Meeting Doctor Shrubgrass (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 17th, 2014 7:11:10 AM
Royston asks if there will be some kind of trick, like a useless yes/no answer. The wide-eyed gnome matron looks offended at the very idea! "Young man! The spirits play no games! These are not parlor tricks! I read the leaves, with the intercession of the spirit world! I do not deal in 'playful antics' or 'magician's tricks'! No, ask your question, and the answer will follow. Will you have the wit and wisdom to correctly interpret it? Perhaps. But the spirits are as clear as they can be, and they do not deal in trickery!"
Meanwhile, Evaris and Emrys have been sipping their tea.
Evaris asks, "How can I best keep my new companions from harm during our upcoming mission?"
The seer takes his cup, looks into the groupings of tea leaves in the dregs, and ponders for a minute.
"Hmmmm! I see danger writ large here! You are heroes, you work as a group, you triumph over your enemies. But you will need more."
"hmmmmmm ...."
The gnome's eyes roll back into her head. She suddenly sits bolt upright, dropping the cup. With a hollow tone, she declares, "You must seek one who may choose to a dragon, with those who have passed over the graves of dragons. THEY HAVE SEEN THE SCOURGE!"
After a moment, she regains her composure, with a little "Ahem."
Emrys asks, "Is there some lore about this Hiram Hic Draco, something personal, that will help bring about a more diplomatic resolve?"
Doctor Shrubgrass takes his teacup, looks at the pattern in the bottom, and declares, "I see DISASTER! I see DEATH! But I also see this: He will not hurt the dragon!"
She looks at Lowell, Grell, Royston, and Ariach. Will they drink the tea? Ask a question?
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Thursday July 17th, 2014 3:44:21 PM
Ariach sips his tea before he asks
"Who of us will need the most protection until we have finished our task?"
Evaris d20+7=27 ; Thursday July 17th, 2014 3:57:03 PM
Evaris, to be frank, had been hoping for something a little more helpful.
"One who may choose to a dragon," he repeats. [OOC: DM Cayzle, that phrase has too many words, or too few. :) ] "I suppose that's Sir Royston. Though I have no idea what the rest means. Do dragons even have graves?"
[Knowledge: Local 27, to remember legends of dragons buried hereabouts.]
Meeting Doctor Shrubgrass (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 17th, 2014 5:01:11 PM
Evaris realizes that there must be tons of dead dragons at the bottom of Dragon's Bay, slain by Marteaus's plague a few years ago.
Evaris muses aloud ... "One who may choose to a dragon ... I suppose that's Sir Royston."
Doctor Shrubgrass scoffs in response. "I would hardly tell you to seek someone who is sitting right here! 'Seek' means 'Go Look For,' of course! That should be obvious to anyone! But as for the rest, that's for the spirits to guide you, not me."
"Is that your question, young man? 'Do dragons even have graves?' That's what you want to ask the spirits?"
Evaris Thursday July 17th, 2014 6:30:48 PM
Evaris is visibly taken aback by the gnome's question, but quickly recovers his aplomb. "I have already asked my question, good lady, and there is my cup before you," he replies. "I was merely pondering the meaning of the answer."
"The 'graves of dragons' may be a reference to Dragon Bay," he continues. "Which we would mean we were looking for someone who had sailed or flown over the bay. And one who may choose to something a dragon." He sighs. "Slay a dragon? See a dragon? Become a dragon? Or does it mean 'choose to a dragon,' like connecting to a dragon in some way...." he trails off, still thinking.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday July 17th, 2014 11:33:06 PM "It is most certainly not me. My path was chosen by another." Sir Royston narrows his eyes. "But that was the past."
The paladin considers his cup of tea for a moment, then downs the liquid in a single gulp, placing it on the table mechanically. He looks up and regards the gnomish seer. "Name this dragon you speak of."
Meeting Doctor Shrubgrass (DM Cayzle) Friday July 18th, 2014 12:08:45 AM
Ariach asks, "Who of us will need the most protection until we have finished our task?"
She looks around at each of you, then back to the tea leaves in the cup, then back to you. "The one who risks the most will need the most protection."
Royston demands, "Name this dragon you speak of."
She frowns, and tells Royston that the spirits do not much appreciate his tone. But she says, "Answer is clear enough. It is the goose's egg, the nothing, the one named for the least of all, the One that is One less than One."
Finally, Doctor Shrubgrass looks at Grell and Lowell. "And you brothers? Have you no questions? Let me see your teacups."
She looks at Lowell's teacup and says, "This is not good at all! But it gives you a destination. The Scourge approaches the place where mules laugh, but if you do not hasten, the people there will cry with great lamentation!"
She then picks up Grell's cup and looks for a long time at the leaves at the bottom of his teacup. Finally, she says, "Why are your tea leaves in the shape of a little kitty cat?"
She shows the cup around, and sure enough, all the leaves make a clear image of a kitten.
"Huh. Well, you see something new every day," the gnome says.
"Well, that's it. Good luck, and get hopping! Remember the LAMENTATION!"
She picks up her bag, packs her tea set, and sees herself out. "Hurry, my chickadees!"
Lowell (Genevieve),subbed by Nellie Friday July 18th, 2014 12:15:38 AM
Grell listens and thinks. Silently he drinks down his tea, then he asks Doctor Shrubgrass "Should we seek this Hiram by land or by sea?"
OOC: Sorry about missing posting yesterday. We were traveling and I couldn't get a good place to post. I just arrived back home tonight, so I wasn't able to post earlier either.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Friday July 18th, 2014 3:05:57 AM
The answer is exactly what Ariach has expected. Vague, cryptical and absolutely not useful for him. Ariach wonders if it was his pitiful question or if auguries are just useful for the smartest in the wold. Hopefully at least one of his companions wins some information from the prophecy.
Lowell (Genevieve), subbed by Nellie d20+2=21 ; Friday July 18th, 2014 10:04:47 AM
Having remained quiet and reserved, Lowell ponders over the information given to him by the soothsayer. (Knowledge=21) "Where in the Wold would mules laugh? You'd think the spirits would be a little less vague." Lowell chuckles as he ponders the comment, and he makes sure he rubs in Grell's kitty leaf reading more than a couple of times!
Grell, HP 82/82, AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) d20=18 ; Friday July 18th, 2014 10:12:13 AM
Grell laughs at his reading. "Kitties! I knew it! I'm supposed to run away and live with the big cats! Goodbye brother! Goodbye friends!!" Giving Lowell a big noogie, Grell tries to think through the riddles, and does surprisingly well for the limit of his capacity (Knowledge=18)."Gooses egg...one minus one is zero!" Grell looks particularly proud for figuring that one out. "A dragon named zero?!" He looks over at Lowell, completely at a loss. "Oh well, I better pick up those potions. How many water breathing should I get, or should I just get a wand? Same goes for the Water walking. What do you guys think?"
Preparing for The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Saturday July 19th, 2014 1:22:51 PM
[OOC: a 100 xp cleverness award to Grell on the name of (one of the) persons you seek. And 100 xp to Lowell for figuring out your first puzzle: Where are you supposed to go? "Where in the Wold would mules laugh?" And 100 xp to Evaris for figuring out the Dragon Bay riddle!]
[Also OOC: Fixed Grell's header etc.]
Lowell thinks over the mystery, and tries to remember something that may help. He ponders everything he knows, and thinks maybe the answer is in his brain.
Ariach is just confused. Maybe his confusion would be well served by completing the party shopping? Maybe with Lowell, who is interested in that too.
Grell suggests going off with a kitty. Surely he would not leave the Vanguard to go live with big cats?! Maybe he means he will he bring a kitty with him -- on this perilous mission?
Emrys is lost in thought. But the party may well be lost without transport. Maybe he should find out if the Mayor's boat is ready?
Royston had been pondering asking the Mayor if more funds could be forthcoming?
Evaris seems mostly confident with his spells. But flying ... Maybe he should complete the rental on the flying mounts, if he gets an answer about the party's funding?
[OOC: Friends, there are a lot of different directions to go in right now before the advanture proper starts. Good prep may well mean the difference between success and failure. AND you have to solve a riddle -- if not on your own, then with some NPC help?? I'm NOT telling you what to do -- just hinting at options you may have overlooked. So please, make active posts, and do substantive things to move us along. Thanks!]
Evaris Saturday July 19th, 2014 2:42:36 PM
"Grell." Evaris sighs. It's clear they don't keep him around for his brains, he thinks.
"Grell, as I've already said twice, I can cast those spells. Water Breathing and Water Walk. I can cast them. I can prepare them and cast them as part of my daily spells, without a potion, or a wand, or anything. Now, if you want to get potions anyway, you certainly can. Go right ahead. Just understand that you don't have to if you don't want to."
"Flying is another matter. I can't cast Fly. I don't know if anyone in the group can cast Fly, although I assume that if somebody could, they would have said something by this point. So, if we want to take to the air, we need to purchase the means to do so. A potion of Fly would last about 5 minutes--time enough for a battle, certainly, but not time enough to go flying around looking for this thing. The rented carpets or beasts from Rod's are a possibility, but the deposits are going to be a challenge. How much gold could we scrape together? I have about 4,000."
Grell, HP 82/82, AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Saturday July 19th, 2014 8:44:09 PM
OOC:Just a communication note, not my final post.
Grell nods at Evaris. "I'm sorry...I did hear you...it's just how many can you cast? There's a few of us here. That's why I was suggesting the potions or the wands." The warrior scratches his snow white hair. He never had to explain these kinda things with his sister...suddenly he finds himself missing his bossy sister Wilma.
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Sunday July 20th, 2014 11:21:24 PM
Emrys seems lost in contemplation, distant and quiet for once in his life. 'what is going on with me,' he thinks. Ever since the wickening, everything just looks strange or off. Are my perceptions playing a joke with me, or are my eyes open for the first time?'
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Monday July 21st, 2014 6:46:37 PM
Ariach tells his friends that he is thinking of getting a new bow. "Like Emry has said a couple days ago, it is maybe time for me to get a new bow. Although the memories of my defeat still hurts, i have fulfilled my oath. Now a range weapon could be useful during our upcoming task."
Then he walks over to Evaris and says "walk on water is all what i need. I don´t wanna fly nor do i have the wish to fight under water."
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Monday July 21st, 2014 7:40:24 PM
Later on Ariach visits a temple of Domi to pray and asks for help regarding his con damage.
Lowell (Genevieve) Monday July 21st, 2014 9:27:51 PM Hmmmm....... The place where mules laugh........ Where could that be? Wait..... Could it be...? "I've got it!!!!! We need to go to Bray!!!!!" Lowell smiles, glad to have something to add to the group. This is his big chance for recognition! I just hope the others find this information useful.
Flying or a ship, air or water..... I really wish we could fight something on land again!
Lowell looks at his voucher and wonders what he could buy to help the team. Maybe some magical armor could help in any way? If not, he is always open to ideas. If the others wish to rent a flying magical creature, Lowell is willing to help pay for the rent.
"You guys want to ask the Lord Mayor for some more funds? If you guys all think that is a good idea, I'm willing to help out! I am pretty good at talking to people."
Grell Monday July 21st, 2014 9:52:24 PM
Grell nods at Lowell. "Yeah, lets see if we can get some more funds."
"He turns back to Evaris. So I'm gonna go down to the Catacombs and upgrade some stuff. If you want me to pick up some wands, that's cool but if you think you can cover us all with your spells, that awesome too!"
Evaris Monday July 21st, 2014 10:41:56 PM
"Thank you, Grell," Evaris replies. "I can't think of any wands I need at the moment. Had I time, I might be able to make a wand, but that will have to wait."
"To answer your question, both Water Breathing and Water Walk are structured in such a way that I can cover everyone with a single casting of the spell. I plan to prepare two of each, so we'll have an extra of each one, just in case."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday July 21st, 2014 11:19:50 PM
I've been sick this weekend and it is not letting up. Please bot me for the next 24 hours. Antibiotics should kick in by then. Thank you.
Preparing for The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 12:32:35 AM
Ariach does some shopping [OOC: Handled with the DM in email] and then visits his temple, where he is all fixed up.
Evaris explains how his magic works.
Lowell tells the group his idea for the answer to the riddle, and he feels sure that is the right answer! [OOC: please accept another 100 xp for cleverness!]
Royston, Lowell and Grell go talk to an underling of the Mayor, and gets the okay for the City to pay for flying deposits -- you just HAVE to return them! And the underling asks if you still want the boat?
Emrys remains in quiet contemplation of the oddities of life these days.
[OOC: You guys now have to decide for reals what to buy, rent, and prepare! You know where to go ... how fast will you go there?]
Evaris Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 12:21:13 PM
"I think we do want the boat--and the flying mounts," Evaris says. "No harm in being prepared."
He will undertake the task of going to Rod's and getting a Hippogriff for each of the Vanguard, seeing as the Mayor will front the deposit. Evaris has enough coin to pay the rental fees outright, but he'd appreciate the others chipping in as they can.
He also prepares two Water Breathing and two Water Walk spells. Ooh, and an Air Walk, too; that might be fun.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 1:56:56 PM
The prospect of having another spell in reserve sounds good to Ariach. More and more it becomes apparent that meeting Evaris was a real windfall for the Vanguards.
"A boat will do it. Or do you really think we need a Hippogriff too?"
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 2:24:39 PM
ooc: sorry for not posting last night. I fell asleep as soon as I got home from work and slept 13 straight hours. Woke up just in time to go back to work. :(
Preparing for The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 4:31:20 PM
At Rod's Reliable Transport, the agent asks Evaris if he intends to ride these beasts into combat. If so, he urges you to consider that dead beasts cannot be returned for the deposit, and that carpets may be more of a combat-ready flying solution.
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 6:54:28 PM
"If I need to become airborne at any point, I have my ways to fly ... either by feather or broom. It's a shame I can't extend that gift to others." Again, he has allowed his mind to wander when he should be preparing for every possible outcome. Diplomacy rarely works in situations like this and to rely on it solely would be foolish and naive. He trusts in the others to decide what they think is best for combat ... Emrys would hardly be any use there. His manipulations can be done from a safer distance, but ironically are far more intimate. Off to the Catacombs he will go.
"Is there anyone who wish to accompany me to the Catacombs?"
Evaris Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 7:21:00 PM
Evaris sighs. It's not as if he hasn't thought about this.
"A carpet only does what you tell it to," he reminds the clerk. "In combat, one tends to be a trifle busy staying alive. A flying creature reacts instinctively. It also can defend itself, to a certain extent. And, if it is injured, I can heal it, which I cannot do for a carpet. Oh, and we only need five hippogriffs because the bard can fly."
To Ariach, he explains, "I have no idea what we're going to need. Maybe all of this; maybe none of it. What I do know is that I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around."
Grell Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 11:03:31 PM
Grell thinks about the situation with flying and worries a little that if they get the hippogriffs that they'll end up dying in combat like the owner says, but Evaris seems confident, so he accepts that and lets it be. Finishing up the transaction, he turns to Lowell..."C'mon little bro, let's go get you a ring of protection or something nice. We'll need to get your ready for our big trip!" That being said, he heads straight for the nearest Catacombs portal.
Lowell (Genevieve) Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 11:09:37 PM
"Ring of Protection? Sounds cool! Wait.... you aren't just having me get one because you think I am weak, are you? I'm not weak, okay?!?" Lowell sighs and follows his brother, muttering as he walks about how he isn't weak, and that he deserves some more recognition!
Preparing for The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 6:53:52 AM
A New Elenna Geography Primer. The Kingdom of New Elenna is kind of shaped like a wedding cake with layers. The top layer has Plateau City. It is named that because it is located on the top plateau, the top layer of the cake. The top layer is called the Third Plateau. To go down from the Third Plateau to the Second Plateau you usually go down these magical elevators.
The next layer down is the Second Plateau. It has the monster preserves from which the recent plague of monsters came. There are also vinyards and a big lake. And magic roads that keep the monsters at bay. Usually. And more elevators to take you down to the First Plateau.
The next layer down is the First Plateau. It has forests, farms, and more magic roads. And elevators down to sea level. The nearest port to Plateau City is South Harbor. If you ar taking the elevators and roads, it is a day's travel to get from Plateau City to South Harbor.
Your boat on loan from the Mayor is docked at South Harbor.
It is about 30 miles from Plateau City to South Harbor. It is about 75 miles from South Harbor to Bray, sailing along the coast. It is about 50 miles from Plateau City to Bray as the hippogriff flies ... but then you cannot take the boat. Of course, a Teleport would be fastest of all, I suppose ... but then you could not even take the hippogriffs.
The hippogriffs fly 80 miles per 8-hour day (they are fast!). So you can fly from Plat City to Bray in about 6 hours.
The ship will sail 48 miles a day (at 2 mph). So to fly to South Harbor, then sail to Bray will take two days total.
So the $64,000 Question: How Will You Travel To Bray? I need an answer to that ASAP, please.
==========
Note that renting five hippogriffs costs 2,500 gp per day. How many days are you paying for?
==========
The heroes complete their shopping. [OOC: If the Catacombs is too slow, email me for faster shopping.]
WITH TOMORROW'S POST, WE MOVE OUT!
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 9:46:12 AM
ooc: I'm back. Apologies for the interruption. I think I might have some sort of auto-immune condition. I keep getting sick all the time. Bleh. I will post at lunchtime.
Evaris Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 12:45:33 PM
"I propose we send a message to the ship in South Harbor, asking them to head to Bray," Evaris says. "We can then fly to Bray, knowing the ship is on its way. Surely there's a druid in this city who could cast Animal Messenger for a fee?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 2:14:47 PM
ooc: How much is the collision coverage on the hippogriffs?
Sir Royston has no purchases to make, but volunteers himself if anyone has any magical item crafting needs.
ooc: Sorry I missed Friday and Monday. If someone needs crafting, I would be happy to say that is how Royston spends all of his time during preparation.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 4:59:02 PM
Ariach supports Evaris idea. "That´s a good proposal. So i will be a able to fly the first time with a hippogriff and the final encounter still takes place when we are on the boat."
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 7:16:12 PM
"No I disagree ... we should simply make our way there normally. Let's not waste our money on something that is not yet urgent! It does NOT matter how many days it takes us to get there, Draco will know we are on our way. Most importantly, Draco genuinely wants to know what the Lord High Mayor has to say. Don't be mistaken, we are being watched, maybe even at this very moment, don't give Draco the upper hand by acting rashly. It makes us look like he's gotten to us, scared us even. We should simply proceed with normal modes of transportation, meet up with the ship and go on from there. If we appear overly concerned or desperate, we've lost any chance for diplomacy or negotiation."
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 7:22:30 PM
(ooc: Emrys can make potions for everyone. Check my spell lists and see if there is anything you'd like to have potionwise.)
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 7:31:10 PM
Emrys replies to Evaris, "No need to seek a druid, I can send an Animal Messenger, but I don't suggest we make any special travel arrangements. Let Draco wait for us. Like I said, he knows we're coming and is curious to hear what we have to say. Remember, WE are special ... kindred spirits."
Grell Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 9:12:51 PM
Grell shakes his head in disagreement with Emrys. "But what about what the old woman said through the spirits..."if you do not hasten, the people there will cry with great lamentation!"" We should fly there. I don't want to have the blood of innocents on my hands."
Lowell (Genevieve) Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 10:09:26 PM
"I agree with Grell, flying there seems to be the best option. We'll get there fast, and it'll be awesome to be able to fly! It's a win-win in my opinion."
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Wednesday July 23rd, 2014 10:40:34 PM
"Really?! That was said? I must have been distracted, I didn't know. Then if we must, we must."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday July 24th, 2014 1:32:48 PM
Grell suprises Ariach. Ariach hasn´t estimate that Grell has such a keen mind. "If these words were said, we should hurry."
Preparing for The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 24th, 2014 4:22:59 PM
After some discussion about the urgency of swift travel, the party makes some solid decisions.
Per Evaris, word is sent to the boat to please set sail and meet the party in Bray.
The Vanguard gather at Rod's Reliable Transport. Just down the street, Grell notes that the Find Your Familiar shop is back in business, and the windows have a snowy owl on display as well as a mess of puppies.
Evaris, Royston, Grell, Lowell, and Ariach are set with hippogriffs, all wearing suitable saddles. That's 2,500 gp per day (the deposit is taken care of by the Mayor). Please confirm, you five, that you are paying the 500 gp per day per person rate, and for how many days? Remember, it takes 6 hours to fly to Bray.
Emrys, are you sure you can match the fly speed of 100 for six hours? How?
========
The heroes take off, flying! Down, down, down. Plateau City is at the top of three plateaus, one on top of the next, so there is a lot of diving involved in reaching the coast. Flying back up may be more difficult.
Travelling northeast, after six hours of passing over filed and forest, you come to the coast, and then to a large fishing town. There are many wharfs and jetties. Many ships are on the bay, bearing their fishermen owners out to see and then back in the evening. It is a peaceful, bucolic setting, and there are no signs of any violence to come.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday July 24th, 2014 6:36:43 PM
Sir Royston holds up a hand. "I, for one, elect to with the ship. I will meet you when the vessel arrives." Strapping on what little belongings he owns in his belt pouch, the paladin makes his way to the docks for his nautical voyage.
Evaris Thursday July 24th, 2014 8:08:44 PM
"Sir Royston, if you sail, it will take you 2 days. We who are flying will be at Bray in 6 hours. If this unknown 'Scourge' attacks us immediately, you will miss the battle."
He turns to the rest of the group. "The soothsayer did say it was urgent. I tend to agree with Emrys: the Scourge will face us regardless of when we get there. The real question is: how many innocent bystanders will die between now and then? I would like that number to be zero, or as close to it as we can manage. And that means getting there quickly. Sir Royston, is there a reason you need to go by boat? Because although speed is of the essence, it is also important that we stick together."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday July 24th, 2014 8:24:54 PM "It's simple, really. I cannot fly. You cannot fly. None of us can fly. We may be able to take to the air with flying mounts, but they make for ready targets against any ranged assault. None of us are trained riders who can deflect or evade such an attack. So if I must choose between plummeting to my death above the water, or having a fighting chance aboard a ship, I will choose the latter. Also, if we travel with the ship, we will have the assistance of every hand aboard. An armed crew at our backs will greatly improve our chances of success. However many people may die will be nothing compared to the toll if we fail."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday July 24th, 2014 11:16:12 PM
ooc: Crafting an item for Lowell.
Amulet of Natural Armor +2
"The DC to create a magic item is 5 + the caster level for the item." "creator's caster level must be at least three times the amulet's bonus"
5 + 6 = 11 Total Spellcraft modifier is +12. Automatic success.
"Creating an item requires 8 hours of work per 1,000 gp in the item's base price"
Base price 4,000gp 4000 / 1000 = 4 work shifts
With Gillan's Fast Forge, I work 16 hours a day. 4 shifts completed in 2 days.
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Friday July 25th, 2014 8:06:09 AM
(ooc: I never said Emrys could match the speed and cover the same distance as hippogriffs. He never even implied it. In a completely different conversation, he said he had various ways to fly, and he wasn't talking about traveling great distances. He simply doesn't need to buy fly potions or scrolls for temporary flight.)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday July 25th, 2014 12:35:15 PM
"For me it is no difference between fighting in midair or on water. Both is not the same like fighting on solid ground. I am a average rider and i think i can control my mount but i understand you as well. Still, we have to hurry even if it means that you don´t will be on our side."
Arriving in Bray (DM Cayzle) Friday July 25th, 2014 3:57:54 PM
Royston coordinates the boat with the mayor's underlings, and sets off with the sailboat heading southeast, then east, then northeast toward Dragon Bay.
You find the flight from Plateau City to Bray to be refreshing, if you have a strong stomach. Otherwise, the dips and swoops of the hippogriffs can be unsettling. By the end of your flight, Evaris, Emrys, Lowell, Grell, and Ariach find themselves flying toward a coastal town. You fly over orchards, vineyards, and meadows with sheep and goats grazing. You see that Bray is a medium size and prosperous town, an agricultural hub, and a fishing and sailing center. There is a thriving waterfront with a number of wharves, warehouses, drydocks, and jetties. The town itself looks to house at least a dozen thousands of folk. You see at least 20 fisherboats out there on the bay. There are a lot of taverns near the shore. Giving the fisher culture around here, that's not surprising.
Coming in for a landing, four people standing on the Coast Road look out of place. They are clearly adventurers, based on their garb. You land on the road within hailing distance, a stone's throw from the shore.
[OOC: Welcome all to the Legacy game!]
Grell Friday July 25th, 2014 4:36:28 PM
OOC: Curses Cayzle, you beat me to posting!
Grell thoroughly enjoys his flight. He lands, his snow white hair tossled and disheveled. Noting the adventurers down the way, Grell waves and calls out a "Ho, adventurers!" while leading his and Lowell's hippogriff toward them.
Cayzle Comments: Grell, are you and Lowell sharing a hippogriff? You can, if you want, just say so. Also, sorry to beat you to posting, I wanted to have the scene set for everybody to post.
Evaris Friday July 25th, 2014 6:56:16 PM
Flying isn't too bad, but all in all Evaris prefers being on the ground. It is with something like relief that he slides off his mount and turns to face the approaching adventurers. "Good afternoon!" he calls. "It's a lovely day to fight evil, wouldn't you say?"
Evaris is a half-elf man with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has an easy manner and a very pleasant face. In other circumstances, you might call him handsome. Alas, he is standing near Emrys, who takes up all the available handsome and then some.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday July 25th, 2014 11:10:10 PM What shall we do with a drunken sailor? What shall we do with a drunken sailor? What shall we do with a drunken sailor, early in the morning?
Way, hey, and up she rises...
Lowell (Genevieve) d8=2 ; Saturday July 26th, 2014 12:05:43 AM
((OOC: d8=2 for Lowell's 8th level.)) Lowell laughs the entire time while he is flying. "YEAH!!!! THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!!!" Once he lands, Lowell calms down. He notices the adventurers. "Hey there!" Lowell gives a friendly grin and follows his brother.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Sunday July 27th, 2014 6:21:28 PM
Rag stands idle as he takes in all the action near the Coast Road. This place isn't that much different from the Cthonian Jungle! It's a jungle on it's own... and it's definetely not the place where Rag feels more at home.
With bare tanned torso, Ragnarök stands firm with a steadfast glance and holding his new Quarterstaff. A Monk's weapon you realise. Even though you can tell he's quite muscular, he doesn't have the body of a proud warrior... Dark hair held together, loose pants with a simple rope serving as belt and sandals that make you wonder if he hasn't got sore feet every evening...
He's a bit surprised when another group of adventurers (or at least he thinks that's what they are) calls out to him and his friends.
"Hi... I'm Ragnarök. "
Yeah well... he's not the most talkative of the Chtonians...
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Sunday July 27th, 2014 11:45:24 PM
Emrys is thankful the trip is over as he slides off the back of the hippogriff. His delicate features appear a bit strained from the experience. Growing up as the son of the Wold's most powerful archdruid, he is no stranger to flight. He's lost count how many birds his father had shaped him into during his early lessons, however a hippogriff was never one of them. The speed was quite unnerving. Now they stand before another adventuring group and his hair must be a tangled mess from the wind. That simply will not do. Oh how he envies Royston. He is enjoying a relaxing cruise on the sea. As he runs his hand through his hair, he mentally activates his magical hat to sharpen his frazzled and windblown appearance. It would be a sin to deprive the others of his beauty.
Emrys greets the Chtonians with an extravagant bow of his slender frame and a flourish of his right hand. He says, "Greetings one and all. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl at your service." His darkwood walking stick, which never leaves his side, balances on its tip perfectly as he lets it go to perform his grand gesture. Emrys then restores his hold as if it never left.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday July 28th, 2014 12:39:40 PM
After the hippogriff has landed softly, Ariach slips from the saddle of his mount. He grabs his tower shield with the prominently displayed symbol of Domi and draws himself up to his full height to look more impressive.
"Greetings! I am Ariach Gatelatch on of the Vanguard´s members" he says with a slight bow to Ragnarök.
Then he scrutinizes the four adventurers for a long moment before he adds in his remarkable crude and direct manner "For whatever reason are you guys here?"
Evaris Monday July 28th, 2014 7:28:29 PM
Monday post.
Lowell (Genevieve) Monday July 28th, 2014 11:04:28 PM
Lowell grins. "Hey there! I'm Lowell, and this is my twin brother, Grell." He motions to his towering, bulky brother standing next to him. "It's really nice to meet you!" To any observers, the twins look as different as night and day! Though their faces look similar, Grell has snowy white hair while Lowell has pitch black hair. Grell is also much more bulky than the slightly smaller Lowell. While Grell is adorned in his armor, Lowell's outfit seems very inconspicuous, wearing a long cloak that covers most of his body. The one thing that really sets Lowell out from others is the mischievous look in his eyes.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday July 28th, 2014 11:34:25 PM
ooc: checking in
Arriving in Bray (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 12:16:48 AM
The two groups of heroes greet each other on a bright sunny morning, but that cheeful weather does not last.
A storm comes in quickly, rainclouds stretching over the bay, rain beginning to fall.
About half the fishing boats in the bay head in for shelter. The other half are not put off by a little rain, howsoever abrupt.
If you make a Know Nature check vs DC20, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize that this storm is not natural.}
If you make a Know Arcana check vs DC27, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {Control Weather spell}
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20=2 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2014 8:27:01 AM
A little rain doesn´t influence a warrior like Ariach. (nature check=2) Like one of his teachers always said "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing."
So he holds his positions and waits for an answer. Receiving an answer not immediately makes him wonder if the others try to provoke the Vanguards.
Arriving in Bray (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 29th, 2014 2:11:40 PM
OOC: I found out that some of our guests did not have posting rights! My apologies, and please do not hold that against them in character.
Evaris Tuesday July 29th, 2014 3:15:06 PM
Evaris is surprised by the sudden downpour, but tries not to let it affect him.
"It seems the gods are reminding me of my poor manners," he says lightly. He bows. "My apologies. Evaris Leafgreen, at your service."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple d20+14=16 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2014 5:42:21 PM "Emrys, Ariach, Evaris, Lowell and Grell ... well met... me and my friends here hail from the Cthonian Jungle. We escorted Miss Diaosha over here and well... now we're checking out the place and wanted to check on the Catacombs for we had hoped to install a branch of the Catacombs in our place."
Then suddenly this storm comes up. Rag raises an eyebrow (rolling Survival instead of Know Nature) at the storm. "Well... we sure didn't have to come here to escape from thunderstorms! We have had our share of those back home as well!! How about you show us to an Inn where we can take shelter and share some stories over a couple of drinks perhaps!"
Cayzle Comments: I edited this post ... it is Grell, not Royston, who is present ... Royston has not yet arrived (see below).
Jeff L Zero McHero d20+11=15 ; d20+9=17 ; Tuesday July 29th, 2014 6:52:31 PM
You hear the hacking phlem-riddled sound of someone clearing their throat. You turn to see a dwarf releasing the horky discharge at his feet. You've seen and heard some disgusting things in your time. If you had a top ten list of disgusting sights and sounds, this might have made your list.
The dwarf smiled innocently and held out a grubby hand in greeting, but then retracted the hand and began rubbing it at his side as if to clean it. It was a fruitless effort, for the rest of his body was even dirtier than his hand.
Frustrated the dwarf spat is both hands, rubbed away the dirt, and then re-offered his hand for a shake.
"Please to meet you, eh. Zero McHero is me name. Buyin the first round is me game."
...
Zero studied the clouds carefully. "Goin' to be a doozie. But with a couple of drinks... or ten... we'll survive!"
Grell Tuesday July 29th, 2014 10:30:14 PM
OOC: Please delete the previous post...I will now flog Genevieve for leaving her account open on my computer!
The bulky warrior grins at the dwarf. Now *this* was his kinda guy!! "Hey, you said your name was Zero, eh?! Then I guess we're in the right direction. That old spirit lady told us we needed to find somebody named Zero!"
Grell heartily extends his hand to the dwarf. "I'm Grell, and my little brother's already introduced himself already." Not bothered by the rain, Grell shakes the rain from his hair.
"Huh...some storm, eh...kinda funky...not like your normal soak you to the bone kinda rain" (Survival-23). "Welp...guess we should get these hippogriffs outta the rain. Don't think they care much for it." Grell looks around trying to see if he can spot some kind of a stable area to house the flying mounts in. (Percept-13)
"Ohhh noo ... this isn't right at all! These clouds are not accumulating naturally. The winds are all wrong. This storm was brewed from power magics ... be ready my friends ... I believe we're under attack!?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday July 29th, 2014 11:42:11 PM
ooc: How much longer until I arrive?
Arriving in Bray (DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 30th, 2014 3:52:57 AM
[OOC: Sorry, Royston, forgot to mention you last post. see below.]
There are introductions all around ... Evaris, Emrys, Grell, Lowell, and Ariach of Plateau City, who just flew in on four hippogriffs ... meeting Zero, Ragnarök, Yeshua (a half elf) and his friend Truman (a tiger), and Faust (a drow).
[OOC: Yeshua is played by Sheriff Ken, currently on a short break. Faust is played by Pedro, who has had access issues for this board, hopefully now resolved. Let us hope they will join us when they can.]
Evaris is polite, and Ariach and Zero urge theiur friends to head for a tavern, out of this rain. The hippogriffs look like they would like that!
But Grell and Emrys are quick to sense that this rainstorm is not natural! There is something unusual afoot. Emrys wisely alerts the group to the chance that they will soon be under attack!
Do you agree with the slender caster holding the slender staff? If so, how will you prepare for what may be a fight?
The rain continues to fall steadily. To the uninitiated, such as the fishers still out on the water, this is just a sudden summer rain. The wind, though unnatural, is not powerful, and the raindrops fall straight down. [OOC: All ranged attacks are at -1, and the maximum ranges are now 8 range increments for projectile weapoons (instead of the usual 10) and 4 range increments for thrown weapons (instead of the usual 5). All perception and fly checks are now at -2.]
==========
Meanwhile, Royston, back in South Harbor, has secured the sailing vessel the Mayor has lent the Vanguard group. He realizes that there is some muttering from the crew as the ship sets sail and enters Dragon Bay, rounding the southernmost tip of New Elenna heading east.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday July 30th, 2014 10:51:27 AM
Emry´s comment about a magical storm makes Ariach brick up his ears.
"If the storm is evoked by our oppenent we should stay right here to let him know who we are."
Evaris d20+5=19 ; Wednesday July 30th, 2014 3:34:06 PM
Evaris looks around. "Well, it did come up very suddenly," he says. He squints up at the roiling clouds. "Poor visibility, of course, and it'll be a challenge keeping a bowstring dry. Is there any way of telling which direction our enemy attacks from?"
[Perception 19]
Grell d20+8=26 ; Wednesday July 30th, 2014 10:07:52 PM
Grell is torn. If it's a fight that's about to happen, then maybe it would be best to move it from the town...take to the air. Buuut....the Mayor said not to engage. No doubt about it...something was coming their way...and it's probably not a good something. Pulling his new, more shiny bow from his back, Grell readies himself, but tries not to have an overtly aggressive stance as he scans the skies for a source of the attack (Percep=26)
Lowell (Genevieve) d20+10=25 ; Wednesday July 30th, 2014 10:23:21 PM
Lowell looks up in the air, trying to look for the attackers. "Are you sure that someone, or something, is going to attack us?" Just in case, he prepares his Hand Crossbow for anything that comes to attack them. "Why would anyone want to attack us?" Lowell ponders aloud. (Percep=25)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday July 30th, 2014 11:53:55 PM
Sir Royston tries to be amiable and open with the sailors, since they likely already have opinions regarding paladins. "I heard some grumbling earlier, chaps. What's going on? I don't want to be out of the loop if it's important."
Jeff L Zero McHero d20+12=26 ; Thursday July 31st, 2014 12:07:39 AM
"We're in for a fight laddies. Oh, and I'm a skinchanger, so don't be shooting any of those arrows into my arse. It's poxie enough already, eh."
With that, Zero drew his rod and began casting defensive magic.
Actions: Perception 26 Cast extended barkskin
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Thursday July 31st, 2014 1:34:22 AM
Rag holds of any comments as he waits to see what will happen... He sure had hoped to rrestock at the catacombs first before going into new dangers...
(Any chance the Cthonians would hve been able to go there first? I certinly need a new supply of mage armor pots)
The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Thursday July 31st, 2014 7:27:28 AM
For Sir Royston, still far from his friends, sailing from the south, the sailors reveal that they have heard tell of a new sea serpent out on Dragons Bay, and he senses that they are dreadfully afraid of it.
==========
The party is standing on the Coast Road in the steady rain, about 30 feet from the narrow pebbled beach. There are wharves extending out into the bay nearby; and a couple jetties that bracket the harbor on either side. There are warehouses, and two dry docks not far away.
Evaris and Ariach resolve to stand for the moment, readying to face a challenge.
Grell and Lowell draw weapons.
Zero wisely begins casting buffs.
Rag wishes he had had more time, more warning, more time to stock up. Alas, the timing of the attack has left him (as it has left Royston) not quite ready. [OOC: Sorry about the lack of Catacombs access for this encounter!]
A few minutes go by. Then, far out on the waters, a good 1,000 feet from shore, the furthest of the fishing boats is attacked! Some massive creature with huge faws attacks the small vessel from underneath, and it chatters into flinders!
Zero, Lowell and Grell, who had been especially watchful, see a bit more: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The monster is surely a reptile -- maybe a sea dragon or a scaly dinosaur?}
The sailors on the other eight or nine fishing boats in the bay start to frantically try to get to shore. It is harder, in this rain, than it would have been just 30 minutes ago, in the sunshine.
[OOC: My friends, the monster sinks down, and it will be about five rounds before it surfaces again ... we're not quite into the round-by-round, but almost. Consider what you will be doing for the next five rounds, and where you want to be.]
Evaris Thursday July 31st, 2014 2:06:16 PM
"Gather up quickly, friends," Evaris says. "This spell will allow you to walk on water, as if it were solid land. However, you will not be able to go under the water, even if you want to. If it turns out we need to do that, I can dismiss the spell."
With that explanation, he casts Water Walk on the party. He needs to cast it twice to get everybody, but that's fine because he has two prepared. The spell will last for 70 minutes.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday July 31st, 2014 2:37:40 PM
Ariach goes closer to Evaris to receive the ability to walk on water.
"Come on friends! Let´s ride our Hippogriffs to the boats, where we give the beast a nasty surprise."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Thursday July 31st, 2014 6:18:34 PM
Rag watches things unfold and is uncertain how he will be able to go out and help those poor sailors. But then these new adventurers show use of some pretty nifty spells... 'walk on water' ?! Cool!, Rag thinks... "But we ain't got no Hippogriffs to ride on! But I sure can run..."
Holding his new Quarterstaff Rag first carefully tests the spell... can he really walk on water now??
If he can, he will run with the Hippogriffs. If they go at 40 ft he can easily catch up, if they Fly ahead of the group he'll have his 50ft base speed to close the gap quickly. (running full speed 50x4 : 200 ft per round) Rag should be able to get to the boat closest to the last destroyed one... assuming the monster will swim from one boat to the other.
In any case, Rag follows his friends old and new...
"IF ANYONE HAS SOME ARMOR SPELLS NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO USE IT" he shouts as he runs...
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand d20+6=22 ; d100=54 ; d100=52 ; d4=1 ; Thursday July 31st, 2014 8:01:40 PM
Emrys raises his hands to the sky and he begins to speak words of power. A white, hot light glows within his hands that finally bursts in a flash of crackling, arcane energy towards the sky.
(Leyline: 54. Casting Dispel Magic. Targeted dispel on the Control Weather spell he detected earlier. Throwing in a hero point for added kick. Dispel check: 22+2=24 vs. the target spell's caster level.)
Emrys then moves as close as he can to the shoreline, where he stops and casts a second spell. A ghostly and wicked-looking hand appears floating by his side. (Leyline: 52. Casting Spectral Hand.) He then begins to speak of a tale of a vengeful sea captain on his ship, the Pequod.
(Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage. Everyone in earshot gains a +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls and a +1 morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear.)
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Thursday July 31st, 2014 9:32:48 PM
"She's a big one. Dragon or reptile methinks. Well, the bigger the stone, the faster it sinks, eh."
Zero McHero was eager to fight beside his new companions, but he also understood that preparation could make the difference between life and death. He cast another preparation spell and then dove into the water. As his body started to elongate and transform he issued a polite request before he disappeared in the water.
"Be nice to the squid, eh"
Actions 1) cast bear's endurance 2) move into water and wild shape into a giant squid 3) use jet ability (260' swim) to get closer, but not too close. Outside of dying range please.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday July 31st, 2014 11:58:05 PM "Well, when we reach Dragon Bay we will have to be careful."
He drums his fingers on the railing. "So when's dinner?"
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk d20-3=2 ; d20+3=7 ; Friday August 1st, 2014 1:35:17 AM
Moving in close, Grell gratefully accepts the Water walking spell, then he remounts his hippogriff with Lowell behind him and heads toward the critter, trying to make sure he's high enough above where the beast so that it doesn't snap him up immediately (say 30 ft above water level). As Grell rises though, he has a hard time controlling the critter and doesn't make much progress toward the sea monster (Fly-2, Ride=7). The bulky warrior is beginning to think maybe walking is a better idea!
Lowell (Genevieve) d20+3=4 ; Friday August 1st, 2014 2:01:49 AM
Following his big brother's lead, Lowell hops on the hippogriff, ready for another ride, but somehow finds himself dumped on the ground as soon as he tries to get on the critter (Fly-nat 1!) "Hey, quit moving around, Grell!! You big oaf, I can't get on!!"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday August 1st, 2014 3:30:29 PM
check
The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Friday August 1st, 2014 6:21:24 PM
Royston shares a meal with the crew and tries to reassure them. That night, swaying in a hammock, he has a dream. The dream is just like his memory ... he sees the gnome seer ... he hears her say, "The Scourge approaches the place where mules laugh, but if you do not hasten, the people there will cry with great lamentation!" ... He feels a senses of urgency. But when he awakens, the night is calm.
==========
Seeing the clear threat of the monster out to sea, Evaris quickly casts two spells to give everyone the ability to walk on water.
Ariach mounts up and urges his friends to move out toward the threat. He moves out 100 ft from shore.
Rag follows, keeping up with his fast movement.
Emrys tries to dispel the magical weather. His magic should have worked to dispel any magic up to caster level 13. [DC11+CL, rolled a 24] The storm rages on, unaffected.
Emrys then casts a spectral hand. However, he does not follow the party out onto the water. He starts a performance to inspire his friends [OOC: Emrys, are you sure about that? You might want to see the map on Monday and decide then, especially if the heroes are heading out onto the water and you are staying on shore. You can decide then.]
Zero casts a buff, changes shape, and swims fast out toward the monster, moving faster than Ariach and Rag. [Zero, did you choose NOT to take the water walk spell? Your post implies you would rather swim.]
Grell and Lowell both follow Ariach out onto the water toward the monster. Yeshua and Faust bring up the rear.
=====
Out at sea, the monster is now closer, about 700 ft from shore. It attacks another fishing boat, and the fishers leap for their lives as the small boat is destroyed.
The head of the thing looks draconic.
=====
Verbal map:
At the shore: Evaris and Emrys
50 ft from shore: Faust, Yeshua
100 ft from shore: Grell, Lowell, Ariach, Rag
250 ft from shore: Zero
300 - 700 ft from shore: fishing boats.
700 ft from shore - the Scourge!, plus wreckage of second boat 900 ft from shore - wreckage of first boat.
[OOC: Reposition yourself on the verbal map if I have not understood you correctly. Please, post two rounds of actions next.]
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday August 1st, 2014 11:14:33 PM That was a bizarre dream... I wonder how the rest of the team is doing. I certainly hope the lack of military support without a ship is not hampering them...
Evaris Friday August 1st, 2014 11:53:21 PM
Evaris grumbles a little as he gets back on his hippogriff. "I wish they'd learn not to outrun the healer!" he says. He urges his mount forward to catch up with his companions.
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 d20+11=31 ; d20+9=22 ; Saturday August 2nd, 2014 1:08:04 AM
Ooc: zero won't take the Water Walk spell... Seemed rude to say so in my post ;)
There was something unnerving about the dark depths of the sea. Looking down it was hard not to visualize something in the depths considering you for your next meal.
Zero was huge in this form, but his mind still thought of himself as small. Plus he was swimming out to something called The Scourge. That couldn't be good.
Nonetheless, on he swam. He jetted up another 260', but was still careful not to get too close. He wanted a peek, but wasn't ready to become bait. At least not yet.
Actions: Continue to swim closer, but avoid direct engagement with the scourge till I get a better look. Knowledge nature check 31 Knowledge arcana check 22
OOC- @Cayzle, I may have missed it but are we of the appropriate level, etc. for Legacy? I didn't see any modifications for our PC'[s for this adventure...)
Yeshua and Truman continue out on the water, not real comfortable being off of solid ground but trusting in their new companion's spell to keep them above water...
He continues moving behind Evaris and Emrys, Truman about 10' from him, both watchful and wary... There's nothing to hide behind out there, which is never a good thing... Perception Y= 20; Perception T = 25
He's also trying to remember if something like this ever prowled through local lakes or river's near his homeland and what he knows about it, (Know Nature = 30 (natural 20))
Finally, he calls out, "Does anyone have any water breathing spells? If we get pulled under, I don't want to suffocate!"
The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 2nd, 2014 1:20:34 PM OOC- @Cayzle, I may have missed it but are we of the appropriate level, etc. for Legacy? I didn't see any modifications for our PCs for this adventure...)
Cayzle Comments: Great question. The Legacy PCs are all 8th, and the Cthonia PCs are 7th. But the Legacy PCs are as a rule about 25% below their expected wealth, and the Cthonia PCs just got some sweet presents from the Seer ... so I think it will be a reasonable crossover.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Sunday August 3rd, 2014 6:27:58 PM "Man are we truely crazy enough to walk on water to go face to face with some angry or hungry water dragon?!?", Rag thinks as he tries to keep up with his friends.
He'll run as fast as he can along with them closing in on the monster. It sure closes a lot quicker than they can get to it... so he expects this will come down on them pretty quick!
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk d20+10=11 ; Monday August 4th, 2014 2:04:55 PM
Lowell looks around from on top of his and Grell's hippogriff. (Percpt: 11) Regardless of what he sees, he yells to his brother over the wind and rain. "GRELL!!! WE NEED TO HELP THOSE FISHERS!!!!!" We are their last hope.... we need to help them! He points to the boats, hoping that they can get there in time to protect the sailors.
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk Monday August 4th, 2014 2:23:39 PM
The warrior sighs as Lowell shouts out his order. Lowell always was tender hearted. "The best hope we can provide is to get rid of that thing! There's no room on our hippogriff for any survivors. C'mon Lucky! Let's go take down that thing!!" Grell urges his hippogriff on toward the monster as fast as possible, hoping that he hasn't just bitten off more than he can chew. Bow in hand, he decides to wait until he gets a little closer to try and take a pot shot at the critter.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday August 4th, 2014 3:45:09 PM
Ariach runs the hippogriff. The young warrior feels the duty to protect these innocent people. He tries to reach the point where he expects the monster to appear next. "I just can hope Evaris spell will work out like it is supposed to do" he whispers, thinking that he doesn´t want to sink like a stone, having no chance to die in battle.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Monday August 4th, 2014 5:51:06 PM
Rag waits in terror to find out where the waterdragon will strike next...
Evaris Monday August 4th, 2014 5:54:00 PM
"To answer your question, friend Yeshua," Evaris calls down from his hippogriff, "yes, I have Water Breathing prepared, just in case. And to answer yours, friend Ragnarok," he continues, "I do not have an armor spell, I'm afraid you'll have to make do with this shield."
If there is time, he casts Shield of Faith on Rag.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand d100=56 ; d20+7=17 ; Monday August 4th, 2014 7:21:30 PM
'Well that was useless,' he thinks. Emrys knew that his attempt to dispel the storm was as potently charged as he could muster. He couldn't have cast it much better and yet it didn't seem to faze the storm in the least. This druid was quite powerful indeed! He has a long way to go before he conjure such things. If only his father were here, he could end all this with a snap of his fingers.
Emrys then opens his haversack, places his walking stick within and removes a common household broom. He then speaks a few words of power and then POW!. Like a wooden and bristly bird of prey, Emrys soars off into the sky toward the great sea creature ... but hopefully way out of reach of it.
(Leyline: 56. Casting Flying Broom. Fly check: 17, if necessary.)
The Scourge: Round 1 (DM Cayzle) Monday August 4th, 2014 7:34:52 PM
On ship, the sailors give Royston a bit of an evil eye. The first mate asks if he is okay. He tells the dragon disciple that all night, he heard him shouting, "Make Haste! Make Haste!" from through the door to his cabin.
==========
Evaris chases after Zero to buff him, but the shifter has already jetted off through the waves and is out of reach.
Yeshua, concerned about the caster, follows him closely to make sure he is okay. His companion toger follows him.
Zero not only jets out, he almost overshoots! But closer now, he can see that the thing is VERY LARGE! It has four limbs, wings or fins on the back, and some blurry barrier surrounding most of its body. The reptilian head is draconic, on a long neck.
Ariach, Lowell, and Grell all spend the round closing the gap between themselves and the Scourge!
Rag chases after, keeping up with the hippogriffs as best he can.
Emrys stays ashore, so that one person is on land, at least.
Faust sees a way to help some of the fishers that are in trouble. He acts quickly to lend his aid. [OOC: Pedro has gone awol, I am afraid, so we'll write him out of the combat. For now.
==========
The dragon surfaces near a boat and strikes hard at it. This time, the boat does not immediately fly into shreds.
LATE EDIT: Sorry, Emrys, we overlapped in the post. Please let me know where you want to be on the map!
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday August 4th, 2014 9:17:06 PM
Seeing the creature appear again, Yeshua and Truman both continue running toward it... They each double move but Truman moves up near Yeshua so they're next to each other... They move a total of 40' (since scale is 10', they can only move 4 squares at double move...) so they're at S21 and S22...
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 7:42:55 AM "Please rest assured, everyone! I'm simply nervous for the physical safety of my comrades. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can assist them in resolving a great danger to the citizens of Plateau City."
Evaris Tuesday August 5th, 2014 10:00:32 AM
Evaris urges his mount toward the scourge.
[After consulting the encumbrance and movement tables, I believe that a double move on the hippogriff can take Evaris to AC-26.]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC21/20/16 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:01:49 AM
Rag is unsure how to keep up with the others and goes to check on the boat at AL-AM 26.
"Get your behinds to shore!! How many do you hve aboard and what's you're cargo?? Dump anything overboard if it can make you go faster... Hurry if you want to tell this to your grandchildren..."
Rag takes position at AO26...
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand Tuesday August 5th, 2014 2:36:45 PM
(Ooc: Cayzle - I guess just move me 30ft out and 30ft up. Can only assend at half speed. Not going to try and figure out the hypotenuse of that angle. :)
The Scourge: Round 2 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 3:29:03 PM
The heroes advance. The monster bites through the hull of another fishing vessel, spilling out two fishers into the surf. The rain continues down. The monster has yet to acknowledge your presence.
[OOC: Sorry for the quick early post, my friends. We're not really quite in combat yet, though, so I do not feel totally guilty! :-) ]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 3:31:45 PM
Ariach hurries the hippogriff along. He waits until he arrives the dragonlike monster and descends ready to fight the threat.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:08:15 PM
And all of a sudden Rag notices he's closest to the creature!! YIKES!!!
Looking around to see where his friends went the Cthonian Monk hesitates... He remains in place... taking a full defensive stance (AC+6). Also grateful for the Shield of Faith he received which raises his AC by another 3 the Monk stands waiting...
Using his Quarterstaff he splaches in the water...
"Ok... I'm now officially a nutcake for walking on water and calling a creature that is biting boats in half..." Rag thinks... The only good thing is that his pants were already wet...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 5:17:43 PM "At the very least the fishermen are out of the way. Though I'd still love to know what in the wold we are going against.", rants Faust, returning to the battlefield.
He casts Fly on himself and prepares to join the fight.
[Sorry for not posting before. Not sure if Faust can already move this round, but I am happy with just being able to get him ready for action next round]
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 10:43:17 PM your swimming the wrong way McHero. Zero thought as he swam towards the monster.
Bad feeling he thought as he swam closer.
This is going to hurt. he thought as he swam even closer.
Actions: 1) continue to close in. Try to get in flanking position. 2) ray to get a sense of the creatures reach. 3) close to about 35' at the closest.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday August 5th, 2014 10:58:26 PM Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean.
Evaris Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:06:36 PM
Evaris is at last able to catch up to Ragnarok, and cast that Shield of Faith he wasn't able to cast before, but which Rag is apparently already counting on. :)
The Scourge: Round 2 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:11:12 PM OOC: OH! Almost forgot an extra post for Royston! Sorry!
Royston says, "Please rest assured, everyone! I'm simply nervous for the physical safety of my comrades. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can assist them in resolving a great danger to the citizens of Plateau City."
The captain of the ship replies, with a bit of an attitude, "Well, we're going as fast as we possibly can!"
Royston, Sense Motive DC12, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You feel that the ship is NOT actually going as fast as it possibly can.}
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk d20+3=7 ; d20+9=14 ; Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:34:20 PM
Grell pulls his hippogriff in closer to the beast and moves to an altitude of about 30 foot above the creature. Trying to balance on his mount (Ride=7), Grell pings off a wild shot that comes nowhere near the colossal creature (AC13...yeah, right). Grell nervously glances over at Lowell, trying to figure out what his little brother is up to over there.
OOC: Guess that makes 80 foot of progress toward the critter and 20 feet up. . AT23 looks about right. Should be within bow range now. :) Also, I thought Lowell and Grell were on one hippogriff...oh well, that's fine as well...give us more maneuverability that way. ;)
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk d20+10=27 ; Tuesday August 5th, 2014 11:48:19 PM
Lowell flies his hippogriff towards the front of the group so that Rag doesn't have to be alone (AQ28) and about 30 feet above the creature. "Be careful, okay?" He yells down to Ragnarok. Lowell then prepares his hand crossbow to shoot at the creature. He keeps careful watch, trying to observe all that he can before attacking. (Percept: 27)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday August 6th, 2014 1:24:56 PM
Ariach still flies as fast as possible to reach the fisher boats.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand Wednesday August 6th, 2014 1:29:21 PM
(ooc: sorry for missing yesterday's post. was working on a freelance project last night and lost track of time. I guess Emrys assends to 80 ft and travels another 60 ft (double move) in an attempt to get safely above the action.)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Wednesday August 6th, 2014 4:57:08 PM
Rag, concentrated on what is approaching hears Lowell shout from above... the monk looks up and puts a thumb up...
"You be ready if I have it's attention!!... "
And he splashes some more with his Quarterstaff in the water...
Evaris Wednesday August 6th, 2014 8:47:08 PM
Evaris remembers that the Scourge is probably beyond the group's ability to defeat, and that their best hope lies in somehow negotiating with it. Emrys is probably the best one for that job, but it won't hurt to get things underway.
"Good afternoon!" he calls to the creature. "Have I the honor of addressing the Scourge?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 d20=14 ; d20+24=36 ; Wednesday August 6th, 2014 10:24:14 PM
Sir Royston walks calmly up to the captain, his hands folded behind his back. He takes a deep breath of the salty air through his noise, sighing contentedly as he exhales. "Ahh, captain. This is a fine day for sailing. Don't you agree? The wind is in our favor, and we hurry towards our destination." He looks sideways at the captain. "You do know why we sail, don't you? A madman threatens the lives of the citizens of Plateau City. The same madman who unleashed monsters into the streets. Every moment we tarry, we come closer to ruin." He reaches down and grips the railing, his voice a low rumble. "I certainly hope we are traveling at top speed, captain. I hope that when we return, I have no cause to give grievance to the Lord Mayor. I hope that no one, and I mean no one, earns my ire for failing to perform their duties."
He stands tall and smiles, the grimness broken. "But I'm certain you and your men are doing their best."
Sense Motive 14 Intimidate 36 to indirectly motivate the captain
The Scourge: Round 3 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 6th, 2014 10:50:37 PM
Ariach, riding his hippogriff, flies right up to the monster. In getting close, he provokes an attack of opportunity! However, the Scourge ignores him.
Rag holds his position, defensively.
Evaris arrives next to him and casts a buff.
Yeshua and Truman continue their moderate advance. OOC: You can use the run action, but you lose your dex bonus while doing so unless you have the Run feat.
Faust flies out -- OOC: at what altitude?? -- catching up to Yeshua and Truman.
Zero swims up to the monster, trying to flank with Ariach. Again, it chooses not to take an AoO, ignoring the squid.
Grell, 20 ft up, makes the first attack of the encounter directed at a living creature! He fails to draw first blood, however, firing at the monster, missing wildly.
Lowell, 30 ft up, moves into position to attack, but unlike his brother, maybe, he hesitates to draw first blood. He holds his shot.
Emrys, 80 ft up, flies 60 ft closer.
You see the boats that are still seaworthy trying to make it to shore.
You see the fishers whose boats havew been wrecked clinging to bits of wreckage.
And most of all, you see the Scourge! Rag, Zero, Faust, and Yeshua, you are sure that this is the monster you saw before on Dragon Bay!
You note that it looks like a very skinny but gigantic dragon, with wings that might just be huge fins, or maybe could let the thing fly? You see a blurring surrounding the beast's body, like heat rising through air in a desert, or maybe like a molten glass shell.
The Scourge ignores you all! Zero and Ariach are right next to it when it moves! It swims right under Rags, Evaris, and Lowell. It heads right for another boat, but it has not quite yet attacked the vessel.
Zero, Ariach, Rag, and Evaris, if you can threaten the spaces around you (with a natural weapon or a drawn melee weapon, say), then you can take an attack of opportunity on the Scourge as it passes by. Will you be the first to draw blood in this encounter by taking your chance to swing at the monster?
Royston does indeed put the fear of authority into the captain, who drives his men to harder work and his ship to faster speeds. But will it get Royston there in time? What other measures could he take to hasten his progress?
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom d100=34 ; d20+4=14 ; Wednesday August 6th, 2014 11:31:21 PM
Emrys levels out and steers his broom towards the Scourge (moving 60ft closer). He hopes he can get there in time! He reaches out his free hand and speaks a dark language from which all curse words share a root. The spectral hand shoots towards the beast and attempts to deliver a touch.
(Leyline: 34. Casting Bestow Curse. Hit Touch AC: 15. Will Save 18 vs. being cursed with Epic Befuddlement - Each round, the Scourge has a 50% chance to act normally; otherwise, it takes no action.)
(ooc: I forgot to add the +1 from Inspire Courage in my roll.)
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 d20+16=28 ; d20+14=15 ; 4d6+9=24 ; Thursday August 7th, 2014 12:21:51 AM
Zero prepared himself for a blow, but it never came. Unusual. What exactly was going on here? There had to be more to this tale.
His first instinct was to leave the creature alone, but he couldn't just octopus there and watch people die. He swam closer to the creature and waited.
Actions: Ready action. If it tries to destroy the boat he will try to hold it back with a grapple (check 28). If the creature attacks any of us, Zero will instead hit it with a tentacle (hit AC 15, damage 24)
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Thursday August 7th, 2014 11:54:08 AM
Evaris isn't sure what he'll be called upon to do next, but he'd like to do it well, whatever it is. So he casts Divine Favor on himself.
Then, hoping the scourge will continue to ignore him, he guides his mount as close to the threatened boat as he can get. [Move to AI-22]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+13=16 ; d20+4=18 ; Thursday August 7th, 2014 3:37:32 PM
Ariach gets angry. Not because the scourge destroys another boat, because the sea monster ignores him. But he will not ignore a beast which kills innocent people while they are working for their livelilhood. As the beast passes the fighter he tries to reach it with his mace but misses. (hit AC 16) (ignore second roll)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Thursday August 7th, 2014 5:23:00 PM "ARIACH NO!!" Rag shouts as the fighter attacks... The peaceful Monk hates violence and since this apparently skinny water dragon is not attacking any living souls why hurt it!! It's just striking the boats... apparently no casualties have been made! Nor has anyone seriously been injured apart from some bruises most likely...
"We seen this one before! Then too he attacked the boat but didn't hurt any of the sailors!! Either this creature of nature dislikes boats or some boats have hurt it or it's kin!!! STOP FIGHTING!!! "
As the skinny creature passes beneath Rag he kneels onto the water and tries to shout to this waterdragon... as it's submerged Rag considers he should have to shout to it...
"PLEASE FORGIVE US... LET US HELP... WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY?!"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday August 7th, 2014 7:16:00 PM I wonder what measures could be taken to hasten this journey?
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Thursday August 7th, 2014 7:18:24 PM
The daring duo move 30 ft closer and as their standard action, ready attacks if the creature attacks any allies or comes adjacent to them after attacking others. There may be a way this can be ended other than combat and maybe their friends can get that done.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 d20+16=25 ; Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:04:35 PM
Faust closes in, but always moving behind the front liners, staying at a safe 15 to 20ft off the surface and watching the situation.
He then casts Message on himself so he can act as an antenna and relay messages between everyone in case the sea gets noisy. But then, he points at the scourge and whispers to it, in draconic "Can you understand me? Why are you attacking the boats?"
Knowledge (arcana): 25 to properly identify the draconic creature and remember something useful about it.
The Scourge: Round 4 (DM Cayzle) d20=18 ; Thursday August 7th, 2014 10:58:35 PM
[OOC: A quick post for tonight ... map to come in the morning.]
The heroes jockey for position.
Only one -- Ariach -- attacks, and that is a miss.
Emrys casts a spell but misses -- the charge is not lost, and you can try to touch again next round.
Evaris casts a buff.
Rag and Faust try to reason with the monster.
It replies, in draconic: "Puny mortals, I show you mercy, and will destroy you only if you hurt me first. I am here to deliver a message for my friend and ally. Part of that message, so that you will understand, is to destroy these boats and structures that dare to intrude on Dragon Bay!"
It rears up and smashes another boat. It does not harm the sailors, who try to swim away.
To Faust, it appears very much like a Dragon Turtle, but with wing-like fins, and an invisible force-shell. It is unique to his experience. Maybe unique in all the Wold!
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom d20+5=11 ; d20+7=27 ; Thursday August 7th, 2014 11:18:55 PM
Emrys stops over the beast and hovers in place (Fly check: 27). He tries to touch it again with his spectral hand, but he's unable to find that chink in the armor.
(Hit Touch AC: 11.)
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Thursday August 7th, 2014 11:24:14 PM He called us mortals. This means the dragon is batty, or we are in very big trouble.
Zero changed tactics and looked for the largest piece of floating wood he could find. He knew the sailors wouldn't welcome a giant squid, even a friendly one. But they might welcome a piece of driftwood that was pushed by a giant squid in their direction.
The Scourge: Round 4 Movement and Map notes (DM Cayzle) Friday August 8th, 2014 9:34:12 AM
Addendum to the turn posted ...
Grell, 20 ft up, holds his position. Lowell, 30 ft up, remains ready to shoot, but does not do so yet.
Correction: Zero is ready to act ... but he finds that the monster is faster than him. Unless he is jetting, he is struggling to just catch up. OOC: Making a double move for you my friend -- no time to ready an attack since it is outpacing you.
Note that on my laptop with its small screen, I cannot fit the whole map. Plus the colors shifted from PC to Mac. Sorry. Map is still 10 ft scale.
The Scourge: Royston (DM Cayzle) Friday August 8th, 2014 9:43:50 AM
Royston has done his best to inspire / intimidate the crew into working overtime. The ship is now at last fairly flying over the waves!
Still, the slowness of the vessel nags at Scales. What else can he do?
Right now, nothing?
OOC: I do not actually know if you can accelerate the ship to any greater degree ... but I am very open to interesting possibilities! Creativity is often rewarded in my games!
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Friday August 8th, 2014 11:49:26 AM
Our duo changes tactics and decide to try to help any sailors who are struggling in the water get to any nearby floating objects. Since this beast isn't attacking them directly and may be more than they can handle, they try to save lives instead.
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Friday August 8th, 2014 3:48:22 PM
Evaris again urges his hippogriff forward, getting to the next boat just ahead of the Scourge [Double move to AE-12].
"Good folk," he calls down, "I'm afraid the Scourge is coming for your boat unless you can move it away. I'm not sure I can stop him, but I'll do what I can. All in all, you probably should be prepared to go for a swim."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday August 8th, 2014 4:22:58 PM
Ariach hears the words of Ragnarök but has no idea how to interprete them. How does the monk know that the sea dragon is just destroying the boats and do not harm the sailors. The young warrior wonders if it even is possible to destroy a boat without risking to kill one of the sailors. And if the monster accepts the risk of killing one of these people, it is Ariach´s duty to stop it. But on the other side if it is true and he doesn´t stop, he could enrage the monster.
With these thoughts in mind he turns around and flys back to the shore to get more informations.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom Friday August 8th, 2014 6:32:42 PM
Emrys understanding that he probably hasn't chance to deliver his curse decides to change tactics. If this dragon turtle is here to deliver a message, he decides to deliver his own ... in draconic, of course. He shouts back to the scourge in his most diplomatic tone, "We understand your pride of these great waters and to exert your authority. However, what we don't understand why you'd be allied with a half-breed!"
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom d20+15=26 ; Friday August 8th, 2014 6:36:54 PM
(ooc: Diplomacy check: 26, with the Scourge. )
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Friday August 8th, 2014 6:52:24 PM
Rag doesn't understand a word the Dragon turtle is saying... the Monk hears rumbling sounds, a deep bubbly voice... it feels scary! And then the Dragon just smashes yet another boat!!
"Appologies Wise One but I don't understand a word you're soing... What have the people done to deserve your wrath??"
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Friday August 8th, 2014 8:47:49 PM
Lowell pauses. The Dragon doesn't seem to want to hurt anyone..... The Scourge is only destroying boats. Maybe it is a good idea to talk to it.... Yeah. He looks at his brother. "Don't attack! Let's see if we can reason with the Scourge first!" He keeps his crossbow ready, though. Just in case it decides to attack his friends.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday August 8th, 2014 10:27:04 PM
ooc: I have racked my brain, but cannot think of any way to speed the ship. No spells, no class abilities, no oars (I believe), no skill points in Profession: Sailor or Knowledge: Geography/Nature. I'm stumped.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Friday August 8th, 2014 10:27:08 PM
Grell sighs as negotiation is tried. It's not like the thing didn't just say he was going to keep busting up the boats...but sure, if they want to try and reason with it. Still, Grell isn't going to sit idly by, so he urges his hippogriff toward the Scourge, hoping to eventually cut in front of the creature.
OOC: can't do the math right now, but say AM16 ish??
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk Friday August 8th, 2014 10:28:19 PM
Grell sighs as negotiation is tried. It's not like the thing didn't just say he was going to keep busting up the boats...but sure, if they want to try and reason with it. Still, Grell isn't going to sit idly by, so he urges his hippogriff toward the Scourge, hoping to eventually cut in front of the creature.
OOC: can't do the math right now, but say AM16 ish?? And this time with the right log in. Night folks! This lady needs some sleep!!
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Friday August 8th, 2014 11:16:08 PM "As much as I'd love to have the dragon as an ally, I am unsure it can be reasoned with as its intent is in direct opposition to our current interests. Also unlikely that people will be able to leave the Dragon Bay."
"That said, we do need to think our attack plan thoroughly, a dragon is not something wise to take lightly.", he says, specifically pointing at Grell, who seems impatient.
He also takes the chance to cast Mage Armor on himself.
The Scourge: Round 5 (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 9th, 2014 12:45:56 AM
Emrys again attempts an attack, but it misses. he questions the dragon.
Zero and Yeshua work hard to rescue fishermen.
Evaris moves to warn the likely next target of the dragon.
Unsure, Ariach moves back.
Rag tries communication as well.
Lowell is willing to let others reason with the monster.
Grell moves to interpose himself between the dragon and its next target.
Pedro, not sure what the party should do, wisely uses the pause to buff himself.
The fishers that are helped are grateful, and thank you in the name of Alemi.
The dragon swims around obstacles in moving closer to the next vessel.
It makes a strange snort that in draconic implies disdain for inferiors. "Do not interfere, little beings, if you know any wisdom." it says in draconic.
[Map to come in the AM.]
==========
Royston feels he has done all he can to speed the boat onwards. In which case, maybe it is time to get some rest. Surely he will need all his energy soon!
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Sunday August 10th, 2014 4:10:12 PM
Zero the squid continued to use his tentacles to push driftwood in the direction of the swimming sailors.
With a little rope I could tow these fellas back to shore.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Monday August 11th, 2014 4:03:50 AM
The Dtaconic is still jibberish to Rag...
"Hey talk common and tell us why you are trashing these boats! Shat wrong did we do to you?"
Then Rag checks on those in the water and first help those that show signs of fatigue and are at risk to drown...
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday August 11th, 2014 2:09:32 PM
ooc: checking in.
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Monday August 11th, 2014 4:54:15 PM
[OOC: I'm afraid I'm going to need a map. Which will be available in "the AM." Of course, we don't know which AM that will be, but I'm hoping it's soon. :) ]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday August 11th, 2014 5:36:34 PM
Ariach flies back to the shore, ready to attack the sea monster if just one fisher gets hurt or killed.
The Scourge: Round 5 (DM Cayzle) Monday August 11th, 2014 8:30:16 PM
Sorry friends ... working on a map and turn ...
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom d20+15=22 ; Monday August 11th, 2014 11:06:47 PM
Emrys guides his broom along side the dragon turtle and continues to try and persuade him to stop. In Draconic, he shouts, "Dragon, do you know not know who I am ... I am Emrys ... son of the Myrridan! I know his name is spoken among your kind. And I'm am sure you know of his good deeds and why he a friend of dragons. Do you wish to betray that friendship with this act of violence knowing all the dragons he saved when the plague struck?"
(Diplomacy: 22)
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Monday August 11th, 2014 11:22:16 PM
checking in.
The Scourge: Round 5 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 2:30:59 AM
The dragon heads toward the next boat, the one next to Evaris. One of the two fishers on this boat begs Evaris, "Please! Save my boat! It is my livelihood! And save us! You are adventurers, right! Why aren't you fighting this monster?!"
Zero has grabbed two fishers, and Yeshua has grabbed one. They thank you and beg you to bring them to shore. (The two grabbed by the giant squid are distressed at first, but I assume Yeshua reassures them.)
Lowell just watches for now. The action is shifting away from him.
Grell chases the scourge, but cannot catch up this round. He is close on its tail, however.
As mentioned, Rag is talking, Faust is casting a buff, Ariach is flying back to shore, Emrys has missed with the spectral hand.
Royston's ship has come close to Bray now. And in the distance, a small, discreet rainstorm does not have a natural look to it.
As mentioned, the Scourge has moved close to another boat. It will surely (and likely) destroy it next round.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 4:40:46 AM
Ariach holds his position. He notices angrily that the scourge doesn´t stop destroying the boats.
"All of you guys are talking to this ... thing. But it doesn´t listen. It has no right to destroy the boats. It is an illegal act of violance and we are obliged to stop it. If none of you will stop it, my blade will do it."
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom Tuesday August 12th, 2014 8:43:59 AM
(ooc: Emrys hasn't tried attacking the dragon for at least 3 rounds. He's been talking to him.)
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Tuesday August 12th, 2014 11:59:25 AM
The hippogriff is a rental, and Evaris doesn't want to damage it. He tells it to land, then dismounts, attempting to stand between the Scourge and its next target. [So, sort of AF-11-ish]
"I said I'd do what I could, and I will," he tells the fishermen. "But you need to get out of here and back to shore. Right now. It's your only chance."
He casts Tongues on himself, since the creature only seems to communicate in Draconic. "Let them withdraw," he says in Draconic. "There is no honor in attacking them."
[OOC: If landing and dismounting were two move actions, Evaris will spend a Hero Point to get that spell off. Just let me know.]
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 1:23:28 PM
ooc: How close am I now?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Tuesday August 12th, 2014 5:51:20 PM
Rag refrains from attacking... instead, he runs to the nearest victem that is in the water and makes sure he doesn't drown...
The Scourge: Round 5 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 7:08:09 PM
OOC to Royston ... The storm is just under 2.5 miles away, call it 12,000 ft. The ship moves at 120 ft per round. 1200 ft per minute. 10 minutes away from you.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 9:59:42 PM
Yeshua and Truman keep helping stranded sailors, trying to keep them from drowning. As much as he'd like to fight this creature, he doesn't have a death wish and has a feeling they'd be outgunned in a fight... In about 20 years when he's more experienced (and about 18th-20th level), a fight might be worth it, but not now...
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:19:40 PM
Zero continued to swim back towards shore. He tried to cross paths with as many sailors as possible, and hoped his riders had the good sense to try to pick up a few more hitchhikers.
He also thought of other forms that might better serve the situation, but none came to mind.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:31:41 PM "Sadly, I have to agree with the angry warrior. Let us take the sea men to safety and brew an attack plan. It is unfortunate, no doubt, but he doesn't seem to be interested in diplomacy.", says Faust, trying to come up with something.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:31:49 PM Well, isn't this just great...
Sir Royston steels himself for the coming storm, finding a solid place to grip and hold his footing on deck.
CDM Jerry Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:40:23 PM
Pedro, I've emailed you twice, sir. I expect a reply. cc Cayzle and Jay when you do please.
[Cayzle, you may delete this once Pedro has replied to me via email.]
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk d20+3=16 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:54:38 PM
Grell watches the stand off with growing impatience. So were just gonna let the boats get busted up and not do anything?! I don't think so! Grell decides to join Evaris in his gamble. Dismounting his hippogriff and telling it to hover nearby, Grell runs around the Scourge to a spot on the opposite side of the boat (AE9). Stowing his bow, Grell calls out to the dragon "In order to destroy this boat, you will have to also harm Grell Illutu, son of the Emerald Dragon Gunther. Will your Master be pleased by this action?!" Getting ready to draw his sword, Grell hopes to at least get the dragon to pause so he can gather more of his allies.
OOC: Ignore roll.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Tuesday August 12th, 2014 11:03:18 PM
Lowell bits his lip in indecision. The negotiations don't seem to be going well, and there's a lot of sailors to be rescued. Urging his hippogriff forward, Lowell hopes to arrive toward Evaris' and Grell's position in enough time to maybe be able to provide some aerial attack support if things go bad.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 inspire courage, water walk, spectral hand, flying broom d100=9 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2014 11:36:01 PM
The dragon turtle continues to ignore his words. Emrys can not understand or accept that possibility ... something MUST be very wrong here. He knows that no living creature can resist him ... and then it dawns on him. He mutters a few words of power and his eyes suddenly turn to black as pitch and begin to seep a dark, inky ooze. "Ughh!! I can't see," he cries! His magic has backfired once again. He begins to vigorously rub his eyes. Definitely too much necromancy for one day.
(Leyline: 9, fail. Was attempting to cast Deathwatch.)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday August 13th, 2014 4:10:33 AM
Ariach flies straight back to Grell where he accompanies his friend.
CDM Jerry Wednesday August 13th, 2014 7:58:56 AM
Nellie and Genevieve, I've send you an email as well. Please read and reply. Thanks.
[Cayzle and Jay, please remove once they have both replied to my email.]
The Scourge: Round 6 (DM Cayzle) d20=20 ; d20=17 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 2:33:02 PM
Ariach sees that although the sea-dragon is not hurting people, it is destroying property. What's the appropriate response to such actions? Ariach says with restrained fury that if diplomacy does not suffice, his blade will! He moves toward Grell.
Faust agrees with Ariach, moving closer to be able to communicate with him [OOC: in this storm, you have to get closer to communicate. I took the liberty of moving Faust closer to Ariach. If you disagree, just give me the coordinates of your desired position.]
Evaris dismounts (move action or maybe a free action if you make a ride check), takes a five foot step between the boat and the Scourge, and casts a spell -- NOT on the defensive. That provokes an AoO, and some people view casting a spell as the same as an attack, but the dragon does not take advantage of the opening Evaris leaves.
Evaris urges the fishers to swim to shore, now! Then he declares to the dragon, "Let them withdraw." Evaris, please accept a hero point for putting yourself almost literally in the jaws of danger.
Grell urges his mount to the water's surface and then dismounts (a free action with the right Ride check -- your DM kindly assumes you make it, but PLEASE roll in the future) and makes a double move around the Scourge. He puts away his bow as he moves. Running around within reach of the dragon also opens Grell up for potential AoOs, but again, the monster shows restraint and does not attack. Grell moves to the other side of the boat, and from behind a bit of cover, issues a challenge that the dragon must not damage this boat.
Lowell (30 ft up), seeing his brother issue an ultimatum, flies closer. He fears things are going to get messy!
Rag decides to help the foundering fishermen. He sees two are being helped by Zero-Squid, and one is being helped by Yeshua. Two are clinging to wreckage at AU30. He holds his action for now (see below).
Yeshua, speaking of whom, thinks the party is out-matched by this monster, and he focuses on helping a fisherman, dragging him 40 ft closer to shore.
Zero does the same, but swimming at 60, is much faster, dragging two spluttering fishers toward the beach.
Emrys, 80 ft up, tries to cast a divination, but the spell fails him.
Two sailors leap off the ship near Grell and Evaris, swimming for sure.
Rag decides they might need help, so he rushes toward that area.
The monster answers Evaris in draconic -- "They may leave. I am here to deliver a message, not to kill."
To Grell, he merely snarls.
Finally, the Scourge strikes again! With a roll of natural 20 (confirmed), it crushes the boat utterly! Only a few splinters remain.
And the Map! (closer up view, but still 10 ft per square!)
The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 13th, 2014 2:36:35 PM
Royston: The dragon disciple stands and watches the unnatural storm.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Wednesday August 13th, 2014 5:54:13 PM
Rag runs forward to the drowing sailors at AB11 and AB9 doing his best to help'm both to shore.
Unable to communicate with the Dragon Turtle Rag has given up even trying. He can't speak Draconic and this thing seems to be unwilling to talk common.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Wednesday August 13th, 2014 6:26:02 PM
Yeshua shakes his head as the group's diplomacy seems to have little affect on this leviathan. For now all he can do is continue working to save people and hope that they save as many as possible...
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] d20+12=30 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 6:38:14 PM
[OOC: Evaris used a Hero Point last round to complete all his actions, but then he gained one! Yay!]
Seeing where this is going, Evaris turns and runs to the next boat. [Using the Run action, reach AI-3]. He makes yet another heroic effort to keep going [spend a Hero Point].
"Get to shore!" he bellows at whoever is in that boat. "Do it NOW!" [Intimidate 30. Evaris does not want a debate, Evaris wants them to get a move on already.]
In what I devoutly hope is a free action, Evaris calls his hippogriff over to him.
The Scourge (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 13th, 2014 7:00:58 PM [OOC: Evaris used a Hero Point last round to complete all his actions, but then he gained one! Yay!]
OOC: Nope, the prior round was dismounting as a free action, moving to interpose, and casting a spell. One round, no need for a hero point spend. Or dismount as a move action, five ft step to interpose, and cast, also just one round. Good either way, no hero point used.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Wednesday August 13th, 2014 9:31:41 PM
Lowell flies his hippogriff over next to Grell to provide air support [AE 10]. Idiot.... Always charging into battle. He better not attack the monster. "Grell! Let's just get the fishermen out of here! The Scourge isn't trying to kill anyone!"
((OOC: Hey everyone, I'm really sorry about not posting much lately. The first couple days of school have been pretty hectic. I'm going to start posting every day from now on.))
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk Wednesday August 13th, 2014 10:59:59 PM
Grell growls when the Scourge destroys the boat. So, this is how it's going to go. He calls back to Ariach as he is joining him. "Ariach, please bring my hippogriff with you on your way. We're going to need to stop this thing soon. We can't let him destroy all the boats!" Following Evaris lead, Grell runs for the next boat, ready to take more drastic action this time. He takes up a position next to Evaris, ready to back up his brother in arms.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 water walk, spectral hand, flying broom, deathwatch d100=63 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 11:28:41 PM
After wiping the ooze from his eyes, thanks to help from the rain, Emrys flies down within 50-ft of the dragon turtle and attempts to recast his spell. Thankfully the leylines are stronger here, and the magik works like it should. He then gazes at the beast to test his authenticity ... Emrys will not be made the fool with a powerful illusion.
(Leyline: 63. Casting Deathwatch.)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday August 13th, 2014 11:38:59 PM
...
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Thursday August 14th, 2014 1:16:44 AM
Zero continued to swim the two sailors towards shore. On the way he kept a watchful eye on anywhere they can be safely dropped off, like shallow water, a boat, or something of that nature.
The Scourge Round 7 (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 14th, 2014 2:25:10 AM
Rag, Zero, and Yeshua work hard to help bring fishers to land. Quick as a Squid, Zero sets two on a dock.
Evaris runs to the next boat, urging the fishers to head for shore. The suggestion is hardly needed -- they are going as fast as they can! Evaris calls his hippogriff to come to him.
Lowell, 10 ft up, flies to Grell to offer support ... and common sense?
But Grell is running north with Evaris to get to the next boat!
Emrys casts his deathwatch spell and can tell that the scourge -- indeed, everyone in range of his new magical senses -- is a living, healthy being.
Ariach and Faust, though set against the draconic monster, hold their actions for now.
Two fisher boats, one to the very north, one to the south, pull up next to a dock or jetty. Those fishers are safe, and they will be ashore next round if they run for it.
The only intact boat still on the water is the one next to Grell and Evaris.
The Scourge ignores the inquisitive Emrys and swims quickly over to a position in front of the last boat. It seems poised to attack the vessel next round.
Royston continues to gaze at the storm ahead. So close ...
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday August 14th, 2014 8:37:24 AM
...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 Thursday August 14th, 2014 1:46:42 PM
((OOC: I'm not against moving closer, in fact, I did forget to move closer. However, Faust is using Message to do his communicating, with a range of up to 170ft and up to seven people at once, changing as needed (and with the dragon isolated out for now); I'm not sure if the 7 people are able to communicate freely, but Faust will relay information he hears and deems worthy of passing ahead...
Or so I thought, reading the spell again it only mentions "whispering", which might be useless out in the sea; does it mean that normal-volume voice isn't passed through?))
He points at the dragon and says to it, in draconic: <<"Please, elaborate further. You say these men have invaded sacred dragon grounds and profaned it with their buildings; however, I am certain they never meant any ill intent and are likely not have known it was a sacred place."
"Is there any chance we can call for a truce and talk this over, without the destruction of the remaining boats?">>, he asks, as a last plead for diplomacy.
He then isolates the dragon out once again and tells everyone, or as many as he can, "I'm attempting once again to negotiate with the dragon. If it proves futile, however, I propose we draw the first blood. If it manages to destroy all the boats, we might as well not have done anything at all and, as much as they'll certainly live, the fishermen won't have their income and will likely fall into poverty."
---------------------------- Active spells:
Mage Armor 7 hours Message 70 minutes
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] d20+19=38 ; Thursday August 14th, 2014 2:23:07 PM
Evaris gets back on his hippogriff.
He addresses the Scourge in Draconic: "Your message has been received. Your mission is a success. Please, allow these folk and their boat to withdraw in peace, and I will undertake to ensure that they trouble these waters no more. Your work is done. Please, stand down."
[Diplomacy 38]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Thursday August 14th, 2014 2:49:03 PM
Yeshua is not in favor of taking on a foe in its own environment, especially one that's much stronger than them. "we have done much in saving the lives of some of those fishermen, but suicide isn't something I'm ready to do yet.. I enjoy a good fight but know when it's time to use discretion too..." The duo will keep moving towards shore and helping sailors as they go...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday August 14th, 2014 6:49:16 PM
(OOC: i thought Ariach would be closer to Grell already.)
Ariach is still on his way to Grell where he takes the hippogriff of his comrade.
"I bring these mounts to safety. But don´t start fighting without me."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Thursday August 14th, 2014 7:08:08 PM "Get over here!"Rag shouts to the sailers in the water and he does his best to help more if he can.
Wondering why that dragon looked soo skinny Rag shoulds towards his friends. "Who is hes master? Has his master treated him well for he does seem to be ill fed..."
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Thursday August 14th, 2014 10:55:50 PM
Lowell glares at his brother and flies over to him.... yet again. [AE 3] "GRELL!!!!! WE CAN'T FIGHT THE SCOURGE!!!! JUST GET OUT OF THERE!!!!" He hopes that maybe this time, his twin will listen to him. We can't possibly win in a fight with the Scourge! That idiot needs to get out of there!
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 water walk, spectral hand, flying broom, deathwatch d20+15=35 ; Thursday August 14th, 2014 11:23:03 PM
Emrys is shocked ... this dragon turtle is indeed real, very much alive, and still ignored him. How is that possible?! Do these behemoths have eyes that see? This lack of appreciation for his presence is too much to bare. As he swoops in closer and says, "Yes, yes, we're all very impressed. You call us mortals, yet our capital isn't covered in bones. Now you taunt those of great power, who tried to save you from extinction, by attacking subjects they're sworn to protect. Sir, your message besmirches the greatness of your kind and the memory of those who've fallen!"
(Diplomacy: 35, natural 20)
Jeff L Zero McHero the Giant Squid ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Friday August 15th, 2014 12:26:28 AM
Zero tipped his tentacle to the rescued sailors.
Mamma McHero was right about me. I am a good person he thought as he turned back to the open sea.
As he turned he looked for a small boat that he might drag out into open water. Perhaps the dragon would go after the boat, but that would divert the dragon's attention away from destroying the rest of the harbour. And if the dragon left the boat alone, Zero might save a few more sailors.
With or without a boat, Zero moved to save a few more sailors. He had to get to them before it was too late.
The Scourge Round 8-PLUS! (DM Cayzle) Friday August 15th, 2014 10:25:27 AM
Emrys, Evaris and Faust make valiant efforts to negotiate with the Scourge. Faust seeks a truce, and Evaris attempts to persuade the dragon that it has achieved its mission. Emrys appeals to its sense of honor.
[OOC: Each of you -- Emrys, Evaris and Faust -- please accept a 150 xp RP award for your diplomacy!]
Ariach and Lowell converge on Grell, the former to take his mount from danger; the latter to persuade him to abandon the fight.
Yeshua, hauling sailors to shore, and Lowell, yelling at his brother, both seem to think this fight is hopeless!
Rag, also helping sailors, wonders about this monster. Some seem to think it is a dragon turtle, but it is nothing like a dragon turtle that any have ever seen in the Wold before!
Maybe Lowell has convinced Grell, who seems willing to wait and watch for now.
Zero turns back to get more sailors. He ponders offering a boat as bait, but he does not get a chance to execute that plan.
And that's becaue the monster seems to be willing to listen to the wise words of Emrys, Faust, and Evaris. It answers, [b]"Well, the message is not quite YET delivered. It roars and beckons. You see that it is accompanied by 20 tiny flying lizards, who are now flying into view. They fly overhead, then head towards the town. You see that they have things in their mouths. They are very high up -- five are 100 ft up, five are 400 ft up, five are 800 ft up, and five are 1500 ft up.
This takes some time. We are out of combat rounds. The Scourge has ceased attacking boats. All the fishers are ashore, and so are the remaining boats. Off in the distance, you see a sail coming into port.
The Scourge seems to be concentrating as it watches the flying lizards overhead.
It is Royston's ship, and he will arrive on the scene in about four minutes. The tiny flying lizards will be over the town in about a half a minute.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday August 15th, 2014 10:39:39 AM
.
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk Friday August 15th, 2014 4:12:25 PM
Face set tight in anger, Grell remounts his hippogriff. Never, EVER has he failed to perform on the battlefield, but now he is being forced by his companions and his OWN brother into inaction. As if to prove his point, the Scourge unleashes the lizards. Unable to contain his pent up frustration, Grell looks over at Ariach and then shouts to the others "You may be willing to watch those things destroy this town, but I will stand still no longer! Come brother Ariach, let's do the right thing and protect this town! Taking to the skies, Grell turns pointedly to Lowell. " Brother, it is time for you to make up your mind and decide whether you are going to be a hero or not. " Then Grell races off on hot persuit of the lowest group of lizards.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple d20+14=28 ; Friday August 15th, 2014 6:51:06 PM
Rag tries to see what these Lizards are carrying... (perception 28)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 d20+18=36 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+10=21 Friday August 15th, 2014 6:52:43 PM
Yeshua and William see the flying creatures come near, and smile, as they see foes that might make a good dinner once felled...
1. They don't have any ranged weapons, but he does look at the highest building around him, trying to find somewhere they can have a good place from which to fight. They look specifically for something with sturdy walls, maybe even some extended walls about the edges, where their flanks and backs are covered from attack by flying creatures. If they can stand against a corner (inside of the corner) or wall, they will be able to fight their foes without concern about being flanked... And a higher building will bring them even closer to their foes...
2. He also tries to get a good view of the lizards, what their weapons are, what he knows about their vulnerabilities, etc....
Jeff L Zero The Dragon Horse... I think. ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 Friday August 15th, 2014 10:56:24 PM
Zero's squid body began to contort and shrink. Moments later a noble horse with shimmering hooves pulled itself from the water and took to the skies. It was a form designed for speed. A form that might allow him to follow the flying lizards.
Actions: Polymorph into Dragon horse. Follow lizards to see where they go. Fly speed = 120'
OOC: wasn't sure how to resolve poly morphing from a swimming creature to a flying creature. Could they fly from the surface of the water or would they need to climb out first? Zero was close to shore, so if need be, he'd pull himself out first, or turn into a water elemental, which can fly in water.
The Scourge Departs (DM Cayzle) Friday August 15th, 2014 11:11:40 PM
Yeshua and Rag note that the lizards are carrying ... turtle shells ... in their mouths.
Grell attacks the lowest group of five. They put up no fight, and he can easily destroy up to five of them if he wants.
Zero changes shape and flies after the aerial lizards too. He sees that they pose little to no threat, and he watches them deliver their payloads. [OOC: no prob changing from swimming to flying shape and launching from the water.]
As the flying lizards arrive over the town, they drop the turtle shells, which call to the sand, to the street, onto roofs, etc. Sometimes they break, sometimes not.
Keen-eyes Yeshua sees that the shells have some ... writing on them.
The lizards fly away in random directions after dropping their shells.
The Scourge, seeing the shells drop, swims away fast.
Royston arrives on his ship a couple minutes later.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Friday August 15th, 2014 11:45:02 PM
Lowell flinches at his brother's words. I-I...... I am trying to be a hero...... I just don't see any use in pointless fighting!!!! After watching to lizards drop their shells, Lowell flies his hippogriff over to the shore and lands. He silently looks at the shells, still hurt by what his brother said. Then, he picks up a shell and reads it.
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Friday August 15th, 2014 11:52:52 PM
Evaris has a bad feeling when he sees the lizards, and is somewhat relieved to learn that they are only carrying turtle shells. But....why turtle shells?
He flies to shore and lands his hippogriff, trying to find out what the shells say.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Saturday August 16th, 2014 3:04:23 AM
If there are no more sailors in trouble Rag too will hurry to shore to hear what the Tutle Shells have to say... The monk expects to get more info on why the dragon turtle went berserk on them...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Saturday August 16th, 2014 4:34:01 AM
It takes Ariach a little time to make his decision but than he follows his brother in arms.
"You can always count on me Grell. And if these flying lizards do any harm to the city, we will attack the sea dragon- no matter what happens with us."
The Scourge Departs - Extra Post (DM Cayzle) Saturday August 16th, 2014 7:07:34 AM
The words are engraved / carved into the chells. Most of the shells say "STURTEVANT! MEET MY TERMS OR YOUR PEOPLE WILL SUFFER!"
About a quarter of them say, "YOU HAVE THREE DAYS, OR ELSE!"
Royston docks, and the magical storm abates. People emerge from their houses. Some pick up the turtle shells. The fishers are spreading word through the town.
Jeff L Zero The Dragon Horse... I think. ĀĮ 24 (T10, FF 25)' CMD 24 d20+11=15 ; Saturday August 16th, 2014 7:59:57 AM
Zero gave up his pursuit when he saw the lizards going in different directions. Instead he turned back to help get all of the sailors out of the water.
Once everyone was safe he reverted back to his ragged dwarves form.
"Everybody okay?" He asked the sailors. "Anybody missing? Anything from the boats need salvaging? I might be able to recover some of it" he offered.
He then turned to his new companions. "Someone with honey words needs to find this fella Sturtevant. Else that Dragon thingamagiggy is going to flatten this place."
Zero picked up a shell and studied it. (Knowledge check 15)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Saturday August 16th, 2014 4:56:54 PM
Once Rag is able to grab one of the shells and read the message engraved on them he checks with his friends, and the local adventurers...
"Who's Sturtevant?", Rag asks, "Looks like he's the reason why these boats were attacked! I guess he ought to be able to answer who is behind all of this... question then will probably be... he's the good guy?!?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Saturday August 16th, 2014 11:34:31 PM
Yeshua's curious about this Sturdivant guy too... and what he did to make those creatures so mad... It makes sense to start asking some local people whay they know. ..
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] d20+7=12 ; Sunday August 17th, 2014 1:43:07 PM
Evaris has heard the name Sturtevant before; he tries to remember where. [Knowledge Local 12]
Lowell (Genevieve) HP40/40, AC 19/13/19, Water Walk Sunday August 17th, 2014 2:38:34 PM
"Hey, isn't Sturtevant the High Lord Mayor? Don't you guys remember why we came here?" Lowell looks at the members of the Vanguard, looking slightly confused. "We came here on a mission from him to stop this other guy! The Scourge is working with the guy who we came here to stop! Emrys, do you remember the other person's name?"
Grell, HP 87/87, AC 21/14/18 CMB 13, CMD 23, Water Walk Sunday August 17th, 2014 4:20:18 PM
Seeing that the little lizards are not attacking the village, Grell leaves them be. There is no honor in attacking harmless creatures. Landing his hippogriff, Grell surveys the destruction to the boats and stands with his arms clinched at his sides, not saying a word.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 42/42 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/21 d20+16=30 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=22 ; Sunday August 17th, 2014 8:49:21 PM
Faust approaches the coast, pleasantly surprised that the turtle shells are not some sort of ritual component...or are they? The drow immediately casts Detect Magic on himself and starts studying one of the shells by eye, once he comes to the conclusion they are safe, he grabs one and keeps on studying it, oblivious to what the others are doing.
Emrys ac13, hp36/37 water walk, spectral hand, flying broom, deathwatch Sunday August 17th, 2014 11:53:26 PM
Emrys steers his broom back to shore and lands in time to take a look at the shells. "Sturtevant is the High Lord Mayor of Plateau City. We met with him just the other day. And yes, Lowell, this message is definitely the handiwork of the druid named Draco. He fancies himself a dragon."
Emrys drops his shell and turns to the group. His face stained with black streaks from his eyes (looking like Alice Cooper) from wild magik running awry, he simply says, "We have our work cut out for us!" And he prays to the gods that a plan comes to him.
"A dragon, eh? He be a Shapeshifter then. A Shapeshifter like me, but more powerful. Got to be careful with Dragons though. Dragons are special. Their power gets ya. It calls to you day and night. You'll never want to walk around on two feet again, after you've been. Dragon."
"I've seen it before. I feel the calling, even now."
Evaris [Water Walk; Divine Favor] Monday August 18th, 2014 12:16:21 PM
[OOC: Is it Sturtevant, or Sturtavant? A or E?]
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday August 18th, 2014 5:32:13 PM
"What are we doing next?" Ariach demands to know from his comrades.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 51/51 - AC30/29/25 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 28/30 vs Grapple Monday August 18th, 2014 6:23:57 PM
Checking in.
"Looks like we'll be meddeling with politics then... are you sure we want to continue??"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 22 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 96/96 Monday August 18th, 2014 6:24:59 PM
Yeshua and Truman, being new to the city, also ask about this mayor who seems to have made someone powerful very angry. While waiting for the others to explain the local politics, Truman busies himself with catching and eating a small mammal that was running nearby...
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