DM Kathy Wednesday November 20th, 2013 11:50:40 PM
Over the next week or so, you are able to rest up, divvy up the treasure, and help your new companions get acclimated to the Trading Post. Pen is able to send off his letter, and eagerly awaits a reply.
One afternoon, you hear a sound that is growing more familiar of late--the bustle of an arriving group of merchants. It's still an exciting enough event that a lot of the Post's residents step outside their homes and businesses to get a glimpse of the new arrivals.
This group is a little different from most. To be sure, there are merchants, hauling bags and a few pack animals. But the merchants, to a man, look surly and out-of-sorts. And accompanying them are a strange group indeed. They seem to have a lot of luggage. And they are talking to one another in very excited voices.
"I do believe that was a Thamnophilus aroyae," a human woman is saying excitedly. "I'll need to check my references to be sure, but it would be very interesting to see one at such a low elevation."
"Has anyone seen my sketchbook?" a halfling woman asks, looking around her.
A young drow woman approaches her, holding out a leather-bound book. "Here it is, professor."
"Thank you, Xyra," says the halfling woman absently, now apparently searching for something else among her belongings.
"Is there an inn?" asks a gnome man. "I'm quite sure there was supposed to be an inn. And where is--?"
One of the merchants, his face set, his jaw clenched, approaches Pen. You vaguely recognize him; he has been to the Trading Post before. "Do me a favor," he says. "Keep those crazy people away from me!"
Pen looks over at the group. "Crazy?" he says.
The merchant rolls his eyes. "Scholars of some kind," he explains, "from the Floating City. Nothing but problems and delays the whole trip. And none of them has the sense the gods gave a chipmunk! Well, except maybe the drow girl, but she's just a helper. Anyway, I'm well rid of them." He shows a grim smile. "They're your problem now."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:26:52 PM
Since their return, the minotaur has been helping at the smithy, working the bellows. He misses working the hammer at the forge. Perhaps he should take up the making of weapons again. Perhaps a sword...
Astern is attracted to the arriving group. They do not seem to be the usual merchant lot. Yet, when one approaches Pen, he moves to stand behind the Outpost leader. The barbarian is sure that anyone crazy enough to attack Pen would be well within his reach.
Playing the bodyguard, the towering gold horns waits to see what develops.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:41:25 PM
Rag tries out his new gear ( that at present he still needs to purchase ;-) ) and spends most of his time either helping out fortifying the outpost or meditating.
As the new arrivals enter the Outpost Rag's amused by the merchant's reaction and these scholars's behaviour..;
"I can smell trouble... " he chuckles and keeps an eye out on the lot from up on the parapets where he so often can be found meditating.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:48:51 PM
Smith eagerly awaits news as the different merchant caravans come in. This last one, however, holds interest for him - not only are many of their folk of proper size, but that they are scholars to boot? He eagerly waits to hear what they have been studying and what papers they may be working on. Perhaps they would allow him to write something regarding his discoveries regarding the Remorse of Eberyon. Perhaps some religious scholar would be eager to hear Smith's opinion. He awaits the unloading of the goods and trading to get into full swing before he crosses into the realm of academia with this new group of scholars.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Thursday November 21st, 2013 7:33:37 PM
Toregan spends most of the week training with his new companion, learning about its abilities and restrictions, and trying to forge a closer bond with it. When the new caravan arrives, He looks at Velox directly in the eyes. "Velox, remember what I've told you. Don't scare the new people." He motions for Velox to follow him close, which the small raptor dutifully does.
Approaching Pen, he overhears the merchant fume at Pen and he raises an eyebrow at the merchants statements. "I take it that means they have plans to be staying with us for some time then?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday November 21st, 2013 9:59:06 PM
Faust comes quick to see the newcomers and, seeing that they're scholars, he gets especially excited to greet them, even more after he sees that there's a drow with them.
"Greetings! Welcome to the Trading Post. I see you seek the inn, if you allow me, I'll accompany you there.", not even trying to hide his excitement.
If they accept his offer, he'll introduce himself on the way "My name is Faust Havler of the Tavir'e drow house. What brings your party here?"
"I see you
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday November 21st, 2013 10:00:17 PM OOC: Also forgot to mention I plan on making couple scrolls, possibly in the peaceful weeks, may I post the list and checks later?
Really lacking the time to go through my list check what'd be useful right now.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Friday November 22nd, 2013 12:22:54 AM checking in
DM Kathy Friday November 22nd, 2013 12:25:26 AM
Curious, you drift over near Pen, wondering about the newcomers. Toregan asks whether they'll be staying. "It certainly looks that way," says Pen, looking a little bewildered.
"OH!" a young human man, thin as a beanpole, with a shock of bright red hair comes rushing toward Toregan and Velox. "That's a velociraptor mongoliensis! My word! Is it yours? Is it tame? Where did you find it? How long have you had it? What do you feed it?" He looks eagerly at Toregan. "I specialize in dinosaurs of the Theropoda sub-order, you know, and I hoped to see some here. I never expected to see one right in the trading post!" He gazes admiringly at Velox.
Faust, meanwhile, approaches the larger group. And their luggage. Goodness, they have a lot of luggage. "Oh! Thank you," says the gnome. "Yes, thank you, indeed. Ah--Xyra, can you sort out the bags?"
"Of course, professor," the drow woman says, and begins corralling odds and ends that have already been pulled out of bags.
"Lead on, Faust Havler!" the gnome says. "I am Zanry Silverfire, a naturalist specializing in day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera. I hope to see many exciting new specimens during our field work. That is what brings us here--the opportunity to study specimens in their natural habitat. So exciting!"
The rest of the party begins drifting along behind Faust and Zanry, with the exception of the red-haired young human man who is still fascinated with Velox.
The drow woman, meanwhile, finishes getting the bags back into some semblance of order, then looks over at Asteron. "Would you be willing to help carry some bags?" she asks politely, showing a silver piece.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Friday November 22nd, 2013 8:47:29 AM
Asteron smiles. "I will gladly help you mistress... err... what is your name?" The minotaur says with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Anything I need to be particularly careful with?"
He makes it a point to be careful with the luggage, taking only as many pieces at a time as he can handle without danger of one of them falling or being damaged. The barbarian is amused by the fact that he has been recruited as a porter... and for a silver piece no less! But since he has spent the previous week helping at the bellows, and since he's got nothing better to do, he moves the luggage as directed, with a chuckle as he does so.
Once he finishes, he turns to the drow female and asks, "Is there anything else I can help with?" Asteron tries to look the part of someone expecting to be given the offered silver coin.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Friday November 22nd, 2013 5:18:57 PM
Smith watches the interplay between the group of academics and their helper, the one called Xyra. As she approaches Asteron and asks him to help as porter, Smith quickly joins up with the two of them and grabs a smaller bag to help. "You have the joy of herding that group of cats, do you?" he asks the drow woman in a friendly fashion.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Sunday November 24th, 2013 7:12:15 PM
Rag quietly observes the group of scholars... amused, curious, full anticipation.
DM Kathy Sunday November 24th, 2013 9:50:49 PM Asteron is amused at being drafted as a porter, and readily gathers up the baggage. "I am Xyra Bancurpi," the drow woman replies, and leads the way toward the inn.
Smith also comes along to help, asking Xyra about her responsibilities. "I'm their research assistant, yes," she replies. She is perfectly cordial, but there is something cool about her demeanor.
Inside the inn, Zanry Silverfire is trying to arrange accommodation for the group. It is not going well. The scholars talk over one another, contradict each other, and change their minds about what they want. Haggard tries to follow the bewildering cross-talk, but it's rough going.
When Xyra enters the inn, she smoothly takes over the process. "Professor Silverfire will need a room on a lower floor, since human-sized stairs are difficult for him," she explains. "Professor Keels," she gestures to the human woman, "likes a room at the back, because it's usually quieter. Professor Tumblehollow and I," she gestures to the halfling woman, "will share quarters, wherever there is anything available. Professor Horn is still outside, but he prefers a room with a view." With calm efficiency, she pays for the rooms, collects the keys, and begins shuffling the scholars and their luggage in the appropriate directions.
Outside, Pen gives Ragnarök a worried glance. "They're--they're going to be going out into the jungle?" he says in disbelief.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday November 25th, 2013 12:48:47 PM
Toregan, after recovering from his surprise at the actions of the human researcher, attempts to answer a few of his questions. "Well, I met this one about a week ago in the jungle near the base of this plateau. And I wouldn't same that hes tame, more like less wild. I've been feeding it meat scraps, and it seems to prefer raw meat to cooked." He looks the man up and down before extending his hand towards him. "I don't believe I caught your name. Toregan Dondarin, at your service."
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20+9=19 ; Monday November 25th, 2013 2:12:46 PM
Smith notes the cool attitude and responds smoothly, "I meant no disrespect, mistress Xyra, regarding the comments towards the researchers. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who partake in the academic arts."
"Will you be needing guides out into the wilds?"
Diplomacy 19
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Monday November 25th, 2013 5:53:13 PM
When Pen expresses his disbelief Rag laughs and nimbly jumos sown the parrapets...
"well... it seems we'll either try to herd them together before they end up in trouble... or get them out of trouble later... admit Master Pen that that sounds like fun..."
( kudos Kathy for trying to have everyone involved even when unsure what to do next like Rag was - thanks! )
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Monday November 25th, 2013 7:25:06 PM Still hanging, in limbo
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Monday November 25th, 2013 8:02:11 PM
Asteron is perplexed. It is one thing to go into the wild and do what you must do, but to go into the wild just for the fancy of it? What gives? The barbarian does well in the wild because of his training, but that does not mean that he'd not prefer to be safe and sound inside the confines of the stockade. A big city is a totally different matter, of course, but to risk life and limb without cause strikes him as unwise, to say the least.
"Master Pen, although I agree with you that their proposed course of action seems to be most unwise, Ragnarök is right. Better to keep them under watch rather than to have to find their remains later. It would not help the outpost's reputation, would it?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Monday November 25th, 2013 8:43:38 PM "That is most interesting!", says Faust to the scholars, "I am myself also here for some field study on the beasts, though I envision it being more of a survival guide than a truly academic paper."
"Either way, if you allow me, I'd love to read any notes you don't mind to show others; I'm sure it will be mightly educating for myself.", he adds, eager for a positive response.
At Asteron's comment, Faust adds: "Don't see much wrong in doing such...as much as scholars aren't exactly cut to be out in the field, it's a risk that comes with the profession, just like any warrior if not careful enough might end in the wrong side of a blade kick the bucket on his way for greatness."
"After all, what fun is there to study what is already known inside and out?"
DM Kathy Monday November 25th, 2013 10:14:45 PM Toregan tells the excited human man about Velox. "My, that's wonderful!" he says. "Oh, yes. I'm Marcus Horn, a zoologist from the Floating City. My colleagues and I have come to Cthonia to do a bit of field work."
Nearby, Asteron and Ragnarök have a quick discussion with Pen. "If your group would be willing to go along and keep them out of trouble," Pen says, "I think that would be best for all concerned. As you say, if they get themselves killed, it will reflect badly on us."
Faust seems to think the expedition will be fun, and asks the scholars for their notes. "Eh?" says Zanry, vaguely. "Oh! Certainly, certainly. Yes, I must---Xyra where is my sampling kit?"
"It's on its way to your room, Professor," Xyra replies calmly. "Perhaps I can assist you in finding your notes."
"Yes, thank you!" the little gnome replies.
Smith asks the research assistant if they will need a guide. The drow woman looks over her group, her expression unreadable. "I think they know where they want to go," she replies. "However....I think some assistance would be welcome. They can get a little...distracted."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 3:45:56 PM
Asteron smiles. From Freehold heroes to professor sitters. At least their life in Cthonia is not boring. Not by a long shot. Then, an idea comes to his mind.
"Professor Zanry, one question. Would you have any idea why I was born with gold-colored horns?" The minotaur directs attention to his two shiny, well polished, inward-curving horns.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 4:13:50 PM "Well Mr. Horn, my group and I have had a number of encounters with the native animals around this region, and I would be glad to give you a description of the creatures we've seen if it would help. In any event, I'm sure your trip has been eventful so far, and you could probably do with some food and rest. Allow me to show you to the inn. I believe that the rest of your group has already been shown the way."
Toregan leads Marcus to the inn, answering any question he might have about the local fauna that he has encountered.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Tuesday November 26th, 2013 5:49:15 PM
With barz torso, loose pants, uncomfortable sandals and no weapons Rag doesn't add up to what is expected from jungle adventurers... still, the monk is ready and willing to go on a field trip with the scholars...
"A field trip sounds like a lot of fun perhaps but this only happens if you listen to what we tell you to do... "
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:02:35 PM
Refreshed from his recent trip to join the Star Mage's Guild, Yngvar is surprised by the recent addition to the Outpost.
You know Toregan, we really need a better name. 'The Outpost' just sounds... provincial. We're going to need more housing too. I know we've been thinking about a larger residence for us, the guards? I think we need a label as well. Let's go have lunch and talk about what we're going to do with the Outpost, us, and this expedition.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:18:56 PM
Smith nods at the assistant. "I may not necessarily be the brightest guy in the bunch, but I do not a little bit about this and that, so I'll be glad to provide any sort of assistance you need. Just don't expect me to use these bulging muscles to help you too much though," he adds with a knowing wink, as he flexes his pitifully small arms.
He heads to where Asteron and Ragnar are conversing with the one known as Pen. "Their assistant indicated that they may be in need of our assistance."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:51:27 PM
Faust chuckles seeing how the mighty scholars seem like kids and their assistant is the day-care teacher. "Good thing you accompany them, miss Bancurpi, they seem at a loss without you.", he says jokingly, but not in a disrespectful tone.
Once he has the papers in hand, however, he can't (and doesn't try to) hide his excitement and glee, he eats through the papers as attentive as he can, trying to absorb the knowledge and hints of creatures he's yet to see.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 26th, 2013 10:22:31 PM Yngvar, lately returned from Plateau City, has some ideas for improving the Trading Post. Perhaps it can be made more impressive--and it probably needs a better name.
[OOC: Although I should point out that it is officially called the Trading Post, not the Outpost.]
Toregan continues speaking with the excitable Professor Horn as the two make their way to the Inn. The young human does indeed have lots of questions, and barely enough patience to wait for the answers.
Asteron asks about the cause of his golden horns. The scholars cluster around him, and exclaim over his horns. They use terms like "genomic variants" and "recessive genes," and sound very scholarly. Asteron gathers that they don't really have an answer, except that perhaps some long-forgotten ancestor of his also had gold horns.
Faust doesn't receive his notes right away. In fact, the only notes he gets to look at are those of the bespectacled Halfling woman. She, it turns out, is a botanist, specializing in plants of the group Pteridophyta. That, Faust soon discovers, means ferns. All kinds of ferns. Her notes are peppered with sketches and illustrations, along with notations about spores and fiddleheads and other terms Faust can only sort of keep up with.
Over the course of the evening, you have the opportunity to meet all of the scholars.
Zanry Silverfire, the gnome, seems to be the unofficial spokesman of the group, although they make a big thing about being a group of equals. He specializes in day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera, which you eventually figure out means butterflies.
The human woman is Marit Keels. She is a naturalist, specializing in passerine birds of the family Thamnophilidae. This seems to mean antbirds or antshrikes. Of all the scholars, she is the most disorganized, which is saying something. She manages to lose her room key between the common room and her door, and she misplaces her notebook twice during dinner.
The Halfling woman is Reva Tumblehollow. She, as Faust has discovered, studies ferns. Or, as she puts it, plants of the group Pteridophyta. She is the quietest of the group, and seems a little shy.
Marcus Horn, the young human man, is a zoologist who specializes in Theropoda dinosaurs. You don't quite get what that means, although you do know that Velox the velociraptor is an example. He is eager and enthusiastic, wanting to hear all about the Trading Post and the surrounding area.
And, of course, there is Xyra Bancurpi, their research assistant, who probably isn't getting paid enough to put up with what she's putting up with. She is calm, cool, and very difficult to read.
Dinner at the inn is a lively and talkative affair. The scholars seem pleased that you will be accompanying them, although they don't seem to understand why it's necessary. "I'm sure Xyra can handle it," more than one of them says, "but it will be nice to have you along, all the same."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 1:55:12 PM
Yngvar considers the group for a moment, Marcus, you study 'therapods.' And you see this young one that my esteemed companion has at his side. Could you enlighten us, and your companions on what this young one would consider a fine meal? And then it's adult version, and of course imagine it stood twenty feet tall. How much food do you think it would need to consume then?
Yngvar describes the close geography of the 'post, the mesa it resides on, and the lower lands below.
He happily shows any of the explorers the new sections of the wall, and why the old wall wasn't enough.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Wednesday November 27th, 2013 6:38:29 PM
In the evening Rag enjoys a good meal and listens to the various conversatios.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:08:35 PM
Smith follows Ragnarok's example.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:22:36 PM
Faust excitedly shows Reva couple notes and doodles of his own about interesting plants he'd found so far and, while Faust was very descriptive in his notes, he's much more of and enthusiast than an actual researcher, and to the trained eye it shows.
Over diner, he doesn't hide his surprise over the scholars' words and replies,"I mean absolutely no offense to ms. Bancurpi; the mere fact that you're all here in one piece is enough proof that she's competent enough."
"However, one would be wise to not underestimate the creatures in these 'thunderlands', while they're fairly manageable alone, in groups - and believe me, there will be groups - they're big and powerful enough to overpower even a group of taurs. And then, throw in the merry mix other less natural and instinctive dangers.", he says, trying not to sound too ominous.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:28:53 PM
[At long last, I have Hero Points from the previous module. For the fight against Boss Wathe's guys in town, I'm giving a Hero Point to Ragnarök for wading right into the fray, and taking damage as a result. For the fight against Tunks and Boss Wathe, I'm awarding a Hero Point to Asteron, what with the almost dying and everything. Well done, gentlemen.]
The Perils of Academia
DM Kathy Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:34:22 PM
You spend a convivial and informative evening, and part ways with the scholars for the evening. They assure you that they will be ready to depart first thing in the morning.
As you perhaps could have predicted, they are nowhere near ready first thing in the morning. They are still rushing about, looking for mislaid items, wondering whether they ought to bring this or that. And, in at least one case, still finishing breakfast.
By mid-morning, however, they are ready to depart, and chatter excitedly among themselves as you leave the Trading Post. "We want to begin to the west of the plateau, near the Coconut Trail," Zanry says as you make your way toward the lift. "We believe we will all find specimens of interest there."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Thursday November 28th, 2013 11:30:55 AM
Asteron sighs. Yet, he thinks that things could have been worse. The scholars could have left without their escort. If they had done that, the outpost would have a big problem in their hands.
But since they did not, and they were merely very, very late, the minotaur merely checked his equipment about a hundred times, while he waited for the strange group to be ready. Yet, once they were, he too point, hoping someone would join him.
"Ready?" He asks. - - - - - OOC:
@DMKathy, thanks for the hero point. I seem to run out of them too quickly. @all, for those who celebrate it, happy Thanksgiving Day!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Thursday November 28th, 2013 7:11:27 PM
Rag checks the scholar's equipment... aren't their backpacks too heavy for a tour through the treacherous jungle... books or other heavy things need to go.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday November 28th, 2013 9:10:04 PM
Faust checks his equipment and makes a selection of spells for the day.
He then waits patiently for the scholars, wondering if he used to be like that back when he was studying and not adventuring....still, it is as Asteron puts it: better late than underprepared for the task.
"Just to be clear, what sort of specimens are we expecting to find? Plants? Bugs? Dinosaurs?"
"Likewise, what is the intent with such specimens? Observation, capture or sampling?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Sunday December 1st, 2013 6:19:33 PM
Rag pays attention to the scholars answer to Faust question...
DM Kathy Sunday December 1st, 2013 10:02:08 PM Asteron waits patiently for the scholars, reasoning that it's better for them to be late than to have taken off without their escort.
Ragnarök thinks to inspect bags and backpacks for weight. And indeed, some of the scholars had packed heavy books that would best be left at the inn. Persuading the scholars of this takes some doing, but at last they are ready to leave with lighter packs.
Faust asks what the group will be collecting.
"Oh, we'll each be collecting our own samples," Zanry replies as he puffs along beside the group. "We'll travel together to the Coconut Trail, but then we'll split up and each do our own field work. My word, that looks like a janatella hera." And, without another word, he goes crashing through the underbrush in search of a butterfly he thought he saw.
You progress is much like that. Every few minutes, something catches the eye of one of the scholars. Sometimes, they are content simply to remark on it; other times they leave the path to get a closer look. You begin to feel a certain affection for Professor Tumblehollow, whose ferns, at least, are rooted to the spot and won't go anywhere.
At last, however, you reach the lift, and begin your descent to the jungle floor.
[OOC: Before I forget again, everyone take 500 XP for the previous scene.]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Monday December 2nd, 2013 9:50:42 AM
As they begin their descent, Asteron stands guard, alert. Trouble is bound to meet them, and sooner than expected, he is certain, with the carefree attitude of their charges. So, he keeps his bow at the ready, with an arrow nocked on the string.
"It would be better if you split into small groups once we reach our destination", he tells the scholars trying to keep things in some semblance of control. "I am sure that some of your fields of expertise have some overlaps, and your research would benefit from a sounding board that knows more about what you are doing than I do?"
Playing babysitter is going to be such fun! He smiles dryly at the thought.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday December 2nd, 2013 3:37:19 PM
Toregan sighs as he accompanies the researchers to the lift. 'This'll be a long day,' he thinks to himself. He stays near the very edge of the path, splitting his attention between the researchers and the jungle. "I concur with Asteron. It might be better for you to keep in small groups. Some of the fauna are easily spooked as well, so I'd advise a cautious approach to any you may see."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Monday December 2nd, 2013 4:31:37 PM Coconut Trail... right.Is that the one the kolbolds used?
Yngvar readies his pack the night before. He enjoys a leisurely breakfast while he watches with some amusement as the academics rush about to get ready.
Leaning against the gate, Yngvar nods to the others as they gather together. He feels like a seasoned veteran of jungle expeditions, but realizes that in the few months he has been here, this is only the sixth time he is venturing out.
Once more into the bushes?
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Monday December 2nd, 2013 6:43:28 PM
Smith dines with the others, but is quiet for most of the meal, trying to decide teh best tact to take when dealing with this crazy herd of academics. He finally decides to pick one and stick near to them. Which one, that is the question.
Finally after a few moments indecision, he finally decides to stick nearest to Xyra. At worst she will cooly freeze him out. At best, she will point him in the direction of the academic most in need of his help.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Monday December 2nd, 2013 6:43:47 PM "Looks like it Yngvar... better hope they'll listen when we tell them to stop... or run..."
Rag follows the scholars and is annoyed that every second they go running of the tracks...
"Okay listen up you bookwurms... no one strays from the tracks and those not listening to what we say should worry more about us than the jungle..."
DM Kathy Monday December 2nd, 2013 10:20:03 PM
You advise the academic party that it would be better to remain in small groups, both for mutual protection and to avoid spooking the animals. It is excellent advice. Unfortunately, it is brushed aside.
"Nonsense!" says Marit, the human woman, whose hair is already tumbling down from its knot. "We each have work to do, and we are experts in our fields! No, we shall be quite safe. And of course, we know better than to startle our subjects!"
The others agree, and no matter how logically you press your arguments, the scholars are determined. When they reach a spot near the Coconut Trail, they leave some of their gear there, designating it as the meeting point for when they've all finished. Xyra stays with the bags as the professors head off in four different directions.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 8:05:18 AM
"So... what do we do now? Do we also split to professor-sit, or do we wait for them here?" Asteron is baffled at the lack of common sense in such learned persons. "If we decide to split, I'll go guard professor Horn. His fascination with lizzards might get him into so much trouble..."
The minotaur's brow is deeply furrowed. Splitting their group is not a good idea, but letting the academics scatter to the four winds without protection feels even worse.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 8:54:03 AM "Why don't we tie a rope to each of them as they scatter of and we wait here... We give'm each a length of 50 ft so when in trouble we'll be quickly there... ? I'm definetely not a fan of splitting up... This is a central place so we just need to know when something's up. Either with a message spell or something physically like a rope..."
Rag frowns in anger as the supposedly wisest scatter of into the treacherous jungle...
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 12:25:57 PM I was thinking raw steak... Maybe some bells? I can just see them going around a tree a few times and wrapping themselves up with the rope.
Yngvar takes a look at the surroundings, looking for a perch where he can get a little visual distance on the others.
We've warned them. We're here. We can't spread ourselves too thin by separating to cover all of them. If a couple of them get munched while we save the others. Well, it comes with the territory. Their sacrifice will likely help us save the others.
Yngvar watches the expedition disperse. A little callous, but I'm not risking my neck for those too foolish to be cautious with their own.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 7:07:57 PM
Faust is also baffled at the scholars....after all, scaring their research subjects is the best 'bad thing' that could happen in the jungle. "I'll cast message on everyone before they get too far to go after.", he nudges the lazy owl perched on his shoulder, "You too, go fly high and keep an eye on them...fly in circles or something."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d20+12=25 ; Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 7:08:49 PM Forgot to roll Wolfgang's Perception (+12): 25
DM Kathy Tuesday December 3rd, 2013 10:12:22 PM
As the scholars begin going their separate ways, you debate the best way to keep them protected. Ragnarök suggestion of tying ropes to them proves impractical; they are going to be more than 50 feet apart. Faust sends Wolfgang aloft to try to keep an eye on things from above, while the rest of the group seems content to stay near the bags and rush off in the direction of the first cry for help they hear.
However, the first cry isn't for help, it is Professor Keels, calling for Xyra to bring her a bottle of ink. Xyra obligingly finds it and heads off in that direction. She hasn't even returned to her starting point, however, before Professor Silverfire needs another set of glass vials. And then Professor Horn needs his magnifier. Xyra rushes back and forth, puffing and beginning to sweat.
Wolfgang spots something shiny and tells Faust. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the professors. On the other hand, something shiny in the jungle is highly unusual.
But trouble does come, as you expected it would. And, of course, it all happens at once. You hear a strangled yell from the direction Professor Horn went, followed almost immediately by Professor Tumblehollow's alarmed cries for help--in the opposite direction.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Wednesday December 4th, 2013 1:47:08 PM
"Ok... we either split, or we move quickly towards one of them, maybe forsaking the other. Thoughts?"
The minotaur grabs his blade, and waits for the others to give a signal. While he waits, he looks at his blade. It has been a long time since he has made anything in a forge. Perhaps he should try to make something when they get back to the Trading Post. I'd like to forge my own blade one day. A blade balanced specifically for me. One decorated with minotaur motiffs... As agreeable as those thoughts are, their becoming reality will have to wait. They have at least two professors to rescue.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d2=1 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 3:16:21 PM
Yngvar pulls a coin from his pocket, heads we help Horn, tails for Tumblehollow. He flicks the golden coin into the air, watching it spin as it flys up, then down, rolling across the ground.
Heads it is. Yngvar picks up the coin and heads towards the cry's from Professor Horn.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+12=14 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 4:58:26 PM
A strangled yell ... that sounds like either a snake or some vile plants... an alarmed cry for help sounds more like an animal predator that is closing in on the bookwurms...
"As much as I hate it but perhaps now we need to split up... Asteron go with Yngvar. I'll go the other way... one with me! Hurry! Make haste... return here quick!! "
Rag runs of towards Tumblehollow... (perception 14) ... it's likely Rag bumps into Tumblehollow it seems.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20+6=9 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 5:49:56 PM
Smith grabs his rod and follows after Ragnar. "I hope this doesn't come back to haunt us, splitting up like this."
Smith is distracted by the local flora (perception 9) as he nearly runs into Ragnar.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d20+7=10 ; d20+12=28 ; Wednesday December 4th, 2013 6:08:09 PM "Don't think that splitting will go that bad, my money's on one of these cries being little else than a common root entanglement or pitfall...of the common non murdering nor plotting kind."
"Either way, we message the other group if we're in need of aid. Also, Wolfgang spotted something in the jungle, so keep an eye open for kobolds or some other jungle folk. Dondarin, you go with Scarecrow, he might need some help to hold the front, Velox will be handy, I'll go with Worldtraveller for extra fire power.", says Faust, who instructs Wolfgang to try to identify the shiny object if that won't expose him, otherwise, to keep an eye and see if it moves; as good as aerial recon is, if the shiny object is a blade tip or somesuch, it'll be good to know its movements.
DM Kathy Wednesday December 4th, 2013 10:58:59 PM
Reluctantly, you decide to split up. Asteron, Yngvar, and Faust head toward Professor Horn. It takes you a while to locate him because, ominously, he has stopped making noise. You arrive in a small clearing. Professor Horn's belongings are scattered about, and he himself is wrapped in a large constrictor snake. His face is turning purple.
Wolfgang conveys to Faust that the shiny thing isn't moving.
Ragnarök and Smith (and probably Toregan) rush off to help Professor Tumblehollow. She is easier to find; she is still calling for help. When you reach her, you see that she has found a patch of quicksand, and is already waist-deep in it. She has lost her spectacles, and her face is scratched. "Oh, praise Alemi!" she says when she sees you. Then, "don't get too close," she cautions. You can see that she is frightened, but not panicked.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20=7 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 5:18:09 PM I apologize for my crappy posting this week. Its the week before finals, and something came up with financial aid that i needed to take care of, and I completely forgot to post.
Toregan runs off with Rag and Smith to help Professor Tumblehollow. Once he reaches her and sees her situation he quickly rummages though his bag and pulls out a length of rope. "Just stay still and we'll get you out of there." He says to her as he ties a knot into the end of the rope. He then tosses it to the professor while maintain his distance from the quicksand. "Just grab onto it and we'll pull you out. Rag, help me pull. Smith, keep an eye out for anything that might have heard her."
Attack roll for throwing the rope (Just in case): 7 (+whatever applies)
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20+6=16 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 5:25:42 PM
Smith does as he is told and keeps his eyes open for anything untoward that might be moving towards them.
OOC: Perception 16
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d20+10=20 ; d20+12=18 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 7:04:54 PM "Well....all things considered, this is still pretty mild.", shrugs Faust as he goes through his pockets and finds a small vial of butter, opens it and starts chanting and gesturing, conjuring a small sphere of green goo, which promptly flies off in professor Horn's direction and, upon contact with his vestments, explodes and encases the full of his garment in the slimy grease.
"Professor, try to loosen yourself now, it should be a bit easier to do so.", says Faust, hoping the grease will be enough to free the professor so the group can properly deal with the snake.
He also orders Wolfgang to observe the shiny something a little more, but if it still doesn't move, that he should remember its general location and go back to scouting the other professors for trouble.
Casting Grease on professor Horn's clothes, which will give him a +10 in Escape Artist and CMD vs. Grapple
Knowledge Nature to properly identify the snake and see if there's anything that can help to save the professor (+10): 20
Wolfgang's Percetion (+12): 18
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20=3 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 7:37:44 PM
"Yes don't panick and secure that rope under your arms" Rag says. Then he helps pulling the rope... Str check 3...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+10=25 ; 3d6+5=20 ; Thursday December 5th, 2013 9:20:29 PM
Asteron would love nothing more than to dive into the fray, but common sense prevails. Whatever magic Faust is working, the minotaur will wait to see if it works or not. He keeps his blade at the ready, waiting for the proper moment to strike.
- - - - - OOC:
Ready an action. If the professor frees himself from the snake, Asteron will chop at the creature.
Attack [d20+10]: 25 Damage [3d6+5]: 20
DM Kathy d20=12 ; d20=18 ; d20=4 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 1:14:42 AM
Thinking quickly, Toregan pulls out a rope, knots the end, and tosses it to the struggling halfling. She lunges and manages to catch it, although the lunge makes her sink a little more. Smith stands watch while Ragnarök tries to pull her out. Unfortunately, his pull isn't strong enough and she slips a little further into the quicksand. She lets out a little yip of surprise.
Meanwhile, Faust casts a spell as Asteron waits anxiously nearby. Professor Horn struggles feebly, but the Grease spell is a powerful ally. He wriggles out of the snake's coils and lays, gasping for air, on the jungle floor. The snake tries to grab him again, but slides right off.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+5=7 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 6:40:49 PM
Yngvar realized he had been standing there with a stunned look on his face as Professor Horn turned various shades of purple.
Maybe some acid will get the snake off...
Yngvar watches the ball of acid sputter into the ground at his feet. Let's try that again.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d4+1=5 ; d3=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 6:42:46 PM
((If the snake isn't dead yet from Asteron's readied attack))
"Good, there's our chance!!", he excitedly says, drawing something in the air with his hands and chanting some arcane words, making 3 bolts of bright light fly off at the snake with minute precision.
Casting Magic Missile at the snake, causing 5 + 4 + 2 + 3 = 14 force damage (ignore that d3)
((If the snake is down or has otherwise forfeited the battle))
Faust will run over to the professor and help him up, asking if he's ok and if anything else has happened.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Friday December 6th, 2013 6:53:41 PM
Smith ignores Ragnar's command and comes over and grabs some rope to help pull the sinking halfling out of the quicksand.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+2=15 ; Friday December 6th, 2013 8:30:21 PM
Toregan pulls the rope with all his might, trying his best to get the professor out of the quicksand. "Just hold on tight and try not to move much!"
Strength Check (+2): 15
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 d20+12=27 ; 3d6+7=17 ; d20+7=10 ; 3d6+7=19 ; Sunday December 8th, 2013 11:21:37 AM
Seeing an opportunity, Asteron lets the rage overcome him, and lets his blade do the talking, as he so often does. - - - - - OOC: full attack
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+2=4 ; d20+2=22 ; Sunday December 8th, 2013 6:47:12 PM
Rag too pulls the ropes hopefully with more succes - str 4 !!! These dice are jinksed. He quickly tries again with a lot better result...
DM Kathy Monday December 9th, 2013 1:04:08 AM Smith and Ragnarök aren't much help, but Toregan gives the rope a strong pull, and the halfling professor begins moving toward solid ground with an audible squelching sound. "Oh, it's working!" she cries. Then, "what's this?"
This will have to wait, however; it will need at least one more strong pull to get her out.
Meanwhile, Asteron and Faust are able to dispatch the snake, which lays, twitching, on the jungle floor. Yngvar's acid is less successful, but luckily is not needed.
Professor Horn staggers to his feet, looking dazed. Faust asks if he's okay. "I...yes, I think--the footprints!" He lurches over to the edge of the clearing then breathes a sigh of relief. "Still here. Pardon me; I need to make a cast of these." He staggers again. "Or perhaps," he says faintly, "I should sit down." He sits with a thud.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Monday December 9th, 2013 5:34:50 PM Sitting is probably called for after nearly becoming a meal. Ever had snake Asteron? Yngvar looks down at the twitching snake, never do to let good meat go bad.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+2=5 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 5:48:33 PM
OMG... Str check 5
Rag clearly isn't awake yet... for the third time he fails to pull the rope the way it should... so far it only caused him a blister on his hands...
"By Domi... Toregan I can't do this... "
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20-2=9 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 5:53:58 PM
Smith lends whatever little aid he can in pulling the rope, or at least not letting it slip out of Ragnarok's hands (Str. check 9).
"Don't quit - she's almost freed."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+2=21 ; Monday December 9th, 2013 6:31:06 PM "Don't worry Rag, I've got her!" Toregan says as he gives another heave of the rope as his comrades strength fail them, pulling the professor back on solid ground. He helps the professor to her feet before checking the scratches on her face. "Could you tell us what happened? How'd you get these scratches?"
Strength check (+2): 21
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Monday December 9th, 2013 9:24:17 PM "Too bad it's a constrictor....I could use some poison samples."
"Take your time, professor Horn, it's a track, not an animal and it's not raining. Unlikely it'll get away faster than we can get a cast out of it.", curiously says Faust, walking over to the professor and taking a peak around to see if he can spot this track that is so important.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 Monday December 9th, 2013 10:37:52 PM
Asteron rolls his eyes. But he has the good sense to say nothing. Simply remaining on the alert. He remains at the professor's side, in case another creature decides to have a learned supper.
DM Kathy Monday December 9th, 2013 11:59:39 PM
With one final pull, Toregan manages to free Professor Tumblehollow from the bog, with a little help from Smith and Ragnarök. "Oh!" she exclaims when she's back on solid ground. "Oh, thank you. I was worried there for a minute. And--and I found something...." she holds up a mud-covered lump.
Toregan can see that the scratches are superficial. "Oh!" says the professor. "I tripped and fell, and got scratched by some branches. Then I blundered into the bog."
At that moment, you hear footsteps approaching rapidly. "I'm coming, Professor!" a voice calls. It is Xyra, the drow research assistant. She does not look well, flushed (if a drow can be said to be flushed) and sweating. And practically weaving on her feet. "I'm coming!" she calls again, then staggers an almost collapses.
Yngvar reminds the others that snake is good eatin'. Asteron waits patiently while Faust examines the tracks. They belong to a two-footed dinosaur, similar to Velox, but quite a bit bigger.
Things seem to be getting back to normal, when you hear another strangled cry, this one from a different direction altogether.....
Hp: 41/41 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Tuesday December 10th, 2013 12:04:24 AM
The first time setting eyes on the TradingPost Za silently admitted surprise. T was much more than he expected. He happily took the tour with Smith and found a room under the same roof as the gnome. He takes the first few days to share spells with Faust and Yngvar and writing scrolls of his own later use. The third day he makes a quick trip to the catacombs, a shop he learns that deal with magical items, getting a few things that may improve his own magical prowess.
With the scholars arrival Za watches the event from his window, at first afraid of how they would react to a drow. But they seem to give Faust no special attention due to the fact, giving him something to smile about. He keeps out of sight during their stay and follows at a distance when they leave the next day.
Za arrives at the clearing and sees the supplies left behind and nods to Xyra, surprised at first. But it comes to him as he unsheaths his blade. there was a drow with them.. How could I have missed that. She's beautiful as well
He fumbles putting the sword away, stammering as he introduces himself. I..I.. Za Dar'Fien Reed at your service. Miss? he smiles, lucky for his dark skin which he hopes is hiding his blushing cheeks. He gives her time to introduce herself before continuing. The absence of his friends finally dawning on him, initially and alarmingly.
I'm actually part of the group that escorted you all here, would you happen to know where they've all gone?
Hp: 41/41 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Tuesday December 10th, 2013 12:06:56 AM
Figures I would post as you were Kathy... delet or change what is needed, Za watches would head in the direction of the current crys for help if he hears them...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 Tuesday December 10th, 2013 2:26:52 PM
Seeing that there is no immediate danger to the professor, Asteron turns his attention to the drow. He approaches her, and stops her from moving. "Mistress Xyra, do you mind if I carry you for a bit? You have been doing far too much, much more than should be required of you". Without waiting for an answer, the minotaur picks the drow female up, and says: "just tell me where to go, and I will take you there. Much more efficient that way".
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday December 10th, 2013 4:55:18 PM So much for dinner, looks like someone else is in trouble. And that girl needs a healer, soon, before she needs a mortician.
Yngvar checks the professor and heads off towards the latest cry.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Tuesday December 10th, 2013 6:00:07 PM OOC: to be clear - Did Xyra come to Toregon, Rag and I or to the other group with Asteron?
"Grab the girl, and let's be on our way, together," he says stressing the word to the researcher. "We can look at your find in a bit." He heads with the other towards the latest scream for help.
He had half a mind to let them figure out themselves perhaps they should stick together - whatever is left of the group after this afternoon's mishaps.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Tuesday December 10th, 2013 7:03:01 PM
Mortified that he wasn't able to be of any use Rag collects the rope and helps brining the professor to the point where thy all left. When he hears the other cries he's unsureif he should go and help... but he feels he needs to make up for this last rescue so he nimbly moves through the jungle towards the noise, leaving the professor with Toregan ans Smith.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Tuesday December 10th, 2013 7:36:37 PM "For Ffloy...can't they stay alive for five minutes?", vents out a frustrated Faust to Yngvar and Asteron as the trio runs to the new cry for help.
<<"Wolfgang, what is the status of the shiny thing you spotted? Still immobile?">>, asks Faust to his familiar.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday December 10th, 2013 8:36:33 PM
Toregan catches velox's attention before pointing at Rag. "Protect him Velox. Keep him safe." He calls out to Smith and rag as they dart off to rescue another of the scholars. "I'll get the professor back to the camp! You deal with whatever else is out there, and I'll get there as quick as I can!"[/b]
Sighing, he turns to Professor Tumblehollow. "So Professor, lets get back to the camp so we can ensure your safety for the time being."
Assuming she agrees, Toregan leads her back to the camp as quick as the professors pace allows him.
Using the Defend trick for Velox, the target being Ragnarok.
DM Kathy Wednesday December 11th, 2013 12:15:37 AM
[OOC: Sorry for the confusion. Xyra appeared near the bog where Smith, Ragnarök, and Toregan were.]
Smith tells his friends to assist the drow woman, as it would be impractical for the gnome to try to carry her. He offers some reassuring words to the professor before heading toward the cry for help.
Ragnarök, disappointed in himself for the bog rescue, leaves the professor and Xyra to head toward the cry for help.
Toregan sets Velox to defend Ragnarök, and begins escorting the professor back to where the supplies are.
"Oh, good," Xyra says, leaning against a tree and panting heavily. "Good, you got her out. That's....that's good. Um...I'll be along in a minute."
Faust, Yngvar, and Asteron, not knowing about Xyra, head off toward the new cry for help. Wolfgang reports to Faust that the thing, whatever it is, isn't shining anymore, but it doesn't seem to have moved.
Faust, Yngvar, Asteron, and Ragnarök (and Velox) reach the area where Professor Silverfire had been working. At first, you don't see the little gnome at all. But some thrashing near the edge of the clearing draws your attention to a pair of feet sticking out from a wrapping vine. The feet are kicking feebly, and the vine is drawing its bundle closer to the main stalk of the plant. Knowledge Nature 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { It's an Assassin Vine}.
Za stands in the clearing among the supplies looking and listening for signs of his friends. Perception 22 Hearing the cries for help he makes his way there, unsheathing his blade as his mind races as fast as his feet, surely they haven't found trouble that quickly, it must be those librarian wanderers. Finding a bit more than they expected no doubt.
Catching up to the muffled cries. He's not surprised to find his new friends, and quickly notices the assassin vine!
Heh, These Scholars really do get wrapped up in their work huh? switching his sword out for his bow with a crooked smile, Don't get to close, it'll use nearby plants to grab you. Concentrate on the thicker middle trunk. Burn it if it won't catch the fool on fire
Za quickly knocks an arrow and let's fly at the central vine of the plant creature. _------------ K.Nature:27 At with LNG bow:23 Damage: 6
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d20+10=24 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 6:25:21 PM "Gotta say, as troublesome as the other murderous things in these jungles are, I'd vote the plants as the most annoying ones.", says Faust, firing another volley of magic missiles.
Knowledge (nature) (+10): 24 Magic Missile on the vine for 5 + 2 + 5 + 3 = 15 damage (force)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+12=25 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+6=10 ; d8+3=11 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=7 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 9:39:19 PM
Rag's unsure what the vine is all about...but his survival instinct tells him this plant needs to be eliminated quickly...
The monk moves within range of the plant and attacks...
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+10=22 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+2=15 ; d4+1=5 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 9:42:32 PM Know: nature=22
An assassin vine, oh joy.
Yngvar drawing his dagger, Yngvar swiftly activates arcane strike, and strikes at the vine.
Crit threat, not likely that a 15 hits. 5 pts damage
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=25 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 9:47:32 PM
Toregan shakes his head and motions the professor to wait. "I'd prefer to stick together for now." He says to Xyra. "No telling what else might happen. If you'd like a moment to rest, by all means, do so."
Toregan will wait for Xyra to catch her breath, while glancing around the jungle for anything else that might want to prey upon them.
Perception (+10): 25
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 d20+10=27 ; 3d6+5=10 ; Wednesday December 11th, 2013 11:13:30 PM
Asteron sighs... time for combat again and, this time, against a plant! He tries to move into position and, if he is able, he lets his blade do the talking.
DM Kathy Wednesday December 11th, 2013 11:40:22 PM Toregan elects to stay with Xyra as his friends rush off to help Professor Silverfire. "Oh, I'll be all right," she says. "I just need a moment...."
And she slumps to the ground, unconscious.
The others, meanwhile, are dealing with an assassin vine. Za'Reed's arrows and Faust's magic missiles slam into the plant, doing damage. Yngvar's dagger and Asteron's blade all but finish it off, leaving Ragnarök to jump up and down on the pieces. The assassin vine is no more, and Professor Silverfire is easily extracted. He is effusive in his thanks. "I don't know where I would be without you," he says. Then, "what was that thing, anyway?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Thursday December 12th, 2013 11:47:14 AM It was just one of the many dangers of Cthonia, and yet another reason to be separated from others. Be happy you had time to shout a warning, else you would have surely perished.
Yngvar flicks the sap from his dagger before jamming it back into his sheath. Pulling his crossbow up by the strap holding it around his waist, he checks that a bolt is still seated in the groove. Better head back to the supplies until the next request comes through.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 d20+9=24 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 3:37:18 PM
"That is an assasin vine, professor. It merely wanted to have you for lunch... with you as the main course". There is a mischievous glint in Asteron's eye as he says this. After all, doesn't everybody know that?
"I agree with master Yngvar. Let's head back. But professor, perhaps you'd like to ride back on my shoulders? You'd have a much better view of everything around you, while you'd be much safer than walking. What do you say?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Thursday December 12th, 2013 6:59:03 PM
Frustrated by how things went during the little trip Rag reacts quiet aggitated at the professors... "I don't care how smart you all are but if you want to take this road trip any further you will do as we say!!"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+9=18 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 8:05:49 PM
Toregan quickly moves over to Xyra and checks her vitals. While checking her over, he voices a question to Professor Tumblehollow. "Professor, has this ever happened to Xyra before? Or anything like this?"
If Toregan doesn't find anything, or can't do anything for her, he'll carry her back to the camp and begin doing whatever he can there.
Heal (+9): 18
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday December 12th, 2013 9:48:09 PM "Indeed...that is a fine idea indeed, no doubt about it."
"That said...Wolfgang has just reported that the shiny item he had spotted has recently lost its gleamer. Initially I feared it were a kobold or worse lying in ambush but...as it hasn't moved an inch, now I fear it might be some poor sucker ready to become a statistic...and I'm also curious beyond reason by this point.", confesses Faust.
"So, anyone cares to join me in this little sidequest of mine? You know, before we have more trouble.", he asks to the more martial inclined members of he group.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20+7=13 ; d8+4=5 ; Thursday December 12th, 2013 10:51:17 PM
Smith came panting up to see the dead assassin vine and the group heading back. So he trudges along and sees the unconscious Xyra. He kneels down beside her to see if he can help the girl (Heal 13). If he is able to determine the cause, he will try to help, otherwise, he casts cure light wounds upon her, hoping that will help her regain her feet.
[i]OOC: Heal 13. Sacrifice bless for CLW (5 HP regained)
DM Kathy Friday December 13th, 2013 2:06:09 AM
The assassin vine defeated, Yngvar, Asteron, Ragnarök, and Faust head back to where the packs were left. Professor Silverfire declines a ride, but is much more subdued than he was this morning, trailing meekly in your wake, staying out of trouble.
Faust reports on Wofgang's findings, and proposes a short venture to find the shiny object.
Meanwhile, Toregan is soon able to tell that Xyra has become overheated. And no wonder, with all this rushing around in the hot jungle, trying to be in four places at once. Smith arrives, and is able to assist (although Xyra does not need hit points, so save your spell). Soon, Xyra is sitting up, asking groggily what happened. She is able to make it back to the packs under her own power, but she's still pretty wobbly. Professors Horn and Tumblehollow join you there, and a few minutes later, Professor Keels comes walking calmly out of the jungle, twisting her hair up out of her face. She is the only one you did not have to rescue today. "Are we ready to head back?" she asks. Then, "Goodness! What happened to all of you?"
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Friday December 13th, 2013 1:49:42 PM
Za looks to Faust and nods his head, Rather venture off to figure out what lost its shine than babysit this wrckless lot.
He merely smiles as the woman asks what happened, heading off with Faust when he is ready.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Friday December 13th, 2013 10:18:04 PM "Nothing too unexpected really."
"As we told you, this jungle is dangerous; manageable, but dangerous, we were lucky nothing bigger than mr. Worldtraveller decided to say 'hi'", says Faust with a smirk, as he casts Mage Armor upon himself, getting ready to venture off with Za and whoever else cares to join.
"Now, if you excuse me, I have some....research of my own to conduct. Don't worry, it won't be long."
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+7=19 ; d20+9=15 ; Saturday December 14th, 2013 5:22:55 AM
Beginning to head out with Faust, Za let's his eyes rest on Xyra, wobbly and panting he can tell she had been overheated or extremely exhausted. Obviously she's not a professor, nor does she seem to be as capable of enduring the extremes of the jungle as the Trading Post team. But that didn't stop Dar'Fien from noticing her determination to walk herself and pull herself together. Strong willed, intelligent enough to assist professors, and beautiful even in this moment of weakness. He kneels next to her as she rests, Za Dar'Fien Reed, an aspiring Arcane Warrior, at your service Madam. I see you have dedication to these scholars, but someone needs to keep your health in mind as well, he sets a hand on her leg and smiles, If anything were to happen to you what would the little ones do? A woman as yourself may not be replaceable. Take care of yourself Xyra, we'll return shortly.
Smiling at the woman he stands, his face blushed if at all possible for a dark elf. He steps away and follows closely to Faust. Do you think Xyra and the scholars will stay for some time? I've not seen a drow woman in some time, it would be nice o get to know her better. Have you ever loved brother? Za speaks to Faust, and who ever else may tag along, as they are a short distance away from the supply clearing. Further on he keeps quiet and alert. ------------- Perception: 19 Stealth: 15
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Sunday December 15th, 2013 4:54:39 PM "Well, Professor Tumblehollow had an incident with some quicksand and Miss Xyra here is suffering from a bit of heat exhaustion, likely from trying to keep tabs on all of you at once. I'm not sure what happened to the others, I was busy making sure Xyra and Prof. Tumblehollow made it back to camp."
Toregan looks around at the group of scholars and shakes his head at Faust. "Someone's got to keep an eye on these ones. You go on ahead and send Wolfgang to me if you need any help with whatever it is."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Sunday December 15th, 2013 6:21:26 PM "Za, Faust... you're not giving themthe right example here... we can't go running around the jungle. You know the danger that lurks... but I must admit it sounds intriguing."
Rag observes the professors and then his companions taking of into the jungle... he sighs but stays with the professors. After all, Za and Faust are hardened adventurers. They know what to do out here...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 Sunday December 15th, 2013 8:37:18 PM
Asteron simply stands there, smiling. He feels like a babysitter at this point, more than an adventurer. Yet, he knows that even the brightest minds need a bodyguard once in a while, so he is content with protecting some supposedly very bright professors.
DM Kathy Sunday December 15th, 2013 10:48:13 PM Faust casts Mage Armor on himself, then he and Za'Reed go off in search of the object Wolfgang saw. Za'Reed is quite taken with Xyra, and makes sure she is resting comfortably before he leaves.
The rest of the group stays with the professors. They begin getting their belongings together, chattering excitedly to one another about the data they uncovered.
Professor Tumblehollow approaches Toregan. "This was in the bog," she says, holding out a heavy, gold-colored object. "I don't know how it came to be in there, or how I managed to bump into it, but I think you and your friends should have it."
When you examine the object, you see that it is a gold armband.
Meanwhile, Faust and Za'Reed are able to make their way to the spot where Wolfgang saw something shiny. You poke around for a bit, and eventually discover, half-buried in bracken, a silver-colored disk. At first, you take it for a coin, but it has a raised design on it that looks almost mechanical. You're not sure what it is.
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20=11 ; d20+7=22 ; Monday December 16th, 2013 1:42:18 PM well, what ever this is we can bet it was dropped here... Or maybe tossed. Let me take a good look, and you should too.
Ooc: Açidently rolled that first 20 but: Know. Arcane: 11+7=18 Know. Dungeon: d20+7=22
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 d20+14=29 ; d4=2 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+14=20 ; Monday December 16th, 2013 2:23:18 PM
At the mention that he's not giving good example, Faust shrugs deeply, "What can I say? I do have some in common with them, after all. But fear not, if it looks dangerous we'll fled the scene or send Wolfgang if needed be.", he says smiling, assuring his friends that the drow duo won't be careless, even if both are a bit overly curious.
On the way there, Faust answers to Za's question, "Really? You must've lost your way home quite early then. I'm fairly used to seeing drow girls, but nearly all of them were from the Tavir'e house, so about four fifths of them were my blood cousins or something akin to it."
"Won't lie to you, cousin, ms. Xyra is indeed an ebony visage, can't say my heart did not skip a beat when I first laid my eyes upon her. That said, she and us belong to different, if rather related, worlds; so it isn't in the least of my interests to give romance anymore than a passing thought and a lone sigh as such a thing would be utterly impossible or require a high amount of compromise from either part."
"I know for a fact I'm not ready to make any compromises on my part, so it wouldn't be anything but completely unfair to expect any more from the other party.", ends Faust, with a bitter and melancholic coldness, not uncharacteristic for the drow, but still quite colder and more pessimistic in his tone of voice than it would be normal for him.
-- Upon discovering the strange disk --
Faust also gives the disk some looks and ponders about it, nothing comes to mind right away, "We should be heading back, we can ponder and especulate on the way. The rest of the guys looked rather tired of prefessor-sitting and I'm concerned about ms. Xyra's health, she's really not the adventuring kind; I feel a bit ashamed for putting my own curiosity above her well-being, but oh well, I know I wouldn't sleep well without giving this thing a look, who knows if we'd ever be able to find the spot again.", he completes, putting the disk on his bag and getting ready to head back
On the way back he will discuss with Za multiple theories about what the thing might be, if anything is found out will depend on the rolling and availability of information, I believe.
-- Back at the meeting spot --
Upon arrival back at the meeting spot, he greets his companions, "See? It didn't take long, nor we were attacked...though on second thought that would exactly what a doppelganger who brutally murdered us and is now using our appearance to infiltrate the Trading Post and kill everyone would say...hmmm..."
"...I shall think of a contingency plan for this hypotectical situation later this day over a nice hot soup and a strong mug of ale. But disregard that, here is the not so dramatic but still quite intriguing outcome of our little sidequest...", he says, revealing the strange disk they discovered, "Behold the...silver....disk...thing.", he mockingly goes, showing the disk around.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+14=23 ; Monday December 16th, 2013 4:44:50 PM
Yngvar activates detect magic when Prof Tumblehollow presents the armband.
When Faust returns; Would a doppelganger know the answer to the meaning of life?
Spellcraft=23 on armband
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Monday December 16th, 2013 5:59:47 PM
Rag casts a wry smile as Za and Faust return with the silver disk. He's happy nothing happened to the drow duo and as nothing happened he's not going to make a fuss out of it.
The professor watch came to a quicker end than Rag had feared for and the two new findings to ask for a more thorough inspection perhaps over a few mugs of ale.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 Monday December 16th, 2013 7:34:56 PM
The more arcane and academic matters are outside Asteron's experience, so he lets others examine the objects. "Perhaps the professors should also take a look?" he says, "They are naturalists, but they might have heard a thing or two..."
DM Kathy Monday December 16th, 2013 10:55:39 PM Faust and Za'Reed examine the strange disk. It is not magical. It doesn't seem to be any kind of coin; at least, those raised pieces are impractical for any coin intended to be circulated. A tool of some kind? You can't imagine what it could be used for. The best guess you can come up with is that it might be a piece of a larger device.
When they return to the main group, Faust cheerfully shares a theory about doppelgangers that raises a few eyebrows.
Meanwhile, Yngvar examines the armband. It is not magical, but it is gold, so it's proably worth something.
Once you are gathered together again, you head back to the Outpost. Luckily, the professors are either too tired to wander off, or have developed a healthier repsect for the dangers of the jungle. At any rate, the group stays more or less together, and you reach the outpost by late afternoon. Xyra, still looking unwell, excuses herself and heads for her room.
"Perhaps," says Professor Silverfire, "we might stay closer together tomorrow. It seems that the jungle is more dangerous than we perhaps anticipated."
Professor Keels sniffs. "Well, I don't know about that," she says. "I certainly didn't have any trouble. Maybe you just need to be more careful."
"I'm not sure it's fair to ask Xyra to run around like that," Professor Tumblehollow points out. "Poor thing, she looked quite exhausted."
As dinner arrives, the scholars continue to debate the relative merits of staying together tomorrow, or splitting up again.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 11:30:02 AM
Yngvar invites Faust and Za to his table at Stark's. It's been a long day, and while we enjoy some of Hope's best, I think it would do us good to cross-reference our resources. Yngvar pulls his spell book out of his haversack and lays it on the table.
Picking up his mug he takes a drink and looks at the other two quizzically.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Tuesday December 17th, 2013 6:36:48 PM
Not being the smartest one around Rag's unable to be of much use in examining the findings so he makes it an early night.
Varian the Doppelganger (StevenVdB) - Helping Za'Reed | Cthonia | ticket 1353 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 6:37:46 PM
@ Marty - please make sure to finish Za'Reed's purchases in the Catacombs. Thanks!
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 8:04:52 PM
Faust gleefully approaches the table, already with the second mug of ale in hand, "Ah, a fine idea that is. Being anxious to do so ever since stepping foot in the Trading Post, master Hefnd, even moreso after a master Dar'Fien joined our ranks", he finishes, putting his own spellbook on the table.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday December 17th, 2013 8:34:31 PM
Toregan upon returning to post, accompanies the professors to the inn and sits down with the rest of the group. He adds a few of his thoughts to the professors' discussion.
"I'd say that the others were not unlucky and you were lucky Prof. Keels. Besides, I agree with Prof. Tumblehollow. Xyra doesn't seem to be able to keep up with all of you if you're all split up."
Back with the group, Toregan notices the spellbooks being passed around. "I've been wondering if I'd see you guys trading spells. I know some wizards hold on to their spells like a miser holds onto coin."
DM Kathy Tuesday December 17th, 2013 11:12:55 PM
Those with spellbooks take a moment to compare notes, and possibly to copy from one another.
[OOC reminder: copying a spell into your spellbook takes one hour per spell level, plus an additional hour to learn the spell in the first place. A second-level spell, therefore, takes three hours to learn and copy. And, of course, there is a monetary cost involved. The specifics are near the end of the magic page of the PRD.]
Toregan weighs in on the discussion among the scholars, suggesting that they stay closer together the following day. After some discussion, the scholars agree. Professor Keels looks annoyed, but agrees in the end.
The following morning is much like the first, although at least the scholars have left their heavy books in their rooms. But there's just as much running around, and disorganization, and talking past one another, as there had been the first day. At last, however, you set out. This time, the scholars want to head further inland, away from the sea and toward the river. They discuss what they hope to see as you make your way to the lift.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+16=22 ; Wednesday December 18th, 2013 10:26:34 AM
Yngvar had been prepared for such an eventuality for quite some time as he pulled a small box from his haversack. Opening the box he gazed inside at the various bottles of specialized ink and quills.
Ahh, yes, I've heard of this spell. Yngvar indicates a page in Faust's book. I think it would be quite useful in the jungle. Web... If you don't mind?
Yngvar spends an hour studying Faust's spellbook while he casually works his way through dinner. His own book available for study.
1st level spell of specialized school, DC=16, +2 to check, Spellcraft=22; cost to copy 10 gold, materials already on hand.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 d20+8=19 ; Wednesday December 18th, 2013 11:55:47 AM
Asteron takes point. He remains alert hoping that, since the group is not looking for trouble, trouble would not come looking for them.
- - - - - OOC: Perception [d20+8]: 19
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Wednesday December 18th, 2013 6:28:05 PM
Early morning Rag returns to the group now with a large crow tatooed on his bare torso (legacy item for DM'ing - details on char sheet - approved by ACDM Cayzle and DM Kathy). The tatoo still red around the edges but clearly you sense there's magic behind it.
"I just hope they have learned something from yesterday's excursion..." Rag says to Asteron as they walk towards the lift...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Wednesday December 18th, 2013 10:12:09 PM "Quite the selection indeed, although we lack the time for too many spells, the first one in my priority list would be the one you used against Wathe's rogues, master Hefnd, I believe it is this one, correct?", he says, showing the page with the details for Sleet Storm.
He also looks through Za's book as well, "Ah, this one. I remember this one, caught my attention as I prepared to leave the Float, but I was light on coin and had to pass on it, forgot about if until this moment. If not for any other reason, I want to have it as an option.", he finishes, looking at Ray of Enfeeblement.
In the following morning, Faust notices Ragnarok's tattoo and tries to identify its charm, even though that thing is new fo him, he makes no effort to mask his curiosity.
Will copy Sleet Storm and, if there is time (unlikely) Ray of Enfeeblement, a take 10 gives me a score of 24, which is more than enough to copy either
DM Kathy Wednesday December 18th, 2013 10:58:38 PM Faust and Yngvar are able to exchange a couple of spells before the group sets out for the second day. Asteron takes point, hoping to avoid some of the kinds of troubles that befell the group the day before. So far, all seems quiet.
You descend in the lift, and make your way toward the river. The jungle is hotter here than it was toward the coast, and soon most of the group is sweating freely. It's probably just as well they decided to stick together today; Xyra would make herself ill for sure, running around in this.
The scholars don't stay in a clump, of course; they spread out a little once the reach their agreed-upon destination. But they stay within sight of one another, and you, and Xyra, which is a marked immprovement from yesterday. The morning passes quietly.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+12=18 ; Thursday December 19th, 2013 6:04:38 PM
Rag observes the scholars as they spread around the present site. (Perception 18). He walks the perimeter constantly hoping to see danger lurking
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+9=19 ; Thursday December 19th, 2013 7:38:19 PM
Za nods to Faust , copy any spell you think would be useful to yourselves. I copied a few from your book last week, although Yngvars book was difficult to locate, maybe tonight I'll give them a look.
Za keeps alert as the professors do their field research. Walking up to Xyra he expresses some concern, It seems today they have yet to run you unconscious, please remember to stay hydrated while in this heat. The dedication to these scholars you have is truly moving. Might I ask how you came to be their assistant?
Perception: 19
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+14=15 ; d20+10=18 ; Thursday December 19th, 2013 10:10:07 PM
Toregan keeps keeps to the perimeter of the area the professors are keeping to, keeping himself as hidden and quiet as possible while keeping an eye out for anything that may want to have one of the professors as a snack.
Stealth (+14): 15 Perception (+10): 18
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 18/10/16 -- CMD 25 -- HP 61/61 + 12 THP -- Rage 19/20 d20+8=13 ; Thursday December 19th, 2013 10:42:00 PM
Asteron is not very inconspicuous, but he'd rather be in the way of the professors than fail at his duty of protecting them. Thus, he keeps alert, making sure never to be two far from at least two of the academics. - - - - - OOC: Perception [d20+8]: 13
DM Kathy Friday December 20th, 2013 1:06:00 AM
Today's arrangements make it much easier to keep tabs on the scholars. Professor Tumblehollow finds a thick stand of ferns she calls Nephrolepis exaltata, and begins happily collecting spores and other samples.
The other professors, of course, are studying things that don't hold still, although Professor Silverfire seems to have some luck at getting butterflies to come to him. Professor Keels meanders about, looking upward--it's actually somewhat impressive that she doesn't trip over anything. Professor Horn is mostly looking for tracks; he can't very well bring a live dinosaur back to the Floating City with him.
Za'Reed takes some time to talk to Xyra. "Thank you, I shall be sure to get plenty of water," she says. She is polite, but somewhat cool and reserved. "How did I get the job?" she shrugged. "I heard they were looking for an assistant, and I applied. I could do with the money; university is expensive."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+16=27 ; Friday December 20th, 2013 1:46:56 PM We have some time on our hands, may as well make the most of it. If you're offering up your spells Za, I'd like to look at your Mirror Image.
Provided Za is okay with loaning his book, Yngvar will spend some time reading the spell and scribing it to his book. I picked up a spare, so feel free to look through mine as well. Yngvar pulls a pair of books held together with a leather strap.
2nd level spell, DC=17, Spellcraft=27; cost to copy: 40 gold, materials already on hand.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25/20 / 30 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple d20+12=26 ; d20+14=27 ; Sunday December 22nd, 2013 7:13:23 PM
Rag does what he does best... he walks the perimiter, checks for signs of danger, warns scholars that wander too far to herd them back to the group. (perception 26) He himself walks quietly trough the jungle (stealth 27)
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Monday December 23rd, 2013 5:23:42 AM University? Are you to study magic? Ive only just begun my arcane practices recently. If not magic then what will you focus on?
Her demeanor relaxes Za, he now moves and acts more himself while talking to Xyra.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+7=19 ; d20+15=19 ; Monday December 23rd, 2013 2:10:46 PM
Faust looks over at Za and Xyra, letting out a melancholic sigh, but quickly turns away and focuses on the task at hand, casting Mage Armor on himself to stay ready for trouble and sending Wolfgang to scout from the sky.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC22/21/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+14=25 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+9=11 ; Monday December 23rd, 2013 5:36:30 PM
Stealthy Rag observes the scholars... When he spots a decent size tree he realises it's been a while since he last took some climbing practice so he gives it a shot... ouch... in no time he's back on the ground... only not on his feet but on his behind. Hoping no one noticed Rag does like nothing happened.
(Won't be making a post tomorrow - Christmass eve at my parents in law)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday December 24th, 2013 11:54:47 AM
Yngvar admires his penmanship as he completes the inscribing of another spell to his spellbook.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC22/21/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday December 25th, 2013 7:27:14 PM
checking in
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20=6 ; Thursday December 26th, 2013 6:32:19 PM
Checking in and finishing spell copying.
Copied Level two spells DC 17 to copy, Take 10 on each for an 18 SC check Acid Arrow Scorching ray False life Invisibility Writing costs at 40gp each makes 160gp., CS updated.
IC: While speaking with Xyra he leans on his outstretched hand against a large tree, his eyes on a revolving cycle: Behind Xyra, area to his right side, over his arm to his left side, locking onto Xyras eyes. Here his attention lingers the longest and with a smile he shifts to looking behind her and starts the cycle all over again.
studying magic? Or does something else they offer catch your interest
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC22/21/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Thursday December 26th, 2013 7:40:24 PM
Checking
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC22/21/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday December 29th, 2013 5:57:26 PM
Hulloo?
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Sunday December 29th, 2013 11:43:13 PM
After finishing his spell copying, Yngvar pulls out his drawings of the outpost and continues his plans for a residential quarters.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Monday December 30th, 2013 8:03:18 AM Checking in
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday December 30th, 2013 2:05:44 PM
Toregan keeps his watch around the perimeter, taking some time out of his patrol to help Prof. Horn with his work.
Sorry its been so long since i've posted. Stuffs been happening and i've been forgetting to post.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday December 31st, 2013 3:18:52 PM
Yngvar flirts with Hope.
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Tuesday December 31st, 2013 8:14:40 PM
Gggggrrrrrrrrr... awesome description of Za post got ate.... stupid tablet..
Otherwise, I'm checking in....
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Wednesday January 1st, 2014 8:19:01 PM
Checking in.
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Thursday January 2nd, 2014 1:00:25 AM
Check Check.. Probably won't be on throughout today. Busy day tmw (the 2nd).
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Thursday January 2nd, 2014 10:14:12 AM
The flirting continues...
The Party-Crasher
DM Kathy Thursday January 2nd, 2014 12:44:17 PM Za'Reed spends some time talking to Xyra. "Not magic specifically, no. I want to go for a broader education." He is doing his best to be friendly, but she is a bit standoffish.
Ragnarök tries to practice climbing a tree, but doesn't do well.
The morning continues on. It's actually pretty boring; apart from gazing longingly at Xyra (which the drow members of the party are happy to do), there's not much to occupy you.
All of that changes when you hear an enraged bellow, followed by the sound of something very large headed your direction very quickly.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+12=26 ; Thursday January 2nd, 2014 6:17:13 PM
The moment Rag hears the bellowing followed by the sound of something approaching he fears another stampede... he touches his crow tatoo activating one of the mage armor feathers.
"That sounds like something we won't outrun... "
Untill they know what t is that is approaching Rag turns towards the noise and waits... every muscle on edge...
(Perception 26)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+7=10 ; d20+15=27 ; Thursday January 2nd, 2014 10:38:43 PM "Here's hoping that it's not a carnivore!", says Faust, holding hi right hand up as if holding a chalice, followed by the incantations of Mage Armor upon himself.
He then turns to Xyra and the professors, "Find cover behind a large tree, this might be troublesome."
He also enquires if Wolfgang sees anything at all from the sky.
Casting Mage Armor on self (lasts for 6 hours)
Faust's Perception (+7): 10 Wolfgang's Perception (+15): 27 (made from the sky)
Hp: 46/46AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+7=10 ; Friday January 3rd, 2014 7:07:08 AM Broader Education? He repeats after her pause, expecting some sort of detail or explanation; getting a cold shoulder treatment instead, Za replys Learn as much as you can Xyra. You never know when a situation turns ugly and you have the knowledge to save your life. His voice filled with disappointment as he sees his attempts at getting to know Xyra and make in depth conversation is proving to be useless. He shrugs his shoulders and turns away from her. Starting to walk around in a fairly large circle; I wonder, Is it me, maybe she is taking me the wrong way? Maybe shes not interested in Drow at all? Maybe shes already taken? Ya, never did think of that, but I doubt it... Eh... Whats it matter anyways?
Then the enraged bellow is heard. Za unsheathes his sword and calls out to Xyra and professors as they run for cover But Arcane Power, Weapons and my strappin' good looks!! Will save you in most any situation; He grins and gives Xyra a exaggerated wink.
Then Za faces where the beast is heard and casts Shield on himself.
Perception:10
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Friday January 3rd, 2014 10:14:31 AM
Yngvar stands at the sound of approaching and impending doom, having already been leaning against the largest tree in their midst, he circled about it where he could keep the tree between him and whatever was coming.
He also checked that his crossbow was loaded and ready to use.
DM Kathy d20+19=30 ; 2d6+8=19 ; d20+21=24 ; Friday January 3rd, 2014 1:38:29 PM
Hearing the noise approaching, Ragnarök moves toward the sound, waiting to see what's coming.
Faust casts Mage Armor and hopes aloud that the approaching creature is not carnivorous. Wolfgang reports that the thing approaching is freakin' huge. He doesn't have time to go into detail, however.
Za'Reed casts Shield and tries to impress Xyra with how heroic he's going to be. If Xyra is impressed, she hides it well.
Yngvar makes sure there's a sturdy tree between himself and the approaching beast. He loads his crossbow.
And then, the creature bursts into the clearing. It is, indeed, huge. It moves on two massive legs, with smaller "arms" in front. It has a long, thick tail and an unreasonable amount of teeth. For one heart-stopping minute, you fear you may be face-to-face with a T. Rex! But Professor Horn, staring up in fascination, exclaims: "An Allosaurus! And a really big one, too!"
It snaps at Ragnarök, who is closest. Its teeth close on the monk, doing 19 points of damage! It tries to hold on with its teeth, but Rag eludes its grasp.
And the map. You guys are in blue; the professors and Xyra are in purple. So the blue T is Toregan and the purple T is Professor Tumblehollow. The circles are trees. The patches of darker green are thicker vegetation and difficult terrain.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+12=29 ; d10+8=12 ; d20+7=14 ; Saturday January 4th, 2014 3:15:41 AM
After turning from Xyra, his yellow energy shield forming in front of him, Za's attitude changes entirely, the arrogant and flirtatious drow is now focused and prepared to fight for their lives. While watching it bite and tear open Rag, he can't help but follow the blood drip from the dinosaurs mouth. He can't help but think about the professor's wanting to get up close and personal with the Assassin Vine;
At least they aren't trying to get up close and study this thing or running around screaming (K.Nature 14? Anything more than the obvious? "It's going to eat you!" :)
Faust, Yngvar, can one of you bring this thing down to size or weaken him a bit? Za asks as he moves in closer to help more with the front line. Hoping he's spread himself out from Scarecrow enough to stop the Allosaurus from slamming them both at once somehow.
As he gets to the edge of the tree he activates his arcane strike while holding the sword with both hands on its handle, hops into the air, raising the sword over his head and behind his back. Landing with a hard THUD both feet at once and throwing the bastard sword end over end at the Dino; aiming for it's thick neck. =========================== K. Nature: 14 Move to H,8 Activate Arcane Strike Universalist Power: Throw weapon: Hit AC 29 for 12 damage
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+13=20 ; d8+10=13 ; Sunday January 5th, 2014 2:59:58 PM For some reason, both Ts are blue for me. I'm going to assume I'm the one at H12.
Toregan sees the massive dinosaur tear through the jungle and calls out to the professors. "Get back Professors! We'll handle this!" He fires an arrow at the Allosaurus, aiming to distract it from the Rag. "Asteron, help get the focus off Rag!"
Using Deadly Aim (+4 Damage, -2 attack for all ranged attacks made this round) Attack w/Longbow (+13): 20 Damage (1d8+10): 13
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday January 5th, 2014 5:38:05 PM "Whoah... what... aarghhh... "
Blood flows from the deep gash in his upper arm showing the bitemarks from the Allosaurus.. this beast is made for the kill...
Concentrating on his inner self he lowers his breathing and visualises a full plate shield between him and the dino... (using 1 ki point to raise AC by 4)
Realising that before he manages to get close enough to fight the allosaurus he will probably get bitten again Rag takes a full defencive stance raising his AC by another 6...
"DOWN HERE YOU OVERSIZED LIZARD!!"
Rag deliberatly moves sideways (still within range of the Dino so he doesn't need to close in on the rest of the group) hoping the dino will keep his attention on the monk and allow the others to use ranged attacks...
Current AC 36 and AC40 vs AoO
"Let's tango..."
(StevenVdB) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+12=17 d20+12=13 d20+7=23 3d6(3+2+5)+7=17 Sunday January 5th, 2014 5:41:46 PM
Asteron is speachless how to continue... seeing how easily the nimble monk got bitten means the allosaurus will lost certainly be able to bite him...
The Minotaur notices how Rag is creating an opening by moving NW and drawing the Allosaurus's AoO's... this might proove to be 'that window of opportunity' he needs...
Asteron draws his mighty greatsword. Blood clowds his vision as he turns into a rage... He darts forward planning to catch the dino from behind.
Hits AC17 - using Asteron's last hero point - hits AC13 ... OMG Hits AC23 - damage 17
DM Kathy d20+19=37 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=28 ; Sunday January 5th, 2014 9:24:11 PM Za'Reed is worried about the professors, but he sees at a glance that he shouldn't be. They are scrambling to put distance between themselves and the huge beast. Even Professor Horn, who studies these creatures, clearly wants nothing to do with this one. He moves up, utters a very quick spell, then throws his sword at the beast! It hits!
Toregan fires a shot, going for damage at the expense of accuracy. The allosaurus is hard to miss...but its hide is very thick, and Toregan's arrow skips off it, doing no damage.
Ragnarök shakes off the pain of his injury, and concentrates on being very hard to hit. He moves, hoping to attract the dinosaur's attention, and keep it on him. He gets his wish; the huge lizard snaps at him--but its teeth close on the air where the nimble monk had been just a second ago. [AoO misses, due to Rag's crazy armor class.]
Taking advantage of the distraction, Asteron moves in for the attack, but his powerful swings do not connect.
The dinosaur snaps at Ragnarök again, and misses again. It swipes with its claws but has no more luck. It bellows with rage.
And the map. I changed the professors to be black letters; hopefully that will be clearer. Also, I had to guess where Rag and Asteron ended up; be sure to include your position if you move.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+10=19 ; d20+10=16 ; Sunday January 5th, 2014 11:25:54 PM "Sorry, no can do, skipped that class. I can make you bigger though..."
"But first, let's catch up some speed.", says Faust as he makes everyone faster with a casting of Haste; [b]"Now, professor, I don't suppose this thing has a noce convenient weakness other than 'being' killed, does it?", he screams back in vain hopes of an answer as he makes hi way to a more protected location.
Standard Action to cast Haste on all (lasts for 6 rounds) Move Action to J4 Knowledge Nature to remember something useful about the beast (+10): 19 (ignore the other roll, connection hiccup)
TOTALLY OOC--A Special Message from DM Donna Monday January 6th, 2014 5:05:37 AM
Greetings, Players of Cthonia!
I am pleased to inform you that your game qualifies to receive a very Special Yuletide Magic Gift because at least four of you posted in the Giggling Ghost during the recent Yuletide Festival!
Because of your participation in the Festivities, EACH of you may add the following to your PC's Character Sheet:
One cut-crystal bottle containing a fruity blue potion: it's a Cure Light Wounds potion--but it's one that has been personally brewed by the current Head Cleric of the Clearspring Temple on Centaur Island. That means when you drink THIS potion, the imbiber gets to roll a d8+2 to determine the effects of the curing!
This potion was won at the Yuletide Festival in the Giggling Ghost and its magic will expire on January 5, 2015.
Congratulations to everyone in the game! Please DO note that, as a special Magic Gift won through either the Lotto or the Yuletide Festival, the following rules will apply to this particular item:
1) A PC may have no more than 5 magical "Gifts" at a time. This includes, among other things, Lotto items and Yuletide gifts.
2) All magical "Gifts" have a 12 month expiration date and must be labeled on the PC sheet with the date they were received. When magical gifts expire, they do not disappear, but turn into mundane non-magical items. PCs can still keep them as non-magical items for sentimental/RP value.
3) Non-magical gifts do not expire and you may keep as many as you want.
Congratulations once again--and thank you for helping to make this year's Yuletide Festival so very special!
8)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 d20+5=17 ; 4d6=20 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 10:41:54 AM My post for last round was lost, I had double moved to I40, if that option is gone then I do it now.
Yngvar will move to F14, once there he can fire a scorching ray at the allosaurus.
Touch vs AC 17, 20 fire damage
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+6=26 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+1=3 ; 3d6+13=26 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 12:50:26 PM
Asteron grins as the bloodlust of rage courses through his veins.
Chew on my steel!
Power Attack with greatsword vs AC 33!, confirm crit vs AC 30; miss on 2nd attack (vs AC 10); ASteron's sheet is not correctly updated, combat bonuses not correct on rolls.(BAB +6, +6 Str, +1 weapon, -2 power attack, +2 flanking = +13 to hit Damage (str +6, +1 weapon, +6 power attack @ 1.5x)=26 damage, X2 for critical success = 52
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d4=1 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=24 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=7 ; d8+3=5 ; d8+3=6 ; d6=6 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 6:12:15 PM
Rag sees how Asteron's blade rips open the back of the Allosaurus... the Minotaur probably caught the dino's attention now... the Monk kinda hopes this now opens up a tiny window of opportunity for him to whack the big bad dummy...
Now hasted Rag launches an unarmed flurry at the Dino's hard skin... concentrating hard he even manages to get another kick out! (Spending 2nd Ki point of the day) Since Asteron is also flanking Rag also benefits from this...
Att 1 hits AC26 damage 8Hp non lethal + 6Hp merciful tear of Eberyon Att 2 hits AC31 damage 9Hp Att 3 hits AC28 (haste) dalage 7Hp Att 4 hits AC22 (ki) damage 5Hp Att 5 hits AC24 damage 6Hp
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+13=32 ; d20+13=15 ; 3d6+13=24 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 6:59:02 PM Forgot the haste attack!
Another potentially serious slice from the greatsword, thanks to the quick actions allowed by the magic coursing through his body.
I doubt the 15 hits his AC... Damage = 24
DM Kathy d20+19=22 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+19=33 ; d8+8=11 ; d8+8=15 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 10:28:53 PM Faust casts Haste on the rest of the group. Or rather, on as much of the group as he can reach. [Haste affects a number of creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 feet apart. Unfortunately, Rag is just a little too far from Asteron to be included, although you can get everybody else (since Yngvar moved yesterday).]
Faust also attempts to ascertain something about the dinosaur that could be useful. He doesn't come up with much. It's an unusually large and strong member of its species [OOC, your DM advanced it from a lower CR], but essentially it's a big sack of hit points. Its only real special ability is grabbing things with its teeth, which you've already seen it try. It's big, strong, and tough, but doesn't seem to have anything beyond that.
Yngvar ducks around a tree and fires a Scorching Ray at the beast. The allosaurus bellows in rage as the fiery rays scorch him.
Stung by his inability to hit the creature the first time, Asteron comes back with a mighty blow! His greatsword cleaves into the mighty beast, carving a huge furrow out of one flank. [OOC: In Pathfinder, you roll extra dice for critical hits. You do not roll normal damage and then multiply it. I'm going to accept it this time, but going forward please roll the extra dice. Anyway, it's more fun! :) ]
Sensing an opportunity, Ragnarök switches from all-out defense to all-out attack! He aims 4 blows at the creature [Rag is not Hasted; see above], 2 of which hit! The dinosaur is clearly in pain by now.
In pain, but he has plenty of fight left. It snaps once at Ragnarök, but misses. It swipes at Asteron with its claws, and hits the minotaur both times, for a total of 26 damage [11 and 15, if it matters].
And the map. It is worth noting that Rag missed with a 24 but hit with a 26, so you've about got the critter's AC bracketed. Also, Yngvar can tell you that it's touch AC is really, really terrible. :)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d4+1=3 ; d3=2 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; Monday January 6th, 2014 10:50:07 PM "Darnation...! I'm drawing blanks....just try to stay away from the teeth...claws too, but especially the teeth."
"Seek cover through the trees if needed, don't make it easy for it.", barks Faust as he finishes the incantations for a salvo of Magic Missile against the beast.
Casting Magic Missile against the beast, hitting for 3 + 5 + 5 + 3 = 16 damage (force); ignore the mis-clicked d3.
Sorry for the Haste mix-up, the map wasn't properly showing for me (as in, there were missing letters, Rag being one of them); it is fine now in this latest version...probably didn't helping that I was viewing it on my iphone.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+16=27 ; d8+6=10 ; d20+16=18 ; Tuesday January 7th, 2014 5:23:52 PM
Toregan moves behind Asteron and uses his amplified speed to let loose a couple shots at the beast, firing in a more precise manner this time. "Keep at it! Its not going to last much longer at this rate!"
5ft Step to G11 Full attack w/Longbow Attack 1 (+16): 27 Attack 2 (+16): 18 Damage 1 (1d8+6): 10
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+13=21 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+8=18 ; d8+3=8 ; Tuesday January 7th, 2014 6:08:39 PM "Keep at it...
Well I guess he's right... Rag thinks to himself and launches another flurry... Sadly only 1 hit is capable of penetrating the tough skin dealing but a meager 8Hp non lethal
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+8=15 ; 3d6+13=21 ; Tuesday January 7th, 2014 9:11:12 PM Grrr, this beast has claws needing to be clipped!
Undeterred, Asteron shifts is feet into a guarded stance as he swings once more.
A swing! A hit! And a miss!
down 26 health and does 21 damage to the dino!
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Tuesday January 7th, 2014 9:21:58 PM Can't fix my header on the tablet, YNGVAR's turn:
Yngvar casts mage armor, defensively.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 7th, 2014 10:33:07 PM Faust calls advice to his teammates, then hits the dinosaur with a full spread of Magic Missiles.
Toregan offers a non-magic missile that's almost as effective.
Ragnarök unleashes another full attack, but this time he is only able to land a single blow.
Asteron, too, is only able to land a single blow, but then again, it's one of Asteron's blows. The dinosaur looks startled for a moment, then crumples to the jungle floor.
Since Rag did a bunch of non-lethal damage, the beast is still alive.
Something nags at Ragnarök's mind....something he noticed before the battle....he can't quite put his finger on what, though.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Wednesday January 8th, 2014 12:11:06 AM Does it seem unusual to anyone else that this dino was charging through dense jungle straight at us?
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 47/61 -- Rage 20/20 Wednesday January 8th, 2014 10:37:08 AM
With the immediate threat ended, Asteron glares as steam seems to rush from his flaring nostrils while he looks for another threat.
Seeing none, he sighs and settles down. A few quick wipes and his greatsword is clean and returned to its sheath. Looking down at his chest he considers the pattern of claw marks. Any deeper and my innards would be outward!
HP updated, damage would have come off temp HP first
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday January 8th, 2014 6:00:47 PM
With the dino knocked unconscious Rag wonders what could have caused this beast to attack them all so ferociously... Heaving the Monk bends his knees and examines the Allosaurus. He's bruised and battered but he'll live... only the question what to do with it remains.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+15=30 ; Wednesday January 8th, 2014 6:26:35 PM "Odd indeed, I expected this thing to hunt bigger beings...we could be dealing with on of those druid people once again.", he asks Wolfgang to scout around and see if he happens to spot anyone suspicious.
He then turns to the scholars, "I lack the knowledge to know when this thing will wake up, but I do know it's in the least of my interests to be around when it does. Ergo we should leave this place with haste."
Wolfgang's Perception (+15): 30
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=13 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday January 8th, 2014 8:56:22 PM "I agree Faust. This definately seems like something they'd orchestrate. Perfect way to send a message."
Toregan keeps his bow at the ready, slowly glancing around the area for any other threats. He chuckles when Faust suggests leaving before the dino wakes up. "While I beleive that Prof. Horn would love to take a look at it before we leave, I'd say that's a good course of action. They may have other beasts to use if this one failed. Rag! Asteron! Come over here and I'll get you patched up." He pulls out his wand and waves it over their wounds if they allow it.
Wow. That was crap for healing. Anyone want me to spend another charge on them?
DM Kathy Wednesday January 8th, 2014 10:20:46 PM Yngvar asks the group whether it seemed unusual for the dinosaur to have attacked them. Faust agrees that it is odd, and Professor Horn concurs. "We are, indeed, too small to be of interest to an allosaurus, either as food or as a threat. I can't imagine what brought it here in such a mood."
Faust and Toregan are inclined to suspect "those druids," by which they mean D.A.R.E.
Toregan offers healing, while Asteron contemplates his narrow escape and Ragnarök wonders what to do with the beast. "It should be fine," Professor Horn says, keeping a cautious distance. "They have few natural predators; it should be able to recover without fear of attack from something else."
Toregan doesn't quite catch it, and Wolfgang is too far aloft, but Professor Silverfire's gnomish nose is twitching. "What's that smell?" he asks at last. "I can't quite place it."
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 47/61 -- Rage 20/20 d20+8=22 ; Thursday January 9th, 2014 12:46:25 PM
Asteron shifts his nose one way, then the other, his bullish nose huffing as he takes in the air, searching for an unusual scent.
Perc: 22
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 14 Saves: F4, R6, W5 -- HP 31/31 d20+5=19 ; Thursday January 9th, 2014 12:50:48 PM
Happy to have not ended up with a closer look at the inside of a dinosaur's mouth, Yngvar does a headcount on the scientists before turning his attention to the dino.
Are we leaving it to recover, or stocking up on steak?
Perc: 19
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+12=18 ; Thursday January 9th, 2014 5:58:06 PM
Rag too sticks his nose in the air hoping he can sniff what is wrong... (perception 18)
"I'd say whe get out of here fast.. something's wrong here..."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+7=8 ; Thursday January 9th, 2014 11:30:34 PM
Faust sniffs around, but is obviously confused, "What are you talking about? All I can smell is the allosaurus here...seriously, this thing's stinkier than it looks...!", he concludes, holding his nose with one hand.
Faust's Perception (+7): 8 (natural 1), all good though, I really wanted a low number on this one
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=16 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+11=14 ; Thursday January 9th, 2014 11:36:17 PM
"I really hope its not some kind of poison..."[/b] Toregan mutters as he sniffs the air to try and catch the scent. He motion for Velox to do the same and tries to feel what Velox feels about the smell.
I forgot that i had an animal companion durning the fight. Whoops.
DM Kathy Friday January 10th, 2014 12:57:53 AM Yngvar does a headcount of the professors. All four professors, plus Xyra their assistant, are present and accounted for.
Faust doesn't smell whatever the problem is, and Toregan isn't sure whether he smells it or not. Velox definitely smells it; the little dinosaur hisses and hides behind his companion.
Asteron, Yngvar, and Ragnarök all smell it, though--an odd, dry, musky smell. Asteron is able to pinpoint its source--a clump of innocuous-looking bushes not far from the battlefield. None of you can identify the smell.
Professor Horn, however, recognizes it instantly. "Why--why, that's allosaurus musk!" he says. "My word! No wonder this big fellow was so upset. But....how did it get here? I'll wager there's not another allosaurus for miles, and I certainly don't see any tracks."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 14 Saves: F4, R6, W5 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 10th, 2014 3:00:45 PM
Yngvar looks to Toregan and quirks an eyebrow, they will have to talk about this later.
Well if you want to study an allosaurus, now is the time, else we should be going, and quickly.
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 47/61 -- Rage 18/20 Friday January 10th, 2014 3:05:02 PM
With nothing to kill, Asteron gives the allosaurus a kick for his troubles and stands guard, waiting for any sign of it returning to consciousness.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Saturday January 11th, 2014 7:12:30 AM "Musk? We didn't see anyone, so either they're remarkably stealthy, invisible maybe, or this was a trap we walked into."
"Supposing the latter, males me wonder if it was meant for us or we re spoiling someone's hunt. Either way, we should go, it might attract another one of these.", he says, pointinv to the allosaurus at his feet.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20=8 ; Sunday January 12th, 2014 6:24:28 PM "Neither of those professors tried something I hope? Let's get out of here before something else shows up..."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=25 ; d20+5=23 ; Sunday January 12th, 2014 6:42:07 PM "I agree. The quicker we get back to the Post the quicker we can investigate this properly." Toregan continues to watch the jungle, staying aware for anything the musk may have attracted.
Perception (+10): 25 (27 if animal) Velox Perception (+5): 23
Implications
DM Kathy Sunday January 12th, 2014 10:12:24 PM Faust points out that the group has not seen anyone. That's not quite true, of course; the professors, and Xyra, and your group as well have been all over this area. You saw no strangers, that is true.
For the most part, however, you decide it's best to get back to the Trading Post before discussing this further. The professors agree, and are soon ready to return. Well, "soon" for them; there's a fair amount of confusion and running about, but eventually, you are all making your way back to the lift.
It's an uneasy journey; you are on the lookout for other possible threats. None materialize, however, and as the sun begins to set, you arrive back at the Trading Post.
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 47/61 -- Rage 18/20 Monday January 13th, 2014 12:51:25 PM
Yngvar collects some of the musk from the plant (taking pieces of the plant if necessary) and puts it in an empty flask.
Any chances of remembering who was near that particular bush before the dino arrived?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Monday January 13th, 2014 5:50:09 PM
As the group returns home Rag can't help but wonder who along the scholars planted the musk... and why...
"Should we inspect everyone's backpack before we head out again tomorrow?", the monk asks his friends when none of the scholars hear them.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Monday January 13th, 2014 6:25:48 PM
At the dinner table, as the group gathers, Faust responds to Ragnarök, "Yes...jumped to conclusion a bit too fast...it does sound like it was one of them..."
"...that said, what was their intention? None of them seemed to be able to fend off the allosaurus if we were unable to beat it and they're not exactly swift movers. Either they're testing us in some way or one of these things is not like the others...", he says, just before emptying his mug of ale and ordering another.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday January 13th, 2014 10:11:40 PM
Torgan eats his food while the others discuss things. Once finished he adds to the conversation. "I think that we should go back out there tomorrow without the professors and see if we can pick up any tracks. Any that are around should be easy enough to find and follow even after a day. They'd either lead us to where the person who set up the musk, or at least it'd put us on their trail.
DM Kathy Monday January 13th, 2014 10:14:50 PM
Before leaving the area, Asteron is able to get his sample by collecting several leaves off of the bushes.
Back at the Trading Post, you meet for a private dinner to discuss the day's implications. Ragnarök suggest inspecting everyone's backpack before the group leaves tomorrow, and Faust wonders aloud about the motivations of whoever did this.
[I'm going to let you continue to discuss this in character rather than leading you along. If you get stuck, let me know. Feel free to talk to any of the academic party.]
(Ezra, the Second) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 47/61 -- Rage 18/20 Tuesday January 14th, 2014 12:17:57 PM
Asteron doesn't have much to say as he munches on his salad.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday January 14th, 2014 12:19:44 PM
And Yngvar puts the musk away for later study. We need some bloodhounds. If we didn't notice any tracks before we let, why would tomorrow be different?
Forgot to change header, it was Yngvar that would have collected the musk.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday January 14th, 2014 6:22:30 PM
"Who among the scholars would be able to collect and spread that scent? It would likely be someone who knows animals well... Let's go over the scholar's specialties again... who is most adept in what field?! Za... yoyu think that Drow girl will talk to you? "
DM Kathy Tuesday January 14th, 2014 10:16:00 PM
[So, first of all, everyone take 800 XP for Scene 2 (the professors encountering various hazards), and 2400 XP for Scene 3 (the Allosaurus).]
Asteron finishes his meal and excuses himself. "I think I'll see what Smith is up to. Maybe he has some insights to share."
[OOC: Thanks, everyone, for playing Asteron during combat. He will now become inactive, and hopefully Jorge will join us again soon.]
Yngvar wishes aloud for some bloodhounds, which might indeed be useful. As far as you know, however, the nearest bloodhound is miles and miles away from here.
Ragnarök suggests that Za'Reed should try to chat up Xyra, which the young drow will probably be only to happy to do. He also suggests that the group should go over the professors' specialties. After spending a couple of days with them, you are familiar enough with them that you can create a list fairly easily:
Zanry Silverfire: Gnome naturalist, specializing in butterflies.
Marit Keels: Human ornithologist, specializing in antbirds/antshrikes.
Rava Tumblehollow: Halfling botanist, specializing in ferns.
Marcus Horn: Human zoologist, specializing in two-footed dinosaurs.
Xyra Bancurpi: Surface drow student, research assistant to the academic team.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Wednesday January 15th, 2014 1:53:12 PM
Za does what is asked and will spend some time talking with Xyra. To the group: She does seem out of place and have a steadyness about her; is it possible her fainting the other day was faked?
He will question her about her past a bit. Try to see if there is much more to her than meets the eye.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday January 15th, 2014 6:00:06 PM
Yngvar regals Hope and Haggard with a tale of the Allosaurus attack.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday January 15th, 2014 6:15:55 PM
Rag goes over the professor's specialties and thinks back at what happened this day and the day before. Professor Horn, the zoologist, was almost strangled by a snake. Professor Tumblehollow, the botanist, got trapped in quicksand. Today professor Horn did appear to be genuinly surprised to see the Allosaurus... Argh...
The monk walks over to Professor Horn when he can get him alone: "Did you put that musk out there to lure some dino towards us? I can understand why you would do this... after all it's a wonderful place and an ideal location to study other species... "
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Wednesday January 15th, 2014 9:55:48 PM "Well, the obvious choices are either prof. Horn or ms. Bancurpi...though it could be a framing."
"Regardless, I'd rule prof. Silverfire out, she's the one who pointed out the smell, can't think of any reason she'd blow her own cover...prof. Horn could've faked the surprise, but I'd expect a specialist who just lured a dangerous beast on his direction to be more mindful of his personal safety.", he says, finishing his new mug, ordering another soon after.
"But to be bluntly honest, I'm more curious on the motive than the perpetrator...sure, we don't know these people nearly enough to know how well they get along to each other, but neither seemed to have any reason to kill the other or others...not to mention that allosaurus-ing to death is a bit too dangerous of a method for killing someone 5 feet from you, but it does hint that the perpetrator might not have been fully aware of the danger.", he adds, starting to sound a bit topsy from the alcohol.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 15th, 2014 10:16:01 PM Za'Reed spends some time speaking with Xyra. She is as cool and remote as ever, but she seems troubled, too. Asked about her past, she says she was the youngest of three daughters, raised by a mother and stepfather. Xyra was "the smart one" and was therefore expected to excel in academics. You don't have much time to question her, but nothing she says stands out as being especially unusual. "They think your group had something to do with this," she says. "That one of you placed the musk to draw the Allosaurus."
Yngvar tells Haggard and Hope all about the attack. During the tale, Hope brings out her lute and begins strumming experimentally; perhaps she will write a song about the event.
Faust speculates on who might be responsible, but he is more interested in motive. An allosaurus seems like a curious sort of murder weapon; whoever did this couldn't possibly have expected to control the creature. Or was the person just sadly misinformed?
Ragnarök steps over to talk to Professor Horn. "No," he says. "Look, I know I don't always look out for myself the way I ought to, but I would never put other people in danger. When I came out here, I expected to study tracks and droppings; the dinosaurs I study are far to large to approach safely. That's why I was so excited to see the little velociraptor; I never expected to study a living specimen." He adds, "I do have some allosaurus musk, but it is safely locked away in my office back in the Float. Anyway," he glances back at his colleagues, "Marit says it must have been one of you. None of us would have done such a thing, she says, but who knows what adventurers might get up to?" He looks at Rag. Clearly, he doesn't want to believe this theory, but he can't quite discount it either.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Thursday January 16th, 2014 1:12:09 AM
As she begins to leave Za stops her for a brief moment; No matter their expectations Xyra, I can see you will succeed at what ever studies you put your mind to. Assisting these scholars is definitely a step in the right direction. If you ever wish to brush up on some of your Arcane Arts feel free to ask; between Yngvar, Faust and myself I'm confident we can tutor you a good bit.
After she walks away, and Za is alone or among his friends;
One of us? Why in the Wold would we do that? He mumbles after gulping down the last bit of ale, ordering a refill he gets everyone's attention; or at least Faust's. What about that Thing we found Faust? Aarrggh.. What was it? In any case, it was obviously dropped not too long before we found it; Or else it would have been covered up. I don't know anything about Druids, and even less about the ones your talking about Yngvar, but if the Xyra says the professors think we did it, and somehow I don't think she did.
Taking a big bite of bread and gulp of ale when it's delivered, to wash it down he continues; I guess what I'm getting at is maybe who ever dropped that thing is following us. Doesn't wwant the professors around so he planted the Musk while we were occupied, watching the kids.
He lets out a brief chuckle and shakes his head; Druids feel like they should protect the land and nature right? So, maybe they don't want "outsiders" poking around their home; and stopping us at the same time from keeping up with these way points and the lift would be killing two pests with one huge dino.
He looks around to gauge everyones reaction to his theory, and shrugs his shoulders, Just thinking ou loud
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Thursday January 16th, 2014 11:14:49 AM
Yngvar compliments Hope on her work, and offers suggestions and fills in details, embellishing the actions of the others while downplaying his own part.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+2=3 ; Thursday January 16th, 2014 3:44:08 PM "While I wouldn't rule the connection between the musk and the cog out, but we lack any significant evidence to link the two other than 'we don't know who put it there'."
"Thinking about it further, I also doubt D.A.R.E. is behind it; not only the group has druids at their disposal, who could just dominate or command the beast other than use unreliable 'common man' musk, but also their goal is to protect the jungle and stop its exploration...and I fail to see how a lone unattended allosaurus comes even close to accomplishing that.", responds a contemplative Faust, who doesn't hide his frustration on the lack of information so far.
"I also believe...or maybe want to believe, that ms. Bancurpi is innocent, but be careful not to make a biased judgement based on personal feelings. Still, I agree, the motivation isn't there since with the professors' demise her life would be easier but also unemployed-er and, for a method, as a drow myself, I'd choose poisoning, safer and harder to notice."
"Supposing everything we know and speculate so far, that leaves us with either prof. Tumblehollow and prof. Keels...I'd put my money on the latter, actually, he's the one to whom nothing bad happened yesterday...were we near the site from yesterday? If we were, there's our perpetrator's window right there.", he points out, a bit excitedly, trying to remember and paying attention to whoever is able to provide the answer for his geographical question.
Survival to determine whether or not we were close to yesterday's location (+2): 3....
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Thursday January 16th, 2014 6:24:57 PM
Rag continues to talk with Professor Horn, "Well, we definetely didn't have anuthing to do with that dino... would anyone in your group know where to get thz musk? "
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Thursday January 16th, 2014 9:21:07 PM "Well..." Toregan states, after spending some time thinking things over. "Velox is able to track by scent. I doubt that anyone can remove the smell of that musk easily, or prevent it from getting onto themselves while they placed it. He could see if there is any lingering scent on anyone here that's more significant than what we were all exposed to. I'd also like to go back there to take a look at the area the musk was in. We didn't search it for very long and we might have missed something. If there is no trail left behind then it was most likely one of us."
DM Kathy Friday January 17th, 2014 12:12:22 AM Yngvar helps Hope with her ballad. "I've never been much of a songwriter," she says. "But a bard has to be able to do it, so it's good practice. Just--don't expect too much."
Za'Reed speculates aloud. Maybe somebody has been following you, and dropped that odd device while doing so. Maybe the druids want to keep people away.
Faust also thinks aloud. D.A.R.E. seems an unlikely suspect, he argues, because they would have surer ways of controlling animals. Similarly, any self-respecting drow could come up with something less messy. He also points out that of all the professors, only Professor Keels encountered no problems yesterday. [You are pretty sure that today's location was a significant distance from yesterday's.]
Toregan expresses a wish to have Velox do some tracking.
Ragnarök is still speaking with Professor Horn. "I really don't know," he replies. He pauses, seeming to think it over. "I mean, it's not exactly anyone else's specialty. Still, we've all had training in the basics. And anybody could have asked a colleague--back in the Floating City, I mean. So, I guess nobody would know specifically, but it wouldn't have been difficult for them to find out. If they asked around." He looks back at his colleagues. "Do you really think it was one of us?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 17th, 2014 10:34:09 AM
Yngvar pulls out the flask with some of the musk scent. Toregan, you can use this to point Velox in the right direction. You know, having more of this stuff may be helpful. How many other dinosaurs are likely to stick around if they get a whiff of this?
With a winsome smile Yngvar encourages Hope, Everyone has to start someplace, and with our lot you'll hopefully end up with a wide repertoire of stories and songs to build from.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday January 19th, 2014 6:18:52 PM
"Well..." Rag says to Professor Horn, "if not someone of you and not one of us... then we have a real problem..."
The monks nods at professor Horn and returns to his friends...
"Well... I don't realy know what to do next... the only thing I can think of, is wondering if we should go back to where we fought the Allorusaurus and search for clues..."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Sunday January 19th, 2014 9:49:39 PM "Location doesn't seem to match....maybe I'm over-thinking the whole thing?"
"Either way, with the current lack of evidence, even if we were to pinpoint a main culprit it would be all for naught, our word against theirs. We'd probably have a fight, both parts would be incredibly infuriated at the other, part ways and, supposing our suspicions prove to be well placed, one of them would die and we'd sit here with a sore taste in our mouths.", concludes the drow.
"Can Velox really track one of the professors from the musk's scent alone?", he asks Toregan, curious to see the abilities of the newfound team member.
DM Kathy Sunday January 19th, 2014 10:08:45 PM Yngvar reminds the group that he has a sample of the musk, which might come in handy.
Ragnarök wonders aloud whether to go back to the scene of the fight.
Faust is intrigued by the idea of Velox tracking the culprit.
Over at the professors' table, the discussion is growing heated. "Well, somebody put it there!" Professor Silverfire says. "It wasn't me!" Xyra cries, and then there's shouting.
After a few minutes, Professor Silverfire comes over to your group. He looks tired and defeated. "We've decided to cut the expedition short," he says sadly. "We'll spend tomorrow organizing our notes and specimens, then leave for the Floating City the following day. I wonder if we could prevail on you to escort us to the first waystation?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Monday January 20th, 2014 12:10:48 PM
Yngvar considers the arguments presented by Toregan and Faust. That makes sense Faust, what benefit now?
Watching the lively discussion between the different professors Yngvar smiled with remembrances of his own time at college. It's unfortunate that you feel your expedition has stalled so soon after arriving. We would of course be willing to provide an escort.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20=10 ; Monday January 20th, 2014 7:00:59 PM
Rag's happy the scholars decided to leave but on the other hand he almost started to like their company and excursions... the Monk nods to agree with Yngvar's offer to escort the scholars.
There still remains a stinging feeling that tells the monk they have overlooked something... luck: 10 won't help either
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday January 20th, 2014 8:15:43 PM
Toregan shrugs at Faust's question. "I'm not sure. He might be able to pinpoint it, but I have a feeling its not any of the professors. This seems too much like another attempt to drive people away from the Post, and if Waithe wasn't being watched I'd suspect him."
Toregan shakes his head sadly as the news comes out that the professors are planning on leaving the Post early. "I'm sorry you are leaving so soon. It was a welcome change to have new folks around."
DM Kathy Monday January 20th, 2014 10:17:36 PM
The mood is somber as you finish up your meals and head off to sleep. The professors will take a day to organize, and then leave on the following day. That does give you a day free to investigate, if you choose to do so.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Monday January 20th, 2014 11:31:25 PM
The next Morning Za wakes with a sense of something isn't right and while he's wasn't the professors biggest fan, stopping such an important expedition isn't something the Drow could happily stand for.
Especially since it seems someone is trying to keep people away, research expedition or otherwise. Rumors of the attack will spread and would be visitors deterred. Za mumbles to himself while taking time to think after meditation and preparing his spells this morning.
Za finds Prof. Silverfire first and gathers as many of the other professors and Xyra into the same area as he can and attempts to change their mind, Listen, Everyone. Last night the discussion got a bit out of hand I think. Blaming each other was, of course, the worst way to begin. Now, since it seems were all fairly sure that none of our two groups planted that musk. For what reason why one of use would do it make any sense? I'd think someone is trying to scare people away from our Trading Post. Respected researchers as yourselves to the spontaneous visitors, people will be scared If you pack up and leave now, your giving them exactly what they want, and giving them ample time to set up their next move should we escort you to the waystation. To escort we'd have to halt all investigation.
Hoping he's making some sense; Even staying within the walls would do, allowing us to thoroughly investigate this trap. Or if you stay and would still like to continue research I'd be one to help you, along side our investigation. That way the story of your time in the Thunderlands does not end with the attack and defeat of a dino, scarring you away. Let it end with the answering of all the questions the attack brought up.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 11:54:08 AM My esteemed companion Za' has the right of it. This expedition could not have been easy to put together. If you return now, what will you have to show to your colleagues for your time and resources spent here?
It was surprising after the enthusiasm of their arrival that they would be so quick to quit.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday January 21st, 2014 5:43:34 PM
" I liked the idea to have Velox track the scent of the musk which possibly could lead us to the source... Or we go back to the Allorusaurus spot and see if we can find tracks from whoever set the trap. Of course we've already lost a day. Good thing is it didn't rain last night."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 7:13:51 PM "Indeed, the young drow says what's in my mind. Besides, we do not know the perpetrator's target or motivation, don't mean to alarm you, but on the assumption it is one or all of you, now's a pretty unfit time for traversing the jungle alone."
"If you are still dead-set on leaving, yes, we'll keep you company to the waystations, but I would have a much easier time sleeping for the next few days if this issue can be solved and I'm sure that no dro-I mean, no one is in immediate harm...!", hastly finishes an embarrassed Faust.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday January 21st, 2014 8:26:53 PM
Toregan nods in agreement. "As Faust says, if you truly wish to leave we will escort you as far as you wish, but please let us try to uncover more about the situation first."
DM Kathy Tuesday January 21st, 2014 10:33:55 PM
The morning after the allosaurus attack, Za'Reed draws the professors and Xyra aside, and tries to persuade them to stay. He reasons that it wouldn't make sense for anyone here to have planted that musk; that it must be somebody from outside.
"But," says Professor Tumblehollow, her eyes troubled behind her spectacles, "but how would an outsider know where we were going to be? That musk was placed in a specific location, and we saw nobody else there."
Yngvar, too, attempts to persuade them to stay, reminding them of their early enthusiasm. The professors look uncomfortable, but nobody says anything.
Ragnarök is keen to learn what Velox may be able to discover, and Faust and Toregan ask the professors not to make any hasty decisions until you have had a chance to investigate.
"Well," says Professor Silverfire. "Tell us what you have learned by the end of today. As you say, perhaps it will change our minds."
You are able to get off to an actual early start, as opposed to the "early" starts you'd had when you were escorting the academic party. You take the lift down to the jungle floor, and are soon back at the area of the attack.
The allosaurus seems to have awakened and move off sometime since you left; he is no longer here. His tracks are here, as are the tracks of the party from yesterday. And, of course, the musk is still present; Velox hisses softly as he comes close to it. The scene is ready for investigation!
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+7=11 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+5=12 ; Tuesday January 21st, 2014 11:32:24 PM
Looking at Professor Tumblehollow with a serious, but friendly face; It is possible to become unseen Professor. Just because we didn't notice anyone else around, that doesn't mean someone wasn't there, maybe with us the entire time without us knowing. Which means they could possibly even follow us as we escort you to the waystations. Making the investigation even more important, before you leave. What if were all wrong and their target isn't the Post, but your team?
Nodding his head at their agreement to at least think on it with the findings today. As Za walks away, his hand absently goes to the ring on his left index finger. He taps it in a rhythm as he prepares to leave.
At the Scene of the Crime: Za gets excited as they get to the area of attack. Who would want us smashed? he says while checking around the area. While not a tracker, Za knows a bit about the outdoors. He trys to find a spot the battle could have been seen from with the spectator well hidden. Letting the others pick apart the immediate area where the Musk was planted.
K. Nature: 11 Perception: 18 Survival: 12
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+5=18 ; d20+10=14 ; d20=6 ; Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 10:19:12 AM
Yngvar laughs, Who wants us smashed? Let me count the ways... Well there's Bas, an orc 'trader', we took care of Town, then there's DARE, and we friended one kobold tribe, making enemies of another. And don't forget the assassin, still don't know who hired him.
Ticking off the antagonists on his fingers Yngvar considers momentarily, and that's just in the four months I've been here. Who knows who else might have it in for the outpost or T&MG (Trade and Merchants Guild).
Yngvar studies the area himself, replaying the battle through his head and trying to recall who was where before the battle. Ok Faust, what can Velox track?
Perc: 18 know:nature 14 Survival: 6
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+2=13 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+3=17 ; Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 6:42:40 PM "Bas I heard of, but what's this assassin deal?"
"Personally, DARE's very unlikely and the trap seemed a bit too crafty for kobolds. No offense, but they're usually more to the point and less subtle than that.", shrugs Faust as he searches the area, with Wolfgang perched on his shoulder so their bonded senses expands their perceiving area.
"Well, not sure what Velox can do....maybe he could sniff the musk and pinpoint where it came from? Hopefully we find a footprint, piece of clothing, used spell scroll, etc."
Not sure if the familiar's allowed to, but here: Wolfgang's Survival (+5): 11 Wolfgang's Perception (+15): 33 Wolfgang's Knowledge (nature) (+3): 17
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+12=30 ; d20+12=17 ; Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 7:22:44 PM
Rag cautiously observes the scene... the Allorusaurus is gone which pleases the Monk... they didn't kill the poor thing earlier. Now he looks for traces which are not their own or signs of where the dino went...
Survival 30 Perception 17
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+5=21 ; d20+10=23 ; Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 8:55:00 PM
Toregan kneels down to velox's level and motions towards the bush the musk was set up. "Velox, hunt."
As Velox sniffs around, Toregan searches the gorund for any traces of tracks or trails left by anything. "Velox could find a scent trail from this location if the person came from another direction than us, but I'm hoping that he'll be able to find a different scent that's he can track near the source of the musk."
Velox and Toregan take 20 if able. (25 for Velox, 30 for Toregan) If not,
DM Kathy Wednesday January 22nd, 2014 10:53:11 PM Za'Reed circles the general area of the battle, trying to find a vantage point where a saboteur may have hidden. He doesn't see anything he thinks noteworthy.
Yngvar and Faust run through the list of people who might want to harm your group. It's rather a long list. [Although your DM was under the impression that Bas had been dealt with? Is that wrong?]
Toregan lets Velox explore the area. The little dinosaur clearly smells the musk, and clearly does not like it. He seems a little confused about the notion of tracking it, and wanders hesitantly in different directions, seeming unable to pinpoint where it originated.
Ragnarök examines the scene, and notes a set of footprints leading away from the area where the musk had been spread. The footprints move to the general tangle of prints representing the spot where the professors had fled to when the battle started. In other words, whoever left the musk spent the battle in the group of professors.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Thursday January 23rd, 2014 10:40:03 AM
Yngvar thinks back about his recent experiences that have brought him to Cthonia, Bas and his gang made their introductions about an hour after they were offered the job in Cthonia, obviously an insider had provided privy information. In a matter of seconds Bas had nearly killed or otherwise subdued the entire party. It wasn't a pleasant memory for Yngvar.
Yngvar looks at Faust curiously, How could you forget, it was shortly after you arrived here... Yngvar thinks back Oct 2012, considering just what he remembered of Faust's arrival. Interesting, you arrive, assassin arrives. Assassin has an arrow meant to kill me. We never did find out about who sent the assassin.
Yngvar re-evaluates his personal view of Faust.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+12=27 ; d20+12=24 ; Thursday January 23rd, 2014 6:40:12 PM "This is some disturbing evidence friends... whoever left the musk spent the battle in the group of professors. We have someone among our friendly scholars who isn't playing by the book."
Rag further examins the tracks. Are the footrints human size or small size? He makes a footprint of his own next to the track so he can compare size and debt of tje print... this might give hilm a clue also of the weight of the sneaky fellow.
Survival 27, Perception 24
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Thursday January 23rd, 2014 7:18:44 PM "Ah...that assassin...with hyenas and whatnot...wasn't he one of Bas' men? You the one who saw him to his demise if memory doesn't fail me.", smirks Faust.
As Ragnarök comes back with the grim news, Faust looks obviously troubled, "Well, that is indeed the worse...getting that rat out of the cellar won't be easy, especially with the scholars wanting to leave. I don't suppose we have something to make a casting out of this print?"
"My coin is still on prof Keels, though, based solely on the fact that he wasn't attacked on the first day; was he lucky or was he more prepared to take on the jungle, I wonder? Or was he already in possession of the musk? Velox hates it, don't think other critters are found of it either."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+2=12 ; Thursday January 23rd, 2014 8:37:29 PM
Toregan moves over to the prints Rag found. "Sadly that seems the case. One of the Proffesors is to blame. Well, check the size of the prints. We can at least determine if Prof. Tumblehollow is the culprit." He looks at the prints to see if they fit the small feet of the halfling professor.
"The scent is too strong in the area. Velox can't determine the location of anything around here. And yes, the musk seems to act as a repellant for smaller creatures. I'd say that we have Velox check his pack and everyone elses for the scent, but i don't think that they'd be very willing to let that happen."
Knowledge (Whatever applies) (+2 untrained): 12
DM Kathy Friday January 24th, 2014 12:58:08 AM
You examine the tracks that Ragnarök found. They are clearly from a Medium-sized creature, which eliminates Professors Silverfire (a gnome) and Tumblehollow (a halfling). It's difficult to be sure, but the tracks are probably too small to have been left by Professor Horn--although you probably want to double-check that when you return.
That leaves Xyra, the assistant, and Professor Keels [who is female; I apologize for the confusion]. Faust has been suspicious of Professor Keels for a while, and reminds everyone that she was the only member of the group who did not encounter any dangers on that first day. On the other hand, Xyra's cool, standoffish demeanor could be seen as suspicious.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 24th, 2014 12:09:55 PM Well let's get an imprint and head back. We can see about getting the professor's to give us some castings of their feet to surreptitiously compare the prints to.
Yngvar casts prestidigitation. Pulling his woven grass hat from his head, he fills the crown 3/4's with dirt. Pulling a couple of large leaves from some nearby trees, he uses the prestigiditation to press the leaf into the footprint. With his spell holding the shape, he transfer's the leaf to his hat and presses it into the dirt, transfering the footprint shape and depth. With the broad leaf pressed into his hat, he gently pours more dirt into it to help hold the shape.
I can keep the spell going until we get back to the outpost. Some flour and water and we can make a proper casting there.
Folding the brim of the hat up, he separates some of the weaving to create a couple of handholds.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Friday January 24th, 2014 5:25:22 PM "One print says nothing... it could very well be that they are all in on it and that there was just one who had to plant the musk. Somehow I'm not convinced Xyra has anything to do with it but I'm thinking she knows something...
Anyhow... we now know we're not looking for anyone else. Can anyone cast some nifty spell that tells you if someone has evil on his mind? Perhaps it will help us get more info on the professors?
What if we play dumb and tell them we found tracks leading away from the site so that he who planted the musk has probably dissapeared? So all is safe and we can continue our expedition?"
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Saturday January 25th, 2014 9:49:25 PM I like the playing Dumb Idea. I also think Xyra knows something, or someone. Can we determine the number of different sets of prints in the area? I guess there is still the actual possibility of an invisible guest among us earlier. With all the commotion us not noticing it isn't really that surprising...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=13 ; d20+10=26 ; Sunday January 26th, 2014 9:39:13 PM "Well, I could try to identify the number of tracks, but there was so much movement in that area, it may be impossible to determine how many sets there are."
Toregan looks over the tracks where the professors group was during the attack, and tries to discern the number of individual prints there.
Perception (+10): 13 Survival (+10): 26
DM Kathy Sunday January 26th, 2014 9:42:21 PM Yngvar improvises a way to make an impression of the tracks, and proposes returning to the Trading Post.
Ragnarök suggests that perhaps all the professors are in on it, and that perhaps the best course of action is to "play dumb" upon returning to the Trading Post.
Za'Reed supports that idea, and reminds the group that they may still be looking for somebody who was invisible, but who left tracks. He would also like to talk to Xyra; perhaps she knows something.
Once you finish up at the attack site, you make your way back to the Trading Post. Today's errand did not take too long; you return in time for lunch. And, you have the afternoon and evening to do anything else you may want to do before the professors leave.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Monday January 27th, 2014 11:34:45 AM
Yngvar asks the others for some assistance, I have an idea. Let's clear a space near one of the walls, get some sand and everyone makes foot prints. We'll tell them we plan to turn it into stone and keep it as a memorial walk. We can probably get the resident's to make impressions as well.
In the mean time, Yngvar asks for some flour and cloth strips to make a proper plaster impression, which he does in the privacy of his own room.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Monday January 27th, 2014 6:55:53 PM "Great idea Yngvar, but in the meantime someone must talk to theprofessors giving feedback of this mornings examination. Rag says mking it clear that he's not the talkative one in the group.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Monday January 27th, 2014 7:43:19 PM
Provided the professors aren't close enough to hear, so preferably before the group arrives at the Post, Faust will speak, "I guess the memorial walk idea has promise, could even boost circulation on the Trading Post once the rumors of super dangers settle down...that said, we might be unlucky enough for two of them to have matching feet. So a backup plan is in need...", he finishes, thinking deeply for couple minutes.
"Sayyy...does any of you feel any confidence in your acting prowess? I could glamer myself into a different look and you guys could frame me as the perpetrator, using a Minor Image as a stand in for my normal self. In such a situation with the perpetrator caught, no one but the real one will have any reason to want to leave and, to up the ante, I could 'slip out of prison' just in time to give the real culprit a reason to try again on short notice; except this time we'll be watching very closely...", says Faust, with a very serious and grim face.
"If that won't do though...we always have the blunt authoritative route I suppose...Scarecrow, that mark of justice number you ran on Wathe, can it be tailored to make the subject bleed out of their nostrils or somesuch if they were to lie while under the mark's effect? It took some time to get it done, so I could make some poisons to make them sleep or otherwise paralyze them if they're uncooperative...", he adds with a fed up sneer.
DM Kathy Monday January 27th, 2014 10:09:08 PM
Back at the Trading Post, Yngvar slips back to his room to make a proper cast of the footprints you found. He suggests a ruse for getting all the professors--and some of the Trading Post residents, too--to leave their footprints for you to examine.
Ragnarök says that somebody should talk to the professor's about the day's findings--"somebody" in this case meaning "not Ragnarök," because he's not very good at that sort of thing.
Faust concocts a plan for drawing out the culprit--a plan so very cunning that even your DM had trouble following it, although I think I get it now. :)
With the entire afternoon ahead of you, you have plenty of time to continue the discussion.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday January 28th, 2014 10:42:30 AM
In lieu of other action, Yngvar starts clearing a place to set some footprints. For anyone that asks he simply states that he hopes to turn it into a memorial of the founders and early visitors. For these individuals are the ones that forged ahead into the wilds of Cthonia to search out its hidden treasures.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday January 28th, 2014 6:27:57 PM
As no one seems compelled to go talk with the Professors Ragnarok does father all his strentgh. He talked with Professor Horn earlier and intends to do so again.
"... yeah, we found tracks leading away from the musk so it's clear whoever did this has fled from this place... So Professor, I believe we can safely continue our science excursions...
Meanwhile we're setting up a memorial place for all those who left their lives for the Outpost. Perhaps you and the other profesors could help?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday January 28th, 2014 8:19:27 PM
TOregan keeps to himself, helping Yngvar if he can, and training Velox near the inn if he can't.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 28th, 2014 10:30:18 PM Yngvar starts preparing for a Memorial Walk with Toregan's help, while Ragnarök speaks to the professors about participating.
Professor Horn, who seems to be regaining some of his earlier enthusiasm, agrees immediately to participate, and soon leaves a series of footprints that are too big to match the ones you saw earlier. Professor Tumblehollow says she has some things to finish up first, but eventually she does go out to add her footprints, which are, of course, much smaller than the ones you found.
However, Professor Silverfire and Professor Keels both say they've got too much to do today, and they're keeping Xyra pretty busy as well. None of those three make it out to the walk that day.
[If there's nothing else anyone wants to do, we'll skip ahead to the next day.]
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Wednesday January 29th, 2014 12:09:14 AM
While stepping back as his comrades execute the plan, Za watches the group of professors at a distance, noticing Silverfire and Keels keep
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Wednesday January 29th, 2014 12:37:04 AM
Whoops.....
Keep Xyra away from the walk. After adding his own footprints, making them as "plain" as possible, he goes to talk to Xyra. Tracking her down to her private room if necessary or pulling her aside if she isn't already alone. At first he stares at her a moment with a "knowing" look and a smirk.
ya kno, we got the footprints of the ones who did this. he speaks in a serious tone and loses the smirk. Well catch 'em for sure; won't be much of an issue to make 'em tell us why, He uses a cantrip to make a small bright white light apprear between them, blinking twice it flys into her chest and blinks out as it gets near. we have magic for that. It is odd you didn't submit your footprints, nor did two others. Xyra if you know something; telling me is your best chance. His smirk returns I'll keep your secret, if you have dinner with me.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday January 29th, 2014 10:46:37 AM
Yngvar goes around to the various residents and asks them to come leave their footprints as well.
I'm doing some research on a spell that would let me transmute this dirt to rock. Creating the memorial walk will give me an opportunity to practice my research. And when it pans out, I'll also be able to bolster the outpost's defenses!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday January 29th, 2014 6:23:21 PM
Rag no longer has a clue on how to expose the one who planted the musk on them. So instead he wants to catch a glimpse of what professors Silverfire and Keels are doing... the monk helps distracting if needed so Xyra has time to talk to Za'Reed. Like the Drow, Rag tjinks she knows more...
Later he will ask Professor Horn what the next exploration will be...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday January 29th, 2014 7:40:22 PM
Faust is glad that at least Horn and Tumblehollow seem more inclined to stay, hopefully that'll buy the group more time.
Whenever he can, he approaches Ragnarök, "You never answered me if that mark can be used for an interrogation in some way. Not that I want the situation to reach that point - bad publicity, but I like to know my options.", he finishes.
Still suspicious of prof. Keels, specifically, he devises a small trap of sorts to at least see if she indeed is who she claims to be: he tries to remember a rare antbird that can only be seen on the Thunderlands and use Minor Image to make a figment of it that moves like what Faust expects it to move.
He'll place the figment somewhere easy for Keels to see but not to touch, some tree or a house's ceiling, perhaps quickly crossing her path and then flying off to said "look but don't touch" location; just to see if it actually picks her interest and if she happens to notice it is not real.
Knowledge (nature) (+10) to remember one such antbird, its visual features and any hints of its behavior he happens to remember: 30 (natural 20)
DM Kathy d20=11 ; d20=18 ; Wednesday January 29th, 2014 10:26:53 PM Za'Reed adds his own footprints to the walk, and goes to talk to Xyra. You are able to catch up with her as she's snatching a bite to eat. She seems puzzled at first, then increasingly irritated. "I don't know what that light show was about," she snaps, "but I didn't have time to do your stupid walk because I've been cataloging specimens all day. And now that I have five minutes to call my own, I'm trying to eat because I haven't had a bite since breakfast. And I don't know what 'secrets' you're blithering about; all I know is I don't have time for this." She takes a final bite before marching away.
Yngvar tries to get residents of the Trading Post to add their footprints, and by the end of the day, Hope, Polly, Bast, Nudge, Pen, and Rexan have walked on the path. There are rather a lot of footprints now; in fact, it's getting kind of difficult to keep track of all of them.
Ragnarök asks Professor Horn about the next site. "I'm not sure," he replies. "Marit--Professor Keels--has some ideas about where to go. I think she's looking at her maps now."
Faust, meanwhile, devises a test of sorts for Professor Keels. It takes her a while to notice the illusory antbird, but her reaction does not disappoint. "Oh!" she exclaims, and climbs up on a chair to get a better view. "Why, it's a Thamnophilus divisorius! Xyra, my sketchbook, quickly! Or no," she looks disappointed. "It's an illusion of some kind. Still, it's very good. Who created it?" She looks around.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+2=17 ; Thursday January 30th, 2014 10:48:51 AM
Yngvar notes the name of each person near one set of prints. If only he actually knew the spell to make it permanent, it would make an interesting conversation topic even after it fulfilled its current use.
Yngvar spent the rest of the day talking with each of the professors asking them more about their specialties, the latest rumors and advances in their specific fields, campus politics. He himself shared some of his recent experiences with the star mage tower, as well as the various flora and fauna that he had seen in his time in Cthonia.
Diplomacy (gather info): 17
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Thursday January 30th, 2014 6:08:22 PM
Toregan, once done helping with the memorial, goes over to talk with Professor Keels over the path they'll be taking. Seeing her quite effectively distracted from mapping the trail, he chuckles to himself before moving closer to talk. "I imagine its one of our prestigious spellcasters practicing their skills."
He looks over the maps Prof. Keels has out and examines where the path seems to take them. "So, what do you expect to find along this path? Anything special?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Thursday January 30th, 2014 6:15:41 PM
Truely puzzled Rag tries to help Yngvar cataloging the footprints.
"Somehow we need a breakthrough here my friend... what did we overlook?? Who haven't we talked with? "
As Faust checks the possibilities of the Mark of Justice spell Rag confirms but also adds a warning: "Yes, I guess that could work but the Mark of Justice is not a spell to take lightly. It's more like a curse... if you would give the subject a nose bleed whenever he lies he WILL have a nose bleed EVERYTIME he lies. I only need a minute to complete the spell...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Thursday January 30th, 2014 7:11:08 PM
Faust shows himself from behind a nearby shadow, giggling softly, "Yes, yes, that would be me. Guilty and charged."
"We got off to a sour start, you and us; thought of doing something a specialist in antbirds would enjoy. The fact that it managed to fool you, even for but a moment, is a compliment to me, as I did it from memory and guesswork.", he finishes, considerably more at ease, knowing that, at least, Keels isn't an impersonator.
He says no further, but does stay to fill himself into what Toregan seeks to find out about.
DM Kathy Thursday January 30th, 2014 10:11:53 PM
You spend what remains of the evening chatting with the professors and comparing notes, but you really don't learn anything new. You believe that the footprints you saw at the site of the attack probably belong to Xyra or to Professor Keels, but you have not managed to narrow it down any further.
The next morning, the professors are eager to get underway again. This eagerness does not, alas, result in anything like an early start, but you do manage to leave the Trading Post before mid-morning. Professor Keels seems to have a specific spot in mind; she points the way and frequently consults a map sketch she carries with her. About an hour and a half after you leave the Trading Post, she leads the way up a gentle rise, where several large jungle trees provide an unusually thick canopy.
"Here, I think," she says, looking up. "The thicker canopy may allow for some rarer specimens. There's no telling what we'll find today!"
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Thursday January 30th, 2014 11:12:24 PM
Za doesn't interrupt xyra but he does exhale finally when she storms out. After which he leaves and informs everyone of her genuine outburst, but something still doesn't sit right. "Says she's been super busy catalogueing but how many different specific species have they actually seen?"
As we get ready to leave Za get himself a bottle of wine ready, drinking is a good way to stay back and observe the scholars.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Friday January 31st, 2014 1:44:09 PM
Yngvar commits himself to keeping a closer eye on everyone.
Are they still on the plateau?
Curious about the sketch/map that Prof Keels is following, Yngvar walks alongside her. What is the history of your sketch?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+7=24 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+14=26 ; Friday January 31st, 2014 6:29:29 PM
Rag too wonders how Keels seems to be so keen to go to one specific location. His sketch does feel strange. Having narrowed itdown to Keels and Xyra, and Yngvar being already on top of Keels, Rag keeps an eye on Xyra.
Sense motive 24 Perception 26 Stealth 26 (trying to keep an eye on Xyra unnoticed)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=22 ; Sunday February 2nd, 2014 11:10:35 AM
Toregan keeps an eye on the surrounding jungle about as much as he is watching Prof. Keels. Something was going to happen on this trip, and Toregan was going to do everything in his power to stop it. He keeps Velox close to his side, ready to react to anything.
"I haven't seen many areas with the canopy this thick before. It is quite likely you'll find some unique specimens here. Lucky for you that you found it."
Perception (+10): 22
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+7=21 ; Sunday February 2nd, 2014 6:47:54 PM unique specimens means mutated wolves with Psionic abilities or an overgrown assassin vine that spits out icky globs of body parts covered in acidic stomach bile. Then it could also be mutated, it's vines oozing with venom.
Za helps keep an eye on both Keels and Xyra, looking up the hill and into the denser part of the jungle, What specific specimens are you expecting to find in there anyways? I'd like to have an idea of what we may run into.
Perception: 21
DM Kathy Sunday February 2nd, 2014 11:51:22 PM
As you move into the site for today's collections, all of you are wary and on your guard. Yngvar asks Professor Keels about her sketch. "Oh," she says, "it's copied from a much larger map I have in my bag. I just didn't want to have to manage the big map today; this is easier."
Za'Reed engages in some pleasant speculations about what kinds of "unique" species might be found here.
For a while, nothing happens, and you begin to believe that perhaps you were worried over nothing. Then you gradually become aware of a growing, swelling sound--distant rustlings and thumps--coming closer and closer....
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+9=18 ; d20+10=22 ; Monday February 3rd, 2014 2:52:01 PM "Oh no...nononono...please, not another stampede!"
"Everyone, hide behind the widest tree you can see, post haste!!", screams Faust, pointing specifically at the professors and doing that what he just urged others to do, though on a spot he can still peek at what's coming at the group.
Faust's Perception(+9): 18 (darkvision) Faust's Knoledge (nature) to more properly identify the sound (+10): 22
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple d20+12=27 ; Monday February 3rd, 2014 6:10:09 PM
"Oh for Domi... not again!!"
At Faust's suggestion Rag checks for a wide tree... he grabs a potion of Mage Armor from his pouch and waits. While waiting he specifically keeps an eye out on Xyra and Keels
Perception 27
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+10=21 ; Monday February 3rd, 2014 7:12:58 PM "I am getting really tired of these interruptions!" Toregan says as he darts behind a tree with Velox trailing close behind him. He tries to make out the direction of the noises and warn everyone of its direction.
Perception (+10): 21
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Monday February 3rd, 2014 7:19:25 PM
Yngvar first checks the location of the professors and that they are all accounted for and moving before finding himself a vantage point of his own.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+10=30 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+9=12 ; Monday February 3rd, 2014 7:36:09 PM
Find a wide tree... Za had never heard advice so simple but life saving. He looks up though and sees the trees are especially thick, why not try and make use of this special little ring, he thinks to himself while his hand absently twists the ring around his finger.
He looks around for a good spot to climb and hide above the area. Once a suitable perch is found he strains his hearing and dark vision to detect which way and how close the sounds are getting. Trying to stay hidden as whatever "unique" specimen approaches.
I'll rain down magic or arrows, jumping down leading with my heavy ass sword if needed.
--------- Perception: 13 Acrobatics: 25 (nat 20- Jump to climb or perch would be 30) Climb: 15 Stealth: 12
A Traitor Unmasked
DM Kathy Monday February 3rd, 2014 11:00:55 PM Faust, fearing another stampede, calls for everyone to get behind a tree.
Toregan and Velox duck behind a tree, alert for whatever is coming.
Yngvar also finds a spot behind a tree, and Za'Reed finds a spot in a tree, because he hates the DM and wants her to pull her hair out trying to convey that on a map. :)
Ragnarök also seeks shelter, but he keeps a particular eye on Xyra and Professor Keels. Xyra ducks behind a tree with the others, but Professor Keels walks calmly into the middle of the clearing. The distracted, disorganized professor is gone; she looks around with a smile of cruel triumph. "This is where I leave you," she says. "D.A.R.E. will reclaim these lands for the forces of raw Nature, and that can't happen with academic expeditions and adventurers everywhere. Your bodies will nourish the next generation of plant life, so in a way, you will be supporting the cause, too. Farewell."
And as she leaves the clearing, three massive treants enter it.
Here is your map. As before, the darker green areas are thicker vegetation that is difficult terrain. Professor Keels has left; the other professors are off the map to the north. Velox is not on the map because I'm assuming he's a non-combat companion; if I'm wrong about that let me know so I can add him as a valid target. I mean, as a character on the map. :)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday February 4th, 2014 6:24:20 PM "ah... so it begins! D.A.R.E. has shown him..."
The Monk quafs the mage armor potion and smiles at his friends:" Let's dance!!"
Since plants are not considered to be alive, Rag's not bound to his walkers oath of non-violence but he worries about the size of the treants..
"We sure could use some fire here!!"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+10=12 ; d20+6=18 ; 4d6=10 ; Tuesday February 4th, 2014 7:16:24 PM "Anyone else regretting it's not a stampede...? But yes I do have fire."
"Also, change of orders, trees are no longer safe, remember the waystations? These things can make them move, so be careful.", says Faust as he walks away from the tree, just to be safe before casting Scorching Ray at the one further from himself.
Knowledge (nature) to remember anything useful against treants (+10): 12... Move Action to A3 Standard Action to attack treant3 with Scorching Ray (+6): hitting touch AC 18 for 10 + 3 = 13 damage (fire)
DM Kathy Tuesday February 4th, 2014 10:41:09 PM
Since only two people have posted, and since I forgot to send the email yesterday immediately after I posted, I'm going to give people another day to respond.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 32/51 - AC26/25 /21 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 27 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday February 5th, 2014 3:08:37 PM
OOC : What's happening friends??? Why isn't anyone posting!?! C'mon it only takes 1 post a day to get a game from good to great! Please all, do try to post more frequently. This is both depressing for your fellow players but also for your DM who tries hard to offer a fun game...
Rag eyeballs everyone with amasement... Are they all frozen solid perhaps?? Could these treants somehow have stopped time?
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+10=17 ; Wednesday February 5th, 2014 4:24:00 PM Did the system have a hiccup yesterday? I'm pretty sure I posted. Maybe I had a hiccup.
Seriously? DARE? Again? Cowards! You can't even fight your own battles!
Yngvar takes a look around, To me, for speed! Yngvar will hold his action and cast haste when/if the others get close enough.
Know:nature=17 RE: Treants
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 d20+4=18 ; d8+4=6 ; Wednesday February 5th, 2014 10:01:28 PM Sorry about my posting recently. No real excuse other than feeling like crap and forgetting to post.
Toregan growls as Keels disappears into the jungle. "You damn druids have tried to take us down twice now! Both times you've failed! When will you get that you're fighting a losing battle?!" He hears Yngvar's call and quickly moves towards him, barking out to Velox as he moves. "Velox, follow!"
He slides his bow off his shoulder as he moves and fires a shot at the treant behind him.
Move to M7 and have Velox follow Toregan Attack w/ Longbow at T3 (+13): 27 Damage (1d8+4): 6
DM Kathy d20+17=22 ; 2d6+9=14 ; d20+7=10 ; Wednesday February 5th, 2014 10:29:06 PM Ragnarök drinks a potion and calls for fire.
Faust moves away from the tree, and fires a Scorching Ray at one of the Treants. [I changed your move a little; Scorching Ray is a Close-ranged spell; you couldn't have hit Treant 3 from square A-3. I moved you so you could hit Treant 1 instead.] The firey ray seems to do even more damage than Faust was expecting.
Yngvar calls for his friends to gather for a Haste.
Toregan moves to a better angle and fires a shot at one of the trees. Although his arrow hits, it doesn't seem to do any damage.
Neither Faust nor Yngvar remembers anything about Treants from their studies. However, you have fought treants before, so anything you remember (or read in the Archives; hint, hint), you can use for this fight.
Treant 1 moves forward and pauses for a moment.
Treant 2 moves up, and one of its branches comes slamming down at Yngvar. It hits! Yngvar takes 14 damage.
Treant 3 stays where it is, picks up a rock, and throws it at Toregan. It misses, thudding into the ground and rolling for a way before stopping.
Hp: 46/46 AC:(Shield 21)17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed d20+8=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday February 5th, 2014 10:52:46 PM
Sorry, having trouble with computer, router and internet and time all around. Hopefully things calm down soon...
Za doesn't know how to react. Surely he knew Keels or Xyra were behind all this but Keels as part of this Duid dare group. Who'd of guessed it? So, hearing a request for fire, and not knowing much about these things Za fiddles with his engraved signet ring. It gives a soft glow as he recites the chant for scorchingRay.
The ray of fire bursts from his hand and into the nearest Treant (1). After unleashing the spell he takes a good look, deciding if it would hurt to jump down, or if he should climb.
------- Use bonded item to cast one spell from book that's not prepared today: Standard: Hit touch ac: 16 for 14 fire damage.
Ooc: would it cause damage if Za jumped down? And if Za jumped down slashing at the Treant, is there any bonus damage for the extra momentum? Not sure how to explain what I have in my head but jumping out of the tree holding bastard sword in two hands, "landing" sword first on it. What checks would I need or is this even possible? Are they too tall for him to come down on top of from the tree he is in?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple d20-2=17 ; Thursday February 6th, 2014 2:05:12 PM
(correction header - starting at full health and I have removed the Legacy item)
Ragnarök hears Yngvar calling out before he casts his Haste spell. That sure is a handy one for Rag so he hurries next to the the Wizard. In the meantime he hopes to attract the Treants attention in order to protect Yngvar from being further pummeled upon.
Rag moves up to K5 risking two AoO's while getting there... this puts him between Yngvar and the Treant. He does so at a full defensive stance hoping he will block the treant from hurting Yngvar and offering the Wizard time for some nifty spells... at least the peaceful monk so hopes...
Actual AC vs AoO : 21 + 4 Mage Armor + 6 defensive stance + 4 vs AoO = 35 vs AoO Actual AC vs attack : 21 + 4 Mage Armor + 6 defensive stance = 31
"I'm down here and it's time for a bonefire!! (intimidate 17)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 48/48 d20+5=14 ; d20+15=21 ; Thursday February 6th, 2014 5:50:01 PM "Damn it, my arrows are useless here! Gargul damn these druids!" Toregan quickly takes a few steps away from the treant approaching him and makes a series of gestures with his free hand while muttering prayers to the spirit of the jungle, willing the jungle to aid him. As the plants and trees around the treants begin to grow and writhe about, Toregan yells out, "You aren't the only ones who can call on nature to aid them D.A.R.E.!"
5-ft step to N7 Casting defensively just in case (+5): 14 Casting Entangle centered at K13 Reflex save (+15): 21
DC for this entangle is 12 i believe.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 6d6=19 ; Thursday February 6th, 2014 9:50:02 PM "I sure would love to be quickened, but it seems that the situation is improper at this very moment.", says Faust as he retreats a couple more steps.
As he notices the one treant coming to a halt, he shouts, "Oh no, don't you dare...!", as he smashes couple components with his fingers and shoots an accorn-sized glowing sphere at the space between the closer pair of treants, causing a small explosion.
"I'm not one bit sure if it's trying to animate a friend, but it's suspicious that it didn't keep trying to directly murder us."
Move Action to...two squares up. At the smartphone and for some reason it's refusing to show the map once more.
Standard Action to cast Fireball centered at the empty space between treants 1 and 2, causing 19 + 3 = 22 damage to both (fire); Reflex DC 18 for half
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Thursday February 6th, 2014 10:50:16 PM
Yngvar casts haste, defensively, if needed. Next he'll start casting summon monster III, also defensively.
DM Kathy d20+17=22 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+17=28 ; 2d6+9=12 ; Friday February 7th, 2014 12:23:56 AM Za'Reed fires a Scorching Ray of his own. It hits, and again, seems to do even more damage. [OOC: you can jump down with a DC 15 Acrobatics check. If you make the Acrobatics check, you can also make an attack on the treant using the rules for charging. If you fail the Acrobatics check, you won't take damage from the fall, but you won't be able to attack the treant on the way down.]
Ragnarök moves closer to one of the treants. It takes a swing at him as he passes, but misses.
Toregan gives up on his arrows in favor of an Entangle spell. The treants do not seem to be entangled by the spell, but it is now more difficult for them to move about.
Faust backs up a bit and lobs a Fireball at the first two treants. It hits them squarely, and does quite a bit of damage.
Yngvar attempts to Haste the party. You need to make a concentration check to cast defensively; the rules for that are here.
The two trees closest to Treant 1 begin to move! Including the tree that Za'Reed is in! Jumping out is looking like a better idea all the time!
Treant 1 moves forward, but doesn't quite make it out of the Entangle zone. It is not entangled, however. It picks up a rock and throws it at Faust, but misses.
Treant 2 slams twice at Ragnarök, but cannot even touch the nimble monk. And then it becomes entangled.
Treant 3 moves up and aims a blow at Toregan. It hits for 12 damage.
And the map. The Entangle is in sort of yellow. I think I messed it up a little, but I'm calling it close enough. :) The two trees in red are now animated.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple d20+11=25 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=19 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=5 ; d8+3=7 ; d8+3=8 ; Friday February 7th, 2014 5:32:21 PM
Rag sees an opportunity with the Treant 2 entangled and launches a Flurry of Blows...
Hits AC25 - damage 9 (no use to use the Merciful Tear of Eberyon) Hits AC28 - damage 6 Hits AC8 - damage 5 Additionally should Yngvar succeed in his Haste spell Rag gains an extra attack Hits AC17 - damage 7 And the Monk also spends 1 Ki Point for a 5th attack Hits AC19 - damage 8
"Too bad I don't have any fire with me..."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Sunday February 9th, 2014 9:50:38 PM
Faust lets out a frightened noise as the rock lands next to him. "Focus fire on the treants, I bet the new trees will stop moving once their bigger bros are dealt with.", he says, lobbing another fireball at the space between both treants before running for cover.
Standard Action to throw another Fireball between both treants, causing 26 + 3 = 29 damage (fire), Reflex 18 for half. Move Action to go to F1 if the tree mark is the leafage, if it is the trunk then going to E1 instead.
DM Kathy Sunday February 9th, 2014 10:15:28 PM
I really should kill you all, but I'm going to give our tardy posters some more time.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 36/48 Sunday February 9th, 2014 11:36:28 PM
Toregan grunts in pain as the tree slams into him, quickly retreating a few steps, sliding his bow onto his should as he does. Turning to face the treant attack Ygnvar and Rag, he draws his blades, preparing to face the treant in close combat.
5ft step to M7 Move action to sheath weapon, (Possible provoking an attack of opportunity) Move action to draw weapons
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+11=30 ; d20+11=28 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 1:41:26 AM Kill!
Defensive roll, DC 21: 30. Success!
Next Yngvar begins to defensively cast a summoning spell. concentration check vs DC 21: 28. Success!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Monday February 10th, 2014 6:15:55 PM
Rag sees his Flurry of Blowd like in slowmotion... a first fist chips away pieces of wood from the massive trunk... a high kick from the Monk breaks away a branch... his right knee badly hurts when he hits a spiky root... He finishes with a headbut and a left elbow...
And slowly the Wold returns to life...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 36/48 Monday February 10th, 2014 10:00:56 PM (Checking in so that I can make a habit out of consistently posting)
DM Kathy d20+3=23 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+17=28 ; 2d6+13=19 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+17=27 ; 2d6+13=18 ; d20+17=21 ; 2d6+13=18 ; d20+17=33 ; 2d6+13=21 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 10:38:59 PM Ragnarök unleashes a monk's flurry on one of the treants, but although many of his blows hit, none of them seem to have any effect.
Faust has more luck with his Fireball. The more badly wounded of the treants actually manages to avoid some of the damages, but it is not looking good. And the one next to it isn't looking much better.
Yngvar has managed to Haste the party--or rather, as many of the party as he could reach. That would be himself, Rag, and Toregan.
Toregan adjusts his position and changes weapons. Sheathing his weapon does provoke an attack of opportunity, and the treant slams him for 19 damage.
Treant 1, badly wounded, begins to withdraw. It doesn't quite clear the area of Entangle, though, so next round could get interesting.
Treant 2 takes a swing at Ragnarök, and manages to connect for 18 damage.
Treant 3 moves up to take a swing at Toregan, and hits for another 18 damage.
One of the animated trees moves closer. The other attacks Za'Reed, slamming him for 21 points of damage.
And the map. Google Docs was being especially infuriating, so let me know if you aren't able to see it.
DM Kathy [supplemental] Tuesday February 11th, 2014 12:05:14 PM
You have been able to observe by now that the treants seem to have some substantial damage reduction. Neither Toregan's arrows nor Rag's fists did any damage at all. The fire, on the other hand, is doing extra damage.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP -1/48 (Unconscious, Stable) d20+1=16 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 1:19:45 PM Welp, Toregan's down. Guess that's what happens when you get sandwiched between two treants. I was hoping to get at least one more attack, but it looks like I'm just going to have to hope for a good stabilization roll. Also, yeah, I kinda figured that I wouldn't be able to do much against these guys. I'm just glad that I managed to get the entangle spell off. It seems to be helping at least.
Toregan falls under the blows of the treants, his weapons falling form his hands as he lays motionless on the ground.
Stabilization Roll (+1) vs DC 11 : 16
Unless that treant decides to finish the job or we all go down, looks like Toregan might survive this.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+3=23 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=19 ; 4d6=15 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=16 ; 6d6=30 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 2:24:37 PM
Yngvar steps back as he finishes his summoning spell (to L3). A lantern archon appears next to him (at L2). In Celestial:Defend us from the treants!
The Archon glows briefly as it fires two rays of light at one of the treants (#2).
Meanwhile, Yngvar sees his friend Toregan get pummeled and glaring at the treants he takes stock of the field of battle, Burn! Be my bonfire!
Defensively striking out, (I think I am out of AoO though) Yngvar raises his hands and cups them before him while chanting an incantation from hell. Between his cupped fingers a tiny ball of light appears. It quickly grows into a ball of fire several inches across. Yelling the last word of the spell, Yngvar thrusts his hands forward throwing the fireball into the clearing.
As the fireball flies away, it grows into an orb several feet across before exploding in the air. The flames erupt into a sphere forty feet across, engulfing one of the treants, the animated tree, and singing another treant.
Ranged touch; first critical threat does 9 beat touch AC? Second hit critical threat, assuming 19 hits touch AC.
Ignore the 4d6, forgot it didn't show individual hits. First ray does 5 (11 if critical) while the second ray does 6. Bypassing all DR.
Fireball at intersection f-g/9-10, this should be enough to pretty much engulf treant #2, does engulf the animated tree to the west, and hits a significant portion of treant #1. Fire damage = 30, reflex DC 18 for half.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday February 11th, 2014 4:32:38 PM "I CAN'T HURT THESE THINGS!!" Rag shouts with a panicking voice as he sees Toregan goes down and takes a massive blow as well... 18HP taken...
Rag realises all he can do now to protect Yngvar from being squashed by one of them Treants also. Looks like these spellweavers are the only hope for survival right now... So instead of trying to fight these monsters Rag figures he needs to buy Yngvar more time...
"YOU TRY THAT AGAIN YOU OVERGROWN MATCHSTICK!!!!" the Monk shouts as he faces Treant 2 defensively.
Current AC = 25 +6 defensive stance +4 Dodge bonus to AC by spending 1 Ki point (2 spent) Current AC Total = 35
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+6=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 6:57:01 PM "Get down that bloody tree, kid, are you picking out fruits up there??", screams Faust at Za (yeah, I do know, but it's fitting)
He then runs out of his cover to attack the non-retreating treant in hopes of giving some breathing room for Yngvar with a well-placed Scorching Ray.
Move Action to D3 or D4 (my Scorching Ray currently has a 40ft range, I think I should be able to hit at D3, but I've got a splitting headache so excuse me if I'm wrong) Standard Action to cast Scorching Ray at treat2, hitting touch AC 23 for 5 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 = 20 damage (fire)
DM Kathy Tuesday February 11th, 2014 11:47:42 PM Toregan goes down under the treants' onslaught.
Yngvar's summoning spell yields a Lantern Archon. The Archon immediately goes to work; sending beams of light to sear one of the treants. Both beams hit. Then Yngvar lobs a fireball that finishes off both injured treants. [I'm not even going to roll saves; even half damage will kill them.] The animated trees stop moving.
Ragnarök goes full defensive, and shouts defiance at treant 2, which would be more effective if treant 2 was still alive.
Faust tries to position himself for another Scorching Ray, but his preferred target is down, and he needs a double move to get him in range of the other one.
The third treant looks around and decides it doesn't like the odds. It turns and begins walking away.
[If you want to pursue, you can; let me know.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d8+3=10 ; Wednesday February 12th, 2014 8:45:35 AM In CelestialPlease assist my friend. Yngvar asks the Archon to assist Toregan.
The Archon flies to Toregan and casts aid, providing 10 temporary hit points.
Yngvar moves next to Toregan and asists him, Come my friend, there will be time enough for rest later.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP -1/48 (Unconscious, Stable) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 6:04:49 PM
Toregan groans as he gets up with the help of Ygnvar. "At this rate, I doubt that. Damn trees hit hard." He steadies himself before picking up his weapons from the ground and glaring at the last treant. "You know, I think we shouldn't let that one get away. DARE obviously doesn't get that we aren't going to play their games anymore. Might as well send a message."
Move action to stand up from prone Unknown action to pick up weapons
(I'm not sure what action, picking two weapons off the ground is, but at the very least its a standard, so theres my turn.)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday February 12th, 2014 6:24:52 PM "You really saved the day Master Yngvar... thanks..."
The Monk looks around at the other professors and asks: "How did you know Professor Keels? Where did he come from??
In any case my friends, I'm not waiting for yet another attack from D.A.R.E. It's time to go look for them ourselves... maybe the professors can tell us where Keels lived and where he came from..."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+7=21 ; d20+15=35 ; Wednesday February 12th, 2014 6:50:40 PM
Faust breaths relived that they were able to beat the treants fairly well enough, then goes to check on Toregan, but promptly sees that he's well enough, "Well, you do have a point, I suppose. Are these things even sentient I wonder? Or are they merely like animals?", he thinks aloud as he darts following Toregan, sending Wolfgang ahead for tracking.
He does, however, at least take a look to see if the professors seem to still be where they were supposed to be.
If it matters, Wolfgang's speed is 60ft when flying
DM Kathy Wednesday February 12th, 2014 10:34:59 PM Yngvar's Archon casts a spell to get Toregan back on his feet--which is a good thing, because Toregan is the only one who can activate the Wand of Cure Light Wounds. For his part, Toregan picks up his weapons and gets ready for action.
Ragnarök asks the other professors about Professor Keels. "She is from the Floating City like the rest of us," Professor Silverfire says, sounding bewildered. "She's credentialed at the university." After a moment, he adds hesitantly, "Isn't she?"
"Yes," says Professor Horn, whose bright red hair has twigs and leaves stuck in it. "I mean, she'd only been there a year or so, but she had references and everything."
Faust can see that the other professors, and Xyra, are right where they are supposed to be. They look confused and a little frightened, but they're all there. Wolfgang looks around, but seems mostly interested in the fallen treants. Apparently, they are carrying shiny things. [This is your DM's very not-subtle hint to check for treasure.]
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 43(+10 Temp)/48 d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 6:01:55 PM
Toregan sheaths his weapons, seeing that the fighting is seemingly at an end, and rummages through his pack for his wand. "Alright, lets lick our wounds before DARE decides that they forgot to send an extra treant with this group."
(If combat is still technically going, sheathing weapons is a move action and taking an item out of a handy haversack is also a move action. If combat is over, then this will also happen.)
He presses the wand onto his injuries and breaths a sigh of relief as his wounds vanish. He motions for anyone else who is injured to come over to him and receive healing.
(Toregan will use 2 charges on everyone who asks for healing, and 3 on himself. If I'm reading the combat logs correctly that mean 2 for Yngvar, Ragnarok, and Za'Reed. BTW, does anyone know what happened to Marty?)
CMW on Ygnvar (2d8+3): 3+8+3 = 14 CMW on Ygnvar (2d8+3): 2+8+3 = 13 Total healed = 27
CMW on Ragnarok (2d8+3): 7+3+3 = 13 CMW on Ragnarok (2d8+3): 7+8+3 = 18 Total healed = 31
CMW on Za'Reed (2d8+3): 6+5+3 = 14 CMW on Za'Reed (2d8+3): 6+7+3 = 16 Total healed = 30
CMW on Toregan (2d8+3): 7+3+3 = 13 CMW on Toregan (2d8+3): 8+8+3 = 19 CMW on Toregan (2d8+3): 4+5+3 = 12 Total healed = 44
Charges used = 9 (Now at 34 charges)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Thursday February 13th, 2014 7:06:56 PM
Rag thankfully nods to Toregan for healing him.
"Would a trip to Plateau City would be an option we should conider? he asks his friends...
Once everyone is feeling a lot better, Rag check the remains of thz treant.
DM Kathy Thursday February 13th, 2014 10:10:24 PM
You decide not to pursue the retreating treant, at least for the moment. Toregan uses the wand to heal the party.
Ragnarök searches the fallen treants for treasure. You find a headband, a warhammer, a horn, a rod, and a quanity of coin and jewelry.
For their part, the professors seem shaken and are anxious to get back to the Trading Post. The excitement of their field research has waned, at least for the moment.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+14=25 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=15 ; Friday February 14th, 2014 4:12:19 PM
Yngvar helps with looking at the treant treasure. It's surprising that they had treasure, not something I would expect a tree to collect.
Watching the professors, Yngvar approaches them, Here's an opportunity to study a pair of treants, and you're passing it up? Didn't you come to the wild lands of Cthonia to view the wildlife? Surely you had to know that some of that wildlife could sting or bite.
Four spellcraft checks assuming the items give off a magical aura: 25, 31, 33, 15.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+14=21 ; Friday February 14th, 2014 6:49:06 PM "Or throw bone crushing rocks....eeesh...", adds Faust to Yngvar's line, while looking at the rock that almost landed on him earlier.
"But yes, as you can see, things here are dangerous...and murderous...but manageable, as long as you know what you are dealing with..."
"But I digress, by all means, poke it, study it, grab samples to your hearts' content...once we are back to the Trading Post and had a nice feast, we'll want as much information as possible on Keels...or whoever she really is, as it turns out, D.A.R.E.'s more diverse and has a longer reach than I personally expected...ugh, troublesome...".
If that last check was a failure (and the item is actually magical), Faust will step in to take a look at the item.
Faust's spellcraft: 21
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 43(+10 Temp)/48 Friday February 14th, 2014 9:42:55 PM
Rubbing his recent battered shoulder, Toregan decides to side with the professors. "You know, I'm with the professors on this one. Lets just grab some of their remains, grab the stuff they had, and get back to the Post. One of those treants got away, and that means it could go get reinforcements."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday February 16th, 2014 6:48:27 PM "You lads are all pretty good with magic, Rag says to his friends, "Isn't there a way to find out where Keels went? What distance can someone transport to with this kind of magic? Isn't there like a maximum or so?? "
Somehow they need to know where to look... We can't just wait for the next assault...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Sunday February 16th, 2014 10:09:14 PM "I can't exactly say for sure since I have never read its scroll, but I'd guess it's at least one full day worth of travel and, right now, distance isn't really the issue, but rather, the direction. If we knew only that, we could walk in a straight line and try to find tracks to follow."
"But, sadly, no way to do that, the spell was designed in such a way. That said, it might be a good idea to research scrying...though to be honest, last time I checked about the theory, it was all crazy bogus mumbo-jumbo to me.", answers Faust, looking a bit at a loss of options.
DM Kathy Monday February 17th, 2014 12:22:22 AM Yngvar takes a look at the items. You successfully identify a +1 Goblin-bane warhammer, a Headband of Insspired Wisdom +2, and a Horn of Fog. You are not able to identify the rod, and neither is Faust when he gives it a try. You can tell it is magical, but you're not sure what it does.
You discuss the challenges of tracking somebody who doesn't want to be tracked. The professors, moving cautiously, take a few samples and make a few sketches of the treants, but it's clear their hearts aren't quite in it.
You gather the treasure--and the professors--and make your way back to the Trading Post.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Monday February 17th, 2014 12:26:20 PM
On the way back to the Trading Post, Yngvar has fun with the horny fog. Hey guys, watch this!
bbrruuuummmmmppppphhhhhh
He tries to make a continuous line of fog for their entire trek. This is kinda fun. Imagine what I can do with this with a fly spell!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Monday February 17th, 2014 5:56:41 PM "This is frustrating," Rag mutters to his friends and makes sure the professors can't hear him, "we're just going blind... can we interrogate the professors one by one? Perhaps even with a spell on them to make sure they speak truth? I'm sure one of you knows such a spell or maybe we can purchase some scrolls... and... now that I think of it... we should definetely go through Keels' belongings back at the post... who knows she might have left some clues in her room..."
And then suddenly Yngvar blows the horn making Rag literally jump a foot off the ground...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Monday February 17th, 2014 7:27:13 PM "I know this isn't the ideal situation, mr. Scarecrow, but it might actually be for the best. From this last encounter, we can be sure that D.A.R.E.'s a bigger group than we initially thought. Ergo, had we knowledge or the means to find them and launch an offensive, there's no telling what we'd be up against."
"Think about it, we just went against 3 treants today and 2 druids...or somesuch the other time; we were able to emerge victorious from both skirmishes, but would we be as fortunate if we were to fight them all at once? Regretfully, I have to say that I doubt it. Remember, this isn't just like the situation with Wathe, where we have a single mastermind, a single musclehead and a bunch of common people whose abilities were obviously below our own, this time we are against an unknown number of foes who might as well be individually as powerful as each one of us.", says Faust, putting his hand in Ragnrök's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.
Upon being asked, he confides with Ragnarök, "What you are asking is much more in the realm of divine magic...although...", he pauses, and even ceases to walk for a moment, "...there are couple spells that could be of use in this situation...one of them isn't exactly my specialty and another will be naught but a mere friendly nudge in the right direction. We might be able to talk them into it as they'll allow us to potentially access more information than they consciously know about. And yes, I do imply to mean that I don't think either of the remaining professors is a member of D.A.R.E. And indeed, we definitely should go through her belongings for clues."
Later on the road, as Yngvar starts to play with the horn, he will playfully applaud, "Haha! Very nice, master Yngvar! Those clouds might be a great asset to our strategical advantage on future battles, I had researched a higher form of this spell...even got it prepared, but sadly, it would be useless against beings without a digestive system...sigh...", he finishes, while holding and obsessively eyeing the rod, trying to figure out why he can't figure what it does.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 43(+10 Temp)/48 Monday February 17th, 2014 8:49:05 PM
Toregan chuckles at Ygnvar's display, glad that they have the opportunity to relax. "Unfortunately my ability with spells is limited. I've only been able to commune with nature recently. The spell I used was one of my more powerful ones. Anyways, druids know how to keep themselves hidden in the wilds. It's almost impossible to track them down. The best we can do is try to capture one of them the next time they decide to attack."
DM Kathy Monday February 17th, 2014 11:47:00 PM Yngvar plays with the Horn of Fog all the way back to the Trading Post.
The rest of the group is more interested in discussing strategy. Who or what is D.A.R.E.? Where can they be found? Is finding them even a good idea?
Over the next few days, you are able to talk to all the professors and satisfy yourselves that they, at least, have nothing to do with D.A.R.E. Professor Keels left very few belongings behind, mostly clothing and a couple of reference books. None of it provides any further clues.
After taking several tries at it, your casters are able to identify the rod as a Lesser Rod of Extend.
The professors only spend a couple more days at the Trading Post. They are upset by their colleague's betrayal, and anxious to get back to the Floating City. Luckily, there are no further incidents during the remainder of their visit.
As you often do, you discuss your concerns with Pen. "I'll tell you what I'd like to know," the gnome says. "I'd like to know why the treants are working with these D.A.R.E. people. Treants are supposed to be good creatures, so what are they doing attacking innocent civilians?"
[Everybody take 500 XP for the previous scene, and 2500 XP for this scene. This is the official end of the module; let me know if you have questions. We'll start the new one as soon as you're ready.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday February 18th, 2014 10:37:04 AM I show us at 34850 out of 35000 needed to level.
The rod of extend is useful to Yngvar, as likely to a few others as well. The +1 Goblin-bane warhammer and Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2 are of no use to Yngvar. While he could make use of the Horn of Fog, it would be quite situational.
Yngvar spends a couple of days flirting with Hope, talking to the villagers, discussing building plans for a more permanent residence with the other team members, reviewing the progress on the upgrades to the Outpost's defenses, and working on crafting a headband of intellect. He needs four days to craft it and he already has the materials.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Tuesday February 18th, 2014 5:59:43 PM
(I seem to have missed out on some Xp then for I'm still +3000 xp from next level... )
Back at the post Rag listens to what they have found on the Treants. "Well... I could make good use of that headband... it will further strengthen my abilities in combat. If no one else wants it I'd be happy to wear it."
When speaking to Pen Rag wonders if this good man really wants them to go look for more Treants...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 43(+10 Temp)/48 Tuesday February 18th, 2014 9:39:00 PM Not really feeling well today and its messing with my head. Can't think of anything to post. Posting here to keep up the habit.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Tuesday February 18th, 2014 11:15:55 PM
Not that the rod would be useless for Faust, far from it, but seeing as he focuses on instant-duration spells, it wouldn't be quite as useful for the drow to hold on to it, the Horn is a great strategical asset indeed, especially seeing as anyone can make use of it, question is who would use it better in the overall (for example, the melee guy could quite well make use of it to create some cover for himself, while the casters might protect themselves and/or provide extra battlefield control).
The headband doesn't interest him in the least and the warhammer would make a nice wall decoration, as far as the drow can get a use out of it.
He will, however, create couple scrolls of his own: Comprehend Languages (CL1), Charm Person (CL1), Grease (CL1), Pyrotechnics (CL3) and Web (CL3). The hardest check is 8, so Faust will have no issue whatsoever to make them, the total cost is 375gp (already removed from my sheet). And also commission a Headband of Vast Intelligence with Yngvar; can I choose any skill for it to have or does it have to be an Int skill? Can I choose at all?
If I can choose any skill, I'd like it to be Bluff, if it has to be Int-based then make it Craft (stonemasonry).
He also takes the time to remind his companions that he is now capable of enchanting mastercrafted armor and weapons.
DM Kathy Tuesday February 18th, 2014 11:40:14 PM Yngvar spends some time flirting with Hope, who flirts back. He also looks at the state of construction at the Trading Post.
[My current hypothesis is that Asteron and Smith are collaborating on a building that will offer apartments for rent to people newly arrived at the Trading Post. And maybe to adventurers as well. Just because I want a building called the "Wigglesworth Arms."]
Ragnarök wonders whether Pen really wants the group to look for treants. "It might be worthwhile," Pen says. "They are good creatures; they are intelligent; we should be able to reason with them. Or at least find out why they're siding with D.A.R.E. And, if we can get them to change their minds about that, then D.A.R.E. won't be as much of a threat."
Toregan hangs out and practices archery. [Thank you for posting.]
Faust crafts some scrolls and reminds his companions that he can create other kinds of items now.
[Unless anybody has any other business, I'll start the new module tomorrow.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday February 19th, 2014 11:59:51 AM Assuming we have enough time for crafting, with Faust's assistance. The skill is chosen at time of creation, and can be any skill. I was thinking I could make yours Craft: Underwater Basket Weaving. Yngvar's will be bluff. Yngvar's craft check for the headband, missing fox's cunning is 18, with a spellcraft of +14, taking 10 makes this a snap.
I had this thought that we could call the place Wigglesworth Arms. Don't ask me what a wigglesowrth is, but it had a ring to it. Anyway, I'm thinking we can build it here, with two wings. One is effectively a hostel for visitors, the other apartments for long term residents. Considering that we have lived here for months are still renting rooms out of the tavern. It's another step towards turning the place into a destination.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC25/24 /19 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday February 19th, 2014 4:46:11 PM "Sounds like a plan Yngvar. I've come to like the place anyhow. So no one objects if I put the headband to use?
Later Rag wonders how they will find the Treants and talks with his friends and Pen: "So Master Pen... Do you also happen to know where we could have a good chance in finding more Treants?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 43(+10 Temp)/48 Wednesday February 19th, 2014 7:02:31 PM "An interesting name for an inn to be sure. And if treants can be reasoned with, we might have a chance. After all, we managed to broker peace with the kobolds and Freehold. If their as understanding of the situation as everyone else was, we've got a good chance at brokering peace."
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