Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Monday August 11th, 2014 11:40:32 AM
Corrections in the header. CS should be good now.
Warren G (DM in training) Monday August 11th, 2014 11:59:57 AM
Cameron's research pays off, and he finds several references to druidic magic, particularly a powerful spell that allows the user to step into a tree and out of a similar one a ways away. It doesn't seem to explain the distance that the gnolls seem to be traveling, or how anyone besides the caster can travel, but it's a start.
The trees in the grove are Cypress, and it is very strange to see them in such a dry area. Usually they are found in swamp and marsh areas. This seems to fit with the scout reports, as the gnolls often left muddy tracks, and the occasional killed gnoll scout would have plants native to swampy areas stuck in its armor. Either way, it seems like a reasonable lead to follow.
The group wakes early the next morning, excited to be off on their first mission under their own leadership. They make their way out to the stables to collect their mounts and depart. To their surprise, there is an old dwarf waiting with a mount of his own, bearing a bushy beard, scars of many battles, and a letter bearing Constance's seal.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Monday August 11th, 2014 12:41:41 PM
Waiting by a mount at the stable is a barrel-chested dwarf wearing dark platemail armor. His armor is pristine, though it is obvious it has seen a many of battle. The dwarf is older and has the look of a veteran soldier. In fact, he appears to be nearly a century old. He has a shaved head and scraggly, bushy beard that seems as if it has only started growing out in the past few months. Said beard is dark with a generous amount of grey speckled throughout. The dwarf has tan, weathered skin and dark, piercing brown eyes. The dwarves most obvious features are the many scars covering his face and hands. He has what appears to be scars from burns covering the majority of his face and head, he has a scar that appears to be a bite mark on his right cheek, and numerous white scars criss-crossing his leathery hands. His large nose is slanted to the right where it is painfully obvious it broken in quite the violent manner.
The dwarf has many weapons on his person, a well crafted dwarven waraxe on his back, with a heavy steel shield hanging there as well. At his hip is a warhammer, and a small dagger of somesort tucked at his waist. He even has a javelin on across his back.
As the Agents approach he steps forward and begins to speak.
"Bruagh Stormbringer reporting to Lance Corporal Nikolai Komonov, for reassignment to Wolf Regiment, Hurricane Company, A Troop, 1st Agents, Nikolai's Fist."
Bruagh hands the letter to Lance Corporal Komonov, takes a step back, and snaps to attention awaiting instructions.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday August 11th, 2014 4:38:45 PM
Cameron studies the new dwarf before he has a chance to speak, and his suspicions are confirmed when the dwarf announces himself. "No Way! You must be kidding that you have been assigned to our Fist. Hell I didn't even know you were IN the Mailed Fist. One of the heroes of the Battle of Drakesmeade. Wearer of the Redforge Medal of Dwarven Valor, and the only person, dwarf or otherwise I have ever heard of that killed a Magma Ooze from the inside out and lived. That Bruagh Stormbringer ?" "My Grandfather has a pair of Adamantine gauntlets forged by your father that are the most articulate gauntlets he has ever owned.He says he can pull a fire giant's beard hair out one at a time with those gauntlets on they are so well made. The rst of his armor he forged himself, but the gauntlets he trusted no one else to make but Stormbringer forges." " Where re my manners shield-brother? My name is Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper. I am the halfling fosterling of the Steelshaper clan and recently named dwarfkin by my Grandfather. You should know that the Stanewardens hold your name in high regard. They wonder when you will become one of them? What in the Wold are you doing in the Mailed Fist?" Cameron's hero worship is obvious as he scampers from the saddle and puts forth his hand to shake that of the new recruit sent to their Fist to replace Bliss.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday August 11th, 2014 5:01:23 PM
Pru is a young human woman--quite pretty, if you go for that sort of thing. Her brown hair is worn in a single long braid; she has hazel eyes. A longspear is socketed in the proper place in her military saddle, and there is a crossbow slung on her back. She wears no armor.
"I am Prudence Gundle," she says in careful Dwarven. "But my friends call me Pru. I am happy to meet you, Bruagh Stormbringer." Her smile is mischievous. "Although not as happy as Cameron."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Monday August 11th, 2014 6:49:43 PM
(Pre-meeting new guy..... will arrive fashionably late for that.)
Linden moves to tear his arm away, but the figure is fast with words as it is in motion. He stands holding the bundle, taking in the words of the Server. He doesn't have time to say anything, again, as the figure disappears. He stands there a moment and then moves off toward the Catacombs, the bundle still wrapped and a mystery.
He unwraps the bundle in route and discovers...
The rod is carved from a Whistal Tree branch, topped with a dove. He smiles for the first time in days.
(OOC: Bought 4 levels of Legacy. Posting updates and such within this post via edits.)
THINGS ------------------------------- Arriving late. He's had time to take in the strange cleric's words.
A centaur of pinto markings and bright blue eyes enters. He is carrying a burlap sack and is wearing grey garb.
"Linden Brereburr, Cleric of Flower, freshly returned from Gargul's realm, alive again." He smirks grimly. There is an aire of exuberance within the centaur, but it seems subdued.... perhaps being dead so young caused it. Perhaps something else. He carries himself well. A good looking youthful centaur of perhaps his mid twenties at the latest.
-------------------- He goes to his barracks, dons his Flower cleric robes of white and red, carrying his burlap sack and a beautifully carved rod topped with an ornate dove, he returns. "Friends, I have to appologize for my recent attitude. I don't have the words, but my actions and demeanor were unprofessional. You deserved none of it." He looks truly apologetic. Not the impish looks he usually gives when he half means it.
He looks again at the fighter before him. Stormbringer. "It looks to me as if you've seen your share of wounds. That looks like a burn scar, likely coal, molten steel or even flint. Were you a smelter or miner at one point?" Inquires the cleric.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday August 11th, 2014 7:36:26 PM
Tinker stands there for a long moment, his large backpack in one hand, staring at the dwarfen veteran. Flecks of rust streak his dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets clothes the dwarf revealing very little skin.
And then Cameron gushes out this guy's life story, and Prudence is articulate and funny. Shoot me with a crossbow now, he groans to himself. Still, with Nikolai getting an official letter from the Knight Captain, there's nothing he can do about it: the Agents finally have a real dwarf among them.
Stiffly, Tinker moves close enough to talk. "Daemar Torvalsson, at your service", he says before turning to settle his mount. Even his name demonstrating that he doesn't have enough experience to have any surname other than being the son of a father he never knew.
Tinker busies himself with getting his pony ready for travel.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday August 11th, 2014 9:09:56 PM
William stops his horse, smiles and says, "Welcome to our fist and its good to meet you. I'm William the Courageous, nephew of the great Sir Joshua the Virtuous. I"m one of our resident mage's, and I specialize in summoning help to our cause." The young 1/2 elf is a friendly, soft spoken wizard, but one who obviously won't back down from a fight. He wears a simple robe, carries a crossbow and has a few scars on his arms and face, obviously from fighting and training...
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Monday August 11th, 2014 10:00:15 PM
As everyone introduces themselves Carver waits until most are done. The redheaded young centaur walks over and offers a hand. "Carver, centaur, calvary and Paladin of Gargul. Welcome to the fist, we were two, formed into one and now we've an addition to replace one who's missing. Good to meet you, hope you're ready to travel." Carver then steps back.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday August 11th, 2014 10:44:59 PM " Linden as usual misses a point entirely unless it is the point of a gnollish sword. Magma Ooze, Linden. Way I heard the story it completely enveloped Braugh and while he was busy carving his way out, it was too busy trying to keep him in to go after his friends. Sacrificed his hair and most of his skin to keep his friends safe. Linden is our version of you Braugh, less hands on though. He tends to take hits intended for us through the grace of Flower. He keeps our hitters hitting long enough to make their hitters die first." Cameron swallows a bit, remembering how he had let his friends down recently. Regaining his composure he rambles on. " Also the master of understatement here is Tinker. If you're one of his Fist and are willing to bleed with him, he has your back until he can't stand anymore. Willing to attempt any mechanical puzzle,trap or lock too and damn likely to succeed at 'em as well. I do alot of talking, but its Tinker that keeps us all together, friends and happy." "Prudence is our fire starter, no gnoll she can't turn into a puddle of molten goo when it tries to bite her head off. She also has a good ear for making sure folks feelings don't get hurt. She's our sister for sure and no one hurts her that don't answer to us, unless she fries them first." "William over that is our bag of tricks. He pulls companions from out of thin air and they fight at his side when they can understand him. When they can't they just tend to cause more damage to the enemy than to us because they are loyal to him. He is smart too. I play at it, he lives it." "Carver is our heavy cavalry. You need a line broken, a caster run down or an evil bad guy angered, that's Carver all over." " Thumb Nikolai comes from a long line of Fist soldiers, each as tough as the next. That's not what made him our thumb though. What made him our thumb is that he genuinely cares whether or not each of us survives the fight and tries hard to make us all work together. Most days that's like herding cats, but every day he gets up and does it again. Come to think of it maybe he is insane. Whatever, it keeps us rolling as a Fist." "Then there's me. Chaotic little me. Thinking I can save the world and willing to let my friends die to do it. I didn't save the world, just a little part of it, but Linden died in the process. It wasn't the smart thing to do, it wasn't the lawful thing to do and it didn't earn me any goodwill from these guys. But they forgave me, I think, and now I have that to live up to as well. I generally try to talk our way out of things where that is an option, otherwise I will be the one standing behind you and shooting, well around you because you are bigger than me. Ask Carver, I haven't shot him in the back yet." Cameron is about three feet tall and wears the uniform of the Fist over a beautiful dwarven forged masterwork chain shirt. A quiver rests on one hip and a longsword, also dwarven made and also masterwork peeks over his shoulder. He wears a wide brimmed hat with a white plume in it and his sandy brown beard is trimmed into a neat goatee.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday August 11th, 2014 10:48:07 PM
OOC: in the middle of a Rail Barron game, getting a chance to post...
IC: Nikolai is surprised to see the scarred dwarf. At first he wonders if the commander had less faith in them than she let on, but with Cameron's reaction, he smiles. Perhaps she was just being kind to the dwarf at the same time as making sure of their success.
"Welcome to our Fist. We are honored to have such a veteran as yourself in our midst. We certainly can learn much from your experience."
Nikolai fills the newcomer in on their mission and where they were headed to. "I'll let the others fill you in on our expedition to Hornfowl and the results on our trip."
With that he gathers the rations and has them loaded up, then gives the order to move out.
Warren G (DM in training) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 12:21:23 PM
The fist greets their newest member with various levels of enthusiasm. Nikolai remains practical and appreciates his new asset while getting his fist going. Now if only he had told them where they were headed. Perhaps he still hasn't made a decision. For now, the agents head in the general direction of Hornfowl and the focus of the Mailed Fist's scouting efforts.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 12:47:31 PM
Nikolai points his column towards Hornfowl, their agreed-upon base of operations. Although so close to the Citadel, he suggests the Fist to pick their marching order. As the Thumb, he takes the lead, the rest pick their favorite spot. He does ask Bruagh to follow next to him and so the dwarf can tell the half-elf monk about himself and where he may best fit in the Fist.
Nikolai, is a half-elf of average height and looks. He wears no armor but the Mailed Fist uniform only with the emblem of their unit. His weapons are simple. A Nunchaku is stuff in his belt at the small of his back. He wears a bandolier across his chest that hold a number of shuriken. Four kamas are sheathed in small leather belts that strap to his thighs and chins and a crossbow is slung across his back. A two-colored belt cinches his waist. He rides his horse with familiarity and seems to be comfortable in his position as Thumb.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+6=25 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=22 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2014 1:28:29 PM " Thumb Nikolai, would it be possible to stop at the grove Caver had us find when we retraced the skirmish parties tracks? Something about that grove is screaming to me that it is a portal of some kind that they are using to get around. That kind of magic is up William's alley and if he can figure it out we might be a lot closer to figuring out their capabilities. At the very least it doesn't belong there and I would feel a lot safer knowing it were cut down. Retreating only to find a sizeable force at our backs would be, unsettling. " "If you would like I can lead us there, I know the way."
Assuming I do know the way I can lead the group there overland, or I can make a survival/ tracking check
Tracking 25
Survival, foraging 11 if we move at half speed ( not sure that is going to happen) I can provide for myself today, no food or water used. If everyone aids me I can provide for them if they make the aid another roll
Survival weather sense 22 Should give me an idea of the weather for the next 2 days
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Tuesday August 12th, 2014 3:29:10 PM
Before they depart, Bruagh greets each of his new fist-mates warmly. He takes a great deal of time responding to Lance Corporal Steelshaper. "I am one and the same, though I am afraid if any tales of my supposed prowess has reached your ears it has been greatly exaggerated in the telling. Just as you, I served with a fantastic team that each would have, and in many instances did lay down their life for their camrades. I have been before Gargul to petition the return of more than one friend to the mortal realm. In fact I made a deal with Gargul as a condition of my friends return. Another time, I let my anger get the best of me and Lord Gargul saw fit to smite. I could hardly walk for months after that. I am no different than any of you. In fact, I am a lower rank than each of you. Besides, I turned my back on Domi. I was once a Paladin. I though for sure he would have been up set with me, but I have met him as well. He made me see that I can still do his work even without worshiping him. But all of that is neither here nor there. All that matters is that I will be the first to fight. My goal is to take the brunt of any and every attack. I will be there when you need me."
When Thumb Komonov requests that Bruagh ride adjacent to him he eagerly complies. "I am a grunt. I follow orders. When no orders are present or when my opinion is asked I will lead or offer up suggestions. I am a frontline warrior who fully intends to bear the full assault of any attacks upon our Fist. My job is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy through swift and brutal force, and to repel the enemy assault through combat and manuevers."
"I prefer to be in the very front or very rear of the formation, as those are where most ambushes and assaults we come from. However, I am also capable of holding a position and protect casters, and ranged combatants should the situation warrant it."
"I am getting old, so I am not as fast on the battlefield as I once was, but I strike hard, and I can take a beating."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 5:54:19 PM
Pru takes her customary position in the middle of the group, probably stirrup-to-stirrup with William so as to keep the two squishy casters together. She chats amiably with her Fist-mates, but doesn't offer anything to the strategic discussion.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=12 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2014 8:36:17 PM
Tinker doesn't say much, just moving to the rear of the column to keep watch on the group's back trail. Once they are away from the Citadel, he loads his crossbow and keeps a scan out.
Privately, Tinker blushes into his beard to hear Cameron talk about him. Tinker didn't think he was anything special, just taking care of his shield-mates.
William, not one for direct melee, takes his usual position in the middle of the group. He prefers the supporting role, bringing in help wherever needed... He'll let the burly types handle the hand to hand combat and he'll nod and smile at Prudence, staying near his friend, knowing that they are the most vulnerable to attack and protection in numbers...
While they travel, he can cast cantrips or small summonings to help Cameron forage for game, etc... (Survival Aid Another = 12)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+14=32 ; Tuesday August 12th, 2014 10:00:20 PM
Linden stands quietly, taking in the new arrival's personality.
(Sense Motive 32, does he seem to be boasting or telling the truth?)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday August 12th, 2014 11:59:45 PM
Carver listens and when ready moves out....
(will post more tomorrow, just got home at 11:59)
Warren G (DM in training) Wednesday August 13th, 2014 11:08:56 AM
The fist has no problems finding their way back to the cypress grove, as the trees stick out of the otherwise flat landscape like a sore thumb. The weather is pleasant enough as they travel, and they take a somewhat leisurely pace, supplementing their rations as they travel.
The cypress stand is just as strange as before. Looking at the ground, it appears to be wetter than the countryside they have been traveling through. Something isn't right about this grove, though what it is is yet to be determined.
Knowledge Nature/Survival/Perception DC 22 (-1 per 30 feet away from the grove)
(Make it known if you pass this check!)
Marching Order (let me know if adjustments are necessary) 1) Nikolai 2) Bruagh 3) Cameron 4) Pru 5) William 6) Linden 7) Carver 8) Tinker
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=8 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+1=4 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 11:34:51 AM
Cameron dismounts and bow and arrow ready, examines the grove again. His hackles are standing up, something is not right about this place. It shouldn't exist. Now he needs to find out why. Knowledge Nature 8 Survival 24 Perception 22 2nd Knowledge Nature 4 Cameron's keen survival sense sees the bones in the undergrowth and his sharp eyes spot the lurking vines. No nature scholar though, the halfling ranger has no idea what the vines are, only that they can kill him. " 'Ware those vines! They are meat eaters for sure though I can't tell how they do their work or how to kill them." Cameron gets the sinking feeling that they grapple their prey and remembers the strong grip of the Flinds that ended his skirmish with the gnoll raiders. Without a second thought he speaks a few arcane words and casts grease on himself, making the vine's job that much harder should it try to grab him. Ready a missile weapon, aborted to cast Grease. "A creature wearing greased armor or clothing gains a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks and combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple, and to their CMD to avoid being grappled."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday August 13th, 2014 12:20:46 PM
Pru approaches cautiously with the rest of her Fist, staying with the group and not wandering off alone. Her ordinary senses are pretty much useless here, but, given her Fist-mates' unease, she decides to see if there are magical auras about. She casts a spell and looks around her.
[OOC: Pru doesn't even have a mathematical chance at those checks, so she casts Detect Magic instead.]
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+2=21 ; d20+2=8 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 12:38:29 PM
Carver keeps a bit of distance (30 feet) and on alert, his lance and shield ready in case he need to assault something or anything... He'll let those more skillful at these matters, handle it. Carver knows his strengths for the most part, and skillful interpretation of nature is not amongst those skills.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+8=11 ; d20+6=24 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 6:29:33 PM
At Cameron's call, William looks towards the vines... he doesn't recognize anything from a natural perspective (Know Nature = 11), but he something about them catches his eye (Perception 24) (William's perception beat the check...)...
He'll call out what he sees and prepare to react based upon whatever it is he notices...
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+5=15 ; d20+3=8 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 6:46:31 PM
(Survival 15, Perception 8)
Linden is trying to pay attention but is drawn into his new Whistle rod. He avoids tripping.
When they reach the grove, Linden casts Status on Nikolai. Status (Nik, 3 hrs duration)
Cleric of Flower Wednesday August 13th, 2014 7:06:38 PM
(Linden, I dont have permissions to view THINGS.)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=27 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+9=16 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 7:10:13 PM
Active Spells: Status 3hrs.
Deeming 20' a safe enough distance, Nikolai halts and has everyone use what they are good at to study the area. He's better at tracking than plantology but studies the area and misplaced trees as best he can.
Alerted to the vines and the bones inside, Nikolai ponders out loud, "I wonder if that happened as the creatures were leaving or entering?"
He looks for any fresh tracks leading into the viney area. Survival (Track) +9 = 16
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20+5=6 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 7:52:12 PM
Bruagh hears what the group is saying and takes their word for it. However, he doesn't see anything out of place. Nonetheless, he readies his axe and shield stays beside Nikolai.
Suvrival: 6 (Natural 1)
Linden would have also realized that Bruagh seemed to be being honest about his previous experiences.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=26 ; Wednesday August 13th, 2014 9:10:51 PM
Tinker keeps his distance while privately wondering if his friend has gone around the bend. Carnivorous vines indeed! It is more likely that gnolls used the place to hide themselves and threw the bones away. Still, Tinker doesn't know about such things so he keeps his mouth shut and eyes open, scanning the area around the grove to ensure the team isn't ambushed.
.................
Percoeption 26
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Wednesday August 13th, 2014 9:25:24 PM
(OOC: Should have permissions now. Put it public again.)
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Thursday August 14th, 2014 11:56:49 AM
OOC: Checking in. Busy day. I may not get another chance to post.
Warren G (DM in training) Thursday August 14th, 2014 12:06:59 PM
The unusually perceptive fist easily see the camouflaged vines before they draw within range. The group spreads out about 30 feet from the grove and decides what to do. Despite the expected leavings, they do not actually see any bones on the ground. Either it has been a long time since their last meal, or the vines are newly arrived, which seems likely as they didn't see them on their previous visit.
Nikolai sees signs of tracks of various ages around the grove and headed off in all directions, but sees nothing especially fresh, at least without getting closer.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday August 14th, 2014 3:41:33 PM
OOC I may have overreacted ( who, me?). I thought I was way closer and in imminent danger. Now I am just waiting for the boss to come up with a plan. 8) Slippery halfling out
DM OOC You were only in danger if you had said you were going into the grove - the perception checks caught it from 60 feet off, so yes, I'm also waiting on the plan =)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday August 14th, 2014 4:24:21 PM
The cleric maintains his view of everyone in the party.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=11 ; Thursday August 14th, 2014 5:54:44 PM
Tinker keeps an eye out on everything but the grove; with the rest of the Fist concentrated there, any surprise is likely to come from the countryside. But that leaves his mind free and he thinks about this puzzle.
"We been close here before, right? And these trees, swamp, and vines weren't here before, right? So it makes sense that it is protecting something. Maybe a gnoll den?"
His thoughts make his eyes not work very well.
.....................
Perception: 11
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Thursday August 14th, 2014 8:26:44 PM "We've been here before, at least 3 of us have. These look like the same trees, but I sure don't remember a swampy area or the vines, because we explored the copse fairly well. We even searched for hidden tunnels and such. Cameron might remember more about it. Pru, just a question, think your fire would do anything to the growth?" Carver just asks the question get an answer, not trying usurp the Thumb's position.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday August 14th, 2014 8:39:03 PM
"I think I remember."
DM Ken Thursday August 14th, 2014 9:10:46 PM
You certainly searched the area. The Trees were here, but the ground was not so damp. Nor were the thorny vines here either, that you can remember.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday August 14th, 2014 9:31:42 PM
OOC: Pru cast Detect Magic, what was the result?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday August 14th, 2014 11:03:56 PM
Nikolai is not keen on wasting time searching an area that has already been searched and proved unfruitful, especially if there are dangerous vines involved.
"I see no fresh tracks around the area, a sign that this grove has not been used since the battle with the circus and Cameron. We need to find a fresh grove with fresh tracks. If Pru wishes to test these vines against her fire, I'm all for it. Best know what we can do to fight them when we are not busy fighting something else. Otherwise I suggest keep on moving to Hornfowl. Their scouts may have seen similar, but fresher, grove of trees."
So, unless Pru wants to play with the vines, Nikolai points the column to Hornfowl.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+6=12 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d6=1 ; Thursday August 14th, 2014 11:13:34 PM " Well, if we are going to leave a possible point for them to transoprt to here, behind us, we may as well leave the vines there unmolested. I doubt they care what or who they eat, and unsuspecting gnolls transporting in probably taste just fine to them. I'd say don't burn them if we are leaving the grove standing." Cameron heads back to his horse and mounts up, ready to go. On the way to the horse though he has a look for tracks too. Tracking 12 Seeing very little of use, he mounts up and prepares his bow for danger. Perception 17 ready my bow. Fire if we are attacked or Cameron manages to spot an ambush in the making Hit AC 25 for 2 damage if conditions for the readied action go off +1 to hit and damage if the opponent is within 30 feet.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 15th, 2014 12:53:02 AM
Responding to Carver, Pru says. "Probably. Most plants don't like being set on fire."
Pru continues to concentrate on her Detect Magic spell.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Friday August 15th, 2014 3:08:55 AM
Bruagh, axe and shield at the ready, follows Thumb Komonov's direction to move out.
Warren G (DM in training) Friday August 15th, 2014 11:01:21 AM
Pru's spell detect an aura of moderate strength in the grove, behind where the vines are resting. (knowledge arcana to determine the school).
Warren G (DM in training) Friday August 15th, 2014 11:25:44 AM
The fist contemplates burning down the grove, attempting to destroy the vines that way, as well as all the other trees, animals, and insect life contained within.
Prudence's concentration shows her one magical aura, tucked behind the assassin vines.
Nikolai is ready to investigate other possibilities, and the rest of the fist follows his lead, being alert for any danger.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday August 15th, 2014 12:21:48 PM
William consider their options and says, "Burning it down might be our best bet rather than fighting it later. On the other hand I hate to kill the wild life behind it. I'm also curious where that aura's coming from. Is there a way we can destroy the vines another way?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+8=9 ; Friday August 15th, 2014 2:23:53 PM
Pru concentrates on the aura for a minute, then shakes her head. "There's something back there, but I don't know what," she concludes. "Maybe William should try?" [Knowledge Arcana 9]
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=20 ; Friday August 15th, 2014 3:32:21 PM " Well good old manual destruction would chop them up. That usually kills most things." Cameron hadn't thought to detect magic on the grove the last time they had visited. After all they were just trees right? But Prudence usually isn't wrong when it comes to magic, so Cameron utters a few words and concentrates on the grove and tries to tell what type of magic Prudence is sensing. Cast detect magic Knowledge Arcana 20
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Friday August 15th, 2014 4:56:31 PM
Bruagh near the others incase he needs to do some landscaping. He leaves the determination of the magical aura to the more arcane inclined individuals of the Fist.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Friday August 15th, 2014 5:15:49 PM "Wait a moment.... Now one of you mentioned about druids using trees to move from location to another. Don't those tree need to be the same to travel from one to the other? If so, we just need to find the area where this grove is native to. If we find that, we find where the druid is traveling from and bringing the Gnolls with him. So if we can get a branch or something and find someone to direct where it's native to, we got a place to search."
Warren G (DM in training) Friday August 15th, 2014 6:27:39 PM
Adding his arcane energies to the task, William is able to detect a moderate conjuration aura back in the trees.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday August 15th, 2014 6:38:23 PM
"Burning would just bring gnolls down on us. They would see the smoke or flame."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Friday August 15th, 2014 6:43:14 PM
Now that he's found out as much as he can about it (assuming we've spent 3+ rounds trying to find out more about it), he'll suggest, "Shall I summon a small creature to try to set off the trap (if it is one), or does someone have Mage Hand memorized and maybe that might give us some info on it? Whatever we decide, it's back a ways in the tree and we're going to have to go through those branches to get through it... I like the idea of doing some landscaping on them, maybe cutting them back far away or using some directed fire to burn them a bit at a time? "
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 15th, 2014 7:00:18 PM " Wonders will never cease. Someone finally heard something I said. The trees are native to swamps, much like the Cursed Swamp where the Mailed Fist supposes the Gnolls are coming from. The research I did though says that the druid spell requires a very powerful caster and they can only move a half dozen people other than themselves. So unless they are running a shuttle service back and forth they have some other new magic, but I'll wager a fair amount that it uses the groves of trees." " Research pays off. Apparently so does knowing a little bit about everything. Now all we need to do is find this super strong Gnoll druid and figure out how he's doing it. Think of the mobility the Fist could gain. Good thing as Agents we are able to ignore orders in order to achieve the ends the Fist asks for. Buying him and what he knows will probably be alot easier than catching him."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 15th, 2014 7:01:42 PM
OOC Can the vines be reached from the ground?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Friday August 15th, 2014 11:47:45 PM
The new information, that is, the detection of some magical emanations from behind the vines, causes Nikolai to pause. His friends comment on the unusual trees, or trees found outside their normal growth area, and their obvious use.
"I don't think we need to worry about animals if we burn the grove down, the vines are likely going to nab any animals that stray too close. Nor am I concerned if a smoke draws any gnolls. That actually would be better for us, as we would be prepared for them and hopefully capture one get some information from him. But I am most curious about what is linked to that magic emanation. It isn't the vines themselves, but something dropped from something the vines captured."
He pauses and remembers the scroll of Command Plants. "We have that scroll of Command Plants. I don't recall anyone of us being able to use the scroll. Am I right?"
William suggest summoning a creature and sending it in. Nikolai thinks on it. "It looks like we are pretty much all in agreement the grove should be destroyed, if for no other reason than to deprive the gnolls one more entry point. I myself don't want a vine as this to remain and perhaps kill and eat untold number of innocent little rabbits and squirrels and such. William, sending a summoned creature in there to trigger the vine to attack is a good idea. I hate to think to sacrifice a creature in this manner but I certainly don't intend to send one of us in first," he grins.
So, he has the Fist prepare for battle against the vines, if all are in agreement.
"Pru, can you cast some hot fire at the vines first, then William, bring in a creature that can rend vines? Then we all jump in with sharp weapons and chop it up. Sounds simple enough."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday August 16th, 2014 12:47:34 AM
"If there were animals, there would likely be remains and there aren't."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=24 ; d20+6=17 ; d8+2=6 ; Saturday August 16th, 2014 8:15:01 AM
Tinker opens his mouth and then shuts it again, the Thumb has a plan. Won't help by putting in his two coppers at this point, so he prepares to help. Getting off his pony and ground tethering the beast, Tinker uncocks and stows the crossbow, then unlimbers his masterwork double-weapon, the Dwarven Urgosh.
Having a battle dance with carnivorous vines means he needs to be at his acrobatic best, so he goes over a bit of minor magic his gnomish foster-father taught him; Toro's Taur's Try. Walking forward with Prudence to shield the bean pole, he readies his Urgosh to chop a vine that attacks either of them. .................
Walking next to Prudence Perception 24
READY ACTION: Chop at any vine that attacks Prudence or Tinker: AC 17 Dam 6
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Saturday August 16th, 2014 9:30:43 PM
Nikolai goes over the plan so there's no mix-up: Pru casts Burning Hands while William summons a friend.
William's friend pops in and goes after the vines.
We fighter types jump in and finish the vines off.
Pretty simple. What can go wrong?
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20+8=19 ; d10+10=16 ; Saturday August 16th, 2014 10:36:22 PM
Bruagh sets up right beside Pru. He readies himself to attack any hostile creature that moves within range.
Readied Action: Attack Hostile Creature that moves within range. Attack: 19 Damage: 16
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d100=28 ; Saturday August 16th, 2014 10:59:29 PM " I, um, will be back here, next to Pru I can see and shoot them from here just fine. If things go really wrong and you can't break free, I might be able to help you, just don't resist anything I cast on you." Same readied shot info as before Hit AC 25 (AC 26 if within 30') for 2 damage (3 damage if within 30') 28% is my roll to miss if they have concealment.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Sunday August 17th, 2014 12:18:45 AM
"I can watch out for anyone going in, if I can see them." He hopes his SacBond still works.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Sunday August 17th, 2014 12:15:33 PM
"Um," Pru hesitates as the plan begins to take shape. "Um...you want the Burning Hands spell? I have to be pretty close for that. Does anybody know what kind of reach these things have?"
"I mean, I'd prefer to use my elemental ray. I can only hit one plant at a time, which is a drawback, but I can do it from back here."
[OOC: Burning Hands is a 15-foot cone. That puts Pru awfully close. She'll do it if that's the best course of action; she just wants to make sure it is.]
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Sunday August 17th, 2014 3:16:23 PM " I dunno Pru, those vines look pretty long. I'd do what you said and fight one at a time. With it so wet I'm not sure even magical fire will light them up at first."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Sunday August 17th, 2014 8:06:52 PM
"I can protect you from damage Pru. Also give you some armor of sorts."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday August 17th, 2014 9:49:09 PM "Sorry, Pru, I thought your Burning Hands had a greater reach. Use what you think best for your safety," Nikolai admits.
Warren G (DM in training) Monday August 18th, 2014 12:08:23 PM
The party discusses various methods of dealing with the vines. Everything from fire, to rays, to crossbow bolts, to magical commands is put on the table. At the moment, they sit comfortably out of reach of all but the tallest soldiers (10 feet up), but who knows how they will react to prodding. It's hard to tell what kind of reach they have as they sit coiled up, seemingly mocking the party with their pretended innocence.
All that's left is for someone to choose a method or attack and act upon it...
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday August 18th, 2014 1:01:22 PM " So what's our plan? Are we going to destroy the grove to find out what the magic emanation is? Are we going to leave the grove and the vines and just get the magic emanation? Or are we going to do something totally different?" "If we leave the grove I say we leave the vines as a trap for the gnolls. If we want to know what the magic thing is in there I am already greased up and if I was somehow shielded from notice, say by a Sanctuary prayer I could probably walk right in and get the thing that's magic and leave without them being the wiser." "Or we can shoot, hack and burn the whole place down." "What are we doing?"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Monday August 18th, 2014 2:16:55 PM "It may not be an item, but a location or a larger object, like say a tree. I'm not really equipped for vegetation and will deny the fact that I'm going to be using my two-handed sword as a weed wacker." Carver draws his greatsword and is ready to chop down whatever is decided on.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+6=11 ; d6+3=7 ; Monday August 18th, 2014 2:30:33 PM
"I believe the plan is to take out the vines, which are dangerous, and leave the rest of the grove for now. Certainly until we deal with those vines we can't get close enough to examine anything. And I believe we've learned all we can from here."
Since the plan seems to be going forward, Pru dismounts, keeping a hand on her horse's bridle. Almost without thinking of it, she reaches for a bit of arcane flux and channels it through her pointing finger. A streak of fire races toward the closest vine.
[Hit Touch AC 11 for 7 points of fire damage.]
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Monday August 18th, 2014 5:16:57 PM
Bruagh keeps his above listed readied action.
"What ever we do, I have your back."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday August 18th, 2014 6:30:04 PM
William casts SM 1 and summons an eagle to appear near the vines but hopefully out of the way of Pru's ray, and directs it to attack them with its vicious talons and beak...
(Augmented Celestial Eagle, 6/6 rounds)...
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Monday August 18th, 2014 6:46:21 PM
OOC. Checking in
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday August 18th, 2014 7:36:13 PM
Tinker keeps ready to support Prudence.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20-6=4 ; d6+3=7 ; Monday August 18th, 2014 9:56:42 PM
Nikolai dismounts and readies his kama (slashing weapon). Readied action: Attack +6 = 16 * rolled -6 by accident. dmg = 7
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Tuesday August 19th, 2014 2:47:27 PM
Checking in... adding in rolls from last week for the readied action.
Readied Action: Attack Hostile Creature that moves within range. Attack: 19 Damage: 16
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Tuesday August 19th, 2014 5:52:53 PM
OOC. Checking in.
Warren G (DM in training) d20+9=27 ; d8+9=16 ; Tuesday August 19th, 2014 6:23:18 PM
Pru's ray strikes true on the plant, but it doesn't seem to react to the fire at all. Perception DC 15Highlight to display spoiler: {The vine appears to have suffered no damage.}
However, when the eagle pops into existence, one of the vines leaps into life and pounds it to pulp, and it pops out of existence almost as quickly as it appeared. Hit the eagle for 16 damage. Everyone watches the vine go back to its resting position, seemingly disappointed by the lack of a solid meal, and clutches their weapons a bit more tightly. As nothing seems to be in reach, there is no further movement from the vines.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=26 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=27 ; d6+2=6 ; d6+2=4 ; d6+11=13 ; Tuesday August 19th, 2014 7:03:08 PM
Perception 26 [b]" Huh, a flame retardant plant. What will nature come up with next? That fire bolt didn't even leave a mark, and the bird got smashed before it even finished materializing. So we still killing the vines or are we gonna try sneaking into the grove to find out what that magic emanation is.
If Combat is still the path we are on.... Cameron steps up to the 30' mark and starts firing at the vines. Rapid shot and point blank shot in effect. first shot hits AC 12 for 6 damage second shot hits AC 27 for 4 damage
If Stealth and speed are the path we take.... Cameron waits for a sanctuary prayer and then moves into the grove seeking out the source of the conjuration aura in the trees. He counts on his stealth and slipperiness to keep him safe. Stealth 13 (yay)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+6=25 ; d20+8=23 ; Tuesday August 19th, 2014 8:46:03 PM
William sees the plant react and eat his summoned creature... He tries to discern more about it's properties from that attack and its resistance to fire...
Perc - 25 Know (Nature) - 23
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday August 19th, 2014 9:03:38 PM "Fire is our most effective weapon against most things, and if these plants are that resistant to fire, I'd avoid them for now, we should search out around and see if there are more groves like this one. If we find them, we can then set scouts to set off an alarm and bring whatever force the Mailed Fist deems appropriate to handle the gnolls. That's just my suggestion, and it fits with our orders too."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 19th, 2014 9:53:20 PM
Pru can't hide her disappointment when the plants prove immune to her fire spells.
"I do have the Magic Missile spell," she says. "That hurts most things. But if we want to look around like Carver suggested, that's fine, too."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=13 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday August 19th, 2014 10:19:43 PM
Perc +11 = 13 Knowledge (Nature) +5 = 11
Nikolai was focusing too hard on the spot hit by the fire that he missed much of anything else. "Well, no one stepped up with a Sanctuary spell, and I'm not so sure that would work to deceive a plant. Seems like it works off of movement, whereas the Sanctuary spell works off deceiving the mind of the opponents. I don't think this plant has a 'mind', as such. Now acid probably would hurt it if fire won't."
He rubs his chin and thinks out loud, "It could be that the magical emanation is the focal point of the teleportation. If so, we need only destroy or remove it and not harm the trees. On the other hand, it could be the life force of this vine. If so, we might as well leave it. I suggest leaving this grove as is for now. We are bound to find another and we can compare its properties with this one. At that point we can decide if we need to return with more potent stuff to kill it, like a weed poison or such."
Nikolai looks at his friends for agreement. Depending on what Cameron's arrows do, the others may want to stay and plink at it until death overcomes it. He's decided, though, that if the arrows showed little or no damage, then they'll move on.
OOC: DM, Nikolai will issue the order to move on to Hornfowl if the arrows prove relatively ineffective.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday August 19th, 2014 10:23:01 PM
Tinker considers, and then says "if this is a transport forest, perhaps we can keep looking around the countryside, and find other transport areas."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 19th, 2014 10:25:40 PM " So shoot it then?" Cameron fires at the vines using the above shots. Cameron steps up to the 30' mark and starts firing at the vines. Rapid shot and point blank shot in effect. first shot hits AC 12 for 6 damage second shot hits AC 27 for 4 damage
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Wednesday August 20th, 2014 11:53:01 AM "What we need to find out, I think, is if it immune to just fire, or magic in general. A plant that won't burn just ain't natural." Bruagh seems as if he would be more comfortable just taking his axe to the thing as opposed to anything else.
Readied Action: Attack Hostile Creature that moves within range. Attack: 19 Damage: 16
Warren G (DM in training) Wednesday August 20th, 2014 12:15:43 PM
William takes a moment to ponder on the nature of plants, and remembers that due to their high moisture content, they are equally resistant to fire and ice, and even less affected by electricity. He watches its movements as well, and worries that if anyone approaches that it may try to entangle them, choking their life out slowly.
One of Cameron's arrows strikes true, and a small amount of greenish fluid seeps out of the puncture site. The question is, does one small halfling have enough arrows to take down two of these monstrous vines?
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=14 ; d20+8=11 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2014 1:53:16 PM
OOC The answer, Hell yeah! Besides his quiver, Cameron has an extra 100 arrows on his horse, has since they were sent to Hornfowl the first time when they were told they would be defending the place from a siege. Sieges last forever and he went prepared. Besides, almost everyone here has a missile weapon of some kind. IC " They are tricky to hit, but they bleed. And if they bleed they can be killed. Shall I proceed?" If the answer is yes, Cameron continues his barrage. The three foot tall ranger keeps pulling fresh arrows from his quiver and firing at the vines. first arrow hits AC 14 for 7 damage Second arrow hits AC 11 for 8 damage, (yes I am pretty sure that one misses) If it is no he waits for other instructions.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+4=21 ; d8+3=10 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2014 5:05:05 PM "I can add my bow fire as well, if you need me to. Doing this at range might work for this one, but I imagine we'll run out of arrows if we fine too many more of these groves and they are inhabited by these living creeper vines." Carver switches to his bow and will add his shots to Cameron's.
Bow attack 21, damage 10
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20+5=24 ; d8=6 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2014 6:00:54 PM
Bruagh pulls out his longbow and fires at the plant.
Attack: 24 Damage: 6
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Wednesday August 20th, 2014 7:54:24 PM
"These vines are not natural. They need to be purged." However, Linden seems intent on heading to Hornfowl. "I can't do anything magical against this plant."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=21 ; d8=1 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2014 7:55:18 PM
Tinker moves back to exchange his dwarven Urgosh with his crossbow and also begins shooting at the vine.
Aiming at the center of the vine, he fires a XBow bolt at it...
Hit AC 24 (Crit - Chk is 25, yep!) for 8 pts dmg
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+7=15 ; d8+1=3 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday August 20th, 2014 10:27:22 PM "Cameron, how long does your Grease spell last? Can you cast it again on me?" Nikolai asks.
Seeing that pointy weapons do damage it, he adds a crossbow bolt to the frey, stepping up t 30': MW Xbow +5 +1 (MW) +1 (feat) = 15 DMG d8+1 = 3
However, he thinks that after this volley, if the vine still seems rather healthy, they'll have to employ tougher measures of move on.
Perc +11 to determine damage done so far = 22 Knw Nature +5 for same thing = 22
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday August 20th, 2014 10:38:42 PM " I can cast it twice more today and it lasts for about two minutes. If the melee crew are going to rush in I would prefer to hold it to grease up anyone that gets wrapped up rather than only be able to protect a couple of you. Unless 2 more is all we are sending?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 2d4+2=4 ; Thursday August 21st, 2014 10:16:46 AM
Pru retrieves her crossbow, but it's going to take her a bit to get it loaded.
In the meantime, she casts Magic Missile. Two glowing orbs fly at the vine.
[4 damage.]
Warren G (DM in training) Thursday August 21st, 2014 11:52:43 AM
Between the multitude of flying bits of wood with a sprinkling of magic missiles, the foremost vine is easily finished off, and drops to the ground oozing sap from many puncture wounds. It will no longer cause trouble for anyone. While the volleys are being launched, the second vine seems to see a similar fate in its future and slowly retreats farther into the grove to take advantage of the natural cover. The fist quickly loses track of its exact position, but it seemed to be going in the direction of the magical aura that the party's spells detected.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Thursday August 21st, 2014 1:13:44 PM " Oh no you don't." " I'll draw it out, the rest of you kill it." Cameron runs into the trees attempting to to either beat the vine to the magic spot or make it attack him so that the others can shoot at it. Double move (map icon adjusted)
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Thursday August 21st, 2014 7:14:44 PM
Bruagh, not willing to let the halfling steal all the action follows him in.
Double Move to keep up with Cameron as best he can.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=21 ; d8=8 ; Thursday August 21st, 2014 10:20:34 PM
Tinker groans. The one person with magic to beat the monster vine is the first one into the woods! Tinker reloads and readies a shot if the vine strikes at Cameron or Braugh.
.......
Move action: reload light crossbow
Standard action: ready to shoot if vine attacks Cameron. Or Braugh
AC 21 dam 8
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday August 21st, 2014 10:27:59 PM "WAIT!" Nikolai yells at Cameron. "You just said you'd cast the Grease on who gets caught in the vines! How are you going to do that if you are in the thick of it?" Nikolai sounds a little exasperated.
He is reminded of how easy their unit acts upon rash impulse rather than joint plans of attack. It was immediately obvious that missile fire in the grove of trees would be difficult at best, but now only Cam has the slippery qualities and two more slippery warriors in there would have been real handy.
"Men, er, and women, a concentrated attack at this point is the best action. Get your sharpies out and have at it!"
With that, and a kama in each hand, Nikolai follows in, keeping up with Cameron.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday August 21st, 2014 11:41:55 PM
"Someone just attack the damn thing. I'll protect and heal them. Who is going? Grease is a good idea, by the way. Cam or Nik are the best for this I think." Says the cleric. "Wasting arrows is a bad idea this early into our mission."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 22nd, 2014 12:07:04 AM
Pru slings her crossbow back onto her back and cautiously follows Nikolai.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+6=21 ; 2d6+4=9 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 12:12:03 AM
Carver switches back to his greatsword and rushes in, ready to hack at the vines.
Attack 21 Damage 9
(sorry been asleep since 4pm, no idea why I'm so tired)
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 22nd, 2014 12:22:21 AM
OOC PSSST, your icons are yours to move, like always. (Not meant for Zack since this is his first fight with us that has a map. For Zack, we are supposed to move our icons on the map, just click and drag to where you move to. The DM then does his best to assess AoO) Which brings up a good question, can we trail a line to denote moved through squares to make that easier? Warren, Ken?
DM Ken Friday August 22nd, 2014 4:09:34 AM
(Thats fine if you want.)
agreed - if you don't post a line, i'll assume you moved straight
Warren G (DM in training) d20+9=17 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 1:24:34 PM
Once the larger part of the fist runs into the grove, the pursued vine seizes its moment. However, it could not make it past Carver's armor.
Everyone but Tinker and Linden make a perception check.
Another sections of the plants around the tree that Nikolai is next to animates itself and tries to wrap themselves around the monk. Nikolai make a Reflex Save - DC 15 or be Entangled.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday August 22nd, 2014 2:17:14 PM
Casts Bless from the scroll.
Nik (Status) Everyone (Bless)
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+3=8 ; d20+6=10 ; 2d6+4=9 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=20 ; d6+3=6 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 4:26:30 PM
Carver sees the vine attack him, he takes a swing at it as well as trying to stomp on it.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=27 ; d20+10=12 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 4:53:03 PM
Cameron moves another 15 feet into the grove and defensively starts looking for the magical aura. Perception (asked for by DM) 27 Perception (looking for the aura's source) 12
Greased-- Cameron is under the effects of Grease ( in a nutshell, 10 harder to grapple) 15 rounds remaining Blessed-- Cameron is under the effects of Bless (+1 morale to hit and fear saves) 10 rounds remaining Fighting defensively (searching defensively?) +2 dodge bonus to AC Underfoot--Assuming the vine is bigger than small Cameron gains his underfoot bonus to AC +1 dodge bonus to AC. Dodge bonus is figured into CMD so his CMD vs Grapple should be 30 for the time being
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=11 ; d8=5 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 7:09:23 PM
Tinker doesn't see anything attack Cameron and so moves up to a better vantage point near the 'dead' vine. The animated plantlife near Nikolai is easy to see and he takes aim and lets fly with a crossbow bolt.
.....................
AC 11 Dam 5
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20+8=18 ; d10+10=18 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 9:53:58 PM
OOC: Where is said map?
IC: Bruagh moves towards the nearest plant and sets to work.
Attack: 18 Damage: 18
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+9=26 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+3=17 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+3=11 ; d6+3=7 ; Friday August 22nd, 2014 11:34:09 PM
Active Spells: Status (3hrs) Reflex +9 vs DC15 = 26 Perc +11 = 21
Nikolai takes the northern route around the tree in front of him to hit the vine from the west side. As he makes the corner a vine slithers out at him. He nimbly evades the sluggish vine.
Can't have a stray vine bothering them so he stays put and strikes out with his kamas: Flurry of Blows (kama) Att1 +3 = 17 +1(bless)= 18 dmg = 7+1 = 8 Att2 +3 = 11 +1(bless)= 12 dmg = 7+1 = 8
added OOC: forgot the bless, added now
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday August 23rd, 2014 12:28:38 AM
OOC. Don't forget bless folks.
He aims at the vine with his xbow and fires again...
Hit AC 13 for 7 pts dmg
(WIll be unloaded at the end of this round, since had to use a move action to keep up with group...)
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Saturday August 23rd, 2014 11:22:27 AM
OOC Map was in the first DM combat post. You can also find it in your recent Google Drive items.
Pru is finding it difficult to get a clear shot, so she just lets fly another burst of Magic Missiles.
[The vine by Nikolai and Tinker takes 9 damage]
Warren G (DM in training) d20+9=24 ; d8+9=16 ; d20+13=27 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 1:52:23 PM
Linden prays for guidance for himself and his allies (Bless - 50 foot burst. in your current position, it will miss Pru, Cameron, and Nikolai. Would you like to move first?)
Carver's weapon fails to connect, but one of his flailing hooves takes a chunk out of the vine. Bruagh and Nikolai step in close and deliver strikes of their own, followed shortly thereafter by a burst of magic from Pru. The vine drops to the ground, just in time for a third, noticed at the last second by Cameron, to drop down and attack after a failed attempt to entangle Nikolai.
Perhaps Cameron is distracted by the magical emanations near to him, as he gets walloped over the head by the vine, though thanks to his slippery coating, the vine can't get a good hold on him. (16 damage to Cameron).
The magical emanations seem to be coming from a large plant that is entwined around one of the cypress trees. As he investigates it, blood from his head wound falls onto the plant, which seems to pulse and glow as the blood is absorbed.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 26/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+8=23 ; d20+8=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 2:36:25 PM " OUCH! HEY, THAT'S MY HAT! And a good portion of my scalp." Whines Cameron. He is right beneath the vine and knows that anything he does will likely make it strike again. He does warn the rest of the Fist though. " No area attacks and DO NOT trample the spot here next to me. It is a magical plant of some kind and I think it is the key to how they teleport from place to place. Now as for you Mr. Vine..." His message delivered he attempts to finish the job at hand, a little gardening. He aims and fires at the vine point blank. Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot (because technically it is in melee with all kinds of people) and Rapid Shot in effect. Arrow 1 hits AC 24 for 7 damage Arrow 2 hits AC 21 for 7 damage All of this assuming the AoO doesn't kill me or grapple me, bless not added.
Greased-- Cameron is under the effects of Grease ( in a nutshell, 10 harder to grapple) 14 rounds remaining Underfoot--Assuming the vine is bigger than small, Cameron gains his underfoot bonus to AC +1 dodge bonus to AC. Dodge bonus is figured into CMD so his CMD vs Grapple should be 28 for the time being
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Monday August 25th, 2014 5:56:11 PM
OOC: I cast Bless several, what I thought were rounds, ago. Everyone should have been in range.
Linden moves in closer to get within range of ALL his spells (about 15ft from the vines).
He is hopefully in range to SacBond Nikolai. The cleric is READY to rrush in to heal anyone.
Active Spells: Bless Nikolai (Status) Nikolai (SacBond = Shield Other, +1 deflection AC +1 resistance saves)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 2d4+2=7 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 6:32:49 PM
Now, friend and foe are hopelessly entangled. Pru sends two more Magic Missiles at the vine, knowing she can hurt it without endangering her friends.
[7 damage]
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 7:58:46 PM
Tinker sees his shield-brothers have things well in hand. He recocks his crossbow and returns to watching the area outside of the grove. Nothing is going to get by the sharp-eyed dwarf while the Agents clear out the grove.
Perception: 23
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+6=12 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=9 ; d6+3=6 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 8:31:28 PM
Carver holds his action, not wanting to interfere with whatever Cameron has in mind. He will attack any piece of vine that comes at him though. He's one who believes in an eye for an eye....
Sword, attack 12 Hoof #1 19 , damage 6 Hoof #2 9
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday August 25th, 2014 9:01:40 PM
WIlliam holds his fire since he can't guarantee that he'll hit the right target. For now, he'll join Tinker and reload his xbow, keeping an eye out for any other threats...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=23 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+3=15 ; d6+3=8 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 10:11:37 PM
OOC: i looked back and it appears that Nikolai did move before the scroll was read. So no Bless for Nik.
Active Spells: Status (3hrs)
Nikolai sees the vine go dead and Cameron get his noggin bopped hard. Whether or not the magical vine is linked to the grove or just a wandering vine is irrelevant now. He swipes twice again with his kamas.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20+8=12 ; d10+10=19 ; Monday August 25th, 2014 10:59:39 PM
Bruagh tries to move and attack but is off balance.
Attack: 12 Damage: 18
Posting from phone. Out of state.
DM Ken Tuesday August 26th, 2014 12:51:59 AM
Hey all! Thanks for playing nice with Warren! Just a reminder, the Sac Bond has changed.
This domain is generally available only to clerics and witches of Flower. Domain Granted Power -- You can use Shield Other at will as a spell-lke ability, but only on one person at a time.
This means it needs to be cast as a standard action on Lindens turn!
Warren G (DM in training) d20+9=20 ; d8+9=10 ; d20+13=27 ; Tuesday August 26th, 2014 11:42:27 AM
The last vine takes advantage of Cameron firing in close quarters to deliver another solid blow. 10 damage to Cameron His arrows fly true, as do more magical bolts and a strike from Nikolai's weapons. The vine looks as if it will strike again, but before it can there is a blinding flash from the plant next Cameron. Once everyone regains their vision, they realize that Cameron, Nikolai, Bruagh, and Carver are no longer to be seen anywhere in the grove.
Vine #3 - 30 damage
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 26/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 1:29:12 PM
OOC Blame it on the Simpson's marathon, but all I can say is WOOHOO!
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 16/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+11=26 ; Tuesday August 26th, 2014 2:09:45 PM
Cameron isn't sure what just happened, but based on what he believed about the groves and teleportation, it probably isn't good. Following his instincts he quickly finds some cover, and hides. Stealth 26
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=13 ; d8=5 ; Tuesday August 26th, 2014 6:24:54 PM
Tinker spins around at the flash of light. "By Gargul's Left Foot!", he shouts, wondering as he does so if the Gray Lord's powers of travel or death are at work here.
Taking aim at the now open vine, Tinker launches a crossbow bolt to its fleshy form.
Then he puts away his crossbow and fingers the Urgosh on his shoulders, hoping a shield brother (or sister!) can have some knowledge of what is going on! ..............
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 6:31:38 PM
Pru's eyes widen in astonishment. "Uh..." she says. "Uh, I think I'm going to want my spear."
She walks back to her horse, retrieves her spear, and returns to the grove, grateful that there aren't any sergeants on hand to yell at her for leaving it behind in the first place. "Where do you suppose they went? And can we follow?"
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 6:35:04 PM
OOC: warren, as I cast Bless awhile ago(not last round), I can use SacBond this last round. I do know about the changes. They are on my sheet.
DM OOC: That's fine - just make sure you designate a target on your round. You can only hold your action to do a single standard action.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 16/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 7:14:03 PM
OOC You cast the bless Friday, it was easy to look back and check. It was cast after most people left the vicinity (starting the round before on Thursday). From what I saw, your move and cast should have been fine for the Monday post, unless you moved more than your normal move (the map has moved on so I can't tell how far you moved) Either way the Shield Other/Sac Bond will disappear when Nikolai teleports out of range (which is very short and I am pretty sure where we are isn't anywhere near there) On the bright side you should know where we are from the status spell you cast. That is probably the best use of status ever. Personally for the very little Status doesand it's slowness to increment(add new targets) it is way too high a level, but that's just my opinion.
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20-11=-4 ; Tuesday August 26th, 2014 7:50:31 PM
Carver looks around and gulps, he then switches weapons. Putting away the greatsword he pulls out he lance and shield, hoping he'll have the time to do more..... He does all of that as quietly as he can, which isn't very.....
Stealth -4
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Tuesday August 26th, 2014 7:52:39 PM
Traveling and checking in. Back to regular posting tomorrow.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=21 ; d20+5=8 ; Tuesday August 26th, 2014 9:40:20 PM
Nikolai is caught by surprise at the sudden shift in location. One moment he is swinging at a flesh eating vine and the next he's... where?
"Holy Flesh Eating Teleport Vines!" he accidentally exclaims when his vision clears. His mental faculties quickly put together what they knew and what they suspected and what happened to come to the conclusion they aren't where they were and are where they weren't.
Nikolai stands next to Carver, in Total Defense, looking around to get some idea of where they might be and if there are any obvious or near-obvious dangers in close vicinity.
Perc +11 = 21 Geography +5 = 8
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 16/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 10:10:36 PM
While hiding (if he can), Cameron points to Carver and Nikolai )sorry, only CL2, Bruagh's is coming soon) and casts a simple cantrip. Whispering he says " I Told you guys they use the trees for transport. Now I know how. There was a plant in the middle of the grove that was magial. When my blood dropped on it it started to glow. Next thing I knew we were here. Now I suspect here is their home base, most likely the Cursed Swamp. Exciting huh?"
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 11:14:38 PM "Are you still bleeding? see if we can get back by bleeding on it some more."
DM Ken Tuesday August 26th, 2014 11:51:06 PM
Ooc: Cameron is aware it took a good amount of blood for the plant to activate, if that's even what activated it. Random blood trickle probably won't do the trick.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 16/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday August 26th, 2014 11:52:01 PM
Still whispering " Easy there chief. We were sent to recon. Right now I only have two clanky people with me. Unless someone is trying to rip my face off when my vision clears I'm looking around before I send you guys back. Or you can bleed on it yourself, just warn me so I have time to get out of the area."
Warren G (DM in training) Wednesday August 27th, 2014 11:33:37 AM @Nikolai, Bruagh, Cameron, Carver
When your vision clears, you are somewhere new and exciting. If your idea of exciting means treacherous footing in the marshy ground and swarming midges that are not shy to bite. Cameron sees a near mirror of the plant that was back in the cypress grove, and surmises that it activated from his blood to bring them here. From the look of how much blood it soaked up, he is reluctant to try to activate it again from this side.
But where could they be? It could be the cursed swamp, from the look of it, or some uncursed swamp in any part of the world, for all they know. Cameron's attempts to be stealthy are foiled by the clanking centaur next to him, but by some providence, Nikolai sees nothing but swamp, occasional trees, and swarming insects for miles in any direction.
@Tinker, William, Prudence, Linden
Tinker takes one last potshot at the vine that took a piece out of Cameron and watches it carefully, but it seems satisfied to maintain its guarding position. William's arcane training tells him that some variation of a teleport and tree stride spell originated from the magic plant in the center of the grove, which he assumes took his companions somewhere. The status spell reports that Nikolai is somewhere around 100 miles to the south of Linden's position and is on high alert, but otherwise unharmed.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=6 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+10=20 ; Wednesday August 27th, 2014 12:10:28 PM
OOC Did both "wounds" worth of blood fall on the plant to activate it or did the first splash activate it and there was a 1 round delay? When self inflicting a wound are you able to control how much damage you inflict? For example, if I were to cut myself can I inflict a specific amount of damage, or do we need to randomly stab ourselves until we get enough blood? IC Cameron pulls out the wand he just bought and starts healin the wounds from the vine, careful to not bleed on the plant glowing near him. CLW 7 charges remaining 49 He also tries to determine where they are. Unfortunately there are several parts of the cursed swamp scattered around the area. Knowing "where" they are might be tricky. Survival 8 Perception 20 Clearly, blood loss has impaired Cameron's ability to think straight.
DM Ken Wednesday August 27th, 2014 12:48:34 PM
1: To determine the actual properties and activation of the plant, please feel free to attempt a Spellcraft DC 20.
2: I certainly think a player could wound themselves carefully in 1hp increments.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday August 27th, 2014 2:31:13 PM
OOC So, someone on this side has spellcraft...right? Were all gonna die. Blind activation it is. Can we use UMD? Maybe at a 25 target? Is there a scale for that map? Where is the Citadel?
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 43/43 (John C) d20+5=25 ; Wednesday August 27th, 2014 3:28:35 PM "Let me ponder this for a minute or so....." Carver thinks on the the magic of the plant and has some sort of revelation.
Spellcraft 25 (nat 20)
DM Ken Wednesday August 27th, 2014 3:28:43 PM
1. DOES someone on that side have spellcraft? 2. Not UMD. Spellcraft to figure out how it works. UMDing isn't really applicable, as you aren't triggering an effect yourself. 3. The Citadel needs to be penciled in, but it's between God City and Ham City. 4. As for scale, I don't know for sure. Scale has been asked about on the DM forums but I can't find the conversation.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Wednesday August 27th, 2014 3:32:57 PM
OOC WOW, color me surprised, I guess someone does.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Wednesday August 27th, 2014 3:37:01 PM
Ooc - dm, William did make a Spellcraft roll and mentioned that he was looking for a trigger for the effect. ... Wouldn't that suffice, at least for our side of the teleport?
DM Ken - Bonus Post Wednesday August 27th, 2014 3:40:36 PM
Carver takes a moment to carefully consider the plant. He's no botanist, but he did experience it's effects first hand.
As he examines the plant, he realizes he CAN confirm it's property of exchanging blood for a powerful conjuration effect? But how much? As is necessary, he prods the plant a little. As with identifying any items effect, he must handle it a little.
Just as he thinks he has it all figured out, a sharp pain burns through his hand! Blood literally seeps through his skin and covers the plant. In an instant, he vanishes. Carver - 10 Damage
In an instant, he is back in the clearing with his allies!
(Metagame notes: As Cameron wasn't directly interacting with the Plant, only half of his HP loss was being accumulated for the blood price of the magic, which is 10hp worth of blood and vitality. Carver handled it directly, and lost that whole amount at once. Carver is positive that every time a plant on one end or the other receives this much tribute in blood, it will activate.
Williams DC would have been sufficient to identify the plant is triggered by blood.
If he were interacting with the plant directly, he would lose the 10hp and be teleported as well, but I didn't get that vibe. Carver and Cameron were specifically trying to figure out -how much- blood was necessary.)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+8=17 ; Wednesday August 27th, 2014 5:36:16 PM
[OOC: Pru also has Spellcraft; what she lacks is any kind of Intelligence modifier. So, you know, she's not very good at it. I didn't roll it because William had rolled a 25, and Pru doesn't have a very good chance of beating that. So if a 25 wasn't good enough, Pru probably wasn't going to make the DC either. I guess maybe I could Aid Another?]
Pru consults with William about what might have caused the teleportation. [Successfully Aid Another with a 17]
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+9=28 ; Wednesday August 27th, 2014 6:36:19 PM
OOC: Characters might be familiar with that map. I personally won't be memorizing it. I missed a lot this week! As to casting.... yes, one standard, one move, and such.... I understand. And yes, I DID cast the Bless Friday and that was, by my count at least a round prior to the SacBond. But now it is moot as the target has teleported away and out of sight.
IC: Linden thinks back to his spellcasting lessons. (Spellcraft 28) And seems to remember nearly everything he was taught. The cleric realizes they could be teleporting and dropping to the ground or into something. "They seem to have ported off somewhere. I suggest following them, but as I am NOT in command, I'll defer to whoever is in line behind Nik."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday August 27th, 2014 9:19:17 PM
"Teleport!", exclaims Tinker as he echoes Linden, "powerful magic, and William says they are still alive?" (The last with the assumption William will share his information)
"So do we travel to them or wait for them to retu...." In a trice, Carver is back among the group and it looks like Tinker's question is being answered.
Still, he readies his Urgosh and waits.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Wednesday August 27th, 2014 9:30:55 PM
William notices something interesting about the fact that a certain amount of blood seems to have triggered the plant to teleport... He eagerly shares what he's found with them and says to Tinker, "Yes, I think they're still alive and we've got to give them some blood to get across, it'll be a decent amount (10 hps), but not a life threatening one.."
When Carver appears, William is relieved to see his friend back, so he asks him some questions to verify his observations... If they match, he'll say, "I think we should consider taking that jump and seeing what's there... Our foes are likely using it and this will help us gather more information..."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=11 ; d20+11=18 ; Wednesday August 27th, 2014 10:01:32 PM
Active Spells: Status (3hrs)
The swamp is obvious, but where exactly? In the middle? at an edge? Putting some facts together he deduces they are near the southern border of the Cursed Swamp, but exactly where and how far from their original spot there's no way of telling.
"I like the idea..." and Carver vanishes.
"Dabnabbit! Can't anyone stay still for a second so we can plan SOMETHING?" Nikolai blurts exasperated.
"Bruagh, Cameron, don't meddle with that plant. I don't want half of us coming here and half going back over and over again. Whatever Carver did, he didn't cut himself or bleed all over it, so save your blood for the enemy. While we wait, let us reconnoiter the immediate area so that if the others do start popping in, we can at least know of anything within 30'. I'll take the lead, you two flank me."
Nikolai wants to make a 30' radius circle around the spot, noting dry areas, if any, climbable trees, watching for quicksand, and staying out of water deeper than Cameron's chest.
Survival +8 = 11 Perc =11 = 18
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Wednesday August 27th, 2014 10:09:44 PM "If this thing needs blood to get back, I'll do it, thought I would much prefer to let an enemy donate the blood."
Bruagh keeps on the alert and makes sure that he sticks close to Nikolai and Cameron.
Warren G (DM in training) d20+9=20 ; Thursday August 28th, 2014 12:14:32 PM
Nikolai is trying to marshal his troops, but it's difficult with half of them nowhere to be seen, and the ones he can see hiding and popping off and running every which way. Despite the noise they're making, it doesn't seem like anyone has noticed them yet.
Carver seems to have discovered how to make the plant activate itself, feeding it from his veins until he reappears with the group in the grove. The assassin vine there seems to have been waiting for just this, but it was as surprised as Carver and can't seem to wrap itself around him. Between the waiting weapons, they easily dispatch the last vine and Carver can share his hard won knowledge of this strange plant. The group decides who will donate their blood to the cause (or perhaps they share the burden between themselves) (either way, let us know who's taking the damage), and soon, Nikolai's fist is again standing under his watchful eye in the middle of a swamp. Hopefully the horses will have enough grass to forage back where they left them, or there may be an angry quartermaster when they return.
OOC: Thanks for the patience, guys! Putting you back into Ken's capable hands now. Have a lovely holiday weekend!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday August 28th, 2014 2:20:13 PM
"My teleportation assumption is only made because my Status spell knows where Nik is, my knowledge of spells and the obvious fact they aren't here anymore. Even Nik isn't that fast. And the others, well..." He trails off. "I think we should do exactly as they did. Nik isn't dead. So, maybe, it might just be safe. What did they do? Blood you say..."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) d6=2 ; d6=6 ; Thursday August 28th, 2014 6:00:24 PM
Carver looks at his arm, where he drew the blood from after his eyes clear from the flash. "Well, that was abrupt." As a swift action, Carver lays on hands on himself.(healing 9 hp) Seeing the others, he fills them in on the the magical plant and it's need for blood to teleport. "Everyone gather up, we can regroup with the others, just need some blood donated on the pulsating plant and we'll teleport to where the others are." He leaves the "I hope" silent.
William will join the group at the plant and await the order to start?..
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 24/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday August 28th, 2014 8:29:30 PM
Tinker grunts "blood sacrifice, right. ". The dwarf steps right up and cuts his arm to allow the needed blood to spill. "This is an easy choice", he tells the others, "now get close together and don't be left behind!"
.........
10 hp for the plant
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Thursday August 28th, 2014 10:36:04 PM
Bruagh does as Lance Corporal Komonov commands and sets up a flank formation, his weapon at the ready.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=27 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+1=17 ; Thursday August 28th, 2014 10:48:00 PM
Cameron puts his wand away and draws his bow. He takes up a position on Nikolai's other flank and puts his senses to work. Perception 27 Survival 17 Tracking 22 knowledge Nature 17
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=13 ; Thursday August 28th, 2014 11:28:34 PM
Having reconnoitered the immediate area and satisfied nothing intelligent, at least, is in easy reach or sight, Nikokai waits for the rest of the group to show up, hoping that they can deduce to follow despite no verbal command.
When they do finally show up, he has each one take up their marching position and by looking up at the sky and the position of the sun tries to determine the compass points.
Survival +8 = 13
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 29th, 2014 12:44:18 AM
Pru sticks close to her Fist-mates as they teleport, then looks around when they reach their destination.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday August 29th, 2014 1:34:00 AM
Linden cringes at the thought of 'donating' to the plant, but does so.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 29th, 2014 9:54:13 AM
OOC Based on Cameron's checks, can he horses be of use here?
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 29th, 2014 10:13:31 AM
OOC Let me clarify that. Will they allow us to move faster while carrying our extra gear (read as FOOD) or will they slow us down because they are heavy animals on pinpoint legs that will bog them down alot. Hopefully my checks were good enough to determine that.
DM Ken Friday August 29th, 2014 2:56:43 PM
Double Fist finds themselves in an open clearing, stamped flat and less tangly than the surrounding swamp. It seems that the Blood-Root Cypress has teleported you to some location unknown, and in just moments. It seems likely this is how the Gnolls move forces in and out of the areas north of the presumed swamp you have found yourself in.
The Cursed Swamp is a known biome in Fargunia and Zeltmoore, but which cursed swamp are you in? There are two, north and south. The southern swamp is much much smaller than the northern region. After several attempts to gather bearing and discern your direction, it becomes fairly obvious you are in the souther swamps.
There are a number of thinly cleared trails, but they are quickly consumed by the gnarled trees and weeds of the swampy surroundings. The ground you walk on is damp, and muck rises halfway up your boots, or to the waist of smaller characters.
Travel will be slow, for certain. Moving the large horses through the swamp might be difficult, as any trails cut need to be large enough for them to pass through as well, and it's entirely possible that they could be vulnerable to certain natural elements that the hardy Agents of the Fist might find trivial.
(In short, if you bring horses, I need you to very clearly split your inventories between yourself and your mounts, as this journey will be particularly dangerous to them)
Perhaps of some significance, periodically along the trail and even into the dense swamp, you find tiny wooden idols and fetishes of a large gnoll with a man hanging limp in his jaws. Given how they seem to be in a linear arrangement, it's possible they are waymarkers of some sort. Of course, nothing is ever easy. There seem to be a number of viable paths, each heading in a different cardinal direction!
(Also, if a PC were thinking of making a map for the purposes of their mission, this seems as good a reference point as any to begin with.)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday August 29th, 2014 3:08:57 PM
"Hmmm...." The centaur seems displeased with the arrangement. "Can we get an aerial view somehow?"
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 29th, 2014 3:42:45 PM
At Linden's question, Cameron thinks Bliss and Mookie could get a look above us This thought quickly makes him sad as he remembers Bliss and the bird are off somewhere else, serving a penance to Gargul. He pulls out the slingshot Bliss gave him, and then tucks it back safely into his pouch.
Nikolai starts forming the group into a line, ready to march away. Cameron looks around him, up to his waist in muck and then looks at his companions. All are hopelessly dirty by now and Tinker has extra swarms of the bloodsucking bugs flying about him, hungry for the blood they can smell on his hand. Cameron lines up, but has several questions which he voices.
" How far south of where we started are we? Does anyone know? If we know that I can figure how long it'll take to walk out of here, but for argument's sake, I'd say it will be quite awhile. Who has food on them and how much? Water too. Some of us are decent scavengers and can find food as we go, but it will slow our movement. I for one have neither food nor water on me. My horse was carrying it all."
While the others answer, Cameron pulls out his sketch pad and makes a good drawing (he hopes) of the blood drinking plant. He then moves ahead another page and starts drawing a map, showing the grove and the marked paths out of here. he also takes one of the idols for future reference. (note, Cameron has no skill in drawing but his pad is magical and offers a small bonus. Both profession and craft are not useable untrained, so I didn't make any rolls)
As he draws he is constantly swatting the bloodsucking bugs away from his open scalp wound. Finally, after the umteenth distraction he casts a small cantrip (prestidigitation) and cleans off the dried blood. His scalp still oozes, but most of the gore from the initial slam to the head is gone.
" Did anyone happen to grab my hat before they teleported here?"
arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 1 of 3 1st level cast today wand 49 of 50 charges remaining
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 29th, 2014 6:27:37 PM
"Pretty much all I have with me are my weapons," Pru says. "I'm not sure it's a good idea to bring horses through here, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to leave them, either."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+8=9 ; d20+6=10 ; Friday August 29th, 2014 9:05:35 PM
William agrees about the danger of leaving the horses back where they started... However, if they're in a swamp, they'll likely lose most of their mounts in the muck and mire...
"I have all the items i need with me... I'll help make a map as I can use a blank page in my spellbook to write on... Those totems should give us a good reference point to work from... Also, I'll begin counting my steps and assuming a set distance for each step, that'll help us get a feel for distances..."
Know (Nature) to be able to map their movements while staying on firm ground in the swamp... 9 Perception = 10
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday August 29th, 2014 9:50:09 PM
"I don't have your hat. Sorry. Didn't see it."
Spells: Nik (Status, 3hrs, cast at grove) Bless (few people hit, scroll)
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Friday August 29th, 2014 11:13:15 PM
OOC Wow, so both Tinker and Linden said they were taking the 10 damage, and both took it. This plant could defeat our entire group. What's it's CR? IC " That's ok Linden. For all I know the vine took it up into the tops of the trees. Glad that it only got the hat and not the head that it was riding on. Too bad, I really liked that hat."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) d20+3=14 ; Friday August 29th, 2014 11:55:52 PM
Carver takes a better look around this time, trying to get or at least settle his bearings after the teleport. "As for food, I'm carrying about 3 weeks worth, so divided amongst the entire fist, I guess it works out to three or four days worth. For water, I'm sure is we need it, we might convince Linden to pray for the spell that allows creation of water, at least I've heard of priests creating it, the families priest at home was able to at least. Charging in this muck is going to be difficult, I wish I'd been able to afford the horse shoes I want, and then it would have been a non-issue." In this muck, Carver pulls out his bow, because it's lighter and as he said, charging is going to be difficult.
Survival to get direction, 14
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday August 30th, 2014 1:16:17 AM
"I have a scroll of Create Water I got for the group on our first mission. I never returned it."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=28 ; Saturday August 30th, 2014 9:51:57 AM
Tinker is one who always wants to do the right thing, and that includes doing the hard right to help his battle-brothers. That doesn't include being a glutton for punishment. As Linden makes the sacrifice, Tinker puts away his dagger and leans in to the tree and...
...finds himself in the middle of a swamp without apparent end. Linden's status spell has made it evident that the Fist is about 100 miles south of their previous location, which puts them somewhere in the Southern Cursed Swamp. Four cardinal points with trails and gnoll-tokens. "Looks like this is where all the gnolls are coming from, but putting one or more plants near Hornfowl that don't belong makes me think at least one druid or witch is helping them out."
Tinker scowls, and reviews the supplies in his backpack. "I've got four days of rations myself." He doesn't mention that he couldn't find food outside of a kitchen with a map and shovel; his friends already know, and he doesn't yet feel comfortable enough with Braugh to tell him of any shortcomings.
"We are supposed to scout and find out location and numbers of the gnolls. Cameron and William both mapping is a good idea, and we should check each of the trails to see if they lead to gnoll villages to count their numbers." Tinker considers. "Need a scout out front to allow us to get off the trail if gnolls are coming."
Tinker considers again and then carefully looks around the Blood Cypress for bones. "Can't see the gnolls using themselves to power the tree, more like they kill a slave or prisoner." ..............
OOC: took back 10 hit points since Linden took 10 damage
Perception: 28 around the Blood Cypress
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) Saturday August 30th, 2014 12:38:44 PM
Cameron finishes his map. He walks to each of the paths to look at the fetishes hanging from them. Are they all the same, or is each path marked in a subtly different way. He both examines the physical form of the fetish, then tries with his limited senses to smell a difference. Gnolls had a huge snout and very good sense of smell after all.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 23/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=20 ; Saturday August 30th, 2014 12:39:46 PM
Perception 20 sorry, jumped the gun and hit done.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Saturday August 30th, 2014 7:28:35 PM "I have seven days worth of trail rations I would be more than happy to share with you all."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 31/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday August 30th, 2014 11:23:52 PM
OOC: Linden would have insisted on taking the 10 hps. Sorry, brain-farted the teleport post.
The sour looking Linden looks around. "This place stinks!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=26 ; d20+11=25 ; Sunday August 31st, 2014 8:02:19 PM "I also have a weeks worth of trail rations. I think we'll be fine without the horses if we ration our rations. We don't plan to stay here long. I don't think the gnolls will let us stay here long. Anyway, we'll just need to risk leaving the horses behind. We'll make better time in this muck without them. Besides, we'd need to get fresh water for them as well as us," Nikolai adds to the debate.
After inspecting the four paths away from the clearing, Nikolai speculates that this could mean that there are four major tribes, each one with their own effigy marker, and all tribes devoted to one god or powerful leader.
"At least it is a good guess. Let's take the northern path first, not that it matters, but just as good a place to start as any. We'll start as soon as everyone is ready. Any healing needed done best do now, then take up your marching positions."
Nikolai takes the lead.
"I would guess that the paths aren't trapped, but that would be foolish of me. The gnoll tribes may not entirely trust each other. So, let's keep a sharp eye out for traps."
Survival +8 (tracking +9) = 26 and 27(for tracking) What time is it?
Perc +11 = 25
DM Ken Monday September 1st, 2014 3:17:03 PM
A decision is made!
The Agents start their trek north, without horses. Gear and rations are split as evenly as feasible. Water and food might be a little short, because of Camerons gear being left on his horse, but a few of the party can hunt well enough at the cost of time.
Speaking of which, a small part of the day had expired prior to finding your way into the swamp. 4 hours of travel is available without making the day a forced march.
Along the way, Cameron examines some of the totems. They are all very similar, with the only differences being the level of craftsmanship or some minor details, but on the whole they are duplicates of one another.
Linden proposes an aerial view, but even as he does he realizes the tree canopy would prevent much of use from being discovered.
After the first day of marching, a sleeping arrangement should likely be discussed, as well as watch-standing, the feasibility of making a fire, and any other special preparations while is this swampy biome.
-Recap:
You have marched 4 hours north of your original location. Nightfall is approaching. Please state any special arrangements being made.
You receive 400 xp each from the Advanced Template Assassin Vines!
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 38/42 Cameron (David Feest) d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+9=15 ; d6=6 ; d20+5=25 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 4:50:26 PM
Cameron uses the wand of Cure Light Wounds several more times before they set out, so that if they encounter trouble he is ready. They have enough food for now, so he does not slow the group further by foraging as they go. When end of day approaches he scouts for a good place to make camp, off the trail, somewhere dry preferably. Because of the amount of crawly critters in a swamp he wants to be up off the ground, so he looks for some low trees and tries to make a platform for those not inclined to climb. Since he will need undisturbed rest to regain his spells he would like either first watch or last, but will stand whatever watch he is assigned. On watch he keeps his bow handy and ready. He plans to watch and sleep in the same tree. If time and objects permit he makes a couple of the same crude noisemaker traps he did when escorting the caravan and sets them up as well. He tells the others where those tripwires are. Perception 26 Survival to find a campsite 19 Survival to build a campsite 8 Perception for watch 17 Readied bow hits AC 15 (16 if within 30') for 7 damage (8 if within 30') Survival to make crude noisemaker traps 25
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 3 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) d20+3=12 ; d20+3=8 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 6:05:49 PM
Carver, takes up his assigned spot for the trudge through the swamp. when the time comes, he'll help find and set up a camp sight. He adds finding a dryish area for the two centaurs, because climbing into a tree, just ain't gonna happen. "Do we need me to pray to Gargul so I create water? Or should I remain focused on blessing my weapon, in case we run into combat?" (will alert to a change if the consensus is to change spells)
Aid Another : Survival (find camp) 12 Survival (set up camp) 8
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) 2d6=6 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 6:06:13 PM
The first day, before sleep, Linden channels to heal everyone who remains hurt. (heal 6)
He'll take whichever watch shift, as long as he gets the required rest to prep spells.
"Fire might be dangerous here."
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Monday September 1st, 2014 6:39:44 PM
OOC Divine casters don't need rest to prepare spells.
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 3 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining
DM Ken Monday September 1st, 2014 6:58:38 PM
Finding a drying place is difficult and despite his best attempts, Cameron just cannot find the type of dry non-messy place he seeks in this inhospitable environment, (dc too low vs environment, even if I count lindens attempt as an aid another) much less be able to Craft a low hanging platform with swampwood and driftwood that is strong enough to support two centaurs, along with six others."
Finding a tree for himself and watch and rest is doable.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=21 ; d20+9=21 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 8:46:42 PM
Tinker tramps along stoically. He agrees with Nikolai that the paths should not be trapped, it is after all, the probable means of travel by the gnolls. Without traps to worry about, Tinker is better in the rear to use his eyes and ears against anything behind them.
At camp, a small bite to eat and it is time for sleeping and nights watch. Tinker volunteers for the midnight shift to keep his dark vision handy for the group. Sleeping in light armor of the chain shirt isn't a problem either.
Perception on March. 21
Perception on watch (dark vision 60'). 21
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 d20=19 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 8:48:30 PM
Bruagh offers to take any watch or as many watches as necessary. It will most likely be the middle watch which is fine withe dwarf.
"I'll take any watch necessary friends. No worries on spells and I can see well enough in the dark."
Watch Perception: 19
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday September 1st, 2014 9:06:55 PM
Pru feels like she should be doing something to help, but she's not sure what. She tries to reason it out.
"The gnolls wouldn't have been able to camp in these conditions any more than we can," she says. "They have to have a campsite we haven't found yet, or perhaps their destination isn't far."
She chews her lip.
"We may have to keep going," she says. "I know a forced march isn't fun, but it's probably better than trying to sleep in a puddle."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=17 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+6=19 ; d8=7 ; Monday September 1st, 2014 9:20:36 PM
Nikolai applies his own skills to find a dry patch to spend the night. He's not up for a forced march, mainly because it would be in the dark and the path is vague as it is.
"Pru, if we don't find anything dry, then ok. But traveling in the dark, in a swamp, is a good way to get off the path. Also, many swamp creatures go hunting at night."
Survival +8 = 17
OOC: my guess is that his is still too low.
After looking around himself, Nikolai sees only two alternatives. "We can either stay in trees and our Centaur friends stay in the muck, or we keep moving a few more miles and see what we can find. Since we'll be eating trail rations, taking time to make camp, will only take as long as it takes to sit down and get comfy. I leave it up to Carver and Linden. Do you two feel ok staying here or would you rather go another mile and see if our fortunes change?"
In case we move on further: Survival +8 find a dry spot = 26
Either way, Nikolai takes the middle watch. Perception +11 = 25 (Low Light Vision - Half Elf)
After some small deliberation, the Fist seems to decide on settling down, leaving the two Centaurs down in the muck for the the night.
Watch shifts pass smoothly, and though uncomfortable, tree sleeping isn't the worst lot in life. Though recovered, it would seem obvious that too many nights sleeping in such an arrangement could wear a traveler down, sleeping back straight against a tree-trunk exposed to the critters with wings.
As bad as it was in the trees, the Centaur fair much worse. Awaking to a number of bug-bites, strangle splashes, and the prodding of tiny creatures. Worse, the night in the mucky water and mud has left some strange itches and rashes on the Centaur.
(Linden and Carver, Fort Save DC 12)
Continuing their march, the northern path angles to the north west very slightly, until it dumps into another trail that runs both true north and true south. There are more waymarkers along both paths. Upon reaching the junction in the trail, they have about four hours of marching remaining unless they wish to force their pace.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=26 ; d20+5=25 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 1:55:43 PM
Cameron feels for the centaurs and hopes to find dry ground by the next time they rest. He keeps his eyes open and tries to get everyone to aid Nikolai in finding dry ground for the night. Cameron, keeping the map also does some rough math. They are moving at his pace, since he and Bruagh are the slowest, so there is at least 8 miles of swamp between their present spot and their extraction point. One full days travel for the two of them, half a day or less for the others. When they reach the fork he speaks up. " Guys, we are a long way from the extraction if we are being chased on the way out. If you guys go at my speed while being pursued you will surely get caught. I hereby ask permission that if we have to run that I be allowed to break off and go another way. I can hide and I can sneak well enough to get to the extraction point on my own, without getting caught. Don't wait up for me." Perception looking out for trouble 26 Survival to find a dry spot to camp 25 Readied bow hits AC 15 (16 if within 30') for 7 damage (8 if within 30') from previous post
(Everyone PLEASE aid another to Nikolai's or my roll for survival to find high ground. His bonus is the best and mine is maybe second best, i think, so we have the best chance to roll high enough. If we ALL can make just a 10 roll in survival we can give ourselves a great chance of finding a dry camp.)
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 3 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping IN armor if magic will dry it out, OUT of armor if not Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 2 days water used and 2 days food used, halfling size portions
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+2=10 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 2:34:43 PM
William does his best to keep the muck and mire out of his clothes... (He'll use prestigitation if needed)... He also keeps a diligent map of where they've been, interesting landmarks, etc...
He'll help the group try to find dry ground (Survival Aid Another = 10)... For the nights where they rest,, he'll take either the 1st or last break so that he can get a good night sleep and memorize his spells... He'll also climb a nearby tree and as his friend Cameron does, ties himself loosely to a branch and the trunk so that he is above the muck and mire and somewhat out of sight...)
"I think we need to keep pressing onward and see what we find... I don't want to stay in this swamp any longer than we have too...And our supplies won't last forever.."
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) d20+9=25 ; d20+3=9 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 2:56:01 PM
(Spell Change: Create Water now memorized) Fort Save 25
"I can only create a very little water, but I prayed for it and was blessed by Gargul with the spell. I see all of this swamp water we've been mucking through, but as a Paladin I'm not able to purify it like a priest should be able to." Carver looks pointedly at Linden as he talks about purifying the swamp water. Carver has never really been much good in nature but adds his little knowledge as best he can.
Aid another 9 (Survival)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=4 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 3:29:44 PM
Since she is outvoted (or possibly unheard), Pru tries to make the best of their swampy camp. She uses Prestidigitation whenever and wherever she can to warm cloaks and clean mud off of clothing and gear. She's none too keen on sleeping in a tree, but triest to find a spot on a tree root, elevated enough out of the much to at least keep her backside dry. Then she leans against the trunk and tries to sleep like that. She doesn't hold out much hope.
The next day, she tries to help find a dry camp site, but she has no idea what she's looking for (Aid Another 4--fail).
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+9=18 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+10=20 d20+2=20 d20+3=12 d20+5=10 Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 8:09:58 PM
(Fort save 18) (Skills, if needed, Heal 20, Nature 20, Perception 12, Survival 10)
"I can remedy any wounds we get from the water. Purifying is done by volume. If you are referring to drinking, sure. But the whole foul place. Not likely." Says the cleric.
He Aids in finding a dry place. (Fails to hit 10 for the +4. His Aid Another is doubled due to a granted power.)
Sleeps out of armor to reduce issues, including any creepies and crawlies.
On watch, if given one, crossbow (26 bolts), Readied. But SacBond targets watch partner.
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=20 ; d3=1 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+2=8 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 8:38:08 PM
Tinker is stiff in the morning because of sleeping in a tree. Trees are for Elves not dwarfs! In any case, he is positioned better then the poor centaurs! During the day, Tinker keeps a sharp eye on the group's backtrail, and tries to help out Nikolai by pointing out every possible dry spot he can see. By late afternoon Tinker is getting tired and becomes more of a hinders cs than help.
Perception one per hour: 20 24 28 22 23 11 11 22
Aid another: 8
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=27 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+6=22 ; d8=1 ; Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 9:56:03 PM
Despite the dismal night's sleep, they trudge on the next day. They did train for dismal didn't they? With very little or no talk, the Thumb can only hope the spirits are kept high but knows a dry camp this night would certainly help.
When reaching the fork he says quietly, "This is proving far more difficult than thought. I hope that there is indeed only one tribe for us to spy on. My instinct says to keep north, but a little divine guidance at this point would be helpful if anyone has that spell. If not, we'll keep north until the sun sets."
Once again he applies his skills and tries to find a dry spot to spend the night.
Survival +8 find a dry spot = 27 + any Aid Another
Nikolai takes the middle watch again. Perception +11 = 31! N20 (Low Light Vision - Half Elf)
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Tuesday September 2nd, 2014 10:17:38 PM
Noticed I copied my notes but didn't update them for sleeping, so I fixed it.
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 0 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping IN armor if magic will dry it out, OUT of armor if not Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 2 days water used and 2 days food used, halfling size portions
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 7:38:44 AM
OOC: My sincerest apologies for missing yesterday's post. I worked the night shift, then had court all morning. I sent that email then went to sleep shortly after with the expectation of getting up at a reasonable hour. Instead I got up right in time for work again and just plain forgot about my post.
IC: Bruagh attempts to make himself as comfortable as possible, including sleeping out of armor. He decides he will certainly need to invest in a chainshirt when he next has the chance.
DM Ken Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 10:36:22 AM
With no divine guidance forthcoming, the group continues North. After the first miserable night on the ground, you keep an eye out for suitable campsites, and as you move north one makes itself apparent, a tiny hill of grassy moss sticking up from the water.
Linden and Carvers strange rash persists through their travels.
Fort Save: DC 12 each of you.
The next morning, the journey north along the trail continues. As you travel, the water begins to become slightly more shallow, and the expanse of cypress trees begin to thin. Though not quite out of the woods yet, after your 8 hours you begin to wonder about the purpose of this particular trail, as another couple days of the same would seemingly lead you far enough north to leave the swamp entirely, assuming it doesn't take you to a fixed destination first.
Also, there is something strange along this trail. From time to time, an idol other than that of the giant hyena can be seen. Made of grass and twigs, it resembles a plant man of some type. A large number of these have been smashed by sharp axes or trampled by gnoll feet and defecated upon.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=3 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+9=26 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 2:57:29 PM
Cameron pulls one of the plant man totems from a tree, not one of the destroyed/desecrated ones and examines it. Does he recognize the figure as some kind of creature? Clearly the gnolls don't like them. Could THEY and not the gnolls be the originators of the blood teleport tree?
Knowledge whatever you choose to make it to find out that stuff 3 (7 if it is knowledge local, probably still a fail)(all my knowledges are the same, used per the bardic knowledge ability, local is trained and as such, higher)
Cameron starts to wonder... " Guys, did we miss something? No one smart enough to use that kind of teleporter would put it THIS far away from their home, it just isn't convenient and there would be no way to defend it, unless it was the plant peoples telporter and the gnolls, who live up here took it. If that's the case which one is our mission? Do these plant people still exist hidden in the swamp and the gnolls took their magic tree from them. If so is the magic tree more relevant to our mission or is the gnoll leadership more important? Granted we were told to recon the gnolls, but if we go back and say we know all about the gnolls,, oh and they had this plant that teleported groups of humanoids but we didn't follow up on it Knight Captain Palance will have us drawn and quartered. Besides knowing the enemies of our enemies might not be that bad, it might even get the Fist hired to take out these gnolls and gain them this teleporting plant for the Fist's own uses. What do you think?"
Cameron is becoming concerned about the way the Centaurs look. That rash shouldn't affect a paladin, not from what his uncle used to tell him about their magical immunity to almost any disease, so what was it? With limited knowledge of healing, Cameron examines the rash. Heal check 21( the opposite side of the coin I see)
Cameron still keeps his eyes open and keeps looking for a good place to camp. He also watches the ground for tacks that are not theirs and other signs of recent gnoll activity ( for example, how old is that poop on the idols) His bow is always ready Perception 26 Survival 7 Tracking 25 Readied bow shot hits AC 26 (27 if closer than 30') for 3 damage (4 damage if closer than 30')
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 0 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping IN armor if magic will dry it out, OUT of armor if not Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 3 days water used and 3 days food used, halfling size portions
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 3:43:45 PM
"I think it's likely that the gnolls didn't create the teleporter, but they are taking advantage of it," Pru says. "Which would explain why it's perhaps a little inconvenient for them."
"We can only do one thing at a time," she continues. "We were asked to scout the gnolls, so let's do that first. Besides, if we go blundering around looking for these tree-folk, whoever they are, we might accidentally lead the gnolls right to them, and I can't think that would be a good thing."
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 6:07:13 PM
OOC: I rolled Heal, last round. No information was gained about the rash. Do we have make a save every round for that rash?
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 6:55:41 PM "Knowledge is a weapon that is just as formidable as blades. Getting this information on the teleporting plants is may not be our "primary" objective, but I can guarantee it will have something to do with it. I think we are doing the best we can at this time."
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=13 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 7:54:36 PM
Tinker nods at Prudence's words, he agrees with Bean Pole. Nevertheless, he also thinks the kewpi dolls are significant. So much so that he finds a less-distorted one and tucks it into his belt for good luck.
With the little island discovered, Tinker looks forward to a less damp sleep. He will again take midnight watch, change his socks, and sleep in his armor.
Perception to find a doll 10
Perception on watch 13
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) d20+9=29 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+4=20 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 8:24:46 PM
Carver, during the day, has removed the greaves, which are a minor part of his armor, even though they do protect his legs, in the evening he takes of his armor and lets it dry, even though it basically is only sweat and not swamp water making it moist. He's more worried about running into the enemy than looking for a camp sight. Seeing the grassmen totems, he does speak up... "I know we all know the general rule, The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend, but this is the swamp, the Cursed Swamp. I would expect here, The Enemy of My Enemy is just another Enemy. I've honestly never heard of any thing decent coming out of here." The prospect of a dryish camp pleases Carver. He takes the time and examines the rash, trying to determine what it is and how or why he's being affected by it. He has been blessed with Divine Health, and he doesn't think he's in disgrace to his God, Gargul, so he really should be free of whatever it is.
Save 29 (critical save) Survival to find camp 8 Heal to determine what the rash is 20
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+6=15 ; d20+2=19 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 9:52:06 PM
William agrees with finding out more information and says, "Yes, we need to find out all that we can and I'm not ready to call it complete and head back. This swamp is definitely a cursed place, but if it leads us to the gnolls, then its worth it... I want to find them, get all the info we can, kill a few and then return back, mission complete..."
He'll take special notice of the totems, recording all the info about their trip on his map, etc...
He'll help scout out this little island and see if there's anything of further interest... Perc = 15 Surv = 19 (Aid Another to his friends)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+8=11 ; d20+11=29 ; Wednesday September 3rd, 2014 10:57:54 PM
Nikolai swipes good samples of each of the two figurines and stashes them in his backpack. "Here's proof we were here, if there is any question about that in the Citadel," he mutters.
Then he proposes that they head south. "I'm just as curious as anyone else as to what lies north, but it would appear we are on the disputed border between the gnolls, to our south, and whatever it is to the north. Since our goal is the gnolls, then we should stick to it and not go chasing bunny rabbits. It is the gnolls that attacked us, not Vegetable People. We head south again tomorrow."
Survival +8 (find dry spot to camp) = 11 ooops :{
Taking the middle watch. Perception +11 = 29
OOC: we need to get a food list so next post, post your rations and I'll add that up and subtract what we've eaten so far so we can see how much we have left.
Nikolai started out with Trail rations for 7 days.
DM Ken - Swamp Things! d20+18=23 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=20 ; Thursday September 4th, 2014 1:29:50 PM
Nikolai sees the signs of a wasted trip north, and in good judgement, gives the call to head south again the next morning. Evening comes to their fairly hospitable campsite, though there is still no fire or comfort in this swamp.
Carver Linden, and others all become concerned about the strange rash on the Centaurs. At the very least, the infection seems to be fungal, with tiny growing spores seemingly the culprit behind the itchy rash. Carver knows his pact with his god has not been breached, so it would make sense that this is not a disease, but something else. More curious is the tenacity of the tiny spores. Although they can be seemingly scrubbed completely away, they return within minutes. They don't appear to be limited to flesh either, as the spores grow on both the inside and outside of both Carver and Lindens gear, or anything else they touch.
--Of more immediate concern is how the rash reacted to the poking and prodding of the groups healers. --
While Cameron and Linden were examining Carvers rash, they could very clearly see the spores reaching for their hands. Common sense prevailed and direct contact was avoided, but in the future that might not be so easy...
On watch, Nikolai and Linden sit quietly, willing the time away. The jungle is loud, filled with the sounds of splashes and swaying trees. Though barely audible, Nikolai hears the sound of strange voices, "jubb jubbing" and "grigglewotting" from various points around the camp. Although he can hear them well enough, he can only pick out a few north of him visually. They have gathered in a loose circle, and though some are holding spears, they have not attacked.
Normal: There is currently no fire. If you do not possess special vision, the creatures are effectively concealed.
Lowlight: You have an effective sight of 30ft.
Darkvision: All good in tha hood.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday September 4th, 2014 1:52:23 PM
"This fungus is insidious. We'll have to either burn our stuff, or have it remedied magically. I will have to take time to see if I remember this from classes. I suppose it could be worse...." He tails off, but his muttering sounds suspiciously like the old Linden. ------------------------------------ WHEN FUNGUS ATTACKS!
The centaur moves (I moved my icon on the map), retrieves a crossbow bolt and casts Light on it.
Spells and things: Light (bolt, 40min dur) Bless (scroll used) Channel (1 used) Low-Light Vision 3 days trail rations gone 1 bottle of purple wine consumed
DM Ken - Swamp Things! Thursday September 4th, 2014 2:27:24 PM
Lindens light spell reveals a few more creatures waiting nearbye.
30ft light source emanates from Linden.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Thursday September 4th, 2014 5:44:41 PM
Bruagh sleeps until he is prodded awake by someone on watch,
AC15 T13, F12, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday September 4th, 2014 5:45:29 PM
Tinker sleeps on.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday September 4th, 2014 5:47:58 PM
Pru is concerned by the spores. "Um...do you want me to try to burn them off?" she asks diffidently. True, fire kills most things, but she'd almost certainly have to hurt the centaurs in order to get the fungus, and that's not something she's too keen on.
However, if they want her to try, she will.
Since she is sleeping when the disturbance happens in camp, she continues sleeping until awakened.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+5=12 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+7=13 ; d8+1=2 ; Thursday September 4th, 2014 9:29:31 PM
Half Elf Low Light Vision.
Appraised of Linden and Carver's rash and its apparent cause, Nikolai suggests "If it has spores, then it is a mold or fungus of sorts. Once exposed to the sun or dried out, it may eventually vanish. At least back at the Citadel they probably have a salve that can kill it."
Nikolai hears the 'jub-jub' sounds and alerts his sleeping friends, however, but due to the vegetation only spots them when they are within 30 feet of him. He can only see two just north of him, but knows they are surrounded.
"They aren't going for a surprise attack so perhaps they aren't intending to attack, just yet." he advises the trigger happy members of his group. "And no spell cast..." but before he gets that warning out Linden casts a Light spell. "Well, I guess that helps," he mumbles.
He peers intently at the two close to him and tries to make out what or who they are. Knowledge Nature +5 DC 13 = 12.
Nikolai can tell what they look like and what they carry, but has no memory of ever reading about these creatures. The information he looked up in the library before the trip pertained mostly of gnoll organization, habits, and tactics, not vegie-people.
As the Thumb, he takes the lead in trying to communicate with them. "We have come on friendly terms and we are only passing through. Speak your intent or leave us peacefully. We wish you no harm but we will defend ourselves."
Diplomacy +1 = 21!
Sense Motive (as best as one can vs a vegie-person) = 20
Perception +11 (other critters that may be hidding and ready to pounce) = 20
Readied MW Crossbow bolt: Att +7 (since they are < 30) = 13 dmg if hit = 2
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 42/43 (John C) Thursday September 4th, 2014 9:31:29 PM
Carver, being off duty is also still asleep. No alert given, so no reason to react until either hit or a warning is given.
(Started with 20 days of trail rations)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+8=19 ; d20+10=24 ; Thursday September 4th, 2014 9:32:54 PM
If someone wakes him up... William sees these creatures and tries to identify who they are and what they're saying... Know nature - 19. He also knows several languages and maybe they are speaking one he knows... Linguistics - 24
Finally he will cast light on a coin and toss it towards they edge of the site, trying to provide illumination for everyone...
He has 2 weeks worth of trail rations that he picked up before heading out
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+1=17 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+4=15 ; Thursday September 4th, 2014 11:36:36 PM
When Nikolai wakes him Cameron looks at his chain shirt but when he sees the plantlike people he reaches into his gear and instead pulls out the plant-person totem. Holding it high he tries to get his bearings. Knowledge Nature 17 Perception 15 Sense Motive 24 Linguistics 15 He tries to communicate/translate what Nikolai is saying. At the moment he is unarmored and his gear/weapons are on the ground next to him. He also holds up the pad with the picture of the blood/teleport tree he drew earlier. Cameron had no food or water on him.
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 0 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping OUT of armor, allowing it to dry overnight Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 2 days water used and 2 days food used, halfling size portions
DM Ken - Swamp Things! d100=83 ; d100=21 ; d100=84 ; d100=45 ; d100=55 ; d100=99 ; d100=54 ; d100=90 ; d100=63 ; d100=56 ; d100=22 ; d100=54 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; Friday September 5th, 2014 4:08:46 PM
When Nikolai alerts his sleeping allies (Pru, Carver, William, etc), each of them wakes and rouses themselves in their own way.
The Vegepygmies, as William recognizes them to be, seemed content to stand-off for the moment. Lindens Light spell however, frightens them to a degree, and a chorus of "Wooga!" and "Woogy Boogies!" break out among the green plant-men. A few yell loudly, poking their spears at the air.
When William ignores Nikolais order and casts a second light spell, there is a shriek among the pygmies. When he then throws a lit coin at them, they yell in rage and surge forwards, even though some of them point and yell at the idol Cameron is holding, obviously excited about something.
Pygmy 1: Looks at the party, unsure of what to do. He looks back and forth between his fighting comrades and Cameron with the idol.
Pygmies 2&3: Hopping forward together, they jab at Tinker with their spears, but miss!
Pygmy 4&5: Barking and "rruff!"ing, these fail to spear Nikolai and Linden.
Pygmy 6: Watches the fight, but doesn't raise his spear. Instead, he shuffles forward through the difficult terrain and seems to be trying to get a better look at Cameron.
Pygmy 7: Runs forward, jubbing and hefting his spear.
Pygmies 8&9: Growling, they stab at Carver, and without his armor he is peppered by Vegepygmy spears!
-Damage-
Carver - 4 damage
Over the shouts and sounds of combat, more of the strange pygmie sounds can be heard coming from the woods around you.
Even with advanced linguistic training, it doesn't seem as though the Pygmies are speaking any particular language. William IS aware of reports that they understand a native language of gestures and hops as well as Undercommon, which they seem to know intuitively.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=23 ; d20+4=14 ; Friday September 5th, 2014 4:25:46 PM
Cameron stands mostly still through the onslaught and wishes some of his companions would listen. He hopes no one swings back or these little fellows will probably stop holding back. He whispers" Would you guys quit jerking around?! If they wanted us dead, they would have started off by stabbing us, not sneaking up on us. Douse one of those lights, the one on the coin, and quit pissing them off! If you have a plant totem pull it out SLLLOOOWWWLLLYYY." Flipping to a new page he quickly draws a picture, none to flattering but legible of himself and shows it to the plant person watching him most intently. He points to the picture, then to himself and says his name, slowly and clearly, leaving off his confusing dual last name and focusing on just his first name. If it seems the fellow understands he moves on and will try some more drawings. At no time does he go for his weapons or armor, he just draws pictures. If they understand the picture and pointing he points at the plant totem and then at the one looking at him and makes an "is this you?" type shrug Sense Motive 23 (probably at some big minus sine we don't share anatomy or a language) Linguistics 14
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday September 5th, 2014 5:44:41 PM
Linden doesn't douse his Light bolt, instead, he shoots it into a tree nearby and readies to cast.
Spells and things: Light (bolt, 40min dur) Bless (scroll used) Channel (1 used) Low-Light Vision 3 days trail rations gone 1 bottle of purple wine consumed
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+10=28 ; d20+8=10 ; Friday September 5th, 2014 6:19:10 PM
William sees the creature's odd reaction and joins Cameron in trying to show a peaceful response, wanting to avoid a fight if at all possible... HOWEVER, he does speak undercommon as a language, and says peaceful, calming words to show that they are merely visitors and mean no harm. He also tries to show them that he hates the gnolls too and that his group are friendly... Linguistics = 28. He also takes out a totem that he grabbed in order to draw it and shows it to the creatures, hoping that the creatures will see his peaceful attitude...
He also tries to remember what he knows about this swampy area (Know Local 10) in order to give him some insight on what to do to keep things calm...
He'll also cancel the light spell, hoping that it reduces the confrontational atmosphere too...
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 39/43 (John C) Friday September 5th, 2014 8:13:22 PM
Carver now standing, has his sword and shield at the ready, but does stomp his front hooves in irritation, but does not heal himself, he will also use the flat of the blade , until told other wise......
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Friday September 5th, 2014 9:50:52 PM
Bruagh awaits and stands at the ready with shield, sword and a glaring lack of armor.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday September 6th, 2014 1:50:22 AM
Awakened by her companions, Pru sits up and blinks, looking around her. Is this a battle or a negotiation? Or both? She doesn't understand the tree-creatures' strange language, but they don't seem to be trying to start a fight. She stays where she is, not wanting to set anything off by taking the wrong action at the wrong time.
AC19 T17, F16, CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 (Full Defensive) "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=15 ; Saturday September 6th, 2014 7:24:25 AM
Awakened and out on the perimeter surrounded by William's 'veggie-piggies', two of which are stabbing at him, Tinker is quite concerned! He thanks the gods that he bought the chain shirt as one of the spears is turned at the last minute by the small, interlocked metal links. It would be understandable if the dwarf started defending himself...
But Tinker is a perceptive lad. He too notices the less-than-warlike reaction of some of the swamp-people, and only moves to take a step back before pulling the straw doll from his belt and holding it in front of him like Linden would his holy symbol against undead as he moves into a defensive crouch. "You like this thing, eh? I like it too. See how I cleaned it off from the things those nasty gnolls did to it?"
.....................
Perception: 15
5 foot step back
move action: Retrieve Straw Doll from belt
standard action: Full Defensive (+4 AC for one round)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday September 7th, 2014 12:38:25 AM
Nikolai's normal reaction would be to attack, which he did when he fired his readied crossbow bolt but he missed. He only shot when it was clear the two were not merely approaching into the light but to attack. He dodge the two easily enough but his friends seemed to want to still reason with them. His efforts went unheeded but who knows?
For a few moments more he concentrates on keeping any pointy things from getting him, but if gets even a scratch...
Total Defense +6 to AC.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Sunday September 7th, 2014 5:15:06 AM
OOC Note: Both Nikolai and Tinker have 3 ranks or more of acrobatics so they get +6 AC for total defense. It is hidden pretty well in the acrobatics skill text. Special
If you have 3 or more ranks in Acrobatics, you gain a +3 dodge bonus to AC when fighting defensively instead of the usual +2, and a +6 dodge bonus to AC when taking the total defense action instead of the usual +4.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday September 7th, 2014 8:05:30 PM
OOC: You are right on that David! We went up a level and I didn't even notice that last paragraph!
Editing my post to reflect that.
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) Sunday September 7th, 2014 10:56:46 PM
Cameron looks at William as he starts communicating with the plant men. " You understand their gibberish? Thank Warrd. I didn't think I was gonna be able to convey much with pictures and pointing."
DM Ken - Swamp Things! Monday September 8th, 2014 1:07:54 PM
The Vege-pygmies seem shocked when William starts talking to them. They don't respond verbally, but several hop around and take a few steps back, and as a whole they stop stabbing with their spears.
One of them approaches Tinker and warily reaches out to take the small plant-idol from him, carefully inspecting it for damage. He sniffs it a few times, then offers in back to Tinker.
"Jub-jub."
A few of the others solemnly nod their heads, and there is a chorus of agreement.
"Jub jib!"
There is a rustle in the grass and six more of the creatures emerge, though most warily avoid the glowing crossbow bolt of Linden. One of them, with a brighter more yellow color than the others, approaches casually. He removes from a little pouch one of the Gnollish fetishes, then stabs it with a spear, cleanly breaking it in two.
He takes a second one and offers it to William.
"Wookit-woo?"
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Monday September 8th, 2014 5:22:17 PM
Bruagh couldn't help but notice how the vege-Pygmy creatures reminded him of the mushroom creatures he once encountered in the Scab. He could only hope these creatures were as reasonable as the Mushroom people. The Warrior lowers his weapons in a hope of seeming less threatening and thus encouraging diplomacy. Nonetheless he remains silent.
AC21 T19, F18 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 (Full Defensive) "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday September 8th, 2014 6:16:22 PM
Tinker accepts the straw man from the swamp person, kind of bemused that the Fist seems to have found some allies against the gnolls. "Yep, jub jub. That's what I thought myself."
"Maybe they can guide us through the swamp to find the gnolls without them knowing we are here?" Tinker stays defensive, fully defensive this time. ......
Total defense with acrobatic +6 ac
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Monday September 8th, 2014 6:30:02 PM
Linden looks very pointly at the light arrow, the swamp thing and then very theatrically dismisses the spell. Regardless of language, the wariness is obvious. He puts the bolt away.
Spells and things: Light (spell used) Bless (scroll used) Channel (1 used) Low-Light Vision 3 days trail rations (used) 1 bottle of purple wine consumed
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 39/43 (John C) Monday September 8th, 2014 8:21:10 PM
Carver, still has his shield and sword, but will now go total defensive. Letting those more apt to discussion, deal with the grass guys, just now though, Carver is more worried about this mold growing on himself.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 Monday September 8th, 2014 8:32:32 PM
William smiles in affirmation and makes the appropriate responding jumping gestures and noises, feeling like a fool.... He takes the offered totem, spits on it and then rips it in small pieces, then throwing it on the ground and pushing it into the ground with his feet.
He calls to his friends, "Take your gnoll idols and do the same!"
Then he responds "wookit woo!" With a broad grin
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+10=24 ; Monday September 8th, 2014 9:03:37 PM
Cameron has hundreds of questions he wants to ask, but William is the one who speaks the language. Cameron follows directions and destroys the gnoll idol he is carrying. He then gathers his gear and starts putting on his armor. He stands ready to help William negotiate when he is ready and he also stands ready with his questions. They may be able to get most of the information they need without even going near the gnolls. destroy gnoll totem don my armor and gear Offer diplomacy support for William's negotiations 24 successful aid another Offer suggestions for things we want/need to know when William is ready Learn about the teleport plant, the gnolls and the swamp. Does the plant come from the plant people? Did the gnolls take it? Do the plant people want it back? Would they share it's making and care for the chance to regain it? How many gnolls are there here? Where do they live? Who are their leaders? How can we spy on them?
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 0 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping OUT of armor, allowing it to dry overnight Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 2 days water used and 2 days food used, halfling size portions
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday September 8th, 2014 10:29:11 PM
Nikolai cautiously retrieves the gnollish idol he had saved to show back at the Citadel and spits on it, duplicates Williams savage actions on the gnollish idol angrily muttering Jub-jub hoping he interpreted them correctly.
It's up to William to get what information they can out of these odd creatures.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday September 8th, 2014 11:10:50 PM
Pru has not picked up any idols, so she doesn't have one to destroy. Instead, she sends an Elemental Ray at the shattered remains of the one William threw on the ground.
She feels silly making "jub-jub" noises, so she simply says in Common: "Horrid creatures. We don't like them either."
DM Ken - Swamp Things! Tuesday September 9th, 2014 12:21:51 PM
(DM Post inc.)
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 Tuesday September 9th, 2014 1:36:55 PM
If it seems to be the correct response, Bruagh will take his axe to one of the dismantled agnolotti totems.
DM Ken - Swamp Things! Tuesday September 9th, 2014 2:49:59 PM
The Vegepymies cheer as each of the idols are destroyed. They in unison give forth a giant squeal of terror prudence conjures fire to incinerate the last bits and a quick but tense moment quickly passes when they all place hands on their spears.
While it seems flashy magic is scary, fire magic is downright terrifying to the small tribe of plant people.
A number of the pygmies gather in a circle, then disperse, taking up watch stations around the campsite. One of them pulls a large handful of blue gunk out of his pack and smears it over a rock, which begins to glow a soft blue color, illuminating a 20ft area.
The yellow pygmie, more green in the glowing blue light, sits crosslegged and makes a big show about covering his hands in mud dug out from in front of him. He waves for William and the others to sit while his Pygmies take up watch.
"Jubby jib."
He scratches himself then points at William, then pantomimes to the surrounding swamp.
Sense Motive: DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Vegepygmie seems curious as to why you are here, as you don't seem to be a normal part of swamp life.}
Carver AC 19, AC 21 with shield, CMB 8, CMD 18, HP 39/43 (John C) d20+4=14 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2014 5:36:11 PM
Carver, will put the sword away, but he will put his armor on, hoping it's dried out enough for now, since he was muck covered to his knees, his main armor shouldn't be too bad, it's not like he's only four feet tall like some others in the fist. He's not sure their intent, but he'll assist with deciphering what he's trying to get across.
Aid another sense motive 14
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 20 with Mage Armor and PfE; hp 23/23 d20+2=10 ; d20+10=20 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2014 5:46:11 PM
William isn't sure what the man is trying to tell him (Sense Motive = 10) and looks at his friends to see if he can get some help on sensing the man's motive... (OOC - Waiting on Aid Another checks and it looks like we need 3 OR someone to beat 15 if they have a good skill and then they can direct me?)
Assuming that he isn't the one who gets the sense motive check (I'll repost if he does), he says in simple undercommon, "Me William" pointing at himself and trying to indicate that he's identifying himself, "William's Friends" pointing to the others, "We Destroy evil gnolls" then pointing to one of the shredded gnoll totems and sticking a dagger or sharp dagger into it... Then he collects several gnoll totems (shredded and burned of course), and then puts them in a circle, and growls at the circle and smashes the remains... He points again at himself and his friends, and smashes the remains again... But then he looks with a quizzical expression, taking the gnoll totem remains and putting them together, "Where gnolls camp?" he asks, moving his head as if he's searching for the gnolls, trying to find them...
Linguistics = 20
AC 19,T 15,FF 16 (+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 3 CMD 17) HP 42/42 Cameron (David Feest) d20+5=19 ; d20+10=11 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2014 6:28:25 PM
At three feet tall Cameron is of a size with the plant men.He sits with his friends and watches the plant men back off and the yellow one step forward. He watches the pantomime and using his ability to negotiate with people he figures out what they want. Seeing William's quizzical look he casts a small spell and using Message, links himself and William, and Nikolai. Sense Motive 19 He whispers to William so that it looks as if the Wizard knows what the plant men are saying. Whispering " It says we don't belong here, we aren't part of the swamp. It wants to know why we are here. I'd tell it the truth. They seem to have an axe to grind with the gnolls and can probably help us in some ways. They might know their numbers, leaders and may also be a source of a job for the Fist."
Cameron aids William with any diplomacy he may attempt...Aid Another with Diplomacy 11
Notes arrows 34 of 40 normal, 10 of 10 silver, and 10 of 10 cold iron remain Spells 0 of 3 1st level cast today wand 47 of 50 charges remaining Sleeping OUT of armor, allowing it to dry overnight Tying into the tree I sleep in By end of day today, 2 days water used and 2 days food used, halfling size portions
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 37/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+14=30 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2014 6:45:51 PM
(Sense Motive 30)
"Don't belong here. It's right about that. Little dudes are a bit creepy tho. William, can you ask them about this fungus? What do they call it?"
Spells and things: Light (spell used) Bless (scroll used) Channel (1 used) Low-Light Vision 3 days trail rations (used) 1 bottle of purple wine consumed
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday September 9th, 2014 7:55:59 PM
Pru is content to let the others do the talking, for now. She is interested in the glowing blue stuff on the rock. She points to it. "What is that?" she asks in Common. She knows that they don't understand her words, but she's hoping they understand her tone.
AC17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday September 9th, 2014 8:06:33 PM
Tinker is with Prudence and lets the others do the talking. He does unbend enough to not be on immediate defensive posture and let's things go as they may. Idly, he brings out a small iron puzzle set and weaves the bent nail from the contraption.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=13 ; Tuesday September 9th, 2014 9:49:37 PM
Being the Thumb, Nikolai feels he needs to sit with the vegie-leader even if he can't do much but watch and learn. He tries to discern what the leader means by cupping his hands in the mud and then motioning about. One thing that is clear and doesn't take a genius to figure out is these creatures' hatred for the gnolls.
Aid Another (Sense Motive) on William +3 = 13
Then a message comes from Cameron and Nikolai nods his head in agreement and whisper's back a reply. 'I think William has the gist of it down pretty good.'
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