles and the Gray Lord appears. That's two for me! Unwilling to give up Bosk runs to the next cursed item and activates his Goblin Seal of frustrating force, attempting to trap it in a resilient sphere and cut off its power from the Chaos Bell.
Cast Resilient Sphere on cursed item using Goblin Seal of Frustrating Force, beat spell resistance of 19
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20+20=32 Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:40:10 AM
Zeoll drops the lesser artifact he had been accidentally pushing, and bows low before Gargul and the Crones. When it is polite to do so -- having learned at his old shamam-mentor's knee, "Never interrupt a god" -- he pauses to petition the immortal powers.
"Grreat ones," he says, humbly, "We find ourrselves herre enmeshed in matterrs larrgerr than ourrselves. Please guide us howsoverr we may lend ourr limited ability to help, orr advise us as to the prroperr path, orr emlighten us as you see fit so that we can make good choices, we entrreat you in yourr wisdom."
He bows again low.
Diplomacy 32
Speaking with the Powers (DM SteveK) Wednesday June 26th, 2013 6:39:24 PM
When Bosk lets go of the two swords, they start sliding back towards the Bell!
Restlin, Beri, and Zeoll maintain thier hold.
.................
The Power and deity seem to pull in some of their power, intentionally diminishing to not accidentally destroy the mortals that they will speak with.
The Grim Lord looks with eyes that can see the depth of Beri's soul and speaks directly to the druid. "Nay. The Bell has affected none of your actions or dreams but for this day only. It has been the interference of the Crones in your dreams and the actions of some you have met that have cleared an abomination about Threshold. As MY servant has his Shade upon my throne, not even their manipulations could go into his dreams." And here Gargul sends a flinty stare at the five women, "and there it will remain; keeping me an untainted servant in these lands."
Lady Wisdom, her pearl-trimmed robe moving by an unfelt breeze, speaks, and this time it sounds like five women are speaking at once. "Yes, yes, he's yours, not that we have ever tried to turn your servants. This land is as it is, and we will maintain its safety no matter what." And then she turns to Zeoll, "Servant of the Queen of Nature, soon other heroes will arrive. Each hero must hold onto an artifact and deny it to the Bell, either by strength or by will. This will dissipate the power and send the Bell to its place of rest."
"When the Bell is gone, all influence of the Bell will also be gone. You will not see it again in your lifetime."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=4 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2013 8:13:06 PM
Perhapse it is the shock of what has been told to them, but Beriothian find himself struggling with his artifact. Other heroes are arriving? Surely the Iron Adventurers need all the help they can get to keep this bell from ringing, but if the same manipulative Crones that tricked the IA into collecting the clapper are the involved in bringing these new heroes who knows what to expect.
strength = 4
ooc: ...am I the only one a little disappointed by the thought that we won't see the Bell rung in our lifetime?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=23 ; Wednesday June 26th, 2013 11:08:26 PM
Other heroes? Sure...more the merrier.
In terran, "Hey little buddy, you holding on ok back there? We're just going to chill out here for a bit longer, ok?"
To himself, "by strength or by will? What did she mean by that?" Restlin will attempt to loosen his grip on the brand while concentrating on keeping it away from the bell, just in case he can use his brain instead of brawn. He won't outright let it go, however.
***
Will: 23
Did my dispel have any effect?
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20=8 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 7:19:11 AM
Zeoll nods and gets back to work, although he wonders what or who is coming.
He has the same thought as Restlin about the job at hand -- that his will is greater than his strength!
OOC: Not knowing what to roll for "Will" ... here are some options? A raw d20 check is an 8. Zeoll's Wis mod is +5. His Will save is +18.
The liontaur lays his hand on the assassin's blade and tries to WILL it away from the Bell.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+6=13 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=19 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 9:26:06 AM
ooc: Did the Resilient Sphere cut off another cursed object?
After trying to remove another object from the Bell's reach Bosk runs back and grabs the two swords and begins pulling them back away from the bell. Restlin, do you have any clue if putting these things in a Bag of Holding will remove them from the bell's reach?
Strength Check = 13, 24, 19
The Bells Portal (DM SteveK) Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:02:09 PM
Neither Resilient Sphere nor Dispel Magic make a mark on the Bell, but Beri and Zeoll attempting to Will the cursed items away is a profound effect... the items pull back 15 feet each!
And then the Chaos Bell shudders, the Teleportation effect fluctuates and images are seen beginning to Cross....
ooc: Welcome former Uncharted Heroes!
A misty and ghostly Chaos Bell fluctuates with a rainbow of energy tendrils as it hovers over the doorway of a ruined chapel. Surrounding the Bell are objects; a Box, swords, a branding iron, a dagger, a wooden disc... and they all seem attached magically to the Bell. About the circle, four heroes are pulling and struggling with the objects trying to pull them away from the Chaos Bell.
An armored minotaur pulls on 2 swords, a liontaur coaxes a wicked-looking dagger, and 2 humans pull at a Box and a Branding Iron.
Standing nearby are the 5 Crones and Gargul! They seem to be watching and waiting for something, and not currently interested in speaking with mortals. It appears the best information may be coming from the four heroes around the circle...
"An excellent question, Bosk! The items in your bag exist in an extradimensional space that's not actually part of any dimension. These items seem to exist in the ethereal realm, hence why we need the leaves to touch them. Since it's still possible for a pointy weapon inside the bag to tear it open, I'd have to wager an ethereal object would simply pass through it.
"There's also the possibility that by placing those ethereal swords in your bag that you'd give the bell reach into another dimension as opposed to the 40' or so feet it can control now. That's probably unlikely, but magic is all about unlikely situations.
"Now, if we had a portable hole, things could get really interesting! Then we could open a gate to the astral plane and potentially have the bell brought in as well. Of course, that may be destabilizing to reality itself and most assuredly a bad idea. Still, interesting to think about, no?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=20 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:10:04 PM
(OOC: I'm going to assume you meant Restlin and Zeoll moved the items with their minds.)
"Well look at that! BERI! USE YOUR HEAD TO PULL THE ITEMS! BOSK, well...keep pulling, mate!" The wizard gives a thumbs up to the towering minotaur.
Continuing will save: 20
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:25:45 PM
A tall blond minotaur with three eyes and no shadow pulls against two swords that seem drawn to the Chaos Bell. His third eye appears to be situated in the center of silver holy symbol denoting the eye of Gargul. Across his back is a large bastard sword and like his plate armor was crafted from woven steelgrass by the manfri of the Sargrass. Bosk, also known as The Horned Cleric, watches as the Crones prediction comes to pass and Uncharted Heroes suddenly appear before the Iron Adventurer's. You must be the other heroes we were told would come. Please, We need you to get a leaf from one of the crones that will protect you from these cursed objects and allow you to interact with them despite their ethereal nature. We need every one to grab an object, either by strength or will of mind, and pull them back thereby denying them from the bell. That should send the bell to its place of rest, at least for the time being.
ooc: Welcome all to Hook City! Please make a str or will check to move the items away from the Chaos Bell, and if you don't mind, I would love to hear a description of everyone's character's race and appearance.
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20=20 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:30:28 PM
Zeoll deduces that these are the newcomers of whom he was forewarned. And there is only one thing to do.
The liontaur with the huge tower shield, touching a wicked looking ghost-dagger with one hand, shouts in heavily accented common: "Grrab on, herroes! With yourr muscles orr yourr mind! Grrab one of these items and PULL it away frrom the Bell! Like this!"
By way of demonstration, Zeoll concentrates hard on the dagger he is touching. He mentally pulls at the item.
[OOC: Raw roll of a natural 20! Last round a raw roll of 8 let Zeoll move his item 15 feet back from the Bell. How far will this heroic effort get him?]
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+6=20 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+11=24 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:30:54 PM
ooc: I forgot my rolls.
The blond taur continues pulling on the two swords until someone takes control of the second sword, the exertion of trying to dominate the two items taking its toll as his fur becomes matted by the sweat dripping down his back.
Strength Check = 20,8 Will Check = 24
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 Thursday June 27th, 2013 2:32:20 PM
Hearing his friend mention the leaf, Zeoll adds, "Oh yeah! Eat one of these leafs firrst!"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+2=13 Thursday June 27th, 2013 4:52:14 PM
Sesha emerges from the chaos portal in a wild dance of light and sound. At first, both are so intense she can do little more than grit her teeth and shield her eyes, sensitive as they were to sudden exposures of light.
Worse than that though... she could feel the loss of strength. The loss of connection with the Woldsblood... the Bell took its toll, for sure.
"Grab one! Help us! Eat the leaf first!"
Bombarded by voices she does not know and speakers she cannot see, Sesha forces herself to open her eyes and look!
Her deep brown eyes flicker from Gargul to the Crones, then from hero to hero, lingering the longest on Zeoll and shimmering with recognizable curiosity. Sesha makes a mental note NOT to question why Gargul and the Crones are on THIS side of the portal as well. She was warned that anything could happen.
Sesha moves towards the Crones, and receives a leaf. Perhaps it is because she is so near these Old Ones, but it is obvious now that this Dark Elf is young, incredibly so. By human reckoning she would look no older than fourteen or fifteen, though she was closer to thirty. Though Sesha did not agree, among other Elven cultures, she would still be considered a child.
She was short, like most Elves, never quite having reached 5 foot tall. Her dyed leather skirt and blouse fit loosely as she ran, although glints of a silvery metal could be seen underneath.
Stopping in front of the wooden disc, (No one is holding this one, right?) she takes a deep breath. She gently pushes white hair out of her eyes and back into place. Atop her head is a feathered headdress, with a number of colorful dyed feathers and trinkets. She gently pats the black iron cooking pot at her side, makes sure her broom is strapped tight, then grabs the Bell fragment.
"Do NOT make this day any more chaotic you stupid bell! I turned my back on It'lal a second time because of you!"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday June 27th, 2013 6:07:51 PM
A hand crossbow gripped by the long thin fingers of an arm attached to a tall, young elven girl steps through the hole in the dome of the bell. Agony courses across her face as she pulls herself through. Her red hair streams behind her as if held by a massive build up of static. Her outfit is made from leather dyed to a reddish brown hue festooned with several pockets, buckles, and straps for various pieces of equipment.
As she exits the bell she falls to her knees and grasps her head, Courage! This is what you call courage? I feel the loss! I know!
The breeze blows her cloak behind her, bouncing around the handle of an elven blade sticking up over a shoulder.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday June 27th, 2013 7:23:18 PM
Bosk glances over as Shesha appears, patting the cauldron....another witch. Another corrupter of Wold's Blood and no indication that she is a follower of Gargul, the one almost tolerable exception to Grim's belief that the witches art was a blasphemy against the Gray Lord.
How many witches had The Horned Cleric and the other Iron Adventurer's killed? Women. Children. He had lost count. True, those witches were responsible for the murder of numerous innocents and embodied the worst type of moral and spiritual corruption. Still, to appear in such a fashion to aid the Iron Adventurer's in subduing the Chaos Bell, perhaps there is hope for her. The Realm of Shadows and the souls of the dead are the special spheres of Gargul, the Grim , and Gargul's followers. A real into which witches are interlopers and worse...but if Gargul tolerates her presence.... ... ...
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20-2=7 ; d20+16=26 ; Thursday June 27th, 2013 9:06:06 PM
Beriothian gives another yank on the box, trying to wrestle it free from the grips of the bell. His eyes move over the new group, they seem to be working towards the same honorable end as the Iron Adventurers. Even if they weren't, under the circumstances they were in no position to turn down a helping hand.
Glad to see reinforcements have come, we need all the help we can get!
Strength = 7 will=26
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 d20+8=10 ; d20+5=22 ; Friday June 28th, 2013 12:28:19 PM
A wiry figure in full armor leaps through the portal, waving his massive serrated greatsword wildly. "To infinity and beyond!"
The strange human neither tall nor particularly big, yet he exudes a dangerous animalistic aura. Armored in full silvery interlocking plates with a great crimson cloak, the face of the stranger is veiled by a visored full helm resembling a demonic ape. The eyes hidden behind the mempo is the color of rust. The only obvious weapons you see are his massive adamantine sword, and a quiver of javelins.
Noticing for the first time that everyone is pulling something, Anrete snorts and sheathes his blade. Striding towards the nearest item, Anrete places his hands around it and pulls.
--------------------------- Will 10 Str 22
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Friday June 28th, 2013 1:37:33 PM
As Anrete approaches the objects surrounding the bell Bosk shout out another word of warning to stop him. These items are cursed. Get a leaf from the Crone before grabbing anything.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Friday June 28th, 2013 2:51:08 PM
The portal shimmers again, and a tall figure steps through.
You see a clean-shaven man with light brown hair cropped short. His eyes are the color of the sky, with small flecks of silver near the iris. His skin is pale and tight against his skin, with years of wind burn evident in his craggy features. Numerous scars crease his face. He is dressed in a full suit of mithral plate armor, with a weathered blue surcoat. He is tall and broad, with a thick frame and straight posture.
He looks about, somewhat confused, and touches the handle of the greatsword on his back out of caution. His voice is a strong baritone, with an accent from the Elennian Peninsula. "This... this isn't Dirt City, is it?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Friday June 28th, 2013 6:30:38 PM
A very young looking wizard sits comfortably perched on a small earth elemental. He holds an ethereal branding iron in one hand and wipes a small clump of mud off his (somewhat garish, but still very well made) robe. Surprisingly, the mud comes right off without any stain or sign it was there. In fact, the thing is remarkably clean for adventuring gear. An ornate, masterfully crafted leather quiver sits on his back, though only two rods and zero arrows protrude from it. Careful inspection shows it to be decorated with an image of the wizard fighting off a blue dragon with a straight razor. It may also reveal the sword on his hip, though the thing is black as pitch and easy to miss.
...and if you look really closely, you may catch a glimpse of a platinum symbol of Wardd around his neck.
As he settles, he instructs the elemental to hold tight in perfect Terran. One by one he watches the newcomers arrive and wonders if everyone from the northern continent is so dramatic. He had thought maybe it was just Sir Maran, but evidently not.
To the latest one clad in mithral, he simply answers, "not even close, buddy. Get yourself a hand leaf from Lady Mercy over there and help us out, won't you?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+2=13 ; Friday June 28th, 2013 6:40:40 PM
Sesha takes a quick mental note of everything happening.
Had the bell always been this ... angry.. on this side? In Bryn Baraz, the the bell had brought great fortune and boon to their residents. Why hadn't The Crones warned them?
She continues to pull on the wooden disc, fairly certain she wasn't making any progress.
"How long have you all been at this? And is he okay holding two of these things?", she yells out, nodding towards Bosk.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Friday June 28th, 2013 6:53:30 PM I am Bosk, son of Cenoios and Adatia, vintners of the sacred blue wine of Imod and descendant of a proud and honorable lineage! I believe we are destined to each hold back one of these cursed objects, but until you are ready I will buy you the time you need. Should my strength fail my will shall endure, and if that were ever to falter my minotaur pride will prevail.
The Bells Portal (DM SteveK) Saturday June 29th, 2013 12:44:38 AM
introductions are made and advice given back and forth.
It looks obvious to the Bryn Baraz heroes that while thier selfless act has saved thier town, they will need to do still more here in this new area if they will save the nearby town from the Chaos Bell.
Other objects still surround the ghostly Bell to be denied to Chaos!
.....................
ooc: really apologize for the short post and crazy timing. Real Life hitting me hard.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 Saturday June 29th, 2013 10:22:53 AM
Anrete nods at the minotaur and snatches a leaf from the crone before grabbing at the cursed items.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 d20+6=10 ; Saturday June 29th, 2013 5:28:44 PM
Caius looks somewhat confused at his new surroundings and the bizarre instructions related to him. "Oh... alright. This right here?" He takes a leaf from one of the crones and reaches to grab a cursed object. Perhaps his bewilderment has affected his motor coordination, because the large man seems to have difficulty with moving the cursed item.
Strength check 10
Edit: Hey, DM! My guy happens to have a knack for sundering. Would destroying these objects produce anything resembling a curse or explosion?
The Bells Portal (DM SteveK) Sunday June 30th, 2013 10:08:35 AM Restlin doubts the extradimensional spaces will do any good and in fact may cause even more problems. The Wizard discovers that 'pulling with your mind' is just as effective as pulling with muscles, and tells his friends. (Restlin has the Brand 40 feet away)
Bosk the three-eyed minotaur calls out to the newly arriving adventurers. He gives them instructions on what is happening and how to stop the Chaos Bell. (Bosk has two of the Swords 40 feet away)
Zeoll deduces that these are the newcomers of whom he was forewarned. And there is only one thing to do, reinforce Bosk with his own example. The liontaur concentrates hard on the dagger he is touching. He mentally pulls at the item getting it 25 feet further away from the Chaos Bell. (Zeoll has his Assasin's Dagger 40 feet away.)
Sesha emerges from the chaos portal in a wild dance of light and sound. Bombarded by voices she does not know and speakers she cannot see, Sesha forces herself to open her eyes and look! Getting her orientation, she approaches the Crones, where the one in robes trimmed in green extends her wooden hand which sprouts a leaf! Stopping in front of the wooden disc she makes sure her broom is strapped tight, then grabs the disc and pulls, bringing it 10 feet away from the ghostly Bell.
Cyniq, the tall elven girl steps through, still bewildered by the scene.
Beriothian gives another yank on the box, without much success until he tries his mind, and then easily moves 40 feet away from the Bell. Obviously, the rainbow lightinings connecting the Bell with the objects surrounding it weaken!
Anrete , a lanky human, jumps through the Bell's portal. Noticing for the first time that everyone is pulling something, Anrete snorts and sheathes his blade. Striding towards the nearest item, Anrete places his hands around it and pulls it back 20 feet by force of strength! Lighting plays around the barbarian, sapping his health! Anrete loses 10 hit points, no DR, no save
Bosk tries to warn Anrete, but too late! Anrete snatches a leaf and then goes back to pulling.
Caius arrives, and a little bewildered, does take and eat a leaf and pulls a floating sword away from the ghostly Bell by 10 feet. He considers sundering the object, but isn't sure the effect. (ooc: Know Arcana/ Religion/ History/ or Spellcraft DC 30 for a clue on effects of sundering a magical object that is connected to a beyond artifact-level object.)
...................................
Every hero that grabs and pulls by muscle or mind (Ability check for heroes best ability bonus) visibly weakens the hold the Bell has on these items, and the Bell becomes more faded while the items become more solid.
Lady Mercy, the Crone with the Wooden Hand, offers a single leaf from her Hand for any hero that wishes. The other four Crones and Gargul are intently watching the Bell itself.
A little gnome capers about the feet of Gargul. "Push em back, shove em back, Waaaaay back!" It turns into the shape of a young elf in a short multicolored skirt and waves big balls of multicolored ribbon in the air. It doesn't take much for the new heroes to realize this is Gimp the Imp, shapechanging and being his usual nuisance.
................................
Ooc: pardon for no post since Wednesday. :( I'm going to do another post on Monday, just waiting for the last couple heroes to arrive.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:111/121 DR:2 d20+8=20 ; d20+5=21 ; Sunday June 30th, 2013 8:56:57 PM
Slightly singed from the unexpected fireworks, Anrete continues to pull at the cursed artifact after retrieving the leaf.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) d20+7=25 ; Sunday June 30th, 2013 10:33:38 PM
The druid looks around as more heroes arrive from another area. Proper introductions will need to be made once this is over, but for now the bell still looms above them. Sweat starts to bead upon Beri's forehead as he focuses his mind and attempts to move the box using nothing but his mind, filled with the wisdom that of the Wold he's collected on his life's journey. He looks around and gives a shout of encouragement to his friends, and to the new comers. You heard Gimp, lets Push these things as far back from the Bell as possible!
Move Box=d20+7=25
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=21 Sunday June 30th, 2013 11:28:07 PM
"I don't think we can take these things too far away from the bell."
Restlin gets an idea. He extends his free hand to the treasure box Lowd was carrying before Wyaar chest punched him to death and wills the thing to come to him.
will: 21
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] d20+5=25 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 10:50:06 AM
One more figure appears from the bell, a barely three-foot tall, completely unarmed, halfling. He quickly looks around the area, taking in the scene around him. Not totally sure of what was going on, he saw that others he knew were working to help, so he figured he'd at least join his friends.
He moves extremely quickly, especially for his size. He grabs a leaf, quickly starts chewing on it, then turns towards a nearby item. He reaches down to pull it from the bell and his concentration is complete (wisdom check: 25!).
An average size halfling, Garret is noticed mostly by the fact he's unnoticeable. He does not stand out in appearance at all, and in a crowd disappears more than normal due to his small size. His voice is quiet, steady, and even. His black hair is nearly always up in a topknot, sticking up about 4 inches, with the sides of his head shaved. On the sides of his head, and leading across to his eyes, there are various dark but colorful tattoos. He travels light, so is seldom seen with much gear. He is usually seen with tan leather pants that end just above his ankles and no shirt, showing his furry body. Around his waist is a rope belt with a couple small pouches hanging off of them, one heavy with small rocks. He is seldom without his sling, either in his hand or on his belt. On his back is a small backpack, clearly far from full.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday July 1st, 2013 12:15:20 PM
Sesha breathes a small sigh of relief as Garret, Anrete, and Cynique emerge from the portal. The young dark elf does find the appearance of Caius unsettling, especially since there are people still missing.
"Has anyone seen Alexi or Keela? What about Else? Did any of you see them step through?!"
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 d20+5=18 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 1:20:21 PM
Zeoll wishes he could bow and welcome these folks, but he is concentrating on his duty, so he only calls out a pleased "Hail and well met!" as he concentrates on his effort to move the lesser artifact away from the greater.
Will check 1d20+5Wis = 18.
He also manages to call out, "Pull! Pull with yourr muscles orr yourr mind! But just pull!"
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+6=16 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+11=21 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 1:43:56 PM
Bosk moves in front of the swords and begins pushing on them rather than pulling figuring he will make the bell have to overcome his weight in addition to his strength if it wants the cursed items back. You all are the only ones that have come through the portal. The blond minotaur says in a strained voice between breaths. The bell likely sent them elsewhere. It's actions are *grunt* unpredictable
Strength Checks: 16, 23 Will Check = 21
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Monday July 1st, 2013 2:37:51 PM
"Hey, we knew an Alexi too! Big guy, lots of armor, always going on about his horse...he was a good guy when he wasn't being stuffy.
"I'm Restlin, by the way. Thanks for lending a hand with these things. It's probably not a good time to mention they're all evil, cursed, or just have unpleasant stories behind them. This brand I'm holding turns whomever it brands into an unwavering servant of evil. We learned the hard way that the victims also become walking acid bombs that explode when they die. Poor Kyan never saw it coming."
Restlin continues to pull Lowd's treasure box towards himself w/o touching it.
***
The last roll I made for this was a 21.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+9=19 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 3:14:03 PM
Cyniq realizes there is a lot of commotion and looks around for the first time. Playing back what she has heard she walks over and collects a leaf from the crone before staring intently at one of the items.
Will check 19
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 d20+6=19 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 3:17:40 PM
Caius decides that discretion is the better part of valor, and perhaps attempting to sunder the objects would lead to unfavorable consequences. He claps his hands, squats, and gives a good shove.
Strength check 19
The Bell is Gone (DM SteveK) d10=2 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 4:20:44 PM Anrete continues to pull at the cursed artifact, now protected by the Crone's leaf.
Beri has sweat starting to bead upon his forehead as he focuses his mind and attempts to move the box!
Restlin gets an idea. He extends his free hand to the treasure box Lowd was carrying before Wyaar chest punched him to death and wills the thing to come to him, but a new hero already has the object. His ears perk up about the name of Alexi. Could it be these newcomers knew the Iron Adventurers' old companion???
Garret, barely three-foot tall, joins his friends with leaf chewing and pulls using all of his wisdom!
Sesha breathes a small sigh of relief as Garret, Anrete, and Cyniq emerge from the portal. The young dark elf does find the appearance of Caius unsettling, especially since there are people still missing, but continues to pull herself.
Zeoll wishes he could bow and welcome these folks, but he is concentrating on his duty, so he only calls out a pleased "Hail and well met!" as he concentrates on his effort to move the lesser artifact away from the greater.
Bosk moves in front of the swords and begins pushing on them rather than pulling figuring he will make the bell have to overcome his weight in addition to his strength if it wants the cursed items back!
Cyniq realizes there is a lot of commotion and looks around for the first time. Playing back what she has heard she walks over and collects a leaf from the crone before staring intently at one of the items.
Caius decides that discretion is the better part of valor, and perhaps attempting to sunder the objects would lead to unfavorable consequences. He claps his hands, squats, and gives a good shove. ....................
"Rah, Rah, Ree, kick it in the knee", calls out Gimp shaking his fuzzy balls of string, "Rah, Rah, Rass, kick it in the other knee!"
Nine heroes strain against ten objects surrounding the ghostly Bell at the entrance of a ruined Chapel. When Garrett joins the group a shudder ripples through the air and suddenly, the connections from the objects and the Bell are reduced to mere threads...
"Go Team, Yay Team!" shouts a scantily clad Gimp the Imp, doing a cartwheel.
The Crones seem to be waiting for this moment. The grey-trimmed one with the giant sword jumps to the Bell and with a great swipe of the sword, cuts every thread and severing the ties between the cursed items and the Chaos Bell.
All but one.
As the sword slices cleanly through, the thread connecting the Assassins Blade *swerves* around Lady Justice's sword, then grows into an irresistable force, pulling Zeoll off his feet and towards the Chaos Bell! Yet the black robed Crone is faster still, jumping in front of the flying liontaur. Zeoll hits Lady Sorrow which severs the last connection to the Chaos Bell, but they are unbalance and both fall... Then all three: Zeoll, Crone, and Bell .... VANISH!!!
"GIMP! FOLLOW!", intones Gargul, and the Imp is gone as well.
.....................................
The silence in the field is deafening. Eight heroes hold several cursed items in their hands and are standing or laying about with four of the Crones and Gargul still before them. The Gray Lord looks at the Crones and raises an eyebrow.
The pearl wearing Crone, Lady Wisdom, answered the unasked question with much smacking of her lips and sounding like many women's voices. "The connection between the Northern Lands and the Chaos Bell is severed, as is any connection between the Chaos Bell and any mortal. The Bell is again guarded and will not appear until another Great Migration is required."
The ruby eared Crone, Lady Watcher, nods at the heroes, speaking in a single clear voice. "You are free to make your own decisions without interference. The others, Else, Alexi, Keela, and Zeoll, have all other destinies and choices that they have made, and continue to live."
Gargul nods, without words acknowledging the absolute truth spoken by the Crones. He looks at Sesha. "Remember, ' I shall judge you in the future on what you, yourself, have done rather than by the many abuses of power conducted by your kin. Your Little Spirit will be your best ally to make sure you stay on my good side...be sure to listen to her advice.'" And he looks at Bosk. "Well Done my good and faithful servant. Remember, do not accept bargains with other powers, for you are MINE!".
And between one breath and the next, Gargul is gone.
Looking about, it is discovered the Crones are also gone.
It looks like the heroes (and the cursed items) are alone at the entrance of the ruined Chapel. A forest is close by to the east, and a walled town to the north. Maybe.... introductions are in order?
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d8+5=13 Monday July 1st, 2013 5:55:20 PM
Sesha, alone in the silence, looks down at the disc in her hands. She turns it over a few times, then tucks it into her spell component pouch. Perhaps later this disc might serve her. It had been cursed, then cleansed, and present when the Chaos Bell was silenced. Such a trinket did not come along every day.
She looks up at the others in the field. She was saddened her other companions could not join her, but saddened just as much for the apparent loss of the Wemic. Her new company would be sad their friend was gone. And at least, the Crones had hinted all was well in the lives of those left in Bryn.
The young drow takes a moment to consider; She is still with Garret, Cynique, and Anrete, but she did not know what their purpose must now be. Return to Bryn Baraz? Should she return to It'lal? There was a thing Sesha would rather do before anything else. She would know Little Spirit.
The girl sighs, then idly wonders if she is in any danger. Even though it was a short time, she felt safe with Anrete near bye. She remembers a question asked by the friendly seeming Restlin. She answers in her small voice, light by age, not lack of confidence.
"My companion was Alexi Komonv. He was a warrior of Domi and a priest of the same. He sounds much like he might be the same person, as our Alexi was fond of mounted combat."
She again looks at Bosk. How she was dwarfed by the minotaur! She did not fear large warriors, in her days with the Ga'alin she had commanded plenty. But that he was claimed by Gargul... The Witches of the Plains did not have a good relationship with the block headed clerics of that god. They felt that the Shadow was theirs by right, and that Witches, who lived and grew in both planes, were interlopers there. Best to get this out there quickly to see where those cards may fall. Walking near Anrete, Sesha calls out to those she does not know. She figures it best to go ahead and tack on the bloody titles.
"I am Sesha Cha'Kwaina, child of It'lal, and the Drow within that place are my blood-kin. I am Inola of the Ga'alin Tribe, who have raised me. I am pleased to meet all of you in peace. If you have any wounds that need binding, I can see to them. We are here from Bryn Baraz, though my service to that place seems to be at an end. We were asked by Gargul and the Crones to step through the portal. We had to feed the Chaos Bell with our own essences. We were told to expect sacrifice, and I feel it...as I'm sure those who have come with me do as well...a portion of us has been...taken. It will take some time to recover."
The girl fusses over Anrete's burns for a moment, whispering something to the barbarian. Then she looks back to the others, then finally settles her wide eyes on Bosk.
"I am a Witch. You are a servant of Gargul. Will there be any enmity between us? Your lord himself has apologized to me today. I would hope this would be enough to stay any thoughts of purging the unfit blasphemer before she has given you reason to do so...and besides...this next bit may interest even you."
Sesha takes a deep breath. Gods, she felt long winded at the moment.
"Before I stepped through the Portal, I asked a boon of The Crones in return for our sacrifice, and surprisingly, it was granted by Gargul. I was told something of someone very special to me, a spirit to which I owe much. Gargul has told me my Allied Power is dead god, killed during a time of great religious strife brought upon by Marteaus. I seek a place to learn more of this time and my Little Spirit, but do not know where to begin. I don't even know where I am! Who is this god that even Gargul finds worthy to guide a Witch? Little Spirit has brought to me healing magic far more complex than what my tutors and teachers could ever hope to muster. The binding contract she thrust upon me requires that I always heal those in need, even the most bitter of enemies. Her nature must have been pure! Help me know her, Bosk - Cleric of Gargul! And if you cannot help now, perhaps I can aid you in your current endeavors, on promise you will help me in return!"
The young drow stands with small fists clenched, her leather skirts hanging loose and free over her dark skin. Though an eye patch covers one eye, her other shines fiercely. Appealing to a priest of Gargul was risky, but he presented the likeliest source of religious knowledge. She would try anything at this point.
-OOC Notes your PC's may or may not know-
[1]It'lal is the City of the Drow, where the good surface drow have set upon rebuilding their good name. [2]Bryn Baraz is a mithril mining town in the far south. Its where our closed game, "Uncharted Heroes", was set. [3]To Anrete, in whisper: "Witches and Gargul 's priests have a long history of conflict. I hope I can rely on you friend, if I anger this one!" [4]CLW on Anrete, Domain spell so no Ley Check needed. 13 plus 50% bonus from healing domain = 20 HP to Anrete.
Zeoll AC22 with shield, HP48 of 56 Monday July 1st, 2013 6:18:16 PM
As Zeoll falls into the Chaos Bell, he calls out to his friends: "Farrewell!"
OOC to Kindly DM Steve: Highlight to display spoiler: { Does this mean Zeoll gets to hold onto the Assassin's Blade as he moves on to new adventures ... if only maybe as a (nonmagical?) souvenir of his grand adventure? }
DMSteveK: Sure! nonmagical souvenir.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+7=14 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+16=26 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 7:48:37 PM
Bosk stares in horror as the spiritual cord that tether's Zeoll's item to the Chaos Bell swerves out of the way, the cord suddenly strengthened as its becomes the last remaining item bound to it. The large minotaur swings around and charges after him in hopes to catching his fellow taur, but he is too late. All he manages to do is get a better view of the wemic as he vanishes from sight. His only comfort coming from the sight of Gimp following close behind the lost adventurer.
It isn't until he hears the Gray Lord's voice that he allows himself to turn his eyes away from where he last saw Zeoll. "Remember, ' I shall judge you in the future on what you, yourself, have done rather than by the many abuses of power conducted by your kin. Your Little Spirit will be your best ally to make sure you stay on my good side...be sure to listen to her advice.'" The cleric listens, unsure what to make of the mention of the "Little Spirit", but it sounds as if he has allowed a spirit to act as Sesha's conscience and keep her on the right track. Before he can reflect on the precious gift Gargul looks at Bosk and continues. "Well Done my good and faithful servant. Remember, do not accept bargains with other powers, for you are MINE!". Before The Horned Cleric can respond the deity is gone and introductions begin.
As Sesha tells her story Bosk listen's with interest to the information about the "little spirit. Enmity? No. I will not deny the fact that our group had a rather unfortunate encounter with several witches in the Sargrass and that I have several fundamental issues with your kind, but if Gargul tolerated your presence and granted you such a boon than I have no place to question his judgement. My particular specialty is helping those unfortunate spirits trapped in our plane to cross over and find rest, particularly those souls haunted by some injustice in need of redemption or vengeance. As for your "little spirit", I am familiar with the religious strife brought upon by Marteaus, but not the Allied Power to which you refer. I will have to pray for guidance on the matter. We typically do not interact with those already in the Land of Rest, but it is a rare honor for Gargul to allow a spirit to interact with the living in such a way. However, as a show of good will I will check to see if I can see this spirit of yours and tell you what she looks like. Please give me a moment while I check.
Actions ------------------------------ Reflex Save to save Zeoll = 14 Knowledge Arcana to recall anything relevant to the "little spirit"= 18 Knowledge Religion to recall anything relevant to the "little spirit" = 21
Sense Spirit (SU): The grim can sense the direction and distance to any disembodied spirit or soul in long range (400 ft. + 40 ft./level), even through material objects. This could let the grim target the spirit's square, but not see it (unless it is within 60 feet). Sense spirit is a supernatural ability that takes a full round action to initiate and lasts for so long as the grim concentrates.
Nail shadow (SU):.../The grim can also see into the Realm of Shadows as a free action at will in a 60 foot radius. Perception to see spirit = 26
Question for DM ----------------------- If I do see the "Little Spirit", can I use lvl 2 Partial Dark Walk to take Sesha into the Realm of Shadow for a few seconds to view the spirit herself? She would not be able to interact with the spirit, but the description does not say if if she could see into the Realm of Shadow or not at this level. (If not, perhaps Gargul would make a special allowance in this case).
Darkwalk (SU): The grim can partly or completely enter the Realm of Shadow, for a duration of one minute per level per day....
-At 2nd level, the grim can partly enter the Realm of Shadows, gaining concealment, a 20% miss chance, a +2 resistance bonus to saves, and a +8 bonus to Stealth checks. -At 4th level, the grim can fully enter the Realm of Shadow and can then see but not affect those who remain in the Wold. This is treated as Etherealness.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday July 1st, 2013 8:32:27 PM
Sesha gets a puzzled look on her face, then speaks again.
"I fear I may have confused you. Witches align ourselves with Allied Powers. They can be many things. Demons, Outsiders, Gods, or powerful spirits. I thought mine, "Little Spirit", was one of the latter. I named her, because she was playful and seemingly innocent. Gargul has since revealed to me she was a God, since slain and allowed her divinity for me and me alone. That is how Gimp tells it, anyhow. My knowledge of religion, and most learned subjects for that matter, is scant and limited to what was learned in the Story Circles. Does a dead God become a spirit? Is that how it works?"
Sesha is pleased to have Bosks knowledge in this matter.
---------------------------
Addendum to DM ---------------------------
Sesha's Spirit Familiar, Pot-pot, not to be confused with her Allied Power, can also detect spirits. Sesha can also enter the shadow realm, but through use of Ethereal Jaunt, Plane Shift, or Shadow Walk, if that helps. It's strange how many similar abilities Witches and Grims have.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+4=8 ; d20+4=17 ; Monday July 1st, 2013 8:48:32 PM
Bosk pauses a moment to think about the matter. He has heard many stories about Gargul's history, the battles of the gods, and even the defeat of gods......
Knowledge Arcana to recall what happens to a dead god = 8 Knowledge Religion to recall what happens to a dead god = 17
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday July 1st, 2013 11:19:57 PM Zeoll, let go! You're heading straight for the...!
In an instant their friend is gone. The druid's mind is still trying to process the loss of their friend when Gargul tells Gimp to follow, and he slowly starts to realize that not only is Zeoll still alive somewhere, but that one of the Crones and the Bell itself have also vanished.
With the chaos dieing down it seems that people are starting to make proper introductions. Beriothian straightens his white scarf, activating a prestidigitation charm to help clean the sweat and dirt from his brow before introducing himself.
Greetings Sesha, I am Beriothian Galanodel. For years I was a rogue in the region outside of Mud Town, but after experiencing a vision from the Edge itself my eyes started to open. I saw in a new light the way that Hook City bends the Wold to it's own will, controlling even the weather, and the way that the Mudders were trying to scape together a living on the blighted land that Hook City itself had blighted. Not that long ago I realized just how much the Wold was being changed and devoted myself to becoming one of it's protectors. I'm still getting my bearings as a Druid, but since that day I've felt the power of the Wold itself coursing through me and granting me the power I need to protect it.
It is a pleasure to meet you.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=31 ; d20+10=28 ; Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 9:00:01 AM
Restlin kicks the ground as his friend vanishes into the portal.
"Damnation! That's three friends gone on this adventure. How are we supposed to get caught up in unnecessary but entertaining fights without Zeoll there to upset every two-bit thug that looks at us funny? You there, witch, can you cast calm emotions?"
The wizard sighs, rubs his face a bit, and seems to move on without any more hesitation (or waiting for an answer).
"Oh well, he's a resourceful taur. He'll be just fine. Oh shoot! I still have this thing, dont I?" he asks, waving the brand around. "Do we really have to head all the way back to Hook City with a cache of cursed and/or evil items? Maybe Peerimus can help, we were on our way to see him anyway." Restlin looks around for the dwarves that lead them this far. Are they still around?
Restlin places the brand gently on the ground, business end down in the dirt, handle straight up in the air. "Seriously, don't touch that thing. It's bad news." He holds two fingers out in a V, points them at his eyes, then points them again at Bosk. He then walks up to each new comer and shakes hands. "You're on the Southern Continent now, in case no one told you. The last northerner we met got on a ship as soon as he was able to get away from this place. Hopefully you'll enjoy your stay a bit more. Don't let my friend Beri here turn you off to Hook City too much. Sure it's a bureaucratic nightmare that charges you three years wages for a loaf of bread, but it's always nice outside and there's no better place to learn magic. Plus, there's always something to do when you're in our line of work."
His ears perk up when Sesha starts talking. "Say, that's pretty neat. You have a dead god all to yourself? Does she cast spells for you? Zeoll told me about this god named Wardd you folks worship up north. He sounds pretty cool, so I decided I'd give serving him a try, and now I can use a bit of divine magic. I don't like it too much, though. It took me a long time, well...not THAT long...to learn magic. Going 'hey Wardd, do you mind healing my friend here?' and having it work feels like cheating, you know? I'll just serve him in my own way from here out out."
Restlin does ponder her story to see if he can figure out what Gargul was talking about.
***
Know history: 31 Know religion: 28
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 12:12:41 PM
Anrete nods his thanks at Sesha-witch before surveying the strangers. He yawns abit as the witch and the minotaur proceed on with their theological "discussion".
Turning towards the wizard, Anrete grins and shakes his hand. "Anrete greets Restlin-wizard. Alexi-knight is a good friend of Anrete. He helped Anrete find Copper!"
The barbarian indicates at a steppe pony nearby who followed him through the portal.
"Anrete doesn't really like wizards unless they are wearing dress. So does Restlin-wizard has any dresses?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 1:26:03 PM
Listening to the introductions, she notices that a streak of her hair has turned gold, a side effect of her traveling through the bell? Twisting the strand around one finger she stares intently at it, not noticing the golden leaf clutched in her other hand.
My turn? Cyniq al'Lyz, Justicar. Pushing the golden strand back over her left ear where it stands out from her red tresses she addresses the new comers, well technically she's the new comer, Where are we?
Introductions and Next Steps (DM SteveK) Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 1:29:30 PM Sesha and Bosk carefully feel each other out, not really trusting each other but still having the words of Gargul echo in the back of their brains. It turns out they are very different and yet very, very much alike!
Bosk is able to bring up some knowledge of many dead gods. There is Mittri, Jancassis' sisters: Serenbeth, Jantierri, and Karinthis. There is Marteus' brother, Kevintar, and many other Cult Gods that have disappeared from the Wold (ooc: mostly due to trademark issues :-). There is even the possibility that Sesha's "Little Spirit" could be a God of Yore that didn't form with Theon to become Panthenon. The Grim is able to provide great wisdom, but an answer eludes him. (ooc: Those who wish to know more of the dead gods can visit Woldian Black Cathedral
Beri, Restlin, and Anrete also begin to know each other. One of the most important pieces of information Restlin provides is that Sesha, Anrete, Garrett, and Cyniq are not even on the Northern Continent anymore! They are on the Southern Continent, currently just south of the town of Heranmar (one of the most important towns of a region called the Gateway Downs.) That this particular group of Bosk, Beri, and Restlin have been the Iron Adventurers and are headquartered out of Hook City: The City of Magic.
Restlin also conveys that the Iron Adventurers have just lost their FOURTH friend in a month, the liontaur named Zeoll.
Garrett and Cyniq remain quiet, taking account of their surroundings.
Caius also remains quiet, not knowing either group of adventurers. Yet he did not shirk and helped with defeating the Chaos Bell. But right now he too seems to be a stranger in a strange land.
..............
Looking about, it is evident that the nearby town of Heranmar has the militia up on the walls and ready for any attack that may be coming from the ruined chapel where the heroes are currently at. Easy information from the Iron Adventurers tells the newcomers that Heranmar is a welcoming town, though suspicious of strangers. The militia is up on the walls (probably) at the urging of two dwarf brothers, both retired heroes.
Above the trees to the east, a hawk circles. The Iron Adventurers' information about THIS place is that the Wood is the home to a powerful druid, Peerimus, who first sent the Iron Adventurers on their last quest to find a piece of the Chaos Bell. And he promised to help with all of the collected cursed items the Iron Adventurers have been collecting over the past years...
................
All Heroes gain 2,000xp for defeating the Chaos Bell!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 5:59:17 PM
Garret speaks quietly, "The Southern Continent? I had hoped to one day return..." He looks around and notices the missing. He looked dazed as he continues, "I'm from the WIndbourne Hills and never imagined I'd end up so far from...oh, I'm Garret, by the way...who is apparently very, very lost..."
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 7:20:54 PM
Sesha smiles at Restlin, instantly liking the mage-priest. She giggles as she answers his questions.
"Yes. I guess I do kind of have a dead god all to my self. Little Spirit does grant me spells, all manner of curatives it would take most Witches a very long time to master. Even more, they are all empowered, healing more than they seem like they should. I wish I knew more about her. Perhaps Hook City can teach me something?"
She turns to Bosk.
"Thank you for trying, you have given me more places to start than I ever could have came to on my own."
She casts a glance at the human, Caius, who had came through and without question aided in the settling of the Bell. She hops and waves excitedly, then takes a few steps towards him, offering a smile.
"Hello soldier. You have not introduced yourself yet. I am Sesha, as you might have overheard. You mentioned seeking Dirt City? Such a name for a place! How were you traveling that you came through the Chaos Bell with the rest of us?"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 8:46:31 PM
Beriothian turns his head toward the soldier. Wait, your didn't come with the rest of them? I just sort of assumed you all came from the same place... well, that's the chaos bell for you. It's good to meet you friend.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 10:08:58 PM
Restlin grins back at Sesha. "Well if there's a place to learn about it, it's Hook City. That place has everything. Speaking of which, the longer we sit here and chat the longer it takes me to get back to our tower. Since you folks came through here because of the bell, perhaps you'd join us in wrapping this soiree? This Peerimus fellow does amazing things with roots. You almost forget you're eating on dirt. Almost..."
Then, to Bosk. "Hey, what do you think happens to the Crones when one of them gets sucked through a portal? The rest didn't seem too concerned, nor did Gargul...but really, I can't imagine anything startling him."
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 d20+15=20 d20+15=33 d20+15=24 d20+15=24 d20+15=26 d20+15=26 d20+15=23 d20+15=19 d20+15=18 d20+15=31 d20+15=27 Tuesday July 2nd, 2013 11:48:27 PM
As the bell disappears and the dust settles, Caius looks around with a mixture of interest and befuddlement. He turns to Sesha and Beriothian, "I am Caius. Color Sergeant Caius Varo of the Mailed Fist. Tiger Regiment, Spear Company, C Troop, 1st Heavy Infantry." He continues to look about the strange sights of Hook City as he speaks. "We were stationed in Dirt City, en route to an assignment to deal with marauding goblins in the farmsteads south of the city. We... we were on leave. I was drinking at a tavern, had too much, and fell asleep at my table. I woke at last call and stumbled out. I turned a corner, and a shimmer door of silver and every color I could imagine blocked my path down an alley. I... I stared at it a moment. Then a tentacle made of liquid silver reached out, grabbed my wrist, and yanked me through." He looks at them again and shrugs. "And now I'm here. Where exactly am I right now?"
================= Armor Crafting
For the sake of brevity (because I don't feel like calculating dozens of Craft skill checks), I will roll for a month's worth of work rather than a week's worth of work.
Item Price 1,500gp = 15,000sp Item DC = 10 + AC Bonus = 19 Masterwork Cost = 50gp = 500sp Masterwork DC = 20
co-DM SteveK ooc: These were rolls that Tanner did for Caius' backstory armor, before he joined the team. Thanks Tanner! :-)
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+4=18 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 12:58:00 AM
Bosk shrugs. I don't know much about the Crones. I came here from the Taur Islands and am relatively new to the Southern Continent myself. From what I have heard, I believe the crone that was sucked in wit Zeoll was the Lady of Sorrow. She is said to be the oldest of the crones and has the ability to see into the future....I guess she didn't see that coming....unless she already made arrangements with Gargul...
It is good to meet all of you. It seems the gods, powers, and ancient artifacts have brought us together, and I am not the type to pass such things off as coincidence. We need to meet with a Druid named Peerimus before we head back to our tower in Hook City. You are welcome to join us if you wish. It would seem we have several newly vacant rooms available and we have been able to make decent living as a protection group with in the city. We have also stumbled into the unofficial role keeping cursed objects out of the hands of evil people.
Knowledge Religion = 18
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 2:17:43 AM
Sesha considers the invitation, the wistfully looks back at Garret, Cynique, and Anrete. Hopefully, they would come too...
"Bosk speaks more than one truth. I come from a portal and meet both a Mage-Priest and a Grim, neither of which are hunting me. This alone shows the Chaos Bell has earned it's name. Consider me pleased to meet Peerimus. I would like to hear of the Chaos Bell on this side of the portal."
Sesha wanders around the meeting place for a little bit, watching the others mingle. Her wide brown eyes sparkle, then for the first time since arriving through the bell, she sighs and trudges towards Cynique. She keeps her voice fairly low, in an attempt to keep the conversation semi-private.
"Are you okay? You seemed greatly injured by the Travel. Is there something I can do for you? And.. your hair. That was not like that before, was it?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 2:26:09 AM Instead of taking 11 weeks to make your masterwork full plate, you could as the wizard to cast fabricate. Same cost, 1 second
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 7:58:34 AM
When the locals mention a tower, Garret blurts out, "A tower? Neat. We had an inn...well, it was a nice inn. And our statues. I think I will miss the statues that they made of us. Every time I walked by there, I laughed, thinking about Keela trying to decide if her butt was too big in the statues."
He looks of into space for a moment, remembering the town, then he blinks and continues, "But tell me about this tower. What do you do there? Are there a lot of rooms? Does it get attacked often? Did you build it? Is it in Dirt City? Why would someone name a place 'Dirt City?'"
IMPORTANT STORY INFORMATION and Meeting Peerimus (DM SteveK) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 9:44:48 AM Cyniq quietly introduces herself, the elf carefully observing her surroundings.
Garret speaks quietly introducing himself and realizing he is very, very lost. The irripressable halfling quickly latches on little bits of information, looking to learn more about the Iron Tower, Hook City, and Dirt City all together.
Sesha smiles at Restlin, instantly liking the mage-priest. As she talks, the incredibly charismatic Witch seeks to bring others into the conversation; Bosk, Cyniq, Caius...
Beriothian is surprised that Caius is new to everyone except Caius. That's Chaos for you!
Restlin sees a kindred spirit in Sesha, but is quick to get back on subject, the scattered cursed items, seeing Peerimus to wrap things up, and then getting back to civilization!
As the bell disappears and the dust settles, Caius looks around with a mixture of interest and befuddlement. He introduces himself short and to the point, a military man through and through. Those from the Northern Continent need only think a bit to understand his references to Hook City. Still a little befuddled, mistaking the little town of Heranmar a mile to the north as the fabled Hook City, he gets to the point. "Where exactly am I right now?"
Bosk, a recent newcomer to the Southern Continent himself, has no idea about bargains between Powers and Dieties, and gets on to more mundane things. He greets the others, mentioning that this could hardly be coincidence. He sums up that the group was going to meet with Peerimus the Druid, then get back to Hook City where the Iron Adventurers have made a tidy living as local Protectors and unofficially keeping cursed items from the wrong hands. Like these on the ground.
Sesha considers the invitation, then wistfully looks back at Garret, Cynique, and Anrete. Hopefully, they would come too...
...........................
While the introductions continue, Bosk, Beriothian, and Restlin carefully gather up the cursed items (which had chaotically gotten here instead of locked up in the Iron Tower where they were) and place each of them in a Bag of Holding for safe temporary storage. There is one item missing, the Wooden Disc that Sesha had last been holding...
Information and knowledge among the group eventually gets out and the following baseline info is shared:
- DIrt City, Windborne Hills, and It'lal general information is shared. (See Woldian Geography)
- The eight heroes are currently at Heranmar in the Gateway Downs. Specifically, at the Ruined Chapel to the South of the town.
- Their base is a marble tower called the Iron Tower which is located in Hook City nearly on the border of two neighborhoods; Labortown and South Hook. The immediate neighborhood is unofficially called Tower Square, and the Iron Adventurers currently have very good relations with most of the locals.
- The immediate concern for the Iron Adventurers (and Cyniq, Sesha, Anrete, Garrett, and Caius if they want) is to meet with Peerimus the Druid to get their reward for stopping the Chaos Bell from interfering with the Gateway Downs region.
.......................
The heroes are all saved from immediately deciding what to do with the approach of a human man with disheveled hair in massive dreadlocks, and a Large grizzly walking beside him. The hawk continues to circle above. The Iron Adventurers immediately recognize him as Peerimus, once the leader of the famed adventuring group Children of Chaos, and now retired but keeping interested in what goes on in the region of Gateway Downs.
"So. Threshold is safe? And so is Heranmar? And you do not have the Mark of Chaos upon any of you? Good." The older druid direct and to the point as always, stops and waits for any of the heroes to have their say.
.............................
OOC: Cyniq, Sesha, Garrett, and Anrete: Jerry has decided to give you the option of going back to 11th level if you wish. If you want, JonTarry and I will run a split campaign with Cyniq, Sesha, Garrett, and Anrete at 11th level and Bosk, Restlin, Beri, and Caius at 10th level. Those at 10th level will get double xpoints per scene until both groups are caught up, then we will move ahead as normal.
(I have a role-playing way to make the change 'in story'.)
William, Jeff, KenK, and Ezra: tell us what you want to do! :-)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 9:52:24 AM
"Dirt City? Sounds ghastly. There's a Mud Town outside of Hook City, but I think everyone's getting a bit confused. We're not IN Hook City. We're not even near it. It's several days away. That town over there..." Restlin points to a modest, but large town over yonder before continuing, "is Heranmar. Not a bad place, but it's no Hook City."
He turns to the halfling, "No, it doesn't get attacked often. We're well liked by the peoples of Hook City, at least most of them. Heck, were it not for Kyan's loogie heard round the world, we'd be fabulously wealthy for the heroics we provided. We've had some tussles with other protection groups in the city, but they were either misunderstandings or said protection groups had it coming.
Restlin continues. His ability to speak without pausing to breathe is remarkable.
"In fact, that's kind of what started our latest adventure. This new protection group was trying to shake down the poor and downtrodden of Mud Town. Gives the rest of us a bad name, you know? We're here to keep people safe from those who would do them harm, not keep them safe from ourselves. Anyway, they won't be bothering anybody anytime soon.
"Speaking of bothering people, let's get moving to Peerimus' grove. Those dwarven brothers can catch up once the Heranmar militia cools down."
He falls in line next to Sesha. "You know, I don't think anyone's ever called me a priest before..."
EDIT: Darnit, beat me to it. Pretend this was posted before the DM post.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:02:34 AM
"Threshold is as miserable as always, but Trella was dealt with and Wyaar stayed behind to try and make the town a nicer place to live. I'll miss him; he was good to have in a fight and not as stuck up as you'd expect a paladin to be. Of course, he was a paladin of the Fey Queen...Anyway, things do seem to be ok now." He looks behind himself. "Yup, Heranmar's still ok too."
He turns to the newcomers. "Oh, this is Peerimus. He's kind of a big deal around these parts, but he's a nice enough person."
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:55:14 AM
"Anrete greets Caius-sergeant! Ye sound alot like Alexi-knight.", Anrete greets the newcomer.
~
"Anrete greets Peerimus-dreadlock!", Anrete hails the druid. "So Peerimus-dreadlock is the local pack leader? Anrete is new here."
---------------------------------------------- OOC: I am fine with both alternatives. I will let the rest decide.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 11:09:04 AM
ooc: To clarify, I believe we have a stone tower with tons of marble. The nick name "The Iron Tower" refers to it belonging to the Iron Adventurers, not the material the tower was constructed with.
The attached map is just the first floor and potential servant's quarters. Our individual rooms are up the stairs by the bar, but I haven't had time to add the bedrooms yet.
co-DM SteveK change made. Now reads "marble" tower. :-)
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 3:27:00 PM
Sesha watches Peerimus as he approaches, glad to have Restlin and Cynique near. Judging by the size of the bear that followed the Druid, he was well along in his power. The young drowess takes a step back, then appears puzzled.
"Mark of Chaos? What is that?"
It might be rude to question him, she thinks. After all, he doesn't know her or anything about her. But she is standing near enough to Restlin that he could assume comradery. She watches his animal companion, and idly fingers the black iron loops that connect her spirit familiars vessel to the rest of her gear.
She thinks a moment on the wooden disc she has kept as a tinker component. Peerimus could probably tell her more about it. She would wait for now, and ask later.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+16=35 ; Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 3:30:27 PM
The Horned Cleric begins counting as he safely and securely wraps up the cursed items before placing them in the Bag of Holding. One...Two...Three..Four...Five...Six...Seven... .... ...!!! Sesha, do you know where the wooden disk you were holding onto went? It seems to be missing! Bosk immediately begins scouring the area for the lost object, his keen eyes penetrating every possible hiding spot.
Perception to find the Wooden Disk = 35!
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 3:35:49 PM
ooc: Was the wooden disc the teleportation circle that led to the temple of the Illithid which Beri removed from the floor of the wardrobe? If not, how big is it?
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 4:16:46 PM
Cyniq quirks a smile down at Sesha, aye, 'twas a product of Chaos. Know not if it will grow out. Waht say we see what trouble two elven ladies can get into?
Not sure of what use it will be, Cyniq drops the golden leaf into a side pocket of her haversack.
Dirt City? What kind of name is that? Kind of like calling a planet "Ground".
********************** Having recovered from her ordeal with the Chaos Bell, Cyniq followed along with the others as the group traveled to Heranmar. The trip gave her an opportunity to settle into the new climate and consider how she would serve Pantheon here. Don't recall hearing of a temple in the south, probably need to see what they've been doing to adjudicate crimes...
Realizing that she had been gathering wool, she jumps into the conversation
I haven't had a bed with my name on it in WEEKS. Do you know what that does for my complexion?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 6:40:55 PM
ooc: post coming a little late tonight, need to make some corrections to my character sheet and finish cleaning out my magical items.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 9:10:08 PM
The young drow looks at Bosk, with an expression somewhere between innocence and confusion.
"Is the disc terribly bad? I have it, stowed away. It seemed such an innocent trinket, without the Chaos Bell yearning for it. But such a thing! Cursed, craved by a Bell, then stripped of it's power. It seemed as if it could be a wonderful component to play with...we Witches can tinker with magic by using outstanding magic components if we find them. I thought perhaps it might add a wonderful bonus to a Barkskin spell. Or maybe it might add something special to a Plant Shape spell. If there's harm in keeping it you can certainly have it back."
She looks somewhat saddened, as a collector might when asked to give up a rare piece of his horde.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:28:58 PM
Caius shrugs. "I didn't name Dirt City. If I did, it would have been something more tourist-friendly. Like Whiskeytown or Baconville or Free-whores-on-Tuesdays-burg." He sighs. "Sounds like I'm not reporting for duty any time soon. A bunk sounds very inviting right now." He joins the group as they make their way toward Peerimus and the tower.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:37:13 PM The bond between the cursed objects and the bell has been broken, but I believe the items themselves are still cursed. The teleporter belonged to power illithid and its demigod and can force people to use it to enter the Illithid's temple. It needs to be placed a special vault for all our sakes. We also promised Peerimus we would secure them in the vault he is helping us build to supress thier powers.
Back at the tower I may have something safer for you to play with. When we first bought the tower we found a ring on it that used to belong to someone very powerful in Hook City ages ago. His name was Malaphaz. Despite being dead for aged he was able to lure us into the ring to entertain him in a gladiator style arena battle. This was where we found Alexi imprisoned. While in there we defeated several champion skeletons he made that had black long swords of some unknown and unidentifiable metal fused to thier wrists instead of hands. I saved these swords. They have a faint evil aura, but they are not cursed. Would this be of use to you?
ooc: The swords have NO value, but Bosk keeps them as a momento and uses them for decoration.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:40:44 PM
Beriothian smiles at the thought of Baconville. A whole community where the houses are made out of sides of bacon weaved together, a land where there is no fighting because everybody is fat and happy. It was actually a recurring dream the druid had at night. Shaking the images from his head, Beri returns to the conversation. Since the bonds to the bell have been cut they may no longer pose a threat, but we really should have them examined first to know for sure. That disc in particular led to some pretty horrific events that would disturb any man with a conscience, and I know the events weighed especially hard on Bosk being an avenger.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Wednesday July 3rd, 2013 10:49:12 PM
Bosk shoots Beri a murderous stare. It seems that killing the demigod broke the unwritten and unspoken rule that the events of that day were not to be spoken of. The things they were forced to do.....the unspeakable and unforgivable acts...that poor little girl....so innocent....
In a less than friendly voice the cleric replies, Vengence has been served.
ooc: Did I miss something about the curses being lifted?
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 4th, 2013 12:50:28 AM
Sesha is smiling at Cynique as Bosk approaches her. She fishes through her component pouch and offers the disc to Bosk, pointedly not asking about the glare between him and the druid, Beriothian. He might be touchy, this Minotaur.
"I didn't know they were so dangerous. I should have been more careful. I wonder.."
She reaches into the area around her and taps a small amount of magic from the shadow realm. She casts a detect magic spell, curious if the disc gives off any aura at all. Whether it does or does not, she hands it gingerly to Bosk.
"Thank you for the offer to study the skeletal champions swords! I'll consider it a worthy trade."
The little elf smiles, but is inwardly a tad crestfallen. She should have been more careful with the wooden disc, both in how she procured it and in her efforts to keep it. Still, black arm-swords from skeletal champions sounded interesting enough.
She takes another moment to consider Cyniques words. She called her an Elf, which she was, and not "Drow", which she also was. All in all, she was feeling pretty good about her change of scenery.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Thursday July 4th, 2013 9:34:26 AM
The talk and cursed trinkets bores the barbarian. "Why don't ye just smash them all? Anrete has a big sword!"
OOC: Releveling means we keep everything or do we need to still redo the equipment to match the treasure limit? Haha. Cuz if so, I am kinda lazy to redo my equipment again.
Peerimus and Reward (DM SteveK) Thursday July 4th, 2013 11:29:28 AM
Restlin give a quick overview of the last month's work by the Iron Adventurers, and introduces the others to the Druid, and vice versa.
Anrete greets Caius-sergeant, and Peerimus-dreadlock. He is content to be with the group for now.
Sesha watches Peerimus and puzzles over what is a 'Mark of Chaos', already god-touched to make her way in the Southern Continent.
Bosk asks Sesha about the wooden disk, the teleportation circle to the Illithid's Temple. Try as he might, the Grim cannot find it in the grass... Secha tells Bosk that the Witch has it stowed away, and since it is presumably stripped of power, she may be able to Tinker with it to enhance her spells. If there's harm in keeping it Bosk can certainly have it back. Bosk does ask it back, not only that they promised to protect the items, but that no one has yet VERIFIED if any evil, curse, or magic is still about the items...
Cyniq recovers from her ordeal with the Chaos Bell, she waits at the Ruined Chapel as Peerimus the Druid approaches and speaks with the group.
Caius shrugs, explaining more about Dirt City. As he can't be reporting for duty any time soon. He joins the group as they speak with Peerimus.
Beriothian thinks the items should be examined first to know for sure. That disc in particular led to some pretty horrific events that would disturb any man with a conscience. Bosk only mutters "Vengence has been served."
Sesha casts a simple shadowy Detect Magic and is rewarded by learning the disc is still magical.
Anrete suggests the easiest way to take care of the magical cursed items is to cut them into little bits... and he is the one to do it!
................................
OOC: Only Sesha(KenE) has expressed interest in returning to 11th level. Yes? If so, we'll all stay at 10th .
Peerimus nods. His large bear stops and scratches its ears. "Back as it should be. Good. Keep those cursed items safe, and I will contact companions who will meet you at your Iron Tower to build the Magic Storage Unit. You have certainly proven yourselves true and resourceful, and worthy champions of the Southern Continent."
The druid nods politely at the new heroes, and explains to Sesha. "A generation ago, the Chaos Bell was discovered and rung in the basement of that ruined Chapel. From that time until the end of the Great Migration 5 years ago, a group of heroes were marked with Tattoos. These Marks of Chaos continually changed and sometimes affected the heroes lives in strange and unexpected ways. But I see none of you have the Marks that I and my companions wore for many years. You are free."
The druid smiles. "Well met, all of you. For your heroism, rest at the INN of Heranmar. Give the innkeep, Chester, this acorn, and he will know I will cover all your boarding costs." Peerimus gives them a single golden acorn.
A job well done, the heroes can look forward to a week's rest in Heranmar, a week's travel, and then the wonders of Hook City!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Thursday July 4th, 2013 7:54:21 PM
Garret's eyes follow the conversation around, and he continues to ask questions here and there, "So why is it named Hook city?"
When the chaos marks are mentioned, Garret looks up and down his arms, almost seeming to count the various tattoos. He turns around and says, "Hey, can you check my back for one of them? If its small, it might blend right in." Various tattoos do spread from his arms and shoulders across his neck and down his back.
OOC: 10th is fine, I've already come to grips with the loss... :)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Thursday July 4th, 2013 8:45:38 PM
Beriothian smiles and turns towards Garret. During his time in Hook City he's heard the story of The Hooks many times, and has even found himself recounting the tale to visitors on numerous occasions.
It's funny that you ask that. We've been living in a haunted tower in Hook City for a while now, and I've noticed that the first thing everyone wants to know about the city is the story of "The Hooks". The Hooks dominate the skyline, the trade, and is the center of the very lives of the inhabitants of Hook City. When you look at the sky the first thing you notice are four giant hooks suspended in mid air holding up "The Bridge". No one knows where they or the bridge came from, but both are magical in nature. The Bridge is also the richest and most prestigious market The Wold has ever known. This structure separates the mighty city into three regions: The Northhook Cityscape, The Bridge, and The Southhook Shore Cityscape.
Beri posting for Bosk Thursday July 4th, 2013 8:53:05 PM
ooc: James sent me a note saying he doesn't have internet access at the moment, so I am posting for him.
Bosk's demeanor softens as he turns form Beriothian to Peerimus. Thank you for your kindness, we are glad to have been able to play our roles in protecting the Wold from the Bell being rung before it's due time. I'm sure we could all use a good nights sleep after the excitement we've had the last few weeks.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Thursday July 4th, 2013 11:30:55 PM
ooc: Happy Independence Day! No posting today. :)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Friday July 5th, 2013 7:33:32 AM
Garret responds to Beriothian, "So the hooks have just always been there? And what haunts your tower? Do you see it often? Is it nice?"
Peerimus and Reward (DM SteveK) Friday July 5th, 2013 8:29:18 AM
ooc: US Independence Day is NOT a no-post day. The only days designated as not required posting days (always can still do optional) is 2 weeks between Christmas and New Years. The Wold is International, with several players each in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia (pardon me if I have left anyone out.) If we shut down for every nation's holidays, we'd never get anywhere! :-)
There are times when someone isn't able (or has other commitments) to post. Woldians who observe Judaism for example may not want to post Friday dusk to Saturday dusk. If Guy Day is in your considered Most Important Holidays, then you can make the choice to not post. Just don't expect the rest of the Wold to stop until the next day. .......................
Garrett and Beriothian talk about Hook City.
Bosk thanks Peerimus for the honor, the gift to be delivered at the Iron Tower, and the more tangible one of the golden acorn to give to Chester who runs the INN at Heranmar. He then, with ALL the cursed items in hand (except for the Assassin's Dagger that was dragged with poor Zeoll to wherever he is), chivvies the others into moving towards Heranmar for a weeks worth of rest.
Heranmar is the premier port town of all Gateway Downs, and is the closest port to the Northern Continent, but still numbers less than a thousand souls. While most commerce, regionally and between the Northern and Southern Continents goes through Hook City because of the facilities there, Heranmar's harbor is always busy. The town is protected by a strong stone wall and well-trained guard, both courtesy of two dwarf brothers that are held in high regard in the town.
The Iron Adventurers and Guests walk to Heranmar and enter. Upon the approach, one can notice a lot of activity at the Quarry, a deep-bass roar of a dwarven overseer cutting across the fields as the party walks down the North Road. This is in fact the first hint that Heranmar doesn't like to change. Clearly the "north road" is an east-west road, but the people of Heranmar haven't changed the name even though the Great Migration has changed the directions of the land!
On entering, the group is easily able to see "Savin's Monk School" at the first cross-roads. Taking the seaward walk near the Heranmar wall, the Iron Adventurers are quickly able to walk through most of the town. They can hear fishermen hawking their wares outside the seawall and see there are two ocean-going vessels in port, their masts standing proudly over the wall. They pass the Quendeck Mansion, now the seat of government in Heranmar. Snuggled up close to the South Gate (which points West) and the Guardsman's Barracks is the INN at Heranmar, and across the way is the General Store (with its backroom that leads to the Catacombs). In one of these two places, the Iron Adventurers are able to find just about anything they are looking for.
The Innkeeper, a fat, bald, happy man named Chester is more than happy to accept the small golden acorn for a week of fine meals, hot baths, and soft beds at the INN. He banters about stories of what has gone on since the Iron Adventurers were last through his establishment, and what may be on the road to Hook City in this season. He prepares a regional specialty, Stingroot, which is quite flavorful but the spiciness brings tears to the eye!
The General Store manager, a waif of a girl named Holly,is exuberant and happy to be conversing with just about anyone, is also content to sit outside her shop and engage passersby in conversation. The hard part with Holly is to get her to STOP talking!
A nearby Stable stands, and has horses, tack, saddles, and carts or wagons all for sale at the usual prices. ............
ooc: planning to move on to Hook City starting Monday unless anyone has a dreadful need to stay in Heranmar.
"Hey guys, we kind of relied on Zeoll to keep the girls happy. They may not be pleased that he's gone." The wizard turns to Garret. "The ghosts of two little girls haunt the tower. They and their families were killed inside and they remain. They can be...unpleasant to some, but they adored Zeoll. They left me flowers one time after I tried reaching out to them, but they've never spoken to me.
"Without Zeoll there, maybe it's time for Bosk to do his thing and send them to the Land of Rest." He turns to Bosk and Beri. "What do you two think? This isn't something we can discuss in the tower, so we should have a plan returning home. I'm not playing tea-time with a minotaur..."
That unpleasantness aside, Restlin intends to make full use of a week's vacation in Heranmar. The wizard immediately heads up to his room with the request that a bath be drawn for him. He adds some lavendar oil to the bath and soaks off the road until the water turns tepid. He is positively oozing with contentment when he returns downstairs to eat and talk with his new companions.
His robes are gone for the moment; their enchantment is very useful for travels, but he prefers to not dress as a stereotypical wizard when he's off the job. His clothes are perhaps a hair above his station, but he wears them with enough aloofness to make it excusable.
He will spend a week enhancing the enchantment on his Ring of Protection. He decides to move things as quickly as possible so it can be finished by the time they leave for Hook City.
DC=19: 5+9(caster level)+5(rushing). Roll is 25 (success).
He also takes the time to copy the arcane scrolls they found in Trella's horde into his spellbook.
What the heck? 2, 5, 12, 1? Anyway, Restlin copies Permanency and Dimensional Anchor into his book and saves the other scrolls for when he's back in Hook City.
During the evenings, Restlin goes out of his way to meet the newcomers. He seems to get along famously with Sesha, perhaps because of their relative youth.
He takes an immediate liking to Anrete and his unique way of speaking. Garret's movements fascinate him; Restlin's spent a good amount of time learning acrobatics at the WLA, but this Garret fellow makes him look downright clumsy.
He wonders how Caius will fit in. A former town guard in the Iron Adventurers? He recalls some of their...extralegal entrances into residences of the city. Still, the stoic soldier will probably fit in well with Hook City's rigid atmosphere.
,,,and Cyniq? She seems tough to figure out. Restlin suspects that's no accident. Oh well, they'll have plenty of time to get to know each other.
Restlin will regale his new friends with stories of their adventures, his life as an apprentice, the interesting bug he found on the window sill the previous evening, or whatever else floats into his mind.
He will ask Sesha if she'd be so kind as to show him her abilities with potions. He's never seen a witch in action before. He'll purchase or help collect whatever materials she needs, of course.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 d20+7=19 ; Friday July 5th, 2013 12:18:09 PM
Anrete wanders around with Copper and listens quietly as his new companions speak of their experiences and their strange city. Mildly intrigued by their haunted tower, Anrete looks forward to visiting the Iron Tower.
The lanky barbarian spends his week concocting some new dishes from the local fauna and vermin he found in the vicinity. Adding plenty of spices into his strange-looking stew, Anrete goes around handing out bowls of his special stew during dinner, including the talkative Holly.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday July 5th, 2013 12:28:45 PM
Cyniq is surprised by the number of people connected with the WLA, Seems we have more in common than an affinity for Chaos. She flips a patch on her gear strap that rides from her shoulder to her waist, revealing a silvered journeyman's pin. Be there an outpost here?
Cyniq asks Bosk This 'Hook' place, this is where ye are building your vault? Ye have that many cursed items about?
Thank ye Master Peerimus, I be sure te appreciate thine generosity.
Cyniq doesn't take long to set herself up in a corner of the Inn. Each morning she spends four hours in a Cradle pocket, enhancing her gear. After lunch she places the silver circle and hammer broach from her jacket on the table before her, announcing that she is available to adjudicate disagreements. In the meantime she spends her time writing in her journal of her recent travels and exploits.
Still reviewing gear. A week of crafting should help with that.
Heranmar Addendum (DM SteveK) Friday July 5th, 2013 1:49:38 PM
Turns out that there IS a WLA Outpost in Heranmar! Small, no more than a couple rooms and an open-air salle, it keeps up with regional news and brings in local experts when traning is needed. Cyniq immediately can learn that the largest WLA conclave in the Southern Continent is in Hook City.
What is more, the ONLY known Star Mages enclave in the Southern Continent is also in Hook City.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Friday July 5th, 2013 4:27:19 PM
Bosk smiles as Cyniq reveals the silver WLA pin, a mirror image of his own. There us a WLA outpost here in Heranmar as well as a large one in Hook City where we reside. I need to go there myself, if you want to come with me. I am long due for some training. After that I have a couple magic items I need to finish working on. I'm afraid my tools are too large for you all to use, but you are welcome to use my anvil if you like and I will be preparing plenty of casting of Rose's Temperature Control for my work, should you all need it.
ooc: I am out of town at the moment, but will be back on Monday. I plan do use as much of my time as possible, other than what I am spending at the LA, crafting. I will make the rolls for those items on Monday, when I am not trying to calculate the rolls on my phone.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Friday July 5th, 2013 5:16:40 PM
Garret travels with the others to the town. Once they have settled in at the Inn, he moves to the harbor. He stops and gazes out at the large body of water. He asks a nearby sailor, "What is that place called? I've never seen so much water that you cannot see the other side." He often stops on the stoop with Holly to ask her questions about the place, and to listen to her endless talk.
He spends a good deal of time staring out at the water and watching the large ships in the huge body of water. Many afternoons he just sits on a hill and stares out in the water. Other times he asks the various people loading and unloading the ships where they are going or where they have come from. He purchases a few different items from the port vendors, taking them back to the inn, asking Chester to prepare them, as he's not experienced them before. He is sure to ask Anrete to join him when he finds a new dish.
Finally he makes his way to the place labeled "Savin's Monk School." He introduces himself as Garret and says that he has a little training in the way of the monk. He would like to watch the training that is happening and offer his services if he can help.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Friday July 5th, 2013 9:46:03 PM
Seeing Anrete pacified and that her prior companions are indeed coming along as well, Sesha is able to relax a little. The story of the two little ghosts in the tower catches her interest immediately.
"Have they named themselves? What happened to them? I could try to befriend them, but the decision should be Bosks. I am new to your home, and probably shouldn't be making any decisions on how it is ran yet."
When Restlin asks for Sesha to demonstrate some potion brewing, she is more than happy. It had been a while since Pot-pot was asked to do anything.
"What kind of potion would you like? Pick a good one, because you can use it more than once." The young drow smiles at the Mage-Priest, raising an eye at his fine clothes. "Something that seems to suprise most others is that I can make a potion very ..." The little one thinks for a moment, trying to find the right word in common. " .. heavy. You can use it up to three times before it goes away. I do not have to make it this way but most prefer it. Before coming through the portal I could make fantastic potions of nearly any spell. Since coming through, I fear I am limited to minor magics."
She then takes a minute, talking about the spells she can cast. She sticks to describing the effects, and letting Restlin sort out what it's proper name may be.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Friday July 5th, 2013 10:16:40 PM
Caius seems out of sorts as he is suddenly bereft of the structure and regimentation of his life in the Mailed Fist. He takes to drinking, not knowing what to do with his time during the day. After two or three days of living at the tavern, he feels his boredom coming to a head. He finishes his drink and slams his mug down on the bar upside-down. He moves to the center of the room and starts moving chairs and tables to form a space in the middle of the common room. He drops behind the bar and grabs two mops. He leaves two silver pieces on the bar as he walks back to the center of the room. He calls out above the din of the crowd. "Alright, civvies! I'm bored." He snaps the mop over his knee, breaking off the head and leaving the long handle intact. He swings it with casual ease in his hands to test the weight. "If any man here can best me at staves, I have ten gold pieces for his pocket. So are Heranmar men warriors or dandies? Because to be honest, I've had some difficulty telling men from women here on the Southern continent..."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Sunday July 7th, 2013 9:53:51 PM
A smile creeps across Beriothians face as the bored Caius displays his act of bravado. The druid orders a dark stout and prepares for a show, thankful that on this rare occasion he can just watch as someone else takes a few lumps. The Mailed Fist has surely left Caius prepared for anything he may face, but from the looks of the guard on the wall when they entered there are surely a few in this town that could give him a run for his money.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20-2=6 ; d20-2=4 ; Monday July 8th, 2013 8:53:52 AM
Restlin wants to know what this brash newcomer is capable of. Maybe it's the 2 glasses of wine he's imbibed, but he figures a few bruises is a small price to pay for knowing what this guy's capable of in a fight.
"Pardon me, dear," he says to Sesha. "I have to go let your friend whoop me in public for the sake of knowledge. The things I do in the pursuit of learning..."
"Good sir! It seems as though manners are in short supply where you hail from." Restlin hops down from his barstool and goes to meet the towering man in the center of the tavern. He swears he didn't look quite so large from the bar. Oh well, fortune favors the bold.
The wizard priest of Wardd snatches the second mop and attempts to break it over his knee as Caius did, only to have it bounce off ineffectually (STR: 6). "Ah yes...sturdy wood 'round these parts." He tries again with even less success (STR: 4..ha!).
He looks cross at the mop for a moment, then walks over to Caius and hands it to him. "If you'd be so kind as to break this mop so that I might teach you a lesson in appreciating new cultures with it, I would be ever so grateful."
Heranmar Addendum (DM SteveK) Monday July 8th, 2013 10:53:58 AM Restlin worries about Garret's question and the two girl ghosts in the Iron Tower. The team kind of relied on Zeoll to keep the girls happy may not be pleased that he's gone. Maybe it's time for them to go to the Land of Rest. That unpleasantness aside, Restlin makes full use of a week's vacation in Heranmar. Extravagent baths, meals, beds, and good conversation makes him think he is almost civilized again!
He spends 4 days enhancing the enchantment on his Ring of Protection, and at the end, his Spellcraft and ability to Forge a Ring is successful!
Anrete wanders around with Copper and concocts new dishes from the local fauna and vermin he finds in the vicinity. He urges everyone to try his Mean Weed Rat Stew. It's not bad!
Cyniq is surprised by the number of people connected with the WLA, and doesn't take long to set herself up in a corner of the Inn. Each morning for four days, she spends four hours in a Cradle pocket, enhancing her gear. After lunch she places the silver circle and hammer broach from her jacket on the table before her, announcing that she is available to adjudicate disagreements. In the meantime she spends her time writing in her journal of her recent travels and exploits.
The first day that Cyniq presents her Justicar badge and announces her intent to sit as judge, she gets completely ignored by everyone. The second day, it is less than 10 minutes when a delegation arrives at the table and sits down. They introduce themselves as the Heranmar Council, the leaders of Heranmar and so the only ones who have the right to administer justice within the town. The group includes an old woman who sits ramrod straight named Selenie Quendeck, Chester the INNkeeper, a cleric of the Crones who only goes by the name Daughter, and the two dwarf brothers Durgan and Kazak.
They are nice, not hostile, but come to make two points. The first they have already made, that THEY are the judges in this town. The second is advice spoken by the old Selenie. "Learned and far-travelled folk have heard of the Northern gods, Cyniq, but very few in the entire Continent are far-travelled, and especially in the Gateway Downs. We as a whole are very wary of strangers and suspicious of the machinations of those that follow the northern gods, for most of them have sought to supplant our beliefs and organizations with their own colonization and slavery to their way of life."
She smiles and gives some advice. "So long as you only offer and do not force your will and beliefs, the Heranmar Council will not mind you performing minor adjudications between two people within our walls. I suggest you set up at the docks, for the northern sailors would be more inclined to allow you to perform your duty as you see it." She pauses, consideringly, before continuing. "Finally, Heranmar only claims jurisdiction within a day's walk or sail of our walls (and this is the same with all the towns in Gateway Downs). Beyond that, justice and mercy are provided by those with the power and honor to enforce them. I know of your Pantheon, and if you are a true follower of him, when you are in the wilds you may be the hand of low and high justice."
Bosk uses his time at the WLA and 4 days in creating magic items of his own.
Garret travels with the others to the town. Once they have settled in at the Inn, he moves to the harbor. He stops and gazes out at the large body of water, which he learns is called the Plactik Ocean. After some surprise on the sailors part, they don't seem to mind the halfling's presence and constant questions. In only a week's time, he learns just about everything about the Plactik (see woldipedia) from the Sailors to include the EverWave, the gargantuan wave that continually churns at the midpoint of the Ocean between the Northern and Southern continents. "Gotta have a good ship, strong crew, and nervy captain for that one, eh?" quips one sailor.
Conversations with Holly and meals with Chester and an enthusiastic welcome from the instructors of Savin's Monk School pass the rest of his week. The School is more than happy to receive instruction from the disciplined Halfling from another school. In return, they speak about their founder (a monk who did a mutual kill in combat with an ancient blue dragon), and the master Monk School of the Gateway Downs located in Wayfarer, a town about 2 weeks south (See Woldipedia).
Sesha's interest is immediately caught with the story of the two little ghosts in the tower, and she speaks more with the young wizard. Pot-pot is used in some brewing, describing the effects and letting Restlin sort out what it's proper name may be.
Caius, without the regimentation of the Mailed Fist, takes to drinking for three days before the boredom comes to a head. He creates a salle with pugil sticks in the middle of the INN and arrogantly challenges all comers. Chester, the owner, comes about. "Good sir, we have a very nice exercise ring outside..." His voice drops off after looking at the mercenary's face.
Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { and a hand wave that says 'let him be' from a fat dwarf named Durgan in the corner.}
Over the next couple of days, Restlin, several of the militia, a couple students of the monk school, and a sailor or two all try out Caius. They are handily beaten. The one who is the toughest opponent to Caius is the General Store owner, Holly, who comes over in a fit when she heard of the Fist's disparaging remarks about women. A feint and a follow-up gives Caius a solid bruise, but in no time at all, Holly is getting water tossed on her while lying on the floor. One of the militia who was beaten the first day glares at the fat dwarf named Durgan who has been watching every fight. "Don't just sit there eating Stingroot, you fat moron. Teach this Stranger a lesson!"
Perception DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: {. It doesn't take much to hear that "stranger" is the next thing to "muck that you scrape off a boot". }
Durgan just laughs. "About time you started talking instead of fighting, young Terl. And once you start thinking as well, you will learn this week's lesson; 'There is ALWAYS someone better than you.' "The fat dwarf tells this to Terl, but his eyes bore into Caius'. It seems that Durgan, the militia's trainer of Heranmar, is talking to Caius, too. "And THAT is why you need companions, because the only thing you can do by yourself is become a corpse."
[u]Beriothian[u/] smiles as he witnesses Caius' display of bravado and is also there for the thrashing of Holly and the words of Durgan.
................
It is the day before the week is up, and the heroes have opportunity to think about all they did this week, and to prepare for the 7 day trek east to Hook City.
................NOTES
At 10th level , PCs can use 4 days to craft magic items. Crafters can use these days in Heranmar, but a total of 4 days is all that is currently allowed for the level. This is to support balance in PCs. (otherwise, crafting can in effect have one PC have twice the equipment as another.)
Right now, I'm tracking that Restlin, Cyniq, and Bosk have now all used their 4 days at 10th level.
(Crafters are allowed to use 4 days to craft items for Other PCs. This supports balance.)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Monday July 8th, 2013 1:42:58 PM
A battered, but smiling Restlin sits back down at the bar. "Yes, he'll do nicely in our ranks. Sesha, I've made up my mind. A bull's strength potion would be lovely for times such as those you've just witnessed."
***
OOC: What's the $$ for the mats so I can take it off my sheet?
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday July 8th, 2013 3:32:33 PM
Sesha is pleased with the choice, and happily sets Pot-pot down on the ground.
"Don't complain Mr. Pot. I know it's not for me but we are trying to enmesh ourselves here. I learned a lot about our Allied Power from this group. I want to repay them."
Finished with chiding her tiny cast-iron pot, she starts gathering the necessary supplies. As she puts together her components, the pot grows in size, from Tiny to Medium. She begins brewing, humming to herself. It's a happy tune. She stops for a moment, seemingly startled.
"I don't know Pot-pot. Perhaps I have. The Chaos Bell is aptly named."
Sesha looks at Restlin, then gives a shy smile.
"Sorry. Whispering in front of others is rude. Pop-pot here thinks I have changed since the portal. He says I look and act younger. That I was too dour before and he likes the change. Perhaps he is right."
She continues her work, speaking happily with Restlin about whatever crosses her mind. At the end of the day, she has his potion ready. The costs are negligible, so she takes them on herself. The next two days are also spent crafting, but in secret as best as she can. She approaches Restlin, somewhat shyly.
"Hello Mage-Priest. I have made you another potion, although you didn't ask for it. This one is a gift. Please accept it."
The potion is small, with 2 clear notches etched in the glass to indicate dosage. (Cure Moderate Wounds @ caster lvl 10. So 2d8+10.)
The second she gives to Bosk, when he has a moment free.
"Thank you for your help, Eye of Gargul. Please take this. Not because I want you to think you are too large, but because I appreciate that you helped someone small. If ever your size is a burden, this should help."
This potion is also etched, although three times instead of two. (Reduce Person @ lvl 1. 3 doses.)
[ooc: Okay, 3 days of potion making. Here is the breakdown. Also, Sesha has a 20 something Craft: Alchemy. I'll update my sheet when I get home. ]
Highlight to display spoiler: { Day 1, 3 Dose Potion of Bull Strength @ 1st Level. (1x1x25x3) - (66%, or 2/3rds.) = 25.5 gold. DC 11, cannot fail.--- Day 2, 2 Dose Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds @ 10th Level. (2x10x25x2) - (66% = 340 gold. DC 12, cannot fail. ---3 Dose Potion of Reduce Person @ 1st Level. (1x1x25x3) - (66%, or 2/3rds.) = 25.5 gold. DC 11, cannot fail.--- Total gold spent: 391/ 3 potion vials used. }
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Monday July 8th, 2013 4:29:22 PM
Garret takes him time at the school and does his best to teach the students well.
When the barroom brawls start, he takes a seat and calls out, "Hey, why don't you tie one hand behind your back to make it fair!"
When Holly comes in to join in, Garret tries to grab her arm. "I don't think you should..." but she ignores him and heads into the battle where she manages to hold her own for almost a minute. When she is knocked down, Garret helps her to a seat and offers her some ale.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+13=23 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=26 ; Monday July 8th, 2013 6:56:32 PM My first impressions of the Southern Continent don't indicate anything particularly unusual. I look forward to the end of the week when we travel to Hook City. I can try mapping then and see if that rumor is Cyniq stops writing as several shadows crowd her table. Looking up she is introduced to the town council.
Listening to Selenie, she can't help smiling that her mere presence as a Justicar is enough to have them coming to her.
Northern gods, southern gods. They are all gods of the Wold. I am not a woman of the cloth, and do not proselytize. I do however abide by the tenants of Pantheon, Sanctuary of Victims, Refuge of the Aggrieved. Pantheon is not a god of the North, he is god of Justice. Justice knows not any border. Rather incensed that this group of bureaucrats! would interfere in any beings right to Justice has her reaching for a soapbox before realizing that maybe they have a reason to want her suppressed. Laying her hand on her symbol she studies Selenie as she describes the way it works in Heranmar (truth test).
Settling back into her chair, relaxed, I have reviewed your laws, Pantheon instructs his Justicars to consider local laws and customs. I respect your taking the time to come down and see me. Justice knows not borders, but it is good to know the limit of your own reach.
Smiling amicably at the assembled council members, now why don't you tell me about the issue that really brought you down here. It wasn't a question.
Know:religion=23, Sense Motive(Truth Test)=32, Know:local (law)=26
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday July 8th, 2013 8:36:18 PM
After a week of recovery Beriothian is feeling good as new and ready to head home. The hustle and bustle of the city are calling to him, and he has a growing desire to make sure his friends from Blackthorn's Shop are all okay after the fire. Still, this land is lovely and the druid finds no end to the amount he is able to learn about the flora and fauna native to this area.
ooc: Crafters are allowed to use 4 days to craft items for Other PCs does this mean that they get 4 days for themselves and 4 days for others?
co_DM SteveK: Example: Bosk can Craft for 4 days this level for an item for Bosk, 4 days for an item for Beri, 4 days for an item for Cyniq...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Monday July 8th, 2013 10:07:25 PM
Restlin smiles broadly at the potions. "Hey! That's fantastic! I can heal," the wizard makes little quote symbols in the air as he says 'heal,' "but barely. It's great if I stub my toe or get a papercut from my spell book. This would have come in great handy when that reverse gravity trap was throwing me around two weeks ago.
"Your pot, is it intelligent? That's neat if it is. Gloomy here is intelligent too," he motions to the jet-black short sword at his hip, "but mostly he just says things like 'Whatever you desire, master' or 'with you into the darkness' or what not. Not that I'm complaining. He was a gift from Wardd for completing my first luck quest. He lets me see in the dark. I can also see invisible stuff, but that's unrelated to Gloomy. I just don't like being snuck up on. Bosk isn't too keen on intelligent magics, by the way. Something about unnatural life. Best to hush up about it in his presence."
Noting Cyniq's visitors, he leans in closer. "She's an odd one. Is she always this serious?"
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Monday July 8th, 2013 11:18:37 PM
Caius nods to the dwarf as he relishes his victory, "Aye, master dwarf. A chain is as strong as its weakest link." He walks to the bar, sits on a stool, and orders another ale. He smiles as he drinks. "Things may not be so bad here, after all."
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday July 9th, 2013 3:15:28 AM
Sesha whispers back.
"I've only known her for a couple of days. When I stumbled across the defenders of Bryn Baraz, I was on an economic mission for It'lal. I met the lot fighting a tainted elemental. I just showed up for the chance at a rare component, I didn't even know it was fighting."
She looks at Pot-pot and flicks the cauldron twice. It starts to shrink again, and is replaced on it's hook on her belt.
"Yes, he is intelligent. As a novice Witch, one of the first things we must do is befriend a spirit. We spend so much time in the realm of shadow that their help is essential. When I called to the shadow, he answered. He is still upset about being bound to a cauldron. Many Witches bind their spirit companions to either weapons or animals. I wish I could have agreed, but as the spiritual head of my people, the Ga'alin, I needed a cauldron for practical reasons. He is my closest friend, other than Little Spirit, whomever she is. He still refuses his name to me though, until I put him in something else."
The little drow looks at Bosk, then huffs.
"I will spend very much care being delicate with Bosk's beliefs, but I will not forsake or ignore one of the two beings that have sustained me so far. He can be delicate with me, in this. Does he give you much lecture over Gloomy? I don't think there will be any strife though. I think I will grow fond of him, as I have of you Mage-Priest Restlin."
Sesha waits to hear Restlins thoughts, then yawns and stands up, stretching this way and that. She begins gathering all of her gear, then considers Restlin again. Strange, with everything gathered she seems even smaller and more fragile.
"I should probably get some rest. And to be honest.." she pokes a finger at the Dwarf and the Barkeep.."..I don't know if I'm supposed to be here. If there's a minimum age I might make some uncomfortable."
She smiles and waves goodbye, then heads to her room. As she turns away, her happy smile fades a little. There's a last task to be done.
Restlin's eye widen at Sesha's mention of her people. "Ga'alin? As in, your people worship Ga'al? Heartseeding, you people shouldn't be trusted with intellect, submit to my will Ga'al? I wouldn't have pegged you as a worshiper of his, if you are one, that is. Can't say I'm fond of his philosophy personally, but I'm sure a few in our group aren't thrilled about my worship of Wardd.
"Anyway, don't worry about Bosk, just giving you a heads up. He respects the rights of his friends to believe differently than he. That's got to be tough for someone as steadfast in his beliefs as he is...and believe me, he is...so I try to make it easy on him. He's a good friend who'd go through hell and back for you.
"Anyway, you have a good night. I wouldn't worry about the age thing...you're probably at least twice my age AND you sent the Chaos Bell away."
Heranmar Addendum (DM SteveK) d20+15=18 ; Tuesday July 9th, 2013 9:10:51 AM
Restlin and Sesha hit it off like gangbusters, discussing backgrounds, likely reactions of others, and potion magics. There is a lot to learn, and coincidentally, the group has a week of road travel to make it to Hook City.
Garrett also has a good time with the ocean-going sailors of the docks and the monk school. At the end of the week, Garrett is invited to return anytime. "If you need advice or knowledge, visit our Mother House at Wayfarer. There is no better library in all of Gateway Downs."
Beriothian is longing once again to hear the hustle and bustle of the great city. He learns about local flora and fauna, often accompanied while in the woods by a talking badger or Peerimus himself, who seems most content to monitor and seldom interfere with the wilds of Gateway Downs. At the end of the week, Beri also gets an offer. "I have a network of people who seek the free life of the wilds. Torm, the high priest of Ma'ab in Hook City is one, and I monitor with Eberyon's teachings here, but there is room for all if you are interested in being a part of the Gateway Downs Druid Circle."
Caius thinks things may not be bad (at least in Heranmar) after all, and agrees with the dwarf. Or at least Caius thinks he did. The dwarf mumbles into his Mountainhome Ale (Perception DC20 Highlight to display spoiler: {"All the right tunnels and he finds the wrong shaft!"}. Aloud, Durgan notes that "A link heated too long becomes brittle and may not be seen as weak until put to the test." He harumphs and goes back to his meal.
Cyniq informs the Heranmar Council that she has reviewed the local laws and tells them a little more about Panthenon. Selenie and the others are forced to accede that while traditionally the Council is the arbiter in the town, there is no actual LAW that verifies it. So there is no legal leg to stand on to forbid Cyniq from setting up shop as it were. Cyniq also knows from her quick review of the laws that very few laws were actually written down, and that she got most of her local legal information from word of mouth, tradition, and thats-the-way-it-always-has-been. Cyniq also sees that Selenie is telling the exact truth as she sees it.
When Cyniq asks the Council the REAL reason they came to her, there is a very pregnant pause and many perplexed looks. The dwarf named Kazak, and representing all the skilled workers laughs out loud. Chester the INNkeeper, representing the commoner looks surprised. The fat dwarf Durgan is amused. The Daughter's face doesn't change. And for Selenie, a series of emotions race quickly across her face from surprise to confusion to anger. Selenie stares hard at Cyniq (Spellcraft DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Detect Evil}, then rolls her eyes to the ceiling in resignation before speaking. "So long as you do not proselytize, you may set up anywhere you wish. I ask you to not try and convert the people for fear of you angering them and I am concerned with the safety of the people of Heranmar. Also, suggesting the docks is advice where you may find more who both know what that symbol is, and are willing to let you arbitrate their disputes. It is up to you." (Cyniq sees that Selenie Quendeck is speaking the truth as she sees it.) Selenie, Kazak, and Daughter leave. Durgan returns to his perpetual meal and drink, and Chester goes back to dolling out drinks at the bar.
In the week that Cyniq has her afternoon bar, she only hears one dispute, and that by a man and a woman working a merchant caravan from Hook City passing through.
......................
The day of travel dawns, and the heroes set off for Hook City and the Iron Tower which is the home of Bosk, Restlin, and Beriothian and to which Cyniq, Sesha, Garrett, Anrete, and Caius have all been invited to join at least until they know more about the Southern Continent.
It is a iffy sort of weather while travelling. A bit of sun, clouds, wind, and drizzle. One afternoon and once at night, a sudden downpour soaks the region. (Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { normal for this time of year and the Gateway Downs. If anything, it is not as much rain as normal.})
In a week, the group of heroes have made it to Five Mile House, now a slowly growing community only 5 miles from Hook City. The older Iron Adventurers can see a largeish Inn, a couple corrals for various animals, and worked fields. And there is about 50 shacks of various makes that attests to that there are at least SOME Mudders who decided that moving away from Mud Town was preferrable to giving up their lifestyle.
Woldian Information (DM SteveK) Tuesday July 9th, 2013 10:07:45 AM OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
In the Wold, when a PC retires at 20th level, there is a big send off in the Giggling Ghost. Part of the reward Jerry has set up for 20th level retired PCs is they get to become permanent NPCs at their location of choice.
Some choose to be travelling and in exotic places, some settle down in a stronghold of some sort, and some in the local area or city.
In the history of the online Wold (I think there are 2 more from Jerry's tabletop local game) there have been 3 groups that have retired. 2 are from the Northern Continent (Platinum Dragons and Gray Knights) and mostly retired in or around Plateau City. The other retired group is the Children of Chaos from the Southern Continent.
James (Bosk), Will Dietz (Beriothian), and Carl (Restlin) all know that I've been using the CoC in the recent module as NPCs. This was to introduce them. Remember, that even though they used to be PCs, they are now NPCs. The great things they did are in the past, and are now only supporting cast to any PC group that adventures in the area. Because the Iron Adventurers headquarter quite close (7 days travel) to Heranmar, I anticipate that the IA heroes will often see some of the retired CoC. These NPCs are mortal and may be mistaken or misled and are not omniscient, but they will never tell a PC hero a lie or be part of an evil plot. Players may trust them.
In the week that the heroes stay in Heranmar and at the INN, they hear enough stories to piece together the whereabouts of the last Children of Chaos. Restlin also has a color drawing they recently found in a Linnorm's hoard that shows the picture of each former hero.
Peerimus - human druid. Has Grove just north of Heranmar and a network throughout most of Gateway Downs.
Durgan - dwarf fighter. On Heranmar Council, represents the militia (which he trained while in-game CoC)
Kazak - dwarf fighter. On Heramar Council, represents skilled workers and owns the Stone Quarry east of Heranmar.
Rash - female human cleric. Retired to her farm with family outside of Cliffport.
Firn'gaer - gnome wizard. Built tower somewhere on the western shore of Lake Wane (south of Threshold)
Xenia - female half drow-elf rogue. Built ship and sails the Plactik Ocean as a merchant.
Torgon - minotaur fighter. Retired to his minotaur village somewhere west of Wayfarer.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Tuesday July 9th, 2013 1:30:20 PM
Garret seems sad to see the ocean go, but he is ready for travel with the others. He eschews the use of a horse and prefers to travel on foot, yet he clearly has no trouble keeping up with the horses. In fact, while the group travels, he wanders back and forth across the road, exploring the area and looking at the flora and fauna -- while it seems the same, everything appears just a little different here on the Southern Continent.
As the day goes by, you notice a rather sharp smell. Body odor is a fact of life here in the Wold, though some people go out of their way to use perfume and the like to make things easier on others. Some do not. But every now and then you get a whiff of a scent that makes your nose hairs curl. After a few trips, you notice that the smell is coming from Garret -- when he wanders close, the smell attacks you. He is quite ripe, moreso than most. You are quite glad when the rain showers come, at least holding the smell down and keeping it from traveling far from him. For his part, Garret seems rather oblivious of the smell and he wanders around, exploring, and smiling all the time.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+11=22 ; Tuesday July 9th, 2013 4:10:44 PM
Body odor may be a fact of life for some, but Restlin expends a lot of energy making sure it's not a fact of life for him.
The halfling's bouquet hits the wizard square in the face. Acting on instinct, he casts a quick prestidigitation and magics away the scent. He's not sure the Hook City guards would allow him entrance smelling like that, and he's absolutely sure he'd rather not share a living space with it.
"If Zeoll were here, he'd know how to handle this. He's not, though, so.."
"Sir Halfling, that is quite the odor you've worked up. I do try very hard not to judge others by their customs, but feel I should warn you that the citizenry of Hook City is quite particular about these things. They don't even allow bad weather into their city. Luckily, we have excellent bathing facilities at our tower." (Diplomacy: 22)
Other than that, he enjoys a relaxing trip. He spends the night in an extended rope trick along with anyone else who wishes to avoid weather. Stinky adventurers will be prestidigitized clean prior to entrance. Even on the road, one must have his priorities straight.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday July 9th, 2013 5:48:51 PM
With her magical mount providing a relaxing ride across the landscape, Cyniq is able to sit above most of the stench.
Once town is in site, she rummages through her pack and pulls out a small metal flask with tarnished bands of copper brazed into the sides. Holding the bottle up, Cyniq takes a moment to admire the design of the greened copper, formed into waves, and providing a firm grip for the flask. Pulling the cork as she rides up beside Garret, she holds the bottle out over his head, Silanus. A fountain of water erupts from the bottle washing over the halfling.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Tuesday July 9th, 2013 7:32:20 PM
Beriothian accepts the invitation extended by Peerimus at the end of the week with great joy. It would be a great honor to be a part of the Gate Way Downs Druid Circle. My time here has been wonderful, I have had the pleasure of visitng the Temple of Maab once before. It is an oasis of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life in Hook City.
The journey home is a pleasant one. Throughout their trip the druid spends time getting to know his new friends. He also found that the prestidigitation enchantment on his scarf was unusually useful, who knew such a small thing could make such a prodigious stench!
Periodically during the long trip the druid would see an interesting creature in the wild and change form to experience life as such an animal. He spent some time running along the hills as a great steed. Other times he would try his hand at mimicking the graceful flight and daring dives as a hawk, of course with flight being a skill he was a long way from mastering any dives were from very high up and ended long before he reached the ground.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Tuesday July 9th, 2013 10:22:13 PM
The next morning, as the others prepare to ride, Sesha pulls her broom free of it's straps on her back. She uses her metamagic rod of extend to up the duration to 200 minutes, and can cast the spell multiple times in the day.
On the trail, she takes a moment to sally up next to Restlin.
"I have thought about your last questions, Mage-Priest. To answer your first question, I should tell you a small story. Not all of the Dark Elves living in It'lal have always been there, and It'lal is not the home for every Drow. My blood-father and blood-mother were caught by the Ga'alin Tribe while fleeing from one of those other places. I should also mention, though with some shame, that the Ga'alin are misnamed. They long ago hosted a priest who tried to soothe and enrapture them in Ga'als embrace, and even brought an apprentice to be seeded before them. The acolyte rejected the seed and killed the priest and two of my life-kin before he was destroyed. The Ga'alin renamed themselves to honor the god who would sacrifice his own priests for his would be followers to test themselves against in battle. They simply misunderstood the rejected seed. It is not a proud moment for them, and I fear what it would do to them if they found out the truth. Only their Witches know. From what I have heard of him since leaving, he is undeserving of their prayer."
She takes a deep breath and frowns.
"I am sorry, I meant to keep this short. Many many years later when we were captured, my mother had no value. She had no special skills and was too rebellious. My father was sold. I was to be sold, but Kamali, a Blood Witch and the spiritual guide to our Cheiftan asked for me instead. She taught me, and I found my way with my like-kin. I was trained to take Kamalis place. She said a Dark Elf as a Spiritwoman was a great find, and that when I replaced her I would live very long to guide our people. It did not work as she planned, and I had to leave for It'lal in accordance with a dream. I am blood-kin to the Drow, but not life-kin. I knew to enslave men, birth a child, brew magic, commune with spirits, borrow a soul and barter with other tribes, but nothing about Elves. It was sad for me Restlin, I did not wish to leave."
The little drow smiles up at him before starting to peel away, Beriothians play with the animals catching her eye.
"But it was not all bad. I met Little Spirit, and left my old Allied Power, which was traded to me in service by Kamali. He was angry, a giant creature of teeth and weapons. Little Spirit is much more suited to me. I would not say I worship her, but am enraptured by her instead. Of course, I am ruined to the Ga'alin now. There is much I would have to do for them that is against my new Power's wishes, and I wouldn't dream of upsetting her."
She waves and breaks away, laughing happily as she darts after the multi-shifting Beriothian, following after him with a number of short lived Beast Form spells, resulting in some strange sort of uninvited game of tag.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 d20+10=29 ; Tuesday July 9th, 2013 10:31:17 PM
Anrete rides along on his sturdy steppe pony, humming some off-tuned orcish song.
"Garret-littleman you stink like an orc!", Anrete proclaims frankly as he steers to avoid the smelly halfling.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Tuesday July 9th, 2013 11:37:37 PM
Caius places a fist to his chest and nods to Peerimus. "In the absence of my chain of command, I would be honored to join your group. Just let me know where I can bunk."
ooc: Sorry for the short post, finishing a module for another game...
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+15=34 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=33 ; Wednesday July 10th, 2013 1:22:55 AM
After several days of hard training at the WLA Bosk begins work on crafting a few projects he had been putting off for too long. The work is tedious, but he pours his soul into every stitch and carves intricate scenes in to the stiff leather. On the belt he carves a detailed scent depicting him thrusting a weaponized fruitcake into the eye hole of an Illitid demigod. The belt is almost flawless, and he can practically feel its magic strengthening him. Next he carves a matching leather pouch with a picture of him standing before Trella in dragon form before the other Iron adventurer's caught up to him. It craftsmanship is excellent, but the art work isn't as inspired as it was on the belt or on Restlin's quiver. He then adds the finishing touch of a dab of sap from the exotic Ishgara Tree to complete his work.
Bosk thanks Sesha for the Gift. I am sure this will come in handy if I ever find myself in a tight spot. I am a crafter myself and can make all sorts of Wondrous items. Please let me know if you ever need my skills to craft anything. Also, I apologize if I offended you earlier. When our group first got together I was one of two clerics of Gargul. Padre was his mouth, proclaiming the Gray Lord's teaching and I was his hands, carrying out his will and performing his works. I try not to preach too much, seeing as speaking is not one of my gifts, but at the same time I have hard time not talking about such an amazing god.
ooc: Just a fun fact, Bosk learned common as a second language and has a relatively low charisma score. One of the ways I role play this is by trying not to use contractions in Bosk's speech. I also try to make him avoid slang as it is unlikely that he was taught much on the Taur Islands.
crafting rolls = 34 and 21 to make a belt of strength and a slotless Ishgaran belt of Con (Both items needed an 18 or higher to be crafted in 1/2 time. Both items valued at $4,000. At 1/2 time = 4 days crafting) You can either ignore the second two rolls. I accidental looked at material cost instead of base cost when calculating how many items I could make.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+10=12 ; Wednesday July 10th, 2013 8:47:00 AM
Restlin is extremely relieved that Sesha isn't a follower of Ga'al. He really does try to be accepting, but how do you accept something like that? The mage-priest has his limits (he just doesn't always realize what they are).
He listens to her story. He's not close to his parents anymore, but he can honestly say he's glad his father was never sold into slavery after the murder of his wife. It's things like this that make him never want to leave Hook City. It's pretty depressing.
All those thoughts leave his head when she flies off on an honest to goodness broom. It may be the coolest thing he's seen in a while. He decides to join her and Beri and casts an extended fly spell of his own. It still won't last very long (12 minutes), but he'll put to use the WLA flight training he's had. He starts off shaky, but manages to look like he knows what he's doing before the spell ends and he winds up back on the ground.
He casually tries to work Sesha's age into conversation. He's curious about just how old she is. It's hard to tell with elves (even dark ones).
At some point he'll saddle up closer to Cyniq and see if starting a conversation is at all fruitful. He knows almost nothing about Pantheon (religion: 12) and has never met a priest who wouldn't talk about their deity.
***
Fly checks (look cool): 13, 23, 22
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Wednesday July 10th, 2013 8:47:09 AM
When Reslin is the first of many to mention his odor, Garret lifts his arm and sniffs. The smell is overpowering, but he says, "What? I don't really smell much, I mean, its not as bad a Anrete or anything."
Then Cyniq pours the bottle of water over him, and he turns, looking like a wet cat and says, "Really? It was going to rain soon, anyway!"
"And Anrete, I thought you LIKED Orcs, anyway. I can't imagine for a moment that I smell any worse than YOU do, especially after a day in the sun!"
MudTown(DM SteveK) Wednesday July 10th, 2013 4:51:07 PM
Travel was an interesting affair, since, Bosk doesn't ride, and Restlin, Beriothian, and Caius do not have mounts. Necessarily, the quick Garrett and the mounted Sesha, Cyniq, and Anrete move at a walking person's pace.
The odor of Garrett gets to be an issue for nearly everyone except Garrett. Some Prestidigitation spells and an unasked for bath by Cyniq's magical bottle does wonders for the small man's disturbing odor.
Anrete and Bosk also compete for cooking honors, the result being the group is well fed on their iffy weather journey.
..........
Since the Great Migration, there is a rocky isthmus that connects Hook City with the Gateway Downs. The isthmus is a mile wide and 2 miles long and rocky so is not a good harbor area. It is also the closest land from the Hook City 5 Mile Limit Law for permanent buildings. Not a good place for farming, fishing, or living much. There is, however, a couple of houses here (along with the 50 shacks of various make, with a well and a couple working on a corral. The woman looks up and waves. "Welcome to Five Mile House, strangers!"
Introductions go around, and the heroes find out that Sailee and Putsch were a low level adventuring couple who decided to get out of the business and set up a halfway house for people travelling to and from Hook City. They have plans eventually to include a Tavern and Inn for a rest stop. They are hoping their proximity to Hook City will reduce evil attacks while providing something for the travelling merchants. They are both more than happy to plan with the Iron Adventurers on future ideas and support, but right now they have to get back to their work. Perhaps next week when the heroes have a chance to settle?
After a nice meal at Five Mile House, the heroes continue across the isthmus and descend to the wide fields of MudTown. And it is immediately obvious why the name! It's been raining for the last three days, and the best thing that may be said about the drizzle that continues into today is that it isn't the downpour that had been occurring previously. You survey the scene before you: the vast, muddy expanse of tents, corrals, and other very temporary structures. People mill about, most on the Road seem like they are waiting for their chance to get up to the gates of Hook City and be let in. The tents attest to the fact that it is a LONG wait!
In the distance, through the clouds and drizzle, are the huge northern gates and towering walls of Hook City: the City of Magic! It doesn't appear that any city guard are out here and that the only safety a person has is a strong right arm.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Wednesday July 10th, 2013 7:34:15 PM
Land that is unsuitable for planting, constant rain, and temporary shelters. It is almost as if the people had not packed at all, but that the constant outward flow of the mud had simply moved the normal encampment out even farther than normal. But even with Garret close by it was clear that the ever permeating stench of Mud Town hadn't managed to follow the inhabitants to their new home.
A hearty meal Beri finds himself once again at home. Hmm, looks like a long line. I'm not sure if any of you have heard about the bureaucracy of Hook City, but this is life here. Merchants come from all over to sell their goods. Before you can enter everything must be magically priced, and it can take days for that to happen. The good news is that as residents we don't have to go through that every time... though they will require us to bathe or magically clean up before entering.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Wednesday July 10th, 2013 8:12:37 PM
When Restlin asks her age, Sesha is quiet for a long while. She doesn't look offended, just in thought. Finally, the girl gives an answer.
"I am 31. My blood-kin divined my age when I traveled to It'lal and presented myself to the Matrons there the first time. I created a lot of buzz among the old women there. It is not often Drow from the caves migrate to the surface anymore, and when they learned I had some Talent at my age, they suspected a trick from below. Once I asked Kamali why the other children who were my size got bigger so much faster, she told me Elves and Humans don't grow up the same. She says that if I were a Human, I would be considered an older child but not an adult yet. But she also said that didn't matter. Anyone of any age could hold the right to rule if they were greater than those below them, like the Barbarians we guide."
She frowns.
"Guided, I guess."
When they arrive at Hook City she is stunned by the amount of people waiting. There were many Elves in It'lal, or the parts she attended, but nothing so grand as a floating city with a line reaching for days!
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Wednesday July 10th, 2013 11:56:22 PM
Caius calls out a marching cadence as they make their way toward the City of Magic. Obviously accustomed to overland travel, he seems to be taking joy where he can find it.
"Romper bomber stomper boo! My poor feet are black and blue. Lou won't let me visit home, ain't no freedom where to roam. I'll be fighting night and day, swingin' a sword until I'm gray..."
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday July 11th, 2013 1:58:52 AM Why is it called Five Mile House?
As they arrive she can only look at the mud, A cesspit of disease. Something should be done.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 11th, 2013 2:37:20 AM
Sesha looks at Cyniq, thinking on a lot of time spent sitting or sifting through mud with the Ga'alin. The finer homes were built from bricks of the stuff. The Ga'alin didn't get sick a lot, but they had Kamali and herself.
There WERE a lot of people. If one got sick, it could spread pretty quickly. She wasn't sure she would call it a cesspit however. Sesha yawns and stretches, then hops off her broom. she smiles at Cyniq.
"Maybe. Perhaps after we ourselves gain admittance freely into and out of the city you can do something to help? I would like to come along if you don't mind. Little Spirit is always reminding me that part of our bargain is that I help injured people who need it. She reminded me twice when I first met you."
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Thursday July 11th, 2013 10:01:22 AM "Garret-littleman doesn't need to imagine, Garret can just take a deep breathe. Anrete is indeed better smelling than ye!", Anrete replies at a distance away.
~
"Anrete decides he doesn't like mud very much!", the armored barbarian proclaimed loudly as Copper neighed in agreement.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Thursday July 11th, 2013 10:52:14 AM
"Hold your horses, buckos. Helping Mudtown is easier said than done."
Restlin isn't one to rain on anybody's parade, but better they learn this early.
"First off, permanent buildings aren't allowed anywhere within 5 miles of Hook City. That, by the way, is why it's called Five Mile House. We're pretty well liked here, and even our shop in Mudtown was demolished. Sure it was by a group of pyromaniacal racketeers, but that's besides the point. As far as the higher ups in Hook City are concerned, this is just a crossing point for merchants.
"I believe the mud and rain is a by-product of Hook City's weather control systems. If I decided here and now to fight the Hook City bureaucracy and end that system I would die of old age before I completed the paperwork for an initial hearing. That is not hyperbole.
"Bosk had a notion to build Iron Town outside the 5-mile radius where permanent buildings are allowed. That remains, in my mind, the best chance we have to improve the lives of these people, but don't kid yourselves into thinking the residents of Mudtown are here only because of unfortunate circumstance. There are a lot of weak wills in this crowd who need to decide to save themselves first.
"Besides, there are worse places to live than Mudtown. Just look around and you'll see there's plenty of wealth here despite the sub-optimal sanitation."
When Sesha admits her age, Restlin seems unconcerned. "Ok, so not quite twice as old as I am. I'm only 19 myself. Not a young young human, maybe, but certainly young for a wizard of my ability. Not that I'm trying to brag, it's just that most wizards my age haven't gotten as far as I have." He says this without a hint of bravado or arrogance.
"Anyway, I've been away from home for too long. Let's see if we can get through the resident's entrance quickly..." Restlin will head towards their entrance. If the mud is too thick to the point that his boots are sinking, he'll just fly instead.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d100=76 Thursday July 11th, 2013 12:23:15 PM Tomorrow, I will show you how just a small thing may make significant changes in the lives of these people waiting entry.
Cyniq can't help thinking that allowing this many people to wait for entry in conditions that encourage disease is negligent.
No permanent buildings... Well, there's permanent, and there's permanent. Where can I get a copy of the local laws and regulations?
Cyniq guides her mount carefully through the mud. She'd rather conserve her spells for later, but if the mount seems to be bogging down too much, she'll cast phantom steed and switch over.
Forgot to roll chance for fey interference with GFF
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Thursday July 11th, 2013 1:47:01 PM
Garret watches the sights with amazement and just barely avoids joining some children in sliding in the mud at Mud City. When Beriothian mentions that residents don't have to wait in line, Garret pipes up, "I hope that includes guests of residents. Otherwise I guess we need to get in line somewhere in the mud, eh?"
Hook City Gate (DM SteveK) Thursday July 11th, 2013 3:17:37 PM Beriothian sees the line, warns his new companions about the bureaucracy of Hook City, but tells them the good news: THEY don't have to go through that line!
Sesha is stunned by the amount of people waiting when they arrive at Hook City.
Caius takes joy where he can find it and gives good marching tunes that let you forget your aches. (love it!)
Cyniq asks about Five Mile House and is given the same answer by Restlin as by Sailee. "Because we're 5 miles from the Merchant's Gate of Hook City. Allows us to build permanent buildings and perhaps make some money off of the city's bureaucratic laws."
The elven wizard still thinks that something should be done, and that tomorrow, she will be the one to do it. She wants to know where to get a copy of the city's laws. A guffaw is herd from a well-mounted merchant that the group is passing. The man looks clean if damp, and his caravan and guards look healthy and ready too. "Once you get in, I think every local magistrates office has a pamphlet that gives you an easy run down of Hook City law!" Every merchant, guard, and even the more muddy camp followers nearby start laughing and hooting at the rich jest.
Anrete happily states he is indeed better smelling than Garrett, and that he doesn't like mud very much. Copper seems to agree with his rider.
Restlin isn't one to rain on anybody's parade, but better they learn about Mud Town early. The Wizard launches into a rather good synopsis of the waiting merchants, the rain, and the snails pace of laws in Hook City. Restlin will head towards the Citizen's Gate, leading the others to bypass the long line.
..........................
The Iron Adventurers make their way until they approach the guard at the Citizens Gate. Six clean and brightly polished and very alert warriors are checking documents at the smaller Postern Gate. The gate is currently open, but it is dark on the other side. Bosk produces the Iron Adventurer's Writ of Conveyance (from Jacob long ago), and the guard looks at it before consulting a small green stone in his hand.
"MMmm Hmmm. Yessir, Iron Adventurers are good to progress, but you have a number of people here not listed on your Protectors Charter. Hmmm, what's this? SouthHook District Magistrate passed an exception to policy and will allow the Iron Adventurers Protectors to adjust membership upon presentation to any City Official on Duty! Very unusual. But, since this is an official post, and you are presenting yourselves, if you please identify which members are no longer with you and which individuals are now members, we will get you into the City as quickly as possible."
Though surprisingly (perhaps refreshingly?) efficient, it still takes time to set up Sesha, Cyniq, Anrete, and Caius to be able to enter HookCity without waiting in a days-long line and also waives the entrance fee. It is more time when Bosk, Beriothian, and Restlin must remove from the roster of Iron Adventurers Wyaar the Paladin, Zeoll the Cradled Seer, Valla the Ranger, and Zane the Sorcerer. Each name brings back memories of each companion; strengths; quirks; and where they are now.
Once complete, the Iron Adventurers are ushered through the postern gate and through the barbican. As eyes get used to the dim light, the heroes easily notice the plethora of murder holes that line the ceiling of the place. If someone got out of turn, or started a fight, they were sure to meet their end as a hundred or so arrows from above could fill the place most immediately. The group is shown to the Citizens Baths (still inside the walls and not in the city proper) for them to clean up. While they are being cleaned, Copper is given a once-over and the groups gear inventoried.
The guards are friendly if professional, and seem approachable to be asked nearly any question...
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 11th, 2013 4:27:31 PM
Bosk revels in the opportunity to take a much needed bath and grooming. The trip had been long and despite his best efforts the trip had taken its tole on him. As the groups gear is gone over Bosk explains the process a little. One of the main reasons for the inventory is that the city is a major hub for trade, but they do not allow for outsiders to make a large profit off of their goods. All of a trader's goods are magically accessed and given a value and a trader may not leave with a higher value of magic than he came in with. Traders come from all over th wold with exotic goods, they then sell them in the city and purchase gold or items that they can sell elsewhere.
Oh, I should probably mention that this truly is a city of magic. Even the money is magic! Almost all trade within the city is done with Chits. Chits are the magical rate of exchange within the city. One chit is equal to the casting of one Cantrip Spell. This dates from the very first Day of Faith when the gods rewarded those there and their descendants with the inherent ability to cast one form of Cantrip. Abhorring money, the people of Hook City developed a means of exchange based on the Cantrip that each citizen could cast. This tradition lasts until this day.
As an example, consider two merchants. One has the natural cantrip Paint, while the other has Yeast. Within the city, Paint is a much rarer cantrip ability than Yeast so the two merchants sell their wares in the city for what they are worth: Two Chits for Painting a 10' X 10' section of wall and One Chit for baking a roll of bread. This method of barter has been expanded to indeed become a method of exchange for all manner of magic. To appease outsiders, One chit is usually said to be worth 100gp depending on the economy at the time. Many "would be" merchants have thought that they could then come to Hook City and become rich upon returning to their home country. This is prevented, however by a city policy mentioned above which magically rates the value of their wares upon entering the city. Fair trade practices allow for profit, with one catch: the chit value of magic you bring into the city must exactly equal the amount you leave with. There are no exceptions, except by writ of The Council of Four.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Thursday July 11th, 2013 6:43:41 PM
There is something wrong with this picture, but the druid just can't put his finger on it. Everything seems to be going well enough. They made it into town after dealing with bureaucratic red tape, the had a nice bath, and nobody is trying to kill them. It takes him a few moments to realize what's going on. The guards! That's what's wrong with this picture, they are never friendly and approachable. Half of them would probably interrogate you for the better part of an hour if you asked them where a restroom was, using all their cleverness to ascertain the reason someone needs to go there. Could it be that disenfranchising the entire community of Mud Town has had this change on them? Granted, I can't imagine I'd be particularly pleasant if one of my duties was to guard the gates separating the city of magic from the city of feces.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 11th, 2013 7:09:28 PM
Sesha listens to Bosk, but is quickly lost. It doesn't make much sense to her.
"The chits are for any service? I have not been many places but in It'lal you might pay a true artist 100 gold for a medium sized mural on a wall. Are items that duplicate spells included? Could I brew a potion to increase strength in exchange of a red chit? If not, could I cast that spell to someone who needs it for a red chit? Or does that only apply to natural citizens and I only need to be concerned with the standard coin?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday July 11th, 2013 7:22:00 PM
Firing off questions to Restlin, Why can't there be any structures within five miles? What happens if one corner of a structure is 26,399 feet from the furthest corner of the city wall? Weather control system? How does that work?
Grimacing at not knowing the joke on her about the laws, Cyniq continues on.
She gives Bosk a bewildered look, how can you have a major trade hub without profit? People are actually waiting days to get into a place where they must leave with value equal to what they came with?
Cyniq considers this chit system for a moment, So I have to sell two scrolls or mage armor to buy one scroll of mount? Is there is a lively trade in brick exports? If you have to leave with what you come in with, are food and shelter provided gratis?
Maybe this is why I was sent here, though trade isn't really Pantheon's forte, there certainly looks like an imbalance exists.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=32 ; Thursday July 11th, 2013 7:58:10 PM
OOC: I once asked our kindly DM what was stopping Restlin, a perfectly capable wizard who could throw out a lot more than a cantrip, from making a fortune in Hook City. I was given a friendly reminder about Woldian allowed wealth levels. Reading into that, I figure any capable casters in Hook City can indeed make a fortune.
As for how one turns a profit, just because 5 sets of enchanted leather armor are given the same value by Hook City as a magical ring doesn't mean a merchant can't sell that ring for a profit elsewhere.
I fully admit I had a hard time wrapping my head around Hook City's economy. I think the trick is not over-thinking it.
...and now, back IC.
***
Lounging in the best bath he's had since Heranmar, Restlin gives Cyniq his best deadpan look before giving a slight chuckle.
(knowledge, local: 32) "First, Hook City would be alerted to your construction due to the mechanations of the scryers guild. Upon learning of your building they would issue a writ of prohibition halting said construction until such time as the local surveyors guild could complete a formal inspection. Assuming the "Request for Confirmation of Proximity Violation #3512-C.345" order was submitted correctly, and that is one heck of an assumption, the surveyors guild would complete the necessary work within a month or so, during which time construction on your building would be at a stand still. Upon finding that the corner of this building was placed in violation of Hook City law, a holy crap this is getting boring. Do you get the point, yet? As for why, I honestly don't know. I'm sure a magistrate would be happy to let you know."
When asked about the weather control system, his answer is simply, "magic."
"Are we clean enough, yet? I want to go home now."
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 11th, 2013 7:59:25 PM For us to sell anything magic like a potion equires joining guilds and paying so much in fees that it is not worth it. Regular citizens, like us, tend to use the catacombs for our sales. It also avoids much unnecessary paper work. It is easier to think of chits like gold, but with one major difference... The money itself is magic! Within the city you can have a chit of cure light wounds and use it as a spell instead of saving it as money. I believe this was beacuse so many of the citizens were born with special cantrips that could perform mundane tasks such as weaving and armor polishing. This currency helped balance and regulate thier economy, although I don't exactly understand how. As for making a profit, you can still do that here, but you need to leave with the difference in gold or mundane items. You cannot leave with more magical goods than you came in with, but this doesn't apply to new personal magic gear that you buy in the Catacombs. I have no idea how they regulate that though.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 11th, 2013 8:10:19 PM
ooc: The "official" answer I was given when I tried to sell my magic to get money was that you had to join a guild and pay all sorts of fees to sell your magic in the city. The guilds in turn regulated how may spells a person could sell and when they could sell them in order to keep the value up and prevent the market from getting flooded. Between the red tape and guild buracracy you need to be high up in the guild or a member of the "good old boys' club" to make any money.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Thursday July 11th, 2013 11:40:47 PM "Sounds like the worst sort of tyranny, if you ask me. A man doesn't even have claim to the work of his own hands without a hovering minder having his say-so." The big man shrugs. "But hey, I'm not a boat-rocker." He rubs his chin in thought. "Does the 5-mile rule apply to structures under the ground?"
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Friday July 12th, 2013 1:44:09 AM I would not suggest mentioning building anything underground. A few months ago we discovered a secret underground entrance leading into some catacombs deep below the city, far below even the sewer systems. There we found a possessed wizard who created a zombie army to destroy the city from within. We managed to warn the citizens in time, although untold fortunes were spent converting chits to spells for self defense. It is still a sore subject around here and the officials do not want anyone going down there. In a whisper he adds I still have a map I drew of the underground passages in the catacombs, but any further exploration would require waiting until the city has eased up on patrolling by the entrances. I'll tell you more later (see below) Continuing his story for anyone listening he adds, Unfortunately, in defeating the wizard we killed the man whose body he was using as a vessel. We tried petitioning Gargul for his soul, but the man chose to stay where he was in the Land of Rest.
ooc: Thank you for reminding me. Bosk and several of the Iron Adventurers had/have every intention of returning down there to explore the furnace system and collect very real looking sculpture of a land shark we hoped to bring back to the tower. The furnace room and sculpture were made by an alien race called the tecuri.
Hook City, Iron Tower, and Home (DM SteveK) Friday July 12th, 2013 10:04:58 AM
OOC: Pardon the really long recent posts, but there is a LOT of needful background information for the heroes to know and feel in the juxtaposition of rural Gateway Downs, temporary MudTown, and grand Hook City.
Garrett wonders at MudTown and moves along with the others through the Guards and Baths.
Bosk explains about the merchants and the unique money system of Hook City. He also tells the newcomers about the guilds and regulations who ensure inflation and wild speculation is kept to a minimum.
OOC: Metagame Info: The Southern Continent came into being when CDM Jerry allowed lands created by others to be in the Wold. Because the games are so different, it supports the Great Migration concept discussed earlier. Jerry also determined that any change in another DMs land requires that DMs permission. Hook City is one of those lands, and no DM can change the writeup, to include the Chit system.
OOC: Metagame Info2: The DMs will NOT allow PCs to exploit or change the Chit System. Any attempt will result in lots of bureaucracy that will slow down efforts until after 20th level and the PC retires to become an NPC. My recommendation? Don't overthink it.
Beriothian is surprised the guards are helpful. Must be because the Iron Adventurers are more well known? Nah, that can't be it! Maybe something about that addendum from SouthHook Magistrate...
Sesha and Cyniq are bewildered about the Chits. Maybe it is good advice to not overthink it.
Restlin gives an example of a possible bureaucratic scenario.
Caius equates the bureaucracy to tyranny, and suggests underground delvings, but is then told of all the below ground caverns the group knows about and can only speculate about how many they DONT know about. ......................
Baths and inventories done, the Guard open another door which passes the heroes through the Wall of Tears and announce: "Welcome to the City of Magic! We wish your visit to our fair city to be a fun, pleasurable and profitable experience. May the gods bless you and yours for all time!"
The first thing everyone sees are The Hooks. They dominate the skyline, four colossal Hooks hovering in the air with no support. A bewildering maze of cables stretch from the Hooks down to a great Bridge that links the North and South sections of the City. The second noticeable thing is the pristine condition of buildings, roads, fountains, and even the very air. It is a perfectly pleasant temperature, sunny with only a hint of white, fluffy clouds, and the smell of a garden just after a light rain.
Northhook City, also known as Soldier's City, is where the military, most government offices, and most religious temples reside. The most notable feature of NorthHook is the Marble Causeway: a wide road made of worked marble and lined by statues on both sides. This road runs through the middle of Soldier's City from the gates at Mudtown to The Bridge. The Iron Adventurers stride down the Marble Causeway, noting that Hook City is much more cosmopolitan than the backwater, Heranmar. There are every race, every clothing style, and every type of Temple. They pass the Temple of Ma'ab, whose high priest has been such a friend of the Iron Adventurers, and Cyniq sees a temple to Panthenon is prominent in the city too.
Instead of going to the Bridge, Bosk, Restlin, and Beriothian lead the others down through LaborTown, where local farmers, fishermen, and any skilled laborers reside. This is the poorest part of the entire city (MudTown is not included as part of the city), and very much like a merchants quarter in most other cities. The heroes pay a nominal fee for a fisherman to give a ferry ride across the wide Hook River. The other heroes note that in Labor Town, gold works just as good as Chits.
They travel across the river, and can see the Bridge and the Market spanning the river hangs from the four giant hooks that hang in mid air. The non-magical rigging constantly maintained by experts called Climbers who are the only ones who can thread the maze of cable and chain. The Market is a mass of people, and "runners" constantly move up and down the Stair.
The heroes make it to the southern shore and walk uphill through another LaborTown until they get to the edge of SouthHook. SouthHook contains all peoples concerned with things magical; Sages, Guilds, and Magical Traders all reside here, to include multiple entrances to the Catacombs. Southhook reigns supreme in both extravagance and courtesy! And soon the heroes arrive to their own home, the Iron Tower.
The Iron Tower of the Iron Adventurers stands alone in the middle of a medium-sized square. It is downriver of the Bridge which is clearly visible only a ½ mile away, and situated on the border between LaborTown and SouthHook. Quite fortuitous, really, as the mercantile activities of LaborTown is full of activities that provide information and are also full of people who will trade in gold as well as the magical chits of Hook City. And from the South Hook precinct, the group has access to the constablatory, magistrates, and the respectability which comes of living in Hook City itself.
The square itself is bordered by shop/homes where the street level is of one shop or another and the upper floors are the home of the crafters, merchants, and traders who run the shops. At first, the square was nearly deserted because of the events of the Haunted (Iron) Tower. Yet the Iron Adventurers have caused this neighborhood to revive, and several new families have moved in with their own businesses. In fact, once per week, an open market occurs in the square, with vendors of all sorts vying for the attention of any passersby.
At last, the Iron Adventurers are Home!
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday July 12th, 2013 11:02:21 AM If I want to leave the city, how do I get back in? Is my name on your roster sufficient, or do I need a pass?
Cyniq drops the discussion of chits and overly bureaucratic mismanagement for the time being. She can buck the will of the gods later.
She fails to not show how impressed she is upon seeing the hooks for the first time. I'd heard of them, but this is, well, umm... She looks from one end of the large bridge to the other, taking in the maze of cables and the stacked shops on it's expanse, like children's blocks lined and stacked on a board. Why here?
She saw the tower in the distance with the hammer crest, she was surprised at how relieved she was to see it, I have to go see someone, is travel within the city restricted?
Cyniq plans to head to the temple of Pantheon after seeing the others to the iron tower. She'll make a report to the head priest or justicar and announce herself.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Friday July 12th, 2013 12:55:05 PM
Having spent most of his life in the outlands, Anrete is entirely confused by the whole system, and snorts in disgust.
Aping whatever the rest of the companions, Anrete eventually managed to more or less get through the entire process before reaching the home of the iron adventurer.
"Finally"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Friday July 12th, 2013 3:15:05 PM
Garret's jaw drops at the attempted explanation of the magical chit and gold system. He stares, open-mouthed for a few moments after the descriptions are complete. He stammers, "Uh.... Buh...I..."
He shakes his head, shrugs, and figures he'll do like he normally does, and will figure it out as he goes along.
Once the group is inside, his jaw drops again as he stares up into the hooks. He stumbles and bumps into more than one person as he gazes upwards, amazed as the massive contraptions. He staggers along until they arrive at the iron tower and then he nods to Anrete, "Indeed!"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Friday July 12th, 2013 7:51:56 PM
Restlin was born and raised in Hook City. As such, it's the model he judges all other cities by. This is just what a city is supposed to be like, and his comfort here is noticeable. He is more than happy to point out the sites as they walk.
He hurries to the door of the tower when it finally arrives.
"I'll need to redo the fire traps on the door. They're not set to allow most of you and I'd hate to have any of you come home to an explosion." With that, he throws the door open and marches inside before shouting out, "Girls! We're home!"
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Friday July 12th, 2013 8:02:28 PM
Caius looks absolutely giddy as they walk through the gilded promenades of Hook City. "See? Now this is what I was hoping for. I pop into these parts seeing nothing but farmers and mud, and I get to feeling like life couldn't get any worse. Present company being respectable folk and all, the background just was leaving much to be desired. But this? This is just my style. Shiny." He gazes up at the Iron Tower. "So I get the feeling that this outfit engages in what you might call 'amateur privateering.' Or 'adventuring.' Would that be correct? 'Cuz I'm itching for some work."
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Friday July 12th, 2013 8:36:57 PM
Sesha is pleased by the size and racial diversity of the city proper. She remarks to Garret as they explore the place.
" I'm glad there are so many people of all races here, half-man Garret. I had a very real image of crowds of people pointing at me and chasing me with pitchforks."
Then she demonstrates, running in circles prodding Garret with her broom while chanting "Drow spawn!" over and over again. She winks and giggles and puts up her broom.
When the tour dies down, she sort of ambles behind Restlin, not really knowing anything of the tower at all. She prods Pot-pot mentally.
"Do you sense the child-spirits? She then asks Restlin the same. "I know this may be too forward, I don't even know if I have a room yet, but did you decide with Bosk about the spirits here? If he's going to move them on, I'd like to meet them first!"
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Saturday July 13th, 2013 12:13:25 AM
Bosk smiles as they approach the tower, the marble structure shining in the sun. Travel in the city is restricted for non-citizens. When we fist became a protection group for hire we needed to move as a group, but purchasing this tower allowed us to move freely around town. Normally, to enter the city to trade goods or look for work you need a ton of paperwork. Since we own the tower we can move in and out freely, but the process still takes a long time. My goal is to evetually get our group recognized enough that we can magically exit the city without all the hassle ... I have heard that is what the Children of Chaos got permission to do, but that may just have been a rumor. I really should have asked Peerimus for details.
As for the ghosts, we recently helped them get..closure...with the people that killed them. Someone dropped a giant chandelier on them. Since then they have hardley been seen.
The girls were very attached to Zeoll. He had tea parties with them and bought them $100 dolls. I believe the gods or powers he followed were allowed to have ghosts haunt him (part of a prestige classs he was conscidering before the revamp this year) if he followed a certain path in life. I blieve he is why they stayed. When they learn he is gone... ... ... they are emotional young girls ... ... ... have a bit of a temper if you get my meaning. They are the reason we got the tower for little more than tax and title. They might leave or ... ... ... well, to be blunt, they might try to kill us. If someone has a weak will they might succeed.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Saturday July 13th, 2013 12:37:03 AM Oh, and we do have rooms for you all. We have several large tower rooms, 30ft round rooms if I remember, and furnised lavishly by the city after we saved them. I am sure the others sent for their things, and Zeoll chose to stay on our roof top garden and always carried all his things on him.
As to Caius question, we are a protection group, but adventure tends to find us. The guard in Hook City as well as the ctizens hire us to solve mysteries and we have found ourselves the collectors of cursed artifacts. Work has been steady lately.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) d20+14=26 Saturday July 13th, 2013 6:25:29 AM
Restlin reminds Bosk he has most certainly not seen the last of the druid.
He cringes slightly at Sesha's words, remembering the nasty fall last time he spoke of exorcising the girls. He gives her a simple head shake to indicate such things should not be said in their presence.
As Caius relaxes, the wizard finds himself reminded of Kyan, his ranger friend that cost them a large fortune with a single act of defiance before being blown to pieces by exploding children. Restlin will show him to Kyan's old room, thinking it's style to be more to his liking.
"It looks like they added you folks to our roster at the gate, but a trip to the magistrate to ensure you're known as one of us is a good idea. Not a fun one, but a good one."
Knowledge, Local: 26. Restlin will accompany the new folks through the bureaucracy of Hook City.
Restlin's own room is easily the most opulent in the tower. The decorations and furnishings were a gift from the magistrate Alistair following the thwarted zombie invasion of the city. Restlin encouraged the eccentric designer to go all out on his room. It smells faintly of lavender and sandalwood, even after remaining empty for so long.
There are also blackout curtains on the windows, ensuring the room can be plunged into near total darkness in the middle of the day. In fact, the only light source is a small oil lamp on his writing desk.
He wonders how long they'll be able to rest before something demands their attention once again.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Saturday July 13th, 2013 2:05:08 PM Zeoll is stubborn and strong. the cleric agrees. He has spent years among the dead and found his way back to the realm of th living and I would be be surprised if he should find his way back again. However, the girls will not be pleasant if they feel they are being lied to. Bosk is in a hurry to check on his room is at the top of the tower, away from prying eyes that might misunderstand the rooms contents. The trip up the stairs used to be difficult for the large minotaur, but the stairs and his room were magically enlarged to accommodate large adventurers. On several tables are a vast assortment of of strange and questionable items. Severed mummified hands that had been collected and dried for the creation of Hands of glory and Mage Hands, skeletal arms with swords fused to the wrists where hands should be, and books recording the groups exploits with drawings of mind flayers and illithid demi-gods. In one corner of the room is a small forge for crafting wondrous items and a small still for experimenting with intoxicating beverages. But before he goes up there he looks for a message from Peerimus about the holding area for the cursed items and for the girls to break the sad news to them.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Sunday July 14th, 2013 11:51:21 PM
Frodo returns to the tower, glad to finally be at home again. It's been a long journey, and nothing beats a good night's sleep in your own bed. Still, it's a long time before nightfall. Perhaps he will go out and look at mounts later, it could be useful if the group continues to visit the areas outside of Hook City's walls.
ooc: sorry for the delay, thought I posted from my phone earlier
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) Monday July 15th, 2013 11:08:46 AM
Restlin looks about and sees a small Temple to Wardd in NorthHook!
Cyniq learns that now that she is on the roll of the Iron Adventurers, she has much greater freedom of moving about the city. She can go just about anywhere on the public areas, and getting in and out of the City is no harder then she has already experienced.
The heroes arrive at the marble Tower they call their home. Several people in the square wave while walking or from their shops, but none try to bother the heroes before they are settled. Once in the Tower, there are 3 notes on a table by the door, but the Tower is strangely silent. There are no ghost girls, and not even Bosk's Grim senses can spot them. They are gone!
Note 1: "Rash and Firn'gaer are linked in with this message. When you are ready, rip the note and they will call on you within a day for our agreed upon payment. -Peerimus"
Note 2: "Dear Iron Adventurers, Being the mother of a Protector myself, I have spoken with the others in the Square. To allow you proper rest with your own loved ones, none of us will come to you with problems until at least the day after each time you return to your home. Thank you for being our neighbors! Blessings of Panthenon upon You: Mara Weaver"
Note 3: "To: Iron Adventurers From: Sergeant Capon, Liasion Reads: Prepared to support you to provide information on Hook City laws, bureaucracy, and limited information on Council attitudes. Successful in adjusting Iron Adventurer Protector Charter to amend at any official location. Ends."
The rest of the day is spent in familiarizing themselves with the Iron Tower, having another meal, adjusting rooms, and relaxing. The morning will come soon enough.
And it does, dawning bright and cheery as always in the City of Magic!
ooc: At this time, Heroes can go off on their own and do their own thing. For right now, it is not important to stay together...
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+20=24 ; Monday July 15th, 2013 1:00:45 PM
(so .. I got to looking at the 1st floor of the Iron Tower. I'm pretty sure that in the kitchen between the grilling steaks and the table of raw meat there's a dead persons torso with the arms chopped off laying face down in the hay. What the hell kinda heroes are you!)
As the morning comes, Sesha rises with the sun. Stretching, she rolls out of bed and plops her bare feet on the floor, then wiggles her toes on the cold marble. The room was nice, but if the Iron Tower was to serve as her new home for any length of time, she would like to make some changes.
After dressing, she gathers her pack, broom, and other items. There were a few things she wanted to do in Hook City, after all. Worried she might get lost, she lingers a bit in the kitchen and packs some snack food away to take with her. She considers asking Restlin or one of the others to guide her, but decides against it, not wanting to be too much burden.
She sets out for South Hook and the Sages Guild. Before entering, she fixes her hair and clothes, checks her boots for mud, then enters with an air of purpose. As she approaches the first available Sage, she gives a warm impish smile, the type a favorite child might use to melt their aunts, uncles, or grandparents.
"Hello sir! I am new in Hook. Really new, really. I just took up residency in the Iron Tower yesterday, it has been exhausting! I was curious if anyone in your organisation might be able to help me with some religious research? Please? I need something that details as much as possible about all the known dead Gods who died during the Cataclysms. If you would like, we can probably narrow it down to any of those who were known to grant healing powers to their followers. I would really like details of worship and dogma as well."
Her smile fades a little as she reaches up and plays with a bit of her hair. A sadness comes over her for a moment.
"Also, I'm sorry to say I also have some bad news about one of your Sages. I had better speak to someone about that too."
[1] Diplomacy 24 to request lengthy or complicated aid (+5 DC) from an indifferent creature. ( DC15 + creatures CHA.)
ADM James, the map maker. Lol. I believe that was a ham with the skin still on, not a human torso in the picture. All the meats, and most other items, are actually modded photos of real items. The meat was from a real butcher shop.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Monday July 15th, 2013 1:17:49 PM
"Yea, we're leaving that note from Peerimus until tomorrow. I need to spend some time in the city. You folks take care; I'm going out for a while."
With that, Restlin heads out. He has breakfast at a nearby cafe. While there, he describes the bacon/onion balls Yondrim used to make (ooc: pierogi). He will buy some if they have any, and request they make their way on to the menu if not.
He will stop and chat with the vendors and regulars in Iron Square. It's nice they agreed not to bother him until they've had a chance to rest, but that doesn't mean Restlin's not going to be neighborly.
His ultimate destination is the small temple of Wardd in Northhook. He takes a moment before he walks in. He's a priest of Wardd and a mendicant. No doubt he belongs here, but he suddenly realizes he's never met another follower of Wardd. Casting those thoughts aside, he makes sure his holy symbol isn't crooked and strides in looking about for someone who appears to be in charge.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday July 15th, 2013 5:20:33 PM
ooc: was somehow talked into running a 5k in 95 degree heat... post will be late tonight.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying d20+15=31 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=38 ; Monday July 15th, 2013 7:56:43 PM
Cyniq takes a look around at the roomy but sparse accommodations provided. going to need to do some shopping.
Taking the opportunity to clean up and refresh herself, Cyniq prepares for a day of exploring.
Her first stop is the temple of Pantheon. Walking into the impressive establishment, she pauses just inside the entrance and takes an opportunity to look around. She'd found that they generally followed one of a few basic designs. In this case the community center was to the left, that hallway probably led to the shelters, which meant she needed to go right. Heading off down the well built but plainly adorned hall she soon found herself in an anteroom with a couple of groups waiting. Less than what she would expect in a city this size, but considering the warning she received in Heranmar, probably pretty good. Even in Hook City the court saw some use.
Knocking lightly on the door she announced herself, Justicar Cyniq al'Lyz, late of Bryn Baraz and Float City. I see audience with the chief justice. After explaining her recent involvement with the Chaos Bell and unanticipated membership in the iron adventurers.
After leaving the temple she heads off for the local WLA office and repeats her introduction and notice of relocation.
And after leaving there, she finds herself something to eat. Which is when she realizes that she doesn't have any of these chits.
Realizing that it's trail rations for lunch, she will try and gain access to the top of the wall overlooking Mudtown. She studies the layout of the town, noting where people travel, how the accumulated water runs off or collects.
After lunch its off to the Star Mage tower and more introductions.
At all three places she asks what people think of the Iron Adventurers, Mudtown, and the politics and pressing issues of the town. She'll also ask the mages about casting spells in town.
************************ Knowledge:local-not get lost finding: Pantheon temple= 31; WLA= 33; Star Mage tower= 31 Diplomacy:Gather Info: Iron Adventurers= 33; Mudtown= 35; politics= 32; pressing issues= 38 Knowledge:local-laws: (bonus should have been +15, not 21= 33
That enough to at least get me the public info on the wiki?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Monday July 15th, 2013 10:18:16 PM
[ooc: roomy but sparse? Oh no no no...this tower was decorated at great expense by Mr. Whippledinkle and is fabulous.]
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday July 15th, 2013 10:45:09 PM
As the others go about their business Frodo has other concerns pressing on his mind. Last he had heard Jillian had gone missing. Surely after all these weeks she had been found, but he'd rest easier knowing that she was safe, and seeing thatt the wounds the others had received at the shop were healed. They had mentioned wanting to ask others if they were going to move the required distance to the new town, perhaps they had set up a new place at Five Mile House. If they have set up shop at Five Mile House it is possible that he will also have time to stop by the Ma'ab's Temple in Hook City and introduce himself to Torm, the high priest of Ma'ab, being the he is now a member of the Gateway Downs Druid Circle.
ooc: haven't seen the tower blueprints in a while... do we have stables here, or am I thinking of Black Harris' shop
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Monday July 15th, 2013 11:00:38 PM
ooc: Neither have / had a stable. However there is a stable in the city that you can pay to keep your horse in.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Monday July 15th, 2013 11:50:54 PM
Caius rises a half-hour before dawn to begin his morning calisthenics in the yard, followed by rigorous practice with his sword. He has already worked up a sweat by the time the sun rises, and his swings his adamantine curveblade in precise, lethal swings as he circles. He pauses when he spies someone and calls out, "Is there a smithy in the Iron Tower? I haven't been able to find one yet."
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20+2=19 ; d100=4 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+13=24 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2013 12:13:52 AM
The smell of meat, pasta, and fresh baked bread fill the air as The Horned Cleric sets to work cooking an abundance of food, utilizing all of the bulky and perishable goods he was unable to take advantage of during their travels. It seems that over the last few weeks the mighty taur's fingers could do no wrong in the kitchen (I haven't rolled below an 18 on a cooking check in months!). As everyone sits down to eat Bosk addresses the various matters at hand.
I cannot find any trace of the girls left in the tower. Perhaps they have finally moved on, but for now it might be best to keep your guard up until I know for sure. Shall we take the day off to get our affairs in order before opening Peerimus letter? In the mean time we should go in to get our paperwork amended. It sounds like Capon still needs us to go in to complete the adjustments. Bosk listens to what everyone thinks and will walk the new adventurer's to one of the official officers to get the forms filled out. Before they leave Bosk pulls Sesha aside and hands her one of the skeletal swords he collected. The black metal reflects the light in a strange way, the material unlike any known today.
After the group is finished Bosk will drop by Mara the weaver's and thank her for her letter and her help as well as to see if she has any experience dealing with the steelgrass that was woven together by the manfri to form his armor and many of his weapons figuring it would be useful if he could find someone with such knowledge in case his equipment is ever in need of repair or she could learn anything useful from studying the craftsmanship seeing that the Sargrass is now in flames making the craft a dying if not already forgotten art.
Actions --------------- Cooking - 19 Cast Divination to determine if the girls moved on d100=4% Knowledge Arcana to determine if the girls moved on = 13 Knowledge Religion to determine if the girls moved on = 20 Spellcraft to determine if the girls moved on = 24
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 d20+7=16 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2013 10:04:39 AM
Not to be outdone, Anrete swiftly familiarize himself with the fireplace. And before long, the lanky youth is roasting some unidentified creatures over the fireplace. Bashing his gauntlet on his armored chest repeatedly to announce that breakfast is ready, Anrete proceeds to proudly his latest creation - roasted sewer frogs with pumpkin and tomato sauce.
-------------------------- Cooking - 16
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Tuesday July 16th, 2013 10:55:39 AM
Bosk stares in surprise the concoction which looks something like a pink fish stew. I can honestly say I have never seen anything quite like this. Where did you get the frogs? The cleric waits for an answer, curious if Anrete brought them into the city with him or if Hook City had eased up on their patrol, opening up the possibility of exploring the catacombs again. After reviving a response Bosk fills up a human sized bowl and takes a bite....Interesting. Tastes like chicken, but it is flaky and has the texture of fish. I would never have thought of that flavor combination.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Tuesday July 16th, 2013 12:09:24 PM I assumed this "furnised lavishly by the city after we saved them. I am sure the others sent for their things," meant the rooms had been emptied by the previous occupants. I shall take it as she isn't interested in a fashionable room as much as she's interested in a function-able room.
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) Tuesday July 16th, 2013 12:20:16 PM Sesha rises with the sun, performs her morning ablutions, and thinks of the changes she wants to make in her rooms. Making sure she has food enough in her pack in case she gets lost in the large city, then sets out for the nearest Sages Guild. Even though she doesn't want to ask directions of her new companions, Sesha has to ask of someone. Outside the Tower, this early doesn't have many citizens, but there are still several wagons and teamsters either delivering or picking up from some of the warehouses on the square. One cheerful man answers the Witch's questions. "There isn't one guildhouse for all the Sages in Hook City, Madam", he replies, "but Gilroy is fairly reputable and willing to take new clients. You can identify him or any Sage open for business by the scroll-and-lamp sign at the door." The teamster gives Sesha direction, and then gets back to work.
She finds Gilroy's Shop easily, that Teamster gave good directions! Before entering, she fixes her hair and clothes, checks her boots for mud, then enters with an air of purpose to find a tidy little office, one entire wall pidgeon-holed for scrolls and a tall elf tidying up. Looking stiffer than the broom he is using, even the elf isn't immune to Sesha's charms, and thaws a little. "Let me get Gilroy, Madam."
Gilroy turns out to be a wizened little gnome who wears his vast years of knowledge with still an air of impishness himself. MUCH more friendly than the elf, he welcomes Sesha into his study. "Get some tea for us, Jasper, if you would. He is a great boon to me dear, keeping everything in order, but a bit of an old stick if you know what I mean." Gilroy winks and smiles, and leads Sesha into his study for their enjoyable conversation. (Sense Motive DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Sesha gets the hint that Gilroy knows he's being charmed and enjoys it, flirting outrageously with no intent to take it further. }
Sesha finds out that the Sages of Hook City are only loosely organized and pretty much research on their own, conferring with each other on an as-needed basis with several convocations to argue. Gilroy agrees to assist Sesha, but warns her that it may take some time.
Restlin heads out, looking for bacon/onion balls the way Yondrim used to make. He's not able to find any in this neck of the woods, but the cook suggests down in Labor Town there are neighborhoods that make more regional dishes, and the Sieur Wizard should try there. Reslin also stops and chats with the vendors and regulars in Iron Square, and gets lots of neighborly small talk. Katherine Brodery runs by on an errand, and calls to Restlin that her brother JimBim was hoping Bosk would stop by later. Mara Weaver gives a friendly smile and will talk about nearly anything while working on an intricate tapestry. A couple LaborTowners are still staggering back from Dana's Darlings, each one convinced that the other will be in more trouble...
Restlin eventually makes it across the Hook River and back to NorthHook to look up the small temple of Wardd. Built of pieces of this and pieces of that, it is the most incredible collection of hodge-podge imaginable. The small courtyard before the main building has a statue of a young man whose eyes are covered by a hood and has the most mischievous smile. About the courtyard, are bits of items; a spoon, a ball of string, a masterwork dagger, a vial of some liquid... Restlin notes that a Halfling is here that takes off his cloak and picks up the ball of string. "What luck!", he exclaims, and leaves his cloak while hurrying off to wherever. Restlin strides in looking about for someone who appears to be in charge, but the interior is as haphazard as the outside. There are several folk about, loitering, sleeping, or talking.
Cyniq takes the opportunity to clean up and refresh herself before preparing for a day of exploring. Her first stop is the temple of Pantheon. It is an impressive establishment, similar but different to what she expects from the few basic designs. There is quite a lot of people in the court which is broken up into five different alcoves, each with a sitting Justicar. Indeed, the court of Pantheon in Hook City sees a great deal of use!
She announced herself at the administrative wing, and once explaining her situation, is quickly ushered in to see Chief Justice Sara Conner. The Chief Justice listens closely to Cyniq and a scribe takes special notes. CJ Conner then tells Cyniq of the situation of the Church in Hook City. "The laws of Hook City are so convoluted and specialized that it would take your lifetime to learn them all. Instead, I ask the Justicars in Hook City to concentrate on the truth and assist any who we meet to find true Justice. We are often called to the Hook City Magistrates at expert and character witnesses. We also serve those who do not wish to wait for the Magistrates on minor matters. I will also caution you on the way disputes are often settled here in Hook City. Especially in SouthHook, often, disputes are settled by each side purchasing outsiders, called Protector groups. These groups then fight each other, the winning side winning the dispute. Most Protector groups like your Iron Adventurers are honorable, but there are some who are less...savory. "
Cyniq's trip to the WLA is uneventful, a large complex of training and information gathering. The WLA is happy to see another Journeyman, and promises to consider her for upcoming missions. It seems that the WLA is not considered a 'Northern' or 'Southern' thing, and is one of the only organizations or ideas that is equally welcome all across the Wold.
Her trip to the Star Mage's Guild is nearly uneventful, except for the amazing knowledge that the great Star Mages Tower in SouthHook is a huge illusion! A very modest 3 story tower is in the illusion's place, just enough for a small cadre of staff to maintain a foothold in Hook City. The center of the real Tower is a large room with a permanent Teleportation Circle that transports Cyniq to Plateau City in the Northern Continent! There she is able to perform all her usual SMG needs. Cyniq is also told to keep the knowledge of the Teleportation Circle secret. "Since one of the Star Mages went crazy and nearly destroyed all magic in Hook City, the SMG does not have a good reputation here. It's better if others don't know of our connection with the Northern Continent."
Cyniq finds that though she has no Chits, the food shops in LaborTown will take silver well enough , and so she has no trouble for lunch. She could also eat for a modest fee at the WLA and SMG, both of which scoff at the Chit System of Hook City. She also finds that she is denied access to the Wall of Tears, only Soldiers of Hook City allowed.
In general, she gets the following information which she can share with the others: Hook City Game wiki Hook City Geography Iron Adventurers: Going more than a few blocks away from the Iron Tower, most people haven't even heard of the Iron Adventurers. The WLA is the exception because several Iron Adventurers are members. Mudtown: Is a holding area for merchants and cargo. It is a living area for those people to cater to or feed off of the travelling merchants. It is not considered part of Hook City and that those who live there are free to leave whenever they want. Like everywhere else in Hook City and Gateway Downs, Protectors are hired to defend and perform justice. Politics / issues of Hook City: Hook City is the best and has been blessed with great magic. Trade in magic and knowledge makes Hook City the focal point for trade across the entire continent. The Council of Four is in charge of ensuring that Hook City stays the best. Casting spells in town: As long as it harms none, do as you will.
Beriothian tells the others that while the Iron Tower doesn't have stables of their own, there is a hosteller nearby who will stable the Iron Adventurer mounts free of charge. Then the druid does some searching on his own and discovers that Hemust and Jillian have indeed moved out to Five Mile House. They are currently living in a shack and clearing an acre of land nearby for potato growing. Turns out they are rather happy despite the hard work! The druid also has tiem to stop by Ma'ab's Temple in Hook City and ask for the High Priest, Torm. An acolyte brings Beri to a small and well-cared for garden, with a large tortoise sunning itself near a pond, then leaves.
Caius rises a half-hour before dawn to begin his morning calisthenics in the yard, followed by rigorous practice with his sword. He has already worked up a sweat by the time the sun rises, and his swings his adamantine curveblade in precise, lethal swings as he circles. With a couple questions, he is able to find a local smithy who does commission work in nearby LaborTown.
Bosk sets to work cooking an abundance of food, utilizing all of the bulky and perishable goods he was unable to take advantage of during their travels. It seems that over the last few weeks the mighty taur's fingers could do no wrong in the kitchen (I haven't rolled below an 18 on a cooking check in months!). As everyone sits down to eat Bosk addresses the various matters at hand.
First, he cautions that he doesn't know what has happened to the Ghost Girls, and it may be prudent to keep your guard up. That and they will tear Peerimus' letter tomorrow.
Second, he looks for Sergeant Capon. The magistrate's liaison comes quickly and promptly. "No, sir, no additional paperwork required. The Iron Adventurers are listed as special because of your past actions and now may quickly update your roster as it changes. There are no further actions or results I am able to report. I will however, like to scribe your recent travels within the next couple of days. Please make yourselves available for interviews."
Next, Bosk drops by Mara the weaver. At the first mention of the Manfri and Steelgrass, tears spring to Mara's eyes. "May I see yours?", she asks wistfully. Bosk soon sees that Mara is an absolute genius with weaving and can indeed repair Steelgrass. "I started life as a Sargrass Orphan and learned much from the Manfri before travelling to Rattledam and learned still more. There I fell in love with a travelling bard and was exiled where we made our way here and had four daughters. I don't remember much about the exile, but my youngest, Tishe', sought out Rattledam and its secrets and I fear she was killed when the Sargrass was destroyed." The older woman pauses and wipes her eyes. "The Steelgrass reminds me of my daughter and my old home."
Not to be outdone, Anrete swiftly familiarize himself with the fireplace. And before long, the lanky youth is roasting some unidentified creatures over the fireplace. Bashing his gauntlet on his armored chest repeatedly to announce that breakfast is ready, Anrete proceeds to proudly his latest creation - roasted sewer frogs with pumpkin and tomato sauce.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+5=22 ; Tuesday July 16th, 2013 2:55:56 PM
Realizing the gnome not only knows she's putting her best smile on but enjoys it, she keeps right on going. Only this time, it's genuine. When he says he will help, she cheers loudly and then stifles it, grinning sheepishly at Jasper for the noise.
"I am so much in your debt. Thank you forever and ever! If you need anything to help you in your studies, I shall give it!
She waves happily and bounces off the chair, taking the gnome by the hand so he can lead her to the door. She says goodbye, and then departs.
Outside, most of her happiness remains, although she sadly notes she would have to find another place to report the passing of the Sage Morgan.
She finds a place to sit and takes in the entirety of this place. To call it a city or a town was false. This place was something different and special. How many people there must be here! To feed, dress, and water them all must require many more resources. She slaughtered cattle and chickens daily with the tribe, how many spirits must pass on daily in this place? Curious, she asks for directions to a butcher.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Tuesday July 16th, 2013 10:50:36 PM
"How did this place ever get built in Hook City?" Restlin wonders to himself. No matter though, because it's just fantastic. Knowing a place like this exists in Hook City fills the mage-priest with joy.
"Hey!" he exclaims, "does anybody know where I can get a good pierogi in this town? I'm buying if you can lead the way!"
He hopes someone's hungry. If anyone takes him up on the offer, he'll chat the entire way, trying to pick his new friend's brain on the deity he barely knew existed just a few months ago.
If not, he'll sit next to someone friendly looking and attempt the same.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Tuesday July 16th, 2013 11:38:59 PM
Beriothian transforms into a tortise for a while and enjoys the utter relaxation of sunning in the pool. After some time he returns back to the tower to see Bosk hard at work in the kitchen. He fills him in on his findings of Hemust and Jillian.
Well, when everyone has eaten shall we tear the paper?
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Tuesday July 16th, 2013 11:42:46 PM
Satisfied that a capable smithy is available, and rather crestfallen that the Iron Tower does not have its own facilities, Caius spots Sesha in the street. He gives her what some would call a cheesy grin. "Hey there, little drow lady." He leans against a lamp post and casually scratches at his neck. "Do you have anything that needs doing? I can be pretty... handy."
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Tuesday July 16th, 2013 11:51:41 PM
Bosk's heart melts as Mara begins to cry. Nothing in this Wold made the cleric feel more helpless than standing in the presence of a crying woman with no ability to console her. If my steelgrass has the the power to bring back such memories, then please take this. The cleric holds out his steelgrass scythe to the woman. There is little reason for me to carry it and the Guisarme around with me, and it would make me happy knowing that it will be in the hands of someone that appreciates it so much.
Upon leaving Mara's Bosk drops by the Brodery's to check in on the family. He makes sure to bring a gallon of ale with him to share with JimBim and the others, and while he is there he attempts to learn if they had any knowledge about the golden box they found on Heather's murder.
He chooses to wait to meet with Peerimus contacts before speaking with Capon about scribing the events of their travels.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Wednesday July 17th, 2013 10:14:30 AM
Turning to the minotaur, Anrete shrugs, "No idea. I found some in the puddles beside the road as we were walking in the town.".
Saying that, Anrete spies a tortoise outside, and decide that tortoise soup sounds exciting! "Yoz, Bosk-one-eyed-bull. Wanna cook some tortoise? Anrete saw a very juicy one over at the pool!"
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) d100=46 ; d100=46 ; Wednesday July 17th, 2013 11:48:12 AM Sesha happily concludes her interview with Gilroy and bounces out of the office. She is mostly happy, but feels she needs to find another place to report the passing of the Sage Morgan. Taking her time, she wonders how the city is fed, and makes some inquiries. She finds there are no huge animal pens like she was expecting; much of the food prepared and provided by magic. There are butcher shops in LaborTown and (Bosk and Beriothian can attest) MudTown that Sesha can contact. The closest one in the south shore of LaborTown is about a 1/4 mile away.
Restlin thinks the Temple to Wardd is just fantastic! Knowing a place like this exists in Hook City fills the mage-priest with joy. He shouts out a question, but doesn't get a good answer. Alas, such is luck! Even though he doesn't get perogi, the Wizard/Priest is able to get a fun conversation going on just about any topic where there are others who are willing to discuss their knowledge (or lack thereof).
Beriothian transforms into a tortoise for a while and enjoys the utter relaxation of sunning in the pool. As he turns back, the old tortoise speaks to the young druid. "It is ... good to see the young wait for wisdom too. Most of the time... they run too fast for... wisdom to keep up." He fills in the others about the whereabouts of Hemust and Jillian, and suggests that they tear the paper that evening.
Caius is satisfied that a capable smithy is available, though crestfallen that the Iron Tower does not have its own facilities. He strikes up a casual conversation with the returning Sesha.
Bosk gives his steelgrass scythe to Mara, who tries to give it back, but eventually agrees to keep it. The weapon soon is proudly displayed on the wall. Mara also agrees to repair Bosk's armor when it needs repair. Dropping by the Brodery's, he visits with the family and attempts to learn if they had any knowledge about the golden box they found on Heather's murder (ooc: gonna need Gather Information, Diplomacy, and/or Sense Motive checks if Bosk is being sly about asking). JimBim also has some news for Bosk. "I can get some of what you were asking for, but you have a couple of choices." JimBim hands the minotaur a scrawled paper obviously NOT in JimBim's handwriting.
Bosk Highlight to display spoiler: { I plan on the following rules of thumb for poisons in Hook City: 1) Max Poison DC available = Base 10+ PC CL ½ ( PC 8th level = Poison DC 14) 2) JimBim Broderly can only acquire plant or animal poisons (not other monstrous) 3) Only contact or injury poisons available (which can be marginally justified for adventurer use. Inhaled or Injested could really only be used by assassins and is too dangerous for JimBim to smuggle/manufacture.)[/b]}
The Paper: Highlight to display spoiler: { The order is ready. Client can choose from one animal and one plant-based poison. Charge 50gp per DC above 10 per dose for smuggling the poison (this is for bribes and the danger).
Animal Poison[/] BLACK ADDER VENOM (50gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 11; Frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; Effect 1d2 Con damage; Cure 1 save
MEDIUM SPIDER VENOM (200gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 14; Frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; Effect 1d2 Str damage; Cure 1 save
SMALL CENTIPEDE POISON (50gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 11; Frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; Effect 1 Dex damage; Cure 1 save
[u]Plant Poison BLOODROOT (100gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 12; Onset 1 round; Frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; Effect 1 Con damage and 1 Wis damage; Cure 1 save;
BLUE WHINNIS (200gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 14; Frequency 1/round for 2 rounds; Initial Effect 1 Con damage; Secondary Effect unconsciousness for 1d3 hours; Cure 1 save
GREENBLOOD OIL (150gp per dose); Type poison, injury; Save Fortitude DC 13; Frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; Effect 1 Con damage; Cure 1 save}
Anrete shrugs, "No idea. I found some in the puddles beside the road as we were walking in the town." ...................
Most of the group wants to deal with Peerimus' promise before dealing with Sergeant Capon, and so by that evening, they tear the paper. Nearly immediately, Cyniq can detect a Scrying spell watching the room. It lasts for a couple of minutes and then ends.
The next morning, after breakfast, there is a knock on the door of the Iron Tower. A large, tough looking human woman (think woman rugby player) and a no-nonsense gnome arrive at the doorstep of the Iron Tower. The woman is in plate mail, and has both a bastard sword and a curious holy symbol that intertwines the ancient woldian signs of several gods and powers proudly on her chest. The gnome wears travelling clothes and holds a staff, a casual whiff confirming that he has a spell pouch somewhere about him along with a large rat perched on one shoulder. Without preliminaries the woman begins to speak.
"Hi, I'm Rash, and this is Firn'gaer, we're friends of Peerimus, and used to be tied to that Chaos Bell. We're here to set up that little agreement you have with Peerimus. Good idea, I told him! I live in Cliffport with my family, and Firn'gaer has a tower..."
She gets cut off by the gnome. "... Where it's none of your business. You going to invite us in before we tell the whole city all our secrets, or should I just go home now and prepare the defenses?"
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+20=35 ; Wednesday July 17th, 2013 12:25:53 PM
Sesha is startled to see Caius, and considers him a moment in silence. He hasn't said a lot since tagging along since the Chaos Bell, and all she really knew is that he was a soldier from somewhere. With a pang of guilt, she realizes he also without question helped to defeat the bell, hasn't complained about being teleported across the Wold, and has offered his help without precondition. Perhaps she should know him better?
She smiles and waves happily.
"Hello Caius! I was just on my way to see where they slaughter the animals for this huge city! I figured it would be something to see, just how much livestock it took to feed this place. But now people are saying it's mostly handled by magic, and not very much gets slaughtered here at all. Still, I figured I would ask a butcher somewhere about it. We used to slaughter a cow a day just to feed the Ga'alin. I wonder how many spirits are released from their bodies just to feed the people of Hook. Would you like to come with me?"
Asking about, she manages the last 1/4 mile to Labor town, asking Caius about his position with the Mailed Fist, was he a commander? A leader of men? What was the scariest thing he ever fought? Did he have a wife or children?
When she finds the Butcher, she pokes around the shop, watching to see who is in charge. Eventually, she purchases 2 ducks, 2 chickens, and 4 pheasants. As she pays, she introduces herself to the Butcher and asks about the logistics of feeding Hook City. How does it work? She also asks another question.
"Also.. I follow a .. God .. that teaches to greatly venerate the spirit of all things. Spirits are merely the essence of life that inhibits any creature. You have one, I have one.. these ducks had one. A spirit is limited by it's body, but not defined by it. My spirit might have been in a horse before it's body died. It might have been a mans. No one can say for sure. This is much different however, for a creature raised by humans for slaughter. When an animal is slaughtered it's spirit is released suddenly and without warning. Domestic Animals and their spirits are raised to trust humans and then are suddenly killed. I can guide them, make them a part of me, and over time it is re-release them when it is time. A wild beast doesn't have this problem. It knows when it is embattled for it's life. It's spirit is ready. So what say you? Can I please help you? I won't charge for the work and it frees up your time. I cannot always come by, but I will when I can. It would mean much for me as a follower of my .. god."
God. The last line was strange. Before Little Spirit was just another spirit, a powerful allied power with whom she bargained. Now it was different. Little Spirit WAS a god. She supposed that made her a follower of a deity she had yet to know.
[1] Diplomacy 35 vs a base DC of 30? Assuming 15 for indifferent, + 5 for "not always working" and +10 for "let me kill your stuff for my god" (Supposed to be +5 per request, but I did 10 for the latter.)
When finished, Sesha heads home with Caius and her poultry. She spends part of the day rearranging her room and noting the changes she would like to make, and the rest of it telling Restlin and the others about her experiences. She is sure to use her exact wording as before with Bosk when describing her stop at the butcher, curious as to how he will perceive her actions. She also thanks him excitedly for the strange sword. She cannot tinker with it yet, as it was not gathered by her. But she spends some considering the item and pondering how she could use it later.
The day finished, she goes to bed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When she awakes the next morning, she presents the birds to Anrete.
"I was hoping you could make something with these Anrete. I prefer poultry and fowl to the heavy red meats. It would be nice to have something different, if you don't mind? Not that there's anything wrong with frog and pumpkins!
When the visitors come, she is lounging about, laying on the floor and probing the sword Bosk gave her with her magic. She jumps up, eager to see who is visiting. She cranes her head for a better look, standing on her tip-toes.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Wednesday July 17th, 2013 4:50:08 PM
Restlin, comfortable back at home after a great day of camaraderie, listens raptly to Sesha's feelings on barnyard spirits. "It's an odd juxtaposition, I guess. On the one hand, you have this chicken that's lived a life of relative comfort traumatized by her death. On the other you have a wild chicken...do those exist? wild chickens? anyway...you have this wild chicken that's lived a life of hard knocks and its death at the fang of a predator leaves it carefree. Either way a chicken's going to suffer. Have you ever considered the fact that maybe life's not that hard?"
He'll also talk at length on his time in the temple and continuing quest for a decent pierogi. He'll also talk about Yondrim since he made them so well and his fall against Lowd. He'll leave out the accidental cremation the wizard gave him...
***
The next morning, Restlin's on his way out again when the visitors arrive. He immediately decides he dislikes this gnome, but stands aside to let him in anyway.
"I tried to get something for breakfast, but that didn't work out. Make yourselves at home, of course. Perhaps Anrete has something cooking for the two of you..."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Wednesday July 17th, 2013 9:12:08 PM
The conversation butcher shops intrigues the druid. He's been living here for a while now, and you forget that sometimes actual people do work. It's very easy to fall into the mindset that everything just happens... well, by magic. Do you really think the animals are traumatized before death here? I mean, I don't doubt it happens many other places but in a city like this where pride, arrogance, and magic are so ingrained into the peoples minds I'm guessing that any animal that were to be butchered would be done so only using magic that did it instantly and painlessly. *** Walking into the living room with his morning coffee he sees a few of the others gathered around the door. They must have just got there, as Rash is just starting her introduction. Ah, It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Beriothian of the Iron Adventurers. You are wise in your caution master gnome, I would suggest we discuss business in the kitchen over a cup of coffee. He leads them into the kitchen, where he tops off his coffee cup and gets the two guests one as well.
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Wednesday July 17th, 2013 11:30:08 PM
Caius is grateful to have someone to talk to. "I was a color sergeant, in charge of 15 to 20 men, depending on our assignment. We were a heavy infantry regiment, designed to hit heavy and hit quickly. And boy, did we hit hard. We handled orcs, troglodytes, goblins, hobgoblins, bandits of every civilized race, you name it." He reaches back and touches the handle of his curveblade. "Me and Reason have marched through a dozen countries for gold and glory. No time for a wife and little ones, what with all the killing that needed done."
He listens to Sesha's impassioned speech, nodding in agreement. "My Ma and Pa raised me in the Green Faith. Everything living thing has a soul. 'Course, that don't stop us from eating tasty creatures and all, but it's good to give respect."
Caius accompanies Sesha back to the Iron Tower in time to see the guests greeted. He listens patiently, and follows with the group into the kitchen.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday July 18th, 2013 2:44:42 AM
When the paper is torn Cyniq alerts the others, we're being scryed on, not sure where the scryer is.
Being new to the continent, Cyniq stands back and watches as the senior personnel address the new comers at the door.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20=15 ; Thursday July 18th, 2013 3:50:25 AM
Bosk thinks about the golden box for a moment before sharing what he knows with the Jimbim and his family. The whole situation had been a convoluted mess. From what he could piece together Heather's parents had planned to marry her off to her father's best friend Lowd for compensation. Heather heard about this and fled, at which point Lowd killed Heather's parents in a fit of rage. Eventually Heather collected her siblings and they started a new life. Everything went well for years, until one day Lowd appeared in Hook City and murdered Heather and numerous other people. The Iron Adventurer's tracked Lowd down to Heranmar where Heather's father haunted the Inn he used to run as some sort of strange reverant. Together they defeated Lowd and his minions and Heather's father was able to find peace in death. Just before he died for the final time he gave the group a golden box. It seems solid except for the locket-sized depression. The rune in the depression upon careful examination looks to be three initials: HBI, Heather's initials. It was then determined that Clarissa, Heather's younger sister likely had possession of the locket.
The Iron Adventurer's had saved the lives of every other member of Heather's family, helped Heather get her revenge and protect her family so that her and her father's spirits could cross over, and the cleric now bore Heather's own eye as a living reminder of the first spirit he helped to cross over as a Grim. With all the two groups had been through together he decides to be very direct about the box and locket.
Upon reading the note Jimbim hands him Bosk points out the BLUE WHINNIS and MEDIUM SPIDER VENOM, indicating that is what he is interested in and that he would like two doses of each before handing him a small sack of gold to pay for the goods.
After finishing up with Jimbim and making any necessary arrangements he leaves the Brodery's to head back to the tower where he listens to Sesha's story and silently ponders the similarities between the witch and himself. That is an interesting take on the spirit and compassion is a virtue to be admired, but I have never heard anything that would lead me to believe delaying the spirits journey to the Shadow Realm is beneficial. That said, as a Grim Avenger I usually deal with spirits of a higher intellect. Those that have chosen not to cross over or find them bound to our plane through some injustice or unfinished business and those trapped here through magic. There are not many animals with such a deep seeded need for vengeance, but as long as the spirit goes where it is supposed to in a timely fashion and Gargul does not mind... the cleric's voice trails off, unsure if the gray god would in fact mind. He makes a mental note to mediate and pray on the subject in the morning.
Changing the subject he shows Sesha a door in the corner of the kitchen (I need to add this to the map) that leads to a small underground room for meat storage that is significantly colder than the rest of the tower.
The next morning The Horned Cleric drinks his coffee as he prepares eggs, biscuits and gravy for everyone (and chicken if Sesha wants his to prepare some for her). Although he is in the kitchen when the guests arrive he makes an educated guess on who it must be and brings out some food and drinks for the guests. Thank you all for coming. Please, let me know if there is anything I can get you.
Actions. ------------------ Tell Jimbim and his family about the box Purchase Poison Cook Breakfast = 17
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 18th, 2013 9:37:13 AM
(ooc: Lol. Step 1: Buy Poison. Step 2: Breakfast is served? )
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 18th, 2013 10:03:13 AM
ooc: If I ever kill you, you'll be awake, you'll be facing me, and you'll be armed.
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) Thursday July 18th, 2013 10:36:27 AM
In conversation, several of the heroes learn a little more about each other; Sesha's views on spirits, Caius' background in the Mailed Fist, Anrete's ability to make quite tasty dishes out of the strangest ingredients...
(by the way, I love all this role-playing stuff you guys are doing!)
At the butcher shop, it is going to take some days of coming around and talking and convincing the Butcher of Sesha's good intentions before he invites her to the back room. Yet the Witch can see that she has made a good impression and is strongly encouraged to continue this lead.
Bosk tells the Brodery Family (who owns the apothecary shop) and also the new Iron Adventurers about the Golden Box. Clarissa admits that the locket was lost when the children fled (ooc: small change in history here) from their little village that was near Heranmar to MudTown. JimBim also tells Bosk that it will be a few days, but he'll deliver the package to the minotaur personally.
.............
Rash and Firn'gaer are invited in, made relatively welcome, and seem to enjoy the Iron Adventurers' hospitality. But not for long, because both are looking forward to going back to their respective retirements.
Rash (with Firn'gaer putting in the occasional word to keep the conversation on business) describes the Cursed Item Holding Device that Peerimus agreed to build for the Iron Adventurers as a reward last module. Sticking it in the basement (or Firn'gaer is willing to create a new basement room by magic. "That's how I built my Tower".) The Iron Vault will become, in fact, an extra-dimensional space. Both the 20th lvl Cleric and 20th lvl Mage are required to create the Iron Vault.
Iron Vault Fate Item APPROVED by Rob for play on 2013MAY20 [Cauldron and Spear Module] 1. Basement: The door to the room is guarded by twin Symbols of Sleep and Stunning that are on the inside of the door lintel and will be keyed in on the Iron Adventurers (further, the IA are able to Key in new members and key out old). Coupled with the Symbols is an Permanent Alarm Spell that will go off if the Symbols are triggered. The alarm sounds in a location chosen by the Iron Adventurers. The Room is further covered by a Permanent Private Sanctum and Permanent Dimensional Lock (with a 10x10 hole APG Shaping Metamagic) where the Vault is located. 2. Entrance: The entrance is like the entrance to a Magnificent Mansion; invisible until a Command Word is spoken (Iron Adventurers Choose), then opens into a 10x10 hole into a void-like area filled with objects and sparkly lights floating in a vast black void. This is a demi-plane. 3. Vault: Any magical item thrown into the Vault spins slowly in the void and immediately creates 9 copies of itself. Each copy is alike in physical and magical aura characteristics, but does not possess any other power. The demi-plane is infinite and filled with flotsam and jetsam, so is nearly impossible to recover an item. On the off-chance one is found, there is only a 10% chance that it is the correct item!
............................
"So", says Firn'gaer, "you young heroes choose. Where do we put this Iron Vault, what Command Word do you want to open it, and where should the Alarm go off?"
Rash puts in her 2 coppers. "You can of course add in your own defenses and protections, illusions, alarms, and even mechanical traps as well. This is just what we're going to put in for defending a place with so many cursed magical items."
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Thursday July 18th, 2013 11:09:14 AM
Anrete ambles off in search of the tortoise but found to his disappointment that the elusive creature disappeared after awhile. As he was returning back to the fireplace, the drow girl shoved a couples of dead-looking fowls at the barbarian chef.
"I was hoping you could make something with these Anrete. I prefer poultry and fowl to the heavy red meats. It would be nice to have something different, if you don't mind? Not that there's anything wrong with frog and pumpkins!"
Anrete frown slightly, "Frog meat is white. Anrete hadn't serve any read meat for sometime! Dogs are hard to catch in this city! But no worry, Sesha-sunburnt-witch-with-pointy-ears, Anrete will drain the birdies of their blood!"
The barbarian then proceeds to drain the fowls of their blood and before cutting them into paper-thin slices with his greatsword. Anrete then left the chicken slices to marinate in lime and vinegar as the visitors interrupt his cooking.
"What is big metal box?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Thursday July 18th, 2013 1:32:14 PM We could call it 'The Containment Unit' or 'Warehouse 14'...
Cyniq shrugs, bu then, I just got here and haven't started shaking the status quo yet.
After fixing herself a simple breakfast, Cyniq gathers her gear and gets ready to head out, if anything come up, I'll be at Pantheon's. With nothing else holding her at the residence, she heads for the temple.
Please inform Chief Justice Conner that Justice al'Lyz is available to adjudicate. While she waits she can't help thinking that presiding over a few cases will give her some additional insight on the workings of Hook City.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 18th, 2013 4:44:55 PM
Sesha is more excited that the visitors are here on account of the cursed items. As interesting as the sword was, it wasn't cursed.
As they describe the vault and the defenses in detail, she is impressed. There are good contingencies in place. She doesn't know the best place to put it, so she leaves that to Restlin, who probably has more insight on these sorts of things.
However, she isn't completely without input. She asks," Is it possible to make the alarm silent inside of the tower and audible for a large radius outside? Scaring away a person who is here to steal such a thing just means they will try again another time when better prepared."
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Thursday July 18th, 2013 5:02:45 PM
"That's a pretty good idea, but there should be some way to let those of us inside know that someone's up to no good. As for location, I'm all for the entrance being under the foundation of this tower. That way it would require a stone shape spell or something similar just to get to it in the first place."
Restlin tries to play it cool, but the fact that two very powerful casters are about to rend space and reality to make them a fancy hidey-hole is just awesome and he can't wait to see them at work.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Thursday July 18th, 2013 5:40:03 PM
Thinking for a moment on a suitable code word Beri starts to smile, he has just the thing. We will take you up on the offer of a new basement room, it will be more secure if the vault room is not contained in the tower's original blue prints. As for the code word, if nobody has any objections might I suggest using the word Shibboleth? I don't know that it has much meaning in these parts, but it holds a fond place in my heart from my days as a rogue.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 18th, 2013 7:55:49 PM
Bosk watches with a sense of awe and amazement as Firn'gaer and Rash work their magic. I agree with Beri. The password should be something that would be impossible to guess and unlikely to be spoken on accident. After a moments thought he asks, Would it be possible to the entrance activation keyed in to a specific alignment so that evil aligned people cannot activate it?
As the group discusses the vault Bosk respond Cyniq al'Lyz suggestions on what to call the vault. I think we should refer to it by a much more inconspicuous name. Perhaps we could refer to the items as apples and the vault as the pantry. It would allow us to speak about matters more freely, when necessary, without arousing suspicion or drawing attention to ourselves. As for the location, the only underground room in the tower that would be on any possible blueprint is the small room off the kitchen that serves as a cold cellar for meat storage.
ooc: Will the sculpt stone spell work on gold for the purpose of opening up the golden box?
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Thursday July 18th, 2013 8:12:41 PM
Sesha cringes at having to subtly warn Anrete that someone is messing with the vault. He would likely just make her a pie.
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Thursday July 18th, 2013 8:19:32 PM
Apples in the Pantry it is!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Thursday July 18th, 2013 8:35:32 PM
...because after we beat down the bad guys taking our cursed items, who wouldn't want pie?
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Thursday July 18th, 2013 11:34:52 PM "This may sound silly, but why not put it on the ceiling? The door is invisible, so you could even attach a not-invisible chandelier to the door knob that would hang down and hide it even more. Just keep a ladder in the attic for when you need to get in."
"As for a password... I have an idea. But we need a trapmaker. Is there one hereabouts?"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Friday July 19th, 2013 2:04:09 AM Personally, I was thinking to place it under the bath.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Friday July 19th, 2013 10:04:09 AM
"You can get just about anything in Hook City, Caius. What did you have in mind?"
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Friday July 19th, 2013 10:21:33 AM "If we put it on the ceiling, we could put a magical trap on the floor below it. The password would not only open the door, but also set off the trap, which would target only evil creatures."
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Friday July 19th, 2013 10:30:18 AM Magic
Anrete snorts before turning back to his preparation. Once the slices of fowl are suitably "cooked" by the lime and vinegar, Anrete proceeds poke at one of the spellcasters to cast a chill spell on his dish.
"Can ya help Anrete chill these meat?"
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) Friday July 19th, 2013 1:58:38 PM
"Where do we put this Iron Vault, what Command Word do you want to open it, and where should the Alarm go off?"
The questions are still valid as the Iron Adventurers discuss the possibilities. Rash and Firn'gaer seem to wait patiently, the woman taking another helping of sweetbread and the gnome snorting about the two possile passwords. "As long as you don't pronounce it Sibboleth, you should be OK."
Cyniq isn't as interested in the Iron Vault as learning about the laws of Hook City, and makes the long walk back through LaborTown, across the Hook River, up Labor Town, and across NorthHook to the Temple of Panthenon. There, she is quickly assigned a court for the morning, and she is able to learn about the types of cases brought before Panthenon. Domestic, petty theft, and merchantile cheating are the predominant complaints, and usually only between individuals. Cyniq finds out that most of the cases are also because at least one of the parties can't afford to hire a Protector group to solve the differences for them, and so are looking for another means.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Friday July 19th, 2013 6:23:43 PM
Sesha frowns.
"Don't most alarm spells also warn the caster, but in her head only?"
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Friday July 19th, 2013 6:38:16 PM
Bosk thinks about the alarm for a minute. [b]I think Sesha is right, we would prefer to hear it in our heads if possible. As for the password, Beri's suggestion works for me as long as he reveals its meaning to us (personal and technical), and I like Caius idea of putting it on the ceiling. As you can see, we have a huge chandelier in the main room that was recently replaced. That would make an excellent location and the floor below it is clear for a trap. I prefer this over the bathroom because we tend to have more people down here in order to keep an eye on things. I say we go with this comination, if there are no objections.
Bosk listens to Anrete's comments about the chicken and remains silent, unsure if vinegar and lime juice will actually cook the chicken and make it safe to eat. Although he has Rose's Temp Control prepared, he decides to wait for Sesha's reaction and to see if anyone has a prestidigitation spell that could help out before saying anything or offering assistance.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +8/+7/+6 CMD: 21 HP: 82/82 (Spells) Saturday July 20th, 2013 11:15:20 PM
Restlin elbows Sesha subtlety when Bosk approves of her plan & gives her a quick thumbs up and a stupid looking grin.
"No objections here, buddy. Sounds like a plan."
He looks curiously at Anrete's chicken and can't help but think it might actually be tasty. Unfortunately, he has no chill spells prepared. "I have a wall of ice spell prepared, but that is likely overkill."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Sunday July 21st, 2013 9:10:32 AM Shibboleth is a very old phrase from another land. After a great war those on the losing side were not allowed to return to the land. Occasionally someone would try to sneak back in claiming to be from among the people of the winning side. To prove which side they were a part of they were asked to prove it by saying the passphrase Shibboleth, a word that was all but impossible for them to pronounce correctly as an outsider without revealing your accent. I believe it was the 'sh' that the losing nation was unable to pronounce correctly. That is the beauty of the phrase, it's not enough to just know the word. It requires you to pronounce it in a certain way as well. From listening to everyone over the last few weeks I believe our new members will have no problem saying the word, but there are many outsiders who would spend years trying to correctly pronounce it without success.
Beri considers putting the room in the ceiling. I like that idea, it would make it much harder to find, especially without dedicating a significant amount of time to searching for a room they don't know exists.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Sunday July 21st, 2013 1:05:56 PM
Sesha looks at the sliced birds with curiosity. She had eaten a lot of things, some raw, during her rituals for the Ga'alin. She knew little of cooking anything other than potions. Smiling big, she asks.
"I had no idea you could cook birds that way, Anrete. Are they .. cooked all the way? If so.. I can't wait to try it."
Sesha feels her cheeks redden a little when Restlin gives her a thumbs up, of all things. Something about the Mage-Priest made her feel different, but she wasn't sure what. Maybe it was because he wasn't as grim as many of the others she had adventured with. There HAD been a number of them, considering this was her third adventuring group. Still, she was glad that she contributed, even a little.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Sunday July 21st, 2013 5:41:36 PM
Garret woke up from a deep sleep rather suddenly. Before he opened his eyes, he knew he was someplace different. The air smelled and moved differently. The bed felt wrong. He was not in Bryn Baraz. He opened his eyes and looked around the room. He saw the round walls and the expensive decorations. The memories started flooding back: the cliffside exploration, the Chaos Bell, the Southern Continent, and the Iron Adventurers. He lay there a moment, thinking about whether he would ever see his homeland again -- and if it really mattered if he did.
After a short time of thought, Garret hopped to his feet. He knew many of the others would be moving in to their new place, but Garret had always traveled light -- everything he owned he could carry in a small pack. He grabbed up his pack and headed out into the town. He spent the day exploring the town -- mostly gaping at the large groups of buildings and people. This place was much larger than anywhere he had ever traveled and he really didn't understand how so many people could live in one place. He simply sat back often and just watched people go about their day, trying to learn more about this strange place.
Returning back to his new home at the Iron Tower, he overheard someone talking about pie. His small legs moved him quickly to the gathering and as soon as he entered the room, he said, "Pie?" The quick glares told him that he was interrupting. He listens carefully about the iron vault and wondered out loud, "That sounds like an incredible place. Is there really so much around this place that such a thing is needed? I am not sure that I like this city so much."
He lets the others continue their discussions about this new vault and he heads off to the kitchen area, seeking out Anrete and his food creations. As he walks into the kitchen area, he grabs a sample of something off the counter and pops it into his mouth. "Hey, Anrete, what is cooking? I have heard there is another in the group who can cook nearly as good as you can. Have you sampled any of the preparations of Bosk?"
The Iron Tower and the Next Morning (DM SteveK) Monday July 22nd, 2013 11:29:42 AM
Firn'gaer and Rash agree to the idea of the Vault going into the ceiling, but will NOT put it in the main hall on the first floor. "The room where we put the Vault will have Dimensional Lock and Private Sanctum. Do you want anyone walking into your front door be unobservable by anyone else? Further, we are going to place Permanent Resetting Symbols at the entrance to the room. I'm not going to zap every merchant, soldier, or supplicant who arrives on your doorstep! Pick a room with only one door or let me create a new one in the basement, or I'll just leave now and tell Peerimus you didn't want the Vault." The gnome is acidic, but the Iron Adventurers must admit that he has a point.
The priest also objects to the idea to place the Alarm only in the heads of the Iron Adventurers. "The Alarm will only work within a certain range. You move out of that range and the spell will be broken. You will also not be able to key in new heroes", she says reasonably. [b]"Pick a room, maybe a common room on one of the upper floors or the kitchen?"
For the Command Word, the two suggestions are "Shibboleth" and "Apples in the Pantry". The mage and priest will go with the majority.
......................................
The day after Firn'gaer and Rash have completed the Vault and are gone, Sergeant Capon arrives. Ramrod straight and impeccably dressed in his Hook City uniform, the liasion is a no-nonsense and precise constable who the older IAs haven't yet found if he has any sense of humor either. He states he is available to give a debriefing of what has gone on and to interview each hero about their latest adventure. (ooc: any hero who accepts to be interviewed can ask the liaison anything. Sergeant Capon has to tell any Iron Adventurer the truth.)
It is a day after Sergeant Capon has completed his interviews of the heroes who wished to give them that JimBim Broderly arrives at the Iron Tower with a package for Bosk. Some money is exchanged, and both persons seem happy with the arrangement. (ooc: Bosk has his poison)
Sesha has taken several days to get to know the butcher and the operation. It turns out that every person who has been born in Hook City is partially imbued with magic. So much so that every native born citizen can cast a Cantrip. Most of these are very domestic, as seen in the Butcher Shop. The Butcher has employees who Daze Animal, Pluck, Sweep, and Clean. The Butcher himself has a magic that Preserves Meat and keeps any meat in the shop from spoiling. Killing animals, however, still requires physical labor, and Sesha is finally allowed to participate and harvest the power of the departed souls. "Used to have a Witch of the Sargrass Plains helping out", the Butcher admits, "but that was before the Great Migration. Not as many about now, and those that are tend to favor darker magics. Won't have any of that in my shop!" (ooc: Sesha can be full up on Save/Slay power.)
Almost a week passes when a gilded invitation is presented to the Iron Adventurers, it is from Torm, High Priest of Ma'ab! The Iron Adventurers are invited to a feast at the Temple of Ma'ab at sundown tomorrow. They will be honored guests of Torm.
....NOTES....
Please make the following votes in each hero's next post. Majority that votes will be the final decision.
1. Location: Identify a current room in the Tower with one door or Firn'gaer creating a new room in the basement. Either one, the Vault entrance will be on the ceiling of that room.
2. Alarm: Identify a room in the Tower.
3. Command Word: "Shibboleth" or "Apples in the Pantry"
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 18{22}/16{20}/14{18} -- CMD 19 -- HP 60/60 Spells Active: Detect Scrying Monday July 22nd, 2013 12:10:56 PM
Cyniq spends the week providing her Justicar services at Pantheon's in the mornings. The afternoons are spent exploring Hook City. She spends a couple of days out in Mudtown and the docks.
In Mudtown she continues her studies of the lay of the land, trying to make sure she has the flow of drainage determined correctly.
Any money she earns she donates to the temple after her expenses.
After her last trip to Mudtown, she cleans up and sits down with the others for dinner, I think I have a plan worked out to start on fixing mudtown. Pulling out a folded piece of parchment, she unfolds the large sheet, shifting a few plates and glasses out of her way, the map is amateurish, but passable in providing the major landmarks of North hook and Mudtown. Numerous lightly drawn green lines are drawn across the map passing through the structures. A criss cross of blue lines overlays the others, turning the map into something that looks like a kids drawing.
see here, as I understand it, the weather magic is generating a significant amount of precipitation. This is saturating the underlying strata of mudtown, which results in an over abundance of argillaceous earth!
Tracing a finger across the light lines she continue, these represent high ground, as you can see, the city itself is somewhat elevated, good thing or the water and mud would be flowing in through the gates. Anyway, as you can plainly see, there is a tendency for the excess water to flow through these channels, and out in mudcity these are often criss-crossed with wooden planks. Her fingers now trace the blue lines. In a manner of a few days I can cast a paid of spells that will raise the ground along these lanes and turn it to stone! I'll have to leave channels that will need to be bridged, but that means that getting in and out of the city will be possible across a raised road surface!.
Cyniq pulls out another piece of parchment, one that is shear enough to almost see through, and she lays it over the first, first one way then another, before matching up the symbols. Mudtown is now drawn with many red shapes layered across it, channels a few feet wide separating each. [b]I figure that within a couple of weeks I can have all of mudtown raised and turned to stone. These channels will still collect the excess precipitation and channel it to the river. Wooden planking can be laid down to cross the channels.
Cyniq steps back and looks at the others, Well, what do you think?
Basement for the vault, kitchen for the alarm, apples in the pantry for the password.
"Looks solid enough, I guess. I'm not much of an engineer myself." The wizard stands straight again. "Of course, these plans don't take the city's bureaucracy into consideration. Still, this would improve the lives of many. You should speak with Sergeant Capon about this. He likely has some knowledge of how Hook City would look upon this undertaking."
When he hears the invitation to Ma'ab's palace as a guest of honor, he wastes no time in preparing. He's never been to one, but he imagines the Fae Queen's parties are legendary...
***
Vault in the basement, alarm in the kitchen, password = Shebiwhatever.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:93/93 Ki:12/12 CMD: 29] Monday July 22nd, 2013 1:38:11 PM
Garret continues to explore the area in and around the tower, showing up in the kitchen each and every time someone starts to prepare some food (and quite a few other times as well). He says little, but you often smell him before he appears...
When the sergeant arrives, Garret volunteers to be interviewed. As soon as they sit down for the interview, however, Sergeant Capon finds out that he's asked more questions than he can ask himself. "What are you a sergeant of? Why is it that you need to interview adventurers? Are there many adventuring groups that you interview in Hook City? Have you ever gone out on adventures yourself? What was it like when you went on an adventure? Do you have any food with you? What kind of adventures do you think are the most exciting?"
When the invitation appears to the feast, Garret appears from behind a chair, eating and apple and says, "Feast? Who is this Torm? Never mind, what sort of things does he normally have at a feast? I haven't eaten since breakfast, so I'm certainly up for a feast!"
Vault in the basement, Alarm in the kitchen, Password: Apples in the Pantry
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 73/73 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday July 22nd, 2013 4:29:31 PM
Sesha is neutral on the pass worlds and magic placements. She is pleased however, to do a little something for he spirits she feels might be left in some sort of displaced shock. When time permits, she continues a little of her conversation on the matter from earlier.
To Restlin: "The .. um.. wild chicken and the domestic bird will both feel the same physical pain, it's true. But it's the spirit I'm concerned with Restlin. A .. um.. feral jungle chicken.. it's spirit is hardened by the call of the wild. It's experiences teach it death could come any moment. The domestic spirit is raised, fed, and generally well cared for. It's death by it's owners is unexpected and sudden. This is what I wish to comfort."
She is surprised and genuinely pleased that Caius seemd to lend support to her idea. The man was more than a sword swinger. She would try to spend more time with him.
Bosk too, is a slight shock. Not only on this topic, but as a whole. Her experience with the Eyes of Gargul had been .. less than kind. And Bosk seemed to be in favor with his god, blessed with a third eye! Maybe he was the measure by which she should consider the Clerics of Gargul.
Not having any questions for Mr. Capon, or a desire to be interviewed, Sesha looks for something to do. She tries to keep up with Cyniqs plans, but the subject matter is beyond her. Besides, lots of people lived in or on mud.
Vote: Basement, Kitchen, Shibboleth
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells Monday July 22nd, 2013 6:31:07 PM
ooc: Apples and pantry were not meant as passwords, but more of a code for talking about the vault without revealing the true nature of what they are talking about.
Anrete AC:30/17/30 CMD:32 HP:121/121 DR:2 Monday July 22nd, 2013 8:31:08 PM
James D. Posting for Anrete:
Anrete grins at the mention of his chicken. Vinegar and lime kills bird worms. Only weak stomach people get sick. The pride in his face is unmistakable and it is clear he thinks his words are reassuring and sure to convince the others to try his new dish.
As for the the vault he shrugs. I like the bathroom. You should no see people using the bathroom.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 85/85 CMD = 23 (HASTE) Monday July 22nd, 2013 9:12:27 PM
Beri weighs in on the conversation of saving Mud Town.
Bosk and myself have had a few conversations about this. The problem is that the mud actually is in a constant state of migration away from the city. You would need to either anchor your channels to the city wall itself, or build a channel completely around the city in one go so that all points were pushed away at an equal rate, like a ring surrounding the walls. We had actually tried to calculate the number of followers we would need to succeed in such a task, though we didn't have the magical ability to raise stone. And now, there is the bigger problem that Mud Town has essentially been outlawed. Any repairs would be fruitless without convincing the the bureaucracy to repeal the existing law.
When the invitation to the feast arrives Beriothian is thrilled for a chance to visit with another member of the druid circle again.
vote: Basement for the vault, kitchen for the alarm, Shibboleth
CaiusHP 146 - AC 23/12/21 - F+12/R+7/W+5 - CMD 28 Monday July 22nd, 2013 10:55:43 PM "I would be remiss to pass up free food. Sign me up." Caius tries to listen intently to the conversation regarding the fate of Mudtown, but obviously has a hard time following along. "Sounds like those mudders aren't helping themselves. What's stopping them from getting off their keisters and fixing it themselves?" He looks around. "No, serious, what's stopping them?"
ooc: Basement, kitchen, shibboleth
Bosk AC: 28/13/25 CMD:22 HP 78 of 78 Spells d20=5 d20=3 Tuesday July 23rd, 2013 12:53:25 AM
Bosk thinks for a minute, debating the idea of suggesting they put the vault in his room and liking the idea that it would give him some added privacy, but ultimately deciding it would be best if it were in in a public room. My vote is for letting him put in a new secret basement room. I would prefer the alarm to be in the tower stairwell, but having it sound in the kitchen is fine with me as long as we will be able to hear it from our rooms upstairs, and shibboleth is fine with me as long as we all can pronounce it. The cleric thanks the honored visitors profusely for the favor they are doing the group and checks with them to see what details, if any, they might wish the group to refrain from mentioning to the city officials when the have their debriefing.
The next day Bosk meets with Sergeant Capon and fills him in on the relevant details of the groups adventure while leaving out any details that Peerimus and his companions might not want revealed. He also notes that it appears the ghosts of the two girls appear to have been satisfied and put to rest. Once through with his story, the blond taur begins asking a few questions of his own. He is curious if there has been any unusual activity in the or crimes the group should be aware of while they were away.
The next day Bosk greets Jimbim and invites him in as they finish up their business. He is quite excited about the prospect of the poison. Although he is uncertain when he would ever use it, something about it feels right, as if it completes him as an Avenger. It had always seemed like a waste that he had gone through such thorough training in how to use poison as he trained in the ways of vengeance, yet up until now he was never equipped to put that training to use. He thanks the Brodery brother, asks how the family is doing, and says he will keep in touch and let him know if the need for more arises.
When Cyniq al'Lyz pulls out the drawing of the city Bosk is forced to agree with Beri. Besides the constant migration of the land away from the city, any permanent structures are banned from being built around the city. I am fairly certain that the city would not allow your plan, and if they were to allow it I am sure the paperwork would require a lifetime to complete. I also hate to admit it, but I do not think we should interfere. The more we try to help, the more we make them a target to anyone who wants to punish us. Until we have the strength to defend Mudtown we run a very real chance of making life worse for the people rather than better. The tone in his voice makes it clear that he is speaking from experience. The group had saved every citizen in Hook City. Thousands of people are alive today because the Iron Adventurer's warned them of the approaching zombie apocalypse, but how many died as an indirect result of their existence.
Upon getting the invitation from Torm, Bosk quickly goes out and starts asking for information on about what is considered proper attire for such an occasion and if he should wear his cleric's vestments to the feast.
ooc: Is there a spell that can be used to let us know if the alarm is triggered while we are out of the tower? Location - New Basement Room Alarm - Kitchen if it can be heard upstairs, in the stairwell if it cannot Password - shibboleth
Knowledge Religion on what to wear = 9 Knowledge Local on what to wear = 3
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