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[DM Mark] If they wanted their dishes, they shouldn't have left them... 
Friday October 23rd, 2015 8:39:35 PM
Bliss takes the dishes under the pretence of cleaning up. Presumably, he dumps the food off the dishes and onto the table as he “cleans up.”

Shel says they need to be very careful trusting anyone in the woods, and warns the others not to eat the food, keeping an eye out for the gnomes.

Aleah offers to remove the Trill’s curse with a bath, but later. She suggests they leave.

Murphy magically purifies the food, and packs much of it up, avoiding the wine.

Pressi also grabs some food, also wary about the returning gnomes.

With Kezzem’s help, everyone including Thistle is free of the entangling vegetation.

Trill laments her newfound clumsyness. She also grabs some food.

Mookie plans to pawn the dishes Bliss stole, er, I mean cleaned up. He promises to share the proceeds.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Please specify:

Marching order, 5’ wide path
Marching order, 10’ wide path
Plans, prep, locations and watch for when you sleep

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday October 23rd, 2015 11:47:23 PM
Alleah will give Thistle a good pat down "Good boy. I know you were a bit scared in that battle, but I'm glad you didn't run off"

She will offer anyone who wants to a ride on Thistle's back. As for marching order, her eyes are not as keen as others in the party. Alleah (and Thistle) remain safely in the middle of the pack.

Should it come time to rest, Alleah will ask if she can have one of the first sleeps. "I need to rest and recover my spells before I can prepare you a bath, Trill" she explains "Does anyone else have any ailments that need treating?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Saturday October 24th, 2015 12:29:48 AM
Kezzem will volunteer to scout ahead.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Saturday October 24th, 2015 10:48:47 AM
Much as followers of Domi want to be in the front, Pressi volunteers to actually take the rear of the group.

Strategically, she reasons that she has the perception and defenses to handle a surprise rear attack, and the speed to reach the front if necessary. Or at least that's what her trainers tell her when she would volunteer for the front.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday October 24th, 2015 8:23:47 PM
Shel ignored the food that was left by the gnomes. She might never trust a gnome again after her recent interactions.

Shel knows to stay in the back/middle of any marching order. She also volunteers to take first watch, so she can get an uninterrupted block of sleep/rest during the mid to end of the break period.

"Much better now, Alleah. Thanks for asking. Let's put some distance between this place and ourselves. Hopefully, we are almost our of the forest now."

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim)  d20+16=20 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=18 ;
Sunday October 25th, 2015 12:52:51 AM

Murphy smiles as Pressi looks at him following his comment about watching. "Just teasing, Pressi, just teasing."

Murphy offers to take last watch, as he enjoys the early morning hours, and generally can keep a good eye out.

Having Kezzem scout ahead sounds good to him. "One of my good buddies, Hazel, was doing that before, Kezzem. Scouting for us, that is. But he was anxious to get back home, and thought he might travel faster by himself. You see, he is scheduled to get married pretty soon. His wedding was lovely. Er, will be lovely."

For marching order, he is happy to share the front row (except still behind advance scout) when the pathway is ten feet wide, and perhaps first or second place when the pathway is five feet wide - except when he is in animal form.

Marching Order:
5 foot pathway
A. Bliss flying on Mookie - high scout
B. Kezzem scouting on foot - low scout
Main group:
1. Trill
2. Murphy
3. Shel
4. Alleah on Thistle
5. Prissi on rear guard

10 foot pathway
A. Bliss flying on Mookie - high scout
B. Kezzem scouting on foot - low scout
Main group:
1/2. Trill left, Murphy right
3/4. Shel left, Alleah right
5. Prissi on rear guard

Watches:
Even nights
1st: Shel
2nd: Pressi
3rd: Kezzem
4th: Murphy

Odd nights
1st: Trill
2nd: Bliss
3rd: Alleah
4th: Murphy

If the above watches or marching order are not suitable, let us know, and we'll adjust

[4 perception rolls: 20, 35, 29, 17; 4 survival rolls: 20, 15, 13, 18, for DM to apply as needed]

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Sunday October 25th, 2015 1:47:48 AM

I meant Pressi!

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Monday October 26th, 2015 7:34:47 AM

Bliss's military training kicks in, and he agrees to whatever watch is assigned to him. "Yes sir, Mr. Murphy." he tells the party organizer.

On the march, he seeks out the newest members of the party, Kezzem and Pressi. "Hi! We hardly got a chance for introductions. In case you didn't catch it, my name is Bliss. I'm a shadowdancer and a witch. I like to shoot my bah from the shadows. And this is my flying friend, Mookie."

The raven ducks his head and says, "Charmed, I'm sure."

Bliss is a tiny size halfling, a foot and a half tall. You may note he casts Reduce Person every 2-3 minutes to keep himself that size. He moves at 30, though, sometimes 40 with his longstrider spell, so he keeps up. He has no armor, and he is carrying a repeating heavy crossbow, his "bah."

[DM Mark] Let's put some distance between this place and ourselves.  d20=11 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=12 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d10=9 ;
Monday October 26th, 2015 1:52:28 PM
(ooc: Thanks for the marching order and watch schedule. Unless you clarify who generally sleeps where, I will assume you all sleep on the ground around a campfire that will be kept alight by whomever is on watch.)

Some people take the witch’s food. Bliss takes their dishes. Nobody touches the wine.

Alleah congratulates Thistle on his relative calm during the last encounter. He’s appreciative of the attention and nuzzles her hand.

Kezzem scouts ahead as they go.

Pressi takes the rear as they go.

Shel avoids the food, and she’s happy to be back on the trail home. They are headed home, right?

Murphy thinks they’re headed home.

You rest for the night with no interruptions. There were occasional animal noises - at least you think those were animal noises.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The party has rested. What are your daily preparations?

As you get on the trail, Murphy thinks you’re headed in the right direction, but he’s not quite sure. It always seems like the trail has shifted a bit when you wake, but no tree movement was heard during the night.

Bliss, Mookie and Kezzem scout ahead.

The group passes through the temperate forest. You pass through the trees, bushes and such, following game trails as you go. There is game in this forest. You pass small groups of mushrooms, ford a couple small streams. It’s all rather peaceful.

It helps that the party is small halflings. Sometimes you needs to make a bit more room for Thistle, and lead him through certain areas. Thistle grazes when you stop.

You find that you are on a game trail long a small river that runs along a cliff face. You can hear a waterfall up ahead. As you go, Bliss circles back to Kezzem and to the group. He thought he saw someone in the water up ahead (AF 24 on the map), but they ducked below the surface before he could get a good look.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pressi
Murphy
Shel
Kezem
Alleah
Trill
Bliss
Thistle
Mookie

Here is your map. It’s a bit big - the party is located at about U59.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday October 26th, 2015 7:28:00 PM
The group was actually making progress and the little sorcerer's mood was brightening even more. She even began whistling a little ditty as the team continued their trudge through the magical forest.

Shel takes no particular preparations but does offer to help her group. "If anyone wants to run ahead and do some scouting, I can make you Invisible. That thing that ducked under the water would never see you coming. If it's friendly, there's no worry....if it's not, it'd be good to be able to high tail it out of there and let all of us know."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=67 ; d100=86 ; d20+11=29 ;
Monday October 26th, 2015 11:02:00 PM
DM: Nice map!

The first thing Alleah does upon waking, is to draw Trill a bath. She summons a medium sized cauldron, and moves it near a low hanging branch. She takes some cloth or sacks from her kit, and hangs them on the branch to ensure Trill has some privacy from the rest of the party.

Then begins the task of filling the cauldron.

Once done, she invites Trill to step into the refreshingly cold bath. "Sorry sweetie, but I have to soap you down in here for at least an hour" she says, taking some soap from her kit.

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

After Trill's bath, Alleah will ensure Thistle is well fed and watered.

She makes no attempt to be stealthy whilst riding Thistle, viewing such an attempt as pointless. Instead she happily hums away to herself and enjoys the travel

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

Alleah: Cast 'Witches Tool' to summon a medium sized cauldron. Leyline check: 67 = Pass.
Alleah: Cast 'Create Water' to fill the cauldron
Alleah: Cast 'Purify' to remove any ongoing curse or disease from Trill. Leyline check: 86 = Pass & freebie!
Alleah: Perception: 29

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 12:50:29 AM
Kezzem sharpens his daggers before heading out.

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

"I guess I can go take a look," says Kezzem. "I ain't the best swimmer, but I ain't likely to sink either. You have any water breathing magic or the like?"

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

Kezzen will scout the water if nobody else has a better Swim check (Kezzem has a +5).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+12=20 ; d20+5=22 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 8:47:54 AM
Pressi, not entirely used to Bliss' energy or towering over people in her halfling form, flinches from Bliss at first. (Come to think of it, Pressi realizes that she towers over half the group at a massive just under three feet.) Still, there is something about Bliss that puts her at ease, something she cannot quite place.

The rest of the trip places her in the rear with Alleah and Shel, and the tension between them does not entirely dissipate. That the gnomes had taken their chance to run without fully helping them did not keep Pressi from feeling embarrassed, to the point where she hoped to run into them again in some inn someday.

Despite not really speaking, Alleah and Shel's brightened attitudes did help Pressi relax, even if she did not join into their whistling and humming. She did find it odd to feel so at ease with so many magic users, not entirely trusting (non-geared) magic herself. But maybe that was the wrong way to look at it.

The night was uneventful, as were her morning preparations. A quick meditation and exercising at dawn (to recharge her ki), a quick check of her equipment (to make sure that she could get climbing gear, etc. in a hurry) and she is ready to go.

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

Pressi takes a quick look around to make sure that there are no other figures nearby (Perception 20 for her general area, with a particular focus at the trees and larger bushes), again trying to remember anything at all about a waterfall in the forest (Knowledge History and Religion 22).

"While I don't mind checking things out, I'm not really in favor of any of us going for a swim if we can help it," Pressi points out, though she's not entirely sure if a perception from the surface will help. If nobody can provide a distraction (an illusion, say), then she will volunteer to go check things out.

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

Pressi's robe will let her transform into a merfolk (medium humanoid), giving her a swim speed of 50 feet and swim check +7 (with a land speed of 15 with the monk and -2 to stealth) and low light vision (-2 to perception) and an ability to understand Aquan (assuming whatever's down there speaks it). She can transform once a day so its up to the group as to whether she should use it now. (It's also up to the DM as to whether merfolk is too rare to change into.)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+7=20 ; d100=10 ; d100=14 ; d100=23 ; d20+25=32 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 10:06:53 AM
Bliss enjoys the singing and humming. He hops off Mookie from time to time and does a little dance as the party goes along.

Perform Dance 20

On a scouting flight, he sees a creature in the water near the waterfall. As Mookie flies him back, Bliss renews his Reduce spell. It takes him two tries, if we are going round by round (see below), with a ley line check of 10% on the first try; 14 on the second is A-OK.

Mookie says, "Kid, this is all you. I'm getting too old for these shenanigans. I'll keep an eye out from a treetop."

"Sure Mookie."

Landing and jumping off Mookie, Bliss exclaims, "There's a somebody in the water up ahead. Maybe they were shy or skinny-dippin' cause they hid when they saw me and Mookie. Ima scout ahead. I'll whisper if I hear or see anything."

Bliss casts Message on Mookie, Alleah, and Pressi, since maybe she is going to scout too?

"Miss Alleah, you should cast Message on Mookie too so he can be a relay."

"Yeah, I'm a smooth operator," mutters Mookie.

Finally, Bliss casts his Longstrider spell (domain) and heads off into the underbushes, keeping to concealment and hiding in plain sight both. He draws his bah as he moves.
Stealth 32

=====

Round by Round

Round 0 - Fly back to V50, cast Reduce, fail.
THEN THE DM POST
Round 1 - Cast Reduce, dismount, chat.
Round 2 - Cast Message, chat
Round 3 - Cast Longstrider, Mookie flies to P46, Bliss sneaks to 43W.

Stuff used: Longstrider Spell

Trill (AC: 21(18)/16(13)/21(18), HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, Hasted, Cursed) (Kent) 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 2:17:38 PM
Trill goes along with Alleah and enjoys the bath and the comradeship of another female. I has been a long time since she has had any other female friends to hang out or do things with, almost as long ago as Maplethorpe Academy.

As Trill goes along a bit behind the scouts but at the fore of the others, she keeps her bow at hand and her eye moves from side to side of the trail and upward into the trees to both sides as they go.

[DM Mark] I'm getting too old for these shenanigans.  d20+11=22 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 3:46:22 PM
Shel’s mood has definitely brightened. She doesn’t even seem to want to kick Pressi anymore.

Alleah gives Trill a cold bath. Brrrr. All her curses, magics and any other enchantments are washed away.

In spite of the cold, Trill enjoys the attention, and the friendship - the bath seems to wash her cares away too.

Bliss flies on Mookie, and then gets off periodically to dance. He tries to get Mookie to dance with him. Mookie is amused, but does not dance.

Pressi finds that Bliss puts her at ease. Must be the name. Or the dancing. Pressi is a bit quiet, and not too sure about Shel, but seems to enjoy this group.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
At the word that something may be up ahead in the water, Shel offers to cast Invisibility on anyone that wants to scout ahead.

Kezzem offers to scout ahead and asks for any magic that will help him deal with the water.

Pressi volunteers to check out the water up ahead. She tries to recall what she know about waterfalls in the Culverwood. Not much, unfortunately, other than the fact that you can drown in them. There are rumors that some have magical powers, but that could be said of much of the Culverwood environs, enchantments both good and bad. Even the trees and trails seem to shift. She considers taking an aquatic form.

(Casting Alter Self normally requires a piece of the creature whose form you will take. This is not necessary for an item, but you will need some familiarity with Merfolk to take their form. Generally speaking, if you want to assume a form, you need to either have met and interacted with the creature or studied them. Do either of these apply for Merfolk for you? Also, while Alter Self may grant a swim speed, it will not grant water breathing.)

Bliss casts some spells and moves ahead quietly to scout. (He also needs to renew the enlarge spell on Mookie periodically, correct?) Mookie gets his Sade on and announces that he’s a smooth operator.

Trill keeps herself between the scouts and the rest of the party, covering them with her bow.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(I advanced the group up the trail a bit. We were not going round-by-round, so everyone take a non-movement action to prep or cast spells before you get to where I placed you on the map. We will now go round by round.)

(It’s near midday. The bushes/brambles will count as difficult terrain, but provide concealment.)

You are where you are on the map. Nothing seems to happen. What do you do now?

Kezzem and Bliss - Perception DC 30, Trill - Perception DC 32: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a squat, small, mossy man on a low branch (10’ up) in the tree at K20. He holds a club and wears a satchel, and he is watching some of you. He looks mad.}

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shel
Alleah
Bliss
Pressi
Kezem
Trill
Murphy
Thistle
Mookie

Here is your map.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+16=24 ; d100=8 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+16=22 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 4:10:58 PM

Perception 24, oh well.

Mookie reverts to his usual tiny size on his perch as his Enlarge wears off.

Bliss casts See Invisibility [ley check 8!] but the spell fails! Undaunted, Bliss takes a move action to S23, where he hides within 10 ft of the tree's shade, Stealth 35.

Mookie and Bliss both look around.
Mookie Perception 30
Bliss Perception 22

Stuff used: Longstrider Spell, 2nd level slot.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 4:36:40 PM
(OOC: from Pathfinder's Core Rules under Polymorph(scroll down to subschool: transmutation): Each polymorph spell allows you to assume the form of a creature of a specific type, granting you a number of bonuses to your ability scores and a bonus to your natural armor. In addition, each polymorph spell can grant you a number of other benefits, including movement types, resistances, and senses. If the form you choose grants these benefits, or a greater ability of the same type, you gain the listed benefit. If the form grants a lesser ability of the same type, you gain the lesser ability instead. Your base speed changes to match that of the form you assume. If the form grants a swim or burrow speed, you maintain the ability to breathe if you are swimming or burrowing. The DC for any of these abilities equals your DC for the polymorph spell used to change you into that form.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 4:41:59 PM
(OOC: It's a moot point anyway, since Pressi wouldn't have contact with any merfolk, unless they're more common and open to trade in the Wold than in core.)

[DM Mark] I'm getting too old for these shenanigans. 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 5:02:34 PM
(ooc: Thanks Melvin - good catch on the water breathing. I do not believe they are more common inthe Wold, but they are something you can research.)

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent)  d20+11=21 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+3=4 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 5:58:52 PM
Perception 21

Hey Guys, shall we take a short mid day break? This looks like a pretty good place. Get a bite to eat, maybe, if the water is clean, fill up our water skins, and perhaps even do a bit of fishing for dinner?

She takes a good look at the lake and all the water trying to take note of the life animal and plant that seem to abide here, in order to ascertain the health of the area Perception 31 ( nat 20 LOL) and survival 4 (natural 1 dbl LOL)



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=29 ; d20+9=25 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 8:39:18 PM
"Nice idea, Trill. My stomach is telling me it's close to lunch anyway. Tell you what, if you can catch anything I'll cook it up"

-----------------------------------------
FYI to DM and Pressi: The Wold house rules on changing shape/form can be found here
Perception: 29
Knowl Nature: 25 - To try and recall what sort of fish might be in the area

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday October 27th, 2015 8:41:59 PM
Assuming the others mentioned the possibility of there being another humanoid up ahead that saw the group, Shel shot Trill the crook eye. "Sorry, Trill. Until we figure out if that thing up there is friend or foe, we shouldn't let our guard down. I'm not comfortable enou to trust anything in this forest just yet. We can investigate, then we can have a nice lunch, is my vote."

She turns to Murphy. "Do you think eagle-Murphy could do some scouting, Murphy? It'd be great to know what we were walking into..."

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider;  d20+16=36 ; d20+13=16 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 4:11:55 AM
[Coming up for air - dealing with attorneys, real estate agents, commissioners, nurses, work, family, and the occasional snack - I had meant to post the following yesterday, following Kezzem's question about water breathing:]

"Yes, I can cast water breathing. For six of us, it will last one hour each - or last a bit longer if fewer take it." He offers to cast it upon any who wish it - Kezzem, since he asked, and any about him.

[Please indicate whether you want water breathing or not. He'll include Thistle if Alleah wants him to do so.]

Hearing from Kezzem that someone, or something, was seen in the water ahead, Murphy takes a look and a listen in that direction, as well as in the nearby shrubbery and trees, to see if there is anything of interest. Toward the water is the roar of the waterfall, but his ears filter that out as much as possible, and he listens for non-waterfall sounds.

He casts owl's wisdom on himself, hoping to gain further in perspicacity.

[And now for today's post.]

"Well, I could do that, Shel. But only twice a day can I change. Let me look around on the ground a bit, then I'll think about going up in the air. If we're going to stop here at the waterfall, I want to see what might be in the bushes and such."

Murphy the druid then casts longstrider on himself, and heads out into the bushes, using woodland stride and trackless step, hustling along over to about D31, to see if there is anything else to see, or hear.

[Perception: 38 (+2 from owl's wisdom), Survival: 16
Active Spells:
Water Breathing - duration a function of now many other characters chose to take it
Owl's Wisdom - 5.9 minutes
Longstrider - 6 hours]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+15=24 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 7:51:17 AM
"Ok, we're really doing this?" Pressi asked. "Enough talk, then."

Pressi, with a snap of her fingers and a rejection of Murphy's water breathing spell, begins to transform into a mermaid (Knowledge Religion +5, merfolk = mythology). (OOC: I'm untrained in Nature and Arcane so I'm stretching the rules a bit. But I'm also using this as a limiting thing - I can't change into uncommon forms unless they're mythological or undead.)

Quietly, Pressi begins to swim out to behind the nearby rock (X30, swim speed 30+10). (Stealth Roll 24, Swim Roll 19). She takes a peek at the water where a creature was spotted. (Perception 23).

And that's when Shel and Murphy started talking about the guy in the tree.

"Wait, what?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 8:05:49 AM
(Note: if the DM decides this is not acceptable, I can instead change into a lizardfolk. They're somewhat more common than merfolk, and I can claim that she met some traders back in her Plateau City restaurant.)

DM Mark: Go with the lizardman then - Mermaids are certainly not religiously based. Most creatures in a Fantasy RPG are based on some culture's mythology. However, that mythology has nothing to do with religion in the Wold.

Please also do not generally read spoilers - it will detract from the fun of the game for you. And it annoys your DMs. :)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 8:40:09 AM

[OOC: Per the DM Post, only Kezzam, Bliss, and Trill had a chance to see the "guy in a tree." Murphy and Shel have not (could not have) seen it. Nor Pressi. So the mention in your post, Melvin my friend, implies that you are reading spoilered text you are not allowed to! Naughty, naughty! Does not matter this time, as it turns out, seeing as I'm about to blow the lid off this thing, but really, you have to be careful to NOT read spoilers unless they are for you!]

From his treetop perch, Mookie sees a little man nearby him. The raven knows that this is a crucial moment. For one thing, the guy looks mad. And has a weapon out. And is too close to Mookie for the weak raven's comfort.

Truth is, when he served as familiar to the Kid's mom, she was a hulking huge thing as big as an ogre. Heck, Mookie spent as much time in her belt pouch as he did anywhere else. At the time he liked to complain about getting put in the pouch, but in hindsight, it was a nice safe place, close to the Boss, protected like.

Now, the Kid, sure, he's a good kid, but he's smaller than Mookie most of the time! And his special hiding power only helps himself, not Mookie. Honestly, the Kid couldn't protect a wet raggedy ann doll if he were trying. "Truth is," Mookie thinks to himself, "I'm an old bird, and if I want to get any older, I gotta distance myself some from the action."

But the Kid has to be warned. Discreetly. Wouldn't do to be too loud or blunt. He whispers through the message cantrip to Bliss: "Pssst! Kid! Atchway overway airthay!"

"What?" says Bliss, who has spent no skill rank to learn pig latin. Neither has Mookie, of course, but Mookie has been around the block a few times.

The raven keeps on trying. "Kid! Don't be obvious. Don't look over there, but there's a guy ahead and to the left!"

Bliss immediately stands 'tall' to see better and looks ahead of him, "Where? Nah, that's Shazam, the new guy, you goof."

"Kezzem! His name is Kezzem. Although, heh, that's pretty good. I gotta remember that." Mookie pauses as he realizes the kid has distracted him. Again. "No, past the new guy, on that branch. ten feet up."

Bliss takes a closer look, but cannot see anything. He calls out, "HEY! MISTER MAN IN THE TREE! HI! MY NAME IS BLISS! COME ON OUT AND SAY HI!"

Mookie hides his head under his wing.

[OOC to DM ... only free actions taken in this post, since I've already posted for the round.]

[DM to Cayzle ... A round is 6 seconds long, but I'll roll with it. Bear in mind that speaking more than a few sentences is generally beyond the limit of a free action.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=17 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 10:46:32 AM
Perception: 17

Kezzem looks around trying to find this tree guy his fellow halfling are chatting about, but can't find him. "We better stop for lunch, ladies" he concludes. "I think some of us have been munching on some mushrooms if they are seeing a man inside a tree. I mean, how would he get in there? Although, I did see a bendy fellow climb into a cask about this big."

"Anyway, let's check out that water thing, and if its safe, let's cook us up some lunch."

[DM Mark] It'd be great to know what we were walking into... 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 11:14:14 AM
Bliss moves and reaches out to pull a nearby shadow around him, vanishing from sight. He stays alert. Mookie can see: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a squat, small, mossy man on a low branch (10’ up) in the tree at K20. He holds a club and wears a satchel, and he is watching some of you. He looks mad. He slowly reaches into his bag and pull something out.}

Trill announces that it’s time to eat. Alleah agrees and suggest that Trill catch some fish to eat. Alleah is pretty sure there should be some good fish in here in both the fast moving water where they are and perhaps also in the more shallow ponded area up ahead. She notes that the shallow area up ahead is covered in lily pads.

Shel says this is no time to eat, not until they know what that creature in the water is. She suggests that Murphy scout ahead.

Murphy, having already cast Water Breathing and Owl’s Wisdom, now casts Longstrider and heads out to M32 (as far as you could go - 20’ last round, 30’ this round?) Murphy can see: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a squat, small, mossy man on a low branch (10’ up) in the tree at K20. He holds a club and wears a satchel, and he is watching some of you. He looks mad. He slowly reaches into his bag and pull something out.}

Pressi shifts into the form of a Lizardman, and enters the water beginning to swim out.

Over the sound of the waterfall, Pressi and the others hear Bliss yelling about some Mister man? Mystery man?

Kezzem looks around, and proposes they eat.

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(It’s near midday. The bushes/brambles will count as difficult terrain, but provide concealment.)

Something bigger than a halfling move among the lily pads. Suddenly, a head appears above the water. Here is what you see out in the water. There is some other movement beneath the lily pads.

Bliss - Perception DC 26, Kezzem - Perception DC 30, Trill - Perception DC 32: Highlight to display spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a squat, small, mossy man on a low branch (10’ up) in the tree at K20. He holds a club and wears a satchel, and he is watching some of you. He looks mad. He slowly reaches into his bag and pull something out.}

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bliss
Trill
Alleah
Shel
Pressi
Kezem
Murphy
Thistle
Mookie

Here is your map.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+11=12 ; d20+5=12 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 1:18:17 PM
For a brief moment, Pressi locked eyes with the... half elf with weird hands, she guesses. What is that? It's weird is what it is, thought Pressi the lizard girl as she backpedaled with her tail. (Perception Nat 1. Know History and Religion 12, but we already established she doesn't know mermaids.)

"Well, so much for cover," she said to herself as she swam a five foot step back. "Guess I might try the friendly approach."

Pressi clicked to the creature in Draconic before remembering she shifted. "Hey, over here, excuse me..." she started in common before realizing she didn't know what else to say (and had lost track of the rest of her party). "I was wondering if you're happy with your cable provider? Because we've started selling adamantium cables now, really good for... things like fishing... woah, maybe not that."

(OOC: Sorry but I can't think of anything else to have her do besides just sit there.)

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 40); 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 1:44:50 PM
[OOC: Woodland Stride (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a druid may move through any sort of undergrowth (such as natural thorns, briars, overgrown areas, and similar terrain) at her normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment. Thorns, briars, and overgrown areas that have been magically manipulated to impede motion, however, still affect her. - Murphy's base speed is 30; with Longstrider his move is 40.
Trackless Step (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, a druid leaves no trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked. She may choose to leave a trail if so desired. /OOC]

Murphy moves to O27, and calls out in the Sylvan tongue. "Venn, jeg ser du er opprørt. Jeg håper vi er ikke påtrengende. La oss få litt vann, så kan vi være på vei. Jeg heter Murphy. Hvordan har du heter?" Which, when translated to common, would be, "Friend, I see you are upset. I hope we are not intruding. Let us get some water, then we can be on our way. My name is Murphy. How are you called?"

He holds no weapons in his hands, and holds up one hand in greeting.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 1:57:25 PM
(Sorry, needed to adjust stats. Also, lizardfolk can't completely breathe underwater so I will be using the lizardfolk's form of breadth: double time before drowning).

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+16=34 ; d20+25=39 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 4:01:52 PM

Bliss's double take shows his surprise. He calls out, "HEY MISS! MISS! YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CLOTHES ON! THAT'S NOT APPROPRIATE!

He adds, as an afterthought, "You'll catch a chill!"

He calls out to the fellow sitting on a branch. "Mister Murphy is a real nice guy. You should talk to him. We're just passing through. Not meaning any harm."

The tiny fellow looks around intently. Perception 34

"Hey, there you are, I see ya now. Look, everybody! He's on that branch He's got a club, an' a bag, an' he's reaching into the bag!"

Bliss, hiding in plain sight, walks over to Highlight to display spoiler: {K21} and takes a quiet peek at the fellow. Stealth 39. (Highlight the spoiler if you roll a DC39 spot check, with a -1 mod per 10 ft distance.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=21 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+5=13 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 6:26:08 PM
Perception (DM): 21
Perception (Bliss) 32

"Yowzah!" says Kezzem. "Hey there, beuatiful! How about you come on out, dry off, and have a little chat with us. If you feelin' shy, Murph and I (I believe the rest of the halflings are all female) could turn our backs 'til you can put somethin' on. Don't worry, we're a friendly bunch."

Diplomacy: 13.

(Btw, is she human-size or halfling-size)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+2=12
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 6:28:32 PM
Bliss is SO a boy!

(Okay, he used to be a girl, but not anymore.)

Also, when Bliss urges the tree-man to talk to Murphy, I guess that's an Aid Another on the diplomacy check? Rolls a 12, so that's a +2 on Murph's diplomacy!

Also, if Bliss needs it to get through the underbrush, he'll use his travel domain ability to do so.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 7:55:13 PM
Well, she is a pretty thing. No wonder the boys are all in a tizzy, Shel thought as she smiled at the creature in the water. She was getting ready to add in a comment, but then she heard Bliss yell about yet another creature in front of them.

"I don't trust anything in this forest," she exclaims, casting Shield on herself before the others respond to Murphy and Bliss's hails. She doesn't approach any closer, delaying to see the reaction the group receives.



Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent)  d20+11=25 ; d20+7=13 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 9:46:09 PM
Focusing on the apparently quite scantily clad, if at all, young lady swimming toward them that the boys are getting in a tizzy about, Trill tries to identify what the young lady might be. Knowledge nature DC 25 (DC 27 if magical beast) Particularly as she still can't see the tree man that Bliss is going on about DC 17

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+5=21 ; d100=13 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+9=29 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2015 10:06:08 PM
Thistle and Alleah keep following the trail northwards. She can hear the others are talking, and in Bliss' case shouting. "What in Wardds name is going on?"

Now closer to what is going on, she can see what the fuss is about. There's a woman out in the water! Alleah casts a spell that might aid in communication and then calls out.

"Guys, all those questions and things. You must be scaring the poor girl!" Alleah mildly chastises the others, loud enough for the woman to hear "If she approaches I expect each of you men to turn the other way to respect her decency"

"There's no need to be afraid, miss." Alleah smiles and waves "We're just passing by. We'll be out of sight shortly and leave you in peace. Are you ok though?"

"And you there!" she says calling out to the man that Bliss insists is watching them "It isn't polite to hide and spy on people. We're just passing through. We won't bother you as long as you don't bother us. On the other hand, if you are in trouble we might be able to offer assistance"

She pauses a moment and then calls out to Bliss "It's not Calloran again, is it?"

----------------------
Thistle: Move to U30 with Alleah aboard

Alleah: Standard action - Cast 'Like Calls to Like'. Leyline check: 13 = Pass

Diplomacy: 21 (31 if the woman is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Sense Motive: +11 (+21 if the woman is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Knowledge Nature: 29 (to determine what race the woman might be)

Diplomacy: 24 (34 if the man is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Sense Motive: +11 (+21 if the man is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)

Perception: 25

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 30);  d20+18=26 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2015 4:56:37 AM
[Perception 26 - I can't read Bliss's spoiler - but, can Murphy note what the little man may be pulling out of his bag?]

[DM Mark] I don't trust anything in this forest.  d20=10 ; d20=16 ; d100=85 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2015 2:12:28 PM
Pressi is startled by the woman in the water. She tries to talk to her in draconic, and sensing little comprehension, she engages her by speaking in common, which the woman does seem to understand.

Murphy moves forward, and speaks to her in Sylvan, which she also seems to understand.

Bliss chides the woman for wearing no clothes. Bliss sees and mentions the man, and he moves toward where the small man is, disappearing from sight as he goes. (Bliss moves 9 squares while stealthing?)

Kezzem invites her to step out of the water, offering that they would turn their backs if she’s modest.

Shel announces her mistrust, and casts a spell.

Trill looks at the woman. Only Trill: Highlight to display spoiler: {Trill believes this creature is a Nymph. These fey can be tricky creatures, often seducing young men, dazzling them with their beauty, and sometimes serving as a source for artistic inspiration. They are said to have strong nature powers.}

Alleah tells the men to turn around if she should come out of the water. She says they mean no harm (Diplomacy and Sense Motive typically takes 1 minute). She then admonishes the small man for hiding, and offers him assistance if needed. Alleah also casts a spell. (Like Calls to Like is a Touch spell, so you are holding the charge. If you touch her or him, they will get a will save.)

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(Conversations can be slow and difficult in a play-by-post game. I’ve tried to expedite this below, but still allow for some back and forth.)

The female figure laughs, and it sounds like music. She smiles now as she swims. She exhibits an unearthly beauty and grace, almost painful in it’s perfection. You can see the tips of her upswept ears as she moves, swimming slowly backward. You can also see … that she is quite naked, perhaps half-elven in form and size? (Knowledge Nature check to know more.)

She will greet Murphy in Sylvan, and the rest of you in common, “Who are you? My name is Cnossia, and my surly friend there is Rukhack. Oh you are a funny bunch. Is that a pony? What brings you through the Culverwood? We do not get many visitors.”

To the man in the tree, “Rukhack come down from there and be civil. They pose no threat here.”

At the mention of Calloran, she becomes more serious, “Are you friends of Calloan?” Assuming you answer to the negative, she says, “Good - Horrible little creature. How do you know about him?”

Once you answer, her mood brightens, “Come, won’t you swim with me? We can have something to eat after a nice swim.” Assuming the party balks at a swim, she will reply “Tsk tsk, trust is the basis of any good relationship, and it is said that halflings are playful and trusting creatures. I encourage you to reconsider - there is nothing to fear here, unless you are the thing to be feared. Consider my invitation a test of your friendliness.”

To noone in particular, she says, “Verin, will you gather some food for our guests? Perhaps even Rukhack will eat with us.”

The creature in the oak tree moves to another branch about 10’ off the ground and is no longer hidden. He seems not to notice Bliss. In one hand is a club, in the other a brown ball of some sort. He is shortish, and oldish, and brownish, and mossy. And he speaks with a voice that is sharpish and bossy, “Nope. I don’t like it. I just don’t like it. One of 'em's hidden here still!”

Perhaps most strange of all, a huge willlow tree at the northern edge of the pond actually moves 10’ toward the path, it’s branches reaching out into the vegetation around it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bliss
Trill
Alleah
Shel
Pressi
Kezem
Murphy
Thistle
Mookie

Here is your map.


Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 30);  d20+18=24 ; d20+9=27 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2015 5:37:45 PM

"Ah, is Verin that handsome willow?" Murphy inquires, nodding in the direction of the moving tree which seems to be gathering berries or such. He is not unaware that the intelligent tree also could block their pathway forward, but perceives that, so long as things are kept on a friendly basis, he is not going to worry about that.

"As you seem to concur with us on Calloran, perhaps that can help form the first few strands of building a net of trust between us. He and his friends offered us food and friendship, in the name of Eberyon, whom I serve. I happily accepted their offer, as did some of my good companions here - yet the fae gnomes tried to infuse us with lust by means of their potions, and did blind some of my friends, and tried to do both to me, as well as to wrap us up in vegetation by means of entanglement. They were surprised that we reacted negatively to their very odd so-called 'friendship' - and were most upset that we chose to defend ourselves against their violations of good comportment.

"We left them yesterday - alive all, but, we think, suitably chastened for their most inhospitable 'hospitality.'

"Now, good lady of the waters, thank you, Cnossia, for your welcome to this place. My name is Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, born in the Culverwood, resident of the Valley, and trained by my Aunt Nilli, a druidess who has a friend who is, as you appear to be, a naiad, or a nymph.

"I saw her once - she is almost as lovely as you. For our part, I promise, we would prefer to offer genuine friendship to you and yours here, so long as you cause us no harm, for my Aunt taught me that nymphs are nearly always good to those who are good to them."

Looking over his should, he says, "And, Rukhack - yes, one of our group is very hard to see. He is a very friendly fellow, though, and I am sure he means you no harm, so long as you are kind to all of us."

Turning back to Cnossia, Murph adds, "One thing, though, may I ask? That you blind us not with your beauty. And, yes, I would be happy to accept your invitation to swim in these beautiful waters. Pardon me a moment, while I change into clothing more suitable for swimming - for my mother taught me modesty. As I change, my friends can introduce themselves."

He steps behind some bushes, and changes into his swimming suit. He places his clothing in a bag, and leaves bag and gear in the bushes. When ready, he will step out, dive in, and swim. (But that may be a few rounds from now.)

[Perception: 24; Sense Motive: 27]

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 30); 
Thursday October 29th, 2015 5:39:45 PM

As he begins to change in the bushes, Murphy thinks to add, "Someone let Cnossia know what brings us here. I forgot to tell her."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday October 29th, 2015 6:17:02 PM
Shel shakes her head. Murphy was so trusting of every creature under the sun. It's going to get all of us killed one day.

She steps forward and introduces herself to the naked woman. "I'm Shel. Nice to meet you," she bluffs. "Our group here is trying to return to our home. Humbles' Ford...ever heard of it? We've been on quite a journey, and we really need to get home as soon as we can. Long story short, we ended up caught in the Forest here. We've walked for a few days, so I'm hoping we are just about through it. Murphy's right, though. If you are peaceful, so are we. We just want to go home."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Thursday October 29th, 2015 6:46:29 PM
"Calloran? He's the lowest form of pond scum this side of the lower planes. Hi, I'm Pressi, his ex-girlfriend." In response to Cnossia's look, "Really long story."

"At any event, you must understand that... wait, how did you know I was a halfling?"

"At any event, you must understand our trepidation. Why, when we first met Calloran, he said much the same thing to us, which brings us to the beginning of my really long story. It ends with me treeing him. I really need to socialize more...."

Every part of Pressi's mind screams that they should be getting the hell out of the water, not going in. But yep, Murphy goes in, which means now she has to stay in because how else would it look. She made a mental note to yell at him later.

Instead, she swam her way towards Cnossia (move to X25) in an attempt to be friendly and not at all to position herself in grappling or melee range. Though she wasn't sure if she would have to take down Pressi or Kezzem. Try being alone and female with THAT energy for a couple of days.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+2=15 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2015 10:03:09 PM

Bliss announces, "I won't hide if we're being all friendly like! Here I am!"

He stops hiding in plain sight and steps out.

He hears Murphy say, "He is a very friendly fellow, though, and I am sure he means you no harm, so long as you are kind to all of us." Bliss blushes and says, "Wowsy, gosh, sure, I like it when everybody is kind. Everybody likes that!"

"Like I was saying, I'm Bliss, and it is nice to meet you, Lady Cnossia and Mister Rukhack and Ser Verin!" He bows to each in turn, although he puts his hand over his eyes when he turns to the naked lady.

He engages in conversation, hoping to help make friends. Diplomacy check untrained to Aid Another ... a 15 is not too shabby.

He declines to swim, though, because he does not know how. On the other hand, he knows how to eat, and maybe we can share a meal together.

Also, he agrees with Shel. "Like Shel says, we are just trying to get home to Crescent Valley toot sweet, and we're kind of in a hurry, because we have to stop a tower from falling down."

(Honestly, Bliss is a little worried that these delays will mean that we fail, but he tries not to let his concern show.)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+8=27 ; d2=2 ; d20+11=16 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2015 10:55:43 PM
Alleah grins quietly to herself. She thought a creature as obnoxious as Calloran would have a reputation. In dropping his name she was able to tell whether these 'people' viewed him as an ally or not. And since they don't like him, she can like them.

In the past month Alleah has seen chains move and attack by themselves, visited Koshe Marr and seen the Hunstman, and even travelled back in time. The experiences might be dulling her mind somewhat, as seeing the willow tree move by itself does not bother her at all.

"You needn't go to any trouble on our account, m'lady" Alleah says in response to Cnossia suggesting food. "What sort of food do you like - Rukhack is it? I have an assortment of things in my kit. I think I have some muesli slice in here somewhere. Straight from the table of the Mayor of Humble's Ford"

Alleah dismounts Thistle, and looks about. What would Wardd want her to do? She takes her lucky coin from her pocket and flips it in the air. Deftly catching it, she checks the result. (d2=2). Tails. Well, Wardd wants her to go into the water. Alleah proceeds to remove her boots. She has no intention of going swimming, but isn't going to leave Murphy on his own either.

"You'll have to forgive me, Cnossia. Swimming isn't something I have learned to do. But the water does look invigorating. Perhaps just cooling my feet will be nice? Apologies for any smell"

Alleah puts her boots into a nice pile and then rolls up the bottom of her pants to keep them dry. After that is testing the water with a toe, before sinking her whole foot in.

"Yes, we ran into Calloran not too long ago. He and his, well, friends, tried to charm us into marrying them. It didn't work out well for them in the end. Oh, they're still alive and well, but hopefully they will reconsider how they treat strangers in the future. Say, do you get many travellers through these parts?"

Alleah breathes in the air and looks about "This place really is very tranquil. I'm not sure if the Culverwood deserves its scary reputation what with such beautiful areas as this"

----------------------------------------------------------
Thistle: Stand and graze on the nearby grass

Alleah: Free Action: Fast dismount. Ride check vs DC20: 27=Pass
Alleah: Free Action: Roleplay check to consult Wardd
Alleah: Move Action: Take off boots and roll up pant legs
Alleah: Move Action: Move to V28, wading in the water

Sense Motive: +11 (+21 if Cnossia is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Sense Motive: +11 (+21 if Rukhack is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Sense Motive: +11 (on each of the men in the party, just to make sure they aren't being charmed in some manner)

Diplomacy checks as rolled at the start of the conversation:
Diplomacy: 21 (31 if Cnossia is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)
Diplomacy: 24 (34 if Rukhack is either a hermit/witch/outcast/recluse/monstrologer/Teucri/aberration)

Knowledge Nature check from last round: 29

Perception: 16

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Friday October 30th, 2015 7:57:51 AM
"We're trying to stop what?" Pressi asked.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday October 30th, 2015 10:16:46 AM
"Sound like a plan, lady."

Kezzem takes off his shirt and dives into the water, but keeps a couple of daggers with him just in case.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Friday October 30th, 2015 10:47:45 AM
Yeah, I probably should have mentioned that Pressi is in there essentially completely clothed (I don't know if I even can take off the robe without reverting back) and armed (based on whatever alter self does to equipment). I didn't think to change it otherwise, and besides, she was just supposed to do a quick scouting mission and back (except I screwed up my cover).

[DM Mark] I don't trust anything in this forest. 
Friday October 30th, 2015 3:26:57 PM
(I’m going to move us back out of combat rounds for now. I moved the swimmers out with Cnossia. I also moved Shel up. Just let me know if you do not want to be where I moved you.)

The group’s efforts at diplomacy seem to be going well.

Murphy relates some of what the party has encountered in the forest and talks about trust. He acknowledges Cnossia being a Nymph, and asks that she not blind the party with her beauty. He says modesty requires he put on swimming clothes before he then goes swimming with Cnossia. (Can you help me understand how Murphy knows what a nymph is, typical alignment, and and what special powers they have?)

Shel asks if the woman in the water has heard of Humble’s Ford, and explains they’re are trying to get home.

Pressi identifies herself as Calloran’s ex-girlfriend and says it’s a long story. Her cynisism is lost on the woman. In her lizardman form and clothed, Pressi swims out toward Cnossia. She asks about what the group is trying to stop from happening.

Bliss steps out of the shadows, and introduces himself. He declines a swim because hs does not know how. He mentions the Crescent Valley and a tower.

Alleah is becoming used to weird things in this forest. She offers to add her food to the luncheon, asking Rukhack what kind of food he likes. Then she flips a coin and decides to wade into the water - she does not know how to swim. Alleah: Highlight to display spoiler: {You believe this creature is a Nymph. These fey can be tricky creatures, often seducing young men, dazzling them with their beauty, but sometimes serving as a source for artistic inspiration. They can stun with a glance. They are said to have strong nature powers. As fey creatures, they are vulnerable to cold iron. }

Kezzem takes off his shirt and dives into the water, taking a couple daggers with him.

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(For those that swim, please make a Swim check of 10 to swim. Just one is fine.)

Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { You seem some dark forms moving in the water near all the swimmers.}
Perception 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { There are two dark forms, small in size.}
Perception 25: Highlight to display spoiler: { The two forms appear to be really big otters.}

[Should anyone mention what they see with these perception checks, Cnossia will say that these are her friends, and certainly pose not threat.]

[Should anyone have trouble with their swim check, they may be startled to have a small, sleek, furry creature suddenly buoy them up toward the surface. If anyone is buoyed up by this creature, it will swim them near Cnossia.]

Cnossia is stunningly beautiful, graceful in the water, and completely unabashed at her state of nakedness. She almost seems amused at your uncomfortableness with this.

Cnossia says, “I have not heard of Humble’s Ford, but you are quite a ways from the Crescent Valley. It sounds like your journey has been hard. It’s also easy to get lost in the Culverwood, perhaps I can help with that before you leave. You may rest here as long as you like. We seldom get visitors, and it’s a pleasure to have your company.”

On Calloran: “Calloran is trouble for sure, but it’s Petalia that’s the devious one in their lot. There are five or six witches in their little coven. They’re best avoided. I sounds like you handled them well enough.”

Rukhack puts whatever he was holding back in his satchel. Still in the tree and still holding his club, he crosses his arms and squints with one eye as he says in a gruff voice, “Ahm keepin’ my eye on all o’ you.”

The great willow continues its movement. It seems to be gathering berries, as well as some tubers it washes off in the water.

To those that cannot swim, “You should consider staying here for a while, and I will teach you how to swim. It’s a good skill, to have, especially for smaller folk like yourselves.”

“Won’t the rest of you come in to swim as well?” For the those that do swim, she leads then toward the waterfall. “I have something special to show you.” The roar of the waterfall is quite loud as you get close, the energy there is a bit terrifying as well, but you see her swim in under the waterfall, hardly affected by the force of the water. She shouts above the roar, “YOU SEE. IT’S A MAGICAL WATERFALL. IT’S QUITE SAFE. PLEASE JOIN ME.”

Does anyone brave the waterfall with Cnossia?

Here is your map.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception)  d20+7=27 ; d20+11=20 ;
Friday October 30th, 2015 3:49:13 PM
(Swim Roll Nat 20, Perception 20).

Pressi finally feels free to relax, even taking advantage of her swimming improved form with some flips. Even the small dark forms in the water don't seem to bother her, though she does quickly comment on them. As the day progresses, she does take some time to strip down and stow some of her gear (keeping on her a cold iron sai and some shuriken).

She does tense a bit as Cnossia floats under the waterfall but does follow with a burst of speed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Friday October 30th, 2015 3:51:17 PM
(OOC, since we are out of combat mode - I don't know how long you expected people to hang around but Pressi's lizard form expires after an hour, so I need an indicator of when it passes.)

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent)  d20+13=31 ;
Friday October 30th, 2015 6:34:35 PM
Following Alleah's lead Trill chimes in as well.

"I too have some food stuffs we could share," she continues as she empties her pouches and bag of the fruits and such she picked up from the leftover purified witches feast. "So Cnossia, I don't mean to be rude, and hope this question doesn't come across that way, but are you a water nymph?"

She declines the offer of a swim, and warily watches the young men in the group for any suspicious behavior. Perception DC 31



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday October 30th, 2015 7:57:06 PM
"Um, Murphy, that's probably far enough away from us. You might not want to go behind the Likud waterfall, where we can't hear whatever might happen to you," Shel yells to her friend, and the others.

You big dummies, she thinks to herself.

To the group around her, she asks in a whisper, "If we get ambushed, how are we going to get over to the others? I'm afraid they might drown before they know it. Any thoughts?"

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 30);  d20+18=30 ; d20+6=20 ;
Friday October 30th, 2015 10:19:05 PM

When Murphy dove into the water, he swam out about halfway to the waterfall, then came up for air - even though he didn't need to do so.

"Otters!" he exclaimed (Perception: 30), and dove back down in the water. He swims just fine (Swim: 20), and begins to go near the otters, waving to them. He kicks his way to the bottom of the pool, touching the rocks and / or sand at the bottom, and following the lily pad stems downward. He looks a bit until he finds a couple of flat smooth stones suitable for skipping, if such can be found here. If so, he tucks them into the waistband of his suit. He remains under water for a little over three minutes, taking advantage of his water breathing - albeit tentatively at first. He has used water breathing in times past, but this is the first time he has used it when he cast it himself.

He then returns to the surface. "Fun!" He looks at his friends along the banks of the pool. "Hey, take Cnossia up on her offer - learning to swim is a good thing." He turns to the naiad. "Let me know if you see some way for me to improve the way I swim, all right?"

He agrees with her assessment of the gnomes. "They named Petalia as the instigator of their weird plan, yes."

He hears Cnossia's invitation, and is about to dive under, when he hears Shel call out to him. "Uh, Shel, I think it will be all right. He shouts back. "I'll try to be back within a minute or two to let you know what we see!"

"Kezzem - do you want to go, too? We can go side by side." If Kezzem agrees, then he tells him his plan to angle down, get past the pressure of the falls, then climb back upward. If Kezzem wants to wait, he says he'll come back and tell him what he sees. He double checks the smooth stones in his waistband, then wraps them up firmly in some fabric folded over.

The druid turns, he bends at the waist, then straightens out so his legs are directly above him just above the water, toes pointed, and the weight thereof helps to drive him downward. Aided by his arms, he goes deeper, and looks forward. He sees the air bubbles first plunge quickly, then slow as they go deeper, then dance their way back to the surface. Pressi-Lizard already has gone ahead of them.

He breathes in the water, delighted at the sensation, then begins to dolphin kick ahead, arms spreading wide in a stroke, coming together at the palms just below his chest, shooting forward, and pulling again. He feels the water from above then press him quickly downward, and he increases his kicking and the strength of his pulls, arching his back then pulling upward on the other side, and helped therein by the force of the waterfall now easing off his back and pushing down his calves and feet, now angling more sharply towards the surface. He looks about underwater, and again after his head breaks the surface.

[HEY ALL - Murphy offered earlier to cast water breathing on anyone who wanted it. Kezzem asked about it. Better speak up now - especially Shel, Pressi and Alleah, who were right next to him - if you want to have the water breathing he offered. He also cast it on Thistle, at the moment of casting not knowing whether there might be some huge tentacled creature that would reach out and try to drag the pony into the water]

[To DM Mark: In answer to your question about Nymph-related knowledge, sure. Murphy is the son of a druid (his mother), the brother of a druid (Kendry), and the nephew of a druid (Nilli). He serves the King of the Fey Eberyon, and tips his hat warmly to the Queen of the Fey, Maab. He was born in the Culverwood, has lived in the Culverwood, has gone with his father to work in the Culverwood, and seen him negotiate with the druids thereof to take this fallen tree or, more rarely, that standing one for making toys and instruments - and sometimes he leaves the Culverwood without taking a tree if he senses the forest does not want him to do so this time. Murphy lived with his druid Aunt Nilli for some time as she trained him up in his chosen class. He has worked hard to know what he can about inhabitants of this magical, sentient forest (though the fae flying gnomes were new to him). His also is the son of a bard, an inveterate story-teller, and the brother of a bard - likewise a collector and disseminator of tales. Nymphs are rare enough, but stories about them ought not to be that rare - especially within a family of adventurers. As soon as we saw the picture of the red-haired beauty among the lily pads, I knew, and Murphy surmised, that here is a naiad - a water nymph. He knows they are renowned for their pulchritude, and does find her pleasing to the eye (though he himself hopes to remain chaste until such time as he and a good halfling woman take each other in marriage). Tales of men who sought by force to take a nymph are told, and that they have powers to defend themselves against such in various ways - and 'blinded by her beauty' is more than just a figurative phrase in the Wold, I would guess. By the way, I myself knew legends of the nymphs when I was six years old, and read of the naiads. Honestly, I think it would be amazing if Murphy did NOT know what a nymph is, nor be able to recognize one if he saw one in her native abode. Regarding alignment - Murphy did not (and, indeed, does not for certain) know whether she was good - but he is a natural optimist, and nearly always willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Occasionally, people may be inclined to live up to one's spoken expectations, at least to an extent.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=26 ;
Friday October 30th, 2015 11:15:55 PM
I assumed the waterbreathing was cast and equally spread amongst the party. Even if that was the case though, Alleah still wouldn't venture in any further than washing her feet

Alleah is close enough to hear Shel voice concerns. Alleah turns and whispers back "It's one thing to test your luck with Wardd. It's another to invite misfortune. I would have much prefered we stayed together. It has literally only been 1 minute and those three are already off playing under a waterfall" She looks towards the waterfall and then back to Shel "She's a nymph alright. And she might already be luring some of the doe-eyed men. Still, let's be tactful and polite. So far I count the nymph, the little man, the walking tree, and a couple of otters. Who knows what else might be about?"

Alleah raises her voice and calls out over the water "If it's all the same, Cnossia, we really have been travelling for quite a while. Perhaps we could rest and fill our bellies first. I really would love to hear what life is like for you out here."

---------------------------
Perception: 26
Diplomacy: Ongoing
DM - In the past few posts Alleah has been using Sense Motive on both the nymph and the little man. Per your request, I haven't made the rolls, however, would still like to know the result. Does Alleah sense anything amiss? This may have influenced how she reacted to the others swimming towards the waterfall

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d4=1 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+10=17 ;
Saturday October 31st, 2015 2:04:57 AM
[Please ignore the d4 roll--clicked the wrong button by accident]

Swim: 9
Perception: 31

Kezzem starts to go under, but the otter comes to his rescue. "Hey there furry little buddy, don't mind me."

To Murphey: "Sure thing, Murph. Appears I got a bit more to learn 'bout this swimming stuff, so I'll think I stay near you.

To Cnossia: "Hey love, what's so magical about this waterfall?"

Sense Motive: 17
Water Breathing

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Saturday October 31st, 2015 8:27:00 AM

A Magic Waterfall! Oh, ME! ME!" shouts Bliss.

"I'll take a water breathing spell, thanks, Mister Murphy! Me and Mookie both!"

"What?" caws Mookie.

"Then we can fly to the waterfall and check it out!"

After the Water Breathe, Bliss reduces himself, enlarges Mookie, and flies to the waterfall.

"Now what, Lady?" he calls down.


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday October 31st, 2015 9:17:36 AM
OOC: Like Alleah, I assumed the spell was cast on all of us, but Shel doesn't trust enough to hop in the water right now. But, she would be very willing to be a target of the spell, so she could come in and save the day like a water based cavalry!

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) Water Breathing; +4 Wisdom; Longstrider (move 30); 
Saturday October 31st, 2015 9:38:44 AM

[OOC: Yes, anyone who wanted the spell at the time he cast it - pretty much as the water came in sight - can be included in Water Breathing. /OOC]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 43, CMD 23, Lizard (med, swim 25, land 40, bite&claws, perception) 
Saturday October 31st, 2015 9:04:03 PM
[OOC: As I said before, Pressi declined the water breathing since her current form does not require it.]

[DM Mark] Hey love, what's so magical about this waterfall?  d20+10=29 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=26 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2015 1:30:49 PM
Pressi enjoys the swimming benefit of her lizardman form, and joins Cnossia in the waterfall.

Trill offers to add her food to the lunch, but keeps her eye on the men in her group. Trill: Highlight to display spoiler: {The men and Pressi certainly do seem exuberant about going swimming and the waterfall, but nothing seems particularly out of place.}

Shell cautions Murphy, and whispers to her friends about her concerns.

Murphy goes swimming, and is excited to move into the waterfall. He’s excited to see there are giant otters here! He’s excited me meet a nymph! He’s just excited. He picks up some skipping stones, and offers for Kezzem to swim with him as he dives down below the waterfall. Recognizing the nymph for what she is, he knows: Highlight to display spoiler: {These fey can be tricky creatures, often seducing young men, blinding them with their beauty if threatened, but sometimes serving as a source of great inspiration for these she favors. They are said to have strong nature powers, using Druidic spells. As fey creatures, they are vulnerable to cold iron.}
(ooc: I would prefer to handle information for creatures with the appropriate Knowledge checks. I took the liberty of rolling for Murphy, and he rolled a 29 on your Knowledge Nature check!)

Alleah remains concerned, and only wets her feet. She whispers what she sees, and then suggests out loud that they eat first.

Kezzem has a bit of trouble swimming, but finds he is borne up by a friendly otter - certainly the biggest one he’s ever seen. He sees it has a twin swimming here too. He stays near Murphy as he goes, and the otter seems to stay by him as he passes under the waterfall.

Bliss hops on Mookie and flies over to the waterfall, asking Cnossia what to do next.

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Cnossia responds to Trill’s question, “Yes little one, I am an Nymph.”

The small man in the tree steps into the tree for a moment, and reappears with a larger bag of goods, exiting the tree at it’s base. While he seems surly as ever, his club is tucked into his belt, and his arms are full. He begins to spread out a large reed mat, laying out a few cakes and moss and mushroom based goods. He says nothing, but continues to watch the group carefully as he lays these good down, in particular glaring at Alleah for a moment. (Knowledge Nature check to know what sort of creature he is.)

The great willow tree move over near the man and deposits berries and washed tubers on the mat. (I don’t plan to alter the map to show the new position of this willow.)

Cnossia sees the tiny Bliss on a big raven. “I do not suggest you fly through the waterfall little man. Do so if you wish, but birds are typically not good swimmers.” She then slaps the surface of the water a few times in succession.

She watches rather carefully as Pressi, Murphy and Kezzem swim into the waterfall. As they pass into or under the waterfall, the force and turbulence of the water is simply not there - nothing pushes you down or move you with the water. They can feel the water, but the forces of the water is greatly diminished. These water continues to move and froth and roar, but within the waterfall, it is as easy to swim as in calm, open water. Those observing see this effect as well. Clearly, there is magic here.

Then something rather unexpected happens. As Pressi swims into the waterfall, she feels her Lizardman form slip away and, and the small halfling is not nearly the swimmer she was a moment ago. Cnossia reaches a hand over, ready to steady Pressi and keep her above water. Murphy and Kezzem have a sudden panic when, as they swim beneath the fall, their ability to breathe water suddenly ends. The two otters seem to come close, bearing Murphy and Kezzem upward toward the surface as they sputter and gasp for air.

Cnossia, “Oh, I forgot to mention that the waterfall has a special property of removing all magics and enchantments. But it’s a good way for me to see that you are who you say you are. Since you do not seem to mean us any harm here, perhaps we should go eat.”

“Ruckhack, consider these people to be my guests.” The funny little man then grumpily picks up two of the cakes he laid out and put them back into his bag, grumbling to himself as he does so.

Any ongoing spells or magical effects on Pressi, Murphy and Kezzem are no longer working

Murphy and Kezzem, distressed though they may be at this effect, find they are a bit jealous that Cnossia is so close to Pressi and not them. But the otters are fun.

(Please make a DC 12 swim check to swim in the waterfall without assistance. The force of the water has no effect, but the turbulence in the water is a bit disorienting.)

Here is your map.

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim)  d20+6=25 ; d20+16=26 ; d4=3 ; d6+8=14 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=18 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2015 4:04:44 PM

Murphy finds, after dealing with the water breathing going away, that it is even easier for him to swim (swim: 25) within the area of the waterfall. "Wee-ee-eeeee!" he exults. He does what he can to see how far back the cliff wall goes from the falls - seeing if there is an area behind sheltered from the water. If so, he looks around a bit (perception 26).

When Cnossia tells them about the disenchanting abilities of the enchanted falls, he laughs. "Before we knew it was you, here, and we saw the beautiful pool and falls, I was concerned that there may be something within that might pull us in with less than goodwill, so I cast water breathing for us. So, it was momentarily disconcerting when a it went away." He tries to help to make sure that Kezzem is all right, and sees that Pressi is in good hands.

"But I grew up swimming in the water hole in the stream that runs through our village, and have always loved the water. This is the best waterfall I've ever seen! Back in a moment. I want to touch the bottom of the pool again!" He dives down, and looks about briefly for some pretty rocks. He picks up three that look nice to him, and resurfaces. He adds those to the two skipping rocks in his waistband.

As she instructs her mossy friend that they are to be considered guests, Murphy turns more serious. "Thank you, Lady of the Falls, for extending hospitality."

He suggests, "How about we play in the water a few more minutes, then go ahead and eat?"

His most used stroke is trudgeon (combination of sidestroke and crawl - with legs doing a scissors kick). He also does the sidestroke; the fishy-fish (arms at sides, legs together at thighs, knees, calves and ankles, and undulate up and down, using the kick to bring the head up out of the water for breathing); the lazy frog (elementary backstroke); the frogger (breaststroke); doggy paddle; corkscrew (the crawl rotating from face up to face down, continuing around to face up, etc.); and he finishes with the heaving monster (butterfly), although that is the one stroke that wears him out if he keeps it up too long.

He then gathers water as he holds his hands together, fingers entwined, and then squirts an arc of water into the air out about fourteen feet away from him. He repeats a few times, moving his hands to make the water flow in a zig-zag pattern in the air. And he squirts first Kezzem, then Prissi, not in the middle of their faces, but maybe on the ear, or top of the head, playfully. He thinks about squirting Cnossi, but turns a bit shy, so just squirts a couple feet away from her.

The boyish halfling - for he gets quite so when swimming, finally swims ashore, helping his friends along if they need the assistance, then gets up on the rock next to the shore, and rubs the water off his body to an extent, and lets evaporation do the rest.

He sees the spread laid out. [He did not notice the cake retrieval earlier, as it was not in his local context.]

"Sometimes, life is great!" He takes the two skipping rocks out of his waistband. "Is it all right if I try skipping a couple of rocks in your pool?" he asks Cnossi. If she allows it, he makes certain he aims well away from her and the otters, and his friends, if they still remain in the water. The first stone he does not throw quite flatly enough, and it edges into the water, and angles downward (AC10). With the second, tongue held to the side in concentration, he does better (AC18). It skips about five times before settling back in the pool. He shrugs his shoulders. "Nalfein was always better than me at rock skipping."
Submit Reset ."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday November 2nd, 2015 7:28:05 PM
"Ruckhack, why did you disturb the cakes? Is there something we should know about them? Those gnomes already tried to poison us earlier...what assurance do we have that you aren't out to harm us?". She tried not to be rude with her questioning, but felt it was important to receive a believable story before she decided to sup with this group.

She moves to the tree. "For some reason, I think I trust you the most. You aren't out to do us harm are you, Mister Tree?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+6=26 ; d20+8=27 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2015 7:51:37 PM
(Swim Yet another Natural 20)

Though at a much slower speed than before (swim speed 10 now), it becomes clear that Pressi is able to upright herself quickly. She is a bit miffed at Cnossia's trick - regardless of whether Cnossia was in the right, Pressi would be unable to transform again today - but kept that to herself with her thank you being just a tad curt.

Pressi recoils as Murphy squirts her, but she does laugh as she tries to splash him back. "Oh, you'd better swim, Bumblebee."

It had been an unusual relationship, her and Murphy's family. She had lived in an alleyway near Winwood as she worked yet again for some of the harder nobles, helping with their paperwork, dancing for the entertainment of their guests, waitressing and sometimes spying for them, suffering their insults and come-ons, and eventually quitting to once again beg and steal in the streets. Leska had caught Pressi stealing from her store at least twice.

But something was different this time. This time there was a kindness from someone Pressi had stolen from, and it freaked her out again and again. But she decided that maybe what she was looking for was a friendly face. As for Nalfein, she hadn't really done much stone skipping with him, though he did watch over her from time to time.

Things eventually got better after a time. Leska brought her to the Angel Springs Temple, where she began to train in the martial arts. The robe of altering she stole from Waard became augmented with a standard issue Hat of Disguise from the mayor. She still had to clean and wait on people occassionally, but now it was for a purpose, as she began to go on paid missions for the temple - and for Leska as well.

And that was the thing, here with Murphy. She still didn't know what her relationship with him was. Was he a friend? A family member? Or did she owe him, the way she felt she owed Leska and Nalfein? Did he know that the Mayor had her follow his group when they were accused of murder? Or that when Leska needed a courier to handle his letters, she reached out to Pressi? Were they just strangers who mistook their familiarity?

With Murphy's help, Pressi eventually got a good spin on a rock (AC 27). "Beginner's luck," she said as she considered whether she would be allowed to flurry them.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+9=26 ; d20+11=27 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2015 8:35:35 PM
DM -
a) In my past three posts I've been asking for Sense Motive results. Can you please advise?
b) Are we still in combat rounds?
---------------------------------------

Alleah is quite sure that Ruckhack couldn't have heard her whisper to Shel. He must have been at least 60ft away, and she was whispering with the sound of a waterfall behind them. Why is he glaring at her in particular? "I'm sorry if I have offended you, Ruckhack. I don't know if there is some routine or custom I have missed. I was only suggesting that we get to know each other over a bite to eat"

She's just as curious as Shel as to why Ruckhack has suddenly chosen to remove two of the cakes from the feast, but doesn't say anything. Not yet anyway.

---------------------------------------
Diplomacy: Ongoing
Knowledge Nature: 26 - to ID the little man
Perception: 27

[DM Mark] Hey love, what's so magical about this waterfall? 
Monday November 2nd, 2015 9:53:13 PM
(Sorry Rob - a lot to keep track of)

Alleah senses that Cnossia is sincere, but guarded.
Rukhack is grumpy and mistristful.

Rob: Thanks DM! :)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Monday November 2nd, 2015 10:09:56 PM

Bliss waves a hello to his friends who lost their magic effects, and thanks the Lady Nymph for warning him away from the magic waters. Suddenly being twice as big as Mookie would not be a good way to keep airborn! He flies back to where everyone is gathering for a picnic.

"Yum! This is starting to look like a feast!" he says.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+5=25 ; d20+10=11 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2015 11:53:05 PM
Swim: 25

Concerned about the waterfall and the effect it had on his dagger, he lobs one against the wall to verify that it will still return to his hand.

"Give a halfling a head's up next time, won't you red?"

Kezzem breaks off from the giant otter and starts splashing about playfully in waterfall. He is sure to splash Pressi in particular as she seems to be getting all the attention.

"So you get many playmates trying to pass themselves off as something else, like those winged gnome folk or something"

Sense Motive: 11


Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 12:59:39 AM

At Pressi's challenge, Bumblebee does swim - diving down here, coming up there. Murphy enjoys the mutual splashing, allowing some of his friends' attacks to land on him and, as Kezzem splashes Pressi, the fellow gets a stream of water on the back of his neck. He later explained, "My younger sister, Juditha, used to call me 'Water Fountain.'"

If any ask, he shows them how he makes the steady stream of water - but says it took him about a year to figure it out, back when he was eight and nine. Nalfein does it all the time, he says. "He can stand with his hands together for ten minutes, innocent as you please, then squirt somebody in the face when they least expect it. One time he tried that with Selithe, though, and she ducked. Well, Grandma Eglantine was right behind her, and, oh, boy, did Nalfein get a tongue lashing! She makes the best rumberry pies, but her tongue is as sharp as her pies are sweet!" He laughs as he recalls the family tormentor getting his comeuppance.

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 1:01:17 AM

"Yeah, you're a natural, at rock skipping - or supremely lucky!" he comments on her excellent rock skipping. "That one took twelve, thirteen skips."

[DM Mark] Yum! This is starting to look like a feast.  d20=13 ; d20=9 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 1:03:57 PM
(As I noted on October 30, we are not in combat rounds.)

Murphy is not put off by the loss of his water breathing ability. He enjoys his time in the water, in the falls, and skipping stones. Murphy shows off a number of swimming strokes and tells a family story. He takes a peek behind the waterfall. There is a nice, if wet place to sit there, but little else that is readily apparent.

Pressi is a bit miffed at Cnossia, but still enjoys the swim. As she plays with Murphy, she thinks back on her past and ponders her relationship with him.

Shel confronts the little man when he takes back some of the food he set out. She also speaks to the tree, saying she trusts it the most.

Alleah also addresses the little man, telling Rukhack that they mean no harm. For Alleah: Highlight to display spoiler: {The little man is an Oakman, like a dryad in a way, but more rare, grouchy and combative. These fey creatures are tied to a particular tree and cannot last long without it. They are known for making foods and cakes that they use to trick or trap people.

The willow tree is not a Treant. It is an Awakened Tree.

(Perception to overhear a whispered conversation is DC15 +1 for every 10 feet of distance.)}

Bliss thanks the Nymph for warning he and Mookie off from the waterfall. He flies back to the shore, eager for some food.

Kezzem is concerned that the waterfall may have affected his dagger. Once out of the water, he tests it and is relieved to see that has dagger returns to his hand.

(Tests of the waterfall's effect show that it will remove permanently any magics or enchantments on a living creature. Items seem to be suppressed while in the falling water, but have effect once moved out of the waterfall.)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The swimming continues for a bit, under the watchful eye of the Nymph. Her attitude is guarded - you’re not sure if she’s keeping an eye on you or just worried about your safety in the water. Perhaps both.

As Shel speaks to the willow tree, it caresses it with her leaves and branches. In the process, a willow branch wraps around her neck for a moment. Was that a careless move or a warning from the tree?

As the non-swimming group moves toward the little, mossy man, he says,”Yer welcome here because the lady sez y’are. Me, I don’t much trust folks in the Culverwood. They’re usually here fer something, and it’s usually not good. But if yer lost, yer lost - an we mean ya no harm.”

To Alleah: “Miss, ya got less reason to mistrust me than I have ta mistrust you folks. I’m not any more offended by yer concerns - yer right to be concerned in the Culverwood. But you seem like a right trustful person yerself. Ya don’t hafta worry ‘bout the food none. I put away anythin’ that would cause you harm. We have our ways of defendin’ ourselves here, an unless ya’ll cause a problem you’ll have nuthin to fear from me.”

As the water play concludes, Cnossia ducks under the water for a moment, returning with a sheer, gossamer-thin gown that really doesn’t cover much. In fact, it more accentuates her form than presenting any illusion of modesty.

“There,” she says as she emerges from the water, barely clad, “Perhaps this will put you more at ease.” Any party members with any attraction to females finds her … extremely distracting.

“Come, let’s have someting to eat.” She will fix Rukhack briefly with a stare. “I trust Rukhack and Verin have prepared a nice meal. Ooo, I see you also have brought some nice things to share.”

She looks fondly at the willow tree. It has no face, per se, but it almost seems to smile nonetheless.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You find the food and the conversation both delightful. Cnossia, will warn you about dangers in the Culverwood as you proceed. Fairy spiders, stirges (flying creatures that suck your blood), occasional bands of goblins, orcs and xenophobic elves. There once was a Medusa that could turn people to stone with a glance that lived in the wood, but Cnossia rallied some friends and drove her out. At least they think she’s gone.

As you eat, Cnossia asks if any of you can dance, play an instrument or know any poetry?
[Please let me know how you respond to this, and what you do.]

As the meal continues, Rukhack will bring out some clay jars full of a mossy, earthy, beer-like liquid he calls it Kormi. It’s a little odd at first, but the more you have the better it seems to taste. Rukhack seems to finally let his guard down and actually becomes a bit drunk. As the evening continues, he drinks some more. “Ya know, you hobbits are alright. Jus don tell noone from tha tolkien clan tha’ ah called ya’ll hobbits. Arright? Is our little sheecret, okie dokie?” Not long after that he passes out.

Cnossia will encourage you all to stay for a few days. Assuming you decline, she will ask that you at least stay the night there in safety. She will allow you to build a fire, but away from any trees.

[Your next post should resolve any questions, preparations or actions you intend to take for the rest of the day through the following morning, including preparations to leave. Unless they are hostile actions, you’ll rest that night and awake refreshed.]

Any ongoing spells or magical effects that were on Pressi, Murphy and Kezzem when they entered the waterfall are gone.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 2:52:31 PM

Bliss loves the drink -- and so does Mookie.

The drink goes right to Bliss's head, and he passes out first. But before that, he loves dancing in the firelight. Perform Dance 13. He stumbles a bit as he moves into and out of the shadows, and he laughs.

The bird gets on well with the mossy fellow, Rukhack. He tells a few of his more off-color stories, after the Kid falls asleep. Like the time him and his friends got whipped by Jancassis. Ouch! and Nuf Said.

Yup, we'll stay only the one night, and then head out bright and early. Maybe with some help to get us on the right path?

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent) 
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 6:17:03 PM
Trill is wary as she helps set out the food and shares Alleah's misgivings about the party split up but apparently they were a bit more paranoid than necessary and every one made it back to shore to share the spread of food and partake of a bit of the drink as well. Trill eats and while she will partake of a bit of the drink proffered she remains on point and on watch as others let go and imbibe. She listens to Cnossia's information about the area and when asked about music she shakes her head. I can sing a bit but my mother was the musician. She spent a number of years traveling with some Gypsies and learned all kinds of instruments.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+4=7 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 8:06:17 PM
Shel waits until the others have tried the food and drink before she chances to do the same. I honk the tree tried to hug me, she thinks, as she tries the spread. The alcohol wasnt too bad, either.

Assuming the night progressed without trouble, she watched Bliss try to dance and shook her head. "Bliss, this is how you dance. Tree, come out here with me," she laughed, as she took a branch and tried to maneuver it to the makeshift dance floor.

Unfortunately, she tripped over a branch and almost took a pratfall.

OOC: perform dance 7.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+1=20 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 8:18:41 PM
Alleah believes Rukhack speaks the truth. It's true, he probably has more reason to feat the party, than they do him. She extends her hand in greeting "Well said. And since we are yet to be properly introduced, my name's Alleah. Good to meet you, Rukhack"

She sips at the 'Kormi'. Alleah is still young and drinks go straight to her head. It's then that Cnossia suggests some entrtainment.

Alleah is somewhat intimidated by the prospect of dancing having seen how light on his fleet Bliss was.

Perhaps some poetry? She casts a Guidance spell, and hopes to Wardd that she finds the right words...

"Whilst travelling in the Culverwood
By the waterfalls and trees
We've seen so many different things
Snakes and rafts and bees

Cnossia, nymph of the fall
such a beauty to behold
Kindly shares her waters
But my, are they cold!

While Rukhack the oakman
a spritely little fey
Watches from his branch
With cakes for his prey

But not everyone is friendly
Watch for Calloran and his witches
They'll poison you, court you and lure you
So keep a hand on your britches"

At the conclusion, Alleah blushes a little and looks to Cnossia for a sense of approval.

-----------------------
Perform Oratory: 20

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 8:46:29 PM

Murphy tries dancing along with Shel & Bliss... but his legs, perhaps after all the effort he put into swimming, feel wobbly. So wobbly, he trips over a root, and stumbles to the side, and sits down. He looks over to Shel, and up at Verin, and laughs. "Dancing is not our strong suit today, Shel." [Perform, dance: 6]

He gets to thinking, and starts writing, when, lo and behold, Alleah comes up with a charming poem. He claps at the end of it. "Brava, Alleah, brava!"

"Well, we have many songs in Crescent Valley. My father is a bard, and one of my brothers. My mother, a druid, sometimes sings her spells.

"I am not well gifted as they, and my brother says, though gently, that some of what I write is doggerel. But Alleah has inspired me - and, not her only. But, give me some moments, and I shall see if I can write a poem - or, at least, fair doggerel."

As they feast, Murphy takes out some paper, and begins to write. He scratches out. He mumbles words - sometimes in a set rhythm.

Finally, he says, "All right. I want to teach you all a song - at least a chorus to a song. It starts like this: 'Along the way in the Culverwood,'" he begins, but as he takes a breath, he swallows wrong, and begins to cough [Perform, speaking, 4 (nat 1)]. He coughs so much he goes a ways away from everyone else, and works at bringing his voice back under control.

He returns (spending 2 hero points - one for a redo on the roll, plus an extra to put some extra oomph in his performance).

"All right. Sorry - swallowed down the wrong pipe. Here we go. Everyone ready to listen and learn?"
Chorus (sung):
Along the way in the Culverwood
Many fair things are found
But the fairest one is far above
The next in place
Whatever that is
By steps and a leap and a bound
Murphy sings through three times, teaching it to those gathered around the outdoor feast. And, he goes through it one or two more times, until all - or most - have it down.

"All right. So, My song poem will have this chorus a few times. When I point to you, then all sing together. Then I will chant some verses. Then point to you for the chorus, and so forth. Does that make sense?"

If people seem to get it, then he begins - they all sing the chorus, then he picks up with chanted verses, thus.
Verses (chanted):
A winding trail comes upon
A pool of deep green blue
With a fall of water magical
That rinses clean
And touches light
Unveiling intentions true

Yet most of all the best there is
A locus of bright pulchritude
A water nymph with flaming hair
Whose laugh delights
And limbs well formed
Pond's ripples barely can occlude

Chorus (sung):
Along the way in the Culverwood
Many fair things are found
But the fairest one is far above
The next in place
Whatever that is
By steps and a leap and a bound

Verses (chanted):
Nearby are guardians of the nymph
A living moving willow tree
And an oaken green and testy man
Who knows the ways
Of fae and can
Defend the loverly lady

Cnossia she gives her name
Her mind is searing bright
She'll test your wits and character
And if you pass
And are not crass
You'll find her pure delight

While frolicked we with water friends
Our eyes glanced at her flowing hair
We gathered treasured moments as
Our hearts skipped beats
Midst watery treats
Could one's soul joy find there?

Chorus (sung):
Along the way in the Culverwood
Many fair things are found
But the fairest one is far above
The next in place
Whatever that is
By steps and a leap and a bound
[Perform: 15]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+15=23 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+18=30 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 9:32:38 AM
Pressi waves off most of the attempts to get her to dance and sing, acting rather more morosely than she did in the water just a short time ago. "I've just never been much of a performer," she mutters to many of the exhortations.

She does partake in the drinking but it seems to make her sadder. "It's just a phase of mine," she insists.

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

Pressi wakes up earlier than everyone else, making her way to a secluded part of the lake (stealth 23, please don't have everyone wake up and follow). For a short moment of time, she takes in the sun and her reflection in the water, focusing on a narrow rock in the shallows.

(Dance roll 23, Acrobatics 30)

Out came the old spins and kicks as her fans sprung from seemingly nowhere. It surprised her how quickly the old routines came back, dancing as she did with her reflection. It was only a moment to remember how it used to feel.

With a shrug, she made her way back to camp to prepare for their departure.

She did have one last piece of business left, to be done when Cnossia woke up. "Rukhack's statements regarding the people who keep coming here... he didn't mean those gnomes, did he? Who were they? What were they looking for?"

But as she waited for Cnossia's answer, a memory of last night flooded back. She had stated, in her drunken stupor, her intent to break off from the group once they got back to civilization. She quickly scrambled to remember who she said that to....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 10:19:38 AM
"I ain't much a performer, more of a gambler," says Kezzem. "Anybody have some cards?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+8=26 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 12:02:50 PM
Like the others, Alleah waves off Murphy's attempt to have her perform again "Sorry Murph. One performance a day is my limit"

"Cards however. Now you're talking my language"

Alleah will not play for money however. Amongst friends she only plays for fun.

Profession Gambler: 26. Alleah is trained in this :)

[DM Mark] Ooo, me achin’ head.  d20=12 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 3:10:22 PM
Bliss dances in and out of shadows. Then he drinks some beer and goes to sleep. Once Bliss is out, Mookie takes over with some grown-up jokes and stories.

Trill enjoys the food, drink, conversation and entertainment. She declines any performances, but does have a good time.

Shel tries dancing with the willow tree. The tree tries to dance, but ends up tripping Shel in the process. The tree barks out a laugh at the effort, which is startling in itself. How many halflings can boast they danced with a tree and made it laugh!

Alleah composes and performs some most excellent poetry, much to the pleasure and amusement of both Rukhack and Cnossia!

Murphy works on a song. He composes a song that involves everyone there. His performance falters a bit, but is a great success.

Pressi declines to perform, though she is an adept dancer. She joins in the party, but is a bit melancholy. In the morning, she wakes up early and finds a private place to meditate. And then she dances, and oh does she dance! She also asks Cnossia about Rukhack’s reference to others that have come through here.

Kezzem proposes playing cards, and Alleah eagerly agrees. Kezzem is instantly glad he was not playing for keeps against this follower of Wardd.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cnossia, Rukhack and Verin all enjoy their time with Humble’s Sword! The dancing, poetry and singing are a hit. The festivities continue into the night. As the sun disappears and darkness creeps into the area beneath the great oak, Cnossia banishes the darkness with a gesture, conjuring lights that appear in the branches and grasses all around. What at first looks like the brightest lightning bugs you’ve ever seen are actually conjured lights that give a soft, romantic glow to the whole area.

Cnossia laughs, “Oh, this is indeed a treat, and the best time I’ve had in a while. And you’ve all make a great impression on Rukhack. He rarely shares his brew, so you should consider yourselves fortunate indeed.”

Rukhack joins in the dancing while he’s still conscious, and seems to pay a lot of attention to Alleah. Even the Willow Tree Verin joins in, dancing with Shel. Cnossia tries to entice Murphy or Kezzem into more than dancing - they politely decline.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In the morning, you all wake. Those that imbibed more than a little of the Oakman’s beer are a little under the weather. Ruckhack seems to be moaning, and holding his head. He moves slowly, “Ooo, me achin’ head. Twas fun, but ahm payin’ the price today fer sure.”

Cnossia seems to be in a bright mood. She drops her “robe” and then goes for a quick dip. She dons her robe when she returns, though it really makes little difference. The group then breakfasts on berries, fruits and tubers.

In response to Pressi’s question about those that may have come through here, Cnossia responds, “there have been an occasional troll or band of orcs or goblins. We usually drive them off. There were a couple of rogues that came through a few months back. They were a bit lost, but they sought to take advantage of my welcome and hospitality. The came to regret that before they died.”

“Oh won’t you stay for a while? We could have much fun! No? Well, then at least let me give you some parting gifts. These, I have little use of...” She gingerly hands the party a two small-sized cold iron daggers.

“And you may find use for these.” She also gives you three Cure Light Wounds potions. (Each will heal d8+5 points.)

To Pressi, Trill and Kezzem, she gives a small acorn, carved from wood and hung from a strong, black cord.

“For Bliss and his funny little dance, I give you this cloak.” She gives Bliss a nice, brown cloak with an acorn clasp. (It is a well made masterwork cloak, woven from a very fine plant material. It seems warm and waterproof, though it has no special properties.)

“To Murphy, for his great performance I give my blessing, and may my spirit be his muse, guide and inspiration until you exit the Culverwood.” She present Murphy with a silver acorn. “This will guide you toward your home, but only so long as you are within the Culverwood.” (Murphy will get +4 to his Will saves, and a have a clear sense of direction home until he exits the Culverwood.)

“Shel, Verin has something for you.” The animate willow tree shuffles over and places a wreath of woven willow branches on her head. The tree seems happy. Cnossia says, “Shel, if you keep that watered every few days, it will always appear as a living wreath of willow branches. (This circlet of woven branches is a masterwork item. It is suitable for enchantment, though it’s use will not decrease the cost of any item it is made into.)

“Alleah, your performance was spectacular, but I think Rukhack has something special for you.”

With that, Rukhack pulls it together, but winces in pain as he walks over to Alleah. He hands her a glass bottle and a small, wrapped cake. “This here’s some o’ me brew. An’ this here cake is a strong healin’ cake.” (When consumed, this cake will act as a Heal spell curing 50 hit points and the other usual Heal effects.)

Rukhack adds “Fer the rest o’ ya, I have some travelin’ bread. An’ ya needn’t worry - there’s nuthin’ funny in ‘em.” Each halfling gets 7 cakes, each one wrapped in some sort of waxy leaves. (These will each sustain one person for one day.)

With that, the group bids farewell to the Nymph and her friends and moves toward home.

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent)  d20+1=7
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 3:15:03 PM
Trill brightens a bit as Alleah does her poem.

"Now poems are something I can do."

She looks up at the large tree.

"Hmm, something appropriate for the situation."


I but glimpse the wonders of the forest
As I tread through the glades of down,
But O the forest seems too still,
Whenever I'm around
The matriarchs so staunch and divine,
Ring round their forest glades
And gaze down upon our folly
Seemingly to hope and to say,
But there is no way,
For we are of flesh,
And they are of wood,
And neither can seek to be not so…
For we are all People


perform DC 7

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) 
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 3:22:47 PM

Murphy is sad that so many of his friends refused to even try to sing along. Was it because he had a coughing fit before he could get the song started? Ah, well.

He thinks over the spells he has at hand, and makes a few changes.

He noted how morose his friend Pressi seemed to be. When he could catch her the following morning, he takes her aside. "Hey, Press - what's going on? You seem, I don't know, cast down or something." He attends to her response. If she does not want to answer now, he does not push. If she wants to answer, he listens with care.

Speaking with Cnossia, he says, "I would love to remain for another day or two, but my friends want to press on. And we do have urgent things to attend to, and a calamity to prevent. Thank you for telling us of some of the dangers which may lie ahead. You did mention, Cnossia, that you might be able to help us travel more quickly. Know you a shortcut, or have you the means or knowledge to speed us on our way back to Crescent Valley? If we get there in time, we may be able to prevent deaths, and even to keep a war from starting. Any aid you would be willing to render would be met with great gratitude. And if there is something that you need for us to do, for my part I am willing to listen."

[DM Mark] Ooo, me achin’ head. 
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 7:23:32 PM
ONE LATE CHANGE

Cnossia: "For Trill and her inspiring poem, I have this. Her poem reminds us of the ties that bind us all." She will hand Trill as coil of cord. Trill will find that this seemingly small thing is actually a 50' coil of masterwork silk rope.

(NOTE: This will be in place of the acorn on a cord.)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+3=19 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 7:31:51 PM
Shel admires her new pretty wreath, "Thanks so much, Verin. It was a real pleasure meeting you all. I've had such a bad time in the Forest before meeting your group. If everyone was like you, I'd give this place a sterling reputation," she says as she hugs the tree again. She tries dancing one last time and does just a bit better!

She follows up on Murohy's questions to Cnossia. "Any help getting us home would be wonderful. Our town really needs us."

OOC: Perform Dance 19!

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 4th, 2015 8:30:23 PM

Bliss is sad to hear that he fell asleep before Murphy's song. He asks that Murphy teach it to him on the road, and he'll sing along too.

Mookie rolls his eyes. "You haven't heard the Kid sing."

"Shhh! Mookie! I'm listening to Trill's poem. Boy that's a good one! 'We are all People.' Even the ones who were harpies oncet upon a time!"

When it is time for parting gifts, Bliss is overjoyed at his gift of a cloak! And in his size, too! "Wowsy!" he exclaims, using his mom's exclamation of choice. He hugs the nymph spontaneously. Well, her calf, anyway. "That is so nice!"

"Wait, I didn't --" then a sly look comes over the tiny halfling's face. "Oh, right! I have a gift for you too, Lady Cnossia!"

He reaches into his pack and takes out a tiny potion vial. He hands it to her, and when he releases it, it grows back to normal size. "This is a magic oil. Smear it on yourself and you'll shrink in half. So you can remember me when you need to be small!"

Bliss looks very satisfied with himself, and he snuggles his new cloak.

He thanks Rukhack for the bread. "MMMM it sure smells yummy!" He opens one up and starts eating it. "Tastes yummy too!"

He agrees with Murphy. "I'm sorry we can't stay, but we kind of have an emergency back home that we have to get to A-S-A-P. That means, As Soon As Possible."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 12:13:08 AM
OOC: Kim - Nothing personal against Murphy's attemped group singing, however Alleah had already made one performance check. Given she had such a great roll result, I wasn't willing to tempt fate again with only a +1 bonus :)

"That's a very generous gift, Rukhack. Thankyou. But I must give you something in return. I know..." Alleah reaches into her kit and retrieves 6 golden walnuts* "They are not magical now, but hopefully they are something you would enjoy"

She tucks the cakes into her kit. "How should one bid farewell to an Oakman and an Nypmh? Hmmm" With no other ideas at hand, Alleah resorts to just offering a handshake to each of them.

Retaking her position atop Thistle, Alleah waits for one of the brighter sparks of the party to lead the way.

-------------------------------
*6 Golden Walnuts: Were a gift won in the GG Yuletide. Their magic has since expired. When magical they were so nutritious that they would sustain the person who consumes one for an entire 24 hours.

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood  d20+16=35 ;
Thursday November 5th, 2015 6:06:29 AM

OOC: RobC - Ah, a momentary case of dice phobia.

Stream-of-consciousness interactions...

Murphy, who did have one dose of Rukhack's brew, talks with the fellow about some of the neighborhood brews he has sampled from time to time, while praising his Kormi, and asking for brewing hints - seeking to expand his knowledge of a branch of alchemy. "I would have drunk more, but my limits are easily reached." He also takes time to appreciate the oak in which he dwells, and asks if there are other oak people around. Later, just before they leave, he thanks him warmly for the wrapped cakes he gave them.

He laughed at some of Mookie's stories, but checked himself on a few of the old bird's more bawdy tales.

The druid writes down Trill's poem and Alleah's, too. He asks if each will autograph the paper on which it is written.

In the morning, he first asks permission, then swims again in the beautiful water, delighting in the waterfall, and spending some moments playing with the otters, if they will. He takes a few moments to sit on the ledge behind the waterfall, and there offers a whispered prayer of thanksgiving to Eberyon for allowing him and his friends the privilege of finding such a haven on their journey.

He speaks in the sylvan tongue with Verin. "There is a beautiful willow outside of my Grandma Eglantine's home. I will tell her of you when I see her branches dancing in the breeze. Thank you for your kindness to my good friend, Shel. And for picking such good berries!"

During the time they spend together, he asks Cnossia about the Willow. "How does a tree come to the kind of life that Verin has? I mean, was he like this from a sapling, or did he come gradually to walking, and dancing, and - the other things he can do? Did you play a role? Or did he come to you as he is?" He is not certain that 'he' is the proper pronoun.

He also makes inquiries as to good tactics to use against fairy spiders, stirges, xenophobic elves, and a few other dangers the naiad mentioned. He asks if there may be herbal preparations that might keep stirges at bay. "For example, against mosquitoes, my aunt has a bitter herb she rubs on her skin, and the mosquitoes will not come near her."

The druid is amazed at the gifts that the naiad gives to his companions. Then... "Lady Cnossia!" Murphy cries with a gasp when she gives him her blessing, placing his hands over his heart. As he accepts the great boon represented by the silver acorn, he takes her fingers for a moment, and presses his lips against the back of her hand, inhaling the fragrance, then steps back... with very red cheeks. Not as debonair as he could wish to be, yet rather visibly moved. Her spirit to be my muse, guide, inspiration... he ruminates over her words from time to time as the day progresses.

As they are about to leave, he remembers something. He digs in his backpack, and pulls out a small box. Inside are a comb and a hand mirror. "It's not that you need either, Lady, but - a memento for you." After he sets it down before her, Murphy bobs his head, and runs off to catch up to the others.

Very happy to teach Bliss his song along the way, he tells him, "I've named my song chant Cnossia's Waterfall." He also takes time to admire Bliss's new cloak.

[Perception: 35 as they head back on the trail through the Culverwood - if his senses tell him that is the proper way to travel. Question: with the +4 to will saves, would that also translate into +4 on his skill checks where Will is the operative modifier?]

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 6:32:49 AM

Along the way, Murphy keeps his eyes out for helpful or unusual flora, and may harvest small samples here and there, some for near-future use, and some small plants/shoots for later planting back in a Humble's Ford garden.

Perhaps during a break for lunch, or just to walk together, he sees how Pressi is doing, and seeks to discern whether her dark mood may have lifted. "Pressi - I don't know what is wrong, but - you know how at a meeting hall or in some theatres or temples there may be a balcony? Sometimes those in the balcony will cheer on one or more who is on the stage, or admire them. Well, think of me in this way. I am in your balcony. I am rooting for you." He is silent for a bit. Then he adds, "And, if you need one, I can be your friend, to walk beside you." He looks about. "Uh, although, in these woods, sometimes we'll need to be walking in different parts of the trail to deal with surprises... but - I hope you understand what I mean."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 10:09:39 AM
Pressi relaxes somewhat at Cnossia's description of the wanderers. "I just wanted to make sure they weren't part of a larger group or anything of concern. I'm glad to hear how you handled those who take advantage of you."

Pressi is a bit perplexed at the gift of a necklace, particularly as she watches what gifts the others get, but she accepts it with grace and politeness. And, succumbing to peer pressure, she decides that she should give a gift as well. Not really having much in the way of tokens, however, it takes her some time of rifling through her bag of holding - and a brief moment where she comes to hold a black wig along with a blue and black outfit.

Finally, she composes herself with a gift she thinks is perfect: two bags of flour. "For protection against invisible guests," she explains to a perplexed host. "It's an old monk trick - you spread some of it on the ground or in the air and you can see bodies or footprints like a spell. You can also cook with it, but that's another discussion." She bundles it with two rations to help foray what they ate and take with them.

"Anyway, you take care of yourselves... and good luck here."

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

Pressi had remained tight lipped at Murphy's inquiries the night before and this morning, but it had become increasingly difficult to keep quiet, particularly when he talked about how they would gladly be her audience. "That's the last thing I want," she finally shouted.

After a bit of shared silence, Pressi began again. "Look, I don't really like talking about it, but... I don't know what Leska told you but I didn't just beg and steal for food. I used to do all sorts of jobs for rich people. I used to dance for... well, maybe not an entire meeting hall with balconies; the guys I danced for preferred more private parties. But I used to have quite attentive audiences, and...

"Well, maybe I do still miss that a bit. But it... gets tough. All that scrutiny. All that unwanted attention. All that becoming yet another rich person's toy or a delegation's entertainment. Not that I was ever fully taken advantage of, but... I don't get to make people regret it, either. So, I don't dance unless I have to. I don't dance for audiences.

"Even now, with Cnossia giving gifts to RATE us on our performances.... I hope I wasn't too hard on her. She didn't know, and I respect what she tried to do. But it just reminded me why I stopped dancing once I had the choice in the first place."

"Also, I'm sorry if I misled you about our relationship. You'll always be family, but... It's great to have you by my side through these woods, but I'm not planning to stick around much longer, and I'm certainly not following you on adventure after adventure. I expect to head back to my temple and eventually wander off to my next spot, no matter what I... It's just easier if I don't get too attached to others. I have to do what's best for me."

(OOC: and none of this will in any way turn out to be ironic as part of her character arc. WINK.)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 11:34:52 AM
Shel didn't really have any items that she thought would interest Verin. What would a tree want with shot glasses anyway?. As she looked through her pouch, she did find one of the now preserved purple roses the group had obtained from their very first adventure together.

She carefully removed it from her book, which had preserved it slightly, and tried to find a sturdy place in Verin's plumage that might hold it properly in all the nettles and leaves.

She begins following The group as they take their leave of the forest dwellers.

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 1:22:54 PM

"Uh, I didn't mean I was 'in your balcony' for watching you dance," Murphy replies after recoiling from the force of Pressi's rebuke. "I meant I was there to - to support you. Not to treat you as some, some thing, or for entertainment. However, hearing what you've gone through, I can see why that is perhaps not an apt comparison. Sorry.

"And just because we chanced upon each other in the woods," he continues, then looks around. "Though I'm not certain 'chance' was the overriding factor. But there's no obligation for you to go on adventure after adventure with us. I'm just happy to have you with us now, for the present. And yeah - we're family, or pretty near close to it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 2:00:14 PM
Pressi was quiet for a moment. "You know, we keep telling people that we have to get back, but we never say for what. Supposing for the sake of argument that I did follow you guys to Humble Ford, what exactly are we trying to stop and what's our plan for stopping it?"

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, ) (Kent) 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 2:06:59 PM
Though she stumbled a bit through the presentation of her poem, overall she was pleased with how it went and she stammered a thank you to Cnossia as she presented her with the nice rope. A bit more embarrassed she signs the proffered poem that Murphy had written down and once again thanks Cnossia and her friends for the companionship and the evening.

Hearing Pressi's question Trill moves in a bit closer as well as she too would kind of like to know the answer.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 3:20:49 PM

"Oh, well, that's easy!" Bliss pops out of a shadow to tell the tale.

"Okay, we were at one of the towers on the edge of the valley that keep out the giants. And somebody was attacking them? Or maybe it was some wizard friends of ours who made a mistake? I'm not really clear about that part. So we had to sneak in. Me and Mookie flew to a window and I squeezed in some bars. But everyone else had to fight the poison smoke monster on the ground floor of the tower. Then we fought our way to the top of the tower, where there was this dimensional portal, and the tower was falling down, and we were either gonna get crushed, or jump into the portal as the tower came crashing down!"

"So that's what we did, of course, and we ended up in this mightmare place Mookie knows about, where the trees are made of glass and this Huntman guy likes to hunt for people! So Mookie knew about this place where we could get out, and we made it there, and we ended up in Izen -- not all that far from where I grew up, where my Aunt Priss lives, but get this -- IT WAS IN THE PAST! Like, two three weeks ago!"

Bliss looks around, still amazed by it, and seeking confirmation in the faces of his friends. Mookie bobs his head and says, "Finish up, Kid."

"Right!" says Bliss. "Well, now we got time to get back home and STOP THE TOWER CRASHING BEFORE IT FALLS!! Is that nifty or what!? But we gotta get back soon or the Tower will fall before we get there, and that would be a waste."

He looks keenly at Pressi and Trill to be sure they get it.

"So that's why we gotta get home fast! See?"

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 4:03:21 PM

"Bliss got most of it. Turns out the purple smoke was flowing from out of an upper floor of the tower, right where our town's top three wizards had been conducting an experiment with a portable hole and dimension door spells, I think it was. They were trying to extend the range of dimension door - which allows one to teleport a short distance. You likely have heard of the giant towers to the north of the valley, placed there a long time ago to help protect us halflings from an incursion by the giants from the Scab. Well, the magical protections the towers afford utilize, or produce, a fair amount of magical power and energy. The Second Breakfast Club - that's what the three wizards style themselves - thought to harness some of that energy for their magical experiment. Well, if our suppositions are correct - and, so far, we can see no reason they are not - if we get back in time, we may be able to forestall them initiating their malformed magical machinations. Thus we would save the tower, save the lives of one or more members of the Club, and keep the tower intact, so that giants - who may have a mind to test our northern defenses from time to time would find them still strong, and war between our valley and the giants can be prevented - or, at least, forestalled for a while longer."

He pauses for a breath. "Koshe-Marr is the nightmare place Bliss mentioned."

He waits for others to add details, if they desire. Afterwards, he asks, "Would you like to hear of how our group, Humble's Sword, started out, and how we got to where we are today? If so, Shel and I can tell you of the early days, and others - like Alleah and Bliss - can add in more starting from the parts of our tale where they joined in with us. We likely have a few more days on the trail. Recounting the story might help you understand why we do some of the things we do."

If others answer in the affirmative, then, as the group takes stops for rest or meals, as well as over the campfire, Murphy will tell stories of the group. He keeps a journal, but that was left behind on one of his ponies back in Humble's Ford when the group was whisked from tower to Koche-Marr. He has been writing down more - catching up on the shadow country first, then on their travels up until now. [OOC: So, if you read back from the archives of this game, starting from the beginning, you will learn what your characters will hear from Murphy and others over the course of the next few days of travel. I won't, for the most part, actually be writing down what he says - assume that happens along the way.]

"Oh, and while we're doing that, if any of you want to tell us more about yourself and your past to us, I for one am ready to listen."

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 5:57:40 PM
Trill gives her best as she recites the poem. It isnt the best, but it does work and she is given a gift from Cnossia as well.

Shel thanks Verin and shares her thoughts on the reputation of those in the woods.

She even busts out some new moves and gets a thumbs up.

To her question Cnossia shakes her head. " I am afraid I already helped you more then I should. I know you mean well, but a balance Is needed."

Bliss loves his new cloak and makes sure to give Cnossia a gift back. She smiles purely at him and takes the gift. "

Ruchack slaps Bliss on the back.. "No problem halfling, it's just some Liontaur meat.." he says with a laugh as he adds "Just kidding "

Alleah takes her turn to give a gift, handing Ruchack some of the walnuts she won in the Giggling Ghost Yuletide party.

"Ehh.. I appreciate it, but my gift still works. " he says with a smile.

Murphy takes one last swim around with the otters and talks one last time to Cnossia. She accepts his gift, and he can tell the mirror has caught her attention.

Verin, as far as Murphy can tell is happy to hear about the willow doing good.

Cnossia tells Murphy that the Stirges here are not deterred by anything and a particularly nasty.

When the discussion of Verin comes up, Cnossia becomes quite tight lipped. "My little friend
I so do enjoy our time, but one thing I enjoy more then our time is my time. I think it is time you continue your adventure."

Pressi gets the biggest chuckle when she gives the gift of flour. " Gives a new meaning to giving a gal flowers. " Ruchack bellows.

On the road, Pressi and Murphy get a chance to talk, and Pressi opens up a bit.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Once final good byes are said, the group continues on. The path gets tight, even for a halfling, alowing only one of the Sword to walk abreast.

The path winds around some huge trees, continously blocking the view ahead. It then dips down to a small trickle of water crossing over the path. Is the marching order still the same as before?


Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 5th, 2015 7:18:54 PM

Bliss is not flying this time. He is walking next to Pressi and Trill. He tells them about himself, and what he can do, and how the party works. He wants to know what they can do ... cast spells? Fight? Shoot?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=15 ;
Thursday November 5th, 2015 10:12:02 PM
Alleah rides atop Thistle. She's in quite a good mood following meeting Cnossia and Rukhack. "I wonder what the name of the tree was?"

She happily hums away to herself.

Perception: 15


Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood  d20+16=26 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=33 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 1:24:44 AM
Murphy sticks to story telling mainly during breaks, snacks, and evening time. While on the trail, he tries to remain alert to the environment. Thinking about stirges, he looks about for plants which might be able to staunch flowing wounds, as well as perhaps vegetation that he can weave into a thick mat to keep their long pointed beaks from getting through to his skin. He thinks about the ghilly suit he had a while back. Something like that, but with even thicker thatching, could do the job.

"Bliss, Trill, Pressi - keep an eye out for attacks from behind." He smiles wryly, "As if I need to tell you that."

With Bliss's rearrangement, our marching order is significantly revised. How about:

Marching Order:
5 foot pathway
A. Kezzem scouting on foot
Main group:
1. Murphy in front
2. Shel
3. Alleah on Thistle
4. Trill
5. Bliss
6. Prissi on rear guard
Mookie?

10 foot pathway
A. Kezzem scouting on foot - low scout
Main group:
1/2. Murphy left, Shel Murphy right
3. Alleah on Thistle in middle
4/5 Bliss left, Trill right
6. Prissi on rear guard
Mookie?

And let's keep the Watches:
Even nights (last night was odd?)
1st: Shel
2nd: Pressi
3rd: Kezzem
4th: Murphy

Odd nights
1st: Trill
2nd: Bliss
3rd: Alleah
4th: Murphy

[Repeat question for DM Mark: With the +4 to will saves, would that also translate into +4 on his skill checks where Will is the operative modifier?

Perception: 35 above for first three hours, rolled in prior post 11/5; 26 for 2nd 3 hours; 26 again; then he's getting tired - 17. 33 for night watch]

DM Mark: The +4 only applies to Will Saves. Your Wisdom remains the same.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 
Friday November 6th, 2015 9:02:51 AM
"Well, I mostly hit stuff and it sometimes hits back," Pressi responded to Bliss. "You've seen me change shape - I can do that with gear - and I've got a few throwing and thieving skills, but mostly its just running up and hitting things with my fists and then...."

"I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry but I have to say something, even though it may hurt. Bliss, you have to know this mission is due to fail. This mission is guaranteed to fail and I know this because we're still talking and neither of us has blinked out of existence. I mean, your plan is to go back in time to destroy the time machine before you go back in time? Using a group made up of different timelines? I may be rooting for the giants at this point; they won't rupture the space time continuum."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday November 6th, 2015 10:22:22 AM
Kezzem downs his new acorn-necklace."So where to ne..." he then turns to Pressi and goes..."...wha?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+7=25
Friday November 6th, 2015 10:53:05 AM

Bliss laughs. "Oh, that's okay, my new friend! So long as you are trying to do good things, usually it all turns out right. We're trying to stop a calamity, so whatever happens, Miss Pressi, we tried our best."

Mookie coughs. "Yeah, and we're all special flowers and everybody gets a prize!"

"I'm a daisy!" shouts Bliss. "I like my prize!" He tries on his new cloak and does his daisy dance.

Perform Dance 25

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday November 6th, 2015 5:54:51 PM
Shel nods at Murphy's suggestion of marching orders and night watches. "That's worked well so far. Let's keep it up."

She marches quietly through the woods with the group of halflings, thoughts turning to finally getting home again, wondering if they could make it before the tower fell. They had to keep hurrying. After hey got home, she could relax and become happy go lucky Shel again, she hoped.

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d20+7=19 ; d10=1 ; d3=3 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=8 ; 2d6+4=6 ; 2d6+4=9 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 6:18:26 PM
Kezzem is moving ahead of the group as the enter the little gully. He crosses the little stream and begins to head back up the other side when an orc appears at the top of the gully. His dress is of the woods, an his face and eyes are darker then a normal orc. His neck is surrounded by necklaces of totems and bird skulls.

The rest of the group is single file on the path dead center, about 30' behind Kezzem.

"Hello fat thighs... " the orc yells " I see your brought me and my friends some food. I brought the music."

He pulls a set of pipes from his pocket, and lifts it to his mouth. The notes sound dull and muted, sounding like sorrow and pain coming from all ends of the wold.

Everyone make a DC 13 Will save(unless you have hit 7th level when we weren't looking" If failed... Highlight to display spoiler: { Frightened for 4 rounds}

As the sounds assault the ears of the Sword... the forest erupts on either side. 2 massive orcs, also of the darker skin and eyes come out from. On the left side of the road, 1 comes out at the top of the marching order towards Murphy and shel, while the other on the bottom of the line by Prissi. On the right side the middle of the line gets two orcs. The quartet's eyes and veins are bulging in their heads. their mouths foaming as if rabid.

The first orc swings his greatsword with unnatural strength, embedding it into Murphy's shoulder. (Hit ac 19, 6 dmg).

Second orc swings at Pressi and misses.

Third orc catches Aleah barely. (Hit ac 14, 9 dmg)

The fourth orc runs out, swings hard at Trill and slips on the mud from the stream. He goes down to one knee, but quickly pops up with the thought of food being present.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39  d20+12=30 ; d20=18 ; d100=20 ; d20+9=22 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 7:11:07 PM
Alleah's humming is interupted by the orc and his pipes. Though he music is terrible, it affects her ears more than her soul. Thistle, too, is also able to overcome the sounds of the pipes.

Of course her mistake was looking at the pipes. Being distracted she failed to notice the nearby orc who managed to slash her leg with a greatsword.

She draws on the power of a nearby leyline "Blood has been spilt! Flee! Flee now before any more does!"

---------------------------------
Alleah: Will Save vs DC13: 30 = Pass
Thistle: Will Save vs DC13: 18 = Pass

Alleah: Ride check to stay in saddle as she took damage. DC5: 8 = Autopass

Alleah: Cast 'Fear' trying to catch as many orcs as possible. Leyline check: 20 = Pass. Concentration check to cast defensively vs DC21: 22 = Pass. Any orc in the area of effect must make a Will Save vs DC17. Pass = Shaken 1 round. Fail = Panicked for 5 rounds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22  d20+8=24 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=22 ; d6+3=9 ; d6+3=5 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 7:34:00 PM
(OOC: don't know what experience points we got for the last two encounters, so can't determine whether anyone hit level 7)

(Will save vs pipes DC 13: 24 = pass, even without the +2 to fear)

Pressi ducked under the orc's swing as the pipes played on. "What is it with everyone here so wanting me to dance?"

Pressi strikes at the orc with a flurry of fists.

(Attack 1 hits AC 10 for 9 damage, probably a miss. Attack 2 hits AC 22 for 5 damage).

The orc laughs at Pressi's first swing, until the second swing hits him in the nose.

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger  d20+14=27 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+5=20 ; 2d4+6=12 ; 2d4+6=10 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 9:26:55 PM

Almost quick as a wink, the innocuous halfling druid wild shapes into a snarling tiger.

He attacks the orc who cut his shoulder. His bite misses, but two claws catch on to the orc (AC 201, AC 20) for 12 and for 10 hp damage. He holds fast to the orc (grabbed).

[Will save: 27

Not certain I can do all this same round I wild shape - let me know.]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=25 ;
Friday November 6th, 2015 9:50:36 PM
OOC Will save 25.

Shel casts Haste on her group. She knew they'd know how to effectively combats these marauding orcs. After casting her spell, she uses her enhanced movement to put distance between the orcs and she.

OOC. I assume there is a way for Shel to move away from the scrum without taking an AOO. Everyone remember your Haste bonuses!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+4=17 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=25 ; d6=1 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ;
Saturday November 7th, 2015 12:51:22 PM
SV Will: 17

"Hey, my thighs are perfectly proportioned with the rest of my body!" says Kezzem. He lobs both of his returning daggers at the pipe playing orc.

(DM apply Far Shot and Point-Blank Shot as needed depending on range. I am assuming I don't get sneak attack since he already acted; also, please ignore the D6 roll--wrong button).

Attack #1: 27, Damage 3.
Attack #2: 25, Damage 4.

[DM Mark]  
Saturday November 7th, 2015 4:24:34 PM
(ooc: Forgot to get XP out. Will do soon, but it will not trigger a level increase.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43, CMD 22 (Hasted)  d20+9=27 ; d6+3=4 ;
Sunday November 8th, 2015 9:08:34 AM
(I believe that my first full attack should be without any hasted bonuses because I posted first. But just in case the DM decides I do, here are the hasted numbers: both attack rolls get a +1, damage rolls unchanged. My third roll hits AC 27, damage 4. Also, thanks for getting the XP out, and there's no hurry if no level increase.)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+8=28 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=28 ; d6+2=8 ; d6+2=4 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 7:33:49 AM

Will save vs Fear (Bliss) 28 nat 20.
Will save vs Fear (Mookie) 18.

Mookie flies up, (with the Haste spell), out of the gully and above the shaman with the dolorous pipes.

Bliss looks up at that piping fellow and at the crazed ones closer by. He takes a five ft step away if he is too close. Bliss shoots at the piper twice (thanks to Haste) with his bah. He hits ACs 22 and 28 for 8+4 = 12 hp damage.

(He is not hiding.)

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d20+4=21 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=22 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 3:31:53 PM
Alleah is not done in by the pipes, but she does take a slash to her leg for her efforts. She casts Fear on the orc in front of her(cone shape only catches the one since they are split up). The orc, in his ravenous state, doesn't look like he is fully scared. (Will sv 21). He returns back another swing, but misses... perhaps he is a little more scared then he lets on.

Pressi gets her second shot in, and hits the creature smack in the face, If the orc was hurt, he didn't show it. Another swing from the orc sails over the head of Pressi.

Murphy shape changes into a tiger. The orcs yellow eyes go wide, as a halfling seemed an easier fight then a tiger.

Shel casts haste on the group, and then moves away. An orc swings at her on her way out, but doesn't come close.

Kezzem launches two daggers into the pipe player. Both stick home, but if he was hurt he did a good job of ignoring it.

Bliss fires his Bah twice. Both shots connect, with one doing more damage.

The other two orcs miss both their shots.

The shaman casts darkness centered on the group, catching everyone except Pressi.



Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger 
Monday November 9th, 2015 4:00:01 PM
Question:
According to spell description for darkness, "This darkness causes the illumination level in the area to drop one step, from bright light to normal light, from normal light to dim light, or from dim light to darkness." So, were we in normal light which dropped to dim light (20% miss chance)? Or something else?

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+7=19 ; d20+12=19 ; d6+2=7 ; d20+25=31 ; d100=34 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 4:46:12 PM
[OOC: Last round Mookie flew up, out of the chasm, and above the shaman. I'm betting he is not in the Darkness.]

Mookie dives to grapple the shaman!

Mookie's BAB is +3, his size gives him a -2 mod, and his dex is +2. Also, he gets +1 from the haste, +2 because he is charging, and +1 diving to attack from above (that's the "higher ground" mod). If the DM is super kind, he may surprise the shaman, catching him flat-footed and depriving him of a dex bonus. Maybe. That's a 1d20+7 roll.

If the shaman has a weapon in hand (or a natural attack) and he is not surprised nor flat-footed, then he can make an AoO on Mookie as Mookie comes in range. But does he still have those pipes in his hand? Mookie's AC is his normal 19, -2 for charging, +1 for haste, = 18.

If Mookie survives the AoO, if any, and I think he probably will, then he makes his grapple attack. Okay, here's his attempt ... a 19! If that's a success, great! Mookie tangles his talons and beak into the shaman's hair as he flaps his wings violently!

If that roll of 19 comes within 1 or 2 of success, then if I can use a hero point to turn it into a success, great. Either way, Mookie ends move in the shaman's square. And note Mookie's CMD is 10.

Our other hero, Bliss, delights in the shadows, and hops from one foot to the other, hiding in plain sight. He dances INTO the square of one of the orcs, which he can do because he is tiny. (That's also what Mookie did, as he is also tiny). Doing so normally provokes an AoO against Bliss's AC21, but if Bliss has total concealment, then he is immune to AoOs. If he has less than total concealment, his Hiding in Plain Sight just might also prevent an AoO? We'll see!

After he enters the enemy orc's square, Bliss falls prone, and lying on his back, shoots straight up into the most sensitive region known to a humanoid being. His attack roll for that hits AC19, for 7 damage. Sniping as he is, Bliss hopes he will remain unseen after loosing his bolt!

His stealth check to do so is a 31. (Of course, prone as he is, Bliss has an AC17 vs melee attacks and AC25 vs ranged attacks.) If there is a miss chance against the orc due to darkness, Bliss (looking for a high number) rolls a 34. Hmmm ... a potential hit for 20% concealment, a likely miss for 50% concealment.

Current Clip: Shot 3 of 5.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday November 9th, 2015 6:28:07 PM
Shel casts Invisibility on herself. Depending on the ruling on the darkness spell, she will do one of two things.

If the darkness is total, she will move Invisibily out of it, as her Hasted movement should allow that. If he darkness only gives some concealment, she will move toward her closest teammate, ready to cast protective magic next round.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (1)  d20+9=12 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+9=21 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+9=24 ; d6+3=5 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=2 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 7:06:24 PM
Pressi's eyes narrow as the darkness floods behind her, but the team seems to be doing okay. Bliss in particular seems to be getting some damage in. (OOC: Pressi's hands are magic for the purposes of DR.)

"Well, bless you sugar for your attention towards me," Pressi whispered to the Orc that swung for her. As she played with her hair, she showed the obsidian tear behind her wrist. "But you should know I'm a bit dangerous."

(Attack 1 is stunning blow. AC 12. If that lands, damage 9 + fatigue, DC 15.)

(Attack 2 is regular blow. AC 21. If that lands, damage 8.)

(Attack 3 is vicious blow. AC 24. If that lands, orc takes damage 12 (5+7) and Pressi takes damage 2.)

Pressi tries not to wince from the cut on her cheek.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39 
Monday November 9th, 2015 7:15:21 PM
"Hmm.. this isn't good" Alleah observes as someone turns the lights down "Let's put things on an even footing".

Alleah then casts a spell to give the party some cover: Obscuring Mist.

She then guides Thistle carefully away from the nearest orc.

---------------
Alleah - Standard action: Defensively cast Obscuring Mist. Concentration check vs DC17: 18 = Pass. Since Alleah was in the middle of the pack, the Obscuring Mist should overlap the Darkness spell. Cleric spell, so no leyline check needed.

Alleah - Move action: Guide Thistle

Thistle - Free action: 5ft step away from the nearest orc

Murphy CMD 15 AC 18 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d100=94 ; d100=60 ; d100=6 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 8:23:46 PM

Murphy-tiger's bite misses, his left claw digs in and grabs hold of the orc (AC 21, 12 dam - using attack rolls from prior post), but his second claw barely misses his yellow-eyed opponent (rolled 06 - needed 21-100).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+13=25 ; d3+2=5 ;
Monday November 9th, 2015 11:23:16 PM
Kezzem will move out of the darkness and attempt to flank with Mookie (or another ally if it is easier).

If he can make an attack after his hasted movement, he does so.

Attack: 25, Damage: 5

-----

Haste

Murphy CMD 15 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+6=8 ; d100=10 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 2:05:09 PM

Haste action: Murphy tries again to strike with a claw, yet to no avail.

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d20+7=25 ; 2d6+4=15 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=20 ; 2d6+7=12 ; 2d6+7=11 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=27 ; d4-2=0 ; d4-2=1 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 6:15:49 PM
Ooc: Correct it is dim light.

Murphy shreds the orc in front of him. His eyes fo wide as the slash rips his belly open and his insides becomes his outsides.

Mookie dives down on the shaman, tangling him up and tackling him.

Bliss rolls under the orc nearest him and fires straight up. If the orc had plans to have a large family, he might want to rethink it.

Shel casts invisibility on herself and moves out of the darkness.

Pressi throws a beautkful combination at the orc in front of her. The dumb creature stands dumbstruck as both punches connect. After a split second, the yellow eyes roll back and the orc drops unconscience.

Alleah casts obscuring mist over the area, getting some coverage for the group. Then she guides thistle away from the orcs.

Kezzem flanks with one of his allies and connects on an orc. The orc slashes back, connecting for 17 dmg.

The last orc steps up to tiger Murphy and swings a beautiful shot that connects with the beats flank. Crit confirmed 23 dmg.

The shaman bites at mookie, his teeth clacking just short.

A screeching is heard as an owl swoops down from the tree line and slashes at Mookie. Both claws rake at the exposed back. (2 dmg).

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+6=19 ; d20+12=23 ; d4+4=8 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=19 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=8 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 7:02:23 PM
(sorry all had an emergency go out of town deal with very ill hospitalized parent)

Trill feels the fear begin to wash over her and shrugs it off Will DC 19and as the 4th orc slips and falls as it tries to attack her she speaks.

"Oh, my I am afraid the orcs are attacking the mud!" That said she returns the favor and whips out her rapier and cuts into the orc as it bounces up AC 23 for 8 points damage; Hasted attack AC 31 (crit threat AC 19) for 7 more points, 15 if a crit.

Taking a five foot step she tries to get around to a position that will allow her to be flanking her opponent.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19+3, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (2)  d20+10=29 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 7:52:56 PM
Pressi races to flank the orc that attacked Murphy, raising her fingers as she does so. It may be Murphy's imagination but Pressi seems almost out of focus.

(Move 30+30 feet, swift action ki point +3 to AC dodge)

With a florid motion, Pressi jumps on top of the orc. "Guess who?" she asks.

(Standard Action Grapple 29, no AoO triggered. CMD is 25 if orc tries to reverse.)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  3d4+3=11 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 8:55:38 PM
OOC: Am I missing a map? I don't see a link to one but I missed have missed it.

Shel looks around the battlefield, searching for any targets for her magic. If she can see through the dim light and the obscuring mist, she will cast an Empowered Magic Missile on the closest baddie.

OOC: 11 + 5 = 16 points of Magic Missile damage



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19+3, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (2) 
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 9:11:05 PM
(OOC: No map; we've just been guessing on positioning. And I'm assuming playing a little fast and loose with movement rules like we're D&D 5 or something.)

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d100=19 ; d100=58 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2015 10:57:47 PM
Ooc: Kim reminded me I forgot the miss chance so the shot on Kezzem missed. The orc rolled 19 percent.

As for a map, I wanted to see if we could do this without since it was basically cut and dry. I will do maps in the future, as I think it is actually easier.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+13=31 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=26 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=8 ; 3d6=11 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 12:12:56 AM
Kezzem will stab thrice at the orc with his daggers while maintaining a flanking position.

Attack #1: 31
Damage: 4 + 12 (Sneak Attack) = 16

Attack #2: 24
Damage: 4 + 8 (SA) = 12.

Attack #3: 26
Damage: 5 + 11 (SA) = 16.

-----

Haste

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39  d20+11=27 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 12:15:00 AM
Alleah will continue to guide Thistle out of the mist, in what she hopes was the right direction. That is, one where she believes the orcs are not!

Perception: 27 - To rely on sound so as not to end up next to an orc

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+9=12 ; d20+12=26 ; d6+2=3 ; d100=86 ; d20+25=31 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 12:17:41 AM

Mookie grins, or would if he had something more flexible than a beak! This round, since he managed to sustain the grapple, he gains a +5 to continue it! He loses the +2 charge bonus and the +1 from above bonus, so he is a net +2, for a +9 grapple check.

His plan this round is to pin the shaman. He rolls vs the shaman's CMD ... he rolls a 12. Probably not enough to succeed, but at least the two are still grappling.

==========

Bliss shoots again up at the orc, while trying to stay out of sight. His snipe attack hits AC 26, inflicting 3 damage. OH! There is a miss chance with the dark and fog ... an 86 means no problem.

His stealth to remain undetected in plain sight: 31.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+6=10 ; d20+6=19 ; d100=44 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=9 ; 2d4+6=11 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 5:15:12 AM

To the orc who has become more acquainted with his entrails, Murphy-tiger has one additional slash upwards toward his neck as he releases his hold on the gut (hit AC 19 for 11 hp damage). Being flanked by the other orc who just caused him such pain, he simply pivots about to counterattack the assailant, who is in turn flanked by Pressi the wrestler. He tries, but he misses.

[Am only rolling d100 if it looks like there is a chance my attack hit]

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP19of21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 7:27:06 AM

REVISION for Bliss this round: Bliss gets up and moves 20 ft away from the orc. He'll fire again next round, if he can figure out where the orc is in all this mist! Stealth check remains 31, attack does not take place.

ALSO, revised header with current hp for Mookie.

Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d20+2=7 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=24 ; d4-2=1 ; d4-2=2 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 6:33:22 PM
Humbles sword makes short work of the two remaining orcs. Between back stabs, fists, arrows and magic the two crumble at your might.

Mookie is not able to pin the shaman, who retaliates with another bite wich falls short.

The owl again rakes mookie twice(3 dmg).



Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP16of21) (Cayzle)  d100=18 ; d20+9=20 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 6:53:17 PM

"Mookie is fighting up there!" Bliss shouts. He tries to move (30 ft) out of the dark and the mist so that he can get a clear view of what is going on with his familiar. Then he casts Beast Shape II [Ley check 18 = A-OK] and turns into an eagle.

Mookie, meanwhile, tries again to pin the shaman. He rolls a 20 grapple check, so maybe that will work?

"Mummph moffg" the raven says, his beak full of hair and his talons tangles in the shaman's shirt.

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+11=26 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 7:48:51 PM
Hmm, orc soldiers, dog soldiers, in the mud, dogs mud, Hmm Mud Puppies!

Trill looks around for any others that maybe skulking around Perception 26


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39 
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:36:03 PM
Alleah sits low atop Thistle. How the party is faring she can't say. She prepares to guide Thistle away from any danger that might present itself.

Ready action: IF an orc moves towards her, move Thistle the other way!

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+16=20 ; d20+8=13 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:36:28 PM

Listening for the sound of Mookie, and the direction of Bliss's movements, the bloodied druid bounds in the direction he thinks to find him and his opponent, until he draws close. If he can distinguish between shaman and black bird, he tries to get at least one claw attack in on the shaman, from down low if Mookie is up above for purposes of flanking - yet with the dancing about of the shaman, he misses.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  3d4+3=11 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:58:27 PM
Shel moves toward the direction Bliss advised, trying to help Mookie. Once she seems the shaman, she uses a regular magic missile against him, doing 11 points of damage. "Leave Mookie alone!!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (3)  d20+12=31 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2015 10:22:36 PM
Pressi shakes her head at all of that commotion. "I think you got him," she replied as she sipped from her waterskin.

Still hasted, she wandered her way back to the unconscious ogre and dumped some of the water from her skin on him. "Up and at em, orc-o. You wanted to talk, right?"

Pressi placed her foot on the ogre's windpipe. "Let's talk."

(Perception 31 on the ogre's movements.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=13 ;
Thursday November 12th, 2015 2:39:05 AM
Kezzem attempts to keep an eye out for additional threats as well, but gets distracted by something shiny.

Perception: 13 (natural 1).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (3) 
Thursday November 12th, 2015 5:51:07 AM
(OOC: sorry, I meant orc, not ogre)


Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss  d20+2=17 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=25 ; d4-2=1 ; d4-2=1 ;
Thursday November 12th, 2015 8:54:47 PM
Bliss moves out of the darkness while changing into an eagle. He can see Mookie has successfully pinned the orc shaman.

Trill looks around for more threats, but none are present.

Alleah finishes leads thistle out and then readies herself incase another orc attacks.

Murphy tiger moves to attack the shaman but isn't successful.

Shel fired a magic missle at the shaman. (11.dmg).

Kezzem also looks for another target but none are present.

Pressi stands on the orc warriors throat as she wakes it up. It's eyes go wide, yellow mixed with bloodshot. It struggles for a second before realizing it is futile and just stares blankly at Pressi.

The owl rakes Mookie twice again, (2 dmg) while the orc again misses with it's rotten teath.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+11=19 ; d20+11=25 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=5 ;
Thursday November 12th, 2015 11:55:02 PM
Kezzem hurls both daggers at the owl attacking Mookie.

(Apply Point-Blank and Far Shot as needed)

Attack: 19
Damage: 5

Attack: 25
Damage: 5

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+9=22 ; d20+5=23 ; d4-1=3 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 1:26:39 AM

Mookie keeps on trying to hold the shaman down. He caws, "I got this orc! Fight the darn bird on my back!" Mookie just wants to keep on pinning the shaman and stop him from casting spells. If he needs a grapple check, his is a 22.

Bliss charges the owl attacking Mookie. He is no longer reduced (size effects do not stack), so he is small, +1 to attack, and his Str gives him a -1 to attack. Charge gives a +2. He hits AC23 for 3 damage!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39  d20+4=5 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 4:58:23 AM
"Surrender now before our reinforcements arrive! There's a lot of them! I'm warning you! There's 10, no, 20 of them! All on armored horses too!"

Alleah feels a little embarrassed at the transparency of that lie.

Bluff: 5. Nat 1'd it

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  3d4+3=10 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 6:52:07 AM
Shel shrugs her shoulders and zaps the owl attacking Mookie with her regular Magic Missile. "I'll kill your owl if you don't stop attacking, Orc," Shel warns after she blasts it.

OOC: 10 damage.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4)  d20+3=16 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=20 ; d20=10 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 8:58:51 AM
Pressi's glared at Alleah. "Hey, how about coming over here and, I don't know, doing anything useful. Surprise me."

To the orc, she said "Would you believe a couple of really motivated Shih Tzus?"

Shaking her head, Pressi fires a flurry of normal shuriken at the shaman (-4 to range into melee). (AC to hit is 16, 12, 20. Damage is 3 per hit.)

"Ok, here's the thing," Pressi began to the orc she was standing on, as intimidating as her small frame would allow. (Intimidate 10). "Nobody else is coming, Sal... May I call you Sal. Sal, it's just us pathetic so clearly weak creatures, like this woman standing on your neck who spent year after year slaving away and thinking of creative, brutal things to do to the next creature that pisses me off. So many anger issues I have. So very many....

"So here's what's going to happen. You're going to tell your caster friend, the one being pecked to death by Woody Woodpecker over there, I think I'll call him Lee. Sal, you are going to tell Lee to stand down, or I am going to personally beat him to death with your own spine and there's no reinforcements coming to hold me back. Or don't listen to me, because I'm clearly crazy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4)  d100=12 ; d100=53 ; d100=93 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 8:59:47 AM
Addendum, forgot to add Miss chance rolls. (12, 53, 93)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+6=7 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=20 ; d100=5 ; d100=6 ; d100=35 ; d100=56 ; 2d6+2=7 ; 2d4+2=10 ; 2d4+2=8 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 2:42:56 PM

Murphy works on trying to attack the parts of the shaman where Mookie is not. He also aims to grapple, in a tigrish-sort of way, the shaman. His teeth miss on first try. His left claws sink in (AC 25, 10 dam - unless this is in mist, in which case it misses), his right claws connect (AC 20, dam 8), and his mouth now has better purchase, and the teeth sink in (AC 20, dam 7).

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+13=17 ; d20+13=17 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 3:02:28 PM
Taking a large sack from her haversack an doing her best to be stealthy and quiet stealth DC 17 Trill comes up from behind the battling birds and attempts to capture the owl in the sack DC 17.


Dm Shawn - meet the new boss, same as the old boss 
Friday November 13th, 2015 6:19:13 PM
Kezzem s thrown daggers, Bliss' charging attack, and Shels magic missle obliterate the owl where it stands. (Or flies.)

Alleah does her best to bluff, but no one is buying it.

Pressi fires three shurukien at the shaman. One connects (added for range). Standing on the orc he just stares at her.. widening his mouth into a wicked, crooked smile.

" Puny halflings will be delicious..."

Murphy Tiger rips into the shaman.. and has the closest view of the life leaving the shamans eyes.

Trill goes to catch the owl, but is dismayed to find a dead bird instead.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+16=28 ; d20+11=30 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 6:35:35 PM

Murphy thinks within his tiger's head, Why do I not feel bad about killing this orc? Am I growing too accustomed to taking life?

He loosens his grip, avoiding the brave crow, snarls and spits to the side, suddenly not liking the taste of blood. But he hears Pressi talking a ways away. He makes his way to where she is. He looks at the prone orc. He snarls in his face, then keeps his head near him, breathing in the orc's ear, a deep, but not too loud, growl, playing deep in this throat.

[Perception 28, Survival 30]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday November 13th, 2015 8:16:52 PM
Shel decided to let the others question the remaining Orc. She cast her Detect Magic cantrip, causing her eyes to shimmer blue for just a second. She scanned the battlefield, looking for any glints of magic from either the fallen foes, or that might have collected her over the years.

"You okay, Mookie? That owl got after you pretty badly for a few seconds!," she calls out as she looks around, concerned for her fine feathered friend.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Friday November 13th, 2015 9:09:02 PM

Mookie grins, which means he opens his beak and wiggles his birdie tongue.

"Ha! I've had worse! Did you see that! I was GREAT!"

Eagle Bliss cries an eagle cry in agreement.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39  d20+11=25 ;
Friday November 13th, 2015 10:05:38 PM
OOC: My thinking is that since casting Obscuring Mist, Alleah is on the wrong side of it for the combat. All she can do is offer moral support

"Is anyone hurt? If so, head over this way and I'll treat your wounds!" Alleah calls into the bank of mist and fog.

She looks about making sure there are no reinforcements coming

Perception: 25

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent) 
Saturday November 14th, 2015 7:23:25 AM
So how tasty is owl? Anyone know? If it is edible we probably shouldn't waste it but ....

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Saturday November 14th, 2015 9:53:16 AM

Mookie coughs. "*AHEM* So you would eat an owl familiar? How about a raven familiar? That owl was almost as smart as me. Now we're eating intelligent creatures?"

Bliss turns back into a halfling just to shout, "YOU CAN'T EAT MOOKIE!" He pauses. "Or that owl!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=21 ;
Saturday November 14th, 2015 2:06:47 PM
"I'm good, "says Kezzem to Alleah's request for healing.

"No, no, no eating of intelligent creatures, owls or halflings, nobody does that here."

Bluff: 21.

Sense Motive 21 to see spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kezzem is very embarassed about this conversation, but is trying to hide it.}

Knowledge (local) 25 to see spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kezzem's family has a reputation for such things.}



Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+8=14 ; d20+6=18 ;
Saturday November 14th, 2015 3:37:42 PM

Sense motive 14

Know Local 18

It all goes over Bliss's head!

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger  d20+6=20 ; 2d6+2=8 ;
Saturday November 14th, 2015 3:40:47 PM

While breathing heavily into the side of the prone orc's face (held action: he bites the orc's nose if the orc tries to bite him (AC 20, dam 8 - but he will try to mitigate the damage, aiming for non-lethal damage - with perhaps a pair of puncture wounds - more of a good, lightly penetrating nip than an attempt to rip his face off)), Murphy hears his friends converse, and finds himself amused.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4)  d20+7=19 ; d20+5=14 ;
Sunday November 15th, 2015 8:57:34 AM
Pressi scoffed, only now beginning to lift her eyes off the orc. "Damn it, Murphy. Now who am I going to kill with this guy's spine. I swear it's like..."

Pressi stopped, gasping at seeing Murphy for the first time. "My god, you're hurt." Concerned, she moved to take a better look at Murphy, lifting her foot off the orc. Murphy, however, continued to look quite unconcerned about his wounds.

As Alleah called to people to come over to treatment, Pressi realized she couldn't help Murphy beyond pressuring him to take that offer she won't take herself. (OOC: It's 2 HP for Pressi, so I wouldn't waste any resources topping her off. But if you can do it for free, I'll take it.)

(Also OOC for Rob: I hope you didn't interpret Pressi's snark for my own views of the situation or feel like I was asking for justification.)

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

Pressi, after some back and forth, decides to get involved with the fight. "Mookie is right. We must dispose of the intelligent creature we hideously and without mercy murdered like civilized folk. Through taxidermy. I personally am thinking desk lamp or paper holder. Maybe our owl friend playing baseball?"

(Sense Motive 19, Know Local 14) As usual, Pressi completely ignores Kezzem. She does, however, anticipate Mookie's squawks of objection. "Fine, then what sport would you like?"



Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger 
Sunday November 15th, 2015 2:41:49 PM

At Pressi's exclamation of concern, Murphy growls a brief acknowledgement, yet does not relent from his vigilance over the orc, placing his right paw firmly on the orc's chest - extending his claws, and just barely touching the fellow's chest with them, but not digging in. The claws are just - there - waiting in case of need.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39 
Monday November 16th, 2015 12:56:50 AM
OOC: No problems at all, Melvin. Don't give it another thought :)

Dm Shawn - tiger breath 
Monday November 16th, 2015 7:04:43 AM
Shel scans for magical auras but only gets anything off the pipes the shaman had.

The rest of the search provides 5 heavy flails, 5 bastard swords and 5 pairs of ork stenched leather armror. The shaman has a solid red ruby Appraise 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { worth 6000gp }.

A few comments soar over some people's heads while Murphy moves closer to he the orcs face, breathin tiger breath mixed with orc flesh into the prone orcs face . He doesn't get any bites from the orc, but does manage to get a big wad of spit in his face.

"I'll eat you first.. Tiger halfling..."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20=6 ;
Monday November 16th, 2015 10:30:03 AM
Appraise: 6. Nope.

"I'm getting tired of this guy," says Kezzem. "Why are we still playing around with him? Let's just kill him and move on."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39 
Monday November 16th, 2015 11:04:42 AM
"Yeah, that ruby looks kind of fake to me. Perhaps I should just hold onto it" she looks about to see if anyone believes her ruse, before revealing the gems true value with a smile "Six grand, easy"

Alleah will then dismiss what remains of the Obscuring Mist, and look over the orc corpses. If any still have a pulse, she will signal to the party that she intends to cast Stabilise. The signal is in case anyone wants to keep a weapon pointed at the orcs, or wants to bind them as Alleah casts her spell.

"Is anyone in need of medical aid? Mookie looks to have lost some feathers, and Murphy has lost some blood"

She then turns to Kezzem "Actually, if you'll allow me, we could give him an alternative to death if he desires it". Alleah will explain that as a Walker, she can put a 'Mark of Justice' on the orc.

--------------------------
Appraise check vs DC15: 17 = Pass (Take 10)
Dismiss Obscuring Mist
Cast Stabilise on any Orc that can be saved

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger 
Monday November 16th, 2015 2:47:27 PM
Murphy-Tiger licks the side of the orc's face.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4)  d20+8=19 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+12=23 ;
Monday November 16th, 2015 3:01:25 PM
Pressi shook her head, her flash of anger dissipating in the face of Murphy's action. "Are you sure you want to eat the tiger first, because I was actually about to invite you to eat me instead. Oh, and before you make any more threats, may I remind you that you guys died of bird. So yeah, go for it.

"In the meantime, please gather to listen to the lessons of Domi. To the lessons of my sensei, who taught me to look beyond my eyes. We may be half your size but I alone destroyed you and there are six of us. And more importantly, there may be that which is missing that must be seen.

"I see with my eyes weapons and armor. I don't see bedrolls. Provisions. Any indication of how you got here." Pressi bent down to the orc. "You will take us to your camp."

(Non-lethal strike hits AC 19, damage 9. Pressi wakes him back up if needed.)

"You will take us to your camp, please."

(Pressi also makes a perception roll of the area, 23.)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Monday November 16th, 2015 3:33:35 PM

Mookie looks at Pressi and says, "Phhbbttttt!" How he does that with no lips is a marvel! The injured raven flutters over to Alleah and thanks her for whatever healing she can give him.

Bliss says, "Well, these guys all attacked us, so I guess they got what they deserved. There's no reason to kill the ones that are not dead yet. Maybe they will learn their lesson and be nicer in the future."

Bliss helps search the bodies for loot and helps Alleah stabilize the unconscious. He makes sure the group takes all the gear off of the one who has been so rude to Murphy. "You know," he tells the last aware orc, "now that you lost, maybe you should think about why a group that is stronger and better than you is not killing you. Maybe you can learn something about mercy. All life is good, you know."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Monday November 16th, 2015 3:49:20 PM
Bliss listens carefully to Pressi, especially about how these orcs do not have camping gear, so they likely live nearby.

"Wow! You are super clever, Miss Pressi! Hey! Why don't we just follow their footprints back the way they came?"

"Murphy or Trill would be good at that! They're like nature hunters!?

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+5=14 ;
Monday November 16th, 2015 6:49:12 PM
Shel doesn't recognize the exact value of the gem, unfortunately. She was torn as to whether or not to kill the Orc. "If we let him go, who's to say he won't try to kill again? But, he's helpless, so it'd be awful to kill him in cold blood. I'm not sure what to do with him. I wonder if those evil gnome fey could find a use for him...keep him from bothering anyone else."

She agreed with Bliss. "Folllwing their tracks is a good idea. I can't do that, though. Murphy has always seemed good at that sort of stuff!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger 
Monday November 16th, 2015 7:20:13 PM
As Pressi has the would-be halfling eater in hand, he ambles over to Alleah, who had offered to heal him. He looks at her, then turns his head to lick his wounded shoulder, and again looks back at her.

After she helps get him back in better shape (if she does), then he goes over, nudges Trillium, sniffs the air, then starts looking about the pathway, and along the sides, to see if he can determine from which direction the ambushers came. He travels in widening concentric circles until he feels confident he has their tracks.

[Kim to DM: I rolled survival 30 on Nov 13, thinking about tracking to see if there are more about, but realized there was additional work to do locally before I did that. Should I keep that roll? If so, go for it. If not, feel free to roll for me. Survival is d20+11 base - and it's up to you as to how to apply the 'clear sense of direction' Murphy's affinity with the nymph Cnossia may grant him.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4) 
Monday November 16th, 2015 7:42:48 PM
As Pressi is about to smack the orc around (quick retcon), she hears Bliss suggest the tracks, staying her hand. "Uh, yes of course. How... clever of us."

Pressi continues to watch over the orc as Murphy walks to get healed, keeping an eye on Murphy and Alleah as it occurs. She isn't sure about this mark of justice and kind of just figured they'd let him go with some sense smacked into him.

(Readied action: if the orc keeps talking about eating them, she will smack him around but try not to kill him.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1=23, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 12:00:56 AM
To Bliss, Kezzem says, "Considering he's still threatening to eat us, I don't think he's learned to be nicer."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 30/39 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 7:46:23 AM
"Hmm... the Mark of Justice could be that if he commits an evil act ever again, that he will be cursed such that he can only eat brussel sprouts for the rest of his life? The taste of anything else would make him ill"

--------------------------------------
Note to DM: The text on Mark of Justice/Bestow Curse notes "You may also invent your own curse, but it should be no more powerful than those described above." Cursing an Orc to eat vegetables for the rest of his life feels ok, but would be up to your discretion.

Dm Shawn - tiger breath 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 11:25:28 AM
Discussion goes back and forth on killing the orc, or letting him live. The idea of returning him to the gnome witches is also thrown out.

Alleah sees no other orcs close to surviving. She heals those who need it.

Pressi toys with the orc, knocking him out and waking him up. If he appears to be be breaking, he sure is hiding it well.

Murphy is able to find the tracks easily. There are only enough foot prints for the orcs that attacked. This as either a small scavenge party, or the entire group.

OOC: That is a fine mark of justice.



Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 11:42:01 AM

Bliss says, "We should just make sure this orc is tied up, give him his justice, and follow the tracks. Tie him up so he can get out after a while, I mean. But we can't track too far, because we have to get back home."

Mookie cocks his head, looks at Alleah, and says, "Pretty please? With sugar on top?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 11:57:00 AM
"Sure, letting me go free sound great," says Kezzem. "He totally won't come back with a dozen of his friends and try to eat us...again."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 12:22:21 PM

Bliss laughs. "If he does, we'll beat them too! Besides, we took all their gear, so we have an even better chance than we did! Plus then his Mark of Justice would kick in, and he does not want that!"

[OOC: The prisoner dilemma can be a big problem that breaks up groups. Please see my email on this topic, and we can talk it over off-board.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 1:07:04 PM
"So how does that work?" asks Kezzem. "If he tries to kill or eat someone again, does he get whammied? What will it do to him exactly? Can you have him turn into a chicken? Or a turkey...with fat thighs!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 17/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Hasted. Dire tiger 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 1:42:13 PM

After finding the tracks, Murphy discovers most of the rest of the party is standing around discussing the future of the nasty orc. He listens.

Clearing a small patch of dirt, he writes, "no meat."

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+8=20 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 3:31:09 PM
Trill responds to the suggestion of tracking them back and joins Murphytiger to take a look at things Survival dc 20 to see if they can be tracked back to a camp of any sort. She looks highly amused at the discussion about the mark of justice , but thinks out loud for a moment about it as well.

"Brussel sprouts might be a bit difficult to find in the wild and I would not want for us to be guilty of his death by mistake, so why not make it something that is easily found in nature and is edible, say daffodils, wild garlic and onions. That way he won't starve to death and he will be smelled long before he is seen due to his dietary bodily secretions."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/43, CMD 23, Hasted (4) 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 3:52:48 PM
Pressi joins the discussion in regards to the Mark of Justice. "More to the point, I'm rather leery of acting as judge and jury on this orc, particularly when it comes to any irreversible activity. I wouldn't knock in his teeth with my fist, so I wouldn't permanently change his eating through a spell either.

"Personally, I'm not a fan of any of this voodoo, that's my thing. But it seems unnecessary in any event. I think we can just run him off and if he's stupid enough to come back, then we'll take his teeth."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 7:13:46 PM
"But Brussels Sprouts are yummy when fixed right!". She realized that wasn't exactly the point of the whole discussion so she changed the topic. "The mark of justice idea is fine by me. Let's give him a stern warning, too. If we ever catch you again, we won't be so nice next time! You haven't seen how much fire I can throw around! And I'll try to burn you to a crisp if I hear of you bothering anyone else. Pick up a shovel and spade and go farming, doggone it! Be a better person, dummy!"

After she had admonished the Orc sufficiently, she turned back to the others. "Let's get on with it. Times wasting to get back to the Ford."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=8 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 7:15:00 PM
"The Mark will just make sure that he behaves as he should. If he does the right thing, then there are no 'voodoo' side effects. It's only if he strays that there will be consequences" Alleah explains

"But before we track back to his camp, I need to know what we plan on doing if we find it. Suppose there are orc families there - women and children. What then? I'm happy to go along and check that they aren't causing trouble, that they don't have hostages, and what not. But if they are living quietly I think we should leave them be"

Gathering everyone - even the orcs - nearby, Alleah channels some positive energy. Everyone is healed for 10pts

She then takes the Wand of CLW from her pack and gives Murph-tiger a few taps behind the ear with it. Murphy is healed for an additional 4 + 5 + 8 = 17pts

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 17th, 2015 10:14:20 PM

Bliss sighs. "I think maybe Shel is right. We gotta get back to the Ford. We have to save the Tower!"

Mookie murmurs, "Hmmm. Maturity from the Kid. Who'da thunk!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger  d20+16=29 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 1:38:24 AM

Murphy-tiger bends his head down slightly, facing Alleah, and gives her a friendly, gentle head-bonk by way of saying thank you in a feline fashion.

Regarding orc, he writes, 'Hobble legs, short rope.'

Then he sets off on the trail of the orcs, going a little ways, then waiting for the others to catch up once they get things figured out. He maintains a vigil, looking, sniffing the air, and occasionally walking fifteen to twenty five feet this way, thirty feet that way, then returning to his sitting spot. He also looks up into the trees, and listens. Are the sounds of local wildlife returning now that the brief battle is done?

[Perception: 29]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 4:28:55 AM
Alleah places her hand on the orcs head and begins casting the Mark of Justice spell

"In sparing your life, you now owe a debt to the Gods of the Wold. I hearby mark you, such that you should never perform an evil act again. If you do, may Wardd forever determine the actions you shall be able to perform"

With that done, she then supports Bliss and Shel "Whilst I trust Murphy to be an excellent tracker, we are in the Culverwood. Any trail or camp could be moved or lost in these ever changing woods. Plus we do have that deadline of getting back to Humble's"
------------------------------
Cast Mark of Justice
Mark: Never perform an evil act again
Curse: If the orc ever performs an evil act, then he will be permanently cursed such that each turn, he has a 50% chance to act normally; otherwise, he takes no action. This will affect even the mundane aspects of his life.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=32 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 7:29:02 AM
To the orc, Kezzem adds, "Also, you must imitate a duck every time you meet someone new."

Bluff: 32

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 10:36:27 AM

Bliss giggles at the duck comment.

Mookie scowls. "I thought the maturity level was going up," he mutters.

Dm Shawn - if it quacks like a duck 
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 4:49:33 PM
The discussion continues on what to do with the orc. Finally after healing the group, and even the orc, Alleah casts the mark of justic . The yellowed eyed beast screams and spits but the deed is finished.

Trill helps Murphy look for the tracks and they are able to find them easily. Theyou move off about a 1000' away to a little clearing. A lean to, some rotten bed rolls and a low emberred fire are all that remain. Nothing of usefulness is left.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+18=19 ; d20+12=22 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 6:02:40 PM
Kezzem says to Mookie, "That was very mature in comparison with what else I was thinking."

----

Kezzem scouts the camp.

Stealth: 19 (natural 1)
Perception: 22 (25 vs. traps)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 6:02:47 PM
Pressi scanned the camp, the discussions of arcane marks in her mind. "When will we ever learn that nothing good ever comes from not murdering people?

"Ok, guess it's onward then, same as before," Pressi said. "Though I can't help that shake this feeling that for a magical and scary forest to be avoided, it's rather heavily trafficked.

"And Mookie, I can assure you that the maturity level is clearly going up," Pressi said as she pointed to Kezzem. "That's why we're here to stop it."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger  d20+11=30 ; d20+16=31 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 7:02:10 PM

Murphy, remaining in the form of a dire tiger, walks about the pitiful encampment twice. His throaty commentary may be challenging to comprehend. But, satisfied with his inspection of the place, he walks off, turns toward his companions with a roar, then heads generally eastward, expecting that others will join him soon.

[Survival: 30, Perception: 31]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+19=38 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 8:58:39 PM
Shel joins in with the group, heading out after Murphy tiger. Even if the Orc encampment didn't have anything, at least it was closely, so that it didn't distract the group very long. She grabs the shaman's pipes as the group was heading out. "Well, these are magical at least! Let me figure out what k can tell about them.". She first casts Identify as she hopes to boost her abilities as much as possible before her analysis.

OOC: 38 on Spellcraft check to identify the pipes!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday November 18th, 2015 10:42:41 PM
Alleah casts Create Water over the dying embers. Yep, only Alleah can prevent forest fires.

"Let us leave this orc to his things and depart. There's nothing more for us to do here, and we certainly don't want to lead the orc to where we are going" she suggests "Not that he won't reform his ways, of course"

Before the party depart, Alleah says a few final words for the fallen orcs. She takes several holy symbols from her kit and hold them together in quiet reverence (Highlight to display spoiler: {The holy symbols are for Wardd, Gargul, and the Culverwood})

"Gargul, Lord of life and death, take these creatures to your promised land. Judge them fairly on their deeds, and I pray you forgive their indiscretions. And forgive us this day that we sent them to you."

With that done, Alleah puts her holy symbols away and casts Create Water once more such that the surviving orc might have a drink.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+25=44
Thursday November 19th, 2015 9:35:17 AM

Bliss bows his head for the prayer, and he casts Create Water, too, to make sure the fire goes out. "We don't want any fires in the Culverwood, that's for sure!" he says.

Oh wait. He can't cast "Create Water." Let's say he "cast" his "Make Water" spell. Yeah, the one with only somatic components.

He'll hide in plain sight while he does that, for modesty.

Stealth 44.

His desire to be modest inspires him to hide really well.

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+11=24 ; d20+8=25 ;
Thursday November 19th, 2015 5:34:38 PM
Trill leads the way with Murphytiger at her side and in no time they find the paltry remains of a what could perhaps be called a camp. Shaking her head she does a quick scouting of the camp for any obvious or maybe not so obvious hidey holes perception dc 24, survival DC 25 and then sets up a watch as the other finish up with the orc and get ready to head out.

Dm Shawn - if it quacks like a duck 
Thursday November 19th, 2015 8:01:23 PM
Pressi let's Murphy know the maturity level will rise. She also ponders the killing/not killinh of baddies.

Alleah and Bliss do their part and help prevent a forest fire.

Shel examines the pipes and can tell they are Highlight to display spoiler: {pipes of haunting }

Trill, Murphy and Kezzem all search around. The trios ears that picks up the distinct sound of running water. As if on cue his nose picks up the scent of old blood in the air.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=17 ;
Friday November 20th, 2015 1:13:03 AM
Kezzem will attempt to locate the source of the blood.

Perception: 17

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=18 ;
Friday November 20th, 2015 1:33:47 AM
Alleah gets back atop Thistle, and offers to burden the pony with any goods recovered from the orc encounter.

She notices the others acting a bit weird "What? What is it? Can he hear something?"

Perception: 18

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger 
Friday November 20th, 2015 1:44:10 AM

Murphy talks tigrish, then moves in the direction of the scent, and, presumably, in the direction of the sound of running water.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+12=17 ;
Friday November 20th, 2015 7:41:46 AM
Pressi shook her head at Bliss' antics. "I don't know what I'm more upset about. The fact that you decided to be disgusting for no reason, or the fact that you seem to think I'm an idiot lacking in object permanence. But I think I'll go with "Why is it MY sex that has to prove everything?""

With that, Pressi continues to follow looking for the water and blood, though she isn't much of a tracker. (Perception 17).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday November 20th, 2015 8:32:27 AM
"Well, aren't these the neatest little things? Can anyone play a flute or a horn? If so, you need to check these pipes out. Really nify, as if you play it right, they can be used to scare everyone away for a few seconds. Who wants to give them a try?"

OOC: Pipes of Haunting: This magic item appears to be a small set of pan pipes. When played by a person who succeeds on a DC 15 Perform (wind instruments) check, the pipes create an eerie, spellbinding tune. Those within 30 feet who hear the tune must succeed on a DC 13 Will save or become frightened for 4 rounds. Creatures with 6 or more Hit Dice are unaffected. Pipes of haunting can be sounded twice a day.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+15=20 ;
Friday November 20th, 2015 7:47:19 PM

Bliss looks around to see what all the fuss is about. Perception 20.

He renews his own Reduce Person spell and shares an Enlarge Person with Mookie. He checks that a fresh clip is in his bah.

"You're a person, old pal," says Bliss. "I don't care what other people say!"

Mookie answers, "Hmmph!"

Dm Shawn - That Smell 
Friday November 20th, 2015 9:43:13 PM
Kezzem is able to locate the copper smell along with the others. Bliss and Alleah both now hear the running water while Murphy and Pressi start moving towards the source.

Shel shares with the group what the pipes are.

After a few turns and cuts through some thorn bushes, the group emerges onto the side of a little brook. Half on the water and half on land, the torn body of a halfling is visible. His body is shredded in half with his lower torso and legs nowhere to be seen. His upper portion is empty, with no major organs left. His eyes stare at the group with no life. Next to him is another halfling, time not wounded other then scratches and bruises. This one is alive though his hands and feet are bound. Dessert perhaps?

Ooc: You are up David.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+4=12 ; d20+12=31 ;
Friday November 20th, 2015 11:13:15 PM
The halfling's head is shaved bald as a cue ball, His face is clean shaven except for a thick braided beard worn just from his chin. ( A style some Dwarven clan warriors wear). The beard is dyed half red and half black and braided in a helix. His skin has a hearty bronze tan and any exposed skin (head and hands) show scars in the form of small bites and stings. He wears a breastplate underneath a greatcoat that clearly was part of a uniform at one time. The insignia have been removed, but anyone familiar with the Mailed Fist has seen this type of uniform before.
Cameron rolls into a sitting position and tries his best to wriggle out of the ropes. He is muttering, to himself you think." I can't BELIEVE I came here to help these orcs stop being raiders and start being useful members of society."
"What? Yes Hobbes, I know you said that they would try to eat me. As if I wouldn't notice the spider vemom they put in my food to weaken me so they could tie me up. How was I to know they used centipede venom too? What I need now is to get out of these ropes and get the rest of my gear and get the heck outta here before this gets worse." After a minute or two he realizes there are people behind him. He goes silent, as if he hadn't realized he was speaking aloud. Looking over his shoulder at the people that just found him he asks,...
" Could I get a little help here? Please? They tied these really tight."
Escape Artist 12
Perception 31
Recognition spreads across his face and he practically blurts out what comes next.
" Bliss?! Mookie?! Is that really you? I have not been this relieved in a long time. Help a shield brother out eh?"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 12:36:11 AM

A dire tiger walks toward the empty shell of the poor halfling. He wants to let out a yowl of grief... but the other one lives. He walks up to him, standing about six feet away. Before the eyes of the halfling who has been talking with himself, he transforms in to a halfling - a towhead, a slight gap between his teeth, and wearing rather weathered coveralls with a fabric of stout weave.

"May I loose your bonds?" he asks, and since the fellow already asked for such, he steps forward, and begins to work the ropes, pushing and pulling as appropriate to set him free. "A friend of Mookie and Bliss likely will be a friend of mine. The name is Murphy." Once unbound, he extends a hand to help him up.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=12 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+9=11 ;
Saturday November 21st, 2015 1:07:21 AM
Alleah looks over the living halfling for any signs of blood. Perhaps he was responsible for the death of the other? People aren't just tied up and dumped in the Culverwood without reason. Why, they just did the same thing to an orc not an hour ago. And he looks like he still has his armor and weapons. "Wouldn't it be wise to remove those things before untying him?" she wonders.

Before she can voice any concerns, Murphy is offering him a hand

"We really are a trusting lot" she says quietly to Shel.

Alleah readies herself. Since entering these woods her scepticism has been getting away from her. She prepares to cast a spell on Cameron if he makes any agressive action

She glances to the corpse "Can anyone tell me what happened to this poor soul?" The question is asked not only to the group, but to Cameron as well.

-------------------
Perception: 12 - Inspecting the scene and Cameron
Sense Motive: 23 - Trying to get a bearing on Cameron
Heal: 21 - To try and determine how long ago the dead halfling died
Knowl Nature: 11 - To try and determine what kind of animal might kill a halfling this way

Ready Action: If Cameron makes an aggressive action, cast Pain Strike

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 1:16:49 AM
"Don't worry, we took care of the orcs that did this," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 7:05:22 AM
"See, right here, this is what I'm talking about," Pressi said to nobody in particular. "Extremely well trafficked area. This must be the part of Culverwood called La Guardia. Check out the halfling here by the Cinnabon."

"And I'm sorry, but do you REALLY expect us to believe that in this vast forest we happened to come across a random hobbit that happens to have a massive history with a member of this group?"

Pressi looked up to see Alleah and Shel staring right at her. "What?" she asked.

(OOC: more background on us halflings here.)

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 11:24:29 AM
" Huh, Mookie not being the first one to speak on any subject. Interesting. Do I win a prize for that?"
Mindful of some of the more tense poses of the group of halflings around him Cameron is careful to move slowly and keep his hands visible. He slowly rolls to his feet and as he does so realizes that they must have beaten him up while they were tying him.
" What happened to him? Couldn't say, I just woke up here."
" A few months ago My friends and I left the Tree of Parting in the Emerald Kingdom to chase a group of orcs that took two dwarven merchant's prisoner. When we came upon them things went poorly, as they often do and I was knocked out. When my friends pulld me back from Gargul's doorstep I saw that the orcs were either running away, stunned and motionless or asleep. My friends showed no signs of stopping their slaughter so I intervened. I took three of the Orcs captive before my friends could finish them and when no accord could be reached about letting them live after they talked, We all parted ways. Me with the orcs, walking them away from the group, bound for a day until they were far enough away to do no more harm and my friends, well I guess they went home."
"I learned the orcs language and it seems they were going through rough times. Not enough food and such so they started raiding. The dwarves told them about a cache somewhere so they kept the dwarves alive to find it. I had found that odd. Killing other races but keeping sworn enemies alive. I helped them find ways to survive better. After all my goddess is the goddess of hunting and I was one of her clerics. Things started to look up so I left for awhile, headed to Plateau city to present myself to the WLA chapter there, keeping a promise. When I came back they poisoned me and while I was out, tied me up. I woke up here, apparently next on the menu."
As he tells his story, Cameron indicates things like his holy symbol and the WLA pin on his coat, but does no more that gesture at them, not touching them or anything that might indicate he was about to cast a spell or anything. Finally he finishes with," My name is Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper. My parents were both adventurers and were killed. One of their companions saved me from the people that killed them and raised me, a dwarf named Morgan Steelshaper. When I joined the Fist he set off looking for the ones that killed his friends. That got him killed too. Now the Lady guides me toward those I can help and who can teach me what I'll need to know to find the ones responsible for all these deaths. I am going to find them and make sure they get whats coming to them."
" Before you lump me in with all of the other followers of Jancassis you may have ever met, let me tell you I am different. When she tested me to allow me to become and Avenger, I vowed to bring other, more savory aspects of her into the light. I worship a Jancassis that looks out for the weak and downtrodden in society. Where she can't protect tem she can offer them stealth, and the means to hunt and strike back at those that oppress tem. Those orcs were the ones who were downtrodden and weak when I woke up, so I protected them, apparently I was a fool. No surprise, it's happened before. There's still kinks that need to be worked out in this whole thing, but I mean to make her seen not only as the evil Lady of Vengeance, but as a guardian of those who cannot take head on ways to deal with their stronger oppressors."
"Undoubtedly you heard me talking to someone when you found me. You all can't see him. He is a little scorpion who has apparently been with me all my life, but until recently even I couldn't see him. I think he is a manifestation of my goddess telling me how I should proceed, and taunting me from time to time to make sure I am as resolute in my convictions as I said I was. I think he is part of the second part of the Avenger test, taunting me to see whether I will let anger and emotion reign or if I will stay true to her calling. I'll try not to talk out loud to him if it disturbs you."
He reaches out and shakes Murphy's hand once he is more sure he won't be fried or shot for it.....
Everything Cameron says is true, at least as he knows it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Entropic Shield, 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 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 1:38:52 PM
Shel whispers to Alleah and Pressi, "So he sees things, he has been trying to teach things to those awful orcs that tried to kill us, and worships that Jancassis? I know he knows Bliss and Mookie, but are we sure we can trust him? One things for sure, there are a bunch of halflings in this forest! We ought find all of Humbles' Ford here, if we wait long enough."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Saturday November 21st, 2015 1:39:34 PM

All that Bliss can do is stand there for a while, mouth gaping open. The words wash over him.

Mookie swats him with a wing.

Bliss shouts, "CAM! CAM!"

He races to the halfling and helps free him from his bonds.

"Cam! Wowsy! Cam!"

"Wow! This is ... wow!"

He gives his old friend a big hug. Then he cancels his Reduce and gives him an even bigger hug!

"Oh My Gosh! This is great! How's Tinker and Carver? And Lindy! And Miss Pru!"

He has not registered the part of Cam's story that reveals he has not seen the old crew in a long while either.

Bliss definitely wants to see the scorpion. "He's nice! What's his name?"

Before he gives his old pal time to answer, he blurts out. "Wowsy! This is so great!"

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+7=26 ;
Saturday November 21st, 2015 2:15:42 PM
Stepping to the side to observe the reunion, the quiet halfling takes a closer look at the partial halfling to see if she can figure out just what ate the poor guy. knowledge Nature DC 26

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger  d10=10 ;
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 3:10:04 AM

"Pressi - this is the Culverwood. This is part of Eberyon's domain," Murphy speaks to her after her expression of incredulity. "Do you not suppose the Culverwood may be helping us? Perhaps there is mere chance at work, here. Yet Alleah walks in service to Wardd - whose own moon Shel and I, and any who will come with, we hope some day to visit. Wardd is known to bring luck - of many kinds.

"I have heard that you said of our goal to thwart an event which seems past to us, but may still have not yet happened - that there is no hope of our succeeding in that goal.

"There may be many things you think unlikely, even impossible, I myself saw a river which flowed in one direction, change its flow here in the Culverwood. We see the environment around us change from sunset to sunrise, as we sleep.

"The Forest has a will of its own, and ways of its own. I think the Culverwood helps us, as we ourselves help some within its bounds.

"Was it likely that you and I, who know each other from Angel Springs, should come upon each other here in the woods? No. Yet we met here. Be slow to judge something impossible.

"There are powers greater than we are, who may watch over us. Who may steer things one way or another. Still, though, we must make our own way as we can, and make what choices we can. Yes, I wonder at how things go.

"But the Wold is a world of wonder, Pressi. Enjoy it. Appreciate it. Absorb it. And learn to roll with it."

Murphy scratches the back of his head for a moment. "And learn to eat the impossible for breakfast," he adds with a smile.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Dire tiger 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 3:36:44 AM

After observing the greetings between Bliss and Cameron, and smiling once or twice, the druid speaks to Bliss's friend. "So, rescuer of downtrodden orcs, Cameron. We just killed some orcs who made clear their intentions to eat us. We let one of them go, with stipulations. We are called Humble's Sword. We began in Humble's Ford - and only Shel and I are here of the original group. Others have joined us here and there. We are trying to get back to our home in Crescent Valley, to attend the wedding of two other members of the original team. Plus attend to other duties.

"We are a mixed lot. It sounds as though you may have come from a mixed lot. Would you want to travel with us for a time? And, during that time, will you pledge to help us, as we each help each other?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 9:51:03 AM
Pressi shook her head at Murphy's statements. "Yeah, well I can tell you a few things as an ex-follower of Waard about the luck he brings. But you don't have to worry about me discounting the impossible and unlikely. If it screws me over, I guarantee the odds don't matter.

Pressi could feel her heart beating faster than she cared to admit, the blood rushing through her head. She was quite aware of how close she was to Murphy.

"As for this tower, your problem is with the laws of physics, not with me. I am positive that the flow of a river's changes are a trifle compared to how hard it is to both go back and time and not go back in time. Of course, I won't see it if you do succeed. I'll still be here in the Culverwood with Cameron, your goblin friends will still be in Koshe Dehli, and Waard will once again laugh and laugh.

"Because where there is no rules - where there is just wonder - there is no trust, no real steering. Waard doesn't care about us but he loves dangling enough to have us care about him."

But as Murphy walks away, Pressi began to mumble words under her breath. "Enjoy it. Appreciate it.... Absorb it.... Roll with..."

"Murphy, wait," she shouted. "I've got it! I know how to save the tower!"

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

"We've been confusing saving the tower with stopping the spell altogether," Pressi began to tell the group as a whole. "But the problem isn't the spell's initial occurrence. It's that there's nowhere for it to go. Nowhere for it to absorb or dissipate so it breaks apart the tower. But the tower itself is, if I understand correctly and I think it's well established I probably don't, like a giant antenna. It just isn't powerful enough, yet. But we have a brief window of opportunity between the moment you go back in time and the moment the tower falls to get rid of that spell. If we're properly set up, that should be enough time to at least minimize the damage.

"Now I only have speculation because I don't really know anything about spells or towers or pink smoke, but I do know we've already tried it. Murphy said earlier that he and Shel flew to the rooftop because he saw shapes and movement, but found nothing within all that dark smoke. So he stupidly repelled down and was saved only by some divine intervention. Almost if... almost if there were a couple of stealthy halflings already working on top of the tower to get it to dissipate this energy and THEY intervened in his repelling. Or how about how people already started fleeing the scene, almost as if they were being warned beforehand. That's the circuit. I'm 70% sure of it."

Pressi looked up at everyone staring at her. "... Maybe 60%?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 5:50:28 PM
"Listen, friend, having faith is all and good, but it ain't never hurt nobody to have an extra dagger or three up your sleeve just in case," says Kezzem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 5:50:28 PM
"Listen, friend, having faith is all and good, but it ain't never hurt nobody to have an extra dagger or three up your sleeve just in case," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 8:21:20 PM
(OOC: I'm going to be traveling Thanksgiving week. I'll try to post when I can but it might be sporadic.)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Sunday November 22nd, 2015 9:59:46 PM
(OOC: Melvin, you can ask for someone to sub for you if you are not able to post by a certain time. I'm thinking that Thanksgiving Day posting should be entirely optional.)

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Monday November 23rd, 2015 10:16:52 AM
Cameron hugs Bliss back, an almost unseen display of affection . Cameron has maybe cared for a dozen people in his life, Blaiss is definately someone he grew fond of in their short tour in The Fist. The small halfling could always Make Cameron smile with whatever he said.
"Carver was find the last I saw him, though he was one of the hardliners for killing ' anything remotely evil ' and those orc prisoners were going to qualify, evil or not. As for the rest it has been a long time, I don't know how they are."
"Now whats all this about a tower and time travel?"
" Oh, and can I pick up my wapons now? If you guys are leaving I'd definately want to leave with you. I tried to help here, but it didn't work out."
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Entropic Shield, 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

Dm Shawn - That Smell 
Monday November 23rd, 2015 11:24:34 AM
Some trust Cameron, some are a little more guarded. A bald, dwarven braided halfling might do that to someone. Bliss naturally runs up to his friend. Camerons bonds are untied, but his weapons being given back Is still up in the air.

The group has discussions about faith, time travel, and other things naturally discussed in a tavern on the weekends.

Trill can tell the halfling was butchered and prepared by an intelligent being. Most likely the orcs.

In between the moments of discussion, the culverwood is silent besides the sounds of the river.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+25=37 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2015 7:06:37 PM

Bliss glances around for a spot within 10 ft of some decent shadow. He says, "Hey Cam, wanna see a neat trick?" Then he fades away out of sight as you look at him!

Perception 37 to see him hiding in plain sight.

"Here I am!" the tiny fellow calls out, breaking stealth.

=====

Bliss notices the half-eaten fellow. He falls silent. If you look, you'll see him starting to sniffle.

"Hey Kid!" calls Mookie, from the other side of the camp. "C'mere! I got something to show ya!"

Bliss just stands still for a minute.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday November 23rd, 2015 7:17:12 PM
Shel stood silently by, listening to Murphy and Pressi's discussion. "So Pressi, you are saying that we saved ourselves get away when the tower exploded? Could that be possible? Wouldn't that mean that we need to get back there as soon as possible so we can be there to help ourselves if the need arises to do so again? My head hurts. I guess that could make sense, I guess. But, like I said, we need to press on."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Monday November 23rd, 2015 8:07:47 PM
"Uh, well..." Pressi said in response to Shel. "I mean, I guess it doesn't matter whether we rush or not since we've already made it on time. But then again.... Ok, the thing were we have to save ourselves is a bit of an assumption, since we don't know for sure that Murphy saw us from afar.

"I guess what I'm saying is that more than speed or faith, we need preparation. If we are to succeed in stopping the tower from falling without creating a paradox, we have maybe an action or two a piece in that window, so anything we can do before that window begins gives us a better shot. That means better knowing about the tower, spells and precise movements of every person at that tower, and frankly I'm a little miffed regardless of the paradox issue that I'm the first person to have given this any thought. In my opinion, if you're just going to wing it and assume everything's okay, what's even the point of rushing?"

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

"So hey," Pressi said to Cameron. "Another member of the mailed fist in Plateau City, huh. You probably don't remember me, but I did a lot of odd jobs in the area a few... several years back actually. Mostly work for noblemen and rich guys, but you might have seen me around in a tavern or something. If so, I hope for your sake you were a good tipper."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 1:13:29 AM
Funerary Duties
Murphy, though he wishes to continue the conversation, sees Bliss, and hear's Mookie talking to him. "Excuse me," he says to the others.

He walks over to join Bliss in contemplation. He puts his arm around his shoulders. "Sad. Very sad." He is silent for a bit longer. Then he says, "We ought to hold a service for him, and give him a decent burial. When we do so, Bliss, would you offer a prayer by the gravesite?" He waits for a response from the young hero.

If Bliss agrees - he says, "I'll tell you when it's time for the prayer, all right?"

He turns to his other companions. "Let us choose a place to bury this poor fellow - sure to be a relative to one of us or another, somehow or other. The soil here is rich. Digging should not be too great a challenge. While some of us do that, would any want to look to see if there is anything among the remains of his clothing or gear that might help us know who he was?"

He looks about for a bit of higher ground near the river, in sight of the falls. He looks for evidence of the upper waterline, to try to find a place above that. Then he sets in to digging, and allows others to join in as they will, to a depth of perhaps 4 feet or so. If it were near a notable tree, or stand of rocks, that would be nice, as well.

"Cameron - feel free to get your gear. Would you help with the burial of this poor halfling?"

Once the grave is dug, he asks all to gather. "Let us honor this, our slain brother." If someone finds, somehow, his name, or other clues to his identity, then Murphy will mention those. He invites any who would speak a word, sing a song of mourning, recite any texts of comfort or consolation, or to lift up a prayer for his soul, to do so. As he sprinkles a handful of dirt on the remains, Murphy asks that his soul be granted a safe passage into the afterwold. While others speak, and once all have cast their own portion of dirt on the body, if they so choose, he works to cover over the body and bones with care and solemnity.

When the time seems right, and others have spoken, he asks Bliss to say what he will.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=17 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+7=25 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 2:28:55 AM
Alleah dismounts Thistle and solemnly walks to the remains of the deceased halfling. She kneels and gently touches the body as she casts a spell (Leyline check:17 = Pass. Cast Speak with Dead)

"I don't wish to interrupt your first day in the Lands of Rest, friend, but I may be able to do some things to ease any pain you are feeling. Tell me, who are you, friend? Finally, do you have any unfinished business, or message you wish me to pass on to a loved one?"

Alleah will relay what she finds out to the rest of the party. She will then look for clues on the body as to who the man may have worshipped in life. (Perception: 17)

If she finds such a clue, she will retrieve the holy symbol for that deity from her pack (Alleah carries no less than 25 different holy symbols with her for the various powers and gods of the Wold). After that will be some words of comfort for the departed, chosen from whatever religion it was that he may have followed (Knowl Religion to know some funeral rites: 25)

"Friends, although we never knew this man, it is always a sad occasion when one must prematurely meet Gargul. Let us give him a moments silence, and pray that he will be judged fairly in the afterlife, and that he be reunited with loved ones in time to come"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 7:40:56 AM
After the ceremony, Murphy says, "It is time to travel onward. I think we must make due haste."

Preparations for Saving Crescent Valley

"Alleah. Let me make some suggestions, and then you tell me what you think. Quite likely you'll improve substantially over what I am about to say. Tonight, why don't you go ahead and do that five minute dream talking you can do, with Alouryn Buttercup Bumblebottom, soon to be Hazel's wife, and ask her and Hazel to find the Second Breakfast Club, and tell them she was warned in a dream that experimentation with the Giant Tower will destroy the tower. Tell her to tell them, 'No dimension door and portable hole in Giant Tower - death and harm will result.' Something along those lines - I trust you to work out the details.

"Tomorrow night, try to send a similar message to Mayor Bingo BumbleLuck - but add a detail. Have him send trusted people to the Giant's Tower, and order the Second Breakfast Club in the name of the law that they are to exit the Tower, and not use it for dimension door or portable hole tests. Or any other experiments. If they disobey, their foolishness will send them to Koshe Marr in purple smoke, and destroy the tower.

"And the third night, try to communicate to Broker Iangold Laughshield. Tell him if the Second Breakfast Club conducts experiments in the Giant's Tower, that it will absolutely ruin business in Humble's Ford. Have him tell the wizards that at least one of them may die by their own foolishness if they mess with dimension door spells in the tower.

We may be back in town near to that time - if strong Culverwood allows. We may come first to Hovel - my Aunt Marigold may have the means to communicate quickly with folks in Humble's Ford. I wish I had some sort of long-distance talking or writing ability.

"Pressi - Please don't be miffed that you are the first one to consider the notion of paradox, with us being sent back in time. I and others among us already have given the matter some thought, several days before we found each other here in the Culverwood. I do not understand fully how this all works. And though we can try to be extremely clever and try to avoid things that seem absurd or impossible, my plan is to try to prevent a bad experiment and a terrible destruction.

"If you ask me the question, 'If you had a chance to go back and change something from the past after you saw the consequences?' well, about some things, I would say, 'Yes, I would.'

"Part of my plan is this: Not to worry too much about dealing with all the potential ramifications of this enigma, of this strange opportunity. I do not think that the Wold will explode if we take advantage of what we know to prevent something bad from happening. Might there be temporal echoes and reverberations? There may be.

"On the other hand, I don't plan on walking up to myself and saying, 'Hi, Murphy, I'm you, and just came back from our future, which we need to change.'

"There are some elements of what you related about the incident at the towers that do not quite correspond to what happened. Would you mind if I clarified a few details?"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 7:42:07 AM

Background - from falling tower to almost the present

"The long and short of it is this," Murphy explains: The three members of the Second Breakfast Club - wizards Veseley Vortence, Tiana Taithen, and Bazeck Breezelee - sought to expand the range of a dimension door spell by using a portable hole, and somehow tieing the magic item and spell casting into the immense power source offered on the top floor of the tower.

"When they cast the spell using the portable hole on the large stone disk in the tower, it opened a portal to elsewhere.

"At that moment in a huge explosion, the wizards were injured - perhaps one died right then. Purplish smoke issued forth, pulled from Koshe Marr itself, I reckon. In the purple black sky could be seen circular patterns. The smoke mostly sank to the ground, and seemed to be toxic.

"Many people from Humble's Ford had gathered at a safe distance from the tower - trying to stay away from the purple smoke that spread across the ground.

"Hazel joined me in the whirlwind made by an air elemental, which got us up to the edge of a window near the top. The windows were warded. Cracks were appearing here and there in the stones of the tower. Purple beams of light crackled out from the tower in the direction of other nearby towers, and made thunderous sounds.

"The elemental carried us higher, up to the rooftop. There was not direct access from the flat rooftop to the tower below - only via the windows along the side. So, Hazel and I jumped off the roof, roped together, and as we got close to the ground, Hazel drank a feather fall potion I had given him. We landed, oh, somewhat safely.

"Sardok, who was with us, got the door at the base opened. We had to get past a large animated chain - Alleah said they were haunted - to ascend the tower. Meanwhile, Bliss, who somehow managed to get through one of the warded windows, answered a riddle from a black dragon statue, which made safe that passage for us upward.

"From Tiana, who had been knocked for a loop, we learned at the portal there had been an evil demon. She could not give more details than that.

"Bazeck gave us a few pages from a journal written by Roderigo Montoya, a paladin of Alemi. He had described his journey to bring the Holy Word of Alemi to some far-flung realms. Based upon what he had heard about them, he had anticipated brutal horror and savage evil ruled over by a terrible witch. Instead he found serene, still beauty, a calm, and amazing plants and crystals. Goblins and trolls lived harmoniously together, and spoke of their adoration of their queen.

"My thoughts were that the good Roderigo had been deceived, or had found a dark thread at first unseen. As I pondered this, of a sudden I realized that some of my friends had decided to jump through the beckoning portal.

"Bazeck had tried to warn them not to enter, but," he shrugs his shoulders, "eh, they're heroes, right? So, in they went. I grabbed a book and talked with Bazeck, when there was a huge implosion. Bazeck, and Tiana, and even the unconscious Veseley and I joined my friends as we entered the land of Koshe Marr.

"I won't tell you everything that happened there right now. But Mookie knew of an inn, a tavern, from which one could escape the evil realm. Many things transpired, Veseley died during the trip, we met two goblin children, and one of them died in a crystal forest. We were hunted. In time, we escaped devilish wolves and a wicked woman, Amalee, and entered the tavern.

"So, John McGiven the innkeep - we were in The Harrowed Moon Inn - told us there was a statue you could touch, and say reditum, and be sent back home to the same place you were when you entered Koshe Marr at the exact same instant you entered. 'It will be like you never left home,' he told us.

"Oh, and he served great pies," Murphy adds.

"Well, as the goblin girl with us - her name was Isra - is from Izen, and lives at her father's inn, the Innkeep, John McGiven, told us we might be able to avoid arriving in a collapsing tower by travelling with her, to her place and time.

"So we made that choice. The Second Breakfast Club members separated from us during the magical transport. Where they went, I am not certain. But we ended up at the Goblin's Rest Inn. We met Isra's parents - Dyma and Fenna, and her grandmother. And we found that we had arrived three weeks earlier than when we left the tower north of Humble's Ford.

"So far we have traveled... how many days? I think it was the 2nd day there we learned our time was 3 weeks earlier than where we were. So, the 1st night on the road we camped. The 2nd day we met large wasps, and the men on the barge, and the captain's Akita. They sold us cold iron weapons. Sardok left our group that night. The 3rd day the meat barrel fell overboard, and we came upon crocodiles, and had a shooting contest - and didn't bother the crocks, then saw a barge a ways ahead of us. After the 4th night we got up, and tried to catch up to the barge. We did. The captain and crew were gone, snakes had taken them. We followed the tracks, killed some snakes, met up with Trillium, followed more tracks, found more snakes, and the remains of the other barge's captain and crew. We headed back to the 2nd barge. Hazel and Faoil, his dog, left the group, hoping to make better time so he could be home for his wedding. The rest of us upstream in a gathering storm.

"On the 3rd day since the thunderstorm - now the 7th day of travel, we came to a waterfall, and we found we were in the Culverwood - and the direction of water flow had reversed!"

Murphy pauses. "Who would like to recount the rest of the days we have spent on our journey? Three weeks maximum - and better if a day or three shy of three weeks - for us to get to Humble's Ford - and the Giant Tower. Can someone else count from after day seven?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 9:57:06 AM

Regarding the burial service ...

Bliss nods. "Thanks for asking, Mister Murphy. I hope Lord Gargul will inspire me to say good things. And thanks, Miss Alleah, for giving him a chance to say his last words."

When it is time, Bliss bows his head and says,

"Now we bring you to your rest.
"Lay you down and now be blessed.
"Gargul guide you for the best,
"Free from pain and life distressed."

"Amen!"

===== ===== =====

Bliss thinks that sending messages as the group keeps moving is not a bad idea. "What could go wrong?" he asks.

Mookie chokes on the worm he had been swallowing.

"Yeah, what could go wrong?" he repeats.

Dm Shawn - a burial  
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 12:55:56 PM
Alleah casts her spell and a halflings voice comes through. " Hey there pretty lady " the voice says. "I'm "sticky" Icky Gump. The most handsome halfling in the woods. They call me sticky because I tend to have sticky hands and take what's not mine. By that I mean the captain of the guards lady friend. Tried getting through the woods when I met the orcs who did this. I don't need much, in fact perhaps a kiss before I go is all I need."the body posseses no holy symbol.

After the discussion, the hole is dug away from the creek. Words are said, and blessings are made for the fallen halfing.

Pressi, Shel and Murphy discuss what to do when it comes to the tower and trying to save the second dinner club.

When the night comes, plans are made to dream walk. What are watches and were are you setting up camp.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 4:52:17 PM
Cameron helps gather stones for the burial. If they mention they are planning to stay here for the night, he empties the pants pocket with his tent and rope and uses his ants to help carry stones to lay on the halfling's grave. He listen's closely to their plan and though not sure what most of that dream sending stuff means, thinks it is pretty sound, except for one thing...
" Shouldn't you make a contingency plan for your first plan not working? I mean some folks listen to stuff they hear in dreams, and others can't remember a thing that they dreamt the night before. Shouldn't there be a plan to just keep people away from the tower so that the poisoned smoke and the tower falling on them just doesn't happen, in cas =e these mages disregard all common sense, which it sounds like they did with their whole plan in the first place, and do their spell anyway, consequences be damned? I mean they kinda sound like they think they know what they are doing and won't listen to anyone else anyway, at least that's how they sound when you tell it. You guys spoke to them so you might get a different impression."
"So as a back up plan get everyone away from this tower, and then get in there and try to stop them in case the warnings go unheeded. Otherwise it sounds like a fine idea. How can I help?"
Cameron prefers a watch during the midnight hour so that he may make his devotions to Jancassis.
Cameron replies to Pressi about his time in the Fist. " Sorry, the way I said it might have misled you. I didn't spend any time in Plateau City while I was enlisted in the Fist. I was stationed at the Citadel in Farungia. Recently, a week ago maybe, I traveled to Plateau City to visit the chapter house there of the WLA."
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Entropic Shield, 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


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 6:16:45 PM
Alleah grins and rolls her eyes at the response from the corpse. "Typical male".

She casts Clean Blood (or Prestidigitation) on the forehead of the dead halfling and then leans down to deliver a quick kiss. "That ought to give him something to brag about in the afterlife"

"Rest now, Mr Gump"

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

Alleah is happy to accommodate the others when it comes to talk of rest and watches.


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 6:44:40 PM
Shel volunteers to take the first watch, wanting to be sure she got enough rest to cast her full complement of spells in the morning. "Thkse all sound like decent ideas, Murphy. We might have problems making it back on time, so sending back missives is probably a nice way to pass along information, too. But we need to keep trying to get back as soon as we can. If the tower goes down, the biguns will run unchecked in our home!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+11=28 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 7:05:35 PM
(Quick post)

"Much as I wouldn't mind camping near the waterfall, there is still a good number of daylight hours ahead of us. Let us press on until dusk, then camp for the night," Murphy urges his friends. (Based upon DM posts, and ours, I would think it was between 10am and noon when we encountered the orcs, thus 11 to 1pm when we finished the burial and general palaver).

That evening, just before Alleah casts her spell, the druid casts endurance on her, as the spell is fairly draining on the caster.

Let's use the watches we set up, but have Cameron substitute for Alleah for the next few days.

[Survival to find good, defensible campsite: 28]

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+5=18 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 10:14:10 PM
Trill helps out with burial duty and then takes point as they travel that afternoon. When they decide to make camp, Trill grabs her bow puts down hr other stuff and tries to do a bit of hunting to find some fresh meat to cook for dinner. survival DC 18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=17 ; d20+18=31 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 12:24:28 AM
Kezzem will scout there area around camp.

Perception: 17
Stealth: 31

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 12:24:50 AM
[Repost from Nov. 6]

And let's keep the Watches:
Even nights (last night was odd?)
1st: Shel
2nd: Pressi
3rd: Kezzem
4th: Murphy

Odd nights
1st: Trill
2nd: Bliss
3rd: Alleah
4th: Murphy

Tonight is an 'odd' night - so Trill, Bliss, Cameron (instead of Alleah), then Murphy. Cameron - 3rd watch starts a little after midnight, so you can trade with Bliss if you want to, and the little fella is agreeable.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=26 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 1:04:57 AM
Survival 26 to aid Murphy in selecting a defensible camp vs DC 10 +2 to Murphy's survival check.
" I was in the Culverwood once befre when we had to escort a rather rude and ignorant man into the wood to complete a test for the Chancers Club. He failed miserably, but we learned that it was necessary for us to constantly keep an eye out and help keep our tracker on the right path. When we reached te center of the Eastern wood we found totems at which we made sacrifices. If the Noble had done so sincerely, we would have been fine. Instead he thought the wood dirty and the trial stupid, so the woods sent small plant men to kill us in the night. They were similar to the plant men we found in Farungia, but none of us spoke their clicking and gesture filled language so there was no way to parlay with them. Sadly we had to kill a bunch of the to defend the stupid noble. Too bad really, the plant men had far more heart and honor than the noble."
When they camp Cameron will move off by himself for a few minutes. He prays to Jancassis for guidance through the wood the same as she guided him before, by sending various venomous creatures to guide him. He prays to the forest as well to please allow them safe and swift passage to wherever these folks are headed. It sounds like alot of halflings may be harmed if they don't reach home in time and that would be sad, and possibly not help the forest at all either. As a sacrifice to the forest, he buries the one poisoned dagger he has. The poison came from a poisoned toad that they encountered in the eastern woods. He hopes that this is enough to make the woods play nice and help them on their way.
When midnight comes he prays to Jancassis again, sitting silently in the darkness just outside of camp he consumes a small centipede he caught while making camp. As he feels the weak venom course through him he thanks her for sending these halflings to find him and free him. He isn't sure what they are doing, but hopes she will allow the venom to make his insights into their actions clearer so that he can help them.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 1:07:22 AM
OOC
Nope that timing is fine. Cameron will wake up an hour early to pray and be ready to then take his watch.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d100=39 ; d100=82 ; d100=12 ; 6d4=17 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 12:05:57 PM
As the party sets up camp, Bliss asks Trill and Murphy for help.

"I have a nifty spell to make berries better. Then you can eat them for a lunch or a second lunch and even heal wounds and like that. But I need berries, and you guys are like nature experts. Can you help me find some please? Pretty please?"

If any berries are found, Bliss will cast two goodberry spells. Actually, the ley lines fall sweetly here, and he casts three! That's 17 berries!

He is happy to take his watch as usual.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 12:57:15 PM
Pressi's contribution beyond helping to dig the hole was to mutter a few statements in a strange language as she stood watch above him. A quick carving of a bisected diamond (anvil and hammer) and that was that.

Domi funerals were somewhat strange affairs, built around the ideals of physical contest. Pressi had considered drop kicking someone but sensed it might be taken the wrong way.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 1:56:00 PM
At some point during Murphy's tirade, Pressi pulled back, refusing to speak any more on the subject. She would be the silent and dutiful soldier until such time she could sneak away and smack the smug off a few trees.

The argument to her had gotten somewhat personal, as Murphy seemed to take her objection as a monk of Domi to be one of cowardice, uncaring and insufficiently religious. And thus his stubborn, optimistic, unplanned move to tell others to abandon their stubborn, optimistic, unplanned move will go forward.

Not that she was absolutely convinced she understood this time travel stuff, but it seemed the thing to consider. But what boiled her blood most was how he just brushed her off, when she had tried to meet him halfway, trying to....

She had told people that the targeting of leska's was random. She suspected leska knew of her crush some time ago, but they never mentioned it. It didn't matter, really.

Dm Shawn - Campy Fun 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 3:59:01 PM
The burial is finished with some nice words.

The March is uneventful. Trill and Cameron helps Murphy find a nice area to set up camp. The floor of the campsite turns into a bowl so the fire can burn without being seen from a distance. A small ledge, built of tree roots and dirt prevents the winds from slicing into the group.

Watches are set up to alleviate Alleah and allow her to cast her spell.

Discussion is also made still about the time travel and what to do. Shel agrees with Murphy about his plan. Some feathers are ruffled and some trees pay the price.

Cameron shares his opinion and when given a chance prays to his goddess and dines on a crawler.

Bliss is able to find some winter berries, enough to fulfill his spell.

Kezzem scouts around the campsite, but enemies are not found.

Before casting her own spell, Murphy aids Alleah with an Endurance spell.

Once able to.. Alleah cast her spell to deliver her message. (Rob can you email me and let me know what ability this is? I didn't see anything on the sheet.)

Ooc: For those who celebrate, an early Happy Thanksgiving. I don't know when I'll post tommorow, or if I definitely will.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 4:05:03 PM
Retcon: Pressi had spent some time thinking of the nature of time and space. She had spent the last few years a cloistered monk wondering about the world. Before that, she had done courtesan work for many a rich mage. And then there was that stint with spoiled jerks bill and ted, the ones who taught her slang.

She wondered how easy it would be to explain this thinking to one who had never even thought about time. To be honest, she felt the limits of her own understanding. Still, one who had to think about time travel would realize some basics, right?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  2d4=5 ; d100=87 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2015 8:56:21 PM
Alleah finds a nice quiet spot to cast her spell (OOC: Details of spell and conversation emailed to DMs).

When the spell is complete Alleah feels quite drained from it. She takes a moment to use the party Wand of Lesser Restoration.

----------------------------
Cast spell: Call Spirit. Leyline check: 87 = Ok.
Alleah takes 2d4=5 pts Con damage as a result
Use Wand of Lesser Restoration to cure Con damage: 1 + 4 = 5. Two uses expended.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday November 26th, 2015 2:20:38 AM
(Happy Thanksgiving, all)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+11=21 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=23 ;
Thursday November 26th, 2015 1:15:14 PM
Pressi Issues

At some point the rather dense Murphy realizes that he has managed to upset her.

"Uh, Pressi. Pressi? Was it something I said? Or, how I said it? Or... you are mad at me, aren't you? I am not very good at reading minds. Tell me, please. What is it?"

He is very concerned, and apparently somewhat clueless. [He can only guess at internal monologues, but does not really know what Pressi is thinking. And there is no way he deems Pressi a coward, at all - but he does not realize that she thinks he implied cowardice in her.]

For whatever reason, he adds the comment, "My brother Kendry traveled back in time once. Way back in time, with a group of adventurers. Did Leska ever tell you about that?"

Dream Talking

"How did it go, Alleah? Did you talk with Alouryn? Or with someone else? How are you feeling?"

Blissful Berries

Murphy helped Bliss find some berries for his nice little spell. [Survival 21]

He also thanks Trill for finding something for the evening meal, and both her and Cameron for helping to find such a great spot to set camp.

Chancer's Club

"Really?" he asks Cameron after hearing the story. "I remember hearing a little about the Chancer's Club, but I never knew anyone who worked with someone from that group. Or, I guess, he was trying to join the club?"

His interest is especially piqued when he talks about the creatures they had to fight. "Tell me more about the plant people. I have heard such exist, but never have met any. What do they look like? Are they green and brown, or other colors, too? How big are they?"

Cameron's Questions
"Those are good questions, Cameron. What you and Pressi asked about, or commented on, are good considerations. What if we can't get to the Second Breakfast Club before they cast their unwise spell, and a breach is opened? I do not know a way of containing the breach once it is made, nor of protecting the tower from destruction after the portal is opened.

"If anyone has any good ideas along those lines, they would be welcome. Our first goal, nonetheless, is to try to keep the experiment from ever taking place within the giant tower, if such be possible. If we manage that, then it will, as far as I can see, at least, abate the imminent threat from the north - and save a lot of grief. If for some reason we cannot do that, then, yes, clearing the people as far from the tower as possible would be wise. Now, the purple smoke did help to keep them some distance from it."

He realizes a mistake he made in telling the story. "Oh, none of the wizards actually died in their first explosion - the one that opened the rift, but did not knock down the tower. I thought at the time he was dead. But one was knocked silly - the woman, and another was unconscious for some time, even after we arrived in Koshe Marr. One did die later within those lands - which is another reason why, if we can, we must do all we can to mend or prevent this disaster. Souls which die in Koshe Marr can only be returned at immense cost and pain by dealing with a very, very wicked person - the so-called Dark Lord, Marteaus."

Setting out again
Murphy does what he can to discern the right way to travel, and suggests a direction for Humble's Sword.

[Choosing the way: Perception 22, Survival 23]

===========
Happy Thanksgiving!

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday November 26th, 2015 3:00:39 PM
Shel follows along with the group, staying out of any of the arguments. The time space continuum was far beyond her. She was y sure what would happen one way or the other. The only thing she knew was that they had to hurry back and see, one way or the other if the tower explosion could be stopped. If not, they had to try and manage the damage to the town.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday November 26th, 2015 4:09:44 PM
Pressi does not easily share any of her inner dialogue, preferring to insist that everything is fine over the sound of tree smacks. Thus the discussion ends for the moment, though the marteus statement does affect her.

Despite herself, she does listen in to alleah's answer just in case.

(Happy thanksgiving. Sorry I didn't have time to write more today)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 26th, 2015 4:24:05 PM

Bliss thanks Murphy for the help with the berries. The fresh food is good too. It's been a long day, and Bliss conks out until it is time for his watch.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+12=20 ;
Thursday November 26th, 2015 7:29:28 PM
"I'm guessing this tower does something other than just be a tower? I didn't grow up in the valley, but I was born there. I don't know anything about the place."
"If I might say though, from what I know, the Culverwood generally doesn't like fires or tree beating within the forest.. We might want to avoid that. On that note I have asked the forest and Jamcassis to help guide us, like she did the only other time I was in the woods."
"The tree people were called vegepygmies I think. They were about my size. They were both woody and leafy. They were just trying to make us leave, but this guy needed to stay there overnight to prove his mettle to the Chancer's. Thankfully, most of the people on the selection committee couldn't be bought, so when we told them how he had hid under his blankets and been the cause of the upset creatures in the first place they did not accept his application. By the way, should w be in Plateau city We would like to avoid him. He just doesn't like me after that story."
Perception 20 while on watch
----------------------------------------------------------------
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

Dm Shawn - Campy Fun 
Thursday November 26th, 2015 10:31:56 PM
Pressi does her best to wrap her head around the thought of time travel and dimensions. It's a hard thing to wrap around.

Murphy assures Pressi he meant no Ill will before him and Cameron get into a discussinon about the Chancet's club and plant men.

Bliss finishes his berries, thanking those who helped.

Shel stays ouT of the timey wimey stuff.

Alleah moves to a private place and casts her spell. Highlight to display spoiler: { After a brief moment, Alleah hers own voice answering her back. It takes two minutes of the time for her to convince herself of who she is. Then she relates the entire story so far and what has happened which takes another 2 minutes. Finally she issues her warning and Alleah v.2 finally speaks up. " This is a lot but I'll head over right now." Before she can relate anything back to Alleah v.1 the spell ends. }

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday November 27th, 2015 12:29:34 AM
Kezzem looks for a tree to use for target practice as Alleah is casting her spell.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday November 27th, 2015 1:27:51 AM
"It's been a while since I've had some 'me' time" Alleah observes as the spell finishes.

She rejoins the group and let's them know what has occurred

"Since I didn't have any personal possession of Allouryn's, I couldn't contact her. Instead, I contacted myself. I took a bit of convincing. Seems I have trust issues with myself. Anyway, I convinced myself about what was happening, what would happen, and the need to stop the Second Dinner Club. I think I believed myself"

Alleah smiles. "It's odd that that sentence actually makes sense"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday November 27th, 2015 11:08:50 AM
"I hate to even ask, Alleah, but how did you manage to contact yourself? And how did you get yourself to believe it was you and not some strange dream or just a bonk on the head? I don't think I'd ever believe that I was contacting myself, to be honest. Did you say everything was still okay in the Ford right now?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+16=36 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+12=14 ;
Friday November 27th, 2015 12:22:48 PM
"Crickey," Pressi said. "Looks like we dodged a bullet with any time stream changes."

Pressi stood up, straightning her leather jacket and trademark whip, her blond curls spilling from her fedora. "Still, we'd better better be on the lookout. I'd bet me pet wallaby that we'd still...."

Pressi couldn't finish the sentence. The glammers from the hat of disguise fell as she cracked up.

(Disguise nat 20, bluff 19, perception 14 if we move on)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday November 27th, 2015 12:57:48 PM
"What's the Second Dinner Club?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+16=24 ; d20+11=17 ;
Friday November 27th, 2015 1:09:35 PM

Murphy is delighted to hear of Alleah's clever approach. "That is amazing, 'Leah. And brilliant."

During breakfast, the druid thinks again over the time they have spent traveling, and how much time is left before the Giant Tower incident. He takes out a piece of paper, a pen and ink, and writes as he talks.

"Anyway, like I was saying, the amount of time we've traveled... was seven days to the first waterfall inside the Culverwood. Later that day were the pretty fae spiders that tried to kill us. We slept in a cave. The 8th day we saw many beatiful plants, and then had to figure out how to get past a patch of Lost Wood Morels. Then we slept in a massive hollow oak tree. The 9th day Trillium and I went to look around at the morning changes to the forest, and came across Pressi and Kezzem. Midday, we all came across the fae gnomes and their manipulative feast.

"The next day, the 10th since our journey began, we came upon Cnossia's waterfall, and spent the night with her and her friends, the oak man and the willow tree and the otters.

"After leaving the beautiful naiad, on the 11th day the orcs attacked us, we found Cameron, and buried Icky Gump. That was yesterday. Last night, Alleah talked with herself in a dream....

"and that brings us to today, the 12th day of our journey from Goblin's Rest. Since on the day we left there, we learned that we were three weeks behind the day the tower blew, that gives us 9 days - really, 8 days, to be safe, or 7, to be safer still, to get to the tower before the Second Breakfast Club casts their spell."

Here is what he has written on his piece of paper.
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, more snakes, Hazel & Faoil leave, we meet Trillium, back on barge
5/17 River travel
6/16 River travel
7/15 Culverwood, waterfall, fae spiders
8/14 Lost Wood Morels
9/13 Meet Pressi and Kezzem, fae gnomes
10/12 Nymph Cnossia
11/11 Orcs, meet Cameron, Alleah's dream talking
12/10
There is room left on the bottom of the paper for additional lines. "See, here the left number is our day of travel. The right number is how many days until the purple smoke incident at the Giant Tower," Murphy explains to his friends.

When all are ready (assuming nothing else occurs to get in the way), Murphy plots the direction. He seems a bit diffident. "I think that is the way we should go. What do you think, friends?" He asks for help in choosing the way they go.

Once they are underway, he steps out of order for an hour or so to walk out front. "Kezzem, you seem a fairly quiet fellow. You've heard me talking a lot, I know. I'd love to hear more about you. How did you come into the adventuring life? What sorts of things have you done to learn your skills? Any interesting stories along the way?"

[Perception 24, Survival 17]

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Friday November 27th, 2015 2:23:22 PM

Bliss is a little sceptical. "Are you sure, Miss Alleah? I know you pretty well, and you are always a nice person and trusting. You always trust me!"

"But we should still go back home right away. See, Cam, this tower is one of the Giant Protection Towers that protects us from giants! When they come out of the mountains, they can't walk past the towers to get to the Crescent Valley. So makign sure we protect the tower is still pretty important."

Kezzem asks where the mages are.

"They went home by a different route from the land of nightmares."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=12 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+9=21 ; d8=8 ;
Friday November 27th, 2015 4:23:50 PM
As Alleah mentions she was rather skeptical of her own story as she told it to herself Cameron thinks You, trust issues? Couldn't be. As he remembers the generally warm reception of the group and her colder, but nonetheless prudent caution of his story. Honestly, she was probably the smarter one since he wouldn't just trust a cleric of Jancassis he met tied up in the woods either.

He shakes his head and tries to focus as Bliss explains the tower and it's purpose. Once he grasps the meaning of the tower he can't believe someone let mages tinker around in such an important structure.

" So is it common in Humble's Ford for people of dubious qualification to be allowed to tinker with one of the most important buildings in the area? Heck, I'll fit right in. Probably not even get a second look."

Cameron listen's to the account of their trip so far and in overjoyed at the omens he sees in their trail. Spiders are an excellent sign they are on the right path. Then the mushrooms, knowing the Culverwood they were likely poisonous. Gnomes with a manipulative feast sounds like some shenanigans went on with the food causing odd effects, close enough for him to the food being poisoned to be a good sign. All very promising. Silently he thanks Jancassis for leaving him a trail to prove they were on the right path. When asked he listens with his head cocked to one side for a moment as Hobbes, the scorpion that only he can see, gives his opinion of which way would be best to travel. Cameron applies what he knows about hunting and travel in the woods to this consul and helps Murphy find a good path.

Survival 12 beats DC 10 to aid another Add +2 to Murphy's survival roll.

Once they get underway he unslings his Crossbow and loads it, keeping it ready in case anything leaps out to attack them.(yes it HAS happened before)

Perception to notice trouble 16 (but with that roll Cameron will likely be the last to notice it)
Readied action to shoot anything that attacks the group (not merely threatens it) Hits AC 21 for 8 damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Friday November 27th, 2015 4:53:02 PM

Murphy nods his head in agreement with Bliss, then laughs at Cameron's comment. "Bliss is correct. The story goes, a mage from over a hundred years ago, Shafbaffum, made several towers. He then interlinked the towers with magical forces and something he call the essence of giants. When the giants came a little while after the towers were erected, they were repelled.

"Since then some engineers, mages, witches and clerics - even a fixer, that I know of - have helped to maintain and repair the towers, ley lines, forces of interlocking magic, and so forth. For the tower just north of Humble's Ford, the three mages of the Second Breakfast Club are in charge of its upkeep."

Then Murphy thinks to add, "Oh, some say that Shafbaffum is still alive, and keeps to himself - and denies he ever had anything to do with the making of the Giant Towers." He shrugs his shoulders. "So, who knows? At least the giants haven't come down since they went up. Although a few have come in from the Red Hills - but never too many at once, and one, a family friend of ours, is out in Hovel. An ogre bard named Lomar lives over there."

Recalling the point of Cameron's comment, though, he says, "So, I guess that tinkering helps them to keep the tower working - but they overreached this last time. Extending the range of a dimension door spell does not seem to fit in with maintaining the tower's defenses - at least as far as I can tell.

"Oh, and, the three mages were holding hands with us as we began to teleport from the Inn of Koshe Marr, but let go halfway into the effect - so I have no idea where they ended up. Well, technically, one of them was holding my hand, and he was carrying the poor fellow who had died, and was holding on to the addled woman with his other hand. He called out her name, then his hand slipped from mine - and I couldn't hold on tightly enough." He kicks the ground with his toe as he recalls the separation.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=26 ;
Friday November 27th, 2015 11:25:32 PM
"Wait, so you're back in time now...and there's two Alleah's here? Yowzah, that gives a fellow some ideas!"

"Well, my cousin Kozold once found this magic ring that made him act all funny for a while and gave him a nasty cough until some other fellow came along and stole it from him. Then there was the time I helped about a half-dozen dwarves rescue this princess that could talk to birds. Of course, nothing compares to the time I had to fend this emotionless chick from both a werewolf AND a vampire."

Sense Motive DC 26 Highlight to display spoiler: {Kezzem is spinning tall tales, naturally.}

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+8=12 ;
Friday November 27th, 2015 11:46:27 PM

Sense Motive ... 12. Bliss is oblivious to Kezzem's nuance.

"Wowsy, those sound like great adventures," says Bliss. "How did that ring make him feel?"

Mookie rolls his eyes. "Maybe the answer is for big adventurers, Kid. You can ask again when you are older."

'Humph!" says Bliss. He actually enunciates the word like it is spelled.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Saturday November 28th, 2015 2:31:34 AM
"The ring made him feel precious," replies Kezzem.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+7=14 ;
Saturday November 28th, 2015 2:40:04 AM

"What happened to the werewolf and vampire? We raise chickens, but I've never paid close attention to the emotional status of the little chicks. Most of 'em are hungry, or want to get warm," comments Murphy.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Saturday November 28th, 2015 12:58:31 PM
"Not those kind of chickens, Murph, girlie chicks, like Alleah, Shel, and Pressi" says Kezzem. I killed the vampire, but the girl died and the werewolf ran off with her baby. Actually, I think I may have dreamed that part up, and they all just decided to go home without fighting. Kind of anti-climatic, I know, but hey, werewolves and vampires, right?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Saturday November 28th, 2015 4:19:24 PM

Bliss listens with wide eyes. "Really? What happened to the baby? Do you think ..." his voice gets quieter "... the werewolf ate it? Poor baby."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+1=20 ;
Saturday November 28th, 2015 6:44:28 PM
[ooc]Sense Motive 20. [/ooc]

That Kezzem tells some strange stories all right. I'm not sure exactly what he's talking about. Chicks, werewolves, goodness!

Shel was growing impatient. "Let's pick a direction and go! Standing around here talking about chickens isn't doing us any good at all!"

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+7=17 ; d20+13=21 ;
Sunday November 29th, 2015 12:19:55 PM
Having had first watch and slept the rest oft he night, Trill is up early and ready to go. Hey Guys, I'm with Shel. If time is of the essence here then we need to get going. Not knowing exactly where they are is somewhat of an issue, however, as they are in the Culverwood, it stands to reason that Crescent Valley lies to the northeast. Doing the best she can, Trill tries to ascertain which way is Northeastish and to locate a path of sorts that heads that way. survival DC 17, Perception DC21

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Sunday November 29th, 2015 7:18:05 PM
Alleah gives Shel a pat on the back"I like your enthusiasm. Let's go!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Sunday November 29th, 2015 9:55:33 PM

"Girls are 'chicks'?" Murphy asks. "Huh. My mother used to call us when we were young 'pups.' Chicks... all right. Hadn't heard that one before."

He says, "Bliss, it sounds like it was maybe a pretend story, or a dream Kezzem had. So likely no real baby was lost, or stolen. I hope."

(Murphy didn't ask Kezzem the question until we already were already underway on today's journey.)

With help from Trill and Cameron, plus the aid of Cnossis' spirit, Murphy gains confidence they are on a good path for the moment... or 'good' at least as far as being the right direction. Time will tell whom they come across on the way home.

Dm Shawn - Campy Fun 
Monday November 30th, 2015 3:56:38 AM
Discussion, talking, tall tales and some optimism all part of the hike through the Culverwood. Some even learn a new meaning to the word chicks. The hiking is not bad by an means, but around mid day when a watering hole is spotted it is a welcome relief. The cold, clean water looks refreshing. The hole itself is only 10 by 10 and lays about 30' off the trail.

Need appropriate checks through out the march.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=24 ; d20+18=30 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 10:40:32 AM
Kezzem scouts.

Perception: 24 (+3 vs. traps)
Stealth: 30

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=22 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+15=20 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 10:49:57 AM
Jancassis provides Cameron with all the water he can drink each day from her magic. Safe, nonpoisonous water. Cameron looks at this pool warily, wondering what if anything lives here, or uses the water for drinking. First he looks for the presence of poison in the water, saying a quick prayer to the Lady of Vengeance. Then he starts looking for signs of other visitors to the pool.
Cast detect poison on the pool and surrounding area.
Survival 22 to look for tracks and other signs of use at the pool
Perception 16 to look for any signs of a hunter watching the pool.
If the pool seems unsafe, Cameron warns the others, then steps back into the brush and hides(see below)
If he is satisfied the pool seems safe, Cameron steps back and blends into the surrounding trees and maintains overwatch while the others do their thing at the pool.
Stealth 20
Readied action to shoot anything that attacks the group (not merely threatens it) Hits AC 21 for 8 damage.(rolled in last post, still unused)
----------------------------------------------------------------
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  d20+2=12 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+15=20 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 1:27:22 PM
Pressi had remained silent through Kezzem's spinning of wild tales, already knowing their falsity. After all, she had spent some time getting yanked around at the same questions, in between his come-ons and his insistence that she start joking during battle (we'll get to that later).

(OOC to Kezzem - I do want to post something about Kezzem and Pressi's backstory, so I don't know if you have boundaries, ideas, things to keep secret, don't care, etc. Also don't know if you care if she shares X with the group or just tells the audience. So message me if you do.)

Pressi did cringe somewhat as being "a chick of that type," since she did see herself as more of a Buffy, or at least a Sooki.

At the water, she readied an action to refill her waterskins if the water was judged by others as okay.

(Survival no ranks 12, perception 21, stealth 20).

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+15=24 ; d20+25=31 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 4:27:55 PM

Bliss wonders what the fuss is all about. "We got plenty of water, right? And we got them what can make more."

Mookie says, "Hush and make a perception check, Kid! If we notice a pool, odds are it's there for a reason."

"Oh, OK."

Bliss looks around carefully. Perception 24. For good measure, he casts his longstrider spell, checks to see that his bah is loaded with a fresh clip, and then fades into the shadows near that tree closeby (if there is one).

Stealth 31

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Monday November 30th, 2015 4:54:18 PM
"Hey, yeah," Pressi said. "And when was the last time any of needed to eat or drink, anyway?"

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+7=18 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=16 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 5:23:28 PM
Not really sure about how to take Kezzem, Trill stays away from him so that her mother's side doesn't come out if he calls her "chick" and continues to scout ahead.

When they come to the pool, she looks for the telltale signs that it is drinkable. (small animal prints, small or large animal trails through the undergrowth leading to the water.small fish, the sounds of frogs jumping into the water, dragonflies, healthy plant growth around the edges, etc.)

Survival rolls DC 18, DC 15, Perception Rolls DC 28, DC 16



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday November 30th, 2015 6:37:31 PM
Shel moves ahead and casts Detect magic on the pool. We are in the Culverwood and a nice watering hole just presents itself? Has to be a trap!.

If Shel notices anything untowards, she will immediately let the other know. "I don't know if I like this guys. Too coincidental, if you ask me..."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=22 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 8:20:09 PM
Alleah just sits atop Thistle, watching the others scurry about. All this travel in a forest doesn't suit her. She's more a town type person.

Being still, she uses her ears rather than her eyes.

------------------------------
Perception: 22

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+16=28 ; d20+11=20 ;
Monday November 30th, 2015 11:05:31 PM
Murphy walks carefully through the brush, looking for animal trails, signs of other disturbances in the perimeter perhaps 30 feet or so from the pool.

Perception 28, Survival 20

Dm Shawn - Campy Fun 
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 2:56:05 PM
Cameron checks the water for poison but none is present.letting the others know it is safe he disapears Into the brush.

Kezzem scouts around.

After getting the ok, Pressi fills up her waterskin.

Bliss looks around as well, casts his longstrider and also blends into the surroundings.

Trill sees some smaller tracks as well as some frogs In the water.

Shel casts detect magic but nothing radiates near the pool.

Alleah listens instead of looks, but other then the movements of her friends and the normal wilderness sounds, she hears nothing.

Murphy also look for signs of animals. He comes around a felled tree and a deer lays on its side. Some muscles and organs have obvious teeth marks torn into them. The body is cold, maybe a day old since no bugs are present.

Everyone else comes upon a track here or there. One sticks out though. A track, more then a foot and half across appears animal but walks on 2 legs. It is present through out the little area.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+16=25 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 5:28:32 PM

Murphy looks at the tree to determined how it was felled. Did it fall on its own (a commonplace thing in the forest)? Was it felled with a saw? Or was the trunk chewed through or broken? Has the tree been down for a long time (judging by decomposition, growth of other plants around it), or has it been on the ground a relatively short amount of time.

He looks at the teeth marks on the deer, trying to gauge the size of the teeth which bit or ripped into the deer, as well as how large the mouth was.

"Got a deer, recently killed, with teeth marks on it next to this fallen tree," the druid lets his companions know.

[Perception: 25]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 9:07:31 PM
"Come look at this, Murphy! Look at this huge track here! Looks like an animal but on two feet somehow! And there's more tracks of it here and there. I don't want to run into that thing, that's for sure. Do you think that's what took down that deer over there?". Shel instinctively moved closer to the group, not wanted the two footed animal to come up and pluck her away from behind.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+15=24 ; d20+25=29 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 9:21:07 PM
Bliss says to Mookie (and anyone in earshot), "I'll Message you, you stay with everybody. I'm gonna peek ahead."

He casts his Message cantrip, recasts his Reduce, and sneaks over to the tracks. He says (from the shadows), "Murphy and Shel, you guys follow the tracks. I'll stay a bit ahead and out of the path."

Bliss watches where they are going, and tries to stay a good 25-50 ft ahead, sneaking and spying.

Perception 24, Stealth 29

Mookie whispers, "Why is this more important than getting home to save the tower?"

"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss.


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+12=26 ; d20+6=19 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 11:10:36 PM
" The world might be about to end, because I 100 percent agree with Mookie. Get your drink on if that's what floats your boat and let's hit the road. Yeah that critter looks big and probably is mean, but it isn't the goal, it's a distraction. Let's get a move on."
Cameron whispers this over the message spell (assuming he is included, not sure how many targets Bliss gets) If not included he says it loud enough to be heard. Cameron DOES put his head on a swivel though. A track that large means the critter could do some serious damage if it gets close without being stopped.
Perception 26
Survival 19 vs DC 10 to aid Murphy in finding a path out of the Culverwood. Murphy gains +2 to his roll.

Readied action to shoot anything that attacks the group (not merely threatens it) Hits AC 21 for 8 damage.(rolled in last post, still unused)
----------------------------------------------------------------
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

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+11=22 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2015 11:14:16 PM
Trill takes a look at the big tracks to see if she can identify them at all. knowledge nature DC 22 24 if magical beast

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+4=9 ; d20+12=28 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 12:08:33 AM
After being unable to recall any local legends to help him out, Kezzem keeps an eye out for trouble.

Knowledge (local): 9.
Perception: 28.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d2=1 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 1:51:02 AM
Alleah isn't quite sure what to do at this point, so decides to consult Wardd. She takes her lucky coin from her pocket and gives it a flip. (Heads = Use your head and focus on the task. d2=1. Heads it is)

"Yep, I'm with Mookie and Cameron on this. If there is some creature here, it calls the Culverwood it's home. We should just let it be, and continue on our way"

She says this loud enough to be heard from atop Thistle. Let's be honest, a halfling riding a pony isn't the most stealthy of things to begin with.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+11=18 ; d20+10=22 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 3:22:00 AM

Murphy responds to Shel's invitation to take a look at the large footprint. [Knowledge, nature: 22]

"Big." He says simply. "Yes, let us go onward." He takes a moment to gaze for a moment into the pool below, curious and wanting to know what, besides water, may lie within.

After looking, he walks the 50 feet back to the trail, and says, "Let us continue, then. Eyes and ears out for large bipedal creatures, though."

[Survival: 18+2=20]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+5=9 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+15=31 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 7:47:03 AM
Pressi looks around. "Are you waiting for me? Because I don't have much to add here if you're waiting for me."

(Knowledge Religion 9, Perception 15, Stealth 31 if possible.)

Pressi looks around at the trees nearby. "I guess if you think some height might help, I could climb one real quick."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 10:13:48 AM

"Aw shucks," Bliss whispers, turning tail and coming back to depart with the party.

Dm Shawn - Gorilla In the mist 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 3:37:53 PM
Murphy can tell the tree has been down a while. Possibly longer then Murphy has been alive. The bite marks are bigger then a normal size humanoid.

Shel calls Murphy over to the set of tracks, but then moves back to the group. That might be a wise plan.

Bliss reduces, casts Message and relays for the others to continue on the path.

Cameron suguests filling up the waterskin and heading out of the area

Trill looks at the tracks and then it hits her. Looks like Gorilla tracks. (Ooc: Don't you need a knowledge arcane for magical beasts?)

Kezzem cannot recall any local legends, and does his best to look around for something.

Alleah throws stealth aside and shares her opinion on getting out of the Culverwood asap.

Murphy also sees the tracks and figures they could be gorilla tracks, though bigger. But what kind of gorilla calls the culverwood home.

Pressi offers to climb the tree if need be. Decisions need to be made.

Some.splashes from the pool, and some insects buzzing around are all that can be heard when a silent moment goes by. Everyone is waiting for a giant, bipedel meat eater to come exploding out of the woods. If the party leaves, same marching order as before?

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+16=20 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 4:53:27 PM

In a stage whisper, Murphy says, "Some sort of huge gorilla. Let's go - same marching order, tighter formation, except that I'll be towards the back with Pressi, in case something comes from that direction for the next half hour."

Murphy has an entangle spell in the forefront of his mind, and ready to cast if need be.

[Perception 20]

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+9=11 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=23 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 7:38:38 PM
(OOC: Shawn > No, because Trills favored enemy is magical beast/animal so she actually gets a bonus on a bunch of stuff about them.)

"Yup Murphy it is definitely some sort of gorilla, But I don't believe it is magical. That doesn't mean its not fae though. So yes let's go with some haste. I would say we need to keep an eye turned upward into the trees too while we move."

"Hey Bliss do you think that perhaps Mookie could scout for us through the trees while we focus on the ground?"

As they move out Trill keeps a look out for more tracks or signs of the gorilla beast or anything else that might be a cause for concern.

Survival DCs 11 & 27, Perception DCs 14 & 23

Dm Shawn: Ok.. Highlight to display spoiler: {then you know it resembles a girallon foot print more.}

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 9:07:17 PM
"A gorilla, or perhaps someone who can shift into the form of a gorilla" Alleah adds. She's seen Murphy change into all sorts of creatures before. Surely in a place like the Culverwood, other such people could be found.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+12=21 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 10:15:33 PM
"Oh, please. If it is another shape shifter, we could just sue it to oblivion," Pressi said.

(Perception 21)

"Ok, tight formation it is," Pressi said as Murphy fell back. "Wow, you really did mean tight."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 11:23:14 PM
Hearing the nature experts discuss that's there was either a large gorilla or a shapeshifter that could turn into a gorilla didn't sound great to Shel. She was glad the group decided to close ranks, so to speak. She kept her spot in the marching order, and she made a note that she was going to talk one of the others into sharing her watch, the next time her number came up.

"Why don't we scurry on out of this general area? The quicker we move, the quicker we can put the gorilla behind us. I can use a Haste spell to let us cover more ground for several seconds," she offers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 7:18:40 AM
Pressi shook her head. "You know, I love this group decision that the possibility of moving in the wrong direction, say away from any major city or toward this gorilla in our midst, is more speed.

"Don't get me wrong. I agree with you that sooner or later, you just have to make your best guess if the alternative is paralysis or circular reasoning. But this seems to be something that's better handled by stealth and planning than by haste."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 7:59:20 AM
"I don't think I heard any alternatives, Pressi. Contribute or don't just criticize, please," Shel adds in a huff.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+15=32 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 8:01:10 AM

"Trill, we can do it!" says Bliss. He reinforces his Reduce and shares an Enlarge with Mookie. Hopping on his familiar's back, he cries, "Hie Ho, Mookie! Away!"

Mookie mutters, "Sure, sure, Kid." The bird flies to a nearby tree branch. The next round, to another branch. The round after, up and to the ground. And like that, essentially making big hops every round.

"Mookie, why don't we go super high and look around?" asks Bliss.

"Kid, we're overdue to meet some flying enemy, and I do not want to be in midair when we do. Up on a tree branch is plenty fine."

"But Mookie ..."

"Look, your mom made me promise to keep you safe, so just settle down, youngster. We're doing fine."

"Oh," says Bliss. "OK." He contents himself with recasting the enlarge/reduce magic that makes this possible every mnute or so.

Perception from a treetop or rocky boulder or shubbery or the air in midhop: 32.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 9:20:13 AM
"I suppose that's fair," Pressi said. "Of course, I don't pretend to have any idea of alternatives, either. Its the monk way to throw out generalized statements that get others to think about stuff, especially given that I don't have a lot of prep moves and hardly know what you can do.

"That said, it occurs to me that maybe you could use some mist or darkness or something to keep us hidden, or maybe even try to direct the creature."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 10:18:10 AM
(OOC: Pressi's watch is after Shel's and she hasn't been sleeping well, so she might keep Shel company if Shel asks.)

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+10=27 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+6=21 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 12:46:41 PM
Murphy has set the direction, and Cameron has military experience, so he follows it.
As far as he is concerned this is the big critter's hunting area. The kill is his, the watering hole is sufficiently marked as his, so a wise mobile hunter would get out of the area as soon as possible to avoid a fight, unless that is what they want. It isn't what HE wants, because this critter is easily too large for him to trip and doesn't appear to fight with weapons, leaving him no moves if it comes down to combat. He heads off on the heading Murphy and he figured was this Humble's Ford place and tries to keep quiet as he goes.
Stealth (-5 for going normal speed) 27(heck, add +2 to the roll for my stealthy hunter ability. I never get to use it, I know the ape is here and as far as I know he doesn't know I am)
Perception 31
Survival 21 to keep the heading
Readied action to shoot anything that attacks the group (not merely threatens it) Hits AC 21 for 8 damage.(rolled awhile ago, still unused)
----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=30 ; d3+2=3 ; 3d6=6 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 1:18:06 PM
"I've got my eye on the big ape," says Kezzem. He readies a dagger to hurl at the beast, just in case.

Ready Attack: 30 + 1 (Point-Blank Shot, if applicable); adjust with Far Shot if needed
Damage: 3 plus 6 (Sneak Attack, if applicable) + 1 (Point-Blank Shot, if applicable)


Dm Shawn - Gorilla In the mist 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 9:23:01 PM
The word gorilla goes around the group. If the print fits, name it.. it appears.

The decision is made to skirt the edges of the alpha predators domain and leave It alone. Seems wise enough.

Moving down the path, everyone expects the beast to attack at any moment. The group moves about a 1/4 mile past the watering hole and the tension lets up a bit... that's when everyone hear it. A Scream from the deepest pits of pain. Something screaming its last scream of its life as something else ends it. As soon as it comes, if goes. The woods are once again quiet.

The scream came from the direction you are headed but you are unsure of the distance.


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 10:35:42 PM

"This must be the right direction," Murphy says grimly. "Let us see who has died. And who, or what, has slain."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 11:07:00 PM
"One second," Pressi said. "I haven't told Shel 'I told you so' yet, and I'm having trouble figuring out the best way. Should I go sarcastic, do some prop comedy maybe? Or should I just shout Booyah. "

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle)  d20+25=34 ; d20+15=18 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 11:36:21 PM

From a tree branch overhead, Bliss laughs at Pressi's words. "BOOYAH!" he shouts.

"Hush!" Mookie responds, and then the scream pierces the air.

"That sounds dangerous," says Bliss. He cancels the enlarge on Mookie. "I better check it out." He casts message to connect himself to Cam, Alleah, and Mookie.

The tiny fellow sneaks off at his longstrider-accelerated rate of 40, hiding in plain sight where possible, sticking to underbrush and foliage otherwise. He quietly renews his Reduce Person when he seems able to do so unobserved. He keeps his eyes and ears open and whispers what he discovers back to his friends. He keeps his bah loaded.

Stealth 34, Perception 18.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday December 4th, 2015 8:41:49 AM
"Yes, Pressi, I would hate to have quickly gotten to the area so we might have saved whoever just made that death wail. Great point. Perhaps you can tell the corpse that when we happen upon it...I'm sure that will be comforting to it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+15=26 ; d20+12=25 ;
Friday December 4th, 2015 2:29:24 PM
"I have no doubt that it would be more comforting for us to rush into the situation completely blind. Misery and company after all....

"At any rate, I believe it is now time for action, unless Shel would prefer to continue to waste our time with arguments, blessings of Domi upon her."

Pressi made her way towards the front line, trying to keep as silent as possible. Every time Shel says something afterwards, Pressi places a finger on her lips.

(Stealth 26, Perception 25)

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+10=26 ; d20+12=21 ;
Friday December 4th, 2015 3:45:00 PM
Cameron is not one to cast stones, heck he usually talks to most opponents they meet, to the constant anguish of his former group of flat out fighter. But this ceaseless bickering was just so... pointless.
" If you two don't stop bickering we may have to lock you both in a small room and wait until the sounds of combat fade before we open the door. Honestly, lets just TRY working as a team and see how it goes."
Staying focused he slipped ahead, still moving at full speed and still trying to remain at least somewhat hidden.
Stealth 26, 28 if that Stealthy hunter bonus applies
Perception 21
Readied action abandoned to move again in my standard action phase
----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today



Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP14of21) (Cayzle) 
Friday December 4th, 2015 5:58:24 PM

Bliss continues to advance as quietly as he can.

Back in the group, Mookie snorts at the bickering and Cam's reaction.

"Good one, Camelot!" he caws. "We've missed you around here!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday December 4th, 2015 8:30:40 PM
That scream. That awful scream. Alleah wants to spur Thistle onward, to call out that help is on the way. But the others show caution, and so she must try to restrain herself.

"We might still be able to save whoever that was. Please, let's not waste another moment."

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 47/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+9=13 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=15 ;
Friday December 4th, 2015 10:33:08 PM
Ok all from everything I can tell this print belongs to a beast called a Girallon. It is extremely aggressive, blood thirsty and extremely savage. Eight feet tall, four armed, eight hundred pounds, stuff of nightmares.

Trill keeps on trekking along the ground.

survival 13, 15; perception 20, 15

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Friday December 4th, 2015 10:48:02 PM
Murphy, very grimly, assures the group they are moving in the right direction. If the halflings words weren't enough, the now quiet woods after the Scream is a good indication.

Prissi and Shel bicker back and forth, laying blame on one another, and throwing snide remarks back and forth. It is only punctuated with a loud Booyah from Bliss.

Cameron lets the two know their bickering is getting old, and maybe they want to find a room and hash it out.

Alleah tells the group not to waste time. The scream was bad, but they couldn't waste any time incase their was more screams on their way.

Trill finally realizes what they are tracking and let's the group in on the secret. Not a gorilla but a Girallon.

Bliss and Cameron are the two that move up, staying as quiet as possible. But who is to know if the Girallon isn't aware of the intruders in his hunting grounds.

Up ahead, the two come across the scene of a murder. That is the only thing that can describe what they see. A large bear, laying on it's side. It's neck spun completely around so it can look at it's own back. It's chest ripped open, show casing it's heart.. or more correctly where it's heart was.

Branches are swaying in the wind... or maybe swaying from something knocking into it as they left.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=20 ; d3+2=4 ; 3d6=7 ;
Saturday December 5th, 2015 12:34:37 PM
"I guess we're going to have to kill the beast, right?" asks Kezzem.

He readies a dagger in case anything shows itself.

Attack: 20 + 1 (Point-Blank Shot); Far Shot
Damage: 4 + 7 (Sneak Attack) + 1 (Point-Blank Shot)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday December 5th, 2015 3:05:07 PM
"If something's strong enough to kill a bear like this, can we have a chance at killing it, Kezzem? Look how big this thing is. To snap it's neck so easily...wow, I don't know if we are ready. I say we keep moving and hopefully we just avoid the beast."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+12=24 ;
Saturday December 5th, 2015 8:13:10 PM
Pressi stared at Shel, open mouthed, for a while before finally turning to Cameron. "Is that locked room option still on the table?"

"Of course we have a chance of killing this... GrillOn? Am I saying that right? Girlaloon? Of course we have a chance of killing it. First, there's eight of us as opposed to one bear. Second, we just mowed through a number of trained orcs without breaking a sweat. And third, I can't speak for everyone here but I like to think I'm smarter than the average bear."

Pressi knelt down at the bear for a little bit, saying some silent prayers while taking some of the blood and smearing it over her face. "Anyone else? Anyone?"

Pressi stood up, looking at the surrounding area (Perception 24). "Okay, I think we have a chance to bring the beast here and trap it. And as part of my plan, I personally volunteer to be the bait while everyone else sneaks. Now, I believe the key to this is not just spells to trap the creature but also spells to direct it. Fog, illusions, whatever it takes. That's my vote anyway, to try to get it into a choke point."

(Readied action: In case anything shows itself.)

"Or we can just say screw it." Pressi shoots up into her bugbear form (-1 to AC, +1 to CMD) and beckons the Girallon towards her.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=10 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+10=22 ; d6+1=5 ; d6=4 ;
Saturday December 5th, 2015 11:34:12 PM
" Well, you beat me to volunteering, and you seem to have a similar idea to what I had so I'll share my idea and back you up."
Cameron reaches deep into his religious bag of tricks and tries to recall everything Jancassis has taught him about hunters and predators.
Knowledge religion 10
Clearly this isn't much, but he pushes on.
" Predators have a territory. They defend it from anything that tries to move in because they want to be able to hunt there and not share their bounty. If you go on as you are, making like you are stealing it's kill from it and making it your own, there is a really good chance it will be angry and come after you. Like good hunters we all hide in the brush here and wait for it, then try to keep it from doing to you what it did to the bear and the deer."
" Very brave of you by the way. Recklessly brave maybe. Would you accept Jancassis help in staying alive?"
If the answer is yes,Cameron lays a hand on Pressi's shoulder and asks Jancassis to protect her as she hunts this dangerous predator. Cast Shield of Faith on Pressi +2 Deflection AC. Cameron then produces a wand from his pants pocket and taps Pressi on the head with it. It grants her a Shield spell for the next minute. +4 shield bonus and absorbs Magic Missiles.
UMD 31 to beat DC 20 to activate a wand
"That is all I can offer from my keep people alive fund, I hope it helps. I will do my best to hurt it when it comes for you."
Cameron then fades back into the trees at the edge of the clearing and waits for this Grillion to come for Pressi.
Stealth 19 +2 if the Grillion is not yet aware of Cameron (used stealthy hunter again)
Once hidden Cameron slings his heavy crossbow, and pulls out the slingshot Bliss gave him when Bliss left the Fist. Cameron picks up three pebbles from the forest floor, whispers a few words over them and fits one onto the slingshot, while holding the other two ready.
Readied sling shot for when the Grillion attacks Pressi hits AC 22 for 5 damage + 4 sneak attack damage if that applies.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
Magic Stone (3 stones) 30 minutes duration
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Delay Poison (domain), Magic Weapon, Bless, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Shield of Faith, Magic Stone (3 stones),
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
2/5 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=15 ; d20+9=27 ;
Sunday December 6th, 2015 7:49:36 AM
Alleah instinctively places her hand to her mouth to try and calm any gag reflex.

She turns her head away from the scene, and keeps a close watch on the forest behind them. (Perception: 15)

She thinks hard, trying to recall any details about a "Girallon" might be, and what strengths and weaknesses it might have (Knowl Arcana: 27)

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 54/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent) 
Sunday December 6th, 2015 8:08:55 AM
"Why are we now all riled up about killing something that has not attacked us or threatened us and is only doing what it does by nature and Domi's will? Are you planning on killing this beast for food? If so don't you think 800 pounds of meat is perhaps a bit too much for the eight of us. Not to mention predators aren't usually very tasty eats. and this delays your return to the valley and the tower."

"I know am not the leader of this group, but I think we should just move on. Why ask for trouble?"

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Sunday December 6th, 2015 9:10:50 AM
Why does it always come down to having to explain these things?
Hobbes scuttles up onto Cameron's shoulder, still unable to be seen by anyone else and answers the disciple of Jancassis.
Weren't you on the other side of this discussion last time sonny boy? I would LOVE to hear you justify this one. What spheres of the Lady's power do you claim to worship again?
Venom and Hunting, Hobbes, you know that. That's why I can explain it
Oh I can't wait...
Quiet Hobbes, the adults are talking now.

Cameron looks at his shoulder for a moment, almost as if something were there and conversing with him. After a moment he turns to Trill and answers his question.
" I am a hunter, so I understand your point. Let me see if I can explain at least why I think it needs to be brought down."
"It isn't a natural predator, that bear is. A natural predator would kill for it's dinner, not for sport. That bear was killed for sport, just look at it. The killer took a trophy and left the meat. The deer is very similar. I would wager we aren't going to get out of the Culverwood in the next couple of minutes, which means we will be sleeping and vulnerable near here tonight. Who wants to wait for this thing while sleeping? Show of hands please."
"No one does"
" The Culverwood is known to direct travelers around inside it's confines. My guess since it lets many of the good ones go eventually is that it uses the travelers to fix the problems going on inside itself that it can't fix on it's own. It brought us to the site of a unnatural hunter in its woods. A hunter that is upsetting the natural balance. It wants this hunter gone, but the animals it has at it's disposal, like bears, aren't up to the job, which is odd, because I have seen a bear tear an armored man in half. If the Culverwood is asking for help in dealing with it's problems, the likely reward for such help is a quick route to the edge you were looking for. Isn't that why we are here?"
" When it was just the deer I felt like you do, it is a predator, leave it alone. This kil; marks it as more that a predator. I asked Jancassis last night for a clear path that we were on the right track. The last time I asked that, she led me with signs of venom and poison at each milestone in our journey. my friends thought me insane as I rejoiced at every sign of poison in our path. This time she is showing me signs of her hunter aspect. I can see them very well, even if they aren't as clear to others. This is why I am here, what I am supposed to be doing. Pressi seems to feel the same. If it is just me and her, I am afraid we will both die, but that hasn't stopped me before and now I have no fear of it, thanks to my Lady's tests"
Cameron waits to see if there are more questions, before fading back into the trees.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Sunday December 6th, 2015 9:15:37 AM
Trill spoke up before Pressi could respond to Cameron. For a while, she was silent, looking at Trill, at the Bear, at the group around her.

Finally, she stood. "My apologies for letting my competitiveness get the best of me. And for forgetting my place. While it would be the easy thing to ambush this creature, it wouldn't be the right thing. Shel, that haste may be a good idea and thank you for offering. But I do think we should also consider ways to get this creature moving in a different direction, even if I have to lead it away myself."

Later on, she will answer Cameron. "I did almost refuse your god's offer, and I want to apologize for that too. When I became a monk of a Pantheon god, I agreed to give all the Pantheon gods the respect they are due. Otherwise, why even have a Pantheon?"

Pressi, however, does keep her readied action to transform if anything bursts out at them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Sunday December 6th, 2015 9:27:37 AM
(Note: I posted at the same time as Cameron, so I didn't respond to him. Some retconning.)

"I do agree, Cameron, that we need to protect ourselves. And I don't trust that it will leave us alone just because we leave it alone. But if we trap it as I suggested, aren't we hunting for sport ourselves? Just with some rationalization that we can decide what's natural and what is not? Domi can also be about the hunt, even about hunting for sport. But isn't part of the hunt knowing when to let an animal go?

"Not because of fear. Because it can take courage to not kill. Because it can take courage to back down."

At this point, Pressi calls for a vote - we can ambush it, track it down, or try to avoid it/lead it away. Before she votes herself, she asks Murphy what he thinks about all this, silent as he has been.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood.  d20+16=29 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 5:19:57 AM

"Aside from our time with Cnossis, and figuring out how to get past the morels, our brief encounters have not slowed us down too much," Murphy says. "The snakes side-trip did eat up part of a day, but we also came across Trillium.

"So, whether we forge ahead, and possibly have one or more girallons stalk us, or remain and fight will likely not make a huge difference in how long our trip takes - so long as we all survive."

"The creature kills for sport, perhaps. Maybe it likes its meat to ripen before eating. Trill - are they the gorillas with six limbs? I do not know. I do not want to stand around and wait. Let's move forward now with caution, and be on the lookout for a good defensible position." He looks about their present surroundings to see how thick the trees and bushes stand, how high above the ground the branches begin, and casts longstrider on himself. He listens to the breeze, attending in particular to any sounds even slightly out of the ordinary.

He leads out, adding, "We travel as hunted hunters, Cameron." Walking through the forest, he makes no tracks, and uses a varying pattern of looking ahead, up, left, right, and over his shoulder, changing the sequence of his scan so as not to be overly predictable to any observer.
[Perception 29]

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Monday December 7th, 2015 7:52:53 AM

"Let's just leave it alone," says Bliss. "My Aunt Priss has a saying ..." he concentrates on remembering the right words, and the tip of his tongue pokes out the corner of his mouth.

" 'Nature Red In Tooth And Claw,' I think it went. It means that creatures in nature kill each other, and that's okay. If it attacks us, we'll fight it. Sometimes things die. It's sad, and I used to get more upset about it. But things like that don't bother me like they did when I was a little kid."

The look in Bliss's eye as he stares at the ruined bear might make you wonder if he is quite so inured as he says.

"So let's just get going."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+9=15 ; d8=4 ; d20+12=18 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 1:02:21 PM
Cameron shrugs, casts none of his spells and follows along. Several of the others are casting long term movement spells. At this he shrugs too. He had asked whether or not the group of like speed halflings used such magic, so he could prepare it himself and gotten no answer. He was used to casting them just to keep pace with the humans in his group and not be a burden. Now they would just have to move at the slowest speed or become strug out and an even more appetizing prey fro this large predator.
He does keep his crossbow ready for an attack though
Readied attack hits AC 15 for 4 damage
Perception 18
----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist  d20+5=19 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=29 ; d4+6=9 ; d4+6=9 ; d20+12=31 ; d6+6=9 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 5:53:57 PM
Shel asks the inportant question. Could they kill something like this.

Pressi scouts around the area, and even offers to be the bait. She takes the form of a bugbear... maybe the girallon has a sweet tooth for bears?

Alleah has to hold back a gag. She decides to use her time scouting behind them and try to recall any weakness the girallon has... she cannot recall any. In fact she recalls it being an apex predator.

Trill speaks up about the creature not doing anything agressive to them, which leads to a back and forth between Trill, Pressi and Shel about the merits of killing this creature. Pressi wants to vote.

Murphy gives his point of view on the whole situation, and wants to find a defensible position. He uses his time to scan around looking for anything.

Bliss tries to recall a saying he heard, his look might show more then he is letting on.

Murphy is the first to pick up movement, and isn't surprised when the woods erupt to the left of the group. The giant four armed, ape looking creature is pegged with Camerons' sling as he was waiting to attack. (I am a nice dm and too the shot that hit, your crossbow attack missed.)

Kezzem flicks a dagger at the garillon, but misses.

Pressi readied an action.... (take one for this round and one for the next round, I don't want to waste a day and miss a round. Murphy gets a second action as he was the one who spotted the creature. )

The ape swings two fists into Trill. Connecting once. (9dmg)
The second two fists swing into Pressi, also connecting once (9 dmg)
It also reaches forward and takes a chunk out of Trill with its mouth (9 dmg)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Wbt_Q260ep9vxjiODwFH1dNoksJ3euvZFfsb0zG9ggc/edit?usp=sharing


Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 36/54, CMD: 20, hasted ) (Kent)  d20+14=30 ; d4+6=8 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 7:46:56 PM
Hit and bitten, Trill manages to answer several questions. Murphy 4 arms and Now we can Kill it!!

Catching it coming at her from the side Trill draws her sword and slices into the beast as it attacks her.

AC 30 for 8 points damage

She then take a 5 ft move to E6.



Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d8=2 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 7:48:21 PM
Cameron looks at the beast and has no doubt that it is a predator. His stone smacked it hard and it is still far enough away from his friends for a second spell before it intermingles with his friends. He calls on his goddess and drops a stunning burst of sound behind the creature(B7 looks like it shuld miss Murphy).
Cast sound burst for 2 damage Fort DC 14 or stunned for one round
Cameron then reloads his sling
( Since you were being nice and took the sling's readied action, I counted the magic stone spell as cast and noted it below, otherwise I wouldn't have done nearly as much damage)
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone,1 of 3 used, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Monday December 7th, 2015 7:50:30 PM
the above should read "B7 looks like it shuld miss Trill" not Murphy.
My bad.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 34/43, CMD 24  d20+8=15 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=17 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=5 ;
Monday December 7th, 2015 8:22:25 PM
> Pressi readied an action.... (take one for this round and one for the next round)

(OOC: I think there's some confusion. The transformation to a bugbear is the action I readied for this round, so I only have the next round left. I will provide both, just to be on the safe side.)

"Glad to have your permission," she snarked to Trill. "Teach me to ever listen to anyone and be flexible."

Pressi lept, grabbing at the large (even by bugbear standards) furball. (Grapple 15 - probably not enough). "Domi marked Bandersnatch," she muttered.

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

(If she actually does get two moves)

"Ok, lets try this on for size," Pressi said as she took a full swing. (Both Hits 17. If hit, damage =9+5 or 14).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday December 7th, 2015 10:58:56 PM
Shel casts Haste on the group and moves away from the scrum to G 10. "Eeek," she squeals as she heads in the opposite direction upon seeing the awful monkey creature.

[i]OOC: Remember your Haste bonuses everyone![/ooc]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=89 ; d20+11=29 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 12:56:25 AM
Alleah reaches for a nearby leyline and uses it to help Trill, before cautiously guiding Thistle out of reach of the girallon.

---------------
Alleah: Standard Action - Cast Bull's Strength on Trill. Leyline check: 89 = Freebie! Trill receives a +4 enhancement bonus to stregth
Alleah: Move Action - Guide Thistle in a 5ft step east to G7
Alleah: Perception check: 29 (in case there are more of them)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d100=45 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 1:03:23 AM

Bliss casts Blindness on the monster. (Fort Save DC 14 to resist.)

Ley check 45 = A-OK.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 34/43, CMD 24  d20+7=10 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 8:38:51 AM
(Quick addendum to my move, occurring before the hasting)

If Pressi gets both the grapple try and the flurry, she spends 1 ki to add another blow. (Hits AC 10, just not my night.)

If Pressi only gets the grapple, she spends 1 ki to add to her AC (it jumps to 21 for this round).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+14=21 ; d3+2=3 ; 3d6=13 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 11:34:55 AM
Kezzem will move to get in a flanking position with someone on the girillion. With the haste, he should be able to have enough movement to circle around out of reach of the creature using a single move.

Kezzem then attacks with one of his magical daggers.

Attack: 21 (probably a miss).
Damage: 3 + 13 (Sneak Attack) = 16.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning  3d10=19 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 1:45:34 PM
First action: Murphy steps 5 feet diagonally away from the beast, and casts call lightning on the girallon. [As there is wind in the forest and the spell indicates damage is 3d10 if there is wind and clouds, rather than 3d6 in quiet weather, am rolling 3d10. Please roll 3d6 for me if the conditions are not sufficient to justify 3d10]

Second action: The casting is complete, and a carefully targeted vertical bolt of lightning comes down upon the head of the monster (19 hp damage, reflex save for half) - centered such that it barely avoids singeing Pressi.

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist  d20+10=21 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+12=31 ; d4+6=10 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=28 ; d4+6=7 ; d4+6=7 ; d4+6=10 ; d4+6=8 ; d6+6=8 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 2:30:18 PM
Trill sliced into the girallon, cutting into it's flank.

Cameron casts a spell, bring a deafening sound behind the creature. The damage is done but the ape is not stunned.

Pressi rushes the ape, and tries wrestling it. She wou of have a better shot wrestling a greased pig.

Shel casts haste while moving away.

Alleah casts Bulls strength on Trill while guiding Thistle away.

Bliss casts Blindness but if the creature is affected it, it doesnt show any harm.

Kezzem moves around and tries flanking the monster. His dagger attack misses and he gets a punch for his efforts. (10dmg)

Murphy calls down the lightning, grazing the creature.

Something Pressi did must have angered the creature, or it just wants to kill her as the creature swings all four arms and bites her connecting four times. (32 dmg)

Girallon 21 dmg

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 34/43, CMD 24 
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 2:58:51 PM
(OOC: Three times. My AC should have been 21 for that attack.)

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 3:25:49 PM
Ooc: Ok. 7 less damage

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 36/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+17=23 ; d20+17=33 ; d4+6=7 ; d4+6=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 3:44:06 PM
Trill moves around for a flanking strike (Don't have map can't tell you where) And feeling a surge of strength and speed lashes out with her rapier twice AC 23 for 7 points and AC 33 for 8 points damage (an additional 7 + 7 points damage if able to get a flanking position)

She continues to move in order to move to the rear of the beast.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d8=8 ; d100=14 ; d8=3 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 3:56:14 PM

Worried about Pressi, Bliss gets out a vial, takes a five ft step behind her, and smears the oil on her. It is oil of cure moderate wounds, and it restores 14 hp damage to Pressi. [OOC: please ignore d100 roll -- misclicked.]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+10=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d20+10=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 7:19:14 PM
OOC
I didn't see any updates to the map, so I will post my damages with and without sneak attack since I am not able to tell where to go to get flanking.

IC
Cameron can try only one of two responses to the ape beating the snot out of Pressi. He is pretty sure it will beat the snot out of him next if tries to get close enough to heal her. instead he tries to put the beast down. He takes a 5 foot step closer to Pressi in case he needs to heal her next round and fires another stone from his sling. Things are moving so fast that he has time to fire a second time as well.
Sling attack hits AC 17 for 6 damage +1 more if it is a sneak attack
Haste attack hits AC 18 for 5 damage +3 more if it is a sneak attack
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste
Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Delay Poison (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone,3 of 3 used, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
0/5 channel energy used for today

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=76 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 8:13:55 PM
Alleah reaches for another leyline, this time to target the Gorillon!

----------------------------
Alleah: Standard Action: Cast Blindness/Deafness on the Gorillon. Leyline check: 76 = Ok. Gorillon to make a Fort save vs DC16 or be permanently blinded!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 22/43, CMD 25 (hasted, bugbear)(used 2 ki)  d20+10=11 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+9=13 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 10:44:41 PM
(OOC re some confusion: I think Kezzem, Pressi, and Trill are all flanking each other. With a large creature, almost any triangle will do. That's good because I keep forgetting sneak attack applies to flanking.)

Pressi gives a nod of appreciation to Bliss, but it's clear in her eyes that she wishes he had stayed back, and not just because of her own ego.

She is also rather silent, aside from a brief admission that she may have not thought this all the way through. She isn't sure why the Girallon is so fixated on her, though transforming into another predator and poking at his prey might be a factor.

With a swallow, Pressi lets loose a flurry (with flanking bonus), the first attack being a stunning fist.

(Nat 1, AC 15, Nat 1)

(Hero point spent - extra action)

Whispering to Bliss and Cameron to get back, Pressi tries grappling the beast again. (Grapple 13.)

(Well, it's been a pleasure getting to know you.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 22/43, CMD 25 (hasted, bugbear)(used 2 ki) 
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 10:45:17 PM
Oh, and Pressi prepares for the inevitable with a swift action boost to AC.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  3d4+3=10 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 10:53:28 PM
Shel casts an Empowered Magic Missile at the four armed beast. They strike true.

OOC: 15 damage from the empowered spell.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning  3d12=19 ; 3d10=11 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 12:26:53 AM

Murphy steps back to where he had been, and lightly touches Pressi, next to Bliss, "Gaseous form - go with it Press," he says, and casts the spell, rendering her into an insubstantial translucent mist. "Float away a bit," he recommends. Then the druid points to the sky, and a bolt of lightning discharges upon the gorillon's head, for another 11 points of electrical damage. [accidentally rolled 3d12 first]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 38/48, CMD 19  d20+11=30 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=16 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=9 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 10:33:54 AM
Dagger, dagger, dagger.

Attack #1: 30 + 2 (Flanking) = 32.
Damage: 3 + 13 (Sneak Attack) = 16.

Attack #2: 30 + 2 (Flanking) = 22.
Damage: 5 + 10 (Sneak Attack) = 15.

Attack #3: 30 + 2 (Flanking) = 18.
Damage: 3 + 9 (Sneak Attack) = 12.


Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist  d20+11=21 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 5:30:35 PM
Trill uses the flanking of the creature to tear into the beast. Huge gashes appear were her weapon tore.

Bliss heals Pressi for 1r damge. Her brusies look less purple.

Cameron whips two slings shots at the creature but the hard muscles repel the the stones.

Alleah reaches into her leyline and casts Blindness but the creature is unaffected.

Pressi swings her sword three times but does nothing damaging. Reaching into her heroism she attempts to wrestle the beast down, but muscle and sinew prevents that from happening.

Shel unleashes and empowered magic missle, obviously hurting the beast.

Murphy thinks defensively and casts gaseous form on Pressi to get her out of the situation. If she is willing she is able to float 10' away. (Haste doesn't give a second spell, if you have and meant to use a hero point let me know. )

Kezzem steps in with the dagger and dices into the ape. The last shot plunges into the creatures stomach and before it's eyes can glaze over the four arms go limp and the creature drops.

Ooc:

Garillon Dead

Somethings about HasteWhen making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature's full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. (This effect is not cumulative with similar effects, such as that provided by a speed weapon, nor does it actually grant an extra action, so you can't use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round.)

I will give out xp a lititle later tonight

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 6:54:19 PM

"Well struck, Kezzem," Murphy says. "Shel, thanks for the missiles." He was not able fully to track what everyone did, however.

He kneels down and looks at their opponent. "You are a formidable beast, girallon." He touches the fur, to see what it feels like.

If Pressi took advantage of turning to mist, he tells her, "Stay in that form for a little bit, Pressi, to get used to it. You can move about slowly - forward, back, upward, downward. When you decide you have been a beautiful cloud for long enough, simply decide to return to your normal self, and we can heal you up the rest of the way."

"Bliss - a timely healing that was. I was afraid for her."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 6:55:35 PM
"Thanks Mister Murphy."

"Well, that was something else," says Bliss. "He was a bad monkey."

"Should we skin him and the bear? At least then the furs would not go to waste."

"I know a spell to keep the furs and meat fresh if we wanna take some with."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:05:29 PM

OOC: Sorry about the lightning bolt, Shawn. With the description of call lightning, and the haste spell, I thought I could do it, but was mistaken.

Dm Shawn: No sweat Kim. Just mentioned it because it has happened in the last game I dm'd also.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:08:53 PM

"Sure, Bliss. That is a good idea. Furs can help keep us warm - or be sold to buy needed items. I'll help. Anyone else?"

He gets out his dagger, takes a minute or so to keen the edge, then carefully begins the process of skinning the girallon.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=21 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:14:52 PM
Alleah keeps her distance from Murphy's butchering of the gorillon. Blood is a very sacred substance to Bloodwitches, and should she aid in skinning the beast, she may very well find her magical abilities suppressed for a while.

Instead, she looks about and listens. Perhaps the gorillon wasn't alone?

Perception: 21

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:35:24 PM
Shel also averted her gaze from the butchering of the beast. She didn't care if she had to make a bad creature bleed, but she didn't want to be the one who was cutting it up afterwards. "Good idea, Alleah, if there's another one of those things around, we don't need to let it sneak up on us!"

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:49:23 PM
Cameron waits until he is sure the Gorillian is dead then looks to be sure all of them are close enough to him, especially Pressi. When everyone is close enough he will call upon Jancassis and channel positive energy to heal his several injured companions.
Channel energy for 10 healing to everyone. (forgive the d8s, sometimes I forget what I am doing. The d6s worked out better anyways)
With the healing out of the way, at least until Pressi regains material form, he helps skin the beast and preserve the meat, quietly praying to the goddess of the hunt as he does so. She should be pleased that the meat will not go unused.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
1/5 channel energy used for today

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  2d8+1=8 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=8 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:49:53 PM
Digging through her bag Trill pulls out a CMW potion and quaffs it down. She hands another to Pressi.
"here drink this it tastes awful but it will help. Pressi gets 12 more points back

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 22/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki, 1 hero point) 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 8:48:51 PM
Pressi, finally defeated, had taken the gaseous form, feeling like an utter failure, completely out of control. There had been a part of her that continued to fight - maybe she could float away and get a smokestick, or float above the creature and drop straight down like a stone - but deep down, even before the gorilla fell, she knew she had let everyone down, that she hadn't even stubbed its toe.

Embarrassed as she was, she did feel a strong amount of gratitude. Until Murphy had said something that sounded to her like she was trapped in that form until he chose to bring her back. (OOC its not clear if Pressi can dismiss it or only Murphy, but I originally misread the statement as Murphy would have to bring her back). Pressi did not feel like being a cloud.

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

"Look, I get what he was trying to do," Pressi grumbled to Bliss later. "I've been through all the martial arts stuff. I've done the psych stuff. Control anger, move slowly, wax on. I don't need anyone to tell me how to handle my humiliation at the fact I had to retreat and leave it to... I mean, what good am I if I can't even...."

For what may have been the first time in years, Pressi sat down in the dirt and started crying.

"Thank you," she finally said between tears. "Thank you for just listening..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+12=28 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 9:01:13 PM
With heals from Trill and Cameron, Pressi found herself feeling better, physically at any rate. After some thank yous to pretty much everyone on the team, she took a step back to look over the situation.

About half the team continued to skin the gorilla and bear, while the others pretended not to be grossed out by the situation. She supposed that she should join in, but was pretty sure she'd cut her own neck by mistake at this rate. Too late, she realized that she could have used the gaseous form to try and get some height to look around, but settled for taking a look through the area (Perception 28), as well as watching Shel in particular warily. She wasn't quite ready to talk to Shel yet.

Pressi did sit down next to Murphy. "Thank you for helping me, before.... So, you were really worried about me, huh."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 11:10:58 PM
Alleah grins. Cameron could channel healing magic as well? Why, between the two of them they should be able to patch up nearly any injury!

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning 
Wednesday December 9th, 2015 11:51:54 PM

"Well, of course I was worried, Pressi. That was a killer monster - I don't know if I've ever seen anything that could rip someone up so quickly. And you are too precious to let that happen to you. Hope you didn't mind me vaporizing you without ever discussing it ahead of time." He scratches his nose. "Had to do that one time for Shel. A huge snake was squishing her, and biting, and I was afraid it might try to swallow her."

He takes a moment to explain how the spell works, and that it lasts twelve minutes or so with his current level of training. "You have total control over it, though. First, you can resist it and just refuse to go into cloud form. Second, when you take that form, you control what direction you go - though if it's real windy, it might blow you along. Third, when you want to go back to your normal shape and substance, you just kind of decide to do that. It's a fairly polite spell, all told. Now, you can still get hurt in that form, but physical attacks have to be pretty heavy duty to cause you harm, and your insubstantial form helps to avoid some of that damage." He goes into further detail - Pressi should understand it well after he finishes (so, read the spell description, and you have the knowledge of its effects and parameters, and DR/10, etc.).

[Just OOC: I'm trying to figure out what Murphy said that made Pressi think he was telling her he would have to dispel it - I thought it was clear he was telling her she had control over it, and when it ended.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 4:01:50 AM
Alleah interjects "Actually Murphy, Pressi cannot dismiss the spell. Once she accepted it, it would last until either 12 minutes pass, or, you choose to return her to her normal form. She would not be able to return to her normal self by herself"

-------------------------
OOC: Dismissible spells can only be dismissed by the caster, and only if they expend a standard action to do so

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 4:26:14 AM
OOC
Kent and I cross posted. Still, I will resume my default bold, italicized, and underlined healing messages both in and out of combat. I know they can sometimes be hard to pick out, especially in combat where things move fast.. Kent unless you took more hits than just the first one you should be able to save your potion. (DM permitting of course)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 8:57:55 AM
OOC: Actually, Kent gave me the potion, and as you can see I don't really need it. (It will fill me to full HP and then some, but I should be fine where I am.) So yeah, I think Kent should save the potion (and the DM should permit it).

IC: Pressi thanks Trill for the potion but it isn't really needed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 10:27:50 AM
"Yeah, whose the halfling, whose the halfing," says Kezzem as he does a victory dance.

OOC: And people say rogues are underpowered.

"Hey, don't feel so bad, Pressi. You distracted him long enough for me to get into position to work my magic."

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 6:37:27 PM
Murphy feels the fur, which is rough and matted in places. Dried blood in others. He begins skinning the creature after Bliss makes the suggestion, wich leads to some members of the group to turn around. (Roll a survival check for the skinning)

Alleah turns away and keeps a look outonight but sees nothing.

Kezzem brags about his kill.

Shel also turns her back on the butchering.

Cameron heals those in the vicinity.

The skinning takes awhile and the sun begins to drop again. The winds pick up and the trees begin to wave in the air. Need watches.
Trill gives Pressi a potion, but she tells her it was not needed.

Ooc: Exp.for the last few encounters. . Everyone besides Cameron gets 1285xp and Cameron gets 350xp.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 7:41:22 PM
OOC: Rogues are underpowered. That's why we're all splashes. :-) But before you respond, ask those people what they think of monks.

Pressi grunts at Kezzem's remarks, not exactly finding comfort in that. (OOC: though it's a fair point given her front line "tank" role.)

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

OOC: It's less what Murphy did than my own inattentiveness; I misread the item initially while trying to get into Pressi's head and just ran with the emotions. There is a hint of "you should do this", especially through the lens of their last fight, so I kind of kept it.

Pressi looks up when Murphy says she is precious, and back down when he says he did it for Shel too. As for not asking her fist, "It's not my favorite thing in the world, but I get it. You can't always ask in the middle of battle. And if you had asked me to retreat and keep from dying, I would have said no. So good call on not asking. A pity I couldn't do 'bugbear falls, everybody dies' though."

Pressi is silent for a bit longer. "You and Shel have been together for a while now, huh. She... is she always this panicky?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+13=31 ;
Thursday December 10th, 2015 7:45:42 PM

Bliss sees that Pressi is emotional, and he gives her a couple Goodberries. "Here, eat these, they're good," he says. And he eats one himself in solidarity.

Then he stands on his head and does a flip.

Acrobatics 31! Pretty good!

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday December 10th, 2015 11:07:04 PM
Looks like another night in this forest, at least, Shel thinks, as she observes the wind and weather coming in. She takes the same watch as she has been handling recently. As she took her spot by the fire, she began to wonder if she would ever get home. Hopefully they could get there to save the town, and make sure Alouryn's wedding went off without a hitch as well.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=10 ; d20+6=14 ;
Thursday December 10th, 2015 11:44:37 PM
Cameron watches as Murphy starts the skinning, then realizes that the druid seems to know more than he does about skinning. Because of that, Cameron decides to help, rather than skinning one of the beasts on his own.
Rolled 10 vs DC 10 to aid another, Murphy gains +2 on his survival roll to skin the critters. ( rolled a 14 in case it was a 'per critter' roll, secnd is to aid Murphy with that creature too)
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
1/5 channel energy used for today

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Friday December 11th, 2015 1:34:53 AM
OOC: I've added typical party watches to the Wiki: Party Watches
Any objections? Everyone needs to get 8hrs rest a night or you get the Fatigued condition
My thinking was that
- We should have more on watch in the middle of the night when it is darkest
- Cameron and Alleah - both clerics - should be on separate watches
- Alleah doesn't need sleep if she expends one of her Calming Touches each day. It feels a bit bogus if she were to do that trick on everyone

Alleah says a quiet prayer to Gargul and Maab, begging forgiveness for having to kill one of their creatures.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood, longstrider, call lightning  d20+11=14 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+16=35 ;
Friday December 11th, 2015 2:14:16 AM
Backstep:
As it has been pointed out that the spell must be dispelled by the caster, Murphy would have tried to interact a bit in communicating with Pressi when she was in gaseous form, to know when she wanted to change back - and would then have dispelled the alteration. His spell explanation would accommodate the fact that, yes, he needs to dispel it (which frustrates him, as he would like for the recipient to have that measure of self control, but, oh, well).

Who's the halfling?:
"Kezzem, you're the halfling, all the way. I was astounded. And so was the girallon, I think."

Skinning work:
Murphy has skinned several critters in his time. Nowhere near as much as some, but enough. This is his first girallon, though, and it was tougher that he was used to. It was hard in places to separate the skin from the flesh beneath. He was happy to have Cameron's help, and things went a little better. He did take a few minutes to examine the muscles, sinews, and skeletal structure of the creatures arms - especially since it had one more pair of arms than most apes have. [Survival (skinning) 14+2 from Cameron's help= 16]

The poor murdered bear was an easier job for the pair of them, and the skin overall in better shape. [Survival (skinning) 22 (including Cam's assistance)] He talks with Cameron as they work together - some conversation about the task at hand, "You take that part, I've got this over here," but also about his own devotion to Eberyon, and how his siblings were the first to fight against him when he was reborn into the Wold, and the verdant chaos he unleashed upon the Wold, but also of his repentence, and reform, and some of the blessings he later brought about. "I know as there are those who still resent him. My brother Kendry is not pleased with my devotion, and Selithe told me to be careful. Like as not, with the distance we've traveled here in the Culverwood, we are not that far off from where the great battle was fought by Eberyon against the druids and some elves and with treants and buzzing insects and lightning and earthquake.

"Anyway, maybe that's why I decided not to give you a hard time about your devotion to Jancassis. Frankly, I think many of her followers are so bent upon vengeance that they get all twisted up inside with their bitterness. But I suppose that vengeance also is one way that, from time to time, a form of justice might be wrought."

And to the present:
The druid thinks upon his friend's soul. She is so observant, and comes up with amazing insights, yet wildly misinterprets motives and meanings from time to time. And she is so funny - though her wit can carry a bite.

"Shel and I were members of Humble's Sword from day one. She and I knew each other a bit growing up, but it's really since the Valley Games that we got to know each other fairly well. Shel has the kind of courage that overcomes her sometimes timid nature. She is over all a gentle soul. But I've learned she can ungentle fast when she sees her friends getting hurt. Like a sweet kitten part of the time, and like a she bear when someone comes against her own.

"Panicky?" Murphy thinks a moment. "She knows fear, certainly, and may say anxious words at times. But her love for her friends trumps her fears, I think. I have found I can always count on her, Pressi."

He picks up a blade of grass, and stretches the flat part between his thumbs. Murphy presses his mouth against the slight curved opening between the thumbs, and blows with subtly fluctuating breath, and a tightening and easing of the tension on the grass blade. It makes the sound of a bird singing.

"That was kind, Bliss!" he says as the small halfling shows his generosity. He laughs and claps when Bliss performs his flip.

After a moment, he continues. "I know there's some friction between you two. Maybe it will go on for a while. But I'll bet my Uncle Orbi's pipe that you and she become friends. Go easy on your judgments for a while... if you want to." He smiles at Pressi, then blows the song in the musical blade of grass that answers the first one he made.

Short travel:
Murphy recommends that the party put at least thirty minutes distance between the place of the attack and where they choose to bed down for the night, if not more. "Too much bloodshed here for us to sleep in comfort," he explains.

Along the way, he asks Alleah, "Do you feel up to another dream talk tonight? It seems you were able to reach yourself. Do you want to try one of us? Or yourself again? Y'know, maybe Hazel will get there before us. If you want to try to reach me," he says, and plucks a hair off the upper right side of his head, "ouch - here you go."

Night watch:
Murphy gets up to spend a few minutes with Shel on nightwatch. "You and Pressi seem to be going at it a bit, Shel. You think you two will survive each other?" He opens. After they chat a little about that, he then says, "It will be nice to be back in Humble's Ford, Shel. I just hope we can get there in time, and do what needs to be done. I miss home."

[Perception on watch: 35]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Friday December 11th, 2015 9:32:48 AM
(OOC re party watches: the big thing for Pressi is that "The ki pool is replenished each morning after 8 hours of rest or meditation (the monk equivalent of prayer or spell prep, it does not combat fatigue); these hours do not need to be consecutive." It looks like Pressi can meditate and be on watch at the same time. So it looks like her placement in the watch is good. Make sure, though, that its also good for clerics, sorcerers, etc. Anyone that has to regain spells or powers.

Also, I was considering taking a crack and filling up the history portion of the page. Maybe some basics rather than full recaps.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Friday December 11th, 2015 1:41:09 PM
"Go easy on my judgements," Pressi cried. "You saw how she... I mean she just.... ok, I can't exactly explain what we're fighting about, but how dare she!"

Pressi placed her head in her hands, laughing. "You must think I'm completely insane. I assure you I'm not completely. But I don't know, there's her shouting because I'm shouting because she's shouting... maybe I should clear the air at least."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Friday December 11th, 2015 2:15:00 PM
Pressi would also shake her head at Bliss acrobatics. "Don't ever grow up," she finally said. "Don't let them change you."

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+11=22 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=15 ;
Friday December 11th, 2015 2:21:37 PM
Trill accepts the potion back saying that it is there if anyone needs it.

While the skinning and discussions occur trill keeps a watch on the perimeter of the area that they are in knowing that Garillons aren't always loners and that there could possibly be more of them about.

As she watches and walks the edges of the area random things brush the edge of her mind. these halflings are a study in dichotomies, they are in a hurry but wait around to skin animals and what were once an intelligent race and yet they get all prickly about possible eating an owl that was already dead. They seem to like each other and yet they are often bickering and arguing among each other. Geesh, is this what it is like to be part of a group? Is that what I am, part of this group? I guess we will see what we will see.

perception dc 22, 27, 19 & 15


Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+15=20 ;
Friday December 11th, 2015 7:14:15 PM
Bliss bows to thank his audience of Murphy and Pressi.

"Is Pressi short for anything," it occurs to him to ask. "Because I have an Aunt Priss, which is short for Priscilla."

That night, the tiny halfling takes his usual watch. Him and Mookie keep alert. Perception 20.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday December 11th, 2015 8:33:59 PM
"Thanks, Murph," says Kezzem. "As my terribly mysterious grandpappy once said, when you hide your strikes from your opponent, you can more viciously strike his hide."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=17 ;
Friday December 11th, 2015 8:34:36 PM
Alleah spends the early part of the evening meditating and recovering her spells. After that, she is wide eyed and ready to help with watching out over the camp

Perception: 17

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Friday December 11th, 2015 11:55:37 PM
Cameron has forced marched, double time marched and done almost every other thing that can tire out a person. None of it has ever come between him and Jancassis. She always listens, even when his thoughts are jumbled from tiredness. That said, it is way more fun and far more pleasant to be with a group that wants a full night's rest.
He listens carefully to Murphy, even while trying to work the tough hide of the ape loose. Murphy knows alot about this group and can explain alot to Cameron. He listens and tries to find his niche to fit in with these guys.
Then it hits him. These guys are almost all way younger than he is.
" I grew up with dwarves, many of which resented the closeness I had with my foster father. I was the son he never took the time to have the normal way. He taught me what he knew, he instilled in me the morals he had lived by. The desire to do right by everyone I met stuck. The rigid code of laws and his belief that the 'authorities' will see justice done never took though. No one ever investigated their deaths by Morgan and me. Once he was killed there was just me. Someone did this and will get away with it unless I follow Jancassis and what she has taught me to find them and either bring them to the people that will punish them for what they have done, or do it myself. Morgan taught me to be stubborn, and that is sometimes grating to those around me. But I have no fears anymore. Not of death, not of being alone, or outnumbered. All that scares me now is failing to find those responsible and bring them to justice."
" Ask Bliss though, I have never been afraid of doing the right thing, no matter the cost. In the Fist I once threw away my chance at command and risked execution for not leaving some travelers to their fate, death at the hands of a pack of gnolls. By Jancassis will I survived and those travelers lived too. I also learned not to judge things at first glance. Their strongman was a hill giant, should have been a mortal enemy to me, yet it was him fighting to his last breath that made the difference between me living and dying. He became my friend. Because of that, I prefer to talk to any intelligent opponents first if possible. Better to settle differences with words rather than build an enmity that requires THEM to seek revenge on ME."
"I'll do my best to keep you all alive and keep the peace between us. Vengeance is a hard road to walk. No need for more of us to walk it than necessary eh?""
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
1/5 channel energy used for today


Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Saturday December 12th, 2015 12:03:56 AM

"It's true," says Bliss, remembering that incident. "Those were the circus people, right? You were a real hero, I think, Cam. You guys shoulda seen Cam! He was really brave. All the rest of us did was follow orders. Honestly, now that I am not in the Mailed Fist anymore, I think I like being a hero better."

The tiny halfling shows off his WLA badge. "See! I'm an adventurer now!"

You might note that Bliss is still wearing his Mailed Fist uniform, however. It is really threadbare, with travel stains and a few holes here and there. He never bothered finding anything else to wear.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday December 12th, 2015 11:45:29 AM
"I'm not sure exactly what Pressi's issue has been with me, Murphy. It would seem that someone new to the band would be more understanding of everyone, instead of judging and snipingh. Maybe I'm wrong, but the others we have picked up on the road haven't been nearly so snide, I don't think."

She sighs loudly. Maybe I'm just more sensitive away from home and all. I swear, I don't think I've been happy since we were telported out of that tower. I like our village, and knowing it's okay. The not knowing is killing me."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+12=23 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=29 ;
Saturday December 12th, 2015 8:43:13 PM
(Perception rolls 23, 27, 27, 29)

"It's funny, because I was just about to ask what your issue was with me," Pressi said from behind. "But being wrong and sensitive, that sounds familiar." She signaled to Murphy. "Sorry for the eavesdropping. I've kind of had trouble sleeping and my shift's about to begin, so... Hey, don't you have to go do that thing about the stuff?"

At Murphy's worried look. "I promise to return her to you in one piece, and more or less the same shape."

Pressi sat down for a bit, and they stayed silent for a while.

"You know, I'd probably be gone by now," Pressi began. "If I wasn't here in the woods trapped with you guys, I'd probably have said goodbye long ago. That's kind of what I do. I suffer her, I serve there, and then I go... on to the next home, really. I don't know, maybe I'll feel for Angel Springs what you feel someday, but I'm still waiting for that time I have to move again.

"I've had a tough life. I've had the not knowing killing me since I was a kid. So, I try to control the chaos, and I detach myself when I can't control, and I try to be brave, don't always succeed at that. And when someone like you pushes me, I push back. And when you don't.... Well, pushing first always helped make the goodbyes easier."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Sunday December 13th, 2015 8:42:41 AM
"Is Pressi short for anything," Pressi responded to Bliss. "It's actually Gaelic for 'Make me more wine.'"

"Actually, I don't know. I've just always been called Pressi. (OOC: I got it from Paizo's list of names, so you should ask them.) I guess it might be short for Priscilla too, kind of like how Robert leads to Rob and Bobby. Sorry, I just don't know."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Sunday December 13th, 2015 8:07:49 PM

Bliss shrugs at Pressi's lack of certainty. "Well, MY name is 'cause my mom was super scared me and my sisters would turn out evil, cause we were harpies. So she named us Bliss, Faith, Hope, Grace, and Joy. When I came back from being dead and I wasn't a girl anymore, I was worried that Bliss was a bad name for a boy. But my Aunt Priss had a funny little book about a fellow named Mister Bliss, so I figured it was a good name for a girl or a boy."

"Look, that's funny," says Bliss, laughing. "You have two S's and I have two S's and my Aunt Priss has two S's! We should go visit her sometime."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood 
Monday December 14th, 2015 4:55:19 AM

Talking with Cameron during earlier work
Murphy hears and appreciates Cameron's telling, and comments here and there, asking for clarification. "Yes. I noted the affection Bliss showed you when we found you." "We have a giant friend - Lomar. He's an ogre, and bard. I often try to do as you suggest - to the consternation of my friends, I'll allow. We've made friends with some who appeared to be starting as our opponents.

"Maybe because of Eberyon - maybe I see that the best vengeance is transformation of an enemy into a friend."

On skinning - I've skinned animals before - a deer might take half an hour or so. It likely took us an hour and a half, two at most to do so. The balance of the day until shortly before dusk should have been spent in travel.

Talking with Shel
"I'm not sure why there's a thing going on between you two exactly, either. Though when you first met her, you did express some suspicion. Maybe just got off on the wrong foot from the beginning.

"Yeah, I miss our home, too. And want to be sure it is going to be safe. But - oh, hi Pressi." "That thing. Oh, yeah, about the stuff. Have fun chatting, friends."

Names
"My brother obsesses over names and their meanings," Murphy says as the conversation turns in that direction. "He buys books, and talks to historians and sages. He used to tell me all kinds of stories about this name and that. Some are easier than others. Your name means perfect happiness, or great joy, Bliss. A good choice your mother made. By the way, do you speak the language of harpies?" he asks.

"'Pressi' is not as easy. If what Kendry told me, though, was right - I think it means, 'I press,' or 'I pursue.' It can be one who runs a book press - I think there is at least on in Plateau City. It can also mean 'a neighborhood' in some places. But, you do seem to press in pursuit of a thought or understanding.

"If it was derived from Priscilla - well, that can mean old, worthy, venerable - perhaps someone who has a long life, or who one hopes has a long life.

"My name means, well, sea warrior. Which is strange, because we are not really a family that does anything with the sea. But my cousin told me I was named for a potato. Ha. A potato. Murphy - the sea warrior potato."

"'Shel' can be a plateau, or a steep valley. I think it may have something to do with willows, too."

"But sometimes a name will have a different meaning or significance for the parents, or a local meaning. I mean, 'Shel' could be like a seashell or the like.

"'Trillium' is a beautiful three-petal flower. It comes in different colors. While, yellow, purple, red. It blooms in early spring. My Aunt Nilli calls it 'wake-robin.' It grows in rich woods and thickets. You can eat the young leaves before the petals appear. The roots make good medicine. Keep swelling down. Clean things - even wounds. Treating earaches. It's supposed to help women with, uh, their monthly cycles, somehow or another. And if you are suffering from the runs, mix a decoction - like a boiled down essence - with warm milk at bedtime, and that will, er, help firm things up. Trill - do you know more about your name, or the plant?"

"'Kezzem' - I am not certain. It might mean 'one who gives' - someone who is generous, who gives to people."

"'Alleah' - one who rises, who ascends. Or, a bright one, honorable. I think it also can be one who travels to an important place."

"As for 'Mookie' - I have no idea what his name means. Maybe he can tell us."

"And 'Cameron' was a chieftain's name. It means 'crooked nose.' So, the notion is, he has been in battle, and has his share of wounds - but he still fights, and developed as a leader. Or, maybe it means he leads with his nose - which is great when you're hunting for truffles!"

Watch schedule
As watches may change over time, here is Alleah's suggested current schedule:

PCs need 8hrs rest every night to avoid gaining the 'Fatigued' condition.
20:00 - 22:00 : Shel, Cameron
22:00 - 01:00 : Bliss, Kezzem, Alleah
01:00 - 04:00 : Pressi, Trill, Alleah
04:00 - 07:00 : Murphy, Alleah

After spending the first watch preparing spells, Alleah uses one of her Calming Touches to remove the Fatigued condition from herself and thus doesn't require sleep.

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Monday December 14th, 2015 10:19:26 AM
While Pressi, Trill and Alleah are on watch.. the winds continue to blow while the branches sway. In the distance a noise is heard.... BLOP. Like something dropping to the ground... BLOP. Again. BLOP. BLOP. then silence. Are the branches moving a little more?

Ooc: Sorry for the missed post Friday and short post today.



Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+11=30 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+13=26 ;
Monday December 14th, 2015 2:53:30 PM
Well the only other thing I know about Trilliums is that they have magical properties for both Love and Luck. I do know that my mother and grandmother's names are also flowers that have both medicinal and magical properties and uses.

----

During watch the odd plops are heard Perception DC 30, Survival DC 17. Not sure what they are but pretty sure they aren't fairies farting, Trill comes alert bow in hand and arrow notched. Quietly Stealth DC 26 she moves off to the side and away from the others to be less of a target and to perhaps flank whatever is coming.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+12=27 ; d20+6=25 ;
Monday December 14th, 2015 4:49:51 PM
Perception 27
Survival 26
If Cameron hears the sounds or has them described to him he gets a warm smile on his face. " To my ear that is Jancassis telling me I am going the right way. I would guess it sounds like the stealthy drop of something like a spider from the canopy to the ground. We may want to watch the trees as we travel."
----------------------------------------------------------------
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, Hornet's Nest (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy
Spells cast
Magic Stone, Sound Burst,
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
1/5 channel energy used for today


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+12=13 ; d20+15=20 ;
Monday December 14th, 2015 5:02:48 PM
Pressi was in the middle of a meditative exercise where one goes through all the moves you know as slowly as possible. Alleah and Trill were staying very far away.

(Perception: Natural 1, stealth 20)

"My god, I can't even see my hand in front of my face... having placed it in front of Alleah's face apparently. Really sorry about that."


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=14 ;
Monday December 14th, 2015 7:06:49 PM
Alleah isn't quite sure what it was she heard, but Trill and Pressi are already starting to hide.

She starts moving about the camp, shaking those who are sleeping to wake them up.

Perception: 14

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+20=35 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+16=17 ;
Monday December 14th, 2015 7:49:42 PM
Bliss wakes up and hides in the night.

Stealth 35

He stands up and casts Reduce Person. He hides again, with his extra bonuses for being tiny.

Stealth 48.

He picks up his bah and looks around.

Perception 17. He rubs his eyes and yawns.

Mookie launches himself into the air and flies higher and higher.

"Good Luck, Kid," he softly caws.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Monday December 14th, 2015 8:39:58 PM
OOC
OK, clearly I spaced out when I read that the first time, because I saw no names before.
Also this is probably WAY more actions than I'll get, so use them as you like.
IC
Cameron says that when woken up. Having prayed at midnight, his spells are refreshed. He steps away from those hiding and casts light on the fletching of his crossbow bolt. He then uses that perception he rolled to look into the night. If whatever made those noises looks intelligent, he greets it, if it tries to eat him or his friends he will shoot it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood 
Monday December 14th, 2015 9:03:59 PM

"Is it my watch yet? Huh? What's going on?" sleepy Murphy asks.

Should someone let him know about the plops, he casts entangle between where the group is encamped and the plopping sounds were heard, taking care to let his friends know its parameters, and to ensure none of them is in the area of effect. Then he transforms into a good-sized owl.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday December 14th, 2015 9:39:10 PM
Shel was asleep, sleeping better than she had recently. At least she and Pressi had approached the topic of the cold between them. Perhaps we can both work on being better, she thought as she drifted off after her uneventful watch.

If she is woken up and alerted to possible danger, she will cast her Haste spell as her normal M.O. She then rises to her feet, and takes a look around.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 1:19:16 PM
"Hey there baby, want to see my dagger," mumbles Kezzem in his sleep. "It was forged of cold iron."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 2:15:37 PM
"I'm quite familiar with your dagger," Pressi replied. "It might have been cold but it wasn't iron.

"Also, GET UP!"

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist  d20+9=21 ; d20+9=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 2:25:13 PM
Trill and Pressi move out and start searching around. They continue to follow the noise wich leads them About 200' from the camp. Pressi doesn't notice anything but Trill notices the most peculiar site.. above the duo, rounded hard fruits are lined up on the tree, secured by a smoking wad of leaves. As the leaves burn down, they release one of the rounded fruits dropping to the ground. PLOP.... As Pressi moves around an audible click is heard. (Reflex save DC 15 or snared +4 dmg). The snared releases as Pressi's foot stops near it and slings 20' into the air. (With or without pressi attached)

Alleah begins waking the rest of the sleeping group, some waking easier then others. Looking around she sees nothing.

Bliss hides while looking around but sees nothing.

Cameron cats light on his crossbow bolt and also looks around but sees nothing. The entire camp is lit up now.

Murphy casts entangle between the group (minus Pressi/Trill ) and the sounds. He then turns into an owl.

Shel casts haste on herself.

Kezzem is awoken from a dream.

The group doesn't see anything, but they do hear grunting. Both coming from the other side of the camp, away from the plops.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+12=25 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+15=25 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 2:43:33 PM
(Reflex Roll 25.)

Pressi jumps back as the snare swings away and watches as the fruit drops one at a time. "I have a bad feeling about this." As she thought about what she knew (dungeoneering check 21, perception 19 on the release mechanism, +1 to perceive traps), she wished she had more forms of knowledge.

She continued to hide, not moving (sneak 25).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 4:22:42 PM
(OOC: Oh, and it goes without saying that Pressi's comment to Kezzem is retconned as not actually happening, given she's not even there.)

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+11=12 ; d20+9=24 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 10:23:40 PM
Puzzled by the actions of the fruit, trill tries to see if there is anything she remembers abut such a plant/tree Knowledge Nature DC 12 or if this is actually natural or magical in nature.Survival DC 24 As she hears the the snare snap upward she begins to wonder who is baiting this trap and for what they are hunting.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+12=22 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 10:36:52 PM
Perception 22
"Anyone else hear that?"
Cameron turns towards the grunting and sees what he can see. He doesn't hide, because he s lit up like a roman candle while holding the crossbow. Instead he points the crossbow towards the grunting.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+20=32
Tuesday December 15th, 2015 11:57:53 PM
Bliss keeps on sneaking toward the noises.

Stealth 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+12=29 ;
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 12:35:38 AM
Kezzem gathers his bearings. "What's going on?"

Perception 29

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=18 ; d100=73 ;
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 12:49:38 AM
Alleah stays put in the middle of the camp. If the others want to scout out what is going on, that's entirely their call. She will happily lay-low and still.

She does, however, cast a Deathwatch cantrip, just in case... (Leyline check: 73=Pass)

Perception: 18

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 9:17:24 AM
Shel knows that there is safety in numbers. All by herself, unprotected by anyone would be a recipe for her getting herself eaten. She moves closer to Alleah, looking around for anything else that might threaten them.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 10:19:58 AM
" Any of the other spellcasters here have a light they can maybe extend the area we can see here? Because if something asks for this crossbow bolt, our light source is going with it. Then we would be in the dark, and light blind, with....SOMETHING. I'm thinking that might be not so good."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl  d20+16=21 ;
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 1:38:04 PM

Now in the form of a great horned owl, Murphy ascends in the direction of the grunting sounds, staying close to trees as he flies, trying to discern who or what are making those sounds.

[Perception: 21]

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist  d20+9=24 ; d20+9=18 ;
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 3:00:49 PM
Pressi and Trill can both tell the fruits, though natural, are dropping due to the flaming leaves. Something smart set it up to catch an intelligent meal apparently. The trap, though rudimentary, is a well done snare line that most hunters would use.

Cameron tries to see into the woods but the light pollution from his spell is making it hard. He unfortunately sees nothing.

Bliss keeps on sneaking into the woods. She startles herself when she comes upon another girallon, hiding behind a tree looking towards the camp. The girallon turns, and almost looks towards Bliss but she can tell he is looking past her to something else.

Kezzem finally wakes up and looks around but sees nothing.

Alleah let's the others prance about while she casts a death watch cantrip.

Shel stays close to Alleah.

Murphy Owl flies around but doesn't see nothing. The noisemakers must be hidden. ( Stealth DC 24)

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 6:11:28 PM
Bliss sneaks back to report on what he has learned.

"There's another of them four-armed gorillas, that-away. Why don't we try to head off in the opposite direction?"

"I'll spy on it to make sure it does not come in our direction. I'll keep in touch via Message."

He casts his Reduce Person and Message cantrips.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 6:32:54 PM
OOC
I am unclear which way 'that way' is? Is the Gorrillion towards the fruits and that are plopping down? Or is it toward the grunting noises?

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 7:50:12 PM
Shel was only too happy to cast Light for the group. She placed the cantrip onto her Warddstone necklace, so everyone close to her could see rather well. All the better for them to protect her from another of those awful four armed beasts. "Be careful, Bliss. We don't want that thing to come for us, or for you. Stay hidden..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+15=26 ;
Wednesday December 16th, 2015 8:34:38 PM
(OOC to Cameron: I think we're looking at three different directions. The Girallon is in one place, the fruit (trap) in a second, and the noisemakers (grunters - the hunting party perhaps?) is in a third. Which means... our upcoming discussion on whether to save the girallon will probably last until St Patricks Day. ;-)

Pressi, unaware of anything besides the trap, is unsure what to do. "We should probably head back and tell the others about this," she said to Trill. "Just sneak our way to... uh, I'm going to assume you know where the camp is."

(Stealth 26)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday December 17th, 2015 1:26:44 AM
"Another one of those things?" asks Kezzem. "Don't worry, friends, Piercy and Stabby here will take care 'em, just like his friend."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl  d20+16=27 ;
Thursday December 17th, 2015 3:29:03 AM

Murphy knows there were grunting sounds over there, so he swoops from edge of tree to edge of tree, not coming very close to the ground, to get looks and listens from other angles.

With a bit better perception this time, he spots one or more girallons, and marks their positions (and actions, if any), then flies back to the camp. If any are nearby, he writes in the dirt with his claw, 'GIRALLONS' and the number of them he was able to perceive, with an arrow pointing the direction he saw them. He then flies back up and over the entangled area on the other side, swooping down to warn away any friend who looks about to step therein - despite that he let everyone know where he put the entanglement.

[Am assuming we're not yet in combat rounds.]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Thursday December 17th, 2015 1:43:29 PM
Cameron checks his gear as the reports come in. He was wearing his armor, since the Fist he had always work light armor, so he could slee in it without fatigue. He had all his weapons, they went in hs pockets when his camp was set for the night. If they had to run all he would lose was his tent and bedroll, easily replaceable.
" So wait, this gorillion thing set traps for us and is waiting forus to trip 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

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday December 17th, 2015 5:36:29 PM
Bliss whispers to Cameron, "Nah, that can't be right! It is just a big monkey with four arms."

OOC: Seriously, since we seem to have detected it/them without being sensed, Bliss is all for keeping on keeping on.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+11=29 d20+13=30
Thursday December 17th, 2015 6:37:59 PM
Hearing the grunting she tries to place the sound with any particular animal she may know. knowledge Nature DC 29

Then agreeing with Pressi she stealthily stealth DC 30leads the way back to camp. to report to the others.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d20+11=20 ;
Thursday December 17th, 2015 7:34:15 PM
Alleah stays put, right in the middle of the camp

Perception: 20 + Deathwatch

Dm Shawn - Girallon In the mist 
Friday December 18th, 2015 8:24:21 AM
Bliss heads back to the group and lets them know what she found, She also casts reduce person and message.

Shel casts light on her necklace, helping illuminate the camp more.

Pressi starts sneaking her way back to the group,

Kezzem boast that his weapons will take care of the new girallon.

Owl Murphy flighs towards the grunting sounds, and sees another girallon. (Well to him it is the first).

Cameron is asking why the gorilla creature set traps.

Trill listens to the grunting, and it seems similar to the sounds from the girallon before.

Alleah stays put and and keeps watch.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The girallon's continue grunting back and forth.... are they calling for reinforcements?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IxoIHpbq1N-u5o0pmjWohlgOIxV7wYMFX9Piw0bxH70/edit?usp=sharing

OOC: Sorry about yesterday, It is extremly hectic right now. If everyone gets posted today, I'll do another post tonight.



Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Friday December 18th, 2015 11:09:07 AM
"So then let's bug out. We head away from them, towards where Murphy entangled and leave them behind." If we don't need to fight them, then I'd rather not."
Cameron hastily takes down his tent and beedroll and stuffs them in his pocket, getting ready to move out.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+13=32 ; d3+3=4 ; 3d6=14 ;
Friday December 18th, 2015 12:48:57 PM
Kezzem moves 5 ft. west (this should put him 35 ft. away from both girillons)

"Go, I'll be right behind you."

If either moves towards him (placing them with 30 ft.), Kezzem will hurl a returning dagger at him.

"Eat steel, you fugly ape."

Attack: 32 (include Point-Blank Shot)
Damage: 4 (include Point-Blank Shot) plus 14 (Sneak Attack, if flat-footed)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki)  d20+12=13 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+12=20 ;
Friday December 18th, 2015 1:13:51 PM
Pressi and Trill start heading back towards the camp, Pressi once again unable to discern anything in front of her, such as the entanglement (I don't know what is needed to see and avoid the entanglement, but Perception Natural 1 and it doesn't look like Murphy got to their little group). (Stealth 26 towards it.)

If Trill points out the entrapment, or if Pressi steps into it, Pressi begins to wonder who might have cast this and why. (If needed, reflex roll 20). She may even lead Trill back towards the trap, assuming that they might have to make a stand there.

Pressi takes out a torch, considering how she can use it to signal the others or to fool whoever set the trap, whatever that grunting is, that there is a fire that needs to be put out.



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday December 18th, 2015 2:07:14 PM
If Shel hears the others suggesting they try to head out and avoid the monsters, she is in complete agreement. "Let's keep going. Maybe we will get lucky and the gnome fey and these four armed apes will kill each other," she whispers as the group moves out.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim) +4 to Will saves, clear sense of direction in Culverwood. Great horned owl 
Friday December 18th, 2015 4:40:57 PM

Just a quick note - Pressi, Murphy told everyone - including you - where he cast the spell.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 32/43, CMD 22 (used 2 ki) 
Friday December 18th, 2015 4:56:08 PM
That's good, but I'm assuming allies have to avoid the entangle.

So the issue remains. Do we go around it slowly or make our stand at the trap. Either way, we've split the party. (I vote trap because we have a better chance of using the trap against foes than just fighting on our own. Trill?)

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+9=13 ;
Friday December 18th, 2015 6:13:47 PM
Having made their way around the entanglement on the way out Trill manages to keep Pressi out of it on there way back but stops as Pressi asks her question about making a stand there by the trap and motions for her to put the torch away.

"These Girallons used to be a very intelligent race. Extremely evil, but very intelligent. Supposedly even had their own cities etc. My guess is they sent these traps for pigs and such but will not be adverse to eating us. That grunting is likely them communicating with others."

"I say we head north (upward on the map) and work our way back around to the camp hopefully they will be heading that way as well and we can meet up and avoid all of this."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d100=24 ; d20+25=45 ;
Friday December 18th, 2015 7:45:53 PM

Bliss casts Divine Favor (Ley Check AOK), and then moves closer to Alleah while staying in whatever shadows / concealemnt he can find ... Stealth 45.

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.

Purple People Eater 
Monday January 18th, 2016 2:05:45 PM
OOC: I thought a lot about distances and lines of sight and such over the weekend. I think it’s more appropriate that you are about a mile away from the tower when you come into sight of the people. Most of the people are within a quarter-mile of the tower.

Movement can be complicated, so I’ll try to simplify. Assuming you run, it will take the following rounds to reach the tower. I am not implying you should reach the tower, just giving you a frame of reference.

Move - Rounds
20 feet - 64 rounds
40 feet - 32 rounds
80 feet - 16 rounds

Ponys move at 40, Eagles move at 80.

Rules for running can be found here. Basically, you run at 4 times your speed for up to your CON in rounds. After that, you make a DC 10 CON check each round, adding 1 to the DC for each check you make. Once you fail, you can only move at your normal speed (twice your movement for a full round), until you rest for a minute.
_____________________________________________________

Murphy lays out a plan, and then changes to an eagle and flies ahead.

Cameron agrees in his own way, and unsteadily spurs his mount forward.

Kezzem shouts about free beer back in town. It’s not clear if anyone can hear amidst the chaos, but a couple do come running, “Is that at the Buster or the Pig?”

Shel spurs Thistle forward, riding hard. Pressi does likewise, shouting for folks to pull back. Only a close few can hear.

Bliss and Mookie move forward as fast as they can.
_____________________________________________________

Most of Humble’s Ford seems to be here - many familiar faces.

As you show up, the purple smoke pours from the tower windows. You can see the on-lookers are close to the tower, but stay out of the smoke. Then some insane eagle shows up and cries several times as it begins to dive menacingly at the frightened halflings near the tower. A few individuals move away from the tower as a result.

“Nature’s gone mad! Flower preserve us!”

Then Murphy-eagle flies to a small tree (no large ones - most brush is kept clear to the tower.) About 20’ off the ground, Murphy changes back to his normal form - the small tree sways with the change in weight. He clings to the thin trunk and shouts at the people to flee. A few of them faint and lay on the ground.

Roscoe Hornblower is some distance away, and points at Murphy in the distant tree. “It’s a wizard! It’s a wizard that’s caused this, and he means to keep us from helping those heros that went inside! You people there, run! You of the town’s guard, stand you ground - we’ve got people we care about in there!” You see a few draw slings and stones. A couple move hesitantly toward the tower and the purple smoke.

The tower shudders ominously. These people are too close!

As the others ride forward, they will encounter a few stragglers that give them surprised looks at they rush past. You hear one say to another, “How’d she get back here?” A tiny fey creatures sprints up the road (Bliss). “What the heck was that!”

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). FLOWER PRESERVE US! 
Monday January 18th, 2016 3:27:22 PM

"Roscoe Hornblower, it's me, Murphy Leafwin Pipewood. You know me. And I'm no wizard, but a druid. And I did NOT cause this - it looks like it's going to blow up inside, and I came back out here to save lives. Move these people away. I'm going back inside to try to rescue those within! Save your sling bullets for real enemies! I'm changing into a bat, to fly inside. And, yes, FLOWER PRESERVE US - AND EVERYONE MOVE BACK!!"

Murphy does not wait for Roscoe's response, but does as he said. He transforms into a bat, uses echolocation if necessary to dodge flying sling bullets or stones, and flies in through the tower door.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+4=20 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+12=26 ;
Monday January 18th, 2016 6:13:18 PM
Knowledge (local): 20 to determine if the Buster or the Pig is furthest from the tower. If he knows which, he'll say that one, but otherwise directs them towards the Pig.

Kezzem ten dashes through the tower door after Murph, tumbling to avoid any dangers (or just for effect).

Acrobatics: 18.

He also continues to keep an eye out for those Second Dinner people or other shady characters.

Perception: 26

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+4=7 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20=2 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=30 ;
Monday January 18th, 2016 8:04:17 PM
Cameron tries to recall all that Murphy had said about the original fall of the tower. He is unclear why they are rushing into the tower to save, he assumes, themselves, but realizes they are attempting to save the Second Dinner Club wizards, and since that sounds like a good plan, tries to keep up. Before they reach the crowd he manages to cast Longstrider on himself. As they ride through the crowd, he snaps his whip over the heads of anyone that seems to want to stick around and choke on what he recalls Murphy mentioning were toxic purple vapors. The fumes wouldn't need to kill them though. If things went the way Murphy said, the fumes needed only to sicken them and the tower falling on them would do the killing. Cameron will have none of that. He snaps his whip attempting to scare off the onlookers and shoo them away from the tower.
At the tower he attempts to vault from the saddle as he had seen Nickolai do in the Fist. Clearly the years of equestrian training the monk had were key to doing this as Cameron manages only to throw himself from the saddle and land in an undignified heap right in front of the door.
Ride 7
" Seems I need to work on the dismount. That's gonna leave a mark."
Rolling to his feet, Cameron steps through the door, and recalling what Murphy had said, prepares to let loose a burst of positive energy if he sees that the chains are indeed already animated. ( Channel positive energy for 9 healing to everything and everyone within 30 feet) Beyond that he plans on using his whip to secure a hold some 15 feet up the stairs and try to swing, jump, wall climb up without touching the stairs.( No clue what rules to use for that since the feats for it are past what we are allowed. Give me a target and I'll throw a roll at it. Heck, I roll a base 2 on a d20. I don't think that can be saved no matter what skill you want to apply to it. Oh well.)
Fortitude save vs the toxic smoke 26 if it is poison, 22 if it is not, immune if it is somehow a spider, snake or scorpion venom
Perception 30 looking for animated chains, talking dragon statues and pretty much anything else odd.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
Longstrider (domain) +10' to base move for 3 hours

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy

Spells cast
Longstrider (domain)

0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
1/5 channel energy used for today


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday January 18th, 2016 10:22:04 PM
Shel yells to Alleah as they Gallo toward the tower. "What exactly are we going to do when we get there? Maybe we can save the wizards and my uncle, but that tower is coming down, looks like. How do we convince the townsfolk to flee?Any ideas, Alleah?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d100=94 ;
Monday January 18th, 2016 11:29:15 PM

Bliss, with his run feat, turns his speed 40 into 500 ft per round. So he should arrive in round ... 13. With his Con 14, he's OK.

Bliss wonders what to do. He imagines that the Bliss and friends from three weeks ago are now in the tower, either fighting the chain or at the top of the tower. Is there any chance to stop the craziness from starting?

But if the tower falls down, what will happen to the people laying there? Those folks could die.

Bliss decides he cannot ignore the innocents in front of him. He cancels his Reduce spell and then casts an Enlarge Person on himself (ley check 94). He moves over to the fainted person closest to the tower and pickes them up.

(If we are round bt round, that's a few rounds.)



Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+2=14 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=4 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 7:10:03 AM
Extra -- OOPS bad at math late at night. Bliss runs 200 ft per round. He does so for 14 rounds. Then he has to make Con checks. He rolls, in order ... 14, 14, 4, and stops running. Total distance 16x200 = 3200 ft.

Then he walks at 40 per round for 10 rounds, a "resting" pace. Total distance 40x10 = 400, 3600 total.

At which point he is 5280-3600 = 1680 ft from the tower. He runs for 8 more rounds, that's 1600 ft.

So after 16+10+8 = 34 rounds (3.4 minutes), Bliss has travelled 5,200 ft. He's running better than a four minute mile! Not too shabby for a little guy. He is 80 ft from the tower and his reduce has worn off.

In round 35, he moves 40 ft closer and casts Enlarge Person, so that he can pick up a fainted halfling and carry them to safety.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+5=21 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+4=7 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 7:38:42 AM
Paralyzed from having literally no idea of what she should be doing or even what her goal should be, she prays to Domi for any form of guidance at all, and makes all the checks she can in hopes of gleaning something (Know History, Local and Religion all 21).

It's not entirely clear whether she can reach the tower or the crowds in time, though she seems to have attracted a few onlookers.

Pressi looked down at the way she was dressed, her eyes closed. She knew what she had to do.

"Hey everyone back here," she shouts at the crowd that can hear her, telling everyone to get their friends attention. She guided the horse to a safe distance from the tower and tries to stand on her mount (or at least slide off)(Ride 18). "The beer is here, the party is here," she shouted (Bluff 10, ignore 2nd bluff check).

Pressi closed her eyes. Out snapped the fans. Out slid the scarves.

(Dance 7)

Well, a bad dance works just as well as anything else, she supposed.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=33 ; d20+9=19 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 8:42:39 AM
Alleah shares Shel's concerns. "Well, if they won't leave because we tell them to, then we might need to resort to other means. If things are dire, I can cast a 'Fear' spell to make them flee. And if things get REALLY bad and we want to make them flee, well, I could summon something I'd really rather not"

Shel will see Alleah visibly shake. Being a Bloodwitch she can cast Evil aligned spells, including summoning minor devils. She's sure such a sight would cause halflings to flee, but it would have to be an absolute last resort before she would even dare such a thing.

To aid Thistle in his burst of speed, Alleah casts Bear's Endurance, granting the pony a temporary benefit to his constitution (Leyline check: 33 = Pass. Concentration check for casting on galloping horse DC16. 19 = Pass)

OOC: With both the 'Run' and 'Endurance' feats AND Bear's Endurance, Thistle should be able to keep up with Bliss I *think*

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+13=19 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 8:58:23 AM
Addendum: I should also make an acrobatics check, I think (Acrobatics 19).

Also, thank you Rob for not making Pressi's actions the "dire" event.

Purple People Eater 
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 11:41:09 AM
Murphy tries to get the constable to understand it’s him, and to get everyone away from the tower. The constable is far away, and looks confused. With what’s coming, these people are too close to the tower! Murphy recalls that you barely escaped death, and only because you were next to the portal. Murphy is not in the tower yet.

Kezzem directs people to The Dancing Pig for free beer as it’s a bit further away than the Belly Buster. He is not close enough to go in yet, but after several rounds more he arrives near the tower. A rather rotund man in an apron, has his eye on Kezzem and is headed his way. Cameron continues forward as well, and falls spectacularly trying to dismount.

Shel is concerned for the people there, and ask Alleah how they can get them far enough away to be safe in the imminent explosion and collapse.

As he arrives, Bliss enlarges himself, and tries to move people out of the purple mist and away from the tower.

Once Pressi get’s close enough, she prays, dances and offers free beer. She gets some stares, and a few of the men folk move her way.

_____________________________________________________

OOC: Timing is tricky here, and I don’t want to over complicate this. Seems like Murphy gets there first, then Bliss and Thistle/Alleah, then Mookie and the rest of you on exhausted ponies (you must make any necessary CON checks for you or your ponies.) Please see last posting for info on this.
_____________________________________________________

As you all approach, you see the Giant Tower is a vast round structure. All trees and grasses are magically kept away. Magic is clearly felt in the air... it surges wild around the tower even sending visible and audible rays east and west towards other towers in the valley! It's both a frightening and an awesome spectacle!! There are purple black circular patterns in the sky above the tower.

The powerful magic in the air makes the hair on your arms stand up.

Purple mist continues to roll down the flanks of the tower. The mist is heavier than air. Already the mist is laying around the base blocking all sight at it's base. There are a few town’s people standing stupefied in the mist. Occasionally you hear cracking and a sort of whining as the bricks of the tower shift. The appearance of the tower is much worse then when you first ran inside (a few weeks ago.)

(Moving into the mist will require a DC 15 Fort save.)

You can see through the doors at the base of the tower to an dark area filled with purple mist. Suddenly, the doors at the base of the tower snap shut! Dangerous energy crackles around the tower, and across the windows.

In addition to those trapped in the mist, some stand silent as the tower shifts and grinds. Some stand staring and scream. Some cry, especially the children here. Many begin to move away.

You see Primula and the Mayor, transfixed in horror at the scene before them. You also see Pirnook hurrying away. Madame LaRue is pulling someone out of the mist. There are even a few bad apples trying to get some of the children to safety!

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+8=18 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 2:24:04 PM
(Sorry all had to go out of town on an emergency and forgot my laptop.. I should be good to go now that I am home.)

Trill moves forward with the cart and pony as quickly as she can but doesn't want to injure the pony or tear up the cart so she is one of the last to arrive and see the mess and crown. She sees/ hears Murphy trying to get everyone to leave. Pulling the cart to a halt, she thinks for a moment and then jumps up on the highest part of the cart and yells loudly.

She thinks/hopes to herself that her mother doesn't get too irritated at her for using her name like this.

bluff DC 18

" I HAVE A MESSAGE FROM DAHLIA LIGHTFINGERS OF THE PLATINUM DRAGONS. SHE SAYS FOR YOU TO FLEE THIS PLACE NOW AND GO TO THE FAR SIDE OF TOWN AND EVEN ACROSS THE BRIDGE!!!" "GO NOW!!!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+2=8 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 8:19:46 PM
OOC: Pressi's riding a common pony. They have an average con of 14, so 14 rounds. Then a check of 8, so she stops after 14 rounds.

Which fits. She stops far before getting to the tower, then decides to try to bring the crowd to her rather than the other way around.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 8:49:00 PM
Shel rides as fast as Alleah and Thistle can carry her. "I think we should focus on getting the crowds to move. I don't know what we can actually do inside that tower.". Once the two arrive, Shel climbs off the pony. She wasn't exactly sure what to do, but she knew something had to be done.

She started screaming at the top of her lungs. "Everyone get back from the tower! It's going to collapse! You have to move back. Please listen to me, it's really important!"

Diplomacy 14.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d100=47 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 9:39:55 PM
Alleah pulls Thistle up next to the Mayor and dismounts

"Thank Wardd you're here Mr Mayor. Humble's could use more men like you, wanting to protect others and such. A true gentleman. Here. Take my pony. You'll be able to get Primula to safety much faster than walking."

Alleah knows how the Mayor responds to flattery, and it seems a better bet than slapping some sense into him.

"Don't go near the tower!" she calls to the crowd "And especially don't go inside! It's trapped!" Alleah vividly recalls the animated chains that guarded the bottom of the tower last time.

"Bliss! Trill! Can we get the children onto the wagon? We might be able to evacuate them faster!"

Finally, Alleah looks for the biggest group of onlookers that appear to be standing still. She points at them and casts a spell - Calm Emotions. "Oi! That tower is about to come tumbling down. You need to move to safety!" she calls.

---------------------------
Alleah: Free action - Guide Thistle with knees to the Mayor
Alleah: Move Action - Dismount Thistle
Alleah: Standard Action - Cast Calm Emotions. Leyline check: 47 = Ok. All to make a Will Save vs DC17. Calm Emotions has a 20ft spread and "suppresses any fear effects and removes the confused condition from all targets" and hopefully snapping some sense into them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+4=11 ; d20+13=27 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 9:55:12 PM
(Dance 11, Acrobatics 27. Now we're getting somewhere.)

With a number of dance and acrobatic moves, and the offering of Cthonia tobacco, Pressi pressed her attraction of more and more of the crowd, pulling them back.

"Everyone please come this way away from the tower. I must insist that everyone get back, and nobody panic."

Pressi watched as people mulled around. "You know what, maybe it would be a good idea if some of you PANICKED."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 11:13:22 PM
Obeying Alleah, Bliss works steadily to get unconscious people and kids into the wagon.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+12=28 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2016 11:43:09 PM
Cameron sees what Alleah is doing and grasps at her idea with both hands. " Alleah has the right idea, get any of the unresponsive folks into the wagon. Jancassis has blessed me with resistance to poisons. I'll get as many out as I can, get that wagon turned around and ready to roll."
Cameron dashes into the purple haze and starts shooing out thosethat can still move and carrying those that can't to the wagon.
Fortitude save 28 if the fog is poison, 24 if not.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
Longstrider (domain) +10' to base move for 3 hours

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy

Spells cast
Longstrider (domain)

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  d20+4=22 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+5=13 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 12:09:37 AM
Does Kezzem recognize the apron guy?
Knowledge (local): 22

Pony Con Checks:
Check #1 (DC 10): 12. Made.
Check #2 (DC 11): 18. Made.
Check #3 (DC 12): Fail.
So 14 + 2 = 16 rounds.

"You heard the lady (Shel), everyone back!" shouts Kezzem. "Ladies, children, and people-that-owe-me-money first!"
Diplomacy (Aid Another Shel): 13 (add 2 to Shel's roll, so 16).

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 7:35:46 AM
OOC: Ooops, Forgot to make Con checks for Thistle.

With Alleah's casting of Bear's Endurance, Thistle's Con goes up to 18. This means he can run for 18 rnds. Since I posted Alleah was having him keep pace with Bliss, this meant that when Bliss failed his check on Rnd 17, Alleah would also have slowed Thistle to match Bliss' pace rather than gallop on ahead.

Out of interest though, with +4 from the Endurance feat and the added Con bonus from Bear's Endurance, Thistle's Fort save would have gone up to a total of +12.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Flight, Looking within, Wrath, Rescue (longstrider, bears endurance)  d20+16=32 ; d20+10=19 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 1:47:00 PM

Murphy-bat sees the twin doors close against his flight.

With the tower doors - which earlier they themselves had broken down, splintered on its hinges, now somehow healed enough to slam shut, now again intact, he felt quite confident he was not capable of reopening them by himself. Besides, the tower really was about to blow. He flies up to the windows of the tower to see what he can see inside, to see whom he might see within, then, having taken a look, knowing he is powerless to enter, he dives back to the ground, finding a place where the mists are not to alight. He changes back into his halfling self.

Murphy suddenly feels a huge rush of anger. Here they had traveled over halfway up the continent, almost all the way across the Culverwood, with a strict timeline. The careful druid was certain that yet two to three days remained for them to arrive before the terrible experiment at the Giant Tower was to take place. And still it happened. He feels anger at the powers that be for laying out so tantalizing a hope, then pulling it away from this group of halflings. "YOU CHEATED US!" he yells, shaking a fist at the heavens above. "YOU ROBBED CRESCENT VALLEY!"

But with the doors now closed, no means at hand he can think of to enter the tower, and no real value at further yielding to his feeling of wrath, he chooses to channel the adrenaline surge to taking care of matters at hand. He sends a quick prayer to the heavens above for the safety of the Second Dinner Club - perhaps Veseley can cast teleport quickly enough to escape with his two wizardly friends an instant before the tower enters its final moment of destruction - if it was back to the tower that they returned. Maybe they... no, focus, Murphy, on those who need you now.

He casts bear's endurance upon himself. Using a hero point (or all of his remaining hero points, if necessary), he changes shape one more time, into a large gorilla. He goes through the clearing around the tower, finding and picking up any who stand frozen, or fallen upon the ground, and carrying them away with due haste from the area near the tower, setting them down perhaps behind the few trees a distance from the tower, then returning to fetch more, running, carrying, and marveling at the huge surges of magic all round about. He knows his appearance may frighten some, but hopes they will see he is helping, not harming. If any choose to attack him, he ignores their attacks as best he may, and continues to rescue, and continues to pray.

Perception: 32
Fortitude save: 19

Purple People Eater 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 1:52:37 PM
The party focuses on getting everyone away from the tower. They arrive at different times, but all eventually focus on the task at hand. The wagon is brought up to help. Alleah speaks to the Mayor, offering her pony to help. Trill, Shel and Alleah tell everyone to flee. Pressi dances and shouts for them to leave. Kezzem offers free beer, and angers the owner of the Dancing Pig in the process. Kezzem also tells everyone to pull back, including anyone that owes him money. Cameron charges heedless into the mist to pull people out. Murphy changes into a gorilla, picking up people and chasing others away.
_____________________________________________________

At this point, several of the residents of Humble’s recognize the members of Shel, Alleah, Murphy, and Bliss with his ever present raven. Several nearby address you:

“Hey, when did you come out of the tower? We just saw you go in!”

“Thanks to Alemi that you came back out to help!”

“What’s going on in there?”

“Where’s the Second Dinner Club!”

“Is the Second Dinner Club trying to stop this?”

“What’s Happening?”

The tower shudders again. A few stones become dislodged, thudding into the ground with lethal force. One of the halflings is crushed by a stone, clearly dead in a most gruesome fashion. There’s more screaming. Someone faints. But the shock of the death also spurs more to action. Along with the party members, some of the more alert there begin dragging others away. Roscoe Hornblower is carrying three people, Some of Humble’s Ford militia move with great speed, ushing adults and childrean away. Faoil the great hound is pulling someone out of the mist. Even some of the bad apples are helping.

As the purple mist pour from the upstairs windows, dark purple bolts of energy begin to dance over the mist and the tower. The visible and audible rays of energy reaching east and west suddenly stop. It looks like the stone tower is beginning to expand!

What could make a stone tower expand? More importantly, how long can a stone tower expand?

_____________________________________________________

Then it happens. There is a moment of silence at the tower, and then an explosion and a shock wave that knocks everyone off their feet. As people climb to their feet, they see the tower has collapsed into a pile of rubble. The magical energies stop. The purple mist is mostly dispersed by the collapse.

There’s a fair amount of screaming.

Maybe 10 people lie motionless, and others are badly injured.

(If you check, none of your magic items work. Murphy is no longer a gorilla. Any running spells end.)


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Quick query 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 2:27:26 PM

And... what did Murphy-bat see in the upper floor's windows? They were used by sentinels for looking outward.

Will post more later.

DM Mark: Through the mist, Murphy could barely make out the portal. In retrospect, you believe you should have seen the party and the Second Dinner Club in there too at that moment - but it seemed empty.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39  d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 7:33:59 PM
Alleah finds a moment of peace. She is lying on her back on the grass, looking at the sky and all is quiet. "Wait, it's not quiet." Her ears are ringing. She sits up and realises what has happened.

"Is .. is everyone alright?"

Clearly they aren't. She can see some are badly injured, but she is more concerned about the ones who lie motionless.

Alleah will head to the motionless people first and start channelling healing energy. She has enough charges that she can cover 3 x 30ft radius areas and hopefully stop the dying from, well, dying. (Her channels are 3, 4 and 6 respectively)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 8:05:05 PM
[Okay, thanks, DM Mark - that's enough to satisfy his glimpse - I appreciate your response]

Murphy will move as many of the still people to be within range of Alleah as he can, and then those who are severely injured, too. He thanks the BadApples, who have been lending a hand today. One of them is a cleric of Flower, and close friend to Alouryn.

He has a single cure light wounds he will apply to whom needs it. He also looks about for Hazel - for his dog, Faoil, is here.

Once the most urgent aid has been attended to, Murphy walks over to the rubble. He calls out. "Is anyone here? Does anyone need help?" He takes several minutes to walk around the area, to see what he might, to hear what he is able. He invites his friends to help, as well as making sure that all of them are well.

Once they all have done what they can to aid the fallen and injured, and he has looked around the remains of the fallen tower, Murphy tries to find Constable Roscoe Hornblower. "May we meet in an hour, at a place of your choosing, with those you deem trustworthy, including, I hope, our Mayor? There is much to do, and discuss. It's good to see you back from Hovel, though I could wish the circumstances of our meeting here were other than they are.." Last he had heard, Garret Ostgood had taken Roscoe's place for the time being as Constable, as the long-time official had family matters to attend to in the next town over. He will ask about them at some later time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+12=27 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 9:10:58 PM
Pressi walked barefoot through the remains of the tower in what was left of her dress. Everything had unfolded just as she foretold. You can't change the past. You can't stop the world from hurting you. She had been right.

"Booyah," she muttered to herself.

Under Murphy's and Alleah's direction, she helped move boulders and people as best as she could. (OOC to DM: I'm assuming the magic items in her bag don't work either.) She also took a second to search the field for anything buried or coming (Perception 27).

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 10:34:18 PM
Suddenly feeling the weight of her gear and other stuff a bit more, Trill moves to help Alleah and the others with the fallen and injured carefully moving those that can safely moved further away from the remains of the tower.

Every now and again she stops and takes a look upward to see if there is anything else going on with the tower.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19  d20+1=2 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 11:00:57 PM
Kezzem checks on the bodies and gives first aid if needed.

Heal: 2 (natural 1)

Well, that won't turn out well for him/her.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 11:07:56 PM
Cameron works around the tower in the opposite direction as Alleah channeling every 60'. He can do so 5 times for 4, 7, 10, 8, and 10 points if he needs to use all 5 channels.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Spells and effects on Cameron
none

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Shield of Faith, Magic Weapon, Bless, Magic Stone, Longstrider (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy

Spells cast
Longstrider (domain)

0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
5/5 channel energy used for today

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday January 20th, 2016 11:54:00 PM

Bliss goes even deeper into his "first responder" mode, shelving the horrific sights into the back of his head for now and just trying to take care of people.

He tries to cast a CLW on a wounded person. If his spells work, he also casts stabilize on the dying, deathwatch to make sure he does not miss anyone, and gentle repose on the dead.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d100=42 ;
Thursday January 21st, 2016 12:14:24 AM
Oh, ley check on that CLW: 42 should be okay?

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 9:32:16 AM
Shel casts Haste several times on her friends and the responders. "This magic will make you move faster. Get everyone together so Alleah's healing can be most effective! That's our best chance to help as many people as we can!"

Shel was still operating with a thousand yard stare, as she couldn't believe after all their travails that they hadn't succeeded in stopping the explosion. It just didn't seem fair...

Purple People Eater 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 12:11:07 PM
(OOC: Good question about Hazel and his dog. In the previous timeline, the dog wandered into the base of the tower just before you left. Hazel was with you then. What do we do when folks leave the game and change history? I guess we change it back.

As for Constable Roscue Hornblower, the public Woldipedia page still indicates he is the constable - nothing about him going somewhere else. Kim - please get editing access from Cayzle or Rob and make the necessary changes. Until then, I will use what is written there.)
_____________________________________________________

The party snaps into action.

Murphy does what he can to help, and proposes a meeting in an hour with the Constable and what other officials he chooses to bring. The Constable agrees. (You are several hours from town, and tending to folks here will take about an hour until they’re ready to move back towards town. The earliest you would be back in town will be after dark.) Murphy looks around for Hazel and sees him and his dog helping his wife and others.

Pressi could see this coming.

Trill’s think about the weight of his gear, and his pack actually feels rather light. A quick check will reveal that it’s empty!

Everyone works quickly to see to the wounded. The injured are tended to, and moved together to get the best benefit out of the healing energy being channeled.
_____________________________________________________

It’s late afternoon.

The dust, smoke and mist reduce vision a bit so everything is hazy. It’s initially a scene of chaos, but not as much carnage as you’d expect. As you move among the people there, there are a number of people injured - most from being knocked forcefully to the ground, and a few from falling stones. But surprisingly, only three actually died. One was a stable hand from Humble’s Farm, crushed by a stone before the explosion, and two others were students at the Center for The Enlightened Spirituality & Arcane Arts buried beneath the rubble of the fallen tower.

It seems odd that the party had to frighten folks away from a tower that was going haywire, but people will tell you that they were accustomed to the flickers and bolts of energy that shot from the tower. They repelled the giants, but never caused harm to a halfling - even when the energy went right through them all it did was make your hair stand on end. And get you grounded if you were a kid playing there.

No one ever thought the towers, which were a symbol of security and protection for so long, could have posed a threat.

As you work to assess the scene and tend to injuries, the constable and other town figures work with you. People are grouped for maximum healing. Alleah, Cameron and others are able to channel energy, which, along with any healing spells seem especially effective here. Pretty much everyone is magically healed back up - with the exception of the three that did not survive. These three were know, and are mourned.

It is clear that the party’s quick work probably save half the people here. As you work, there are many questions, but there is a consensus that it was the efforts of Humble’s Sword that likely save half of those here. The early warnings, the shouts to pull back, the attempts to frighten, push and drag folks away - even at great personal risk.

Many begin to use the term Humble’s Heros. The proprietors of both the Belly Buster and the Dancing Pig insist you must come to their establishment for free drinks and food. Which do you choose?

Humble’s Heros are peppered with questions at the tower site and on the way back - everyone seems to focus on the only ones here that don’t seem shocked and bewildered, the ones that were trying to save everyone from a catastrophe that only they seemed to see coming.

“What Happened?”
“How did you know this would happen?”
“Hey, when did you come out of the tower? We saw you go in, but we didn’t see you come out - you came up the road!”
“Thanks to Alemi that you came back out to help! What was going on in there?”
“Where’s the Second Dinner Club?”
“Why didn’t the Second Dinner Club stop this?”
“What was in the tower?”
“Why did the energy between the towers stop?”
“What will happen now?”
“Why did you come back out of the tower?”
“How did this happen?”
“Who are you?” (to the new folks in your group.)
“Who’s the hot dancing girl?”
“Where’s the free beer? Somebody said there was free beer!”

(Magic items seem like ordinary items. Any bags of holding seem to be ordinary, empty bags. Same with Handy Haversacks. Spells are a different matter. You will find that all ley line checks seem to work near the former tower, and that an effects are at 150% normal.)

(Your wagon is full of barrels, rope and vegetables. There are two other wagons here, and a few ponies.)

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). What happened? 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 4:00:21 PM

Murphy considers the puzzlement that is inevitable under these unusual circumstances.

He climbs up on a wagon, and holds out his hands for silence.

Then he begins. "This is a sad day. A tragic day. I cannot explain everything, but will try to tell you what I can." He looks about at the faces of the crowd, waiting for complete silence.

"What happened is rather odd. We do not understand all of the magic of the giant towers, or how it all works. We need to consult with the local authorities. We do not yet know exactly what has become of the Second Dinner Club. They were trying to stop this, but were injured in the initial explosion, which started the purple haze."

His eyes tear up as he continues. "I - I was able to look through the upper window just before the tower died. I saw no one in the room. I trust, I pray, that our greatest wizards were able somehow to escape the..." and here, Murphy chokes up.

He asks for a drink of water. He composes himself, then struggles to continue. "Look, friends, neighbors. It's hard for us to understand just how all this happened, too. Yes, we thank Alemi, and the others above who watch over us.

"I will say this: The Second Dinner Club has helped to keep the power of the Giant Tower strong for years, working with others from Crescent Valley who oversee the other towers in this magical fence. There are many mysteries to this largely invisible wall. I wish I could understand and explain what happened fully.

"Suffice it to say, we will seek to learn what we can. We seem to have been teleported away from here, and we raced to return, as you have seen. These people," and he indicates Trillium, Pressi, Kezzem, and Cameron, "agreed to come and help us - to help you."

"For the rest of your questions, if you will show patience, your officials will give a fuller report later. We will all need to make preparations to deal with the loss of the tower."

He looks about. "Can we have a few clerics offer up prayers for the souls whom we lost here, and for the welfare of the Second Dinner Club, and, finally, for wisdom for our leaders and for each of us as we deal with the tragedy we all face this day?"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 6:11:25 PM

Bliss casts his Reduce spell as usual, glad that it works. Once people are healed up, he offers to say Gargul's prayers for the dead.

Of course, with zero ranks in Know Religion, he just makes his prayers up as usual, cobbled together out of fragments he may have heard here or there. Like, "Bless them oh Gargul, with all your gifts, to these you're about to receive, with your bounty, and may the perpetual light shine on them, amen."

Later, he is happy to breathe and talk to people. "We were in the tower, and then we had a nightmare, and then we woke up three weeks ago far away, and then we raced back, and got here just when you saw us. It's really not complicated. We didn't know what would happen when we went in the tower, but on the way back, of course we did, because we had been there. Of course we wanted to help. We were hoping to arrive before we left, but maybe that's not possible."

"Dunno what happened to the Second Dinner Club. Who were they, again? Some of them were hurt, maybe dead, but it is hard to say. I was dead once, but it did me no lasting harm. Praise Gargul."

"As for the towers, we have no clue, but Miss Shel there is a mage, and Miss Alleah has some really powerful magic, and Mister Murphy knows everything, so maybe we can fix it? Maybe?"

Bliss enjoys visiting the pubs (both, please) but does not indulge. He did that once, and his head really hurt the next day.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 8:35:13 PM
Despite the tragedy, Alleah can't help but smile proudly as Bliss says some prayers for the departed. He really is growing into a hero. She stands next to him and bows her head as he prays. She goes to retrieve some cloth from her kits to lay over the victims, but is very surprised to discover her haversack no longer functioning. "I hope this is only temporary"

Once Bliss has said a prayer, Alleah will cast Gentle Repose followed by Prestidigitation/Clean Blood on each the corpses. She wants them to look decent for any family or friends who wish to see them.

Alleah stands tall with her hands clasped before her as Murphy addresses the crowd. When he is finished she adds "This area may still not be safe. Let us all head back to the town now. Any who are still injured should head to the Temple of Ffloy. We can setup a triage and have clerics and healers tend to wounded in comfort there"

For the most part, the party have traditionally been "Pits" (ie: Dancing Pig regulars). Alleah does not want to cause any fuss however.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22  d20+5=11 ;
Thursday January 21st, 2016 8:59:45 PM
Pressi takes advantage of one of the barrels as temporary storage for things that no longer fit in her no longer bag of holding, like that giant obsidian axe. Feeling self conscious about the male attention, she places her robe of not blending on.

Gone was the Cthonia tobacco, one of her methods of moving people away from the tower. A while back, she had promised Murphy as a sign that she believed in this quest that she would make cigars of it once the tower was saved. She watched as many a survivor lit the tobacco, the smoky air filling with the smell of truffle oil.

Pressi for the most part ignores the questions, though a few citizens do recognize her from Angel Springs. A couple that once visited the Emerald City even remember the name "Diamond Dust." She had been around for a bit.

She puts a hand on Murphy's shoulder. "For what it's worth, I really thought we might pull it off."

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

Pressi gathers everyone around. "Ok, I'm not going to sugercoat it. Today was tough. Even if you believed that you can't change the past or that Waard isn't even lucky, today was tough.

"To me, Waard was never the God of luck. Every chapter in his life is yet another thing happening to him, or another day he has to leave or lose everything. We think of him as the God of Luck (knowledge check 11) because he kept going, kept surviving. And now, we need to find it in ourselves to move forward in time. And it starts by focusing on the part of the past that did change. We have changed. We have risen to challenges that far outstrip the powers of any mere giants. We could not have saved these lives if the past had not changed.

"For every person we could not save, it is a tragedy to be mourned. But do not mourn for the tower. That tower had been lost to another time. This, now, is our time. Let our pride be in the things we did save. Let us be easy going when the going is hard. Let us be optimistic not that we can change the past but that we can still change the future. Let us show any giants that invade that they were better off against the tower.

"But first, let us get some drinks, because it's been a looong several seconds."

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 9:44:47 PM
Trill helps out where needed and frets a bit over the loss of her things, but then they were just things. As questions are asked about what happens she lets those who know more about what was going on answer and when asked about who she is she responds simply and honestly.

My Name is Trillium Lightfingers, I joined this group along the road deep in the Culverwood. I am from outside of plateau city in the wine growing region.

She too will make an appearance at each of the taverns as she knows nothing about either of them nor the politics and while she will have a bite to eat she will only have one glass of wine at each establishment.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 9:46:09 PM
Shel smiles and nods as the others speak. She slinks away from the group, missing her friend Alouryn. She wanted to find out what had happened with her and if Hazel had made it back safely. Other than Murphy, those two were her closest friends, and she needed to see if those two were okay and they were still married.

Only after checking would Shel be interested in rejoining the others, and having some of her namesake dish.

I think that was at the Dancing Pig, but honestly I can't remember, lol.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Thursday January 21st, 2016 11:32:30 PM
As the party tries to explain things involving magical time travel, Kezzem just shakes his head.

"If you're head is hurting, that's Cornwall. Best not think about it too much and have a drink. The important thing is nobody got hurt. Well, almost nobody."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Meeting with a few leaders 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:31:26 AM

Murphy jots down a few notes as he works with others. He invites whoever in the party wishes to join him to meet with the officials. Having at least one of the people who was in the tower and got pulled into Koshe Marr would be good. If everyone wants to come, that would be terrific. He takes moments here and there to let each one know about the upcoming meeting. He invites Hazel and Alouryn to come, too. He says he wants to keep it short, but to give a brief, clear rundown on what happened, with a focus on the tower events, the portal to Koshe Marr, and the exit therefrom - and the separation of the Second Breakfast Club from them as they teleported to Izen. He thinks the first place he would like to look for them is the Wizards' Tower in town. He does not want to get bogged down at this meeting with details of the journey back, other than to mention the journey was long and strewn with numerous obstacles along the way, as well as the meeting of new companions along the way. He tells them they thought, it appeared, there still remained an additional day or two to return in time to prevent the whole tower incident. He also mentions attempts to reach key people in town through magical means, but these were thwarted.

During the meeting, he relates the above. The druid then adds, "When flying, trying to enter the tower, and seeing the doors slam shut almost in my face, and noting the increasing pulsations emanating from the tower, I knew the time was almost up. I looked through the window, where we and the three wizards had been. The portal was still visible through the purple mist, but no one could be seen within. No one at all. Now, from our past experience, before we returned here - we all were there just as the explosion began, and were sucked into the portal. This time, there were still a few minutes before the explosion when I looked within. There may have been an additional time, uh change? Difference? Anomaly? - with our return. I don't claim to understand this, but Pressi has some ideas, and Cameron, and others."

He looks around. "Speaking of ideas, in a moment Alleah will have something to show you all."

"Just before she does that, though, a few words. Mayor Bumbleluck, you are the leader of Humble's Ford. We leave it in your hands to draw the community together, to give people hope, to help us mourn the loss of life, to begin to lay out plans for the present and future. Let us know if you would like our help with these things, and we will do what we are able.

"Good Constable, I admired your leadership at the tower. If there is anything we can do to support you and the militia, let us know."

"And regarding plans - Alleah has a list of ideas she and I and a few others put together for your consideration. Alleah?"

[Of course, anyone may interject at any point during the above discourse - say what you have to say at the meeting - or perhaps DM Mark will further set that scene.]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 12:37:07 PM
Cameron didn't know these halflings. None of them sparked any kind of memory from his childhood. . He had helped to save them because that was what a decent person did, and protecting those unable to protect themselves was what the aspect of Jancassis that he followed expected. Now that those that can be saved have been he reaches into his pocket for a snack and finds his magical pants don't work. He blends into the background and lets the others do the talking.
OOC
Sorry guys, suffering from a head cold that is making conscious thought hard. I'll try to catch up on all the stuff being asked over the weekend.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+25=38 ;
Friday January 22nd, 2016 1:39:53 PM

Bliss comes along for the meeting, but his natural shyness in these situations asserts itself, and he finds himself hiding in plain sight. Unless someone calls on him.

Stealth 38

Questions and Answers (DM Mark) 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:18:03 PM
Murphy stands on a wagon, raises his hands, and addresses the crowd. He doesn’t really answer their questions. He does say that the Second Dinner Club was trying to stop this, but they were injured in the explosion that started the purple haze. He says he looked in the window and they were not there. He says Humble’s Sword was teleported away, and raced to return. He ask for them to be patient, and that their officials will give them a report.

Murphy allows the Mayor to decide who attends a meeting at his house.

Then Bliss delivers a stream of consciousness report of a 5-year old, and says they arrived 3 weeks ago in a place far, far away.

Pressi laments the loss of her tobacco, and shares her perspectives on Wardd. Then she delivers an eloquent speech to encourage those there.

Shel seeks out Alouryn. Hazel did return home safely, and she’s quite glad to have him back. Faoil seems glad of that too, sticking close to Hazel.

Alleah tries to get everyone moving back to town. Trill introduces herself. Kezzem and Cameron join in.
_____________________________________________________

In response to Murphy’s and Bliss’ remarks, there are a lot of confused looks and more questions. Madame LaRue says wistfully that all will be revealed in it’s time. Pirnook DeepPockets and Candy Badapple both look shrewdly a Murphy. Many there chime in.

“There’s more here that you’re not telling us.”
“Why do we need to wait for the authorities to tell us what you know? We want to hear it from you!”
“How did you get teleported away, and to where? Did it teleport you just down the road, because you only went into the tower a little bit ago. You’re not making sense boy. What’s going on here?”
“What was that Purple Haze (Murphy’s term), and why was it all in my brain?”
“Is it tomorrow, or just the end of time?”
“What will happen to us now with this Giant Tower not working?”
“Will Giants come eat us? I heard they eat halflings.”
“What will you do now?”

(There are also some repeat askings of the questions from the last post.)

Still, these are all halflings - even with all that has happened there is a sense of optimism in this crowd, touched with some sadness and fear. It’s an odd mix of feelings.

Amidst the questions, the town’s folks along with Humble’s Sword makes the long trek back to Humble’s Ford. Much praise and thanks are heaped on what they are calling Humble’s Heros. Well, most of them are calling you that.

As you pass the tower belonging to the Second Dinner Club, there are a number of frowns and stares at the dark tower. Pirnook DeepPockets spits toward the tower as you pass.

You reach town. The Mayor wants you all to come to come to Humble’s Burrow to discuss things with him. The Constable wants to know what’s going on. Mulberry DrinkWater throws her hair back as she steps forward, certain she is important enough to be in any such discussion. The two tavern owners seem to each want you at their place first - especially before the other. Candy Badapple says you’re hiding something. Pirnook DeepPockets thinks so too. The Mayor at first proposes you meet with just him. This is met with many insisting they are important enough to know the facts, and the Mayor folds like a house of cards. He proposed you address everyone there - he has nothing to hide, nothing at all.

Where do you go, and what do you tell to whom? You are pressed for information. Everyone want’s to know the answers and to be included.
_____________________________________________________
OOC: Thus ends the Tower related adventure! Or this part of it, anyway. Let’s take stock of where things are.

Humble’s Sword saw the Giant Tower begin to go haywire. They battled their way in, found the Second Dinner Club, who realized their folly. Almost everyone was saved from certain death by being sucked through a portal to Koshe Marr. How many halflings can say they’ve been to Koshe Marr and returned to tell the tale?!

When the heros made it back to their world, they were separated from the Second Dinner Club, and far from home - both geographically and temporally. They travelled through the Culverwood, fought some creatures there, and made some new friends. They desperately hoped to return in time to stop the death and destruction associated with the previous collapse of the Giant Tower.

The heros were partly successful. One of the Second Dinner Club is presumed dead, and two others are missing and may be dead as well. Three townsfolk died in the collapse, but quick work saved and healed many of the rest. Certainly, Humble’s Sword’s presence at the tower saved many lives - or so they assume. Right? They were not actually there when the tower collapsed the first time, so who knows for sure? But they are hailed as heros nonetheless!

Everyone advance your character to 38,000 XP. You are all 7th level.

Treasure list:
28/07
- 200gp (From gambling on an archery comp)

01/09
- bracers of armor + 1
- cloak of resistance +1
- mithral chain shirt +1
- wand of cure light wounds with 50 charges
- potion of bull's strength
- feather token of the fan variety
- MW Rapier
- MW Short Sword
- MW Comp Shortbow with a +1 Str bonus
- 20 arrows
- a tanglefoot bag
- a pearl - Spellcraft 24:Highlight to display spoiler: {Pearl of Power, 5th level}

12/09
- about 100 feet of hemp rope.

24/09
- a wind fan
- horn of fog
- ring of force shield
- unidentified magical chain shirt - Spellcraft 22:Highlight to display spoiler: {Chain Shirt, +2, Energy Resistance, Improved}
- unidentified magical cloak - Spellcraft 22:Highlight to display spoiler: {Cloak of Displacement, Major}

19/11
- pipes of haunting

04/01
- obsidian axe - Appraise 20:Highlight to display spoiler: {Worth 500 GP}

Now we begin a new adventure. For planning purposes, you may assume about a week of down time. Please let me know if more is needed. I’ll not draw that time out, but there are a few things that will happen during that time. I will try to cover that in 2 or 3 days of posting.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Meeting with a few leaders 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:36:15 PM
Step back
As Pressi places her hand on his shoulder, and indicates we might have succeeded, Murphy says, "Well, I'm thinking that maybe you were at least partly right in our earlier conversations. When I looked into the tower, I should have seen those of us who were there, or at least one or more of the wizards. Maybe we cannot overlap ourselves in time, entirely. But, y'know, we did help. You all who joined us later helped us, too in our aims, even though my arrow was deflected from my preferred target. And those of us who went through the portal, and the nightmare lands, and the Culverwood - it's like we got an extra three, almost four weeks of life, and picked up where we left off. My momentary anger is gone. I hope the powers above will forgive me my frustrated outburst. I'm just glad that we were able to save many lives here today. This tough day.

"So, you did the cigar thing, like you said, eh?" he concludes with a smile.

Which tavern?
Murphy says, "Yeah, I get in trouble in this town, because I go to both taverns. There's this rivalry, you see. You pick a tavern, and you stick with it. Otherwise, you're considered too wishy washy, or disloyal, or suspect. My family mainly goes to the Buster. But the Dancing Pig is quite lively. Better food at the former. Better action at the latter. I'm going to stop in at the Buster for half an hour, then head to the Pig for the balance of the evening. I can take being called names, if they want to, for visiting both of our fine inns."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Meeting with a few leaders 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:40:27 PM

[Above post I did before I saw terrific DM post. Forgot to refresh. Will respond later... work calls.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:46:19 PM
Pressi, not really an expert on this stuff, sometimes wishes that she weren't the only one cloistered at a library. People with knowledge in planes or spellcraft would have a better shot at understanding this than those relying on mythology and cloistered star charters. A cleric who didn't spend all their time outside would have a better shot. But she opened her mouth, so... (Knowledge Religion (Take 10) 15).

"The important thing to keep in mind is that space is a funny thing," she began as she drew a three by three grid of dots on a piece of paper. "The basic rule of space is that one can only connect two dots with a straight line. Which leads to the classic problem of how to connect these nine dots with the smallest number of lines possible..."

Pressi folded up the paper and shoved her writing instrument to all nine dots. "The unfolded paper is our universe. This is what happened to your tower. This is why I don't trust magic, by the way."

Things kind of went downhill from there as Pressi, passing on her barely remembered surface memories of these complex astronomy explanations given in passing between training, tries to explain it to politicians who don't seem to even understand time as a dimension. But slowly she explains what happened based on her secondhand understanding of Murphy's notes. About how plane jumping brought them back in time. About how a timeline can't really handle people jumping in the past, especially when the goal is to stop them from jumping into the past. About how what is the past for some is present for others.

Pressi keeps on flipping through the notes as best as she could. "Wait, was there too much power or not enough?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 43/43, CMD 22 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:47:00 PM
Yeah, posted before seeing DM posts too.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 3:21:11 PM
"So, didn't someone say they had free beer at the Pig?" asks Kezzem. "Sounds like the place to go to me!"

OOC: Did we ever resolve the character wealth discrepancy issues? If not, I'm fine letting the original crew divide the loot among themselves first as Kezzem and the other late comers started off relatively better off gearwise.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=14 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=27 ;
Friday January 22nd, 2016 6:11:18 PM
OOC: Spellcraft rolls for the pearl 14, the chain shirt 18, and the cloak 27. I am snowed in and unable to get to my main computer so I can read the spoiler. Please read the cloak spoiler and assume Shel shares the knowledge with everyone.

Shel was overjoyed to see her friends were well. She hugged Alouryn and Hazel tightly, and tried to explain exactly what happened to them. As Shel wasn't 100% sure, she was probably confusing them more than providing an explanation.

She quickly made her way back to the group as she hears Murphy and Pressi try to explain the whole hing to the town. She just didn't have the energy for that. When she hears them talk about dinner; she finally smiled. It's been too long since she had eaten at the Pig. She was ready to tuck into some food right now!

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Meeting with a few leaders 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 7:13:35 PM
How does this sound? Often in the intermezzo periods (we hang around town for a few days), fairly unlimited posting is allowed, say over a weekend, wrap-up posts on Monday, and the launch of the new module on Tuesday. If that is fine with our DM and players, shall we go that direction?

Oh, and Shel identifies the cloak we found among the fey black widow spiders as a Cloak of Displacement, Major.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Friday January 22nd, 2016 11:11:41 PM
Trill enjoys her time among her new friends but is a little overwhelmed by the attention and meeting all of the people that her new friends know, not to mention she feels a bit uncomfortable as it is apparent that some of them have quite a bit of history together.

"As the conversation turns around the tower and such, Trill broaches the subject with Murphy and the others. While I am not all sure what happened here or before and I am not at all sure what you all were trying to do, do we need to check out the tower at this point to make sure it is safe or at least not going to open some dimensional rift to somewhere that some unsuspecting halfling wanders into? "

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet 
Saturday January 23rd, 2016 5:37:00 AM
Cameron, knowing some things about giants fields the questions about them.
" If giants attack the valley we will repel them. They can be beaten so long as we work together. My kin have been fighting giants for centuries, I'll send work to them and see if they will send some warriors to teach us how to do it. There is nothing we cannot overcome in defense of our homes."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 14/13/12 -- CMD 12 -- HP 39/39 
Saturday January 23rd, 2016 6:36:32 AM
Let's walk and talk then. As we head back to town I'll be happy to tell you all about what we think happened"

Alleah will begin the story with what the party remember of the tower, of Koshe Marr, the goblin family, the Culverwood, the nymph, the traders on the river, the orcs, the snakes, the gorillon, the man who "generously" sold the party his cart and horse. She doesn't think the party have anything to hide.

Alleah has only been to the Dancing Pig, and that is where she will be going next. She finds a nearby youth and offers him a few coppers to head to the Temple of Ffloy and pass on a message "The Humble's Sword are back in town. Miss Alleah wonders if the Broker would be free for tea tomorrow morning"

-------------------------------
OOC: I have put an order in at the Catacombs to sell our loot

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday January 23rd, 2016 8:58:09 PM
Shel tells everyone all about the cloak. After she talks about its abilities, she whispers to the Sword, "That's the most expensive thing Ive ever seen. If we could find someone to buy that, we could sell it for a fortune!".

She'd never been poor by any stretch, but she had heard rumors about certain magic items that could make her weak magic more powerful. Perhaps she could afford at least one of those neat items.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Sunday January 24th, 2016 4:40:45 PM
OOC: New Sheet and Updated Header

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Sunday January 24th, 2016 6:42:16 PM
Bliss is happy to chat with people, though he is shy. At different points in the evening and in the days after, he talks and answers any questions people have:

"We don't know how we got teleported away. It was a nightmare trick, from the land of nightmares, where trees are made of glass and they break if you are loud. Just ask Mookie, he was there before!"

(Mookie wisely makes himself scarce for this whole episode.)

"And we escaped through a magic tavern that had a gate that brought us to Izen because we found these lost goblin kids and we had to make sure they got home safe. We didn't know we'd end up getting back to the Wold before we left it!"

"We don't know what happens next! We're not seers! Right now all I want is a rest!"

In the coming days, Bliss makes some potions, does his training, and tells his friends he wants to find a mage to cast a spell for him. "I'm tired of casting my spell to make me small all the time. I'd rather have a wizard make it permanent."

He asks around for where he could find such a caster for hire. Angel Springs, maybe?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Sunday January 24th, 2016 8:19:54 PM
The meetings are done and the bar hopping has finished. Though Murphy had promised her a night around, it had been clear from how they entered the town that it wasn't happening tonight.

Pressi began to unpack in one of the hotels - the Dancing Pig, she believed. It had been much of a blur, though the Pig patrons seemed especially recognizing of the crazy dance girl. She would eventually have to figure out where to stay, what to do. Did the members of her group even have jobs. Pressi tried to imagine Bliss in between sniping gigs - an accountant maybe? Would her old temple approve of her staying here, where they don't even have a statue of Domi? Would Leska worry without Pressi's protection and help? And what would she do without Leska's?

Shrugging, Pressi turned to the lamp under a hanging acorn on a black cord. With a quick breath, she extinguished the light.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday January 24th, 2016 8:30:42 PM
Alleah has quite a bit planned to do over the coming days

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

She arranges to meet the Broker Iangold Laughshield (who gave her permission to refer to him informally as 'Ian') over tea. She relays the entire journey of the party once more, and in detail for him. She tells him about Rais and Isra, and how she couldn't save the goblin boy. She also tells him about that no good haggler on the road, who sold them the cart at a huge markup.

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

Alleah also sneaks away from the party for a few hours at a time. When she returns the keen eyed observers will notice that she now wears a WLA badge!

"I figure I can do more good and be more a hero with a whole organisation to support me. And even if I am a member of the WLA, I can still uphold the ideals of the Walkers" To that end, Alleah still intends to only deal non-lethal damage if she can.

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

Alleah spends some time each day crafting a magnificent headband to wear and bolster her intuition. (Crafting a Headband of Inspired Wisdom)

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

Alleak will also enquire as to how Quotiln is settling into the community. Has anyone been giving him a hard time? Does he have everything he needs? She will praise him on how the animals fare and how the farmstead looks Highlight to display spoiler: {Quotiln was an enemy NPC who reformed. By pure DM coincidence, he has the same last name as Alleah: "Lighttouch". Alleah believes he is a relative on her father's side, but has not confessed this to anyone - even Quotiln. Alleah has paid him an entire year of wages in advance to live with the party and tend to the farm and animals})

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Meeting with a few leaders 
Monday January 25th, 2016 3:50:54 AM

At the Mayor's House
Murphy acknowledges Mayor Bumbleluck, Constable Roscoe Hornblower, and the mass of additional folks who came. He considers Madame LaRue, a wise woman, who helped them following the assassination of Sarabella Lovesong. Candy BadApple, a formidable competitor. He knows her sister Crystal, a cleric of Flower, is one of Alouryn's best friends. Pirnook Deeppockets - a shrewd businessman, with an outpost of the Catacombs here in town tucked into a corner of his general store. Primula PipeLeaf, wife of Hugo, and she the best blacksmith in town, with the two of them running the Slings and Arrows shop. He holds good respect for her, and knows she was helping to rescue several today.

Murphy is much more forthcoming in his description of what happened than he was earlier. One, Bliss pretty much gave the gist of things. Two, it was not difficult to discern that the druid himself had not laid out the full story immediately following the tower's downfall. Three, Alleah went into much detail. He explains his initial reluctance to talk about traveling back in time. "Despite that's what really happened, I recently tried to explain to others outside our group the notion of going back in time - and they did not believe it. They laughed. So, I don't know whether you all believe it or not. And, I apologize for not opening up fully when first asked, but really did not know how the folks would receive it.

"That said, on our journey back, I got to thinking about what we might do should the tower go through the destruction we just witnessed. I jotted down some ideas for preparations we might make. An old proverb says that 'in the abundance of counselors there is wisdom,' so surely many among us gathered here will have additional ideas, additional things we might do to help protect our town and our valley. Here, I'll just read quickly through it," he says to those assembled, then, looking to Mayor Bumbleluck, "then will turn the paper over to you to do with as you will, sir."

Murphy opens the paper, and reads the following:
===============
Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley
Ideas for dealing with loss of tower

- Send people to check out adjacent towers. Discuss with other tower keepers the new situation. Will the remaining towers continue to afford a measure of protection? Would giants from the north have to funnel through the opening left by Humble Ford's tower?

- From Second Dinner Club (if any can be found), learn what we can about tower defense. Can the tower be rebuilt? To echo what was written above - how does the loss of one affect the strength of the others?

- Find Shafbaffum. And/Or see if any of his writings exist. (Possible resources: Library at Lawni's Lens; also Mungo HardBottle, a real history buff, in Angel Springs has an extensive library)

Prepare layered defenses against the giants from the north:
- Set up long-distance communications mechanisms from north to south (and south to north). Fire stands? Semaphore? Sound relays?
- Dig trenches with light cover to cause biguns to fall - maybe some will break a leg or something else.
- Dig trenches to fill with fuel which may be lit on fire
- How might we use the river as a defense against the giants?
- Set up missile batteries - slings, sling staffs, crossbows, bows, etc. Tanglefoot bag launchers? Alchemical items cast through the air against invaders...
- Set up defensive barricades
- Discuss strengths of giants and how to mitigate
- Discuss weaknesses of giants and how to amplify
- See if Lomar might help militia with practicing tactics vs. giants - without harming Lomar
- Arm housewives with skillets, in accord with ancient tradition on one means used to handle invading giants by valley dwellers
- Strengthen burrows against marauding giants' feet
- Find safe haven for children
- Other ideas?

We should engage whole of Crescent Valley in dealing with the situation. Contact leaders and militia from Angel Springs and from Hovel.

-MLP
===============

The towhead listens to all that others have to say during the meeting, trying honestly to answer whatever questions they may have, and seeking to absorb what wisdom, counsel and knowledge is shared.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds 
Monday January 25th, 2016 4:35:46 AM

A Place to Stay - Humble's Sword Burrow
As they leave the meeting at the Mayor's house, Murphy tells the new friends who have been traveling with them, "Say, we have a place down by the river - our own burrow. There's plenty of room. So, Trillium, Pressi, Kezzem, Cameron - Would you care to join us there? You can meet Cora Callico, who helps keep the mice population down, and Quotiln, also Hazel, Alouryn - and any strays they may have picked up."

For Murphy: 1. His family home (5 minutes); 2. Belly Buster (1/2 hour); 3. Dancing Pig (a few hours); 4. Humble's Sword Burrow
Murphy invites any of his adventuring friends who want to join him on his rounds. "I'll make quick introductions to any who come with me. My folks and siblings may be back there. Of course, from their perspective, I just left there a few hours ago. Just a couple minutes there, then I need to stop at the Belly Buster. After that, I'll join you all at the Dancing pig, maybe in half an hour or so."

He knows that Shel, Alleah, Bliss, and Mookie know their way around the town, as does Kezzem, and Pressi a little bit, but Cameron and Trillium do not. "This is a great time to see some of the night life of Humble's Ford - tomorrow we can show you around the rest of the place, I'm sure.

To Pressi
"When I was carrying a woman and an older boy away from the tower today in my ape guise, I saw the crowd you'd gathered around you. Leska is right, you are a beautiful dancer. And clever, too. Thanks for playing your role in today's work, Press. How 'bout tomorrow I show you 'round town like I promised a few days back? By the way, I think I understood about half of what you were saying tonight. I liked the folded paper illustration, though.

To Shel
"Remember when we were in the Red Hills, Shel? And how hot it was? After the troll named Stupid left? And the rain fell, but evaporated about a hundred feet above the ground?" His hand is behind his back. "And you were so hot? And all of us felt miserable?" He gives her a moment to recall that. "You loved it when I did this," And from behind his back, he pulls his twenty ounce Teucri drinking mug, and pours the contents over her head.

Well, it was not cool water this time, but instead a whole bunch of little teenie tiny torn up pieces of paper.

He steps back, one hand before him to fend her off. "Oh, oh, right, I used water in the desert. Sorry. Minor detail." Then he runs away, well, for a few feet. If she goes to hit him, He just covers up and let's her rain blows on him - he knows she won't put too much force into it.

"I just want to say how I appreciate you, Shel. You and I are the only two who've been with the group the whole time since the Games, and we got started. It would be nice to have Hazel and Alouryn back with us on the travels - who knows, Hazel might join in again. I get the feeling, though, that Alouryn has had enough travel outside town for now. But at least, we can see her for the time being."

He then adds, "Look, Shel, we'll likely be needed here in town for a while, and that's fine with me. I don't know what your plans are. And you don't need to say right now. But, I'm wondering - if Humble's Sword - or," he adds with a chuckle, "'Humble's Heros' are asked to do something outside of town again, are you up for heading out to who knows where again?"

Murphy scratches the back of his neck. "Look, I'm going to ask the others the same question. But, since we're the only two from way back - well, if a year or so is way back - I thought I should ask you first. Again, you don't have to answer now. But think it over, all right? Because, if it's some sort of trouble we're being asked to go into, I trust you to be the sort who knows what to do, and who isn't going to go running off when your friends need help."

He pauses. "And, if you say, 'yes,' then, maybe you can help me ask the others. Does that sound reasonable to you?" he asks seriously, but with a brightness in his eyes.

Others in the group
Don't feel left out - Murphy will engage with you later on Monday. He wants to get Shel's response, first. [And Kim has to go to bed]

Questions and Answers (DM Mark) 
Monday January 25th, 2016 12:01:02 PM
The party has returned to Humble’s Ford with the crowd.

Murphy explains the difference between the taverns. He relates all of what happened. Relatively few can even conceive of time travel, let alone understand the ramifications. Murphy outlines his plans, some ways the town could address the loss of the tower, and where folks could stay. [OOC: I cannot address all the issues and people Murphy brings up issues - I will leave it to others to respond to Murphy if they wish.]

Pressi laments her lack of academic knowledge of the planes and time loops. She also wonders what the future holds for her - where will she stay, what will she do?

Kezzem only cares about the beer.

Shel is happy to see her friends, and listens to the discussions. Then her stomach growls.

Trill says you all need to go make sure the fallen tower poses no further magical threat.

Cameron says his kin have been fighting giants for a long time, and offers for them to come and teach the folks in the Crescent Valley how to prepare for giants.

Alleah will begin to tell the tale as they all walk back, but if frequently interrupted as everyone strains to hear what she says in a moving crowd. She gets asked the same question so many time, she decides to wait until they reach the Mayor’s house. She also send a message to the Broker from the Temple of Ffloy asking for a meeting.

Bliss relates more of their tale, and asks where he can find a caster for a spell he needs cast. He is told that he can seek help at the Center for The Enlightened Spirituality & Arcane Arts.
___________________________________________________________
An impromptu gathering is held in front of the Mayor’s house. Mayor Bumbleluck declares you all the Heros of Humble’s Ford, and those present cheer in response. Many questions are asked and answered.

A messenger from the Belly Buster is sent to tell you that drinks are on the house tonight for the Heros of Humble’s Ford! Then a messenger from the Dancing Pig tells you that drinks and food are on the housetonight for the Heros of Humble’s Ford. Shortly after that, a messenger from the Belly Buster arrives that they are offering free food and drink for tonight and tomorrow night to the Heros, and that their food is much better than the Pig. A messenger from the Pig tells you that in addition to two nights of free food and drink, the Hero’s may stay there for free.

By the time you’re done, you can get 4 days of free food, drink, lodging, dancing lessons at either establishment. Please note on your character sheet which tavern you pick - are you a Buster or a Pig. Or a Pleaser if you go to both. (You need not all make the same choice.) The Buster does have better food, but the Pig has better music and dancing. If you choose to be a Buster OR a Pig, you are offered the 4 night deal. Those that visit both can count on only 2 days of freebies as non-committal Pleasers.

There is much revelry, and then rest. The next day, life in Humble’s Ford returns to relative normalcy. There is some concern by Constable Hornblower that the loss of this tower leaves the town vulnerable to giants. The Mayor decides that he’s worried about the giants too, and this concern spreads. The Constable is is thankful for Cameron’s offer, and asks who his kin are and how they would get here?

Also the next day, the Broker from the Temple of Ffloy will meet with Alleah, but is also interested in talking to all of you. In addition, visitors from Hovel and Angel Springs arrive, many of whom by at least some of you know in one way or another. They will tell you that the other Giant Towers seem to be functioning, but the loss of the one near Humble’s Ford makes them almost irrelevant. There is concern about what this could mean.

These visitors include members of the WLA, and if anyone want’s to join or train, they will facilitate that in Humble’s Ford over the next week. You are all becoming rather famous.
___________________________________________________________

Bliss visits the Center for The Enlightened Spirituality & Arcane Arts. He is told that they expect a visiting mage there in the next few days. A mage does arrive who can cast this spell for the usual fee. The Headmaster at the Center is also interested in speaking to all of your about your adventures, especially your visit to Koshe Marr and back. Regarding time travel, the current theory is that time is resilient, and it can be very difficult to change events in time. The more important the event, the harder it is to change. Likewise, the harder you push on such events, the more the universe pushes back to maintain the timeline. They also believe it is not possible to see or interact with yourself if you go back in time - you’re simply not there. This not-thereness can push into those you are in contact with at the time. Or at least that’s what they think.

Alleah meets privately with the Broker Iangold Laughshield, and relates information. He is keenly interested in all she has to say. Regarding the trader/farmer Hevin Longroot, he is not very sympathetic - he interprets the event as a shrewd business deal. Later that week, he will meet with the whole party, and will corroborate some of the above time-travel theories, though he does things that events in time can be changed.
___________________________________________________________
There are growing murmers of concern and unease rippling through the community. I need 7 Daily Diplomacy Checks DC 10 to keep things calm. Just one check for the party will do - I will simply use the first 7 checks posted.

You will also find that your magic items are functioning the next day.

OOC: I know this may be a bit confusing with a week of downtime and everyone wanting to do so much. I responded to a few things above. Please let me know generally (and concisely) what you do over this week. In tomorrow’s post, I’ll go over events that happen over the week you’re there, you can respond, and in Wednesday's post I’ll wrap that up and move things forward. Be sure to let me know if I’m rushing things.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 48/48, CMD 19 
Monday January 25th, 2016 7:32:11 PM
Kezzem spends the time drinking beer, wooing the lady halflings with (exaggerated) tales of his adventure, and playing cards. If consulted about the giants, Kezzems solution is to stab them until the stop moving.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=25 ; d20+10=19 ;
Monday January 25th, 2016 7:36:15 PM
In an attempt to help calm nerves and show the community that the "Humble's Heroes" care, Alleah spends some time at the temple handing out the vegetables that the party bought. The vegetables are handed out freely, but to ensure there is enough to go around, she tries to limit it to 4 or 5 pieces per family.

She also visits those who are still injured from the tower incident. She does what she can to tend to any wounds, whether just be spending time and talking, changing bandages, or by casting healing spells.

-------------------------------------
Diplomacy: 25
Heal: 19

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d3=1 ;
Monday January 25th, 2016 7:40:02 PM
Alleah rolls a die and trusts in Wardd to tell her which tavern she should go to (1 = Pig, 2 = Buster, 3 = Bpth)

Satisfied that Wardd has directed her what to do, in her down time she visits the Dancing Pig exclusively (Sheet updated to reflect this is her preference)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=24 ;
Monday January 25th, 2016 10:36:11 PM
OOC: Diplomacy 24.

Shel reminds the townsfolk how the group has assisted them in the past, and they'd be happy to do so again, if the need arose. They grumbled, but seemed to generally agree with her.

Shel was surprised when Murphy talked to her about leaving already. "I'm honestly not sure, Murphy. For the last month, all I could think about was getting home. But before that, I've always wanted to see some of the big world we live on. I'm not sure how I will feel in another month or two here. Maybe I'll never want to leave again. But maybe, I'll be ready to chase after That next big challenge that seems to come our way. We'll see."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 17 HP 50 /50 Character Sheet  d20+6=7 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=20 ;
Monday January 25th, 2016 11:24:57 PM
Cameron explains that he was raised in the Scab, by the Steelshaper clan after his parent's deaths. As they lived outside of Hovel some older halflings may remember Carter and Lily Honeytamer, but Cameron was little more than a toddler when Morgan rescued him and took him to live in the Scab, so he will remember none of them. He makes plans to contact his Grandfater there and see what can be done to make the halflings ready for giants.

Cameron appropriates one of the more solid barrels and takes it to the Burrow that Murphy indicates will be his new home. He is grateful to the Sword for taking him in and he will do what he can to reassure the people that the giants are not a threat.
Diplomacy 7
Apparently he is none too convincing so he leaves this talk to the more well known of Humble's Heroes.

Cameron will choose an establishment by the act he will most likely be doing there, Gambling and drinking. ( which one fits those criteria?)

He trains with his brothers in the WLA when they visit and learns more about riding from them.

What was the Barrel for? Cameron spends the next day at the blacksmith asking if they can make a lightweight tube that would be similar to a reed and fit it with a mouthpiece. He would like it long enough for a halfling in a barrel to be able to breathe through it. Once he has this tube, his nightly devotions to Jancassis are held in the barrel, with it filled with water. Many of the goddess's teaching are based on beeing able to shut out external influences and hear the answers that come from the inside. The poison that is used by he clerics in their rituals serves to numb them to these distractions. Since he is now immune to the small scorpions and spiders he used to ingest in these rituals, and has not yet found a reliable source for centipedes to replace them, he will use the barrel.
Cameron spends the remainder of his week following the designs of Jancassis. He uses her hunting teachings to seek out and capture new spiders, scorpions and vipers so that he can begin to use them as poison sources. Back at the Tree, before he was good enough at hunting, he had purchased one of each critter. Now he wanted to prove his worth to her and hunt them. He listens to rumors around town as to nuisance pests and the like and helps by catching them. Otherwise, if there are none in town he will head into the surrounding woodlots in search of the vermin.
( Survival rolls for this hunting? Are those what I should make? 25, 15, 19, 16, 20)

OOC
Still working on leveling.
Skills are done. I'll go roll HP after I post this. Feats and stuff might have to wait another couple days while I roll them around in my noggin a little more.
One of my catacombs purchases will be a sending scroll to see if I can get dwarven tutors to come from home.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d8=5 ;
Monday January 25th, 2016 11:48:20 PM
Header Update (for Level 7)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday January 25th, 2016 11:50:19 PM
Update with corrected link

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds 
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 4:26:51 AM

[Gang, I'm finishing my last few days on my current job, and have found myself heavily pressed for time. Most of the things I've wanted to get to here have been set aside for the moment. Too tired at the moment to think clearly. Will try to post something substantial tomorrow.]

Murphy is busy, helping his friends get to know this place, talking with townsfolk. Also, he lays a plot for a garden next to the burrow, setting up small raised beds for varieties of plants and herbs.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 7:28:46 AM

Bliss visits both taverns. Suddenly he has lots of gold, so he does not worry about the cost. Mookie chides him on being more careful, and the tiny guy tries harder to be practical.

He definitely visits the traveling wizard and arranges for his Permenent Reduce.

He also visits the Catacombs.

He is interested to see Alleah's new badge, like his own. "We can be adventurers together!" he declares, oblivious to the fact that they already are.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 7:45:39 AM
"Hey, you're a higher rank than me." Alleah observes, before adding with a smile "Does that mean I have to follow your orders or call you 'sir' ?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22  d20+4=21 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+5=16 ;
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 9:51:45 AM
Pressi isn't crazy about the idea of choosing a place without even trying both, and she makes that abundantly clear with elements of "what have you got to hide?" (Intimidate 21). But eventually, as she follows Murphy and the group from place to place, she realizes that maybe she does have to pick one - and find a place to live besides the burrow.

"It's a little tough to explain," she tells Murphy, "but... I guess I still need to know I can't be kicked out. Besides, I'd be moving in with you. It freaks me out that we won't be on our first date until tomorrow and I would be moving in with you. Does that not freak you out?"

So she eventually pledged herself to the Dancing Pig, eventually. More particularly, she began to talk to the owners about getting a job there for a bit, in part exchange for room and board (Profession Courtesan 23). After some discussion of her past work and dancing skills, Pressi reminds the Dancing Pig owner that hiring a "Humble's Hero" would give the other inn an "aneurysm."

Through their travels, Pressi does attempt to calm down the other residents through her usual diplomatic insults. (Diplomacy 16). Through the power of Pressi's anti-charisma, the crowd is at least somewhat persuaded.

Questions and Answers (DM Mark) 
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 11:11:22 AM
Kezzem spends his time drinking, carousing and describing what he would do to those giants.

Aleah does what she can for the community and those that were injured. She finds that while all the wounds are healed, some are still traumatized by what happened. Wardd guides her to patronize the Dancing Pig.

Shel offers to help, but is still uncertain about her future plans.

Cameron plans to contact his dwarven grandfather to help the town prepare for giants. He trains with the WLA, and they are very interested in what he has to tell them. He builds a sensory deprivation tank out of a barrel to meditate on Jancasis’ teachings. He hunts vermin, managing to capture several spiders, some of which the townsfolk are glad to be rid of. They’re also a little freaked out by the creatures he seeks. But most significantly, he manages to find a scorpion with most unusual markings - it has red and black criss-cross markings on it’s back. Initially, it’s rather aggressive, but amenable to Cameron’s handling so long as it’s fed. This is unlike anything Cameron has seen before.

Cameron visits both taverns, finding that both offer drinking but neither has much gambling going on except for some dice and card games here and there.

Murphy remains alert, and is concerned about the loss of the Giant Tower. He attempts to keep everyone in town calm. To show them they have nothing to worry about, he begins work on a raised garden bed.

Bliss visits both taverns. He is able to get a permanent reduce spell cast on himself. He’s quite the novelty in town. Most folks refer to him as a leprechaun or a brownie, and he’s jokingly asked where his pot of gold is located. (Technically leprechaun’s are small size too, but no one here has actually seen a leprechaun, so their reputations for being “small” has even these halflings thinking they must be smaller than a halfling.)

Pressi thinks more about her relationship to Murphy, and comments that it would be odd for them to live together before they’re even dating. She seeks out the Dancing Pig, and asks if she can perform in exchange for a room there. The owner of the Pig says they can try out the arrangement for a couple weeks to see how it goes. She dances well, and is often asked to teach others. Some there seem to need continual instruction, though she doubts they are really that slow to learn. She also attempts to calm the mood in town.

Trill remains quiet and sullen, refusing to participate.
___________________________________________________________
As the week progresses, several things occur.

The Mayor of Humble’s Ford. along with Constable Hornblower and the Broker from the Church of Ffloy meet with Humble’s Sword and say they reflect the town’s concern regarding the seeming vulnerability with the loss of the Giant Tower. They are grateful for Cameron’s offer of some Dwarven Training, but are unsure if that is enough. They want to know what the hero’s plan to do about the loss of the tower. Their attitude remains helpful because of what you’ve done for them.

On another day, there is a visit from some of the folks you know form Hovel. They are very worried about what has happened. Perhaps even more concerning is that Humble’s Sword was recently in Hovel and seemed to know this would happen. They want to know why they failed to prevent this, and what they may have done to cause it. (Diplomacy 21 to move them from their unfriendly attitude to indifferent.)

Subsequently, a delegation arrives from Angel Springs. The Baron arrives with a number of “generals”, and a human that introduces himself as Graff. (Knowledge Local DC 10:Highlight to display spoiler: { This man is a powerful druid that lives near Angel Springs and often visits Humble’s Ford.} The Baron asks what happened to the towers, and is deeply concerned. He says the folks in Angel Springs are very worried. After listening to their story, they ask what the heros plan to do about this. (Diplomacy DC 18 to move them from indifferent to helpful.)

Does anyone offer words of encouragement or alarm at these three meetings?

As the week progresses in Humble’s Ford, the general mood is tense. People are worries. Visitors from the other towns and from nearby farms add to this. I need 7 total Diplomacy rolls representing interaction with an agitated townsfolk each day for 7 days. So far, I have Diplomacy rolls of 25, 24, 7, 16 - 3 more please. (These rolls are different than the above two for the visits from Hovel and Angel Springs.)

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+6=13 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+6=17; d20+6=18 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+12=13 ;
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 4:41:21 PM
Trillium takes up the offer of the use of the burrow for the time being, and at the moment seems to be splitting her time between the two establishments, generally lunch at one then dinner at the other reversing the meals the next day, meeting as many people as she can, and trying to get out of the funk she seems to have fallen into since acquiring these new friends.

Most mornings find her out in the game field practicing her slinging and archery shooting targets from different distances and positions and even while on the move. The afternoons she finds herself wandering out toward the tower and watching it looking to see if there is anything going on or if there appear to be any changes and then wandering through the wooded areas getting to know the area and trying to see if there seems to be anything out of whack with nature due to the explosion. Perception 31, knowledge nature DC 28, survival DC 13

She recognizes Graff by name and reputation Know local DC 13 and sits in on the meetings and even tries her hand out at being diplomatic Diplomacy DC 17 & DC 18 and manages to keep herself from blowing her top as everyone seems to think that the issue with the towers is their fault and their responsibility to do something about.

"So, has anyone heard anything from the wizards, this "Dinner Club" group? What have they to say about this? It seems to me from what I have learned, that the towers were what they were here for. I am no mage but I might suggest that someone might send to the the Star Mages to see what light they may be able to shed on the situation."



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22  d20+5=7 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=15 ;
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 7:51:10 PM
Pressi's days begin to fill rather quickly. While not living at the burrow currently, she recognizes that she needs to stop by during the day to get her orders and provide her input. Her dancing and teaching duties begin to fill up most evenings.

Pressi began to suspect that some of her dancing students were dragging their feet, particularly as she began to introduce some eastern dance moves and acrobatics to the group. Frustrated, she began to raise the pressure on her students, but suspected that she might need a new approach. (She also had a wild thought that she might be able to teach some of the better students a few unarmed strikes.)

Murphy did find some time to show Pressi around the town. And to take her out again a few nights later.

Pressi also waited for a response to the letter she sent Leska, but the temple had been prompt if oblique. They said they would contact her later, but for now she should remain where the gods really wanted her to remain. A punishment for her failure, she worried. Part of her wondered - hoped - that they saw something more in the situation at hand.

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

Pressi volunteered to go to the Hovel delegation if need be. She had a quite diplomatic strategy of reminding them that the tower would have stood had Hovel not laughed in their faces, followed by a reminder that she could choke them with key body parts. For now, though, she concentrated on the Angel Springs delegation in the hopes that she would recognize people from her last home.

It hadn't been going well so far (Know Local 7). Too much time away, she supposed. With a cough, she began her diplomatic discussions as she laid out the discussions her team had so far (Diplomacy 13). She has better luck with the townsfolk (Diplomacy 15).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=16 ;
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 8:02:33 PM
OOC: I'll mark down my Catacombs purchases and update my character sheet and header tomorrow.

Shel tried to talk some sense to the Hovel-ers. "We explained exactly what was happening. We told you it sounded strange, and then we warned you of what was voting to happen if we didn't get back in time. Despite our best efforts, we were a bit late. We did our best. You all saw us, you know how hard we were trying to save that tower and the people of this town. We did our best."

Despite Shel's best efforts, she didn't win over the group.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+7=17 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=18 ;
Tuesday January 26th, 2016 8:08:59 PM
The Meeting with the Mayor, Constable and Broker
------------------------------------------------
Alleah listens intently, but is relaxed. She has met all three men before and never had an issue with any of them. "Our plan regarding the loss of the tower? I'm sure we'd be happy to help, but we are just citizens of this good town. We have no more say in what to do about the tower than anyone else. If, as Mayor, you have some thoughts that you would like our help with then I'm sure we can oblige. Similarly, if the good Constable has some thoughts on preserving the peace, we can help with that too."

Alleah does not want to take responsibility for the Tower or the defence of Humble's. Isn't that what the Mayor and Constable are for?


The Folks from Hovel
------------------------------------------------
Diplomacy vs DC21 : 23
"Truth be told we have no true idea what caused the collapse of the tower or why." Alleah says with all honesty. It's true, the Second Dinner Club were meddling 'in another timeline' but there's no way of knowing whether that is what happened now. "It is concerning that something that stood for so long has now crumbled. We live in uncertain times."

"As for knowing it was to occur, don't you have any seers? Divinations can be a powerful tool when used properly"

"I suggest we turn the topic to "what now?". What will be the effect of losing the tower? Can it be rebuilt? Yes. Let us think of the future rather than dwell on the past"


The Folks from Angel Springs
------------------------------------------------
Knowl Local vs DC10: 17
Diplomacy vs DC18 : 16

"What we plan to do? I can't speak for everyone else, but I plan to do what I've always done. Combat evil wherever I might find it, whilst protecting good and honest folk like yourselves. What to do about the tower is a matter for duly elected officials to work out between themselves. It presents an opportunity for working together."

Other diplomacy checks if needed: 21, 12, 18

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+7=15 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=17 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 12:51:41 AM
Cameron is overjoyed at the vermin he has been able to find, especially the scorpion, and sets about finding separate terrariums for each of them. He also investigates a stable food source for them. A source of crickets would be terrific.
He takes time each night to use the new water barrel to meditate on what he can do to help the town against the giants, but for now, the answers he hears from inside himself are simply to help them prepare and then help them defend. No giants have yet tested the town and thus have caused no grievances. As yet, Jancassis feels no need to become involved in this affair.
When the Hovel delegation comes calling he tries to set them at ease. He makes sure they are aware that he, like several of his companions are members of the WLA and will do their best to make sure no harm comes to the town.
Diplomacy 15 vs DC 21
Likewise when the delegation from Agnel Springs comes calling he helps to reassure them that he will do his best to keep the giants from causing a ruckus. His knowledge of famous local people is lacking, though and he fails to spot the reknowned druid for who he really is.
Diplomacy 23 vs DC 18
Knowledge Local 3 vs DC10

Other diplomacy rolls for reassuring the people during the week if needed are 8, 26, and 17

OOC
Leveling is done, I will try to decide on my catacombs purchases and get them done as well.


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds  d20+7=26 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 8:37:15 AM

Inns
A Pleaser. Murphy is definitely a Pleaser, by the standards of the local pub afficionados. He considers the Belly Buster his home turf, but most of his friends choose the Dancing Pig, and he's not going to stay away from them just because of the territorial rivalry between the two establishments.

Trill
Murphy asks her about her trips to the tower, to find out if she was able to learn anything new.

He beams at her suggestion that the Star Mages be contacted. He knows they have a library in Plateau City that rivals any library in the Wold.

Pressi's concerns
"Press - I won't share a bed with any unless it is someone to whom I am wed, and that may be a while. You have nothing to fear from me in that regard, for I've no mind to defraud or to compromise the virtue or reputation of any of my friends. I've no problem with you staying with the folk at the inn. But, should you change your mind someday, there's a spot for you at the Sword's burrow."

He raises an eyebrow at Pressi's suggestion that she knows several ways to choke people with different body parts as they plan to meet with the people from Hovel.

Shel
As Shel casts blame back in the face of the Hovel group, Murphy covers his face with his hand. He loves his friend Shel. He wonders what she had for breakfast.

Cameron's Bugs and Barrel
Murphy takes an interest in the barrel that Cameron fashioned. He asks if he can try it for a few minutes. He declares it a capital idea. He also shares some pleasure in his new friend's entomological pursuits, and considers possible places for him to look. Crickets? During the late spring and into the summer there are plenty around, but they may be a little hard to find right now. There are lots of worms about, though, in this rich soil.

Kezzem
"Hey, make yourself useful. Help me with the wood sections for the soil frame here, Kezz. You ever do any gardening?" He explains some of the herbs, spices, and other plants - some medicinal, some for seasoning, some for alchemical usage. "So, while we're working, tell me a story, one that actually happened to you. You have some friends from when you were growing up? What's one of the favorite things you did with them?"

He also gets Quotiln to help out, passing on the same information about the goals of the side garden.

Bliss and Alleah
Murphy spends some time with them in WLA training. He joined pretty soon after becoming an adventurer. He invites the rest of the members of the group also to consider membership, if they want to.

He appreciates Alleah's interaction with the various community leaders, and her notion of asking the leaders to lead. Yet he also understands the leaders' desire to share counsel with Humble's Sword. They've been doing some things that have benefitted the Valley in various ways.

With the Mayor and Local Leaders (Diplomacy DC 10)
"Well, there is that list of things to consider doing I gave you, sir." Murphy meanwhile has written up a few copies of the list. "There are too many items for any one group to perform. One thing I did not mention in that list, though, was to send a qualified group up Northeast into the Scab. Such a group could go, and learn what they can about the reaction of the people in that area to news of the tower. Not that the group would tell them of its fall, but rather, to find if there is awareness of it up there, perhaps to gauge the strength and numbers of the biguns. It could ostensibly be a trading expedition," he suggests, knowing that may appeal to Broker Iangold Laughshield, "perhaps to look for certain resources found there that might be of value to us here in the valley. The group could take a fair quantity of local pipeweed, spices, nuts, high quality things that grow here for trade. Just an idea."

He reiterates the benefits of gathering what can been known from others - those who maintain the other three towers; knowledgeable wizards, sages, druids, clerics; the WLA.

Create incentives - rewards for folks who come up with and help implement defenses, as well as counter offenses.

He asks, "Has anyone yet visited the Wizards' tower? Perhaps a clue as to their whereabouts may be found there."

With the contingent from Hovel (Diplomacy DC 24)

"Did we cause the tower to fall? No. We came the first time without knowing who or what had caused the explosion. On our return, we tried to get there ahead of time - thought there still may have been a few days - but time wobbled. Again, We. Did. Not. Cause. The. Tower. To. Fall. The wizards who maintain the tower had no intention of causing harm to the tower. Yet it happened.

"Question is: What now? We know of the threat from the north, from the Scab. Here is a list of things we've been thinking of to develop a defense - and perhaps some offense, if needed." He gives them his list with a few additions, and asks if one of them can read it aloud. He also mentions the notion of an information-gathering expedition into the Scab.

"Can you talk to the keepers of the West Tower above Hovel? Find out their thoughts, get their recommendations. I think eventually we may want to try to rebuild the tower, renew the magic. But that could take years. What do we do in the meantime? How can Hovel help in defense of Crescent Valley?"

With the Baron, his generals, and Graff from Angel Springs (Diplomacy DC 11)

Murphy is lightly acquainted with the druid from some years ago, plus bits and pieces he has learned growing up and in recent years. His mother received some training from him in druidic practice, and his father's sister, Aunt Nilli, also has interacted with him from time to time. He even was a dinner guest once at the Leafwin-Pipewood burrow when Murphy was younger. "Thank you for coming, Elder Graff," he says to the venerable druid. He is a bit awed in his presence. Though his own family's druidic connections played a role in his choice to go that direction, Graff's stories, wisdom, and aura of power gave the towhead a solid push t.o commit to that life at a time when he was vacillating between adventuring professions.

He considers whether to take out the sealed note which confirmed their innocence in regard to the death of Sarabella Lovesong. If the Lord Mayor or his prosecutor, Morro Goodbarrel Oakleaf were here, he would do so, but sees no point to it now.

Instead he does bring out the list of items he previously gave to Mayor Bumbleluck, with a few more jotted down at the bottom - including the idea of an expedition into the Scab.

"Here are some things we've been considering, Lord Baron." He hands another copy to Graff. "Surely some of your contacts back in Angel Springs are knowledgeable about some of these things, and may be able to research in more detail especially concerning the towers."

The druid adds, "But no doubt you've had some similar ideas. I was thinking that one or more of the adventuring groups, or militia around Angel Springs may find it valuable to investigate things north of the two towers closer to you. I would be surprised if there were not some probes sent from the Scab. The explosion and effects would have been noted by those at the south end of the Scab, I reckon."

"Three towers still stand. After initial probes, if they decide to go with a penetrating assault, Humble's Ford would find itself on the receiving end of the head of the Scab's spear. If Angel Springs could provide us some militia, some soldiers and resources, that may allow us to build a shield strong enough to blunt their spear, and counter attack.

"Long term, perhaps we of the Valley can gather enough knowledge and understanding to replicate the fallen tower. But I doubt that day is near enough to forestall the wicked giants of the north from coming against us some time in the next few weeks or months."

One more thought occurs to Murphy. "I was speaking with a giant a while ago. He complained about how we with our towers had cut off the route that the giants from the Red Hills and their brothers in the Scab used to travel to meet with each other.

"In times past, there was regular, peaceful trade between the Valley and the Red Hills. What if a negotiated, safe passage were allowed between the Scab and the Red Hills? Now, I am not recommending that. There would be risks, and there would be giants that would try to step outside any agreements. Of course, they already can go around through the edge of the Culverwood, or aways around the east end of the Valley."

"What are your thoughts, what is your counsel, gentlemen? We look to your leadership."

Gearing up
Murphy goes to Pirnook Deeppocket's General Store, where there is a Catacombs outlet. He makes a few purchases.

[Diplomacy: For HF morale: 10. For Hovel contingent: 24. For Angel Springs: 11 - rolled in private post for DM]
[Knowledge, local 27 - knows druid Graff fairly well]

A contest: Who can come up with the best idea for preparing to defend against an attack by biguns. Awards / recognition for top ideas? Open to all.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+2=22 ; d10=6 ; d3=3 ; d20+2=21 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 10:09:07 AM
Bliss smiles at Alleah. "Miss, I can't give YOU orders! You're ever so much wiser than me!"

After returning from the Catacombs, he spins around, showing off his new hunter green pants, shirt, and shoes. "Didn't anyone notice my new duds! Pretty flashy, huh? And good for blending in to the background!"

And then Bliss goes to the visiting wizard to get his Reduce made Permanent. He invites Murphy along to ask magic questions. Like, can they maybe get the tower rebuilt? Who could create such a magic?

Reduced and in his new outfit, Bliss attracts some attention. He laughs and says he left his pot of gold at home, but maybe next time!

He tries to calm people down who seem worried. "Really, it will be okay. First of all, the giants hardly ever wander by anyway. And if they do, we'll send them packing.

Diplomacy check 22! Nat 20! [ignore the d10 and the d3 rolls ... misclicks.]

Bliss is oddly reassuring, maybe because he is so cheerful.

At the town meetings, Bliss elaborates on his message. "Look, we've defeated gorilla with four arms and lots of other monsters! We can make these giants go home. No worries! Or if we let them through, we'll make sure they act nice like."

Diplomacy 21 Bliss is on a roll!


Questions and Answers (DM Mark) 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 10:49:41 AM
Work delays - DM post will be a bit late today.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20=19 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+13=33 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 10:50:22 AM
Hovel:

"Hey, I wasn't even there the first time! But we tried to stop it, but it's kind of hard to stab an explosion unfortunately, you know?"

Diplomacy: 24

Angel Springs:

Knowledge (local): 19

"Hey there, it is Graff, right?" asks Kezzem. "Do you know Murph here? He does all kinds of druidy things too, like turning into lions, and tigers, and bears."

Diplomacy: 24

Murphy: "Hey, make yourself useful. Help me with the wood sections for the soil frame here, Kezz. You ever do any gardening?" He explains some of the herbs, spices, and other plants - some medicinal, some for seasoning, some for alchemical usage. "So, while we're working, tell me a story, one that actually happened to you. You have some friends from when you were growing up? What's one of the favorite things you did with them?"

"Gardening, that's like stabbin' plants, right?"

Kezzem then starts to tell a tale of how he single-handedly killed a girillian with such passion and zeal, Murphy is convinced that it's true despite actually being there and knowing that the rest of Humble's Sword helped out.
Bluff: 33 (natural 20)

"As to me family, ain't go much to say about growing up with them. They're...a weird bunch. Favorite thing I ever did with them was leave."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 1:01:27 PM
Privately, to the group Cameron will disclose some of his past dealings with the Scab, and giants in the Red Hills.
"Grandfather and Morgan both thought it a good idea for me to know the environment of the Scab. Toward that end they took me on a few trading expeditions, so I know a little about the Scab and the routes that the dwarves use. How much help that might be in recon I cannot say. I can say that at some point, maybe sooner rather than later, I would like to return home and ask Morgan a few questions. Since he is dead, I have just now gained the ability to ask those questions, and if I am not mistaken, I think I need a priest of Gargul , or Gargul's permission to do so. Is that right? Anyway, if there is an expedition to the Scab, I definitely want to go."
" In the Red Hills I have encounters some strange furry ogres named The Brothers. They seemed to hold some influence there and were devout worshipers of Jancassis. They were evil, of that I have no doubt, but they were also reasonable. A slicer beetle had taken one of the arms from one of them and then our group defeated the Beetle. The Brothers happened upon us just after. We were totally drained and would have been easy pickings, but since I spoke their language and worshiped their goddess they relented and instead were helpful. I healed some of their wounds and they granted us safe passage in the hills telling us to mention them should any other giants accost us. If a dialog were to be opened with the giants of the Red Hills, I would look for them."
Cameron is overjoyed by Murphy's interest in both his barrel and his insects. If the druid has any insight about how to milk the spiders and scorpion for venom, Cameron would be most happy to learn about it. He is not afraid of them poisoning him while he extracts their venom, only afriad of hurting them. He thanks him for the insights on food for the bugs and also asks if there are any groups of small centipedes nearby, as he would like them and their venom for his prayers. Of course Murphy is welcome to try out the barrel. Cameron has found it deeply relaxing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 2:56:20 PM
OOC: A quick admission and apology. Pressi's attack rolls were somewhat elevated in the last module due to a faulty formula in my spreadsheet. The error has been corrected for this sheet.

Visions (DM Mark) 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 5:48:07 PM
Trill goes to both taverns, and become somewhat snubbed as a “Pleaser.” She uses her diplomatic skills, and she asks about the Second Dinner Club - does anyone know where they are? Are there other mages that could help?

Pressi finds her time filled with dancing. In a couple days, Leska and her husband come to visit, excited to see her friend Pressi and Murphy as well. They’ve heard rumors that one of the Giant Towers has failed - people are worried. “How could this have happened?” Leska asks. Pressi tries to answer the concerns others have, and is able to ease the townsfolk a bit.

Shel tries to explain what happened to the folks from Hovel, and turns the blame on them. They remain unhappy with the situation.

Alleah address all three groups, trying to get them focused on the positive and the opportunity to work together.

Cameron like his new vermin, and it’s not hard to find food. But the locals still think he’s weird. If Jancasis is mentioned, they will steer clear of him. The pattern on the scorpion reminds him of Jancasis’ symbol. He keeps working with the new barrel, but the water is cold and the conditions are a bit cramped, making it hard to meditate. But once he can meditate there with these elements distracting him, it’s a particularly rewarding session. He also engages the visiting groups.

Murphy visits both pubs, and is also snubbed as a “Pleaser” - except by other pleasers. He talks to everyone in turn. He suggests that folks from Hovel venture into the Scab to see what they know and make contact. This is met with stares and glares - they don’t seem to be interested into sending such a mission. He shares his suggestions with each group of officials. He also says that there may be a way to work things out with the giants. The is met with much derision - “Giants don’t talk - they just take!”

Bliss shows off his new clothes and his tiny size. Bliss says that Humble’s Sword can handle the giants!
___________________________________________________________

The loss of the tower near Humble’s Ford is a big change, and if there’s anything halflings don’t like - it’s change.

As the week began, Humble’s Sword became Humble’s Heros. As the week goes by, talk turns from how many were saved in the tower’s collapse, to what this means for the future.

People are to be worried. There is talk of needing to fortify houses, to dig more and deeper burrows. There may be a need to raise taxes to train and pay a militia. By the end of the week, there are murmurs about the party being Humble’s Harbingers of Doom for the Crescent Valley. Humble’s Sword is not blamed for causing the tower to fall. But some wonder if they did enough to prevent it. Disagreements break out, but folks fall quiet when members of Humble’s Sword are around.
___________________________________________________________

Everyone’s words are helpful to all the groups (the diplomacy efforts seem to have helped.) Except for Shel, but she decideds Hovel just has a bad attitude.

The officials from Humble’s Ford remain fearful, but supportive of those they call Humble’s Heros.

Those from Hovel are indifferent to the heros. They appreciate all they did, but the fact remains that the tower is down and Humble’s Sword was associated with that. The party will also notice that there are a few from Hovel that seem to hold Humble’s Sword in a kind of fearful reverence - after all they foreknew the tower would fall! Perhaps they are connected with the Gods of the Wold! Who else could have had such divine insight!

The delegation from Angel Springs doesn’t blame the party, and they are grimly determined to address this issue head on. The Baron and his “generals” are not really military men, but are determined to defend the Crescent Valley and will work with the others to do so. They intend to consult with the elves near Angel Springs. Graff says he know some adventurers in the area he will contact as well.

It’s not clear if this preparation causes more comfort or fear in Humble’s Ford. Probably both. But folks generally look to Humble’s Sword for reassurance.

Through the week, visitors come through, and all want to talk about or visit the fallen tower. Constable Hornblower has posted a guard at the Second Dinner Club’s tower, and the door now has a big padlock on it. The Mayors of Hovel, Humble’s Ford and Angel Springs are all there now. Along with the Barron, they often meet and consult with certain visitors. Humble’s Sword is invited to most of these meetings.

Near the end of the week, a few halfling clerics representing Domi, Alemi, Pantheon and Gargul visit. They make it a point to contact this Mayor’s group, and require that Humble’s Sword be there as well. As they have sought guidance about what to do to protect the Valley, the have either cast divinations or been granted visions about the Second Dinner Club. They see visions of Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen of the Second Dinner Club in chains, being led or carried by orcs! They now believe they are being held in captivity in the Red Hills near Dour Lake far south of here, but they will say that it’s odd that they are not able to discern more. The location of the third mage, Bazeck Breezelee, is unknown. No visions have involved him.

The Mayors also meet with certain local traders travellers about this. All agree that the Red Hills are a very dangerous place for halflings. Bandits and orc patrols are encountered along the main roads. There is a halfling named Peremin Kalliwick in Hovel that is said to have travelled to Dour Lake before, and he may know more.

As they conclude that someone needs to go and rescue the Second Dinner Club, all eyes turn toward Humble’s Sword, Er, no, they meant Humble’s Heros!

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 6:49:57 PM
(OOC; Any info gleaned from the daily observations of the exploded tower and the surrounding area?)

Trill isn't really too concerned about eh snubbing at this point as she isn't a true resident of the Ford and may never be. There is still time to find where she is most comfortable and where the real folk are hanging out.

Trill never having been big on meetings manages to sit through most without killing anyone and even positively contributes here and there. The last meeting with all the priests and mayors talking about the missing wizards annoys her as it seems that they all just seem to think that we are going to do whatever they ask and become their fetch and carry crew. And she begins to smoulder inside a bit.

"So do I hear you asking to hire us to go and rescue these wizards of your from these orcs in the Scab?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 7:30:57 PM
"Is it bad that I prefer Humbles Heroes far less than Harbingers of Doom?" Pressi asks the group. "I'm seriously putting that on the door of my room."

For all the talk of how awful a militarized Humble's Ford is, Pressi kind of felt that some militarization was in fact a good thing. Some of the ideas, particularly a militia that presumably would stand even after the tower was rebuilt, didn't strike her as all that unreasonable. Still, she could see how it would be tough to rely on melee alone. Much as she hated to admit it, a visit to their magic castle (the arcane study home) might be in order.

Far less reasonable was the insistence that they could have saved the tower, despite a thorough explanation of why it took so long to get back to Humbles Ford and an even more thorough explanation of how time works. Pressi began to take a different tack of telling naysayers to go back in time since they are clearly so much better at it.

The stuff about how the group was less time traveler than far seers or in on the conspiracy? Pressi didn't think that was right, but there was always that doubt in the back of her mind. After all, she only had half the group's word that the time travel stuff was correct.

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

Pressi is glad to see Leska and her husband again, and takes some time to catch them up on her travels and what has happened. She is, however, embarrassed to reveal that she may not be going back to Angel Springs for a long time.

Home. It was crazy how much she began to see Angel Springs like that. Things were still adjusting slowly here, and she still felt somewhat like a stationed traveler. Someone who had been ordered to move here, though she couldn't entirely say why or by whom.

Leska, seeing how Pressi looked at Murphy, could make a few guesses.

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

Pressi is a woman of action, but she is first and foremost a woman of the hierarchy. A soldier, she has been trained to subsume her independent streak in the name of duty. So with the exception of the occasional grumble, she had made it to every meeting.

So it was with glee that she received her orders to prove her worth once again, until she heard it was once again into the Red Hills. Though she didn't spend a lot of time in the hills themselves, she had traveled past them several times - and in the last time, she had gotten sucked into the Culverwood.

"Ok, so where is this Peremin?" she asked.


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 7:34:26 PM
Cameron appears concerned when the topic turns to prisoners in the Red Hills. He quietly gets a pencil and paper and starts drawing. When the clerics pause, he starts asking questions.
" I have been to the Red Hills, and you are right, it is inhospitable to people our size. In the Hills only the hardened can survive easily. While I was there, my friends and I ran afoul of several tribes of Goblins, wearing a symbol like this." Cameron shows the symbol he had been drawing. It represents and oval with three dots inside it. " Has this symbol been seen in any of your visions? What made it odd, was that on our way back home we ran into a group of Ogres also wearing the symbol. Someone or something was pulling the strings behind that. Ogres eat goblins, not fight on the same side as goblins. If this symbol has been seen in your visions, we may indeed be dealing with a formidable power.
Cameron makes no effort to hide either his holy symbol or his WLA pin when he speaks

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday January 27th, 2016 10:59:25 PM
Shel was happy to hear of the visions showing at least a couple of the mage's alive. Hopefully her kin folk would be alright as well. To be sure, obviously they had to rescue the other two so they could figure out if old Bazeck was alive. She was never very close to him, but he was family and she intended on saving the whole lot of them it possible.

She surprised herself that so soon after returning home, she was ready to go back out again. "Youve got your answer, Murphy. We have to go save them. And we need to do it now, I think."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 1:10:10 AM
"I wonder if there will be a real reward. Not one of those 'a good deed is its own reward' deals" Alleah looks down and sees the WLA badge pinned to her jersey and feels its weight. "I guess being a hero is going to be hard work"

She listens intently to Cameron's experiences in the Red Hills. It sounds like he has had quite a life.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 3:11:09 AM

Brother and Sister
Murphy is very glad to see that his brother Nalfein and sister Leska Rose have come to the Ford. He quickly brings them up to speed after hugs and greetings. He is glad for Pressi's sake that they have come, for they - especially Leska - have a touchpoint with her.

Big Meeting

"Bazeck Breezelee was slain by the Huntsman in Koshe Marr," Murphy says. "Though Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen had hold of his body at the time of the teleport, it surprises me not in the least that you've not been able to make contact with him. Perhaps you can add your prayers to mine, that some day his poor and worthy soul may be released from the grasp of Marteus the Hideous."

With a measure of cheer, however, he receives the news that the other two members of the Second Dinner Club are alive, and it is known approximately where they are. "Yes, Shel. I concur." He turns clerics and others, then to his own companions. "Let's go by way of Windhorn Hamlet, then south to Dourscale. From there we can travel into the Red Hills by the lake. The Teucri build part of the roads along that way, and our travel can be much hastened compared to a slog through the oppressive heat and other challenges of the Hills." He pauses, and looks back to the Mayors, and adds, "Unless Peremin Kalliwick thinks that a slog through the Red Hills is a faster way to get there."

He addresses the official in charge of Angel Springs. "Mayor Hairfoot, some months back, you indicated you suspected some plots were afoot to bring down the giant towers. Now, I honestly believe the three wizards had no intention of doing so. Yet, I wonder if there may have been someone who put it in their mind to conduct the experiment which, as far as we can discern, led to that result.

"Oh, by the way," he adds, and reaches through the opening in the side of his coveralls to find a little patch near the small of his back. He pulls out a small envelope, still sealed with wax, though parts of the wax have crumbled. "I don't think we'll be needing this any longer, and we thank you for your consideration in providing it during a time of need." He holds the weathered envelope out with both hands in presenting it to His Honor. The mayor likely recalls it to be a statement of innocence on the part of the Humble's Sword regarding the assassination of Sarabella Lovesong. He appreciates the shrewd mind of this halfling.

Concerning Cameron's discussion, Murphy comments, "We found a measure of collusion between ogres and goblins in the Hills some months ago. Also some orcs, humans, and renegade halflings."

Getting back to the rescue at hand, the druid says, "Those two are among our best hope if the tower, or some semblance of it, is to be built again." He scratches the back of his neck. "Good clerics, provide us what additional detail you can. We can be ready to leave early in the morning." Then, he realizes he is not the only one to decide. He asks the other members of the Sword. "Can't we?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+4=16 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2016 11:33:20 AM
Knowledge (local): 16
Does Kezzem know anything else about the Red Hills?

----

"Collusion between ogres, goblins, orcs, humans, and even halflings? That does not sound good. Not exactly the most orderly bunch. Someone must be holding it all together."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 1:56:01 PM

"Well, Idafeatu, an ogre mage, and, to perhaps a lesser extent, his brother and rival, Noyudint, are known to have been behind at least some of the organization. They perished at our hands. But obviously, there are others involved as well," Murphy responds to Kezzem.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 2:02:14 PM

Bliss says that heading to rescue the mages seems like a good idea to me. "I can sneak in and rescue them," he says.

Mookie is not so sure about taking the long way around. "What if they end up dead before we get there?"

Bliss chimes in, "I don't want to be late again! Last time we were late the tower fell down. Isn't there a faster route? Heroes take risks to save people, right Miss Alleah?"

"We should travel," says Mookie with a wink, "as the crow flies."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Evening rounds 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 3:29:40 PM

"Well, I can fly, Mookie can fly. I can't carry ponies, though, nor a wagon or carriage, though I could manage to carry a few halflings, or several if they were reduced.

"The Teucri roads, though, are magicked. When on their highways, they say you travel two, three times as fast as on a normal road. I don't know - maybe even faster. Do some of you more well traveled," he asks, addressing the dignitaries and clerics, et al, "know what typical travel speeds on Teucri highways are compared to normal roads?"

Another thought occurs to him. "Say, being captured, our wizardly friends may be out of spell components. Should we pick up some that will help them to be to cast once we find them?

"Also, your Honor," he now addresses Mayor Bumbleluck," one of us may have means of contacting them via dreams, if we have something that belonged to them personally. Our good Alleah, here, might be able to do that. With an escort, would you permit two of us - Alleah and Shel, say - to enter the Wizard's Tower? They have a housekeeper, I believe. If one or two items that one or both have used, handled, touched, over a period of time, could be taken with us. It could be as simple as a comb - perhaps with a stray hair or the like, or a hand mirror, or a favorite book, or drinking vessel. If she has a touchpoint familiar to the person, that may allow Alleah to reach out, and learn something, and communicate that help is on the way, and gain intelligence to improve our chances of rescuing them."

So, are you offering any reward? (DM Mark) 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 5:28:34 PM
Trill listens to all this, and asks if there is any reward for rescuing the Second Dinner Club.

Pressi is not pleased with any implications they could have done more. She’s pleased to meet with Murphy’s siblings, Leska and Nalfein, and even more pleased that this involved Murphy. She asks where this Peremin is. She is told he lives to the southwest of Hovel, on the outskirts of town.

Cameron asks about a particular symbol worn by Ogres and Goblins. None here are aware of the symbol he describes. While he will notice some mild looks of disapproval at his holy symbol, no one mentions it.

Shel is glad that a couple of the Second Dinner Club survived, and is resolved to find them.

Alleah also hopes there will be a reward, and wonders what it means to be a member of the WLA.

Kezzem knows a bit about the Red Hills. See below.

Bliss is ready to get going.

Murphy tells them what he knows of what happened to the Second Dinner Club,and wonders if someone pushed them into their experiments that collapsed the tower. He suggests a route to Dour Lake via magical roads (does Murphy have a map? How does he know all this?) He also asks for access to the Second Dinner Club’s Tower since he know bloodwitch abilities and what is required.
___________________________________________________________

Kezzem and (anyone with a Knowledge Local DC 15) Highlight to display spoiler: {They are named for the color of the soil which is rich and dark red. This region is known as being chaotic and a bit primitive, inhabited by an odd mix of humans, halfings, and demihumans. In addition, many Hill and Fire Giants along with ogres and trolls have their homes in the Red Hills. As dangerous as the area can be, a careful route can avoid much trouble there. Oddly enough, the roads tend to be more dangerous simply due to the traders on the roads attracting bandits and such.}

As the week progressed, there was no change to the tower that fell. Any detect magics cast in the area reveal no spells or effects - none. There should be residual magic detected here for a very long time. Alleah and Bliss can tell that the ley lines at the tower still run strong, but somehow all magic was drained from the tower.

There is much discussion between the Baron and the Mayors.

The Mayor of Humble’s Ford addresses Murphy’s request for access to the Second Dinner Club tower. ”By all means. I will have Constable Hornblower escort you in if you wish.”

As to the suggestion to travel to the Windhorn Hamlet via magical Teucri Roads, the Baron will say to Murphy, ”Well sir, you are very well travelled indeed. While I’ve heard of the Windhorn Hamlet, I’ve never travelled there, nor been on these magical roads. When were you there? May I see your maps? We do get traders in from down there from time to time in Angel Springs, and there has been trouble on those roads. You seem to know the area well and how to get there. Perhaps visiting this...” turns to the Mayor of Hovel, “What was his name? Ah yes, Peremin Kalliwick. Perhaps there’s no need for you to visit him. While I’m told he’s been to Dour Lake and has traded in the Red Hills, he may not know the ways like you do. ”

As to a reward, there is some discussion and disagreement among the Baron and the Mayors. The Baron will say, “We are a bit disappointed in the question, as I thought this group was loyal to the area. Some of you even wear the symbols of the Woldian League of Adventurers, and they have been very helpful to us in the past. Nonetheless, I understand the ways of mercenaries as we have dealt with them from time to time in Angel Springs. While we had hoped to pour our resources into the defense of the Crescent Valley, all signs point to the return of the Second Dinner Club as part of that defense.”

“What reward do you ask to rescue the mages that our priests and seers have seen?”

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 6:44:47 PM

"So, Alleah, Shel - you two want to go with Constable Hornblower here, and maybe talk with the caretaker, and pick out a few items for your - that thing that you do, Alleah? And, thank you, your Honor!"

=========
"Well, my brother, Kendry, has done a lot of travel," Murphy answers. "He showed me a bunch of his maps, but I don't have any, except for the Red Hills. He talked about the Teucri roads. He said that there are sections that have been damaged and you only travel at normal speeds there, but the good parts, you zip along pretty fast. I just don't know how fast. I haven't been on them myself. Kendry has been a lot of places, and knows lots of people. I've heard that the Teucri did other things pretty marvelous, too."

"Reward? For me? Just information to help us on our way. Any little details that you godly folk may have discerned you think would be good for us to know, to make the rescue - or at least the location of the rescue - a more attainable matter.

"I agree that this is in the best interest of the valley - and, besides, our captive friends helped our community for a long time, and are a key to helping our valley do well during this time."

"If we go by road, then we'll take a wagon, or maybe a cart. If through the Red Hills, then durable riding and pack ponies. Between us, we need maybe two or three more. But we can cover those."

With a wry smile, he adds, "Now, if you have any flying horses to spare, well, I'll bet we could make good use of 'em!"

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 8:03:37 PM

"Oh, and let's talk with Peremin Kalliwick. If he knows the Red Hills, and Dour Lake - I think we'll need his help. Which way is the best way to go I really do not know for certain. We may discuss it with him."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 8:39:02 PM
"I can be ready to leave by morning, We probably shouldn't delay. I will ask the Lady for divinations as well, to see if we can find a spot where they are being taken to."
Cameron doesn't think the roads are such a hot idea. Direct travel, quietly, would work better. Bandits watch roads for goodness sake, because goods travel on....roads. Cameron had been a mercenary long enough to know that. If the group is dead set on following the roads though he will. He will be sleeping in a hidden spot though.

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 8:39:48 PM

Mookie perks up at the talk of a reward.

Bliss says to the officials, "Well, we're heroes, right, so we probably shouldn't have to worry about regular old gear like crossbow clips and food and a place to sleep and stuff. How about, for a reward, you guys take care of all that for us, so we can focus on the heroing business? You know, new clothes when the old ones get all slashed and burnt, nice comfy bed, pie on Fridays, maybe a medal every once in a while if we do something special."

Bliss grins. "I used to be a mercenary once, and Cam too, back in the day when I was little. I like being a hero better. I figure whatever bad guys we come up against, usually they got stuff they use in being bad, so we take it away from them and tell them to be good from here on out. And that gets us better gear to be heroes with, right?"

"Besides, odds are you people in the village ain't got enough actual powerful magic to make it worth our while without bankrupting the folks hereabout. I just spent 12 THOUSAND gold pieces, for Lem's sake!" Bliss looks a little more than somewhat amazed at the thought of that much gold! "So wowsy! You all ain't got 12,000 gold to give to each of us!"

"Don't say 'ain't' Kid!" says Mookie. He cocks his head and looks at Bliss with a thoughtful eye. "Meh, you're growing up, little man. Rewards are nice, but not if it breaks the local bank." He looks around. "Yeah, keep the worms flowing, and we'll be fine, right, Kid?"

Bliss makes a face at the thought of eating worms, but then says, "Right!"

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+6=10 ; d20+11=24 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2016 8:55:45 PM
Diplomacy DC 10, Know local DC 24

Let me rephrase the question. You are talking about all of us going into the Red Hills to search for people some of us don't know, in an area that is full of giants Ogres, trolls and other demi humans of generally bad temperament and attitude. Apparently it is more than you want to do yourselves and I doubt that you will find many others in the area qualified or willing to go for you, let alone put our lives on the line and possibly be killed or maimed for life and you wonder why some of us more mercenary types might want to get something out of it. I mean it sounds like you want us to use our weapons and magic and other sundries, that we paid good money for to do you an enormous favor. Are you planning to use all your personal wealth to rebuild the tower and additional defenses, or are you planning to use taxes and other people's money and hard work to do it? Don't answer, we all know the answer to that.

Anyway, In all honesty I was hoping for you to at least be willing to provide us with mounts and pack mules, food and water supplies for the trip so we don't have to waste time hunting and perhaps some form of healing for those who might get injured while pursuing this endeavor that you are begging us to go on for YOU. Otherwise if we have to walk it may take a wee bit longer than you might be hoping for.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 10:00:49 PM
Shel nods at the suggestion to enter the tower. "I'd like to go see what's left in there. There might even be something there from Uncle Breezelee himself. And I'd think Alleah would know exactly what she needed to cast her spell. Mr. Hornblower, if you'd escort us in, that would be great. We could do a quick search and still be on our way in the morning."

OOC: I've forgotten how change the header for my posts on my mobile devices. When I post from a phone or iPad, my header is incorrect. Anyone remind me how to do that? Pretty sure someone did that for me last level. Thanks.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday January 28th, 2016 10:20:44 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {Alleah only *thought* about a reward. She never asked aloud for one}

Alleah sighs. She desparately wants to ask for some sort of payment, but that's not what a hero would probably do.

"Bliss' suggestions are all fine by me" she responds to the talk of a reward.

She is interested in examining the remains of the Second Dinner Club tower. Perhaps there are clues that might help lead to the Club members themselves?

She nods to Shel "Agreed. Tomorrow morning would be a good time to leave. For today, let us see what we can unearth at the Tower"

Information Source? (DM Mark) 
Friday January 29th, 2016 12:40:09 AM
OOC: Kim - you may have missed my email on this.

Please identify what your actual sources of information are for knowledge of Windhorn Hamlet and the function and condition of Teucri Roads. I need to know specifically where in the game record you have encountered this information. If there is no record of this, please refrain from using information from the Woldipedia that your character has not encountered.


Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk 
Friday January 29th, 2016 2:02:29 AM
DM Mark - It's established earlier in the early days of this game that Murphy has read his brother's books about the doings of the earlier Crescent Valley adventuring group. Some other members of the party have read that, too, though I think most of them are not active in this game now. One of the Crescent Valley adventures dealt with travel along - and the need to repair some unexpected damage to - a portion of the Teucri road. Murphy did not pull it out of his hat.

There are twelve mentions of it in the Crescent Valley Archives.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Friday January 29th, 2016 10:45:02 AM
DM Mark - I haven't posted this, but he can also get some information from Pressi. Her backstory is that she has shuttled between Angel Springs and towns around the Red Hills like Dirt City and Plateau City. In fact, she and Kezzem started the game entering the Culverwood from the Red Hills.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22  d20+5=11 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+5=12 ;
Friday January 29th, 2016 11:14:08 AM
Pressi took some time to think about her travels through the Red Hills, but again came up short. She flipped through her bag to see if she had any notes from her travels but didn't find any so far.

She also thought back to Murphy's statements about taking advantage. At the time, she had stressed to Murphy that it was more an independence and keeping things somewhat on track than about any worries about taking advantage - that she was more worried about him seeing her room than seeing her. At the time, she had kept her dating history rather private. Did he expect her to be a virgin too?

Focusing back on the present, Pressi realized that some people expected a reward. For all her Waardian past of scrounging, she realized it hadn't even crossed her mind until the townsfolk took the question seriously. She was a Monk of Domi, a soldier in an army that didn't expect much beyond the glory of combat. (Though of course she did expect her commanders to provide them with some tools.)

"Well, as a reward, I did have a few things in mind," Pressi began as she unspooled an entire scroll of paper. Bluff Nat 1. Highlight to display spoiler: { The piece of paper is completely blank. Pressi pretended to read from the scroll as she recited increasingly more outrageous demands off the top of her head. }

"Seriously, though. I think we are all in agreement that we need not just resources to make sure the job is done but some signs that you take this group with some measure of respect after all the whispers and fights. Because you make a big deal of how you expected us to be more than mere mercenaries but you haven't always treated us as more than mere mercenaries.

"So here's what I want as my reward. I want a say in personnel decisions as you build this army. You can start by firing all those people who keep whining about how we caused this or how we could have stopped this, and promoting anyone who can explain what they would have done differently or where we went wrong. Those people who were caught cheating during the games way back when? I want them hired too. Oh, and there's this guy we met named Hevin Longroot? We need someone who can procure supplies for us. Basically, people who are smart, creative and forward thinking, or am I being unreasonable? (Diplomacy 12)"

Information Source? (DM Mark) 
Friday January 29th, 2016 11:15:00 AM
Use of a prior PCs knowledge is outside my comfort zone as a DM. Even character background has limitations. Fortunately, the game provides a vehicle to address this. This is why the game has a Knowledge skill, and provides a system for Knowledge checks. Knowledge Local, History, Geography, Arcana, etc. In some cases, a few might apply.

I'll give this some thought. I'll send an e-mail on this proposing an approach using the Pathfinder rules in a few days.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Friday January 29th, 2016 12:01:44 PM
"Any idea where we can find these mages, or are we just going to wander around shouting 'here, mages mages.' Not the best plan when roaming through hills filled with orcs, goblins, and giants."

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