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Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+8=9 ;
Friday December 18th, 2015 9:34:21 PM
Alleah moves towards Thistle and tries to quickly mount the pony - only to have a little difficulty finding the stirrups.

-------------------
Alleah Move action: Move to Thistle
Alleah Free action: Attempt a fast mount vs DC20: 9 = Fail
Alleah Move action: Mount Thistle
Alleah Free action: Guide Thistle with knees back to H9

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl  d20+16=22 ;
Saturday December 19th, 2015 10:53:48 PM
Murphy flies to another tree, and higher still (I figure he was at about 40' high in his current tree) to about 70 feet high, to a branch stout enough to hold his weight as a halfling, and on the side opposite the girallons (figure about A24 on the map). He changes from owl to halfling, and sits well the branch, legs straddling, facing the trunk.

He thinks to himself that they should not have skinned the girallon.

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Monday December 21st, 2015 7:46:16 PM
Pressi and Trill make their way around the entanglement enroute back to the rest of the group.

Cameron begins taking down the be droll and tent as fast as possible.

Kezzem moves five feet away, and readies a dagger.

Shel likes the idea of these Girallons and the fey gnomes finding each other and handling it that way.

Trill let's the others know a little more about the girallons.

Bliss casts divine favor while moving closer to Alleah.

Alleah leads Thistle away a bit and tries fast mounting but fails.

Murphy moves up to a tree limb and turns back to his normal self.

The tension builds for a minute before the trees part. Another one of those monsters comes forward in a slow walk. Kezzems dagger Imbeds into it's buckler. Yes the girallon has a buckler on its lower left arm. The lower right arm is cut off below the elbow. The upper two arms hold a pair of maces. The creature flashes a wicred smile before it's eyes fall on the skinned Girallon. His.eyes dart back aND forth between the group and then back Into the woods.

The girallon puts the maces behind its back, and motions to the group... " Allies... little humans."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday December 21st, 2015 10:19:11 PM
Shel was surprised the bigun didn't attack outright. "Well we aren't exactly humans, not even little ones. But we don't want trouble either. We could be allies, if you don't try to smash us into the ground. Where did you learn to speak this lamgaige? You must be smart."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=8 ;
Monday December 21st, 2015 11:03:38 PM
This was what Camewron had always been better at, negotiating. A pity the last bunch he had been with had always wanted to kill everything that they thought they could. Anyway...
Cameron stops breaking camp and steps forward. He has never hidden who he was, not from anyone. his holy symbol will lay right as it always does on his chest, where it can be seen by all. His WLA pin is on his left lapel. He was sure there was still blood on his coat, somewhere, you always got some on you when you skinned an animal that was so much bigger than you. It couldn't be helped now.
"He/she (We skinned it, I assume we know what sex it was) attacked us and left us no recourse. I follow Jancassis and revere the hunt. We thought it best not to waste either the kill we made or the one left behind by him/her. That said, you know we are tough enough to accomplish this, even at our size. We could probably be allies. We seek to leave the forest at the northeasternmost point, near where our people live. What do you seek from us? Maybe we can help each other. Sit, drink. we can speak longer."
Diplomacy 8, well that went over well. +1 if they are affected by the WLA bonus for noble races, which I doubt
Cameron will sit and create water for them to drink, enough for everyone, if their new friend wishes to bring his people with him. If his arm looks recently damaged and still looks painful, Cameron will cast a cure light wounds spell as well to heal it. If the followers too are hurt he will instead channel his goddess's energy to heal all of them.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
light
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Delay Poison (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Hornet's Nest (domain), Sound Burst, Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
none
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

OOC
What language are they speaking? Without a note in front of it I assume it was common.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20=12 ;
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 1:26:39 AM
"Hey, who threw that dagger?" asks Kezzem as he looks around.

Bluff: 12 + 12 = 24.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl  d20+16=34 ;
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 3:13:00 AM

Huh. Is that a girallon speaking? He cannot see them from his perch. What? Allies? He listens to Shel, and Cameron, and was that Kezzem? Interesting.

Murphy thinks through some options as he sits astride the branch. Possible change of plans from what he intended.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=25 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+11=26 ;
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 3:43:45 AM
Alleah is grateful to Wardd for several things at the moment.

Firstly, the girallon declares the party to be allies.
Secondly, that she has neither the blood of the fallen girallon on her, nor the scent of it from the skinning.
Thirdly, that she wasn't the one that threw the dagger.

She casts a spell to better help the situation - Comprehend Languages (Leyline check: 25 = Pass)

"Whatever language you are most comfortable with, I can understand, and will translate for the others here. We do not want any confusion. We do not seek battle. Only to return to our home. If we have trespassed on your territory, then for that I sincerely apologise. That girallon attacked us first, and we only sought to defend ourselves.

The invitation from my friend here - " she gestures to Cameron " - is an honest one. If you wish to sit and eat or drink with us you are most welcome. My name is Alleah."

Alleah dismounts from Thistle, and extends her hand in friendship towards the girallon.

OOC to DM: What does Alleah's deathwatch spell reveal about this particular girallon? Is he in full health with regards to HP, or is he injured?

Diplomacy: 13
Perception: 26


Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 7:31:01 AM
Trill stands bow notched but not drawn and listens to what is to be said.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 8:10:13 AM

"They can talk?! And use gear and stuff? What is that about?" asks Bliss, not quietly enough to be diplomatic. "I thought they were just dumb beasts."

Bliss makes sure his bah is ready and loaded.

"Be careful, Miss Alleah," he calls.

He readies a shot, triggered if the gorilla attacks Alleah.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+7=21 ;
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 3:48:27 PM
OOC: forgot my Diplomacy check from my post last night...Diplomacy check was 21.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 10:24:47 PM
"Many apologies for me staring at your armor," Pressi finally said. "I am not used to seeing creatures like yourself not wearing a tuxedo. "

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 10:55:18 PM
The gorillion seems at a loss for words. Cameron looks around wondering if it was something he said.

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:23:57 PM
The group is taken back when the gorrila creature speaks. Some are shocked it wears armor, and others are shocked it is Intelligent.

The girallon points a large fInger at its chest.. "Grom" it says. Then it points to the pelt. "Orlock". Finally he points to his wounded arm.. " Orlock."

Alleah spell shows the Girallon in perfect health.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 12:18:51 AM
"Orlock hurt Grom, Humble's Sword hurt Orlock, Grom and Humble Sword friends?"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl  d20+16=18 ;
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 4:05:20 AM

Murphy is absolutely delighted that his friends are engaging in diplomacy, and he doesn't even have to initiate it! He looks about the area, to see if he can spot more gorilla sorts from his high vantage point. But a leaf grazes his eye, which waters, and he cannot concentrate on looking around so well for the moment - unless someone is not terribly subtle in their movements or speaking.

[Perception 18]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 5:19:28 AM
Alleah is a little surprised at Bliss. It's not often he would freely give away his position. "He must really care" she deduces with a smile.

Alleah then turns her attention to Grom and smiles. Carefully. She doesn't want to show her teeth. She has heard that some creatures might take that as a sign of aggression. She thinks Kezzem has the right of it. It sounds like the dead girallon was the cause of this girallon's lost limb.

Alleah follows the Grom's lead.

"Ok, let's start with the basics". She first points to herself "Alleah"

After that, she places a hand on Pressi's shoulder "Pressi". Finally, she points to the scars that Pressi 'won' in the last battle. "Orlock" she says firmly.

Finally, she proposes something to the party "If no one has any better uses for it, I think we should offer the pelt to Grom here. He is the one who has been wronged by, er, Orlock. It might also help show we are friends by giving it to him"


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 10:04:37 AM
Shel nods at Alleah's suggestion. "I wasn't going to touch it anyway. If Grom could get some use out of it, all the better."

She turns her attention back to the hulking figure and points at herself. "Shel. Nice meet you, Grom."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 10:55:34 AM
"It is Grom's right to seek vengeance, and now I know why he has not sought vengeance against us. Unless it is offensive to him yes, I think the skin should go to him. My name is Cameron, Cam for short if you like. Again, please sit and rest so that we may speak." Cameron again indicates the ground and sits down, hoping to set Grom at ease.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+11=24 ;
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 1:06:52 PM
using what knowledge she has about these magical beasts Knowledge DC 24, Trill ponders the idea about giving him the pelt and how it might be interpreted.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 1:49:15 PM

Bliss is a little taken aback.

"So that gorilla we skinned had a name? And was, like, a person?"

The tiny fellow sits down. He looks queasy like.

Mookie tries to make him feet better. "Meh, the big ape asked for it by attacking first. Your mom once killed a dragon and turned the hide into armor. And she knew dragons can talk when she skinned it. So it's not so bad."

Bliss does not seem reassured. "Ulp."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 11:09:24 PM
Pressi takes some time to ask about the trap back there.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Thursday December 24th, 2015 12:41:52 AM
With the others seemingly in agreement, Alleah carefully picks up the pelt and holds it out to Grom.

"Grom's" she says firmly

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree  d20+16=34 ;
Thursday December 24th, 2015 3:57:37 AM

Murphy spots another girallon, now that he holds the leaf-poked eye shut. "Hallo down there! I am Murphy. Who are you?"

He sees if he or she answers. He comes around to the other side of the tree, on a branch a step lower, ensuring he has hold of another branch, and has looked below to see where he must grab or land upon if this one gives way. He waves to the four-armed creature semi-obscured amidst the brush. "Hallo!"

He also takes a moment to look over his shoulder to the left and the right, sweeping most of the 360° about him, except the part blocked by the adjacent tree trunk. Then back down to the great ape, again waving.

[Perception 34]

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+25=43 ; d20+16=35 ;
Wednesday December 30th, 2015 9:36:47 PM

Bliss thinks that there are too many gorilla around here and there. Talking gorillas with four arms. Not good.

He looks for and moves to a bit of shadow, fading into it, hiding in plain sight.

Stealth 43
Perception 35

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Monday January 4th, 2016 4:09:38 AM
Alleah waits to see how Grom will react to her offering.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Monday January 4th, 2016 1:07:29 PM
Kezzem is waiting as well.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Monday January 4th, 2016 1:31:07 PM
Pressi, sensing that the rules may have been suspended, imagines climbing into the cockpit of an AT AT walker to turn it against the Girallons.

Are AT AT walkers effective against rock and log wielding furry creatures in a forest environment? Pressi figured you'd need some really bad writing to argue otherwise.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Monday January 4th, 2016 2:28:59 PM
In a more serious note, Pressi does make one last move to patch things up with Shel, leaving a small box on her bedroll. The card reads "A reminder that we all should start looking at things differently."

Inside, the box is empty. Highlight to display spoiler: {A magical invisible spoon. Lends truth to the rumour that "there is no spoon." The owner gains a +1 competence bonus to hit when using any skill roll or attack with telekenesis or force effects, or when using the spoon as a small dagger that inflicts only nonlethal damage.}

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Monday January 4th, 2016 6:12:48 PM
Grom is the only girallon to actually sit down with the group. He is still stand offish and his body is tense the entire time. He isn'the good, anyone with any know alignment spells can figure that out. But the girallon is a creature used to the rules of combat and your group defeated his greatest enemy. He listens to your stories but shares none of his own. Finally as the fire dims down he stands up rather abruptly. " You" he says as he motions to the group. "Safe. Groms word."

He begins to walk away before stopping. He reaches into his bag and pulls out an obsidian axe and throws it to the foot of the fire. " Father's axe. Orlock kill."

With no more words be disapears Into the woods.

The rest of the night goes byou with no worries. ...

Ooc: Sorry for the short post. I took the slowdown serious.. and became a dad on Saturday. Mark will be taking over tommrow.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Monday January 4th, 2016 6:35:06 PM
" Didn't he want us to....Oh, I guess we already did."
"Interesting. Do you guys have a mantle or something this could go on?"
"At least we know where we stand as far as the big four armed gorillas in the forest go. Jancassis says he has no ill will toward usnow that we have ended the threat to his clan. Now all we need to go is find out way out of here and save the halfling's from the giants."
" Easy Peasy."
Cameron reaches into his pocket and finds a hard, round object. Pulling it out he sees that it is a toy. His hand closes over it fo a moment, as his mind tries to place where it came from. Finally he remembers the Ghost and the Yule celebration. He steps away from camp and quietly calls out.
" Hey, Mookie. You around here?"
He waits and if and when the bird shows itself he hands over the yo-yo.
"Give this to the kid for me. I feel bad that I never gave him anything when he left the Fist and well, I didn't see him at the Yule celebration in the Giggling Ghost. He missed out on all the gifts and I know he likes gifts. In the Fist we knew that his sneaky sniping was the best chance any of us had of escaping if things went bad. Maybe this will tip the odds of him being able to escape and save us a little and end up helping us all."
The yo-yo is A red yo-yo that magically allows the owner to perform all manner of yo-yo tricks, from the classic "walk the dog" and "around the world" to the advanced "superman." The owner gains a +2 competence bonus vs entangling effects.
Cameron finishes breaking camp and is ready to move on in short order.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+5=20 ;
Monday January 4th, 2016 10:13:31 PM

Bliss is glad the gorilla walked off without a fight, and even left a present. Bliss detects magic and looks hard at the ax.

[Spellcraft check 20!]

But there is another present for Bliss, it seems!

Bliss shouts, "Cam! I'm right here! Just like always! I wasn't even TRYING to hide just then! I'm just naturally sneaky, I guess!"

The tiny fellow is excited about the yo-yo and casts another Reduce to make it the right size for him to use.

"This is great! I love it! Thanks Cam! Wowsy!"

He practices tricks and shows off to everybody.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+4=21 ;
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 4:29:37 AM
With the evening's activites behind them, Alleah prepares a hearty breakfast for the party. Her cooking seems to be improving, and this morning's muesli and oats is actually quite tasty.

"Good morning all! I trust everyone is well rested. We still have quite a way to go before reaching Humble's"

Untrained Profession Cook: 21

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 7:17:35 AM
"Well, I guess I expected a bit more after he decided to sit with us. At least he didn't attack, I suppose. Let me take a look at that axe. You never know. It might be magical," Shel nods as she takes a closer look at the weapon.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=18 ;
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 7:19:14 AM
OOC: 18 on Spellcraft check if the axe was magical when using Detect Magic.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 12:49:53 PM
"You realize it will take two of us to even try to swing that thing right? I mean it's owner was large and we are all small, except Bliss who is smaller than small. Someone have a way to carry it that doesn't require a travois?"
Cameron was in good spirits. Revenge had been delivered with his aaid and the Wold was more in balance than it had been. Their reward would be unmolested passage through the woods. Unmolested at least by the Girillions.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Delay Poison (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 12:52:01 PM
(OOC to DM, Gerald - Pressi gave Shel, as a gift, one of her items, so that should be tracked, etc.)

As people began to pack up and exchange gifts, Pressi looked around at the group, finally admitting to herself that leaving on her own terms might be easier said and done. And maybe, given that it doesn't seem to be ending on their or the universe's terms, that might not be the worst thing.

"You know, maybe I should give Murphy one of my items," Pressi said to Kezzem as they were preparing to leave the camp site. "You know, because he's the leader and my friend and all. Not sure if I have anything good to give him... What do you think Murphy would want from me?"

As Kezzem opened his mouth, Pressi realized that asking him was a massive mistake.

"Anyway, thanks for being a little closed lipped about the convoy and the stuff we were doing in the forest, before meeting everyone else. Not that I need it all to be kept secret, but... well, I appreciate it all the same."

Pressi moved on to the breakfast... well, brunch to make up for all that awake time. "I guess I slept as good as anyone else under the circumstances. All things considered. So any ideas about where we are going next?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 1:07:44 PM
Discussing the axe (which I guess is large size? Medium?)(OOC: sorry, posted same time as Cam), Pressi offers to stow it in her bag for now (the dimensions don't matter as they might for other storage).

"I guess... maybe I could even use it in one of my larger forms. Not really trained in it, though...." (OOC: unless it's a hand axe. And even then...) "Honestly, Cam, I was going to recommend you use it, figuring you might be the only one who uses any weapons close to it."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 3:58:59 PM
OOC: Sorry Pressi, I missed that post. I read the AT AT post, and laughed, and I didn't see the next one. Thanks for the gift.

Shel woke up, and saw the small box. Not having a clue who had laid it near her, she looked around, trying to put two and two together. She opened up the box and examined it carefully. She didn't see anything, so she stuck her hand in to check further. It feels like a .... spoon? Is it?

Did someone leave me an invisible spoon," she asks incredulously. Seeing Pressi nod in the affirmative, Shel smiles. "I'm not quite sure what it is, but that is a very nice thought. Thank you very much. Maybe we can share some invisible porridge," she says with a smirk.

Always inquisitive, Shel casts Detect Magic on the spoon and begins working out what properties it might have.


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 4:06:57 PM
Cameron can feel the fact that he is Dwarf-kin and doesn't know how to even start using an axe begin to show on his face. Quickly he coughs and covers up the show of embarrassment.
" No, no I wouldn't need it. My aim in combat is mostly to keep the people doing the real damage in business. Healing, tripping enemies, and disarming opponents. Stuff like that. That is one of the reasons I follow my blessed Lady.I am too weak to cause much damage without a great deal of preparation. She teaches just that, to make the field of battle your own, Stalk your prey and take them unawares, make revenge possible through stealth, position and weapon choice. That way, the strikes you make, count for as much as possible."

Hovel 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 7:35:32 PM
The Girallions have disappeared as quickly as they came, leaving a large, obsidian axe. Quite the trophy, but unwieldy for this group. Detect magic does not show the thing to be magic, but the axe does seem to be finely crafted (masterwork).

Pressi considers stowing it in her bag, but realizes it’s sharp edges need to be addressed before she does so.

After a quiet night’s sleep, the party awakes. They have breakfast, and some items are exchanged.

Once the axe is stowed (please just clarify how), the party sets off. A few more days pass, uneventfully. Hunting and gathering will yield some food.

Soon, the woods begin to thin, and Murphy can feel the Nymph’s Gift begin to fade (bonus to saves ends, unerring sense of direction home ends.) Looks like that is Hovel up ahead. On the road through Hovel, children will wave at the party of halflings emerging from the Culverwood. The halflings in town seem to be going about their daily business.

The party has been sleeping rough for a while, and their appearance looks a bit rough with their goods on their backs. There are some curious stares, and some disapproving stares. It’s afternoon in Hovel.


Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 11:08:24 PM

Bliss has some super important questions: "Did we make it in time? What date is it? How much time do we have?"

Mookie caws, "Calm down, Kiddo. Either we're in time or we're not -- getting worked up won't make a difference."

Bliss pauses and looks around. "Miss Alleah, what do you think?" he asks. "We should probably keep going on to Humble's Ford, right?"



Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 1:18:36 AM
Murphy has a few bags he can give to Pressi to help cover the sharp edges of the axe, and some twine to make certain it is smartly tied so that the bags do not slip off when in her magical bag.

Knowing well the edges of the Culverwood near Hovel well, having countless times traveled there with his father, sometimes his mother and other family members, as they are still heading toward the small town, Murphy talks to some of the others about some of the people who live there. He mentions his Aunt Marigold - a former candidate to serve as Burgomeister of Crescent Valley (though Calfast Rowgold Tunelly won that election, with the help of some of Murphy's siblings, cousins, and their friends). One bit of information he gives only to Bliss and to Alleah, and that is that Marigold happens to be a rather powerful witch (and two of her lady friends are in her coven). He tells of Ellis and Penelope - they own Hovel's livery, with all sorts of carriages, carts and tack, and good ponies - even sometimes a few horses more like the biguns use. They are the parents of Clara - her full name is Clara Alilliama Domiselithe Airina Marigold Pipewood Greentree, a bright and clever girl coming into her second decade, about whom there is a prophecy, not yet fulfilled. Well some say a prophecy, some say a blessing, Murphy explains. "Here is the tail end of it," and he sings a short snippet of song:
When time is ripe
And need is great
May Wardd grant her to be helpmate
To all halflings of our own dear vale

And Penelope also gave birth to the reborn power Eberyon, not far from where we are now, also not far from the Great Whistler Oak.

Betty Burrboot first let the good bard, the half ogre/ogre-mage, Lomar - known forever as 'Lomar, the Friendly Ogre' - stay in her barn. Later she and some good folks from Hovel built a large house for Lomar, and his funny goblin friend Bobbles. Most of the folks from Hovel are fine with Lomar, though they really don't want any other giant folk in town. "'No, that Lomar, he is different, a good sort. Helps us all the time, and teaches the children to listen to their parents, and is so strong. But one giant is enough for Crescent Valley,' is what some say."

He also tells his friends and companions of some of the other townfolk - including Kendry and Airin who now live here, and gives the general layout of Hovel. "We need to figure out how to get as fast as possible from Hovel to Humble's Ford, if it's not too late."

"Say," Murphy addresses a few nearby people. "Is Lomar the giant still at Betty Burrboot's farm?" "Is Marigold Pipewood in town?" He also finds Bliss's questions apt, and asks someone, "Say, we were traveling through the woods for a while, and rather lost track of time. What is today's date?"

He gets what answers he may, then says, "Let's go see Ellis. Maybe he can lend us or trade us for his fastest mounts. Though I suppose I could change into a fast bird, and fly ahead to the Ford, but somehow feel it might be wiser to stick together."

At the livery, he sees if Ellis is there, or Penelope, or even his little cousin Clara. If so, after warm greetings and introductions all around, he tells them they have urgent business for the good of all the valley, and need the fastest way to get to Humble's Ford, and can they help us out?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+5=20 ;
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:04:30 AM
Alleah notices the disapproving stares being given to the party. First step will be getting them on board.

"Now now, gentlemen" she says with a broad smile to Bliss and Murphy "I know we've been gone some time, but how must we appear to these folk - bursting forth from the bushes with all manner of questions and nary a 'how do you do?'"

She then turns her attention to the nearby halflings "You'll have to forgive us. We've been on quite a journey, and being so close to home has us all very excited. My name is Alleah. My friends and I are from Humble's Ford. If it's no bother, are you able to answer some questions for us?"

Diplomacy: 20

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 9:00:38 AM
Exiting the awful forest made Shel the happiest she had been in some time. "Look, I can actually see the sun! It's marvelous! And Bliss, we haven't made it just yet. That's why we need to hurry...we are so close now! I'm with Murphy, we need to try to find as quick a way to get back to the town as possible."

She waits impatiently for a townsfolk to start answering the group's questions, especially what day it has gotten to be.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=22 ;
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 4:19:16 PM
Cameron has kept up with most of his grooming, he might smell a little of the woods but his bald head doesn't stay that way without the grooming kit he has as part of his traveling gear. And no dwarf would ever adventure without a way to groom their beard, how barbaric. More used to the rough and tumble of a dwarven clanhold, Cameron tries his best to not look fierce as he displays his WLA pin and his holy symbol side by side and attempts to aid Alleah.
" Yes, we have quite lost track of time and there is somewhere we need to be to stop something bad from happening. Any information you might be able to provide us with about the day would be most welcome."
diplomacy 22 vs DC 10 to Aid Alleah.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 5:01:35 PM
A while back, Pressi had made a decision to leave the group as soon as they were out of the woods. As soon as they reached a town, and no farther. As it seemed that they would never leave those woods, she was quite unprepared to leave at this point.

Her concentration was broken as Murphy once again listed his relatives. "Mark of Domi, you know everybody. Quick, how many relatives do you have on the moon? My apologies, that was... uncalled for... but seriously..."

As people gathered around to gawk, the talk of moving on as fast as possible began to fly.

"Murphy, a word," Pressi began as she noticed all the gawking looks. "A little private, perhaps."

As they broke off from the group, Pressi began to broach the subject. "I know that suggesting planning or delay has not always gone over well, but I am nothing if not persistent. We are clearly not making it to Humble's Ford on foot by nightfall, and we're all I'm sure a bit tired of sleeping on the road. We need rest. Supplies. An idea of, well, anything really.

"Also, I need to find a way to contact the Angel Springs temple and... find a way to tell them what happened. I presume I helped with your priorities sufficiently that you might return the favor."

Pressi was silent for a bit, lost in thought.

"How do you see me?" Pressi finally asked. "Us?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:07:55 PM
(OOC - a quick addendum, I was cut off by my daughter)

Pressi, deciding she needs to explain, tells Murphy about how she had planned to leave at about this point. "I guess maybe I'm looking for a reason to stay. A reason why I should continue on to your quest. An idea of what you see when you look at me."

Hovel 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 7:28:32 PM
Bliss wonders allowed about the date, but Mookie tells him to calm down.

Murphy mentions some of the many people he knows in these parts. He also relates a prophesy about one of the inhabitants to whom he is related. He reminds everyone that he is also related to Eberyon. Murphy asks if Lomar still here, and what the date is. Then he suggests they go see a man about a horse.

Alleah has her own questions to ask. Like, “may we ask you some questions?” Alleah’s demeanor puts the residents here at ease, and Cameron supports her in this.

Cameron also asks for the news of the day.

Pressi is again impressed with how many people Murphy know, and tells him how impressed she is. And she wonders about her place in this group, and how what Murphy sees when he looks at her.
________________________________________________________

The children laugh and play, excited to see such travellers here.

“Where you goin’?” “Watcha doin’ here.” “Were you out in the woods? Fer how long? What do you eat when you’re in the woods? Where do you sleep? Did you see any bears? Did you see any elves? We did!”

As Humble’s Sword comes into town, a few of the adults recognize the widely traveled Murphy. The stern looks of disapproval for these “travelers” softens a bit with Alleah and Cameron’s efforts.

“The date? Why, it’s the 5th of Harvests. Why do you ask? Have you been gone that long?”

“The news? Well, the apple harvest looks good this year. Ol’ Firth’s pony took lame, and jus’ when he needed it to get his crops in, but don’t worry - he’ll manage. We had a pack o’ wolves through here, but we think we’ve run them out. There were some elves that came through - didn’t say much. Just slept, bought some food, and moved on. Decent enough though. ”

“Lomar? He set off a few days ago, but I’m sure he’ll be back. Some folks a still a little uncomfortable around him, but I kinda like havin’ him around. Good protection, I say.”

“Marigold? Aye, she’s here, and she’s be right proud her nephew I imagine. She mentions you from time to time. Though ya might want to clean yerselves up a bit first.”

Going to the Livery, the group is greeted with some stares. A few recognizes some of you and give greetings, asking where you’ve been. You arrive and speak with Ellis. “Greetins Murph, ya rascall. I see you’ve got some friends, and from the looks of ya, you’ve all been travellin.” He invites you over to some stools, just outside the stables. “Clara, go and tell your mother we have some guests. We need some water and ale for about 8 of us. You go help her there Lars,” He says to a stable boy. To another, “Hey there Pip, get these saddle bags off their pony and get her watered and brushed down while we talk.”

“So, tell me what you’ve all been an’ what you’ve been up to. Are you hungry? Will you stay here tonight?”


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 9:29:40 PM

Private talk with Pressi a bit before entering Hovel
Murphy responds to Pressi. "Oh, Pressi, I hope you don't leave just now. Even, I mean, beyond just now." He blushes a bit, covers his face with his hands, then scratches his head as he looks down. He composes himself a bit.

"Let's get to the meat and turnips of our current situation," he begins, still looking at the ground. "One, if the date is later than we hoped, and we cannot forewarn the Second Breakfast Club, then, you win - we don't mess with whatever you meant by 'rupturing the space time continuum.'" He then pauses, and adds, "I think that may already have happened when we got sent back a few weeks, yet the Wold is still here.

"Who knows what became of Veseley Vortence, Tiana Taithen, and Bazeck Breezelee? They were separated from us in the teleport - or whatever that was - from the inn in the realms of Kashmar, or Koshe-Marr - the nightmare lands. Was that sentence confusing enough for you? But it is possible that, losing their grip, they ended up in even a worse place, or all of them dead. Well, Bazeck was already dead. Did you know he is related to Shel?

"Anyway, If the date may still allow us time to intervene - then, in some regards, YOU are the perfect one to do so. Well, you and Cameron, I suppose, and Kezzem. Because none of you were there when the big tower explosion happened. That way, Bliss and Shel and Alleah and I would be less likely to run into our - other selves? And end up with questions like, 'Mom, why didn't you ever tell me I had a long-lost identical twin?'"

Along the way, he finds a patch of daisies, and take up a handful. A bit further on, the druid remembers something he saw nearby on earlier journeys through this area. "Just a moment." He walks about fifteen feet off the path to a bush that is barely visible from the trail. There he picks a flower in bud, places it in a pocket of his coveralls then returns to the path. He picks up the conversation. "I have no opposition to planning." He ponders for a moment. "I could change into an owl or eagle, or something, and try scratching messages out on the ground for people, so they don't confuse this me with the other me?"

"Look, you have a good mind, and know lots of things I don't. Sure, I have lots of relatives around here - that's because I come from a family of big families. We like each other, most of us most of the time, at least. But, you know - well, I had never even heard of a space time continuum before I met you. Or Shake Spear. Or screen-plays. We'll have to put one on some time.

"But who knows whether we would ever be able to - if you won't you come with me now?" He pauses. He hands her a daisy. "What do I see when I look at you, though? I see a young woman - though I think you may have a few years' advantage over me. I see a good friend of my sister, and who puts up with my brother. Well, maybe it is I who put up with Nalfein," he says with a grin.

He looks into her face. "I see one who has many talents, but who obscures some of them for her own reasons. I see a person with principles. One who is brave, just as One whom she serves encapsulates courage. I see one who does not discount the opportunities she comes across. I see someone who is sometimes rash - whether due to passion, or purpose, may vary.

"I see a good friend - the kind of friend who cares enough about her friend to be willing to knock him upside the head if she thinks he is about to do something unwise. The kind of friend who can keep secrets, when it is time to keep them. The kind of friend who loves the truth, and speaks the truth in love.

"So, those are some of the things I see when I look at you. I can't yet say fully what I think of when you ask what I see of us. But I would like the chance to look at you more, so that I can find out."

He takes the flower bud from his pocket. "My grandmother once sat me and some of my siblings and cousins down. She would tell us stories. So, this time, as she sat her rocking chair, she had two stems with flower buds at the end. She picked one up, and started spreading each petal of the bud. 'What is patience?' she asked us. Many of us had answers. Braebury said, 'It means waiting until the pie is baked.' Grandma laughed, and said that was good. As we gave answers, the petals she was spreading were falling off.

"'What a pretty flower this must be. I just can't wait until I've blossomed it out.' But the petals kept falling to the floor. Tifri squealed, 'Grandma, it doesn't work that way!' Grandma just glanced at her. 'Oh, really? I think I'm gettin' there.'

"But the petals fell. And soon a hard center was left, with only one petal barely clinging to it. 'See, what a beautiful flower, children?' We kind of stared at her, and each other. Braebury said, 'Grandma, it might have been beautiful, if you'd let it open by itself.'

"Grandma took the other stem with the untouched bud on top, and she placed it in a narrow vase with water. 'You think so, Braebury?' He nodded his head yes, as did many of us.

"She put the other stem, with the flower she had ruined, in another vase, with no water. 'Well, let's wait and see. Come here tomorrow children, and let's compare them.'

"So we did. The one she had plucked was starting to wither away. The other had blossomed in the intervening time.

"Then she told us, 'Children, remember this. Love is patient.'

"I don't think too many of us who were there forgot what she taught us." He hands Prissi the bud. "Shall we get back to the others?" But he will stay if she has something to say.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 10:18:39 PM
Trill stays in the backgorund a bit not wanting to impose herself on the Hovelites, and not having grown up around a lot of halflings she is kind of in awe at how they all seem to know one another and even seem to be related to each other somehow.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20=20 ;
Wednesday January 6th, 2016 10:58:58 PM

Bliss laughs when Pressi asks Murphy how many relatives he has on the moon. "On BOTH moons!" he shouts.

And then the kids pile on, and Bliss is busy answering questions. "We're goin' to Humbles Ford. We're the heroes of Humbles Ford, of course! We're passing through on the way home. I think we've been away since before we left! We ate whatever we found, especially berries! I got a way to make 'em more filling. With magic! We just sleep on the ground, except for Mookie, who sleeps in a tree. We saw gorillas with four arms and fairies and a magic nekkid lady living in a pond. She was nice. We saw those half-size elfs, um, gnomes! What did the elves say? Our gnomes were looking for friends, but they tried to be friendly by blinding us and fighting!"

Diplomacy nat 20 plus whatever Bliss's mod is, a +2 at least. I forget if he's trained in it.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 5:53:37 AM

Murphy takes Cameron aside and says in a quiet whisper, "Uh, maybe we don't need to tell folks about stopping something bad from happening, unless we know 'em well and can trust 'em. Just sayin'."

Murphy laughs at the moon/moons relatives questions. "None so far as I know. Just give us time, though."

Quick thought during private conversation with Pressi
I will see what we can do about getting word to the Temple of Domi in Angel Springs, Pressi, but I feel obligated to pursue dealing first with Humble's Ford - first, because if we can take care of that the way I hope to, you may have something else to report to the temple. Second, because Humble's Ford is on the way to Angel Springs.

"However, if someone in town has homing pigeons for sending messages to Angel Springs, then that might be a way for you to send a message quickly. Likely my Aunt Marigold might know - she's been involved both with the local militia and aspects of governance here, and knows MUCH more than I do about the town. We can ask Ellis and Penelope, too. Penelope knows most of the mothers in town, and if you know the mothers, you know the gossip."

As the children ask questions
"Say, show them the bearskin!" he suggests to whoever is carrying it.

OOC to DM:
Now, we would know the date we left, but *we* don't know what the date was called, as dates herein are loosey goosey. With today, our arrival in Hovel, being the 5th of Harvests, did the tower incident occur somewhere between the 6th and 10th of Harvests? Or some other date? Here is the record that Murphy kept written down, with the first number in each column the ordinal date from when we learned we were 30 days back in time, and the second number how many days remained before the tower incident.
3 weeks & 1 day - Goblin's Rest
1/21 Start travel
2/20 Wasps, barge, cold iron, Sardok leaves
3/19 Barge, meat barrel, crocs, shooting contest, 2nd barge
4/18 2nd barge beached, crew gone, snakes, Hazel & Faoil leave, we meet Trillium, back on barge
5/17 River travel, storm
6/16 River travel, storm & fog
7/15 Culverwood, waterfall (river flow reversed), fae spiders. Sleep in cave
8/14 Landscape shift. Lost Wood Morels. Sleep in hollow tree
9/13 Landscape shift. Meet Pressi and Kezzem. Fae gnomes
10/12 Temperate forest. Bath for Trill. Nymph Cnossia at waterfall, mossman.
11/11 Orcs, meet Cameron. Funeral for Icky Gump. Alleah's dream talking
12/10 Girallon. Skins. Move a ways. Sleep
13/9 Girallon allies. Grom glad we killed Orlock. Gives us obsidian axe.
14/8 'a few more days pass' How few? Assuming at least 3, taking us to about
17/5 - or thereabouts


At the livery
Murphy hugs his cousins, then takes time to introduce everyone around. "So, friends, this is Ellis - he runs the place, in accordance with all of Penelope's instructions," he says with a wink to the couple.

"Seriously, though, he is not just the finest wainwright in town, but in the whole valley, far as I can tell. He makes coaches, carriages, wagons and carts, and knows his ponies and horses as well as anyone around."

"Clara, I have something for you." He pulls out a silver acorn. "A water nymph gave this to me. It helped us to travel well through the Culverwood. I want you to have it, to do with as you choose. I think the virtue she imbued it with has gone out of it, but, you never know!"

He takes a few moments to introduce his friends to his cousins. "Shel here grew up in Humble's Ford, and is a wonderful friend, and is one of the most loyal people I know, and smart, to boot. She knows some real magic, too. Shel is one of the original members of our group, Humble's Sword. Kezzem is also from the Ford. He is good at throwing things, and has some very interesting stories to tell. Trillium - Trill for short - comes from the magnificent Plateau City, and is the daughter of the famous Dahlia Lightfingers. She knows a lot about the forest, and lots about the creatures within." He looks to her. "You're still trying to figure us out, aren't you Trill? Bundles of contradictions we are." He smiles warmly at her. He adds, "She asks some really good questions sometimes."

"Next we have Alleah Highhill. Alleah has a lot of talents, and is really good at understanding people, I think. Now, Bliss is well named, and has quite a story to tell. He changes size pretty well, too. And, if he does not want you to see him - well, then, you probably can't see him!" He turns and says, "We found Cameron being prepared for dinner. Really glad he could not make that meal. He is a good tactician, and pretty well rounded. He also has a really nice whip."

"Oh, wait, with Bliss - This is Mookie. He has been around a long time, and tells us many things we wouldn't know, otherwise. And, he managed to grapple an orc shaman to the ground! He is amazing."

"And last but not least, Pressi. She lives in Angel Springs - hey, my sister Leska Rose and brother Nalfein know her." He mentions his relation to them, not because his cousins don't know, but because some of his friends may not. "Sometimes they spend time in the shop together. She - Ellis and Penelope - do you remember Podo? He showed up just before Clara was born, and came to the Great Whistler Oak. A monk, you may recall. Well, Pressi knows him, too. Anyway, we came across her and Kezzem in the Culverwood, and I'm very glad she is with us."

Murphy pauses for a breath, and gives everyone a moment to further the acquaintance. Except to add, "Yes, we're hungry. And I believe we would be very happy to accept your hospitality. But, early in the morning, like as not we'll need to be off. We can tell you more about what we've been up to over dinner, perhaps. Say, would there be room for Aunt Marigold to join us?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20=19 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2016 7:03:51 AM
"really good at understanding people, I think" Alleah grins and stifles a giggle at Murphy's description of her.

She is genuinely happy with the attention she is receiving from the children. Truth be told: Alleah adores kids. She spends time with each of them - performing sleight of hand, casting prestidigitation for magical effects, and even handing out small pieces of non-magical tinsel*

She then gathers them close to tell them of the recent adventures. "You should have seen them kids. The girallons. Each one stood as tall as a house. Their hair was long and dark, and covered their entire bodies. Their teeth were sharp, perfect for ... eating. And their arms .. oooh their arms" Alleah lowers her voice to practically a whisper "Their arms were so long, they were masters of ... TICKLING!" Wih that she starts laughing and chasing the children to tickle them

Untrained Perform Comedy: 19

--------------------------
*Alleah won some pieces of non-magical tinsel in the GG Yuletide celebration. She will happily give them as little gifts to the children

Time and Treasure 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 11:08:34 AM
OOC:

Time - The party is not quite sure on the precise timing relative to the tower collapse, but you're likely within a day or two of when it should happen/have happened - maybe before, may after. Maybe it will never happen now. Time travel and extra planar travel are tricky.

Treasure - Has anyone been keeping track of treasure? I do not know what has been awarded to date, or how that has been reflected on character sheets so far.

ADM - I need my ADM to find out what's going on with Kezzem/Brian.

(I will submit an actual DM post later.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 12:26:10 PM
(Sorry, I'm here--just got to get in the habit of checking daily again).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=18 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2016 12:38:58 PM
"Run, kiddos, the girallon Alleah will gobble you up if you let her tickle you!"

Bluff: 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 4:00:56 PM
"I didn't realize Shel had lost a relative to all this, no," Pressi responded to Murphy.

Pressi listens as Murphy answers her question, her face blushing herself as the daisies come out. "I guess I do have... a few issues with patience, rashness, trust. I mean even now I'm telling you not to rush to Humble Ford but I'm rushing back to Angel Springs. To report a failure where the battle was lost. It's just... I guess I haven't lived right until... I met all of you.

Pressi looked at the flower, lost in thought. "Whatever happens in Humble Ford, I wouldn't mind seeing the city once its all over. I'll try to be patient until then."


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 6:24:50 PM
Cameron thinks, These are nice folks living nice, peaceful lives. I wonder what that is like...
Hobbes pipes in with a voice not his own, Probably exactly what your parents and Morgan were thinking before they were brutally killed too. Snap out of it and make sure you know the exits and how best to hold this room. Mayhem doesn't give advance warning, boy.
Cameron can't place the voice Hobbes is using, but the tone is all Sergeant Helmbane. The voice though, the voice sounds alot like his foster father Morgan though.
Cameron's instincts kick in and his eyes start t scan the stable and it's surroundings. There are good sight lines, something would need to be stealthy to get close. Horses too were not known to allow skulkers they didn't know close to them either, So he could hope for some warning from them too.
He listened to the conversation as he did his recon. The timing was close. They might have already missed the day the tower fell, but he thinks the well informed halfling gossips would have mentioned something that momentous, so they probably still have time...
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Delay Poison (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 7:38:13 PM
Shel smiled as Murphy introduced her to more of his family. "Nice to meet all of you! I've known your cousin for a very long time. He's a close friend. So what goes on here at Hovel? Anything exciting? I used to only want excitement, but after all our travels, I think it would be great to be bored for just a little bit," she laughs.

She listens to their stories. She didn't have Alleah's natural gifts with the children, but she had fun running and chasing with all of them. She was in ahurry, but couldn't help herself...she was almost home and she was with more of her kind. It had been a pretty good day.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 9:48:16 PM

Mookie takes a bow, saying, "Thanks Murph! You got a silver tongue on ya!" Uncharacteristically, he has no other witty retort or jibe.

Bliss is by now too involved with the kids to be bothered. He's showing off his new magic yo-yo.

[OOC: No idea on treasure, no time to go look it up, sorry!]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Thursday January 7th, 2016 11:19:04 PM
OOC: Email sent re loot from this module

Headed Home  d20=5 ; d20=16 ; d20=11 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2016 11:21:16 PM
Trill is in awe of this close knit community.

Bliss, Alleah, and Shel play with the children, and some of them even follow the group to the stables. The kids really seem to be having fun. They’re impressed with the stories, and the girallion’s HUGE skin.

Murphy talks to some in the party, and is happy to see his many relations. Then he introduces the members of Humble’s Sword to Ellis. He says that they are indeed hungry and will need a place to rest. He asks about his Aunt Marigold, and if she could join them all for dinner.

Pressi softens a bit, and agrees to stay with the group - for now at least.

Cameron thinks this seems like a nice place. The the voices tell him to snap out of it, and to scan the area for potential threats and exits.
____________________________

The group spends the waining afternoon in pleasant company. Ellis will send the kids home. A few townsfolk come by to say hello to the visitors as well.

Refreshments are brought. Penelope comes out as well, but soon returns to the house to prepare dinner for the group. Once Pip is done brushing Thistle down and getting her some food, Ellis has him help build a fire in the yard. Water is heated for folks to clean up.

Marigold is sent for and arrives, pleased to meet you all and very glad to see Murphy. Then, and over dinner, they answer your questions about news. It’s limited to local happenings, usually related to crops and animals and local gossip. There are a few mentions of Humble’s Ford and of Angel Springs. They again ask about your news - where you’ve been, and what you’ve been doing? Why were you in the Culverwood? Where did you get that great skin? What sort of creature has six limbs? Where is Cameron from?

They also think there’s something you’re not telling them, but they don’t press too much. Everyone is entitled to their secrets.

Ellis and Penelope are gracious hosts. The house is large. Mattresses are brought into the large room after dinner. The group spends a very pleasant evening here - you have not slept this well or this comfortably in quite some time.

In the morning, you wake to an early breakfast and find Thistle ready to go.

What now?

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Friday January 8th, 2016 12:54:14 AM
[Can we hold off on the morning until we've had the evening? These are people whom, to the best of Murphy's knowledge, we can trust.]

Murphy asks his friends - especially the four in the room who were there in the warding tower, if he might share with the three - Marigold, Ellis and Penelope. If they allow, he goes ahead. "We moved back in time. We want to prevent a magic experiment which went horribly wrong, and presages disaster for the whole valley, but has not yet happened. I thought we still had three to five days to get back to Humble’s Ford. But now I fear we may be close to running out of time. Aunt Marigold, know you any means to get us there quickly, or to get messages to key people with haste?"

He is willing to answer questions, and to have his friends do so as well. "Cameron," he asks quietly, "remember I said to avoid bringing up details to those we don't know or trust? These I know and trust. -They don't panic. They know how to think. They know when to take action."

He adds, "Alleah, can you speak to yourself as you did before, and see what you can learn?"

Headed Home 
Friday January 8th, 2016 11:01:56 AM
OOC: We can hold off as long as you need. But I do want to balance the pace between Murphy's interaction with his many friends and relations with the needs, desires, and interests of the rest of the group.

OOC: Clarification - Alleah's attempts to contact herself previously failed. Sorry for the change. We made a mistake.

(I still plan to do a regular DM post today, once everyone else has a chance to chime in, and perhaps indicate their preference on pace.)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Friday January 8th, 2016 11:51:30 AM
In light of the above DM post, let's go ahead and stick with Thistle (ar-ar).

Murphy arranged with Ellis that evening to purchase a couple of his best ponies to help speed things along on the morrow (war ponies if possible, regular ponies if no war ponies available), along with saddles and tack. Murphy will pay.

Murphy is up early, says his prayers, and makes sure his fellows are ready to go close to first light. "We have miles to go before we sleep!"

He thanks the Pipewoods for their kind hospitality, and sets off with his friends with haste to Humble's Ford.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Friday January 8th, 2016 1:20:05 PM
Cameron makes his devotions at midnight. He prays for speed over combat ability.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday January 8th, 2016 4:25:24 PM
"You don't have to worry about me spilling' no details, Murphy," says Kezzem. "I still can't wrap my head around this timey-wimey stuff."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Friday January 8th, 2016 4:42:45 PM
Throughout the night, Pressi mingles primarily with the adults. It will come to a total shock to you that she is stiff around the children.

Still, it is the first time in a while that Pressi has encountered civilization, and she takes advantage of the food and drink that is finally available.

She also asks Trill what her plans are now that they are out of the woods.

----------------

An early rise, a quick meditation and exercise session, and Pressi is ready to head forward.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. In a tree 
Friday January 8th, 2016 6:49:20 PM

"Trill, I hope you come with us to help us out with our situation. Also, never be afraid to tell us what you are thinking, to give us your perspectives, to challenge us. You're a pretty quiet young woman often, but I'll bet you have much to offer that you haven't entirely let on about. Will you help us?" Murphy asks her. "Besides, we'll want to show you around Humble's Ford, and you can meet my cat, Calico."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday January 8th, 2016 6:56:03 PM
Alleah will spend the evening trying to help out around the farm wherever she can. Castings of "Guidance" to help people with cooking, "Speak with Animals" and "Speak with Plants" to help on the farm, and "Make Whole" to help repair things.

She allows herself to have a good nights sleep. It's rare to find such a comfortable bed while travelling.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday January 8th, 2016 8:50:24 PM
Shel also slept well. She'd forgotten how cushy a nice soft matress could be and she slept like a log. The next morning, however she was up with the roosters. "We need to get ready. Home isn't far now. We don't know what to expect. There could even be biguns there. We must get ready and get moving!"

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Friday January 8th, 2016 10:51:42 PM
If you want me to come along with you I will be happy to if you don't think I am in the way. I still haven't figured out how I might truly be of help to you all. You all seem so much more... I don't know... knowledgeable about things...

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim)  d20+16=30 ;
Saturday January 9th, 2016 3:00:22 AM

Talking with Trillium
"Well, none of us has tripped over you yet. Look, someday we may go to some areas you know well - say, like Plateau City! I'm sure you know your way around there better than any of the rest of us. All I know is I went there twice, and the first time I was so young all I remember is walking over many flagstones, getting very tired, and some really sweet dessert at the inn we stayed, and this funny fellow who juggled almost anything.

"You've shown your skill at arms, and you know a good deal about nature - you were the one who told us about the garilion... uh, girallon? No question you have courage, and seem to be kind. But, feel free to have us bump into you - get in our way, if it will help us find a better way. Meanwhile - hey, have fun getting to know a lot more about where you are - pretty soon you might start feeling kind of at home, or, like you have a second home - or at least an interesting place to vacation, or adventure."

He adds, "Back in Humble's Ford, I've got a few books. One tells the story of some adventurers from the valley from a few years back. It's great for getting to know a good deal about the valley, some of the key people, politics, and strange doings. The other is only partway written. It's about Humble's Sword - this group. How we started. Who has traveled with us. Things we've done, seen, been falsely accused of, people we've rescued, some of the goings on in Crescent Valley, the Red Hills, and round about. Also - each night I add a bit more to it. I'll add the tales from this journey through the Culverwood - and you'll have a place in it. For now, though, let's pray we figure a way to save this beautiful valley for the people who live here. And give it a chance. You can become famous if you stick with us. Or..." he finishes with a wry grin, "infamous."

Along the way
Murphy provided two ponies he bought from his cousins. He asks their names, if he has given them one. Each has a saddle - and two people should be able to ride on them at a time, with their gear. Murphy will check the saddle and tack before we leave - he's not worried, as Ellis trains his people pretty well, but just to acquaint himself with the gear.

"Who wants to ride a pony? They move faster than most halflings," he says. "And we need to move quickly. With Thistle plus these two, six of us can ride. Bliss and Mookie move along just fine.

After the first few hours along the way, as we stop to rest the poniees, catch a quick bite to eat ourselves, Murphy will recheck the gear, tighten straps if needed, make sure the ponies' mouths are fine, and other parts where the gear is in contact with their bodies. Just before he does so, he asks if any in the group would like to learn a bit more about saddles, bits, bridles, and reins, and he'll be happy to point out what he is doing, and explain why he is doing it. "You ride a pony a few hours, sometimes you'll need to tighten the girth, or adjust another strap of two, or make certain the blanket has not bunched up, leading to sores."

Once that is done, after the first break for the ponies, he may shape change into a bird - maybe an eagle for now.

Perception: 30

Headed Home 
Saturday January 9th, 2016 3:39:43 AM
Alleah does what she can to help out. Minor spells here and there. At one point, a stable hand injures his hand, but Alleah’s ministrations take care of that.

Everyone seems prepared to leave in the morning.

That evening, Murphy becomes very serious, and he tells Marigold, Ellis and Penelope, “We moved back in time. We want to prevent a magic experiment which went horribly wrong, and presages disaster for the whole valley, but has not yet happened. I thought we still had three to five days to get back to Humble’s Ford. But now I fear we may be close to running out of time. Aunt Marigold, know you any means to get us there quickly, or to get messages to key people with haste?" Then Murphy turns to Cameron and tells him it’s Ok, these people can be trusted.

They listen carefully. Ellis and Penelope look rather puzzled. Then Marigold smiles broadly, then bursts out laughing, “Oh Murphy, you’ve always been such a clever boy. This is a great story. You’ve really missed your calling boy - you should’ve been a bard.” She looks around at the rest of Humble’s Sword. “And the rest of you as well! Oh, what a splendid time! You really must tell this story to Letti Hazen and Gabriel and Gus Gammidth! But do it in the same way. I’ll invite them for lunch tomorrow. I will be a hoot.” Ellis and Penelope still seem a bit puzzled, but they laugh along with the joke as well.

The conversation continues into the evening. (Let me know if you clarify the time travel issue further. I imagine that you let Marigold know that you cannot stay for lunch tomorrow.)

After a good night’s rest, the group prepares to leave in the morning. Penelope has prepared a simple breakfast of fruit and porridge. She’s also packed each of you a second breakfast and a lunch for the road. Ellis has brought a couple excellent ponies named Apple and Frosty, both saddled and ready to go. He’ll not take more than 20 gold each for them. Clara seem sad to see you all go.

A couple dozen of Murphy’s friends and relations show up to see you all off, including Marigold. Marigold is chatting with those around her, pointing to Murphy, resulting in happy smiles from her friends.

Humble’s Ford is about a day’s walk away, less with the ponies.

Anything you do before you leave, or during the trip?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Saturday January 9th, 2016 12:59:51 PM
"Ooh, ponies!" shouts Kezzem. "I once knew a dwarf barbarian who had a pony named Sparkles. You may think that's odd, but nobody ever questioned him."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d3=2 ;
Sunday January 10th, 2016 9:53:03 AM
(OOC: Brian, even I the player don't get the reference.)

"What do you mean everyone else can ride?" Pressi asked. There are six of us remaining and only three ponies, so how... oh. I'm not going to lie, I wasn't all that thrilled in riding solo."

Pressi takes a quick count and proposes that the three trained riders (Trill, Alleah and Herself) take the front. Which means they can't put the two remaining boys together. Grumbling, she throws lots to see who she is paired with (Shel, Kezzem or Cameron).

"....Ok, Kezzem's in back of me. Where he will remain quiet, I assume."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Sunday January 10th, 2016 1:02:26 PM
Evening conversation
Murphy takes in Aunt Marigold's response, and thinks to protest for an instant, but then realizes he perhaps should go along with her interpretation.

He smiles. "Ah, Aunt Marigold, you always had amazing insight." He laughs along with her. "Oh, I think there are enough bards in the family. No doubt you see Kendry around town now that he and his bride, Airin live here."

He takes in her suggestion. "Well, much as I would love to remain and regale your friends with fun stories, we really must get over to Humble's Ford. I have to feed my cat!"

Leave-taking
In the morning, he comes over to take his leave of his relatives and some of their friends. "May it be well with you all, and with us all. Farewell for now!"

To Kezzem he says, "Well, we all know dwarves love gold and gems. Gems sparkle. I can see why they would have no problem with that name."

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Sunday January 10th, 2016 9:46:58 PM
Trill listens to Murphy and spends the rest of the evening listening and such.

In the morning Trill joins the others getting ready to depart.

She smiles at Pressi, you sure you don't just want to put two of them together and one of us could lead them on a line. I got the impression that we would be riding on well made roads from here to Humbles ford?

In any case I will take whomever up behind me, I don't know any of them well enough to have formed any bad opinions as yet. They all seem like well intentioned young gentlemen to me.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Sunday January 10th, 2016 10:35:14 PM
Oh, and Murphy thanks Penelope for the breakfast, 2nd breakfast and lunch provisions. "So much better than typical trail rations, cuz!" He kisses her on both cheeks, and gives Clara a kiss on the forehead, and shakes Ellis's hand. "You folks really understand hospitality. The horses look great. Good bye!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Monday January 11th, 2016 11:13:13 AM
"Oh don't get me wrong," Pressi responded to Trill. "I can vouch that Kezzem is well intentioned, which is why I ignore the stuff he says. I'm just not the most comfortable riding with a guy regardless of intentions, is all...."

"As for just putting the two guys together, that would be hilarious... I mean, that is another great option. I guess I'm just worried that there might be a curve. It's kind of strange, but I feel like the gods just woke up to the fact that we are time travelers and are now trying to buy time because even they don't know what's in Humble Ford right now. So, yeah, I can't guarantee there won't be convenient bandits in the road."

If the boys get put together, Pressi will probably ride in back of Trill.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+26=42 ; d20+15=21 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 1:25:03 PM

"Is it time for us to go?" asks Bliss. "We should be going, right? Cause time is running out!" He's eager to be off as soon as possible.

Bliss asks Mookie to keep a low profile, and he sneaks ahead ... with his longstrider spell as the group gets closer to home.

Stealth 42
Perception 21

Headed Home 
Monday January 11th, 2016 2:51:16 PM
As Humble’s Sword prepares to take their leave of Hovel, Kezzem is glad to see the ponies. Everyone rides double, which is fine for what is expected to be a one-day trip, but might be a bit much if the trip if it were extended.

They are sent off by a few well wishers as noted before. As they go through town, a number of townsfolk are just rising for the day and wondering what all the fuss is about - there are a some waves, and a few mistrustful glares. A few children will follow along to the edge of town. Some of them are called back by their parents, and scolded for following “travellers and strange folk,” not seeming to care if you overhear.

As you go, the ride to Humble’s Ford seems fairly uneventful. The food packed by Penelope is quite nice. It’s a lovely fall morning - the air is crisp and clear, and some leaves are beginning to turn. Pressi muses that the gods may conspire to keep them from reaching Humble’s Ford in time to prevent the fall of the Giant Tower protecting Crescent Valley. She expects bandits.

Bliss sneaks ahead on foot and disappears from sight, keeping a sharp eye out for trouble. He’s a little sad to miss out on the usual banter as they travel. (As such, he’s the first to encounter this wagon on the road. This person does not see Bliss, so the following will apply once the rest of you catch up to him.)

You come upon what seems to be a local farmer travelling your way with a small wagon loaded with goods - some rope, barrels, and vegetables. He’ll introduce himself as Hevin Longroot, and ask who you might be. He’ll kick up the pace of his pony to keep pace with your group, seemingly glad for the company. You’ll learn he’s a nearby farmer, and sometimes merchant, bringing some goods to Humble’s Sword. He made the rope, but not the barrels. He just got barrels at a good price and intends to pass that good price along, with a reasonable amount for his trouble of course. He’ll ask if you have need for ropes or barrels. He’ll ask you about any business contacts you may have that would help him.

Sense Motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {He seems pleasant and is not hostile, but is clearly probing you for his benefit.}

Appraise DC 10, Highlight to display spoiler: {His proposed “good price” of 3 gp per barrel is not a very good price.}

Knowledge Local DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {You’ve heard of the Longroot family - they indeed have a farm near here. They have a local reputation as opportunists, always looking for a good deal or a way to make quick money. They’ve been known to trade with and talk to adventurers, so clearly they don’t exercise good judgement.}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+7=9 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=21 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 4:43:31 PM
(Sense Motive 9, Knowledge 24, Appraise 21).

Pressi looked up from her pony at the salesman. "Oh hey, yeah. Pressi, from Winword Toys? The Angel Springs Temple maybe? I've dealt with your family on many an occassion, and may I say how thanks upon Domi that I finally see a familiar face."

"Don't trust them," Pressi whispered to her riding-mate Trill. "They are such phonies."

"So, still talking to strangers on the road, I take it. Well, it's great to see you, but I don't know if we really need barrels, whatever the deal. Not... not even sure what I'd do with them."

Pressi does wonder if he's buying anything at the moment.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+8=14 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+12=16 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 5:44:46 PM
Sense motive 14 (figures)
Appraise 13 (nailed that one though)
Knowledge Local 15 ( But it is untrained so I don't think I learn anything)
Perception 16
Now that the rolls are done....
Before meeting the traveler, Cameron asks some questions and attempts to clarify what exactly he does in the group and in fights in particular.
" So stopping these guys from breaking the giant tower is important, but exactly how important? I mean, are we up to the importance level where we will be visiting violence on them if they won't stop their experiment? Personally, when dealing with people that can talk and be understood, I prefer to ask questions and try to get what I am after without , you know, killing them or giving them a reason to call on Jancassis to visit some horrible revenge on me. I've seen some really bad stuff happen to people she decides to punish. When I fight I am not a stand up and hurt somebody kinda guy. My whip can't get past armor heavier that cloth and most animals with any kind of tough hide pretty much shrug it off. No, I generally hang back a little and trip up my opponents, or disarm them. Often times that makes them far more receptive to the talking things out route. Problem is, I can't trip anone more than human size. Leverage and all being what it is. So if we need to fight someone bigger than that, say an ogre or giant, an enlarge person would really help me to keep them off balance so that the real damage dealers can, you know, deal damage to them."
"So how are we going to handle this thing at the tower then?"
Once he meets up with the peddler he is on guard. It wouldn't be beyond the level of planning for brigands to slip someone into a group to distract them from being surrounded, so he keeps his eyes peeled. This guy is pretty much an odd duck, so he keeps quiet, trying not to offend the 'merchant' whose 'good price' is right up there with 'normal price plus a little bit more'.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=28 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+11=23 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 7:35:28 PM
"Barrels, eh? Hmm..." Alleah will hop from Thistle to the back of the man's wagon to inspect the barrels more closely "I don't know. 3 gold for a barrel is a pretty steep asking price. Are they water tight? What kind of wood are they made from? And how old are they? If they've been used then the price should come down a bit, what from wear and tear"

Alleah folds her arms in thought as she looks at the barrels. If allowed, she will take the lids off them to examine the contents inside and the quality of the barrels.

"Hmmm... tell you what. I'll give you 4 gold for a barrel filled to the top with some of your vegetables. By my thinking you will still come out ahead. Then, when we get to Humble's Ford, you will deliver the barrel to the Temple of Ffloy to Broker Iangold Laughshield. Tell him it is courtesy of the Humble's Sword and intended for the poor. Do we have a deal?" Alleah holds out her hand to shake.

-------------------------
Sense Motive: 28
Appraise: 17 (Take10)
Knowl Local: 17 (Take10)
Diplomacy: 10
Perception: 23

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+1=2 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+1=18 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 9:38:04 PM
Sense Motive natural one for a 2. Appraise 8. Knowledge Local 18.

Shel hangs back, completely uninterested in haggling for barrels and ropes. They were almost home. There was no time to be distracted from their task. "Maybe we could buy barrels later on, everyone. Remember, we are in a bit of a hurry!"

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+2=6 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=24 ;
Monday January 11th, 2016 10:30:11 PM
Trill has no idea whether the price on the barrels is good or not appraise 6 but can tell a sheister from a couple of miles sense motive 23 away and she for some reason even recognizes the family name, know local 24 perhaps her mother bought some barrels from them for the winery.

Chuckling at her riding partner's comment she replies just as quietly.

Yeah I guessed that much. He seems just a bit too slick. I think my mother may have had some dealings with the family before. She runs a little winery and distillery.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+10=30 ; d20=6 ; d20+15=31 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 12:49:22 AM
Sense Motive: 30.
Appraise: 6.
Knowledge (local): 20 (16 + 4, not 15)

"Don't trust them," Pressi whispered to her riding-mate Trill. "They are such phonies."

"What's that?" asks Kezzem. "Don't trust the ponies?"

"Barrels, eh? Hmm..." Alleah will hop from Thistle to the back of the man's wagon to inspect the barrels more closely "I don't know. 3 gold for a barrel is a pretty steep asking price. Are they water tight? What kind of wood are they made from? And how old are they? If they've been used then the price should come down a bit, what from wear and tear"

"Are they 'barrels' of fun?" asks Kezzem with a laugh.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim)  d20+7=13 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+6=26 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 2:41:16 AM

Are the barrels large enough for a halfling to fit within? Do they appear to have sturdy handles? Murphy thinks to himself that halflings in barrels might be able to get past the animated chains on the ground floor of the tower. Put several of his friends within the barrels. Fly up with an adequate amount of rope on his person just before he shape changes. Dropping the rope down to be tied to the barrels. Winching the barrels up the stairs until out of reach of the flailing metal links.

"Do as my friend suggests. But first, leave five barrels at our burrow near the river. You are to do an excellent job of tieing some of the rope around the outside of each barrel, so that each has a good solid couple loops of rope to tie onto so the barrels can be dragged along the ground with about 35 to 55 pounds of things inside them. Also, I will take 300 feet of rope. You'll get 20 gold pieces if you drop those off at our burrow just before you go to the Temple of Flower. Uh, I mean, the Temple of Ffloy, with my friend's vegetable-filled barrel.

"Also, if the ropes are poorly affixed to the barrels, I know where your place of business is. If they are well affixed to the barrels, I know where your place of business is. Well done, when I can you'l get something extra. Poorly done, you will hear from me. Lives may be at stake in doing the job well. Imagine you are doing this to save the person you love the most." He takes out his dagger, and says, "I'll show you what I mean with the first barrel. Then you do the rest." Before he cuts, he takes out a few platinum pieces. "Don't worry, I'll pay." He measures a length of rope, and cuts it. He loops it around the barrel, about 1/3 of the way from one end, loops the rope in a tight spiral, then winds the end multiple times around the rope that runs parallel with the slats.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim)  d20+16=22 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 2:43:05 AM
Akh! Not the finished post - Here's what I meant to post:

Are the barrels large enough for a halfling to fit within? Do they appear to have sturdy handles? Murphy thinks to himself that halflings in barrels might be able to get past the animated chains on the ground floor of the tower. Put several of his friends within the barrels. Fly up with an adequate amount of rope on his person just before he shape changes. Dropping the rope down to be tied to the barrels. Winching the barrels up the stairs until out of reach of the flailing metal links.

"Do as my friend suggests. But first, leave five barrels at our burrow near the river. You are to do an excellent job of tieing some of the rope around the outside of each barrel, so that each has a good solid couple loops of rope to tie onto so the barrels can be dragged along the ground with about 35 to 55 pounds of things inside them. Also, I will take 300 feet of rope. You'll get 20 gold worth if you drop those off at our burrow just before you go to the Temple of Flower. Uh, I mean, the Temple of Ffloy, with my friend's vegetable-filled barrel." He makes certain the merchant knows the burrow he is talking about.

"Also, if the ropes are poorly affixed to the barrels, I know where your place of business is. If they are well affixed to the barrels, I know where your place of business is. Well done, when I can you'l get something extra. Poorly done, you will hear from me. Lives may be at stake in doing the job well. Imagine you are doing this to save the person you love the most." He takes out his dagger, and says, "I'll show you what I mean with the first barrel. Then you do the rest." Before he cuts, he takes out a few platinum pieces. "Don't worry, I'll pay." He measures a length of rope, and cuts it. He spends about three minutes forming a fairly simple, fairly taut set of knots and loops which in the end give a couple of places to pull or drag the barrel, and room to tie another rope end to, without blocking either end. "Like that." He looks up at the man. "We have a deal?" If he sees affirmation in the man's countenance, holds out his hand and plunks a combination of gold and platinum into the man's palm. "Thank you, Mister Longroot."

Sense Motive: 13
Appraise: 8
Knowledge Local: 26
Perception: 22

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 9:50:10 AM
Bliss casts his Message cantrip a few times and has a chat with his friends quiet like.

He says, "Maybe Pressi has a point, but instead of stopping us, Fate is helping us! We should buy this fellow's whole cart, ponies, wagon, and all. Let Kezzem and Pressi and Cam drive the wagon, and the rest of us hide in the barrels. That way there's no chance of us seeing our younger selfs."

Mookie adds in a caw, "Yeah, good idea, Kid! And we should send this fellow back to Hovel so that he won't spill the beans on us before it is too late. Give him a message for Murph's kin so he know's we're checking on when he went. Tell him to wait for a reply, and in the message, tell Marry-Gold to keep him waiting for a few days."



Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 3:50:26 PM

Murphy responds to Bliss's message. "I concur. Let's do it."

He again approaches the vendor.

"Changed my mind. I don't want to buy your barrels and rope. We want to buy the whole lock, stock and barrel. How much do you ask? Cart, pony, barrels, rope, vegetables. Everything but yourself. And, as part of the deal, we have a message for you to deliver to Marigold Pipewood, back in Hovel, as fast as your legs will carry you."

Headed Home 
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 5:52:29 PM
No one is really taken in by Hevin’s offer, though reactions vary - his price for the barrels was high, but not extravagant.

Pressi quietly says he’s a phoney, and Trill responds that she knows. Cameron is on guard, suspecting a possible attack. Alleah ties to make a deal with him to get food to the poor, offering him 4 gold for delivery of a barrel of food. Kezzem asks about the barrel’s construction and makes a joke. Murphy is courteous, and proposes that Hevin rig the barrells with rope to haul them safely up. He pays the man and then climbs aboard his wagon to show him what to do. Bliss quietly proposes they buy all he has, even the wagon, and send him to Hovel. Then Murphy seizes on the idea, saying they’ll buy all he has, even the cart and pony!

The fat merchant rubs his chin as he thinks.

“Buy my pony and cart and have me walk to Hovel! That will seriously affect my business! This cart is how I make my money, so I’d surely have to replace it in Hovel. And then there’s the walk. But I can see that you’re good folk who have a plan that I don’t need to be a part of.”

“I’ll tell you what. I sell you all I have here, and run your errand, but it’s going to cost you. 200 gold and we’ll call it done, and that will compensate me for my inconvenience as well. If you agree, just give me a moment to collect my things and my money, and we’ll part ways.”

He begins to gather some things from the cart, including a small backpack and some other gear.

Do you pay him what he asks?


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 9:38:53 PM

Murphy adds another ten gold pieces to the twenty he already put forth. "One hundred ninety, and, if wagon and pony are in good condition by the time you return to Humble's Ford, you'll buy them back from us for sixty - and we'll include anything we did not have to use up."

He turns to his friends. "We need another... 156 in gold or equivalent. Who can help?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+5=10 ; d20+5=6 ; d20=19 ; d20=17 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=23 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 10:41:15 PM
"Wait wait wait. You're talking about paying 140 gold for a ride to Humble's Ford?" Alleah shakes her head at Murphy, and then turns her attention to the merchant.

"By my reckoning, the pony, cart, barrels and vegetables work out to be worth around 60 gold pieces. We'll offer 100 gold pieces and not a single piece more. If you think you'll get a better deal than that today elsewhere, then I wish you the best of luck in your travels"

Alleah folds her arms, letting the man know how steadfast she is

"Then there is the issue of repeat business. We are quite well known in Humble's Ford, you see. Why, the Broker of the Temple of Ffloy is even a good personal friend of mine. If we were to tell others how accommodating you were, well, business could boom. People would travel just to feast on your hospitality. Alternatively, if we were to tell others how you tried to charge unrealistic prices, well, your business might suffer.

What would it say that you charged a 300% markup for some travellers who only wished to donate goods to charity?

No, 100 gold pieces is a more than fair deal. What's more, you would have an armed escort all the way to Humble's Ford. I'm sure you know as well as anyone how dangerous this area can be." Alleah will point out the gorillon skin by way of example "The decision is yours"

-----------------
Alleah will use her "Touch of Luck" ability to grant her rerolls of all checks she makes
Diplomacy: 10
Intimidate: 19
Untrained Profession Merchant: 23

Edit: Upped offer to 100gold. If new, all these items would work out to cost 79gold. Knocking off 19gold for them being used, puts it down to 60gp I *think*

Headed Home 
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 11:12:15 PM
OOC: Just to be clear.

Pony
Bit and bridle
Cart
8 barrels
800 feet of rope
Vegetables

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+5=24 ; d20+5=23 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 11:41:06 PM
Pressi only has 6 GP in cash, but she quickly adds to the pile the large axe they got in the forest. "A present from some camping buddies," she explains to the merchant.

She quickly looks over the items to have a better idea of whether Alleah is correct (Appraise 24, Diplomacy 23).

"You must forgive my excitable friend, what with our reputations on the line as well. I mean, Murphy here has relatives in all three towns numbering in the hundreds... I mean, I should know, like I said I do procurement for them and for the Angel Springs Temple, Alleah has some sway with the Humble ford Temple, you know how it is with us knowing pretty much everyone who buys stuff....

"Say, as long as we are talking, I should have asked this before, but... has anything unusual happened in Humble Ford recently? I understand how vague that question is, but if you have heard of it, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about..."

"Of course, if we are attempting subterfuge, there is the issue that we'd still stand out. I mean, it would be me just riding in with my robes and...." Pressi stopped, staring into her bag, the blue and black cloth staring back...

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=10 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2016 11:43:14 PM
Diplomacy 10 to aid Alleah
" Besides, having an Avenger of Jancassis on your side certainly beats having one not on your side. Alleah's deal is fair, with a profit to boot and the possibility of more business in the future. I'd take the deal. Just saying."
Cameron slips a pouch from around his neck and pulls out several small black and red gems and hands them to Alleah to make up his part of the purchase price. (5, 10 gp gems)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 12:07:54 AM
Shel has plenty of gold to contribute. Once the others pay what they can, she covers the rest.

OOC: let me know how much gold to subtract.

Shel still was trying to wrap her head around the idea if most of the group riding into town in barrels to keep from seeing themselves as much as she tried to find fault with the plan, she couldn't do so. It didn't sound comfortable but it sounded like a good idea. "Lets do it then. Sounds interesting!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 1:56:26 AM
OOC: Kezzem can pitch in as well, or pay the whole price outright. Just let me know what my share is.

"Ooo, hiding in barrels is fun. This reminds of my cousin's adventures when he helped a dozen dwarves escape from an elven prison. He put all the dwarves in barrels and then dumped then into the river, where they then had to fight off not only the elves but a band of orcs as well! Elves AND Orcs, I tell you! In fact, I believe he's writing his adventures with those dwarves in a book, Away and Home Once More: A Halfing's Story."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 7:35:21 AM

Bliss laughs at Kezzem's tale. "I'd like to read that one!" he declares.

"Anyway, we have alots of money. Right Mookie?"

Mookie answers annoyingly, "It's not a lot! When I travelled with your mom, well, she had a lot of money. And she didn't rely on her familiar to keep track of it, either." The talking crow shakes his head.

"You have exactly 500 gold in coin and gems. How you ended up with a perfectly round number when you have no idea of the value of money, I don't know."

Bliss capers about ecstatically. "Thanks old pal!" he says, giving Mookie a hug.

"Watch the feathers!"

"Hey! HEY GUYS!" shouts Bliss. "It's okay, Miss Alleah and Murphy! I have TONS of gold! Just like Shel! You don't have to worry about it. We can pay this fellow's price. We aren't short or poor or anything."

Mookie smirks when Bliss says he isn't short.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 9:07:06 AM
Pressi does also throw into the potential pile her silver shuriken (14 gold value) and her silver (9 sp).

Headed Home 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 10:49:49 AM
Murphy seems ready to move ahead with a price of 190 GP. Then Alleah tells Hevin his things are worth no more than 50 gold, and that you’ll pay no more than 75 GP for the lot. When her attempts at diplomacy fail, she resorts to threats.

Pressi throws in a few coins, a silver throwing star, and a huge stone axe that came from who-knows-where. She asks about news out of Humble’s Ford. She references some significant event, but is vague about what.

Cameron reminds Hevin that he doesn’t really want to have an Avenger of Jancasis as an enemy.

Shell says she’s on board and will cover the rest, but Hevin is not quite sure what that means at this point. Kezzem says hiding in barrels would be fun, and tells a story about that.

Then a strange thing happens. A tiny little Bliss appears, previously unseen, and starts talking with a Crow, who tells him they have 500 gold. The tiny man hugs the crow, and says they have TONS of money and that you all can pay Hevin’s price.

Hevin Longroot looks pleased, puzzled, and then taken aback. “All right - I’ve had about enough of this. I have clearly offended you folk in ways I did not intend. I was merely offering to sell you some goods. Then you want me to sell you all my goods and my livelihood - cart, pony and all, and walk all the way to Hovel on my own to deliver a message to the good Mistress Marigold.” He does not appear to be a man that does a lot of walking. “And when you didn’t like my price for putting me temporarily out of business and sending me off on an errand on foot, ya say you’ll all try to ruin me in these parts if I don't comply! I don’t doubt that you could spread some nasty rumors about me, but I don’t like the way you do business.”

“Yer travellin’ with fey creatures and talking crows. You have huge weapons you cannot use. You have plenty of money, and plenty of threats that I don’t doubt you’ll make good on. And I don’t even want to know why you need to hide in those barrels of mine.”

“If you have a serious offer, I’m listening. But if all you have are insults and threats, then I think it may be best we not do business, an’ part ways right here. An’ please don’t be spreading none of your tales about me. It’s tough enough to make a living and keep my family fed. I meant you no harm - I sure hope hope you mean none to me.”

He appears to be sufficiently intimated. And a bit angry.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 10:58:59 AM

Bliss is happy to step up. "Sorry we confused you. I'm confused too, lots of times. Best thing to do is just to go with the flow!"

"Anyway, here you go, 200 gold pieces. And thank you for your trouble."

He especially looks to Pressi, who seems the poorest of the lot of us if she is offering her gear for the deal. "Miss Pressi, you keep that. You might need those pointy things if we meet up with bad guys. Which we always seem to do!"

Turning to the merchant, Bliss adds, "See, we're kind of in the hero business, so, um, there you go."

He seems to feel that that explains everything.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 11:35:51 AM
Cameron just puts his face in his hands and sighs as Bliss makes his initial outburst. Clearly the concept of stealth and secrecy was lost on nearly everyone here, even though half the time Cameron couldn't even SEE Bliss.
" Can we PLEASE just finish one of the simplest transactions ever and get on with this. The day isn't getting any newer while we sit here and quibble."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 11:36:57 AM
"Nobody needs the axe," Pressi responds in return. "And I don't really need silver throwing stars unless we run into werewolves."

Bliss seems skeptical, so Pressi does lay out the issue: she's cash poor. All of her wealth is in gear, and it's all really expensive gear or gear that's 20 gp or under (or it's gear with some sentimental value like Leska's fan). So it is a bit tough to contribute, but she feels bad squelching in an 8K robe.

Anyway, this was what Pressi was trying to get at earlier - what valuation if any will Hevin give goods.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 2:08:35 PM
Murphy was taken aback at some of the imperious and aggressive responses of some of his friends. "Uh, friends, this fellow is no enemy to be overcome. We're in Crescent Valley. Folks try to be polite to each other here, at least a good part of the time."

He turns to the merchant, "Hevin Longroot, you may know me. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood. I wish to apologize on behalf of me and my friends. I won't go into details, but we've all just gone through some rough times, with some rough characters. Please forgive us the seemingly rude behavior you have just been subject to. I realize this is how you make a living, and that you have a family to support, and that you have a long walk ahead of you to make it back to Hovel. We will meet your price. The offer still stands for you to buy back pony, cart, and whatever else remains when you get back to Humble's Ford. Mister Longroot, will you forgive us?" He asks, and waits for the halfling's response.

If he needs further coaxing, he adds, "I promise you, my friends and I will have a good talk about this with each other. We will treat you with courtesy and respect, and you need not fear us. We have pledged to help protect Crescent Valley, and it makes no sense for protectors to be treating folk such as yourself with anything less than kindness."

"Matter of fact, rather than two hundred, let's make it 230 - the extra to emphasize the sincerity of our apology. My cousin Ellis, at the Livery in Hovel, makes good carts, as you like as not know. Get yourself a good cart from him out of what we are paying you. Ask him if he can add one of his secret compartments to the conveyance. He is rather clever that way."

The druid realizes some of his friends may be upset with him for his willingness not to haggle to get the best price, and for apologizing for their behavior. He recognizes they they think they are being cheated. But Bliss's notion makes this whole thing seem a godsend, and he thinks why should we be parsimonious, when we and the whole town, the whole valley, may benefit from the timing of this nice assembly of conveyance and concealment? If need be, he communicates such via the message spell - but not while directly talking with the merchant.

To Pressi, via the message spell
[i]Lycanthropes have been known to show up in the Valley every once in a while, Press, and there's a spot on the wall in the common room of our place in the Ford that might be nicely augmented by that obsidian axe, or we can sell it elsewhere. I know you're short on cash, so don't worry about this one."

The message to (Aunt) Marigold Pipewood (sealed with wax)
If the merchant agrees to the sale, Murphy takes a minute to write the following:
Aunt M,
Quite good to have seen you. This merchant, Hevin Longroot, has helped us out. If you could see that Ellis can help him out with a good cart and pony (for which Mister Longroot has funds we provided for the purpose), I shall thank you proper when next we meet. Maybe it will take a day or two for Ellis to do a proper job on the cart. This would be time well spent.
And may our own matter of time go well, I pray.
Your nephew - MLP
If the situation concludes with the merchant returning to Hovel, and Humble's Sword returning to the Ford, then, once they and the cart are out of sight of the merchant, Murphy will recommend that the people who have been longer with the group make themselves as comfortable as they might within the barrels. He prepares one for himself. Along one side, however, he carefully fashions a hole, using his small tools, so as to make a removable wood plug, yet so that the plug is pushed in from the outside, to fall within the barrel. He uses some of his thread to affix to a place just below the opening, and the other end to the inside of the plug. He lines the edge with wax, and waxes the barrel side of the hole, too. He makes sure he can place the plug back in, so that it will generally hold, unless some pressure is put on it. He makes it large enough that he can fit through it when in the form of an owl.

He will spend a bit of time in the barrel, and put his bedroll and blanket down for comfort. His sling staff he lays next to the barrel. When they are an hour or so from Humble's Ford, he will change into the form of an owl, and provide aerial reconnaissance. He communicates well in advance his plans with his friends.

Among other things, he asks, "So, what shall be the order of events once we reach town? Also - does anyone have a spell or device helpful for opening doors? We may need such for the tower. Shall we split up - some visit the Second Breakfast Club to see if any of the three are about, and to try to explain - basically to tell them NOT to mess with magic in the Giant Tower until we have a good chance to sit down as a group and talk about it? Or should we hie ourselves directly to the Giant Tower? I'm open to suggestions. Hopefully, we will arrive before any explosion or release of purple smoke."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 3:05:21 PM
"Well, I do appreciate the charity, nonetheless," Pressi responded to Murphy from behind a number of bushes. "I mean, I figured we wouldn't run into werewolves before I got a chance to restock, figured it's a risk. And yeah, sorry for my part in the bargaining. I forgot we needed to buy his silence, too. Just get caught up in doing things sometimes without really thinking about it.

"Anyway, splitting up does seem best, especially since we don't even know when we are or what we're dealing with. As for opening doors, do you mean unlocking them, because I think, I think, we have someone on this team with rogue levels. If you mean bashing down heavy doors, I do have a crowbar and some climbing supplies, and a quick strength boost. But honestly, I'm willing to give that obsidian axe a try.

"First things first is how deep undercover we're going. Because it seems to me that four people riding on a barrel cart while geared to the hilt with weapons and armor and 8000 gp robes is still going to attract some attention. So the rest of us riders might want to dress down a little for this. Speaking of which, heads up."

Pressi sends her gear - robes, boots, cloak, weapons - flying towards the closest halfling team member.

"So, whatever you think I should be - serving girl, saleswoman, wife, acrobat - I think a more comfortable outfit is in order."

Pressi steps out of the bushes in her entertainer's outfit, the blue and black dress that she used for dancing and acrobatics. This is the most any member has seen of Pressi's body shape and of her legs, as she walks towards the group in simple gold-trim pumps, her scarves and fans by her side. Her red hair remains hidden beneath the black curls of her wig.

"If anyone else needs, I can lend my hat of disguise and my makeup kit. What do you think? Unassuming, no?"

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 5:54:03 PM
Well now, Wow you all are a bit different. I do know how to drive a cart as I have had to for my mom on occasion. I also am unknown in these parts and no one should know me for anything other than a small time trader should I shed myself of my armor.

So if we are going to do this who goes where?


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 7:43:02 PM
Alleah just shakes her head at the response of the rest of the party, ensuring Hevin notes it as well.

"Highway robbery. That's what this is"

She fully intends to let everyone in the Temple of Ffloy know this story.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). So, what's our plan? 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 8:02:44 PM

"Nice outfit, Pressi. That'll do."

"Yep, Trill. Yep, we are!" the local boy responds to her comment. "Ah, good, glad you can drive. Thanks, Trillium."

Murphy writes three lines on a long strip of paper, then repeats the three lines twice more on similar strips of paper. Each strip he folds lengthwise, and on the outside, "For SBC" is written. Inside, each of the two messages read, in the halfling tongue:
VV,TT,BB,
Do NOT cast dimension door spells into portable holes, powered by energy from the giant tower - or any variation on that theme. This will open a deadly rift, and at least one of you will die, as the eventual result, and one may find the mind is damaged. The tower will be destroyed if you ignore this counsel, and others may perish. Trust me on this. Talk with Humble's Sword before further experimentation. We aim to keep your secrets safe. -A friend (young, yet foresightful in this particular matter)
"We should destroy these notes after they are read, lest they fall into the hands of someone who actually wants to destroy the towers," Murphy recommends.

"Bliss. How about if you and Mookie fly to the tower? Then, with wax from a candle, or some better scheme you might devise, affix this to the window of the top of the tower. Bang on the window to get their attention, if the Second Breakfast Club is there. Let them read the note."

"I can fly - say, the SBC was gone from their own tower - not the giant one - the night before this happened. Hmmm. I was going to deliver the note to their place, but, well, we don't seem to know firmly where we are in relationship to them, timewise. Whew. I think some of you who were talking about the weird nature of time dislocation are right. It is downright confusing. Oh, but I could fly the place where they live, anyway, and at least try to reach them."

"The rest of you, in the cart... what do you all think? Help from Ffloy's priest? Ask the Mayor for help in reaching the Second Breakfast Club?

He thinks to add, "The windows of the tower against the giants have magical barriers against entry. The front door, too, but it might be unlocked, or bashed in, or magicked open. Inside, in the middle of the floor of the tower, lie chains. If you step on the stairs going up, they will attack you, and the attack is strong. But it can be damaged by positive energy. If they think you are dead, or not going on the stairs, they probably will leave you alone.

"If you get past that, a ways up, according to Bliss, you will see a statue of a black dragon. It may ask you a riddle. The answer may be something like, 'You are a statue of a black dragon.' Is that how you told it to me, Bliss? Who knows, though, maybe it will have a different riddle. If so, you, or we, are on our own to figure it out."

"If you see a magical portal to another place, do NOT try to attack it. Do NOT go through, no matter how convinced you are that you should enter," Murphy states as a concluding recommendation.

"Again, though - what other ideas do you all have? Don't talk to people about the Giant Tower or the end of the Valley as we know it. We don't want to spread panic. We do want to avoid contributing to Very Bad Things Happening." He hands Trill the last of the three pieces of paper. "Don't let someone take this from your hand. It's for the hearing of the Second Breakfast Club only."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 9:30:55 PM
"Bliss. How about if you and Mookie fly to the tower? Then, with wax from a candle, or some better scheme you might devise, affix this to the window of the top of the tower. Bang on the window to get their attention, if the Second Breakfast Club is there. Let them read the note."

"Wowsy, sure, I can do it! But we'll be in disguise so they will not know it is us!"

Bliss is thinking about using Disguise Self, shared with Mookie. It is a first level witch spell, and he also has two scrolls. He's thinking that Mookie will be a snowy owl, and Bliss will be a six inch high dwarf. With a long beard. He shares his plan with anyone who might be interested.

"But first we have to get there. Mookie and me'll share a barrel."

"Miss Pressi, I like your disguise!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 13th, 2016 10:35:20 PM
Shel wasn't able to fly, so she had to figure it would be best sticking with the cart. "Perhaps someone could alert Allouryn to the chaos that is about to break loose on the town? And what if Hazel has made it back already? Who knows what he might remember or not."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 1:20:23 AM
Cameron shrugs, He has never been to Humble's Ford, at least not as anything but a child. Besides, HE isn't time traveling and as such he has no need to disguise himself. He listens to Murphy's description of the tower and it's dangers, and hopes he will be able to find a way up the stairs without touching them. After that reverse gravity place where they fought the awesome clockwork defender, this didn't sound that bad. All of this information would have been SOOOO much more useful last night so he could have used it to prepare useful spells.
He still wonders how badly they want to stop these Second Breakfast guys. No one answered him when he asked before, he will just have to try not to kill anyone. If anyone asks him if he is ready he will state that he is. He plans on heading directly to this 'giant tower' and stopping anyone from getting inside it, touching it or otherwise casting spells at on or near it. That's his plan and as far as he can tell it should work fine. Any more planning than that and something will go wrong and need to be adjusted, so he will just make the rest up as he goes.
" Step on the stairs or touch the stairs? What If I try to walk up them on my hands? That isn't exactly stepping, or easy for that matter.. How much positive energy does it take to make those chains back off?. What exactly do they try to do to you? Damage you? Burn you? Shock you? Hold you in place? Oh, just so I know, what do these Second Breakfast guys look like? I wouldn't want to accidentally stop the wrong people from doing stuff in or near the tower."
When they reach what appears to be the town he will cast Longstrider on himself so that he can move faster.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 2:00:03 AM
"Yowzah, Pressi, you should dress like that more often!" says Kezzem.

"I have a question about the Second Breakfast Club," says Kezzem. "Are they a club that enjoys having second breakfasts, or are they an additional breakfast club for those who think one breakfast club is too few?"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). So, what's our plan?  d20+8=11 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=18 ;
Thursday January 14th, 2016 2:42:40 AM

Murphy likes Bliss's ideas for disguise.

"Good notions, Shel. I am not fully certain whether we should warn Alouryn directly, or what we might tell her... I also don't have any idea whether Hazel has made it back here yet. If he did, maybe the situation is already handled."

At Cameron's request to describe what the members of the Second Breakfast Club look like, Murphy takes out paper and ink and sketches the face of each one. The first, that, supposedly, of Veseley Vortence, looks not much like him at all (Profession, Artist: 11); the second, of Tiana Taithen, is a good likeness (P,A: 20); and the third, of Bazeck Breezelee, is rather well done (P,A: 23). He re-attempts another sketch of Veseley, and it's fairly done (P,A: 18). He describes the clothing they wore the last time he saw them, as well as other clothing they wore a while back during the Crescent Valley Games where
they served as judges. "Keep in mind these three are genuine protectors of the Valley. They did not intend harm. It just happened to occur."

"The way we got up before, Cameron, was to tie a rope at an angle from up higher in the stairs, over to the side of the wall next to the floor of the tower. The chains didn't attack us as we climbed the rope. And how much positive energy would it take to subdue it? I don't know. Probably a fair amount. What do the chains do? They slap against you, hard. Sometimes they grab you up, lift you high, and smash you to the ground. If you pretend to be dead, or asleep, they might leave you alone."

"One more thing I forgot to mention. Hazel and Alouryn - they were original members of Humble's Sword - got married shortly before the tower incident. When you come into town, you might mention you have some gifts for the bride and groom. Ask if you've missed the wedding - you came from far away. If you missed it, you can ask where to take the gifts and to wish the couple well."

He pulls out a sketch of a map of the town, and shows where the Humble's Sword burrow is near the river - where the newlyweds should be, and points out other highlights. [Refer to Woldipedia page for this game - link at the top of this page.]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 1:17:09 PM
" Are the chains sentient and actually attacking or are they a mindless trap that attacks anyone on the stairs? If they are sentient and willfully attacking, a sanctuary, which I could have prepared had I known any of this last night, might ward someone to get up the stairs. If they are a trap, perhaps they can be disarmed. How many chains are there? Can we just blitz them and overcome them by numbers in an attempt to climb the stairs? Along those lines what would happen if a swarm of rats or other small critters all ran up the stairs? Surely there are not enough chains to stop them all. We could use a diversion like that to get up the stairs."
" The riddle will have to be solved when we get to it. What was the penalty for being wrong? Where did they perform this experiment? At the top? Planning becomes so much easier when you know these things before they matter. Good thing you have all done this once already."

Headed Home 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 4:39:34 PM
Bliss move right up and pays Hevin the 200 GP. He accepts, and returns the other payments and items. Cameron sighs - subtlety does not seem to be Bliss’ strength. Cameron is anxious to get going.

Murphy chides his friends for their behavior.
Murphy increases the payment to 230 GP, and says Hevin has nothing to fear from them.
Murphy prepares a sealed message for his Aunt Marigold.
Murphy prepares to put a large hole in one of the barrels.
Murphy explains all the dangers in the Tower.
Murphy prepares some messages for the Second Breakfast Club. Cameron asks what the Second Breakfast Club looks like, so Murphy draws some pictures of the Second Breakfast Club. (It’s actually the Second Dinner Club. I think you’re confusing bumbling mages with angst filled teenagers.)

[Murphy needs to slow down on his posts so his DM can keep up.] :)

Alleah is personally offended by the deal Hevin received, and intends to inform the Temple of Ffloy. (This is a deal a merchant asked for and received without any real attempts to barter a better one. It will be interesting to see how Alleah characterizes this to the merchant priests of Ffloy.)

Pressi does a quick change behind some bushes, and comes out in a lovely outfit! Stunning! She receives a number of compliments.

Trill offers to drive the cart.

Shel suggests warning Allouryn and asks about Hazel.

Hevin is cautious but seems pleased. “Right then, and thank you - you folks are very generous. Well, most of you. No hard feelings - sometimes we all get off on the wrong foot. It was interesting doing business with you. Please let me know if there’s anything you may need in the future. My farm is just a couple miles yonder,” he points back south and east of here. “Ask anyone for the Longroot farm - they’ll tell you where to go. I do try to keep my ear to the ground around here, and can probably find whatever you need given enough time.”

“Now I do ask that you not be spreading any negative things about me.” He looks at Alleah, who is clearly still upset. “I’m just an honest...WHOA! What was that?”

Suddenly, a purple flash can be seen far in the distance off to the north-east. Perhaps even close to the hills in that direction! Seconds later you hear a low rumble and you sense a slight tremor in the ground...

These vibrations not only sound threatening but they can even be felt in every sinew of your body giving everyone a very uneasy feeling... a sense of imminent danger... a sense of a darkness beyond anything each and everyone of you have ever experienced...

Also, there is a sense of deja vu for some of you.

Hevin Longroot look surprised and worried - “Now what in the Wold could that be? It felt like something went right through me! Did you feel that? This can’t be good.”

“Strange happenings to be sure. Brownies, Talking birds. Giant weapons. Purple flashes.”

A couple minutes later flocks of birds can be seen flying away south... fast…

Hevin says, “The birds seem to get the right of it, and that’s a bad omen indeed. Well, you’ve paid me to do a job, and Hevin Longroot delivers on his promises - I’m off to see Miss Marigold. I can’t say I’m sad to headed away from your barrel hiding and that purple flash. Farewell.”

You can head directly there from here, but the going will be rough. It will be slightly faster to head to Humble’s Ford and then north to the tower, as the roads are good. Going directly there will be a shorter distance, but will be overland, slightly longer time, and you’d have to leave the wagon.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). So, what's our plan? 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 4:57:52 PM

Murphy starts when the purple flash shows up, then sighs, even before the sound reaches their ears.

"Time to go. Farewell, Hevin Longroot. I'd suggest you get over to Hovel as quickly as you can, and we'll see what we can do ahead of us." He climbs up the cart, and either encourages Trill to start the pony, or, if she's not up there yet, encourages his friends to get on the cart, or ride the ponies, and uses the reins to get the pony up and moving the cart.

After at least a hundred yards has been placed between the merchant and themselves, Mur at our original selves to the place, if there are twins of us. There may be no saving of the tower now, but we have three mages to get down from the tower, and make certain that none enter the portal. And that the gathering crowds are moved far away from the destruction of the stone tower."

The pony he urges to haste.

Headed Home 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 5:54:53 PM
For clarification, you are still a few hours out of Humble's Ford.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 9:14:31 PM
"See, this is why I don't dress up more," Pressi said. "You spend all that time and effort and then you just get outshone by someone flashier.

"Well, so much for the subtle approach." Pressi scrambles onto one of the Hovel ponies and starts to ride. "Really should have brought my evening flats for this," she mutters as the horse follows the cart.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday January 14th, 2016 10:41:03 PM

Bliss's face falls at the light and sound.

"Wowsy, does that mean we missed our chance?!"

His eyes scrunch a bit and his voice breaks.

"But we were SO close! It's not fair!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday January 15th, 2016 1:41:37 AM
"Even if the tower has fallen, there will be many tasks requiring a hero such as yourself, Bliss" Alleah tries to comfort her friend "Why, what if the giants start to approach?" Sure it may be a little grim, but she's only trying to point out that there may still be things for the party to do.

"Wardd wouldn't have sent us back in time without reason. Let's just get back to Humble's quick smart"

With that, she offers anyone who wants one a ride on Thistle and then spurs the pony on.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday January 15th, 2016 7:28:22 AM
Shel takes up Aleah's offer to ride on Thistle. "We have to get there fast, Alleah! I can't believe we were just hours away from stopping the explosion. You are right, though, I bet the biguns are already on the way. We have to get there now and save the town!"

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Friday January 15th, 2016 10:47:02 AM
Cameron hears them speak of a giant incursion and has a flash of memory of his Grandfather's cloak. Made entirely of fire giant beards won in battle, he cannot even dream of begining to match it. But he was a Steelshaper clansman, it was in hs makeup. His knowledg of longing and revenge come into play too. Having been denied their raids for so long, the giants must be anxious to resume them. Knowing giants and their kin to be cruel for the most part, Cameron can only imagine what their vengeance will be like.
[b]" If the giants see that flash and feel the tower fall, will they know there is a gap in the protections? Where would that gap open up?[b]
Cameron remains on the pony he was on and either guides it himself or holds on and tries to stay with the beast if he is not in control, He has little knowledge of how to ster a mount, only having done it once or twice in the Fist. Mostly, the Fist walked to where they were needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
None
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Headed Home 
Friday January 15th, 2016 8:16:44 PM
The flash is a disappointment, and suggests that the Second Dinner Club has continued with their experiments. Like the did before.

Murphy bids Hevin farewell, and climbs up on the card. There is perhaps room for no more than three of you with the goods you carry. Pressi gets on a pony.

Bliss is very sad they did not arrive in time. Alleah reminds him there is work to be done, and the group may be needed more than ever now. Shel fears the Biguns are on their way.

Cameron is sure the giants will seek revenge for being kept out for so long. He asks where they might come through.

The group moves forward to Humble’s Ford. I seems to be mostly abandoned except for a few elderly people who claim everyone has run north to see what happened. Most don’t recignize you, but the few who to ask how you got back here, and where everyone else is if you’re here?

But the group is in a desparate hurry, and move through town quickly.

You then go north, and pass by the Tower where the Second Dinner’s Club resides. It looks much the same as when you last saw it. You push on.

As you move further north the Giant Tower comes into view and you can see many Halflings in the distance! You’re maybe about 20 minutes away riding fast at this point. The wagon and those on it are a bit behind.

You have a sense of dread about what you expect next.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Haste, haste to the rescue. Any rescue 
Friday January 15th, 2016 9:24:09 PM

"Look, friends - we know that after the initial explosion, there is a larger one to follow." Murphy asks, "Would you mind if I fly ahead, and warn all of the onlookers to move far away from the tower, to cut down on those injured by the debris of the second explosion? Who knows, perhaps there is something to be done, though not as much as we had hoped."

He quickly lays out his plans with his friends as described below under Contingent actions. He will take a moment to listen to their responses, reactions, suggestions.

If none seriously object, he hands the reins off to Trillium, casts longstrider, changes into an eagle, and flies fast toward the tower. He thinks that maybe he himself may die as he tries to warn others, but, surely, if he can prevent several deaths, the price may be worth it.

Contingent actions, way ahead
Murphy-Eagle's plan upon getting close to the tower: Fly wide way around, come in at mid-height on the side of the tower, then travel in a low (10' or so off the ground) semi-circle up close to the crowd, and scream a warning. Climb, dive bomb, pulling up just shy of hitting others. Then up toward the top of a nearby tree, shape change to himself, and yell, "Move away from the tower. It's going to explode! Stones will fly! Move away from the tower, flee for your lives!"

Then, if he sees the tower door open, he will change into a bat, fly through the door, up along the inside of the tower, hugging the wall to be out of range of the chains, go up the upper part of the spiral staircase (pausing to answer the riddle if necessary for a bird) - and see if there is any possibility none have as yet gone through the portal. If not, he commands all to ignore the portal ('The portal image is a lie, enter it and some will die!'), flee down the stairs, and get away from the tower. He does not draw near to the portal, rather remaining near the entrance to the room.

If the place is about to blow, he goes into gaseous form.

[Mister DM, you may of course disallow any of the foregoing - just laying out Murphy's latest scheme, drawn broadly.]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Saturday January 16th, 2016 12:47:37 AM
" Absolutely not! Flying ahead and trying to save people from being blown up by their own curiosity. What are you some kind of hero?"
Though Cameron's tone sounds serious, anyone looking at him can tell he is joking and of course any of them that can get to the tower faster should go, not ask opinions about it.
Cameron was not a skilled rider, and even if he were he isn't sure that spurring the pony to greater speed would help since it would likely kill the pony before they got halfway there. (the ride rules for spurring a mount assume the mount couldn't run 1/4 faster for more than about a minute and a half, which I doubt)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=25 ; d20+12=19 ;
Saturday January 16th, 2016 3:59:58 AM
"There's free drinks at that tavern on the other side of town!" says Kezzem. "Go get yours before they run out!"

Bluff: 25

Kezzem also keeps an eye out for the Second Dinner Club or other shady characters.

Perception: 19

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Saturday January 16th, 2016 9:52:32 AM
"Save your longstrider spell, Murph" Alleah advises* "If you're flying it won't benefit you as much"

She spurs Thistle as much as she can. "Hold tight Shel!"

----------------------
*Longstrider "has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim"

Thistle has both the Run and Endurance feats, and with a Con of 14, he can run for 13rnds at 200ft, walk for 40ft, and then repeat. Based on this he should be able to Run (gallop?) at around 21mph

Alleah can also use Calming Touches if required to remove any 'Fatigue' Thistle might incur

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Saturday January 16th, 2016 10:38:07 AM
Pressi looks ahead in the distance, riding forward as fast as she can without killing her pony. "Back, back, everyone back," she shouts.

If the crowd doesn't disperse enough, she might have to travel to the tower on foot.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Haste, haste to the rescue. Any rescue 
Saturday January 16th, 2016 2:05:18 PM

"I realize that, Alleah. But it will help when I go back to two legs on the ground," Murphy responds.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday January 16th, 2016 8:24:22 PM
Shel ducks her head into Alleah's back and clasps her tightly. "Please go as fast as you can, Alleah! This is going to be bad all the way around. We may be too late to save everyone," Shel cries. "We went through all this for nothing!"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Sunday January 17th, 2016 12:32:31 PM

Mookie flies for the tower at 40, but he is training Bliss, who -- with his Travel Domain boost, his Longstrider spell, and Run feat -- is going even faster than that. Still no match for Murphy flying at 80.

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