[DM Hugh] - Justly Deserved Rewards Monday March 21st, 2016 1:58:21 PM Magana having no interest in plunder remains kneeling in prayer on the deck.
Jozhur whispers to Zeoll that he does not want to see the treasure being put in Elfblood hands, but reassures Morenion about the disposition of the spoils.
Reggie asks if the party should do something about those fires, while finding a place to observe the action.
Zeoll whispers back to Jozhur that if an Elfblood crew fought to defend Bonetown, that crew deserves a fair share of the loot and that it is up to them to lead by example.
Aex returns to gnome form and joins her friends on the deck. She then dispenses potions to any that are injured and reinforces that they still have to find Billoopl. She also wonders how LStin and the children are doing.
Within a short amount of time the ghost ship is crawling with soldiers from the other crews and your patchwork prize crew gets the captured vessel into the harbor. All the ships are maneuvered safely into berths and after helping the harbormaster's men put out the last of the fires and returning the magicked shot glasses to Linus, Jozhur convinces Linus to free up some his men to guard the ghost ship.
Aex reunites with LStin and to her relief the plant companion and the children are ok, having been in a different part of Bonetown than the one that was burning.
That evening the captain council convenes and the contents of the chests are determined. There are plenty of gems, art objects, coins and other magical items to go around.
The council elects to award the Lionfishers the following: the silver compass the headband made of knots the demodand was wearing 11,000 cp 2400 sp 700 gp 23 pp a heavy crossbow with a magical aura Spellcraft DC : 24 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {frost heavy crossbow +3} potion : Spellcraft DC: 21 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {potion of water walking} scroll : Spellcraft DC: 21 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {arcane scroll of hold monster CL 9} wand : Spellcraft DC 18 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: { wand of summon nature's ally II} a gold mask that resembles a young woman a gold chess set decorated gold plate depicting a sailing ship engraved platinum scarab platinum flagon with religious markings 25 alchemical fire barrels
After the closing of the council session, the Lionfishers reconvene on the deck of the Lionfish with the compass and map in hand. When the compass is brought in proximity of the map, the map slightly changes.
Perception 24: Highlight to display spoiler: {Magic is preserving the map, but it needs something mundane to activate it.} Perception 26: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are indications of water stains on the edges that are very old and faded. } Perception 30: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are bits of salt on the edges of the water stains. When salt water is sprinkled on the map, the items on the map shift and move about, showing a clear map of some island and ocean space. However, no one in the party can identify the location shown in the map (until the compass is added).}
You also scope out the compass. The compass face consists of 2 circles. The outer circle consists of a series of symbols and in the inner circle are a number of dots and tallies. Another Curious thing still is the fact that the arrow of this compass doesn’t point north but rather it is fixed pointing to the left, or what you assume is the left as there is a gold button that looks to be the top. You also notice that there are glass buttons above each of the symbols and when you depress one the symbol lights up. Pressing the same button causes the symbol to stop being lit, while pressing a different button causes the first symbol to stop being lit and the button of the second symbol to light up. If you press the top button while one of the symbol lights is lit, the 2 circles of the compass spin such that the lit symbol and another square from the inner circle match up.
here is what the outer symbols on the compass look like.
It would seem that if you are to get to Billoopl for the main event as Aex would call it you will need to solve the riddles of the map and compass.
(OOC: Everyone take 5485 xp for the last scene)
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 d20+11=17 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+18=38 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 3:54:33 PM
Rillett is puzzled why an otherwise spartan ship is carrying locked chests with treasure in them. Did the chests look particularly old? Were the locks complex because they were corroded with age? If this is some sort of ghost ship, why are other personal effects missing while these chests were left behind.
"It seems odd that these treasure chests were on the ship, while it's devoid of other items. What would the Demodand have all this treasure for?"
Rillett looks at the items with Spellcraft, and the only item he can discern is the scroll (Spellcraft 26.) He'll follow with Read Magic to confirm the contects of the scroll. "This is an arcane scroll of Hold Monster."
He looks carefully at the map and compass (Perception 38 - Nat 20!)
"Hmmm, this map is interesting. There are water stains and bits of salt on the edges of the stains."[/b] He'll sprinkle a bit of saltwater on the map and watches as the items on the map shift and move about, showing a clear map of some island and ocean space. "Well blow me down, saltwater changes the map! But where is this? Reggie - you arrived recently. Does this mean anything to you? Zeoll, Captain Jozhur? Maybe we should ask that old salt we recently added to our crew?"
Do any of the markings on the map correspond to the markings on the compass? What happens when the compass is brought near the map?
(DM - the link you provided to the symbols does not seem to work.)
(OOC:DM HUGH - try now)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) d20+11=25 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 4:15:11 PM speaking of that old salt, maybe this ship was the one that went down, and the treasure that sank with it. That would explain it being there.
Terser can't make much of the map itself, even after Rillett reveals its magical properties. He's sure he'll be of more use once they get into whatever subterranean lair Billoopl is calling home these days. He should also invest in a better weapon, seeing how much difficulty he was having hitting the demodand. He can only assume Billoopl will be even more difficult a foe.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) d20+11=23 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=26 ; Monday March 21st, 2016 10:26:34 PM
Three spellcrafts, three perceptions, all boosted by Guidance.
Spellcraft: nope top all three. Perception: Yes to first two, nope to third.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 d20+15=31 ; d20+8=11 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 12:32:51 AM
Jozhur watches as Rillet reveals the magic in the compass. When asked for his opinion, he replies, "No idea what any of that means. Do those symbols match anything on the map?" He studies the symbols, wondering if they have any nautical meaning. (Sailor: 11)
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 d20+13=22 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 1:05:04 AM
Reggie pretty much takes the word of the others concerning how the map seems to work. its almost like magical ciphering is a little complex for her.
However she does take a closer look at the map Once Rillett asks, Not much I can tell, I was a slave pretty much most of the time, they don't exactly share information with us slaves.
{ooc just in case profession sailor = 22. also any thing at all familiar with the map and landmarks from her time on the Orc ships?}
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+6=19 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 9:53:11 AM
(I like Cayzle and Bradly's suggestions only to use bold text when referring to another character. It will increase interaction between characters or at least chances are higher than remarks or questions to someone else are noticed)
Aex is intrigued with the map but not being skilled in navigation she won't be much help. "ooohh looks like Windings!..." is all she can contribute. Knowledge arcana 19 - perhaps there are some arcane markings to be deciphered?
"What about Sarl? Has he ever seen this compass or perhaps he recognizes some of the markings?"
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 10:43:51 AM
Responding to Reggie, "How did you come to be a slave?"
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 88 of 112] [DR 1/-] Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 12:17:13 PM
Magana suggests that the prize ship be assigned to Bonetown's militia to be used for defense of the city.
[DM Hugh] - Deciphering Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 2:23:55 PM Rillett puzzles over how the ghost ship was carrying all the loot that it was. He then attempts to determine what the magic items were. He only identified the scroll, before examining the map and compass. He discovers the secret of the map and splashes it with some saltwater to see the map change.
Terser speculates that the ghost ship was the one that went down from Sarl's story. He resolves to invest in a better weapon.
Zeoll examines the map, compass and other magic items.
Jozhur watches as Rillet shows the secret of the map. He too is not sure of it's meaning
Reggie takes the rest of her team's word on the map and shares a little about her time as a slave.
Aexana points out that it looks like windings and suggests consulting Sarl.
Rillett asks Reggie how she came to be a slave.
Magana thinks that the ship should be used to help in the defense of Bonetown.
The chests looked like antiques, but the locks on them were just fairly complex having been well made.
The markings on the map do correspond to markings on the compass. The compass is magical and radiates a strong divination. When brought into contact with the map the burnt lines on the back of the map reconfigure into a bunch of symbols.
To clarify about the compass: The orders of the symbol on the outside are : a circle, a cross, a trapezoid, a circle with an x in it, an hourglass, a crescent moon, a box within a box, an x, a lightning bolt, a circle with a + in it, a triangle with the point pointed up atop a triangle with the point pointed down, 4 arrows pointed up, down, left, right combined into a single object, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, an arrow pointed up, an arrow pointed down, an arrow pointed left and and arrow pointed right combined into a single object, a single triangle, an arch, a sun, an unfurled scroll, a diamond, a star, a box with a pointed bottom, a pentagon, half of a box within a box slashed in half on the diagonal, an L shape, a waving flag, a cloud, a razor blade, a heptagon, a decagon, an arrow pointed right, an arrow pointed left and an arrow pointed up combined with an arrow pointed down into a single object.
The inner face as a number of dots and tallies on it.
Perception DC 20 or Linguistics 16 : Highlight to display spoiler: {there are 26 faces on the inner circle with dots, 9 faces with tallies and one face that is completely blank}
Perception DC 28 or Linguistics 22: Highlight to display spoiler: {With regards to the inner face the dotted faces have a variable number of dots (1 - 26 with no 2 squares containing the same number of dots) and that the squares containing tallies seem to have a variable number of tallies (1 - 9 with no 2 squares containing the same number of tallies)}
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+17=22 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 3:51:56 PM
(Perception DC22)
"26 faces on the inner circle with dots, 9 faces with tallies and one face that is completely blank... this is just a secret language and every symbol is a letter or a number... and knowing that this picture on the upper left corner must be Bonetown... time to decipher the rest of this Islands and the note..."
Aex is visually intrigued to learn what the text has to say... however she's not the best linguist in the group so she'll have to guess or wait for someone far smarter than her...
The Gnome keeps staring at the note... she's always been fond of puzzles and now that she realizes it probably only requires to place letters next to a matching symbol it should not be too difficult...
She grabs some paper and starts scribbeling...
"I think I got it...", she says...
Spoiler for the other puzzle fanatics among us: Highlight to display spoiler: { SAIL TO THE ISLE OF BREAKERS ??? MILES SW OF BONETOWN AND RUM INVOKE THE WRATH OF BILLOOPL WITH TEMPESTAS THE POWER OF THE SQUALL REVEALS THE REST OF THE MAP THROUGH THE EYE X MARKS THE SPOT TO THE TEMPLE OF BILLOOPL UNDER THE WATER AND THROUGH THE CAVE ENTER AT YOUR OWN PERIL
By following the same idea of the compass I'm guessing that distance to be 120 miles... but I'm not sure about that...
But if I interpret this message, we'll have to enter the temple of Billoopl by going to the eye of a storm... sounds fun..."}
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 d20+18=37 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 4:44:20 PM
"Sharp eyes there Aex. Hmmm. I can see that on the inner face the dotted faces have a variable number of dots (1 - 26 with no 2 squares containing the same number of dots) and that the squares containing tallies seem to have a variable number of tallies (1 - 9 with no 2 squares containing the same number of tallies)"
"Once you decipher Bonetown and Rum from the map, you can see that Billoopl's name appears a couple time in this text. I'm having trouble with the numbers though."
"Aex, I think that's "TEMPEST AS". I'm guessing we'll have to create a tempest somehow. Can you create a storm?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+12=29 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 5:03:28 PM
Knowledge Nature 29
In response to Rillet Aex answers: "You could be right... perhaps the one who made this note deliberately forgot a space... or, in old Druid books, Tempestas was also referred to as a Goddess of storms or sudden weather... But as you say it seems we'll have to invoke the power of storms to find the entrance... even though I have learned how to control Winds and Water, I have no power yet to control Weather. There must be another way..."
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 5:28:50 PM
Reggie takes a seat ready to talk to Rillett, "It was a long time ago, I was traveling with an old friend. His name was Reginald, a travelling follower of Domi. We were pirate hunters, well actually he was, I was just hos student. "
"we were attacked by orcs, Bloodkin to be exact. But despite all of our fighting, we were no match for them. we were captured and Reginald was beheaded right in front of me."
She pulls out the old holy symbol of domi that she wears around her neck. "this is all I have left to remind me of him. I was brought to the Bloodkin's home to be auctioned off as a slave warrior. I guess to act as the Vanguard during attacks to prevent to many orcs from getting killed. Slaves are expendable after all."
"An Orc by the name of Reck bought me. he was actually nothing like the other orc captains. I think he actually liked me." Reggie shrugged unsure if that was even true.
"Anyway, We fought several battles and soon I was given the name Ro' 'ej QuQ cha' Which means Two-fists in the common language." I became Reck's concubine. I even have, had, a son."
"I tried to hide him from the other orcs, but they found out. and just about a week before you found me there was a Mutiny on that Orc ship. Reck put me in a long boat with the chest of treasure he was holding and sent me away."
"My last sight was the Orcs hoisting Reck's head up to the yardarm. I never saw my son."
"After drifting for some time I ended up here with you guys"
Reggie is not private with the story, anyone that wants to listen is not turned away.
The map and compass is beyond her, so she does not interfere.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 6:54:59 PM
Terser looks over the map, and the symbols seem to fall into place like the puzzles he had worked as a child. Each thing goes in its place.
We have a heading at least, the distance matters little, except for how much we need to bring in provisions. If I were to hazard a guess, it would be 872 miles, or at least that makes more sense than QJZ miles.
Terser commiserates with Reggie's tale. He didn't know how good he had it growing up, until he got kicked out of his home for neglecting the duties of the family. Would he do it differently if he had the chance? Probably not, but perhaps he should at least compose a letter to his parents and siblings, letting them know he is trying to make a difference in the world.
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:16:06 PM
"Hmm. Tempest, so a fierce storm. Well, it's said that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Maybe when we get there, somebody can scorn Magana. Somebody other than me, that is."
___________
In response to Reggie's story, "Blimy, but you've had it rough. I imagine Bonetown's a piece of cake by comparison. We all have out challenges to overcome, but I bet none would trade places with you."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:26:16 PM
"Interestingly Rillet we found a golden mask of a young woman in the treasure hoard... coincidence?"
Having listened to Reggie's tale Aex falls silent. That woman's been through a lot...
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 d20+15=22 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+8=10 ; Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 10:43:33 PM
"Hey, that IS a code. The thieves back in South Harbor pass messages like this sometimes. Hmm...if this says Bonetown..." He studies for a moment and agrees with Aex. "That one word has to be numbers of some sort, it does not spell out anything. Also the map appears to be sideways if "Breakers" is to be Southwest of Bonetown and Rum."
Jozhur is still working on the compass when he is distracted by "Reggie's story.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot, and I thought I had it rough scraping by in South Harbor. I wish I could say you will have it easier with us, but it seems we are sailing right to an evil god's lair. If we make it out, maybe we can find your son someday."
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 11:23:39 PM
Zeoll laughs in delight as Aex, Rillet, and Terser figure out the map!
"I only came late in life to the arrts of rreading," he says, making excuses. "These crryptological puzzles are a mysterry to me. Wowsy, you guys make me feel like a cub! Grreat job, my frriends!"
=====
When he hears her story, Zeoll nods and is amazed at all Reggie has been through. "Therre's a song in yourr tale, I deem," he says to her. "Perrhaps some day you would give me perrmission to sing it."
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 d20+11=28 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 1:02:19 AM
Rillett is able to identify the headband, "Wow - this will make someone an instant sailor, but it's a terribly expensive way to do it."
Then he will say to the party, "Of the items we have, there are several that I was not able to identify. Can one of you try?"
a heavy crossbow with a magical aura Spellcraft DC : 24 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {frost heavy crossbow +3} potion : Spellcraft DC: 21 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: {potion of water walking} wand : Spellcraft DC 18 with detect magic Highlight to display spoiler: { wand of summon nature's ally II}
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 88 of 112] [DR 1/-] Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 2:33:20 AM
Magana watches Aex and Terser decipher the map, making a mental note of this substitution method of hiding text in case she runs across something similar in the future.
Mainly she listens to Reggie's tale and remains silent. The story does nothing to change her already low opinion of the Bloodkin. Magana has heard that half-orcs don't survive long, but Reggie likely doesn't want to hear that right now.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) d20+11=29 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 11:52:05 AM
Zeoll already looked over these items and was unable to ID them. Oh, wait, he did not see this wand ... the old liontaur peers over his spectacles at the wand and declares it to be a wand of summon nature's ally II.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 5:26:01 PM I'm the wrong dwarf to look at for magic. Though if I were to guess, I bet that there crossbow is extra good at shooting things.
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 7:09:40 PM
"Thank you Terser. Much like this crossbow, you're sharp and make a good point. Not a helpful point, but a point nonetheless."
DM Jeff (stepping in for a day) Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 7:12:14 PM
There is much discussion around the map and the apparent puzzle that is the map. There are a few guesses and mentions of a tempest. The guesses on distance are quite varied.
Some of the group are at a complete loss regarding the map and discussion revolves around Reggie’s former life and the Bloodkin orcs.
Rillett asks the others to try and identify a couple of the magic items the group found. Zeoll manages to check out the wand and Terser makes a great dwarf ID of the crossbow.
The time is now afternoon (the day after the sea battle) and Terser’s stomach growls loudly. The air is clear with the usual gentle breeze starting to blow out to sea. People around town are just starting to wander about the docks and some are pointing at the Lionfish and talking to one another.
OOC: Take it away, those who are decoding, that was the point of the puzzle – you guys were pretty quick with this one.
Aexana – was there something specific you were looking for on the Nature roll, or was that for your text?
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 112 of 112] [DR 1/-] d20+16=36 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 7:31:47 PM
After her morning prayers, bacon and contemplation (in that order), Magana decides to spend the afternoon inspecting the prize ship looking for any undead presence in hiding.
Perception 36 (Nat. 20)
If anything seems odd she will immediately call for assistance then cast Detect Undead.
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 d20+8=21 ; Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 11:02:03 PM
Reggie seems receptive to the others comments. and she even gives a smile at the idea of finding her son someday. of course the suggestion coming from Jozhur causes her to blush slightly.
Once back to port with the ghost ship, Reggie returns to the Lionfish, It looks like the ship could use some repairs. she immediately gets to work spending the rest of the day on board the Lionfish seeing to her repairs.
{craft ships roll: 21}
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:13:45 AM
Aex continues pondering the message and compass... Rillet too struggles with the numbers and Aex is puzzled how Terser came to the conclusion of the 872 miles but then it hits her... Terser was counting the number of corners! That could be right too!! The Gnome was thinking 120 miles but at a second glance she notices she took the wrong symbol for the first one...
She shows her notes to Terser and Rillet: Aex's notes
"See, on my first attempt (I) I set the 1 next to the Y, then the 2 next to the Z, 3 next to 1 and so on, finishing with the 0 next to the 'up and down arrow'. I misread the first symbol so that's why I came up with 120 miles but it would rather be 320 instead following the note. But then again I'm just following up on the logic that was used for the letters and continued with the numbers.
But of course then you can also pick the second possibiliy (II) starting by putting the 0 next to the Y and then the 1 with the Z... Then it would be 219 miles... Or 260 picking the III option... or 150 with the IV attempt...
I'm clueless. Anyone has a thought? It sounds crazy just ti try all these locations... "
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:58:28 AM
Jozhur shrugs at the talk of the numbers, "I have no idea what all that means or where you're getting these numbers. The arrows across from each other are opposites. That's all I've got."
He sees Reggie light up a little at the mention of finding her son, "Once we take care of this false god, I really wouldn't mind going after the Bloodkin. The Wold would be a better place without those filthy slavers."
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 Thursday March 24th, 2016 11:05:20 AM
"Nice work Aex. Your logic of what symbols should relate to what numbers seems sound. But we haven't really fiddled with the compass much."
Rillett will press the glass button on the octagon that we think corresponds to "3". This should light up that button, but if nothing more happens, he will press the top button to see if it make anything turn or spin as it turns off the lit glass button.
Then he will try to spin the outer ring to cause the octagon to line up with the arrow. If nothing more happens he will press the glass button on the octagon.
As he works on this, he will say to Jozhur and Reggie, "Hey, you two know anything about appraising goods? I'd like to have an idea about the value of some of these art objects before we haul it down to the catacombs. I don't trust that creepy vampire that runs the place."
"How 'bout you Terser and Aex? Dwarves and gnomes usually have a good eye for value and craftsmanship."
Items to appraise: a gold mask that resembles a young woman a gold chess set decorated gold plate depicting a sailing ship engraved platinum scarab platinum flagon with religious markings
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 d20+11=14 ; Thursday March 24th, 2016 1:43:04 PM "I can try to look at the treasure, but things like this are pretty rare, I have never seen the likes of any of it. This Headband is some sort of thinking cap, right? Let me borrow it quick."
Jozhur puts on the Headband of vast intelligence and looks over the various valuables in their treasure hoard. (Appriase: 14...)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Thursday March 24th, 2016 2:07:28 PM
"Rillet, I'm very sorry my friend but appraising valuables has never been my forte... that reminds me how ashamed I was in my youth when I got a golden broach from a charming bard... I thought... oh well... let's put it like this, I thought it was expensive but it turned out to be a fake trinket instead..."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) d20+2=15 ; Thursday March 24th, 2016 6:14:59 PM
Terser has a natural eye for gems and precious metals, but no training in determining their value. The best he can do is say that they're real, and give an approximate figure.
dwarven greed - appraise 15
I would trust your reading of the compass, Aex. I didn't even use it to translate the map - I puzzled out Bonetown at the top and deduced the other letters from context. Still, as long as our heading is correct, we cannot go too wrong by just heading out, whether it's 120 miles or 320.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:02:55 PM
"Hang on", Aex continues. She examines the compass once again... "there are 26 dots so those are letters, 9 tallies which represent the numbers... so let me press this symbol and hopefully the compass will give us the one and only correct answer..."
Aex presses the Octagon... next she presses the glass button on top what should make the compass' outer and inner circle spin... once the two circles have stopped Aex expects a square with tallies to be alligned with the octagon... the greenmage counts the number of tallies... Their first number...
Next she presses the heptagon followed by the glass button and once again she expects to count a number of tallies on the inside circle... that would be the second number.
And lastly she presses the arrow pointed up combined with an arrow pointed down into a single object, again followed by the glass button... their last number...
"... now that gives us ... ", Aex reads and combines the three numbers.
One logic would say 320 miles... but there are other logic possibilities as her notes would show. Only the compass can give the correct answer she hopes...
[DM Hugh] - Numbers Game d2=1 ; d6=4 ; d2=1 ; d4=2 ; d2=2 ; d6=4 ; d2=2 ; d4=3 ; d2=2 ; d6=4 ; d2=1 ; d3=2 ; d2=2 ; d6=5 ; d2=2 ; d3=1 ; d2=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d2=1 ; d3=1 ; Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:58:33 PM Magana had her morning prayers, bacon and contemplation. She then sets out to kick some undead butt on the ghost ship if any undead could be hiding there. The tauress finds a single gold coin below decks that had been missed. It isn't particularly remarkable but still a gold piece is a gold piece right?
Reggie is receptive to the sentiments of the others and even smiles and blushes at the thought of reuniting with her son. The blushing was due to the fact that that particular comment came from Jozhur. The follower of Domi returns to the Lionfish to help with repairs.
Aex is confused by how Terser came up with his numerical reckoning and shares her reasoning and thought processes with the others.
Jozhur is confused by Aex's talk of numbers and just points out some observations concerning opposites before reassuring Reggie that after they take care of Billoopl, the Bloodkin are next.
Rillett congratulates Aex on her reasoning and then points out that they haven't fiddled with the compass much. He presses the glass octagon button and then the button at the top of the compass. Doing so cause the 2 circular faces to spin and then stop with the octagon outer face aligned with the inner face of 3 tallies in a row with the arrow that does not point north.
After he does that he cannot force the faces to move by pushing on it, but your reasoning may be correct because 3 tallies does match with the octagon.
Rillett then asks his companions about appraising the goods.
Jozhur plops on the headband and attempts to appraise the items.
Terser uses his Dwarven greed to try to determine the wealth of the items. He also says that he would trust Aex's reading as all he did was decipher the front of the map based on the markings.
Aex goes one further than Rillet and uses the compass on all 3 symbols in the distance and not just the octagon. As was the case with Rillet the octagon aligns with three tallies. The Heptagon aligns with the inner face containing 2 tallies. Lastly the up and down arrow aligns with the inner face containing no tallies. So based on the compass decoder you have octagon -> 3 tallies, heptagon -> 2 tallies and up and down arrows -> blank face. This would presumably equate to 320 as hypothesized. (OOC: good job; I assumed this would take you guys longer. Aex gets a hero point for figuring this thing out)
(OOC: I used the appraise rules ... Terser's are either spot on or within 20 percent of the Price for being within 5 of the DC; Jozhur's are wildly inaccurate for being greater than 5 off from the DC)
a gold mask that resembles a young woman - Jozhur's estimate : 630 gold; Terser's estimate : 495 gold a gold chess set - Jozhur's estimate : 300 gold; Terser's estimate: 600 gold decorated gold plate depicting a sailing ship -Jozhur's estimate ; 420 gold; Terser's estimate 840 gold engraved platinum scarab - Jozhur's estimate : 350 gold; Terser's estimate : 700 gp platinum flagon with religious markings - Jozhur's estimate : 1540 gp ; Terser's estimate : 1210 gold
As previously mentioned it is around dinner time and people are gathered and pointing at the Lionfish...what would you like to do next?
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) Thursday March 24th, 2016 10:50:28 PM
Zeoll looks at the sun and tries to guage how much time has gone by. Is it the next day? Later the same day? He is thinking about that demon he enchanted. After 9 hours, maybe sooner, it would be free to return to Biloopl and report its failure. But would it do so? Or would it flee and hide from the demigod?
Zeoll wonders if his idea of sailing to Biloopl's lair in the enemy ship would be wise or foolhardy. He is thinking that if a night's rest is unavoidable, then he will seek advice in his dreams as to the value of such a gambit. Perhaps the spirit of the sleeping god Jantierri will offer him some guidance.
Zeoll shares these thoughts with his friends, although he tries not to reveal his elderly befuddlement at not knowing either the time of day or even the day of the month.
He does add that if the ship is going to go underwater, the party had better be well stocked with water-breathing magic. The skelly crew did not mind going underwater, and the two demons had their ways, most likely. But the heroes would be in trouble if they were required to go underwater without prior preparation of the breathing kind.
Needless to say, Zeoll is eager to get started, and hopes that there will not be much need to delay. Although with the distances the map suggests, it may well be a trip of days, and there will be several opportunities to seek the divine in his dreaming.
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 Thursday March 24th, 2016 11:07:48 PM
Reggie has no clue on appraising the stuff, all she can offer is they are worth more than leg chains.
And as for the compass and map stuff, well forget that, She has no idea on what was just done, Regie seems ready to go find this Billy the demon-boy's treasure, give the order, a heading and I'll will set sail, on whatever ship you guys want me on.
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 112 of 112] [DR 1/-] d20+16=29 ; d20+2=6 ; Friday March 25th, 2016 12:48:42 AM
Magana returns from the prize ship and passes through the gathering crowd on her way to the Lionfish. She tries to determine why they are here by listening to their conversations.
Perception 29, Sense Motive 6
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 d20+19=29 ; Friday March 25th, 2016 1:20:18 AM
"Well, we gotta take this stuff to the Catacombs, and I'd appreciate some company hauling valuables through Bonetown. But I warn you that I may be healing folks on the way if needed."
Assuming someone accompanies Rillett to the Catacombs, he will head out. Along the way, he will keep a sharp eye out (Perception 29) for any that may require healing after this last battle, casting healing spells along the way as needed. As he does so, he will tell people that this is Gargul's Blessing, and will encourage them to follow in the path of light and enlightenment, as death is always at the door of the unwise Bonetown.
As we return, he will make it a point to go to the docks and check in with Zarod Xug, captain of the Squid's Beak to see if his crew needs any healing, and how he fared during the battle.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 d20+15=22 ; Friday March 25th, 2016 10:42:28 AM
Jozhur will accompany Rillet to the Catacombs. He is also curious about the crowd and keeps an eye in them as they pass through. (Perception: 22)
Ooc: Traveling for the holiday. May not have much time to post until Tuesday.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Friday March 25th, 2016 11:21:26 AM
Aex will happily go to the Catacombs again later but she first needs to check what she's able to spend next... Re-united with LStin Aex is pretty happy with the way her plant companion managed to keep the children entertained during the attack.
"Time to see how you will do in combat my friend... soon we'll be going to the Temple of Billoopl but the entrace is most likely somewhere underwater. Not sure yet how you'll get there..."
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 Friday March 25th, 2016 12:00:24 PM
With Rillett and Jozhur heading to someplace called the Catacombs, Reggie looks a little concerned, wondering why they would go undead hunting.
rushing to catch up to Rillett and Jozhur, "Wait a sec, I'll go with ya. don't want to let you guys go explorin without me."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) Friday March 25th, 2016 6:24:13 PM ooc: woo useful!
Terser follows along to the Catacombs as well, hoping to find something that catches his eye.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) Friday March 25th, 2016 10:31:14 PM
Zeoll thinks over the value of the magic arrows he used against the demon in the last fight. And in the end, it was the Suggestion that worked. Maybe firing expensive arrows at a foe is not a deal.
[OOC: PC sheet updated for xp, used stuff, hero point gone.]
[DM Hugh] - Helping Hands Saturday March 26th, 2016 1:16:47 PM Zeoll tries to gauge the time. It is next day as Magana and Reggie had spent most of it searching the ghost ship and fixing the Lionfish respectively. The Liontaur ponders if using the ghost ship for the mission is the best idea, shares his misgivings with other Lionfishers and then informs them they will need some way to use water breathing.
(OOC: Zeoll get's a hero point for handling Victaaris; Rillett gets a hero point for taking care of the crab, Reggie gets a hero point being a one woman skeleton wrecking crew)
Reggie has no clue when it comes to appraising things except offering that the items are worth more than leg irons. She too is eager to get started.
Magana makes her way back from the prize ship to the Lionfish. She stops to listen to what the people are saying. The people have nothing but good things to say about the Lionfishers and how they saved Bonetown.
Aex reunites with LStin and thanks the plant creature for keeping the children safe.
Rillett, Jozhur, Reggie and Terser head to the catacombs with the loot by way of greater Bonetown. On the way they stop in with Xarod Zug and crew. 6 of his crew members still look pretty beat up (35 damage each) and they are holding a wake for the crewman that Victaaris ate.
"Kip Redshirt will be sorely missed, though he died bravely in battle defending Bonetown from an existential threat. We will never forget."
After Rillett heals Xarod's men, Xarod's second mate a Dwarven female by the name of Letty Stonegaurd looks over your haul. She whistles.
"The council gave you guys some nice things. That mask is worth 450 gold, that chess set is worth 500 gold, that decorated plate is worth 700 gold, that platinum scarab is also worth 700 gold and that flagon is worth 1100 gold. I wouldn't mind drinking from that."
Those of you heading to the catacombs the rest of the way is uneventful.
Zeoll : Highlight to display spoiler: { Your dreams show a gold dubloon flipping in the air. The coin has what looks to be the Lionfish on one face and what looks to be the ghost ship on the other face. The coin lands standing up with neither face showing.}
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 Saturday March 26th, 2016 7:18:52 PM
{ooc: I have no idea what these Catacombs are so I hope there is some explanation along the way?}
[OOC by ACDM Cayzle: The Catacombs is the magical items shop that has entrances all over the Wold. It is also an in-character board that players use to save their DMs the chore of item shopping. see here.]
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 112 of 112] [DR 1/-] Sunday March 27th, 2016 2:53:34 PM
Magana has no need for the Catacombs, so she stays with the Lionfish assisting repairs and enjoying the salt air and sunshine. She is actually starting to like being aboard ship, a stark contrast to her early days with the Bonetown crew.
(Ed) Reggie AC: 24 / Touch 20/ flat: 20 HP: 115 Sunday March 27th, 2016 4:31:02 PM
{ooc: I may need some guidance once there... not sure on the formality there. perhaps a little step by step transaction to "show the ropes"}
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 Sunday March 27th, 2016 10:24:38 PM
Jozhur meanders along toward the Catacombs with the others, his mind on what he will purchase with his share of the haul.
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 d20+26=28 ; d100=85 ; Monday March 28th, 2016 11:18:02 AM
At the Squid's Beak, Rillett will say a few words for Kip Redshirt, acknowledging his life and sacrifice and commending his soul to Gargul's rest and keeping. He will later thank Letty Stonegaurd for her information, giving her 10 GP for her time. He will also talk with Zarod Xug for a bit about the battle, thanking him for his assistance in the defense of Bonetown. He will use Sense Motive (rolled 28) to sense his general Captain Zaron Xug to get his general outlook as a helpful and cooperative person.
Rillett will also ask him if he knows the whereabouts of the Bloodkin, telling him that there may be a person associated with their group we need to track down later. He acknowledges them as an untrustworthy, bloodthirsty lot.
Back at the House, Rillett will provide the proceeds from the Catacombs visit to the party. (Should be about 6,000 GP each - waiting to get Catacombs confirmation.)
He will ask Jozhur"Should we reserve any amount for ship repairs or crew compensation? How about siege engines?"
Finally, Rillett will cast Divination, asking, "Beyond being prepared for underwater combat, what preparations and precautions will we need to defeat Billoopl in her lair." (Rillett's chance of successful Divination is 80% - Rolled 85 - Rats!)
[DM Hugh] - Preparations Monday March 28th, 2016 1:18:06 PM Magana stays on board the Lionfish helping repair the vessel.
Jozhur, Reggie and Rillett head to the catacombs and stop by the Squid's Beak on the way.
Rllett says a few words on behalf of the late Kip Redshirt and commends his soul to Gargul.
Rillett Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the sense that Xarod is one of those rare pirates with a heart of gold. Xarod tithes to the less fortunate after he makes a particularly lucrative score. As for the whereabouts of the Blood Kin, Xarod does not know, except for the fact that they move around.}
Rillett then splits the proceeds with the party back at the house and asks how much should go to the crew, for compensation, repairs and siege weaponry.
Lastly he tries to cast divination, but the spell fizzles.
(OOC: Sorry that this is short, but you did really speed through the last module. Let me know as soon as you guys are ready to set sail.)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC25 HP 59 of 59) Monday March 28th, 2016 10:58:23 PM
Zeoll reveals that his divinations regarding taking the Lionfish or the Biloople ship are as revealing as the toss of a coin. And since the divine are undecided, or randomly decided, 50-50, Zeoll suggests that the group take the Lionfish.
"Afterr all, we arre the Lionfisherrs, arre we not?" he says with a sly grin. Because as he well knows, the group never really CHOSE "The Lionfishers" as the name of the party, but Zeoll's reiterated use has brought it into fashion.
The old liontaur urges all his friends to conclude their shopping and loot dispo as soon as possible. He is eager to put an end to Biloopl. He does spend some time briefing the brothers (Brothers Lansell and Engev) on the situation, and spends even more time with the crew of the ship, explaining things as they now stand, and offering the crew the option of hazard pay or staying behind -- so long as that's okay with Captain Jozhur, of course.
He also offers the crew a chance to hear to tales of the Fey King, and a blessing of the fey on those who listen.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 26 -- HP 117/117] (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge) Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:34:34 AM also waiting on the final tally.
(Brock) Jozhur AC23/ Touch 16/Flat 17--CMD 24--HP63/88 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:58:41 AM
Jozhur returns from the Catacombs with a simple skull crackin' tool. Just in case they run into more undead...
He informs Zeoll that he would have no problem paying a hazard bonus to the crew for this.
Rillett (Bradley) HP 87/87 - AC 29/15/27 CMD 20 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 1:41:19 AM
"Oh, my friend Zeoll, you are mistaken. We are called the Black Lions. Right Aex?"
(As for the funds, my calculations suggest we should each get 6123 GP, but I can't make that final until the Catacombs makes that final. But you can go shop with around 6,100 GP with confidence.)
Rillett will see to it that 500 GP is delivered to Yaas Farril, the high priest of Gargul in Bonetown. He will also give Jozhur 100 GP for the ship's crew.
Rillett will check on the signet rings he had commissioned. They should be ready by now.
Magana the Tauress (Craig) [HP 112 of 112] [DR 1/-] Tuesday March 29th, 2016 2:04:41 AM
Magana asks, "Did the other captain's get their share already?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Air (S) HP75/75 - AC26/22/21 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 21 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Tuesday March 29th, 2016 8:01:17 AM
Aex smiles as Rillet and Zeoll once again start bickering about 'our' name...
"I think we never really decided on any name... some, like zeoll like Lionfishers, others, like Rillet and myself favour something less fishy like 'Black Lions'. So till today I wouldn't know how to introduce us to a crowd other that... 'we are the crew of the Lionfish'... On the other hand, with all what is transpiring around this Billoopl thing I do believe the time has come to finally agree on a name. People will talk about this and if we live or die what is the name we want to be remembered by?!?
'The crew of the Lionfish summoned whirlwind...'
'The Lionfishers summoned the squall and through the eye entered the temple..."
'The Black Lions summoned the squall and through the eye bravely entered the lair of the false god Billoopl...'
Looks like we'll have a 320 miles trip ahead of us... we may as well take some time to ponder the question... "
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