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Rescue!
The Tower, after the fall


Conversations (DM Mark) 
Friday January 29th, 2016 1:39:48 PM
Murphy discusses some possible routes and information.

Cameron is ready to go. He favors a more direct route over the roads.

Shel and Alleah express interest in visiting the Second Dinner Club’s Tower.

Bliss says as heros, you do not seek a reward. In fact, they have plenty of money. But supplies and community support would be nice.

Trill tells this group of older community leaders that if they’re not willing to pay, they should just go themselves. She reminds them that the party is doing them an enormous favor. She derides these leaders for asking for their help, suggesting they are not willing to make any sacrifices themselves.

Kezzem asks if there’s any better info on where to find these mages. They have no more at this time than what has been revealed, and are acutally puzzled that they cannot divine more information at this time.
___________________________________________________________
These folks listen and are rather offended by Trill’s lecture. The Mayor of Angel Springs starts, “Why you impudent little twit! Who do you think you are…”

He is cut off by the Baron. “PEACE PLEASE!” his voice booms. He continues to Trill and the rest, “My dear woman, we know that we ask a great deal of you. We are about to ask a great deal of this community as we prepare for the resumption of giant raids, and hard decisions lie ahead for us. I saw that some of you wear the pins of the WLA. I was once a member of the WLA, so I made some assumptions. I had also assumed that the vast amount of wealth you recently came into provisioned you well - certainly far beyond the citizens here in the Crescent Valley, but we will provide whatever supplies you need without charge. But my dear Trill, if you cannot keep a civil and respectful tongue, then I invite you to please leave. And if you all choose to leave, then we will do this on our own. I will put all my wealth at your disposal if that is what you require. My adventuring days are long past, but I can tell you they were much more care-free than what I do now. Know that I will do whatever is needed to protect this valley and it’s people. With or without your help.”

“So, the question remains - will you help us?”

In response to Pressi, “Mistress, we would welcome you council in our preparations. Our lives are filled with concessions and compromises,” he casts a stern glare at the Mayors. “Rest assured, we do what we think is best for our communities. You are all young, and I imagine none of you have worn the burden of public office, so I do not expect you to fully understand. However, we cannot ceed power or responsibility to you, nor will we fire anyone that offends you. My world is no longer the simple life of an adventurer. Will you work with us in this?”

How do you answer these questions?
___________________________________________________________
(Depending on your response, you later go check out the Second Dinner Club’s Tower. Any or all are welcome to go - even though only two expressed interest, they assume you would all like to be there.)

Constable Hornblower will have the guard at their tower let you in. While he will step in with you, he does not particularly watch what you do or monitor where you go. The tower has a basement, a ground floor and two more levels above.

There are common areas, a kitchen, a large basement where magical practice and experimentations is done. There are many books here in a large reading area. All in all, the place is pretty cozy with comfortable furniture. An unseen servant appears (you can actuallly see its ghostly figure,) and it sets a cup of water on a table for each person as they enter. There is wine nearby as well. The common areas are neat and clean.

You are able to determine whose room is whose. Mostly because they have their names carved into their doors - which is weird.

Veseley Vortence’s room is tidy and neat, and a bit spartan. The usual personal effects are here. Things seem well cared for and organized here. You feel a slight tugging on your coat as an unseen servant attempts to remove it. Any resistance will cause it to cease.

Tiana Taithen’s room is a complete mess. There are clothes strewn everywhere, personal effects are scattered about. There are writings and papers everywhere, mostly bad poetry. The room smells of roses and lavender.

Bazeck Breezelee’s room is - interesting. There is a strong, musty smell here. And a lot of dust. Heads of various creatures and even a few humanoids are mounted on the walls. There are many animal bones, feathers and skins here as well. His clothes seem mostly dark and somber in color. There are also some rather bawdy pictures of halflings in a pile here.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent)  d20+6=22 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=29 ;
Friday January 29th, 2016 4:07:05 PM

Diplomacy DC 22

Trill listens to what is said and expounded upon and once the General has finished speaking she nods to him and turning to the Mayor of Angel Springs, she stares him down for a moment and then mildly says.

"As for this impudent little tart, sir, Let me introduce myself. My name is Trillium Dragonstone Lightfingers, daughter of Dahlia Lightfingers of the Platinum Dragons and goddaughter of Valdor Dragonstone, and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

Without waiting for an answer she turns back to the general and continues.

"I certainly did not mean to come across as uncivil nor disrespectful, but then no one including my mother and godfather has ever accused me of being politically correct or of being a politician. So my apologies if anything I said was somehow offensive but, I see it and say it how I see it. It is nice to see a politician whom is willing to back what they say with actions and materials of their own, as all to often, i think you will agree is not often the case. And if you will notice, I did not ask for anything that would bankrupt and village or town, but merely asked for things that any group would need in order to do the task that you have put forward. Those that saw us arrive the other day saw us arrive two to a pony or on a wagon, most of which we had just paid for a day before and weren't meant for hard riding." So if you are wiling to provide us transport, sustenance and some small healing for the trip, then I for one available to leave as soon as we can manage it."

******* At the towers*************

While at the towers, Trill carefully goes through each room to see if there is anything that seems out of place or doesn't belong that might provide some sort of clue. Perception rolls DC 32, 27 29

To the rest of the group and those that accompanied them. Do any of you have the ability to scry or find people through your magics? And if so would it be easier to do with some personal belonging or thing of that person? If so perhaps we should bring such a thing or things out from here to aid in our search?



Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+7=24 ;
Friday January 29th, 2016 4:54:21 PM
Cameron looks on, almost in horror as Trill dresses down the important people here. The diplomat inside him slits his wrists. The mercenary in him quickly triages the diplomat and shove him forward. When the Baron asks the two questions Cameron smiles and answers quickly and completely.
" As a former member of the Mailed Fist you might think I would be the most mercenary of all here. Not the case. So far you folks have asked nothing I am not willing and able to do. You asked rather than ordered and actually seem to value our council on the subject. That's a welcome change from what I am used to. I will do my very best to find and rescue your mages. If vengeance is required to e dealt for their capture or abuse, or worse, I will deliver that which is due. If you choose to reward me for that, that is fine. If you choose to at least continue to regard me and my fellows here as you now do, that's fine too."
" I like you guys. You have organization but aren't ramming it down my throat. You have plans, but are willing to ask for help making them work. You have opinions about the goddess I follow, everyone does, but you have given me the benefit of the doubt and that is welcome. I will need a mount. I prefer a riding dog if one can be had. Is there somewhere I can buy one with all of the provisions I will need for this trip on such short notice? Would you fine priests be able to write down what has been seen in your visons in case we need to clearly recall it later, maybe to figure out where to go to find the mages? That would be most helpful."
"When we return, Bliss, Pressi, myself and a few others will want to try and help you organize your militia to face the giants. If I can, I will get my Grandfather to send a few dwarven veterans to help train this militia. I rather think that halflings will fight far differently than his dwarves will council, but they can probably still help give the militia direction and the information necessary to fight effectively."
"If there is nothing more, I need to finish my preparations for this excursion. I hope we are not too late to save the mages."
Diplomacy 24
Cameron will then wait for any response, then turn and head out. He needs a mount, plenty of food for said mount, and more dry rations for himself. He will speak with the other clerics if they wish, but he needs to get these preparations completed so that he is not the one slowing this mission down.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+15=34 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=30 ;
Friday January 29th, 2016 7:37:54 PM
Before entering the tower, Alleah does a quick check around its perimeter. She's looking for any signs of a struggle, or footprints that don't belong (such as orc). She casts Toros Taur Try (to get a +1 bonus on her Perception checks) and looks about (Perception outside the tower: 34)

Inside the tower she is very careful not to touch anything. Not yet anyways. She casts Detect Magic and Deathwatch. Detect Magic might reveal objects of importance, whilst Deathwatch is cast in case the corpse of Bazeck is somewhere nearby. She will renew these spells as often as required.

She spends most of her time in the common area. If the trio were working on an experiment together, the details would likely be in a common place. Perhaps there is a clue as to what they were doing, if they were involved in the collapse of the tower (this time around), and if there was anything that might make them targets for abduction. (Perception: 24. Or, if we have lots of time, Take20 for a check of 35)

On seeing the state of Tiana's room, Alleah will kindly suggest that the men wait outside. It wouldn't be proper for them to see Tiana's undergarments and such. Alleah will try and find a hairbrush amongst the mess of possessions. (Perception: 30)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday January 29th, 2016 9:46:40 PM
Shel made a beeline for Uncle Bazeck's room. She looked around closely, turning bright red at seeing his pile of nudie pictures in the floor. She had never been fond of his hunting either, and seeing the various skins and heads around the room unnerved her. She followed Alleah into Tiana's room and felt much more comfortable there. "Alleah, do you think there might be a library in this building? Maybe we can find some information on the tower, or how to repair one? Or someone's spellbook. There could be all sorts of useful tomes there. Maybe even one of the lost volumes of Journye to the Moone!"

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+17=22 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=22 ;
Saturday January 30th, 2016 10:29:07 AM

Bliss is getting bored with the speechifying. "I'll do what Cam says," he declares. "And Trill is nice, so she won't fire anybody."

He says as an aside to Cam, referring to an evoker they both once knew, "Now that Miss Pru, she was good at firing people, wasn't she, Cam!"

"So can we get on with it now?"

===== ===== ====

At the tower, Bliss enlarges Mookie and flies to the top. From there, he looks out over the area. He looks for clues on the rooftop. And he looks for obvious or secret ways in.

Perception checks: 22, 32, 22

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=17 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=24 ;
Saturday January 30th, 2016 12:40:18 PM
Kezzem assists with searching the towers.

Perception Checks: 17 (Vesley's), 27 (Tiana), 24 (Bazeck); +3 to all rolls vs. traps
Iignore the d3 roll--clicked the wrong button.

Kezzem then scratches "Kezzem was here" on each of their doors.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Saturday January 30th, 2016 3:01:12 PM
Pressi, having let the matter drop, stays outside of those towers, standing quietly.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk  d20+17=33 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=31 ;
Sunday January 31st, 2016 4:07:19 AM

Anyone else for horseshoes of speed?
"Say, if we can get four ponies shod with horseshoes of speed, that would allow us to pull carts through the Red Hills very quickly. So, two pull each cart. I can finance two sets of horseshoes. Who among my friends can help shod the other two? I own three ponies, and Alleah one. That should suffice, as a minimum, with the carts to carry us and our gear. Or we could do it with one cart, and half the ponies on duty at a time. A cart may be easier through the hills. What do you say? I have six thousand, if among the rest of you we can come up with another six, and have good Primula shoe the ponies this afternoon or evening, we buy one more cart, make certain a competent cartwright check them both out, maybe toss in an extra axle and another pair of wheels for repairs along the way. Lickety-split. That may take us through just as fast as if we were on the Teucri roads!"

[That would grant the ponies move 70, and they could pull carts at 60.]

He does not ask anything special of the leaders and dignitaries.

Wizards' Tower
[Perception checks - Basement 33; ground floor 30; 2nd story 33; 3rd story 31]
Murphy begins below and works his way up, examining each area to find salient information which may be of use in effecting a rescue. He activates detect magic as he looks around each area. He encourages his friends to look for a spell book or a scroll of teleportation, so that Veseley, whom he knows can cast that spell, may have access to it at an opportune time.

On the 2nd story, he comes across Kezzem carving something into the door. "WHAT are you doing, Kezzem??" he asks in astonishment. "We are not barbarians, are we? These are people who deserve respect and honor, not some rude chicken scratchings etched on the doors of their rooms in their own home! You trying to get us kicked out?" Murphy's hand covers his eyes, and he shakes his head. "Look, Kezzem, we're here to try to find something to rescue the wizards, who may be able to help save the valley. Focus on that, please. No more knife carving in this place, all right? Carving up nasty girallons, that's fine. Carving wooden doors of wizards who are friends, not so fine."

That momentary distraction aside, he continues his search, and collects at least one or two items which may be of service in effecting the rescue. He shows Roscoe Hornblower whatever it is he has collected, explains his rationale, then tucks his finding(s) into his haversack.

Catacombs
He visits the General Store, and makes some Catacombs purchases - including, if the others agree to his plan, two sets of horseshoes of speed for two of his ponies. He will also pick up a fair number of blankets to help smooth the ride through the hills, plus some other gear.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday January 31st, 2016 7:10:54 AM
Alleah rubs her chin in contemplation

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure taking a cart is a good idea. It makes us far less mobile, it's an easy target for destruction by a fireball, and it can easily be seen from a distance. And I'm guessing the Red Hills are known for being 'hilly'. Just taking ponies to ride should give us the mobility and speed required for any sort of rescue"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Sunday January 31st, 2016 1:32:09 PM
"What gives, [bold]Murph?[/bold]" says Kezzem. "I was just having a little fun, no harm done. And since when is it better to carve up creatures then things? That's some twisted thinking there, if you ask me."

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk 
Sunday January 31st, 2016 1:38:29 PM
"Well, a cart can go on hills. We already took a cart out to Parley House in the Red Hills. Just has one axle - rolls with the bumps, as it were. I'd not likely try to take one into the mountains - unless there were a sure mountain road. But hills? Sure! Also, for those not adept at riding, it takes no particular skill set to ride in a cart. Also, a body can sleep on a cart - making sure first they're well secured, so they don't go rolling off in the middle of a dream.

"As for speed, with the horseshoes of speed on ponies, they move right quick. With normal shoes, they move fair enough.

"So far, I don't think we've been hit with any fireballs. Not saying there won't be a first time. Wonder if we can treat it to make it harder to burn? Seen from a distance? Halflings on ponies would be nearly as easy to spot. Unless Bliss were riding the pony. I daresay he could make himself and the pony unseeable, even though they're six feet in front of you."

Taking a breath, though, Murphy concludes, "That said, though, Alleah, I'll go along with you on this. That way, when it becomes clear we need a cart, I can say, 'I told you so!'" he teases her.

Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue prep 
Monday February 1st, 2016 5:42:53 AM

"All right, Kezzem, yes, you have a point about things versus creatures," Murphy allows. "But, please, don't mark up the Wizard's Tower any more, all right?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Monday February 1st, 2016 6:41:23 AM
OOC: Per email, is someone able to cover Alleah for me for a few weeks? You would have full permission on her abilities and spells!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday February 1st, 2016 10:25:48 AM
"Oh, fine," says Kezzem to Murphy. He later sticks his tongue out at him when his back is turned.

Conversations (DM Mark) 
Monday February 1st, 2016 1:58:21 PM
After some discussion with these local figures (the Baron, the Mayors of the three towns in the Crescent Valley, and a few clerics representing various deities,) the Members of Humble’s Sword are offered whatever provisioning they need. Trill offers a backhanded apology, and makes it a point to tell the Mayors who she is. She asks who they are and ignores their response. She sort-of compliments the Baron, and clarifies that her request for goods is modest. Trill is horrified by her treatment of this group, and attempts to smooth things over. The Baron will agree to any requests for supplies and such, but says that they do not have time to find these things for the group. He instructs the party to obtain a receipt for any such goods they purchase and get these to him for reimbursement.
___________________________________________________________
They then investigate the Tower of the Second Dinner Club with the Constable in the late afternoon. Nothing there seems particularly out of place to Trill.

They are able to find some personal effects from each of the three individual’s rooms. There is no hair to be found in Veseley’s room - he seems to have been rather fastidious, but there are personal items there (hairbrush, comb, undergarments, etc.). There are many things here that radiate magic. Please tell me what you take (assume the normal personal effects someone might have.) Presi does not find a library per se, but there are many books in many shelves throughout the tower, a few with magical auras. There are some that relate to the Second Dinner Club’s study of the Giant Towers and their perspectives on it’s construction, but none that are actually by or about the individuals or processes used in the actual construction.

Kezzem begins carving "Kezzem was here" on the doors of the occupants. He’s done so to Veseley’s door, and has carved “Kez” when Murph ask his to stop. The Constable overhears this, and Kezzem is asked to leave the tower immedately. The Costable then asks everyone to stop where they are, and brings in a few guards to watch you all closely. You are only allowed to take out one or two personal items for each of the 3 mages. The Constable notes a description of each item, and one of you must sign for them.

Mookie and Bliss fly around outside, but do not find a secret way in.

This will consume the remainder of the afternoon - it is evening when you finish there.
___________________________________________________________
That evening, you are contacted by a couple men from the stables. Even though the Baron said that they did not have time to gather things for the group, they are presented with four riding ponies, all their feed, gear and tack, as well as two riding dogs dogs with their requisite equipment. You are asked “Will these do to help you on your journey?” (Be sure to detail out anything else you purchase/pursue.) The following morning, a cleric of Domi provides the group with a Wand of Cure Light Wounds - it has 37 charges in it.

As you leave Humble’s Ford the next morning, there is a large crown is there to see you off. Most wish you well. Clearly the town is uneasy and fearful, and not sure whom to blame.

The journey is to Hovel is rather uneventful. However, on their way then encounter a familiar figure. Headed toward you is a fat halfling merchant that you recognize to be Hevin Longroot! He’s on a larger wagon than he had before, being drawn by two ponies. His wagon looks pretty full!

“Well hello there! It’s a pleasure to see you all! I see you’re still getting some use out of that wagon! I got your message to Miss Marigold, just like I promised. Didn’t get there until nightfall, but I pressed on, I did! A deal’s a deal, and the Longroots can be depended on! You’re all famous you know - there’s a lot of talk in Hovel about you. There are some naysayers there, say you caused all this, but I set them to rights! You’re good, upright folk I says. Miss Marigold has had some words with some of her friends about you.”

“Say, can I interest you in any goods? I bought about all I could find in Hovel - food, leather goods, buckets, rope, chain. You name it, and I’ve probably got it. I’m taking the lot to Humble’s Sword to do my part!”

(respond as you wish - I can back up if needed. But assuming you press on…)
___________________________________________________________

You arrive in Hovel in the afternoon. You are soon greeted by Marigold and some of the others you met before.

There are a few scowls of disapproval, but none confront you directly. Adventurers are not popular in Hovel.

There are also a few that just stare at you in awe, with whispers of:
“It’s them.”
“They’re the ones that speak to the Gods.”
“The favor of the Gods is upon them.”
“They know what will happen.”
“They came from the future.”
“No, they came from the past.”

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+8=24 ;
Monday February 1st, 2016 7:47:58 PM
OOC
Kim, did Murphy mention that there was a housekeeper for the burrow? Would she be able to drop some food ( worms, crickets, or whatever the DMs will allow me to arrange for) into my vermin's terrariums while we are gone?
DM Mark, I had a week, what am I able to secure as food for my spiders and scorpion? Crickets? Worms like Murphy suggested? Meal-worms from a local vendor or farmer maybe? I will totally pay for them, and compensate the housekeeper for the feeding.
If the housekeeper is unwilling to do so I try to set up one of the kids in town who think I am less weird, maybe one of the ones that I helped escape the purple fog, to do the feeding. I set up a way that the feeder has no chance of coming in contact with the vermin ( I am immune to their poison, but a child or housekeeper will not be and I am not out to hurt anyone) Something like a one way door to drop the food into the terrarium.
If none of this has worked out yet ...

IC
Upon the animals being presented to the group Cameron is very appreciative. After selecting one of the riding dogs Cameron says, " Thank you very much, this saves me quite a bit of time. What is this mount's name?"

Cameron is also overwhelmed by the generosity of the Cleric of Domi. He bows respectfully and thanks the cleric, by name if he was told the name at the meeting earlier in the day. He feels certain that this is this specific clerics doing and tries to make that obvious when thanking the cleric.

Cameron sees Hevin on the horizon and after listening to the trader's talk decides that what he had heard about the Longroot family may not exactly apply to Hevin.
Sense Motive 24 is Hevin making up any of the story he is spinning or is he sincere in the things he says he has done on our behalf?
If Cameron thinks Hevin is being truthful he offers the merchant an apology and makes the merchant an offer. [b]" Hevin, I judged you harshly the first time we met and made threats I should not have. I am sorry about that. If you can forgive me and are interested, I have a job offer for you. You seem to have heard alot about us, no doubt you have heard that I am a bit of an oddball and a collector. I have gathered several venomous spiders and a peculiar scorpion to provide me with the venom I need for my goddess's worship. In order to care for them, I need to keep them fed while I am out helping folks in need. I need a steady source of insect 'prey' for them to hunt and a willing person to feed them when I am gone. The enclosure that they live in has a one way opening so that food can be put into the enclosure with no danger . Do you think you could handle this for me on such short notice? I am willing to pay you for the supplies you need and the time you spend should you do it yourself or for someone reliable that you hire. Their enclosure is outside the window of my room at the Sword's burrow. The housekeeper can direct you, or the person you find. If you are interested, what would be your price and are you up to the task?"

Cameron is not used to being held is such whispered awe. Even as an elite agent while in the Fist, and even after distinguishing himself famously, or infamously, depending on who you asked, he was not used to this kind of treatment. He tries not to let it make him prideful, and he pretends not to hear them, unless it is obvious they WANT to be heard. He keeps the serene outer composure one would expect of an Avenger, but secretly inside he is very pleased that the Sword is so well regarded.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Victim, Detect Poison, Light
Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Stone, Bless, Magic Stone
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=25 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 12:14:49 AM
"That's right, we speak with the gods, and they say you're going to offer us free drinks!" says Kezzem.

Bluff: 25

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+2=3 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 12:39:00 AM

Bliss remembers his manners and thanks the mayor and others for the gear they are given.

In Hovel he grins and shows off with his magic yo-yo. He tries to put people at ease.

Diplomacy 3. Well, maybe not!

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 6:22:14 AM
Shel was ready to head back out of town. It would have been nice to stay home a bit longer, but important duty called. She took her usual spot, riding in the cart as the group got on the road. She kept her mouth shut in Hovel, remembing all too well the misunderstanding she had had with them just a day or two earlier. She let the others do the meeting and greeting there. .

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:17:16 AM
Pressi shook her head at Kezzem as he once again tried to score free drinks. She had been outside of the tower when Kezzem had been thrown out on his ass for desecrating what was left of the tower. Sure it could be repaired by spells or even some good crafting, but that wasn't even the point.

And now.... "It occurs to me that I've never known you to not bluff. But I have to ask something. Are you bluffing that you do care about anything or bluffing that you don't? And who are you trying to fool?"

Pressi's question was a shot in the dark. Sometimes she asks things like that just to tweak people.

As for Hovel, she mostly ignored the people around her. It was a little disconcerting to be back in the limelight, though she had to admit that she did miss it.



Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:24:11 AM
Alleah rode quietly atop Thistle. She had at the time they left brushed off Murphy's arguing - and hoped Pressi wasn't rubbing off on him - but being out in a sunny day had brightened her mood considerably. Even running into that Hevin fellow hadn't darkened her mood.

Hovel was a little tougher. While most of Humble's Ford had seemed to accept that they never had a chance to save the tower, the people of Hovel seemed to remind them of their failure. And that... Alleah wondered if that pain and doubt would ever go away.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=23 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 11:44:36 AM
"Press, what's all that?" says Kezzem. "I'm bluffing to get free ale?"

Sense Motive 23: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kezzem is very uncomfortable by Pressi's questions.}

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+8=17 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 1:58:13 PM
Sense motive 17
" I think what she is driving at is that since you are always trying to get free drinks, or draw attention to yourself, or boast about your fighting skill, that it hides some other aspect of your personality Kezzem. Kinda like how I don't show much emotion towards any of you, no matter what I might feel. I'll explain when we are in a less public place."
Cameron's words are clinical and sterile, as if he is just stating the facts. Later, when the group has a chance to rest for the night and are alone, or only with Murphy's trusted kin, Cameron continues.
" I feel like I owe you all a bit of an explanation. I follow the goddess of vengeance and many are pretty uncomfortable around the mere thought of her because she is often considered totally evil. She isn't, at least not to my eyes, so let me see if I can explain how I see her."
Cameron takes a deep breath, gathers his will and plunges on. It is easily the most emotion he has ever shown. The mask of the stoic Avenger slips for a few moments.
" When I was little, I lived here in the valley. I vaguely remember being here and how soft, friendly and peaceful the people here are. My parents were adventurers, and every few years gathered to relive their old days and swap stories. One year they were all slain at this gathering, all but Morgan, my dwarven foster father. He was late to the party and it saved his life. He killed or drove off the assassins that stayed behind and found a list on their bodies."
Cameron places a blood spattered document on the table. Then he continues.
" My name was on the list, so being a paladin and a friend to my parents he raced to my side. He found another crew of assassins there ready to attack me and managed to kill or drive them off, taking a debilitating wound while doing so. No amount of magic or skill ever seemed to make that wound go away completely. He found another list on them."
" He adopted me and took me back to the Steelshaper clan home in the Scab where I grew up. To the other dwarves I was a runt. Too small to fight properly, too flighty to work a forge, and I guess, a risk to them taking over the clan since Morgan and his father accepted me as dwarfkin, a dwarf for all legal reasons within the clan."
" All this time I was the underdog. Beaten up, chased, ridiculed, and it made me learn to hide, strike only when I had advantage and mostly, just not be there to take their abuse. I went into the Fist, where I had to work twice as hard because I was smaller and weaker than all of the other recruits. I never once let myself come in last, and after awhile, they didn't see me as a weak link. I was good at gambling and could win stuff that the rest of my crew couldn't get through normal legit channels, so they took me in. The Agents wanted me because I wouldn't quit. I would fight, run, hide, work and not quit until I passed out, and that was what they needed. I wouldn't back down from a challenge and I would even come to defy orders for what I knew was the right thing.The Fist was a home like no other I ever had."
" Unknown to me, Morgan went out looking for the killers as soon as I enlisted in the Fist. He had done his duty to my parents in raising me and now wanted to do his duty to Pantheon, his god, and bring in their killers.He found something out, of that I am sure, and whatever it was it killed him and animated him and sent him back to the clan home as an undead zombie. The clerics would not inter him as an undead, or former undead, and I was called home to administer cleansing rites that kin were required to perform to restore his soul so that he could be intered in the clan crypt. While I was there, performing these rites, I kept hearing thoughts in the back of my mind about how his god had abandoned him when he was just doing his god's work. A recruiter, surely an Avenger, came to me and offered me a way to cleanse Morgan's spirit and gain the abilities I needed to finally bring down those responsible for all of the death in my life. A small vial of poison, that when I drank it, it would restore his spirit with a part of my own and set me on the path to vengeance. I took the drink and have not looked back."
" The Jancassis I see, the one whom I worship, is a protector. She does not necessarily step up to stop oppression, but offers the weak the guidance and power to take back what was taken from them. Pride, life, material things. She teaches them how and when to make their moves for maximum effect. Much as she molds, no forges me. See, Morgan taught me enough about forging that this is how I see it. I was a raw billet of material when I took that drink and became her follower. He guidance and teaching has heated me and shaped me into a tool meant for taking revenge against those that oppress the weak and small, like I was always oppressed. When I took the test to become an Avenger, that was when she finished the forming and quenched me, like a blade in an oil bath. Now, she hones me and puts the finishing touches on me so that I can exact the revenge due for all of the slights and stings in my life. The dwarves are small vengeances, ones I am completely willing to put aside. The best revenge on those that beat me, chased me and belittled me is growing strong and succeeding. Asking them for help to fight the giants here does not enhance that, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make because it is right. The Vengeance I seek, the one that drives me, is my parents and Morgan's killer. I will find the answer to that or die trying."
He pauses and takes a drink. The room is dark, but there might be a tear rolling down one cheek, maybe.
" I spoke before about emotions, and how I show very few. The Avengers mask of dispassion fits me like a glove, and in truth I welcome it. Everyone I have ever shown affection for has ended up dead. Now, I wear the face of controlled emotions of the Avenger and it spares me the pain that this will ever happen to me again. I tell you now it is a mask. I do care what happens to all of you, and to the valley now that the tower is down. We will solve this, or make those giants incredibly sorry that they chose to raid us. If we solve it peacefully, so much the better. If we have to kill some stuff, giants, orcs, dragons, whatever, I'm all in for that too. AT times I sound like a zealot. I don't do it to tax you or even convert you, but what I am saying is what I believe and is how I see the Wold. I just wanted to make you able to see that, so that I wasn't stepping on any toes."
"Now, it is late and I should go make my devotions. Goodnight."
The mask slips back down and Cameron the stoic is back . He rises and heads outside under the moons to make his devotions to Jancassis.

OOC
I thought it would be a good idea for you all to know how and why Cameron has come to follow what is considered an evil woldian goddess. If I stray from what I just outlined, call me on it, but he sees himself much like Iron Man called it in the Avengers movie. "We may not be able to save the earth, but we will darn sure Avenge it," kinda deal. He is in for the long game, and has been playing it for awhile now.

DM Mark and Shawn, back while we were taking a week to train and whatnot, Cameron penned a few letters to his Grandfather, the head of the Steelshaper Clan in the Scab. He gave an update on the search for the killers in one, but in all he asked his Grandfather for aid in fighting the giants. Dwarves have no love of halflings, they are too much like gnomes. He hopes that their hate of giants will win out. He asked for some clan warriors to help train the halflings and some dwarven arms smiths to help equip them. He sends these letters by as many different routes into the Scab as he can come up with.

Conversations (DM Mark) 
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 4:56:05 PM
Not sure how the previous DMs had been handling Hero Points. Everyone should add 1 Hero Point to their character for completing the last module, and 1 more Hero Point for the truly heroic efforts at the collapse of the Giant Tower.

For Cameron - Highlight to display spoiler: {No one wants to deal with your poisonous critters, and no one is growing food for them. I am not aware of what arrangements for housekeeping have been made, but if there is one, the housekeeper will reluctantly try to feed your cirtters for a high price. It turns out that you will find a local gardener named Cosmo Fencer that will feed and water your critters for 2 sp per day. Also, if you had asked Hevin Longtroot to care for the critters he would decline, saying that doing so would certinaly limit his trade.}

Cameron sees to the care of his critters. On meeting Hevin, he does not suspect anything unusual beyond the man’s egerness to get these goods to Humble’s Ford. As they enter Hovel, he is pleased that there are a few here that seem to worship the group. Cameron also shares his background and view or Jancasis.

Kezzem tries to parlay this hero worship into some free drinks. Most run away, but one comes back tentatively with two bottles of wine!

Pressi asks Kezzem who he’s trying to fool.

Bliss shows off his mad yo-yo skills. Until during one daring trick to impress the locals, he cracks himself in the head.

Alleah rides Thistle. Good ol’ Thistle.

Shel rides in a cart. She keeps quiet as they get to Hovel.

Trill remains quiet, almost as if he’s not there. Murphy too.

(I thought the party was not bringing any carts or wagons, so I am confused. Please let me know what animals or transport each of you has with you. This should be marked on your character sheet as well.)
___________________________________________________________
There may be some confusion about the towers. There are two. There is a small one at the north end of town that was the residence of a trio of wizards called the Second Dinner Club, and that is what you just searched through for some personal items of each.

Then there is a second tower far to the north of town, and larger than the one that belongs to the Secodn Dinner Club. It is not longer standing. This was part of a magical defensive network to protect against giant invasions into the Crescent Valley.

___________________________________________________________

Just to be clear, as you reach Hovel, most seem to regard you with the same distrust they give to all “adventurers,” and some seem to associate you with the community’s fear and sorrow over the loss of the protective tower. There are some friends and family here that greet you warmly and with welcome. And there are just a few that hold you in awed reverence.

Asking for directions to Peremin Kalliwick is met with responses like, “Oh, why would you want to visit him?” “He’s southwest of Hovel, on the outskirts of town. Take this road - his house is the last one, built into the hillside with a tree growing out of the roof!” He’s a strange one, he is.”

You travel on to Peremin Kalliwick’s home. You almost think you’ve gone too far and must’ve missed it, but then you see a home built into a small hillside, and there is a great tree that seems to grow out of the roof, which has clearly been built around the trunk of the tree. There are no animals that seem to be kept nearby, but there is a small, well-tended garden. Going up to the front door, you knock. You knock again. After a bit of a wait, a rather old, white haired halfling opens the door. With a yawn that seems to be missing a few teeth, he looks you over and says, “Well. What is it you want? Now speak up, I’m not gettin’ any younger while we wait.”

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+9=28 ; d20+12=25 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 7:04:28 PM
OOC
Thanks, the towers I understood, and as far as the Hovelites gobeing dirty adventurers to most and outright saviors to a few is a win. I'll take any win I can get.
That arrangement is fine for the farmer, thank you. Cameron still apologizes to Hevin.

IC
Cameron hangs back, not knowing this Peremin fellow at all, but immediately liking him because the townsfolk seem to think he is a kook. Us kooks need to stick together.Cameron will stay back a little, but still close enough to hear what is going on. He takes the reins of his riding dog, generously provided by the town and any other animals the group chooses to leave back with him. He speaks quietly and calmly to them, keeping them quiet.
Handle Animal 28
He tries to look around and check out his surroundings, in case it is important later. He also listens intently to the conversation at the door.
Perception 25
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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  d20+9=27 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:24:01 PM
"We are looking for Pereman. Nice garden out here, by the way. Vegetables are looking really nice. But, I'm Shel, from Humble's Ford and we are looking for Pereman. We've heard he knows more about the Red Hills than anyone. We need to ask him to help give us advice on the best way to travel through those hardy lands. We are on an important mission," she whispers the last sentence.

Diplomacy 27.

Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) 
Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:29:20 PM
Trill graciously accepts the proffered, wand, ponies and riding dogs, and makes sure she co-opts one of the ponies for herself as she is not overly fond of dogs, no matter how well behaved they are.

As they make their way to Hovel she is a bit quiet as she ponders how she could have handled things differently with the general and his cronies, and comes to the conclusion that what is done is done and nothing can change the past as they so loudly found out so recently.

She is still put off a bit by how these rural halflings are so distrustful of adventurer types, but manages to just grin and bear it. It makes her feel a bit better about the halfling they are going to see when the response of the locals seem to be similar in nature to those they are getting themselves. It probably means that they will likely get along pretty well.

As they get to Peremin's house she hobbles her horse and joins those moving to the door to chat with him. When the door is opened and Peremin pokes his head out she grins at how they are greeted by the old rascal, knowing that she was right.

"Good Day Master Kalliwick. I am correct in assuming that is to whom we have the pleasure of meeting."

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle)  d20+17=25 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 12:20:11 AM

Bliss sees that Shel has it well in hand. He takes a peek in the garden.

Perception 25.

Mookie looks for worms and stretches out in the sun. "These rays are good for an old crow's bones," he says.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 1:10:34 AM
"Huzzah, free wine!" says Kezzem. "Come and sit with the heroes of Humble's Ford and drink with us!"

"Wow, that's a great trick, Bliss! "I particularly like when you caught the bob with your face."

----

"It would be mighty impressive if you *were* getting younger while you waited."



Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:52:59 AM

[Will post later Wednesday. Just fixing header now.]

Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 7:39:28 AM

"I meant to do that!" Bliss says indignantly to Kezzem. And in that moment, he believes it! :-)

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 9:21:22 AM
Alleah remained quiet, seeing as how Shel had the matter in hand as well. She instead waited to see how Pressi would disagree with this or otherwise screw this up.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 9:23:37 AM
"So let me get this straight," Pressi began. "Nobody on the government of THREE towns thought to let you know we were coming? That's... actually believable, unfortunately."

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 3:10:52 PM
updating/fixing header

Watch what I can do with this yo-yo! (DM Mark) 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 5:24:31 PM
(With the mounts, the dog's names are Cudgel and Skipper, and the ponies are Carrot, Rumpus, Dread, and Bitey (yeah, he’s a bit of a problem.) The two ponies you got from Hevin are named Apple and Frosty. You already have Thistle. None are trained for war - they are just riding animals at this point.)

Cameron works with his new dog, and checks out his surroundings.

Shel and Trill say hello. Trill instantly likes this guy.

Kezzem and Bliss discuss yo-yo use. Including the bruise on Bliss' forehead.

Pressi is disappointed the government didn’t send a messenger ahead of the group.
___________________________________________________________

This fellow in the doorway is rather old. He’s white hair is thinning, but is more than made up for by his eyebrows and the hair growing out of his ears. “Bah - I don’t know you. You people seem a little confused about who you’re lookin’ for. An’ don’t think that complementin’ my garden will win you any brownie points - oh, sorry I see you have a brownie with you there.

“I don’t need to be bothered by folks I don’t know. Go away.”

But as he begins to close the door, he stops and stares as a very strange thing happens...

A ghostly apparition appears before Shel which all can see. It looks like Veseley Vortence. His clothes are torn and he’s kind of a mess. He speaks and his voice seems distorted and halting, as is the image. “Hellllllp us. Weee’re ttttrapped tttrapped tttrapped tttrapped. Tttttiana iiiis wiiiith me e e e e e here.” He does not seem to hear or see the party, but he reaches out and touches Shel’s head. The vision vanishes, and Shel has a general sense of direction southward.

Peremon stares at you all for a moment. “Well, that was weird. But I kinda like weird, so you’d better come in.”

You enter a burrow built into a small hill. It appears neat and well kept. “Well, I’m Peremin. Who are you, and why does a group of halflings such as yourselves want to go into the Red Hills? And what the heck was that ghost?” You can also see that he has a bandage on his arm, and there is dried blood on it.

You will learn that he is an old trader, and would occasionally travel into the Red Hills to trade. They used to mine strange metals and gems, but much of that has stopped. He supposes they
either ran out or the folks there lost interest in mining. Orcs and such have increased over the years, and it’s not safe. Only the hardiest of souls survive there now. Or the most pathetic that just aren’t worth raiding.

Assuming you tell him that you plan to go south into the Red Hills anyway, he advise that you follow an old foot path south out of Hovel. He will provide you with a rough map with the general location of an old trader’s path leading to Dour Lake, and beyond into Izen. He’ll tell you to avoid the village of Ogre. It is named for the inhabitants. Other villages and towns can be hazardous, but some are alright if you watch your step. ‘Course, he thinks they’ve probably changed since he was there.

The sun is low in the sky, and Peremin offers for you to stay there if you wish. There is no place to put the animals though. The weather has been fairly warm, but it cools quickly as the sun goes down.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d8+5=7 ; d20+7=17 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:00:26 PM
Had what was most likely a dead man not just appeared in front of Shel with dire news, Cameron would have most likely fallen to the ground laughing at Peremin's statement about 'liking weird'.
From the back he does say, " Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us."
At this point he will step forward and offer his hand in friendship to the old trader. When he sees the bandage, he asks if the halfling is alright, and offers his goddess's blessings to heal the wound. By way of explanation for their visit, Cameron takes the lead this time and fills the old man in.
" We came from Humble's Ford, where the Giant Warding Tower that keeps the raiding giants out, has fallen. The mage's that were it's caretakers, one of which you saw in that apparition, have been taken by orcs into the Red Hills and we have chosen to go and rescue them. We might be a bit late, judging from that vision. I'm sorry Shel, the one in the vision was your kin, wasn't he? If we are too late, the mages will at the least be Avenged. Whatever aid in the way of maps and directions you can provide to speed us on our way would be most helpful."
Diplomacy 17
On the matter of the animals having nowhere to sleep, Cameron will volunteer to stay outside with them and make sure they come to no harm.

If healing is required, Cameron convert's bless into a cure light wounds spell and cures 7 damage. He chose Cudgel as his mount.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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
Thanks for the update on the mounts. The players guide says riding dogs are war trained so I would have made a mistake trying to ride an untrained one into a fight. He's just transport and that's cool with me, I am no knight. Besides, this extends his life expectancy by alot. 8)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 8:51:38 PM
Shel shakes her head. "No, Cameron. I'm not related to either Veseley or Tiana. Uncle Bazeck is my kin. Still no word from him. Hope he'll be okay. But nothing from him since we returned, so I'm fearing the worst."

She remains somber for a few minutes but then her sense of excitement and wonder returned. "But did you see that real live ghost? And it touched my head! It was all cold but it wasn't too bad, I guess. After he touched me, something has been telling me that we need to head south. Sleeping tonight is probably a good idea, but we need to start early. What if the direction sense will wear off? We can't let that happen. Still, a ghost!"

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 10:48:25 PM
Trill watches the apparition and listens to its message with the others and is relieved at Peremin's change of heart.

She will take Dread and the other ponies to an area approved by Peremin and using a bunch of rope, sets up a picket line for them so they can eat drink and sleep but not wander off during the night

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 11:49:59 PM
"Here, Trill, I'll help you with the ponies instead of hanging," says Kezzem. "I'm not sure what freaks me out more, the ghost-thing or the fact that our host likes it."

Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+15=26 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+17=34 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:32:35 AM
Murphy's catch-up post [apologies for missing days - not typical of me]

Cameron's Entomological Quest
Quotiln is the housekeeper / caretaker for Humble's Sword Burrow. He has a roguish background, but seems to be doing well under Alleah's guidance and Alouryn's oversight. Cameron may have been able to persuade him to feed his spiders and scorpion - but that is up to DM Mark.

Preparing to leave Humble's Ford
The night before leaving, Murphy invites any members of the group who wish to do so to join him at his family home for a bit, before heading back to the group's burrow (or lodging elsewhere) for the evening. He introduces everybody all around who come. There are his father, Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, owner of Winwood Music and Toys in Crescent Valley, his shop here in Humble's Ford, and a few of his things sold in a store in Hovel. Murphy's mother is Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood - and she is a druid, and noted for how good she is with animals, and small halflings. Only some of his siblings are at home: Juditha, Samki, Feather, and Billy. His oldest brother, Kember (wife Sarta) live a few burrows over. He tells his family a little story about each of his friends who comes to visit.

He tells his siblings that he's going with his friends on an adventure into the Red Hills, and asks for their prayers. Privately he lets his papa and mama know who it is they are going for.

Changing mind, taking cart
Learning that Shel would prefer riding in a cart to riding on a pony, the druid goes ahead and loads up his best cart with provisions. He apologizes to Alleah. "I know what I said earlier, that on your recommendation we would leave the cart behind. But Shel would like to ride on it, and it will help us carry things. If we need to abandon it at some point in the journey, early or late, then you can tell me, 'I told you so.' Hope you don't mind too much, 'Leah."

He loads the cart with provisions, blankets, casks, barrels, rope, and the like, and leaves it in the barn overnight.

Then there's the pony and cart they bought from Hevin Longroot - but Murphy leaves that with his parents, and asks them to sell it back to the merchant when he shows up again at the price he had mentioned to Longroot last week. He takes some of the rope and a few barrels from the cart, though, and perhaps a few other items, and transfers them to his cart.

Early in the morning
Murphy rises a few hours before sunrise. He offers prayers and a song of devotion to Eberyon, then sends prayers as well to Maab, Alemi, Domi, Wardd, and closes with Flower. He then focuses on spells for the day.

He thinks to grab some grease and a few rags from his father's shop should the cart need it along the way, and drops a note to let him know it was him, and not some other grease-thief, who took it. He also has an extra axle and cart wheels from an earlier adventure he places in the cart as well.

He makes sure that Shel has a comfortable spot to sit, and there should be room for others as well. Pressi? Kezzem? Whoever chooses.

However, there also are a string of ponies. His own combat trained pony, Pippa, who at the moment has a pack saddle and saddle bags. Also two others trained to combat - Sugar and Nutmeg - though the latter is more enthusiastic in battle than is Sugar.

The two excellent riding ponies Apple and Frosty from Ellis.

And the four ponies the stable boys turned over, plus the two dogs. Alleah has Thistle. They can form a cavalry with all these mounts.

On the way, merchant encounter
Meeting Hevin Longroot along the way is pleasant, at least for Murphy. He does glance sideways at Alleah, who he knows does not favor the merchant, and is pleased to see she kept a cheerful mien. He will engage with him briefly, though. "Thank you so much, Mister Hevin Longroot, for keeping your word - and for putting in a good word for us! My, that looks like a fine wagon. Was that from Ellis' Livery? Did you have him make you a secret compartment as I suggested?" He asks him.

Then, down to business, "Yes, maybe a few things. Chains - what sizes? what lengths? A few animal skins, perhaps, if you have them, tanned, if possible. Any other kinds of leather goods? I could use a new belt. Three buckets. Do you have any pulleys? I think we have enough rope." He lifts the canvas in the back of the cart and points out some of the rope Hevin had sold them before, and a few of the barrels. He also has some silk rope there.

In Hovel
Murphy greets warmly his Aunt Marigold. He takes her aside for a moment, and quietly says, "I'm sorry, Auntie, that I was not fully forthcoming last week. I got the feeling that either you were warning me not to continue in that vein, or really did think it was a clever jest. Would that it had been. I thought, in truth, we had another day or two to spare, but time proved fickle. At least many lives were saved."

He greets her friends as well. "Looks like we are living in interesting times, eh? Well, let us all endeavor to make the best of the time we have."

He manages to pick up on several of the hushed comments of folk of Hovel [Perception (hearing comments): 34] - talk of the group's talking with the Gods, and foreknowledge, and place in time.

When Kezzem decides to take advantage of the situation by affirmed we are in touch with the gods who have instructed the members of the hamlet to provide us drinks, Murphy's estimation of his companion's upbringing, sadly, continues to erode.

"No, people - don't be afraid - look - Kezzem tells a lot of jokes. Don't mind him."

"And, we know with news of the tower, that there is cause for anxiety. But, we are halflings, are we not? Our strength is in our community, in our traditions. And among our traditions is this: We don't buckle under to biguns. Instead, we figure ways to deal with them. Sometimes we trade with them, and make a profit. Sometimes we outsmart them. And sometimes they find out just what a lot of slingstaffs can do to their foreheads and their shins.

"See Marigold Pipewood over there? She works with our militia here in Hovel to help keep us alert, to help keep us strong." Then he thinks to add, "Oh, and you all know about that fellow in town who helps pull stumps for you, and can pull a bigger plow than your ponies, and who plays the drum beautifully, right?" Someone calls out, "That's Lomar!" "Yes - Lomar - a rare one, a giant who has a kind heart. Sometimes, we can even make friends with a giant or two."

[Diplomacy with Hovelites: d20+9=26]

"My request to you is this," he shifts his stance. "Listen to Marigold, work with her and with the other leaders in our community. Not just here in Hovel, but throughout the valley, we need to pull together.

"Quick question - how many of you have farms here where you raise crops? Part of our working together with you folks is chipping in where we can. Well, I'll chip in today. My Aunt Nilli - she's Marigold's sister, you know - she taught me something that can help crops to grow in greater abundance. Would you like me to do that for you? It should add about a quarter again more than you usually get. Say the word, and every planted patch here within half a mile of where we stand can benefit over this next year. Would you like that?"

He awaits an answer... [and here I assume that at least one person says, "Yes."]

"Very well. Now, a brief moment of silence, please." With eyes closed, and turning around in a full circle, gesticulating to the four points of the compass, Murphy casts Plant Growth, Enrichment (This effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal). Then he stops, and slowly opens his eyes.

He points to one of the women who seemed to hold them in awe. "What is your name, ma'am?" he asks politely. "Ah, Sarinda? Beautiful name. Would you do me a favor? Can you check in with your neighbors over the next several months, and see how the harvests are going? Now, other things can happen which may affect the outcome, but, my guess is, your storehouses will be just a little bit fuller. Would you and your friends, your neighbors, keep track of how the harvests go? Thank you. May heaven above bless us, and defend us - and empower us to take care of ourselves and each other."

He looks around. "We'd love to stay, but have a job to do. Pray for us. Pray for the valley. Work hard. Follow the wise guidance of your leaders. Farewell!"

Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:47:39 AM

With Peremin Kalliwick

As his friends are doing and admirable job of talking with the old trader, Murphy remains silent for the most part, until after Veseley Vortence casts his image in their direction. He wonders whether the wizard had formed some sort of a bond with Shel during the course of their travels through Koshe Marr which allowed him to reach out to her.

"I can cast a scry spell, and try to get more information about their whereabouts. First I want to make sure the horses are properly cared for." Then he finds that Cameron and Trill and Kezzem all have seen to that. He shows them the grain for the ponies, and the feed bags. He sets out the buckets and fills them with water. As it looks like the night will be cold, he places a wool blanket over the back of each pony, though he knows that some of the blankets are like to fall off for one reason or another during the night.

"I know that sometimes one can get a message through a scry spell, but it's not a spell I happen to know. If one of you have one, perhaps we can see if we can work together on this."

Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:55:44 AM

Cameron's story

Murphy attends closely as the avenger lays out his story. Food for thought. "Thank you, Cameron," is all he says at this time.

Second Dinner Club

"Sorry to say, but Bazeck Breezelee was felled by a huge arrow from The Huntsman's bow in Koshe Marr." Murphy mentions. "Veseley says like as not the only way to bring him back is to deal with the Lord of Koshe Marr, who is a twisted, wicked, and powerful being. Marteus. Veseley recommends against the attempt."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 2:34:33 PM
Pressi, from her riding atop Frosty, barely gets out "Help me, Obi..." before Alleah stops her.

She thinks about Murphy's speech to Hovel, the one where Murphy insists on all the ways hobbits have beaten the Bigguns. "And when we can't beat them," added Pressi the elf for an hour, "we join them."

"Well, if you like weird," Pressi said to Peremin, "then you'll love us. So tell us more about these bandits." She eventually began to flip through his maps.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13  
Thursday February 4th, 2016 2:49:17 PM
Alleah, after making sure Thistle is okay, moved to talk to Murphy. She seems hesitant, almost as if learning her abilities for the first time (OOC so be patient with me).

"As a matter of fact," she replies as she peers through her translucent spellbook, "I do have scrying. So if you'll give me a second...."

Alleah casts scrying (boosts for possession, some familiarity). She waits for Murphy to provide the message.

Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:05:52 PM

"Oh, oh, Alleah, I, too know the scrying spell. I do not know the message spell - but, here, this is the pillowcase from Veseley's bed, and this is, um, some sort of - slip? is that the word? from Tiana, that may help you in the scrying. If you can cast message, there's a chance you can say something." [35% chance your message spell will work through the scry].

"If that works, tell them something like," he says, then thinks for a moment. "This is Alleah, with Bliss, Shel, Murphy, and some other friends. We are in Hovel, and are coming for a rescue. Do you know where you are in the Red Hills? Who has imprisoned you?" After that, if he answers, then keep talking with him as long as you can. Ask how he and Tiana are doing. See if they know what their captors intend to do with them. Are there other prisoners with them? And, you're smart - make up your own questions, 'Leah."

The scrying spell takes an hour to cast, and lasts 1 minute per level. You can look at the person and environment around him or her out to about 10 feet. The following is up to the DM, but the will save for Veseley (if he tries to resist the scrying) would be adjusted by -4 for having a personal item, and somewhere between 0 (have met the person) to -5 (know the person well), for a total of -4 to -9 on his will save. As we traveled with Veseley and Tiana for about a week, it may be said you know him well.

Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us. (DM Mark) 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:31:41 PM
Cameron ask Peremin about the injury on his arm, and casts a curative spell to heal the wound. He relates a quick version of the story.

Shel corrects Cameron’s assertion that she was related to the one whose image appeared, as it was another of the three. Shel’s general feeling to go south fades after about a half an hour or so.

Trill and Kezzem see to the animals as the others go in. Assuming you intend to stay the night, all of you will be able to take part in the following discussion.

Murphy says good-bye to all his friends and relations in Humble’s Ford, and then meets with all his friends and relations in Hovel. Murphy can buy whatever he wants from Hevin. The cost will be 150% of normal cost. Murphy tries to keep everyone in town calm and focused. He also mentions that Bazeck died in Koshe Marr, so his soul belongs to Marteus.

Alleah attempts a scrying spell, but then laments the fact that she does not have either Focus needed for the spell (silver mirror - it is not on her or Murphy’s character sheet.)

(As for the dogs, ponies, carts, gear, etc. - if it’s not on a character sheet, it’s not on this trip. Be sure to designate what’s with you and what’s at home.)

(CORRECTION - the riding dogs are both war dogs. I didn't’ mean to create a new kind of dog. My bad.)

___________________________________________________________

Peremon was oddly unfazed by the apparition.

He’s grateful for the healing from Cameron. “Thank you boy. Ya know, ya get old and your skin gets thin - it don’t take much.” He looks at Cameron, “Jancasis, eh. She’s trouble, but mostly for people that got it coming. But watch yourself boy. You’re young, so before you go seeking revenge, just be sure you get all the facts. Revenge is a bad business. Followers of hers tend to act before they think - you do that and another of her followers will likely be comin’ after you.”

He gets out some cups and fills them from a cask of ale. The ale’s good, but the cups don’t look all that clean. He’ll also start preparing some food.

“Ah, the Giant Tower. So you’re the ones folks been talkin’ about. Say you come from the future or some such nonsense. Some say you shoulda saved the tower. Some say you let it fall on purpose. But there are a few that think you’re sent by the gods. Watch out for those ones - ain't nuthin worse than a religious zealot.”

“Now which one of you’s related to Margold? Murphy? She talks about you all the time. I hear ol’ Welker was talking bad about ya’all, and she cracked him in the head with her shoe. Heh, heh. Welker.” He smiles at the thought.

At Murphy’s mention of Marteus, Peremin spits, “Bah, Marteus, a pox on him and his followers. I trust that none of you follow Marteus’ wicked teachings.” (Yeah, he spit in his own house. Gross.)

You mention the Second Dinner Club.

“Second Dinner Club my arse! I met them idiot wizards - never understood why they were in charge of the towers. I wouldn’t trust them with a bucket of water if my britches were on fire.” But he quickly turns to Shel, “Beggin’ yer pardon fer your kin though.”

“Anyway, ya say ya gotta go an’ rescue ‘em eh? Well it don’t surprise me that they’d need rescuing.” He again turns to Shel, “beggin yer pardon miss.”

You will learn that Peremin is an old trader, and would occasionally travel into the Red Hills to trade. He used to trade in the strange metals and gems they would mine there, but much of that stopped. He supposes they either ran out or the folks there lost interest in mining. Orcs and such have increased over the years, and that might have been part of it. It’s not safe. Only the hardiest of souls survive there now. Or the most pathetic that just aren’t worth raiding.

As you have dinner, you tell him that you plan to go south into the Red Hills toward Dour Lake.

“Ah, Dour Lake. I’ve been there. There’s a few towns around Dour Lake still. First one you’ll come to is called Bright Springs. Ya know, Dour Lake used to be called Bright Lake. But the mining there took a toll and killed the lake. But they kept the town name. Maybe as a joke, or maybe to lure folk to settle there. But there ain't nothing bright about the town or the lake anymore.”

He advises you to avoid the roads, and follow an old foot path south out of Hovel. He says that orcs patrol the roads. He says to take your ponies and dogs if you want. They won’t get you there much quicker, but they’ll make the trip there and back much more pleasant if they survive. He’ll tell you it’s harder to hide with a bunch of animals. You can try that cart you got, but it’ll be rough in spots. He will provide you with a rough map with the general location of an old trader’s path leading to Dour Lake, and beyond into Izen. He’ll tell you to avoid the village of Ogre. It is named for the inhabitants. Other villages and towns can be rough, but are probably alright if you watch your step. ‘Course, he thinks they’ve probably changed since he was there.

You stay the night, and if you’re ready to leave in the morning, please provide a party order.


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:58:39 PM
" Peremon, you have been a most gracious host, and your council even on my own Lady's tendencies is not far off. My foster father learned about how hard it might be to find the ones I seek. He learned it the hard way. I have taken her vows so that I might be more prepared when I learn the truth. She has taught me well and hones my skills still. When she decides I am ready she will reveal the truth to me. Your words of caution are very well received, and to my mind, very prudent."
In the morning, or whenever they decide to discuss the travel plans, Cameron echoes the trader's words.
"I think the animals will make it harder to hide, but I also think they can get us there faster. Based on that sending, speed may be key. Hiding may also not be the way to go. Decimating the first patrol of orcs that we run across and leaving the bodies as a reminder what will happen to more orcs may not be a bad idea. It may buy us some breathing room. If we enter the towns in the Hills, you may want me to precede you. My goddess is , shall we say well received in those parts and I may be able to find the temperature of the populace without getting killed simply because I wear her favor. That I do not see her the same as they do need never be mentioned."
"Animals, no animals. That is up to the majority. I can go either way."
In the morning Cameron is ready to travel wherever the group needs him. He does suggest he might be of more use up front, in case a conversation needs to be held with orcs, ogres or other giantkin. ( I don't know if anyone else speaks orc or giant...Cameron does)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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
I will put Cudgel on my sheet, but as far as Cameron is concerned, the dog belongs to the town militia who have graciously allowed him to use it.

Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us. (DM Mark)  d100=97 ; d100=35 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2016 6:59:10 PM
Murphy produces a silver mirror for Alleah to use in her scrying attempt. Unfortunately, an attempt to contact Veseley fails. She tries again, this time with Tiana, and it also fails to produce any results.

(I'm going to assume she cast this twice.)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 6:59:48 PM

When Peremon spits at Marteus' name, Murphy joins in the gesture, but with a dry spit (the gesture and most of the sound, minus the saliva)*.

"I know you speak orcish, Cameron. I speak giant and goblin, and would like to learn the orcish tongue. Perhaps you can begin to instruct me as we travel along."

As they discuss mounts, and carts, Murphy mentions, "I've got the mending spell, and have used it on carts traveling through the Red Hills a few times before. Also brought an extra axle and wheels, just in case. Not all of us in the group have skills at riding ponies - though, it would not be a bad idea for those who don't have such skills to pick them up.

"On the other hand, we have enough mounts to likely be able to carry everything that is in the wagon, if need be."

[will post list of ponies and dogs later - away from home computer that has the info.]

"Now, for one more item. Peremin Kalliwick, would you like to travel with us?"

* We used to do that in Russia all the time.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 9:04:28 PM
" I think you might be missing the point Murphy. When Peremon says it wil be rough in spots, what he means is sometimes, we will spend the entire day trying to get the cart up one hill, or skirting a ridge, or avoiding tight groves of trees. No road doesn't mean we couldn't take the cart, it just means that by the time we find the mages, we will have eaten every animal we brought and the mages will be long dead."
" Time is our biggest enemy here. We delay, they die. If we hurry, burn the candle at both ends, force march, hustle all day, they might still be in an orc's belly by the time we find them. The fact that Alleah can not even SEE them in her scrying, which ought to be easy enough to acomplish since you all have some familiarity with them and have their stuff means they are either shielded, which is bad, or dead, which is bad too. This mission just got alot more urgent in my eyes."
" Of course, if we don't care about them dying, and are just going out to make sure lots of critters pay for them dying, then we can take our time. I didn't get the impression that any of us didn't care if the mages lived or not. Them coming back to help us rally the valley and maybe patch together a working defense seemed to be the theme of this expedition."
"What I am saying is blunt, I know, and maybe a bit harsh, but I have been on missions with tough choices like this before. Sometimes you have to change the plan and endure a little hardship to keep people alive. If I am sore for a week and dog tired but the mages live, I'll count that as a win. If we take the mounts, they aren't that hard to control, so long as you keep it simple. In the Fist we had half orcs dumber than my shoes in some of the units. They managed to ride OK, and had never seen a horse they didn't eat before. Trust me, none of us are as dumb as they were. We'll be fine."
"Oh, and I would love to help you learn Orcish. It would be a good chance for me to practice. From what I hear, my accent is very dwarven. It seemed to upset the orcs that taught me. Come to think of it, maybe that's why they thought eating me was a good idea. Maybe you would be able to help me understand my arachnids better when we get home in return?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday February 4th, 2016 9:58:53 PM
OOC Sorry for the cart mixup. I missed the part where we weren't going to take a cart earlier.

Shel agreed. "It doesn't sound like taking the cart will be practical. I like riding in it, that's sure, but I can sacrifice some comfort if it will get us there quicker. I think Thistle is starting to like me anyway, assuming Alleah wouldn't mind the company on her ride. We need to get into there and out of there as quickly as possible. I don't fancy running into biguns if I can help it."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday February 5th, 2016 12:58:09 AM
Backstep to Merchant
Murphy buys three more pack saddles from our friendly wandering merchant, for 50% extra, plus more food for the animals. He purchases a fifty foot long chain. If available, he buys an extra pully, and a block and tackle. Likely no feed bags are there, but he can buy normal bags, or fair sized skins, and fashion them into feed bags. Plus he'll get the other items he mentioned in an earlier post. [I'll add to CS over the weekend, if that's okay]

Mode(s) of transport
"Anyone else wish to weigh in on the matter?" Murphy asks.

If the consensus is to leave the cart behind, the druid asks who wishes to ride which mounts, and which they should assign as pack animals. "Food is sometimes hard to come by in the hills, so we get to carry it along. Any pony that isn't used for riding, we will use as a pack animal. Even the riding ponies will have things in the saddlebags."

Ponies - Combat Trained
Pippa (female) (Murphy) (can be ridden, but often a pack pony, and can pull carts/wagons)
Sugar (f) (Murphy) (ride, pack, or pull carts/wagons)
Nutmeg (male) (Murphy) (ride, pack, or pull)
====
Pony - riding
Thistle (f) (Alleah) with Shel
====
Party Ponies - ride/pack
Apple (m)
Frosty (m) Pressi
Carrot (f)
Rumpus (m)
Dread (m) Trill?
Bitey (m) Pack (and muzzle?)

Riding Dogs (combat trained)
Cudgel (m) (Cameron)
Skipper (m)

Though the first three listed ponies are Murphy's (they've all been on multiple adventures to date), he's willing to let anyone ride any one of them. He brought pack saddles for each of them, but we can swap the riding saddles from the other mounts with the pack saddles.

Choose a mount, because, for the sake of speed, everyone will either need to ride, or fly, or have a high personal movement rate (40 or more)

Apple and Frost Murphy bought from Ellis, but he considers those as belonging to the party. The others the stable boys let us know about, and they are for anyone to use.

If you choose it, you own it. Put it on your character sheet.
Exceptions: Pippa, Sugar, Nutmeg, Thistle. They are owned already, but, as mentioned, anyone may ride any of Murphy's, and Shel plans to ride Thistle with Alleah. Say someone chooses Sugar, I'll have her on my sheet, but also with a note --> (lent to Kezzem)
Kezzem then should put her on his CS, with a note --> (borrowed from Murphy)

If anything happens to one of the combat-trained mounts, that's part of the game. Let Mark correct me if I'm mistaken on this, but if we're not mounted on the 'war' ponies during combat, they're not going to fight for the group. One of the dogs? They might fight, anyway, dogs being as they are.

Okay, choose!

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday February 5th, 2016 1:01:51 AM

One more scry attempt.

Though Murphy will not be able to send a message to the captive wizards, he does go ahead and cast scrying on them, just to gather what he is able. He tells the others what he sees and hears if his spell breaks through.

If that fails, he simply says good night to all, thanks Peremon for his hospitality, and goes to sleep.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Friday February 5th, 2016 2:37:06 AM
Kezzem will take Rumpus.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13  
Friday February 5th, 2016 9:40:06 AM
"Of course you can ride with me," Alleah replied. "Thistle would love to have you, though I'm not sure what we'd do with the extra mounts."

"As for the cart, I believe my feelings are quite known, and I'm glad to see Murphy moving away from this."

Alleah was a bit frustrated after her failures with the scrying spells, though she does offer to cast message herself if Murphy can do the scrying. She also begins to wonder about Animal Messenger.

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

All 3rd level spells used.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Friday February 5th, 2016 10:27:06 AM
Pressi shrugs in regards of whether to use a cart. It's pretty clear that the mission won't use a lot of stealth, but it's less clear what a cart gives them, given that they don't seem to need the storage space and they aren't trying to pretend to be merchants.

She does take a moment in defense of religious zealotry.

In the morning, she takes up her regular position in the rear guard, with Alleah and Shel riding in the middle of the progression line.

Kezzem will take Rumpus (DM Mark)  d100=67 ;
Friday February 5th, 2016 8:50:15 PM
(I was waiting for all to post)

Cameron indicates he’s ready to go - on foot or on a mount. He says he’s no stranger to hardship.

Murphy purchases some things from Hevin for a high price. Hevin assures him the items are top notch and worth every copper. Murphy works to get the animals and riders squared away, and he offers for Peremin to join the group as they seek the Second Dinner Club. Then he tries to scry Veseley.

Shel’s ready to try her hand at riding - as long as it’s Thistle.

Alleah is glad she won the cart argument with Murphy.

Pressi says she will take rear guard, with Alleah and Shel in the middle. She is a bit defensive at the “religious zealot” comment.

(OOC: Thanks Kim for tracking who’s riding what animal. Everyone please be clear on this, and note it on your character sheet. I have a tendency to limit folks to possessions that are on their character sheets.)

___________________________________________________________
Peremin says, “Go with you? Nah, I’d only slow you down. But seein’ as how you all are willing to do your part, maybe I can do more than just sit here and wait for the giants to come. I’ll touch bases with Marigold and the Baron. You say he’s over in Humble’s Ford? Good - that’s not as far. As for the mayors, they can handle radishes and rutabagas, but they may need some advice about giants. I’ll check to see when that Lomar fella gets back - he may be some help.”

Murphy’s attempt at scrying fails. It’s not clear why.

The following morning, the party departs. There are a few that make it a point to see you off - mostly Murphy’s friends and relations, including his Aunt Marigold. There are also a few you don’t know that speak hushed and reverent tones.

The weather has turned a bit wet. There is a light rain.

(Please let me know party order)


Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=47 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+17=29 ;
Friday February 5th, 2016 8:55:07 PM

Bliss and Mookie are quiet. This old fellow kind of scares Bliss, and Mookie prefers the garden with the worms. In fact, Bliss mostly stays hid in plain sight, so long as there are shadows nearby, or just hides behind a chair or a basket or whatever if there is not.

Stealth 47.

When it is time to sleep, Bliss casts a spell to summon a small cauldron, and then sleeps under it with Mookie, snuggled up.

When it is time to move, Bliss Enlarges Mookie and rides. But they do not stay in the air. Instead, each round, Mookie launches himself into the air, and then he lands (maybe near a shadow) 80 ft onwards. So his progress is really like a series of hops. This keeps them moving (and affords some vantage in mid hop), but puts them safely on the ground, maybe hiding, between hops. Still, in this way, they keep to a move of 40, so I think that keeps up with the group.

Bliss is not much concerned with staying in any order or with the group exactly. It is more important to keep to shadow, and within a range increment (about 100 ft) of the group.

Stealth checks for travel: 48, 46
Perception checks for travel: 30, 29

Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 2:10:22 AM
In addition to party order, please also specify in general how you camp while moving in the hills. Assume a tree or large rock if you wish, but there are no caves or such. Where will the mounts go? Where is the fire? Do you have tents?

Don't worry if you don't specify - I will assign a simple order and camping layout as it occurs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 4:30:36 AM
Both Pressi and Alleah have bedrolls. Alleah also has a tent and some flint and steel for fires.

I really have no idea what we are doing about the mounts during camping.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+6=10 ;
Saturday February 6th, 2016 10:04:11 AM
"Say, Peremin, next time you see Welker, let him know that Murphy Leafwin Pipewood says hello," he tells the old trader with a wink.

Murphy takes the map of the Red Hills he has added information to over the course of a few trips, and charts Peremon's trail onto his own.

Murphy takes a few of the hairs from his comb. He wraps them in a small patch of leather on the inside surface of which he has written: "Auntie - should you need to get in touch with me, I thought this may help." He binds the whole with a string.

On the way out he greets once more Aunt Marigold. He asks if she has any word or blessing for them as they head out on this rescue. He hands her the small leather wrapping of his hair. He greets her friends, as well as those who seem to stand in admiration of the group, gives his aunt a hug goodbye, and bids them all farewell as the group heads off into the drizzle southwards.

His ability to manage the animals is close to a minimum for him today [handle animal: 10], but enough to do the job. For the start of the trip, the pack animals he has roped together on lead lines, which he has tied to the saddle of his horse, Pippa. He knows that Cameron, Pressi, and Alleah likely will help sort things with the mounts as we get underway.

After walking about 200', he remembers something he had planned for this morning, and again casts the spell Plant Growth, Enrichment to aid the growth of plants within a 1/2 mile radius of his point of casting, increasing yields by 33% over the course of the year. He then continues on the way.

Housekeeping
Murphy acquires several poles from 5'6" to 8' in length, whether from the merchant, or from Peremin, or from trees before they get outside of Crescent Valley, or the early part of the Red Hills. He will used them to set up the 10'x18' rectangle of canvas (with eyelets along the edges) he brought with him. With canvas, poles, and rope he contrives a way to set it up to provide a measure of shelter for the ponies from the rain, though it may be tough for all of them to fit within (maybe barely enough, if lucky).

He has two tents. I think each may hold up to four (4) sleeping halflings.

He brought firewood, though he intends to augment their supply of wood along the way. He has food for the animals. He has some food for the group, but each person also would have been wise to bring some rations.

To maintain 40' movement, ponies and dogs may have light encumbrance. This means up to 150 lbs per pony, and 100 lbs per dog (including halflings and whatever they may be carrying). If you look at Murphy's character sheet (click character link above) on the Equipment tab, all of the ponies except for Thistle are listed along with what they are carrying. Still need to flesh this out a bit more.

Assigned Mounts:
Thistle (f) Alleah and Shel
Frosty (m) Pressi
Pippa (f) Murphy (though sometimes he rides dog Skipper)
Rumpus (m) Kezzem
Dread (m) Trill? Kent - let us know if Trill wants a different pony
Riding Dog
Cudgel (m) Cameron
Skipper (m) Murphy (occassionally Murphy will ride Skipper, to get used to the dog, and the dog used to him and his riding style)
====
Those without named (ground) mounts
Bliss / Mookie
====
Pack Ponies
Sugar (f)
Nutmeg (m)
Apple (m)
Carrot (f)
Bitey (m)

Ponies can carry (151–450 lbs. ("Quadrupeds, such as horses, can carry heavier loads than characters can. See Carrying Capacity for more information."). Light load - up to 150 lbs, Medium up to 300, Heavy up to 450. A pony can drag / pull 1500 lbs.
Riding dogs can carry (101–300 lbs.). Light - up to 100 lbs, Medium up to 200, Heavy up to 300.

[OOC: Just found this description of pony from Pathfinder documentation: "Pony: These creatures are typically used for carting goods along narrow mountain trails or as steeds for young or Small riders." - LOL!]

Rob: The carrying capacity for ponies are noted in their writeup: "A light load for a pony is up to 100 pounds, a medium load is 101–200 pounds, and a heavy load is 201–300 pounds. A pony can drag 1,500 pounds."

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 5:04:00 PM
(Sorry all real life right now is a major B#$%**&)

Trill listens in on the conversation but doesn't have a whole lot to add to it. When they start talking about taking the cart she agrees that it would not only hinder them but vastly slow them down. She is the first to the ponies in the morning and very apparently wants to keep/use Dread as her mount and works diligently to get him clean and ready to go. and then removes the picket line.

When the mention of order is brought up, Trill volunteers to head up the ride and do some scouting for the group as they go.

As for the camp set up she suggests that they use and trees or such as the strong end of a picket line for the horses and let them be the early warning system for anything that comes from that end and to let the dogs sleep free around them as yet another warning system. If there are any trees away from where the horses are then perhaps they can be used as a lean to or such, for equipment and tack. Otherwise a spread out arrangement for sleeping might be best in case of any magical attack.

Trill also mentions that she too has a tent.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  2d4=4 ; 2d4=6 ;
Saturday February 6th, 2016 5:21:57 PM
One more thing - just before leaving town, he casts goodberry twice (second time using pearl of power +1) resulting in an even dozen berries, and then hands out one to each of his friends, telling them, "This can be used to help heal you a tiny bit [1 hp damage]. It should last about a week until you use it. I suggest you keep it in a little pouch somewhere you can get to it easily. Also, if you get hungry, it can serve as a substitute for a meal." He also takes a very tiny bit of leather, and wraps a berry inside it, and inserts a short length of thread with his needle. He offers it to [i]Mookie[/b]. "I can tie this around your leg, if you'd like, Mookie, and, if you somehow get wounded, just peck through and eat the berry inside. Do you want me to do that for you?"

[OOC Note: Giving her a good berry is a good way to help a companion become stable if dying

Everybody, add a goodberry to your character sheet!]

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 6:43:58 PM

Today's date should be ~Harvest 15. Not that we won't lose track of that later.

[Sorry to hear about RL tsuris, Kent. Fellow players - Kent was one of our first DMs here in Humble's Ford.]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 6:52:00 PM
Shel wasn't good with the minutiae of traveling. She always had left that to Murphy and the others. It'd never failed before, so she didn't get stressed with it now. She just knew she wanted to sleep close to the fire, and she was happy to take first watch, as it would allow her to get her full compliment of sleep to have her magicks at their strongest the next morning. She didn't want to have to bother with her own pony. Brushing it out, and keeping focused on guiding it all day just seemed so boring. She was happy to let Alleah do the driving while she could let her mind wander.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday February 6th, 2016 9:56:11 PM

Load-bearing rules housekeeping
Rob - there are varying and contradictory loads for ponies, all within the official rules. In my research on the topic, I would argue that footnote #1 to Table: Mounts and Vehicles trumps the earlier listing: "1 Quadrupeds, such as horses, can carry heavier loads than characters can. See Carrying Capacity for more information." [In Real Life, I would think that a lion would be less efficient at bearing burdens on its back than a pony or mule of similar size, all other things being equal, as their build and musculature are different.]

Because of the formation of their bodies, ponies are well-designed to bear fair-sized loads. And, as our party is traveling overland, I think the 'overland movement rates' ought to apply. :-p

BTW, Rob, is it you I have to thank for inserting the pony tables in Murphy's character sheet? If so, thanks for your work on that, as well as the whole framework for the CS. Big time!

One option we have here, too, is that, as combat-trained ponies weigh more, for some reason, than normal riding ponies (900 lbs vs 800 lbs), we could house-rule that the 100/200/300 rule applies to riding ponies, and the 150/300/450 rule applies to combat-trained mounts.

Mister DM Mark - we'll go with whatever you rule. Though, obviously, now that the carts are tossed, I would certainly prefer the higher figure. I did acquire the number of mounts based upon the higher calculation, thinking we would (when all was said and done) need to go without the carts.

Rob: Glad you like the PC sheet, Kim :)

Ponies have already been given a bonus over what they should normally have.

Str 13 = 50lbs for a light load
Med Quardruped = 1.5x multiplier
Subtotal: Only 75lbs!
I'd much rather than 100lbs listed than going off the formula :)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday February 7th, 2016 2:04:59 AM

Rob - that still does not gainsay the section that focuses on mounted movement shows that the pony has a 151-450 lbs range. Vis http://www.d20pfsrd.com/alignment-description/movement.

Heavy horse (229–690 lbs.)
Light horse (175–525 lbs.)
Pony (151–450 lbs.)
Dog, riding (101–300 lbs.)

I think the pony should have higher capacity than the riding dog. With the movement chart, it does.
Many ponies (as well as the equivalent of the light riding horse) were used by the old Pony Express. Ponies are fairly tough, and, properly exercised, have good endurance.

We should probably take this over to the rules board for final adjudication - but would like that fairly soon. And, as there clearly are contradictions within the published rules - why not go with the ones that scale reasonably as they appear to in the specific section on movement?

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Sunday February 7th, 2016 12:38:02 PM
Cameron has a tent, one in the style of the mountains where he grew up. It s meant to be hung on a vertical surface, a cliff face or tree. The last time they went into the Red Hills no one had a tent and it rained almost nonstop. After that he carried one in his left pocket. If he is unable to hang it, he will sleep in another tent if allowed or out with the dogs. He may smell like a dog when all is said and done, but they should keep him warm and safe. Cameron has an aversion to sleeping on the ground. Even with his goddess's love of vipers, he still mistrusts snakes.
He suggests a cold camp, no fire unless it is only used for cooking then doused. and kept in a pit where none of the light can show. A fire in the Hills would be like ringing the dinner bell to intelligent and non intelligent monsters alike. Despite his and Kezzem's bravado, he doubts they want to fight their way through the Red Hills. They might live, but it would slow them down enough that the Mages probably would not.
Cameron is carrying rations, also in his pockets, but would prefer to keep his pockets full and help reduce the load on the pack animals as they travel. Some of those pack animals will need t be mounts when they save the mages.He will ride wherever the group needs him. He will have his heavy crossbow out and loaded, ready for trouble. The slingshot Bliss made him will be in his pocket, also ready for divine stones. He picks up a few sling sized stones whenever they stop and puts them in his pockets.
" If and when we find orcs, I may be able to determine the mage's position with the help of my goddess. She allows me to use her magic to determine if the creature has enemies within range. The range is about 400 feet so we would have to be close."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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
Kim, thank you so much for handling the details of our mounts and camping set up. It makes this a whole lot easier for me since I don' always have the time to track that stuff.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday February 7th, 2016 6:35:28 PM

"Really? A four hundred feet warning is much better than a thirty feet warning, Cameron," Murphy remarks when told of Jancassis' help. "Glad to hear of that gift."

[yw!]

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Monday February 8th, 2016 11:33:20 AM
" Maybe I wasn't clear. I need the orc to determine where the mages are. The spell tells me who within 400 feet wants to do the orc harm. I assume after captivity, the mages will wish their captors ill. I know I would. WHen we find them, if time permits, a renewal of my prayers will allow me to fare much better in combat against the captors. It allows me a portion of my goddess's wrath to take vengeance against them. It will only affect me, but it will last several hours. It could allow me to lead them on a erry, and deadly for them, chase. What with Bliss sniping and me leading them around blind corners onto Kezzem's waiting daggers, I think we could take quite a number of them. You know, strike then fade, then strike again. The halfling way."
Cameron's eyes glint as he contemplates the first time he will be able to do his goddess's will and retaliate against someone oppressing those he has chosen to protect. The thought makes him tingle with anticipation.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+15=35 ; d20+15=35 ;
Monday February 8th, 2016 11:57:08 AM

After a few hops with Bliss mounted on his back, Mookie cocks his head at his master and remarks, "Kid, you're tiny and all, but this is too much for my aching back! Either stay up in the air or get the heck off!"

Bliss looks abashed. "Sorry Mookie. You want a cure?" he digs his wand out of his new pants of plenty.

"Nah, stop waving that around and put it back in your pants," says the raven. "Nobody here needs that. Just stop bouncing up and down on my spine. I'm not a rocking horse, already!"

"Okay Mookie," says Bliss. "I'll walk along while you fly for so long as my spells last." -- OOC: Bliss has a move rate of 40 for 6 hours a day with two longstriders. Assuming the party is traveling for 8 hours a day, the other two hours will be sitting behind Murphy on a pony if that's okay with Murphy.

Mookie flies above the party at a speed of 40, staying 50-100 ft up.

Bliss Perception check: 35
Mookie Perception check: 35

Wowsy! Do I get anything for rolling two natural 20s?!

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday February 8th, 2016 1:41:51 PM

Bliss's plan is all right with Murphy.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday February 8th, 2016 2:22:28 PM

"Thanks, Mister Murphy!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 
Monday February 8th, 2016 2:45:28 PM
Pressi rides to the side, listening to the scintillating details of horse carrying capacity. With 12 mounts for eight people, all of whom keep their possession weight down to light encumbrance, it is nice to know that we are prepared to carry an adamantium door back.

And so, they ride off into the rain, on another adventure. Pressi gives a tenative wave before taking her position in the rear guard, riding to the unknown.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 
Monday February 8th, 2016 2:47:16 PM
Alleah took a glance back at the daydreaming Shel with a smile. With a snap of the reins, they took off.

Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) 
Monday February 8th, 2016 6:07:06 PM
(Sorry - busy weekend and busy Monday.)

Everyone is grateful to Peremon for his help and guidance.

Bliss and Mookie plan to sleep in a big cooking pot. Bliss walks and rides and keeps a sharp eye out.

Murphy leaves some of his hair with his Aunt and says goodbye to his friends and relations. He makes sure to cast Plant Growth. His offer of this spell was warmly recieved, and made Aunt Marigold proud in a that’s-my-boy sort of way. Murphy gets the ponies ready, making sure they are loaded with essential gear. Murphy then climbs up on Pippa, ready to go.

Trill rides Dread. She volunteers to ride ahead and scout. (How far ahead does she ride?)

Shel takes little interest in the preparations and packing for this trip, leaving that to others.

Cameron checks his gear, and hopes there aren’t any snakes. He hates snakes. He hopes for the sweet taste of revenge.

Bliss and Mookie plan to sleep in a big cooking pot. Bliss walks and rides behind Murphy. He keeps a sharp eye out. At one point, he spots a snake near the path. it is venemous, and the party give it a wide berth much to Cameron’s relief.

Alleah is ready to go, with Shel behind her.

Pressi takes the rear guard, and wonders where Murphy has stored the kitchen sink.
___________________________________________________________

On the pony encumbrance and movement, I looked at the references. I’m good with Rob’s last missive describing encumbrance and movement. You will find, (and Peremin will tell you) that in this terrain, a light and medium encumbered pony will move at about the same overland speed.
___________________________________________________________

The band of halflings with their 2 riding dogs and 10 ponies heads south into the Red Hills. It rains off and on during the day.

As you head out of the Crescent Valley, the vegetation decreases. The area feels a bit barren and forlorn, though there are occasional trees and vegetation. It takes a bit to find the trail Peremon described, but you pick it up and it becomes pretty easy to see once you know what you’re looking for.

After a while, you come to a place to camp for the evening - it appears that folks have camped here before, as there are some old campfire areas - Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {(No fires in them for more than a month.)} The night looks to be clear.

That first night, as everyone is about to drift off, a ghostly vision of Vesely appears before Alleah. The vision is stuttering and not clear. He speaks facing her, but not seeming to see her,

”Terribbbbbbbbbbbble things seeeeeeeeeeeem to be happening here. Weeeeee are in sommmmmmme sort of building. We we we we we we are fed, but there are odd odd odd odd odd odd experimeeeeents. The fooooooooooood is not really very good either.”

The vision ends with Veseley reaching out and touching Alleah on the head. She gets a sense of direction southward for about an hour, which then fades.

During the night, you hear wolves howl. While they’re not very close, they’re not as far away as you’d like. Pressi is on watch - the others seem to be sleeping. What does she do?

(You should be able to edit the map below. Let me know where all the people and animals are. I will fill in whatever you do not. For simplicity, this will likely serve as a general camping map in the Red Hills.)

Here is your map.

Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+12=24 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=22 ;
Monday February 8th, 2016 7:03:17 PM
(OOC, Generally, when scouting, Trill will be just past sight line from the rest of the party.)

Trill takes the lead and moves out ahead of the group, keeping an eye out for the markers and landmarks mentioned by Peremon Perception DC 32 & 24

When they get to the camp she can see that it hasn't been used in a while, or at least the fire pits have not survival DC 24 After she sets up the picket line for the ponies and makes sure they are secure and can reach needed fodder, she takes a wander around the campsite as a whole looking for any sign of recent occupation or anything out of the ordinary. survival 22 & 13(nat 1) perception 28 & 22



Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) 
Monday February 8th, 2016 8:41:57 PM
I think I fixed the map link above.

Also, here's a cut-and-paste link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jAAL9yjz1RYlCSyPZ0dH4DXNDDhC_jUAg7l4Y8ZKwWw/edit?usp=sharing

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday February 8th, 2016 9:25:43 PM
Shel decides that X 33 is a nice looking hunk of real estate, so she sits there while the others take precautions. "The ghost picked you that time, Alleah. I wonder if there is a reason they haven touched and spoke to you and I, or are they just looking for any of us in general? Very interesting."

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+8=12 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+2=19 ;
Monday February 8th, 2016 10:57:38 PM
Upon reaching the camp site Cameron gives it the once over, much the same as he sees Trill doing.Since she seems to be doing the same things he was planning, he moves counter to her examination.( If she goes clockwise around the camp, he goes counterclockwise, so they see it from opposite perspectives, heightening their chances of noting something odd.)
Survival 12
Perception 17
He concurs with her assessment that the fires have not been used in at least a month. Once satisfied that the site is not a trap, Cameron finds a suitable place to hang his tent, settling on the large rock face(y, 29)
He calls Cudgel over and feeds the mount, caring for any sores he finds from the saddle and brushing out the dog's coat. He has gotten along with this dog for several days now and finds he prefers it to a pony. He encourages Cudgel to sleep at the base of the rock face where he has hung his tent.
Vesley's appearance is again startling, but becoming more expected. He listens closely to the mage's description of where they are held and wishes heartily that the communication were two way. He wracks his brain to try and figure out what spell Vesley is using. It seems like Vesley can not see the person he is speaking to, yet he can physically touch them. Could he be ethereal? Does anyone here have the ability to become ethereal too?
Knowledge Arcana 19, untrained, which I think means I cannot get any target above a DC10, so no way I will ever figure this out, but someone has to try.
" Does anyone know if maybe Vesley is ethereal when speaking to us? I have almost no knowledge of Arcane practices, so I have no clues what spell he is using to send us these messages, but when he finishes, the touch is real and the direction he gives lasts for an hour. Anyone have any ideas what he could be doing? If we can get a few answers from him we can drastically narrow down this hunt. He says they are in buildings, so I am leaning toward a humanoid town, maybe Ogre, maybe Bright Springs? What other towns or buildings are there on our map? I think we should make a list of things we need or want to know to find them and hold it up in front of whomever he visits. Maybe he CAN see us."
Cameron tries to recall from the previous visits, and vows to watch during future visits for any landmarks in the background and any specific items Vesly might be wearing so that he might try to locate them as they draw closer.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
None

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

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 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=29 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+13=24 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 6:03:56 AM
Pressi misses finding the sink, but learns that two large cooking pots are being carried by Frosty.

He acknowledges his initial misunderstanding of Cameron's comments, and also his better comprehension once the avenger further explains.

As they travel the way, the druid starts asking Cameron to start him on some basic Orcish terminology - mainly nouns, and a few verbs to begin with. He has heard a very little amount of orcish in the past, and has heard a fair bit more dwarvish. So, as he listens to Cameron, he seeks to discern which aspects of his pronunciation favor the dwarf accent, that he might later hear a more native accent, and reform his tongue to match the orcs. But for now, getting the basics will be his primary focus.

He checks in with Pressi for a bit as they go along, a bit later with Trill; then Kezzem; Alleah and Shel; Bliss and Mookie; seeing how things fare with each, learning if any have insights or concerns, or they just want to chat for a bit. During these moments he also checks on the tack of each of the ponies (and doggies) as he meets with the different party members, tightening here, adjusting there, ensuring no undue rubbing or sore spots are developing.

Once they find a decent campsite, Murphy backtracks a little, makes a false trail several hundred yards back, then obscures the remainder of the evidence of their passage up to the campsite. Using the druidic ability of trackless step to avoid leaving a trail of any sort, he takes a much wider walk than Trill and Cameron about the greater circumference of the site (close to the edges of the map, looking for animal tracks, or those of others, as well as acquainting himself with the local idiosyncrasies of the landscape, the slope, channels for water for the rare times it rains, indentations and ridges in the lay. [Perception: 29; Survival 22]

He places a shovel in the ground next to the old campfire at AA33, and announces, "We need to dig a hole for nightsoil. Dig it downwind," Murphy recommends, and takes a moment to indicate which direction that might be, if there is any breeze whatsoever. "And dig it at least two feet deep. Each time it's used, toss a bit of the loose soil on top. Just before we leave, cover it over completely." He has fulfilled this chore on prior trips through the Red Hills, but has too many tasks at hand as it is.

"I have dry, cured wood which will not give off much smoke at all," he tells Cameron. "I have food to cook, but some that requires no cooking. We have two cooking pots. Building a berm around a fire pit to keep eyes from seeing a low-laying fire can help. Having some hot water around a campsite can be a good thing. I won't insist on a fire, but such can provide much comfort on the trail."

He places silk rope to serve as a tripping line at various places in the brush, as well as along the trail toward the north and toward the south. He ties little clusters of wood and little rocks danging from the line at various points to cause them to make a sound if the ropes are disturbed. He asks Trillium to take a look at his work to see if she has any suggestions for improving his primitive early warning system. [Survival 16] He notifies others of the trip lines.

He lets everyone know where the feed for the ponies and food for the dogs is. A lot of the foot items he hangs in bags up in the tree he is staying in. He fills buckets full of water for the mounts. The saddles and pack saddles are removed, and he spends a little time brushing down the mounts, welcoming the help of others in this task.

He comes to full attention as Veseley again projects his image. What causes the repetition of words? Is he actually speaking that way, or is some sort of echo produced by the sort of spell or circumstances under which is casts it cause that repetition?

To Cameron's questions, Murphy says, "I'll put out my maps on the morrow and we can consider your questions. I'm just really tired, Cam."

Though he usually is on top of it, he forgets tonight to set up a watch schedule.

For his sleeping spot, he takes some of the canvas he has left over (aside from the 18'x10' coverage for the ponies), and fashions a wrap-around hammock for deployment up in the tree at M38. Within the cover of the canvas from precipitation, he is tucked into his sleeping roll.

Hearing the cry of the wolves, he reminds himself to have some of his friends mark the circumference of their territory on subsequent evenings. Such will not always stop a hungry wolf, but will give most pause before they cross a marked area. He falls asleep, with a vague recollection that he forgot about watches... Maybe someone will remember.

In the morning, he arises fairly early, and, though there may not have been a fire last night, he builds a small one for breakfast, and makes wheat porridge with mixed vegetables, and tea. He gets out of the rain, if rain there is, and looks over the two maps, endeavoring to consider Cameron's queries [Knowledge: Geography: 24]. After that, he gives fresh water to the ponies, a small amount of feed, some food to the dogs, and works with others to saddle up the ponies. He checks the brush, and so long as there are no noxious weeds, allows them to graze there. After breakfast, he gives a bit more feed to the ponies, and a vegetable each (carrots or the like).

He spends a few minutes with prayers and spells. He helps his friends as they have need. The trip lines are retrieved and stowed.

The bulk of the above routine he is likely to follow on subsequent nights/early mornings.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13  d20+9=12 ; d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 8:22:21 AM
Alleah lay, frozen, as Vessey floated before her, barely able to make an analysis of this spectre. (Know Arcana 12, Spellcraft 16.) She had been lulled into a false sense of security by Murphy's preparations, but one cannot easily protect the mind.

She tries to answer Cameron's and Shel's questions about why this figure only shows for arcanes, but she isn't a Wizard. She considers asking Pressi to throw some buzzwords about space and stuff, but she is honestly struggling with this herself, to say nothing of her own emotions.

"We do have to deal with this now, before we forget," she tells Murphy. Quickly, she marks the southward direction and some notes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22  d20+16=34 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+3=5 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 9:55:52 AM
(OOC: Sorry if things are a little short. Among other things, my daughter is having a kind of "coming out" party, so I'm a little busy with stuff.)

Pressi is of course, quite willing to chat with Murphy about the small stuff, but she doesn't really have much to add. The mission is more or less straightforward, and as one of the outsiders she sees it as just another mission. It's not like she ever met any of these people, and she never felt about the giant stopping towers like many of her peers did. And while some flirting does occur, she does remain professional as they ride past a lot of good places for an ambush.

She also doesn't think much about the "lack" of a watch schedule, simply using the schedule that they used before. She parks herself a bit away from the fires (but within the trip lines) to better view the surrounding area.

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

While the wolves do put her on edge, she does expect to hear wolves from time to time. Not wanting to wake up everyone every time she hears something, she simply prepares for any attacks (stealth 34, perception 24).

She slowly takes out a few shuriken and readies an attack if a hostile creature bursts into the camp.

(Flurry 11, 17, 5. Damage = 3 per hit. She will let out a battle yell. Note that this triggers only if the target clearly acts hostile - she wont just let it fly at anything showing up.)


Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:15:03 AM
Cameron does start teaching Murphy Orcish, and his accent does get in the way a little. His voice is not guttural enough and his dwarvish r's are not as sharp as a native speakers would be. Still they make progress. He will dig the latrine and the cooking pit, since others seem to want it for food preparation. He is not totally against it, but hopes they use it early in the evening so that it cannot be seen over a long distance. Plus it cannot hurt to have a fire ready to go in case wolves or similar natural threats come calling. A quick fire might scare them away, where with humanoids it would draw them in.
At midnight he climbs out of his tent and perches on top of the rock where he is sleeping. He makes his devotions and at the end says a little prayer for the captive halflings. Jancassis, may your spirit of perseverance and endurance stoke the fire of vengeance in their hearts. Make them defiant enough to endure the hardships they face so that when we find them they are prepared to wreak holy vengeance upon those who have wronged them. In this way help them survive. He then watches for a time to keep the others safe.
In the morning he also suggests that the maps be made ready each night waiting for Vesley's visit. In the time after the visit the maps should be marked from their current point to the direction the spirit wishes them to travel. By noting the variances in this pattern, they may be able to figure out which town or buildings the mages are housed in.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+14=22 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=16 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 12:34:18 PM
OOC: Unable to edit map. Kezzem would be scouting up front though when not causing a rumpus on Rumpus.

"Gak!" says Kezzem when the apparition appears. "Look alive, HS, we got's a ghost here!"

He hurls one of his magic daggers at the apparition.

Attack: 22, Damage: 3 + 16 (Sneak Attack, if applicable).

DM Mark - do you have a gmail address I can use to allow you editing rights? If not,just let me know where you go.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=45 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 5:23:24 PM

Bliss listens carefully to Murphy. But he is puzzled about one part.

"Mookie," he asks, "what's this nightsoil stuff Mister Murphy is talking about?"

"He means poop," answers Mookie.

"What, the stuff babies make?"

"Yes indeed."

"Well wowsy! I never had to do that ever on any of my adventures, did I?"

"Kid, can't say as I was paying attention."

"Well it is GEE-ROSS! Who would even want to do that? I never do. Only little kids do that."

"Okay, Kid, calm down."

"No nightsoil for me, Mister Murphy!" declares Bliss. "I'm a big boy. I don't poop any more. Who would want to?"

Then a strange thought comes into Bliss's mind.

"Mookie!" he whispers, "do you think Mister Murphy ... likes ... to poop?!"

Bliss hides in plain sight (he is in a tree's shade).

Stealth 45.

Mookie shrugs and flies to a tree branch overhead.

Fight in the Red Hills


Fire! (DM Mark)  d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 5:31:42 PM
Trill sees to the horses. Trill and Cameron determine that these fire pits have not been used in some time, and they work together to scout the camp.

Shel ponders the fact that the image of Veseley seems to have chosen Alleah this time. Alleah is transfixed by the apparition of Veseley. Kezzem is startled by what he thinks is Veseley’s ghost, and throws a dagger at it. It goes through the image with no effect.

Murphy works with Cameron to learn orcish on the way, trying to filter out the dwarven accent. Once they reach camp, Murphy tries to go back to obscure their trail. While this can be done to some degree, he soon give up trying to hide the fact that 10 ponies and 2 dogs passed this way. He plants a shovel in the ground, hoping someone will dig the latrine, and he instructs everyone how to use the latrine. He works to set up triplines around the camp, but is not sure how useful they will be.

Pressi watches and waits.

Bliss and Mookie discuss Murphy's fixation with poop. Bliss sleeps under a small cauldron.
___________________________________________________________
Watches from before were:

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

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

The first night, the group sees to the animals and camp preparations. During the night, there are wolves howling in the distance, but they seem to move on.

The following day is more pleasant than the day before, the weather is clear and cool - perfect for travelling. You consult your maps and prepare to head out.

(Here is the map you got from Peremon.)

There is a fair amount of work to be done to get ready - getting the gear secured on 10 ponies and 2 dogs takes some time. Once things are packed again, the party continues travelling South, following the old foot path. The path is rough in spots, and you believe a cart would have been fine in most places, but there are some slopes and gullies where you would have had to unhook the cart and carry it across some obstacles. The ponies pose less of a problem, though there are times you need to dismount and lead them for a short way.

The second night, they set up camp much as before. Murphy tries to get everyone to pee around the campsite to “mark” their territory. He gets some amused looks from the female haflings. The animals are set on a picket line, and folks eat and settle down to sleep.

The watches are:

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

Late at night on Alleah’s watch, the group is abruptly awoken. From out of nowhere, a ball of fire about 20’ in diameter explodes momentarily near the trunk of the tree where the ponies were tied. The lower branches of the tree catch fire above the ponies, creating some light in that area! Some of the ponies scream! Some fall silent. Other than your own stirring, that is the only sound you hear.

(7 ponies need to make a DC 17 reflex save - damage 21, save damage 10)

Alleah was on watch, but heard nothing. Everyone is awake now - even Bliss under his cauldron hear the explosion! It’s dark, and some of the party may have removed their armor to sleep. Except for the fire beginning to light the tree, it remains dark. (Normal light to 20’ - see the area of the fireball, dim light to 40’)

Here is your map. The red area indicates the fireball.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=21 ; d20+3=15 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 10:16:05 PM
Shel was tossed by the sheer force of the explosion, and the screaming of the animals. She wasn't sure what the group was facing, so she casts Invisibility on herself as she rises to her feet and takes a look around, expecting an enemy spellcaster.

OOC: Spellcraft to identify the spell 21. Perception 15 to try and locate where it originated.

Fire! (DM Mark) 
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 10:28:20 PM
Just to be clear, Alleah was the only one awake when this happened, and she heard nothing.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=42 ; d20+15=35 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:09:33 PM

_ookie ducks under the cauldron

_liss hides in plain sight and starts circling around to find the caster -- north 20 ft east 20 ft south 40 ft dou_le _ove

Stealth 42

Perception 35 nat 20

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet  d20+13=18 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+15=16 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:24:45 PM
OOC
As a note, and I think I mentioned this before, but will again. Cameron has chosen a mithril BP so that he is in light armor. His military experience has taught him that enemies almost always catch you with your pants down. He always sleeps in his armor unless he is at home, and he sleeps in it at home if he suspects something is up. Being a disciple of Jancassis, that is more often than you might think.
Midnight should be around end of second or beginning of third watch so I am going on the assumption that Cameron woke up, prayed and had just fallen back asleep when this happened. That means I am on today's spells.
IC
Cameron sits bolt upright as the WHOOSH of the fireball goes off and he hears the horses scream in terror and pain. He snaps open the flap of his tent and tumbles the few scant feet to the ground.
Acrobatics 18
He lands next to Cudgel and reassures the dog with a few whispered words and a hand on his back. "Stay down boy! Hold in place!"
Handle animal 18
Perception 17
Seeing no enemies Cameron defaults to plan B. He intones the words of one of Jacassis, special domain spells and takes up the hunt, becoming invisible.
If any movement remains to him he begins working towards the ponies and the burning tree preparing to heal any of the surviving mounts next round.
Stealth 16 plus 40 for invisibility so 56, 36 if he is able to move any further (which I doubt)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Invisibility (domain) 50/50 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Invisibility (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

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:26:07 PM
OOC
Cayzle, is something wrong with your keyboard? M's and B's especially?

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+4=16 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=9 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 12:42:40 AM
O35: Dread - 16 Fail - Damage 21
P35: Bitey - 12 F - Dam 21
Q35: Frosty - 9 F - Dam 21
R35: Apple - 12 F - Dam 21
S35: Thistle - out of area of effect
O36: Carrot - 18 Save - Dam 10
P36: Rumpus - 12 F - Dam 21
Q36: Nutmeg - 12 F - Dam 21
R36: Sugar - out of area of effect
S36: Pippa - out of area of effect
[Ignore last two d20+6 rolls]

Awakened by the sound of the fireball explosion, Murphy sits up and looks about. Below, the flames. In Halfling, Murphy cries out "A HEALING SURGE FOR THE PONIES" He casts create water in a rectangular downpour over the bodies at O35, P35, Q35, O36, P36, Q36, with close to 19 pounds of water (2-1/3 gallons) over each of the five foot squares from a height of about 10 feet, hopefully quenching any flames from the low-hanging branches and the canvas above the ponies, with much of the water falling down upon the backs of the poor beasts.

He slides out of his sleeping arrangement, still up in the tree, his haversack hooked on to the tip of a nearby branch that had most of its tip broken off. He slides that over his shoulders as he prepares to take additional action. He recalls Alleah mentioning fireballs just two days ago, and his replying that we've not yet been hit by fireballs. Scratch that one off the list.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 1:20:23 AM
OOC: Yes I need a repair! :-(

Fire! (DM Mark) 
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 1:52:03 AM
Technically speaking, waking can be considered a free action.
Standing up from prone is a move action.
Picking up an item is a move action (weapon, backpack, etc.)
Exiting a tent or from under a cauldron, I would consider as a move action with encumbered terrain (half move.)
If you were carefully sleeping in a tree, it should probably be at least a standard action to get free of whatever kept you from falling down.

Also, create water at 6th level makes 1.5 cf of water. As a downpour it would be 4.5 cf of water, but still only in one 5'square.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 2:40:28 AM

7th level, 14 gallons, 112 lbs. So, he can't rather creatively wave his hand in an arc and spread the water over the top of the burning canvas? Maybe, as the fireball just blew, and the canvas is on a slant, the water hits the high part of the canvas, and sloshes down the burning slanted canvas (remember, he had it at a slant, as poles at one end were at 5'6", and at the other at 8' tall?), watering several ponies along the way as portions of it drip through the rapidly burning fabric? Just sayin' :-)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40  d20+13=18 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 10:52:42 AM
"Abandon ship," Pressi shouted as the fireworks began. "Abandon ship."

Pressi began to get up, looking around at the carnage around her as Alleah and Pressi started to move in towards the camp for Murphy. Quickly, she brushed off her robe, staying at the outside of the camp for any melee, but making sure that everyone was all right. She breathed a sigh of relief that only the horses were hit, and particularly that Murphy was not.

With a crack of her knuckles, Pressi began to grow into an Elf Monk, scanning for the source of the attack. (Perception 18, but can see twice as far. It's 20 if they triggered a trap.).

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13   d6=2 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+11=18 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 11:02:36 AM
"Murphy," Alleah screamed through the roar of the blast. "Murphy, where are you? Murphy?"

Alleah finally reached the location of the horses and Murphy, her finger pointed at the fire around them. "Booyah," she screamed.

"You know, I thought it would be less funny with the delay and all," Pressi said. "But it's still funny."

Alleah's mood dipped soon after. She felt like she had failed in her efforts. And while her beloved Thistle was still safe, she hated seeing the pain of any of the mounts, and the thought that another arrangement might have....

Under Murphy's instructions, she hits the horses with one of her channels (2 hp each+stabilize if needed) and instructs everyone to come close to her for a haste cast.

In the meantime, she makes a round of checks to determine what had happened (Know Arcana 24, Spellcraft 26, Perception 18).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+19=24 ; d20+13=32 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 11:07:58 AM
Kezzem sneaks about and tries determine the source of the attacks.

Stealth: 24
Perception: 32

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 11:33:25 AM
OOC
Yeah, I was posting what Cameron tried in order. I didn't think all of that was going to happen. Edit it as necessary and I'll go from there.

DM Mark - FYI Handle Animal is a move action.

Ready, Aim, Fire! (DM Mark)  d20+10=26 ; d10=9 ; d3=2 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=11 ; 6d6=22 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=24 ; 3d4=8 ; d4=4 ; 3d4=8 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 3:45:46 PM
After the fireball exploded near the ponies, the tarp above them caught fire, but so did the rope and the ponies are free. Most are down and still, others run. The acrid smell of burning hair hangs in the air near the tree.

Shel casts See Invisibility on herself and gets to her feet. She scans the area, but sees nothing hiding under invisibility. (standard action, move action)

Mookie comes down from his perch, having narrowly escaped the flames, and hides in the cauldron. Bliss stands, disappears from sight, and exits the cauldron moving 20’. (move action, move action) Bliss looks around with a sharp eye, but sees no opponents. However, he does hear some movement to the north (up on the map.)

Cameron rises, and opens the tent flap and directs Cudgel to stay. (Move action, move action - not yet invisible.)

Murphy wakes. He sees that the ponies have been burned, and cries out. He begins to exit his sleeping loft as he sees the flames and creates water from his place in the tree to put out some of the fire. None of the ponies are actually burning, and he’s able to extinguish most of the fire over the downed ponies. He’s worried about his pack, though the flames have not reached it. (move action, standard action)

Pressi wakes, rises and shouts, "Abandon ship, abandon ship." She assess the situation and shifts form, growing into an elf. (move action, standard action.) With her new low-light vision, Pressi only:Highlight to display spoiler: {can see that there are some goblins to the north of her that the others cannot yet see.}

Alleah cries for Murphy. She rises and moves toward the horses. She tells everyone to come close for a Haste spell. She assesses the situation, and believes a fireball hit. She didn’t hear any spellcasting, which seems odd. She sees no opponents. (move action, move action - no channel energy yet)

Kezzem rises and moves out to assess the situation. He can hear movement to the north and begins to move that way. (move action, move action)

Trill stands up and assesses the situation (let me know if Trill does more that first round and we’ll work it in.)

___________________________________________________________
(Please note, the yellow areas on the map are burning areas in the tree, acting like torch light - normal light to 20’, dim light to 40’. The rest of the area is dark. Pressi has low-light vision. Any characters except Murphy moving north need to make a DC10 Reflex save in areas they can see, DC 15 reflex save if they cannot see. Please note encumbered area.)

Another fireball streaks in from the north-northeast, near the tree up that way, exploding over the characters. (Cameron, Cudgel, Shel, Kezzem, Alleah - make a DC 17 reflex save - damage 22, save damage 11)

You hear a voice from the darkness to the north with a Goblin accent, “Surrender to Ringrot and you will not be harmed further. We have you out numbered! You cannot escape!”

A few arrows also come from a few location to the north, and you can see two of the archers on the map in the dim light. There are others in the darkness.

Cameron - miss, miss
Cudgel - miss, hit for 8 damage (crit)
Trill - hit for 4 damage
Shel - hit for 8 damage (crit)

You also hear noise at a couple locations to the north. If you understand Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {”Oof, what was that? What the heck? Who puts ropes in the brush?” “Ow, get off me Gnier! Your foot’s in my face!” “Well watch where you’re going Ceezix!” “You’re a clumsy idiot!” “I’ll gut you for this.”}

Here is your map. The black outline indicates the second fireball.
___________________________________________________________

Murphy
Shel
Kezem
Pressi
Alleahl
Trill
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - Dam 22 - dying
Bitey - Dam 22 - dying
Frosty - Dam 22 - dying
Apple - Dam 22 - dying
Thistle - panicked
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked
Rumpus - Dam 22 - dying
Nutmeg - Dam 22 - dying
Sugar - panicked
Pippa - panicked
Cudgel (dog)
Skipper (dog)

Goblin1 -
Goblin2 -

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=49 ; d20+15=23 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 5:48:36 PM

Bliss peers northwards with his new Shadowdancer gift -- Darkvision 60ft!

He loads his bah (a full round action) and takes a five ft step north to 37U.

Stealth 49 (still HiPS whenever within 10 ft of shadow)
Perception 23

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+13=33 ; d20+18=37 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+12=31 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 7:26:20 PM
Trill hears all the ruckus and as she rolls out of her tent she pulls a potion (barkskin potion) out of her haversack and quaffs it down just about the time a blasted arrow hits her.

----

As she hears the goblins she turns that way, "At least 2 Incoming goblins guys" and moves to AB 28, removing a wand from her haversack as she moves, reflex DC 33 (nat 20) where she takes a good look at where the voices were coming from and if she can see []b perception DC 37[/b] any movement from where the goblins are coming from she snaps off a magic missile at G2. UMD DC 31; Damage 5 points

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=15 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 9:49:10 PM
OOC: DM, in my last post I said I cast Invisibility and then took a look around. I don't know See Invisibility. Can we retcon that I don't get hit by the arrow as I would have been invisible?

Shel casts Haste on the group, hitting everyone except Mookie and Murphy from what it looks like. Shel stays invisible and moves 20' toward Trill, not wanting the whole group to be bunched up for another fireball.

Current HP 24/46 after failed reflex save and not taking the crit from the arrow. If I still take the damage let me know.

DM Mark - Sorry for the confusion. With Shel being Invisible, he will shoot the pony Apple. Goblins hate horses.

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 56 /61 Character Sheet  d20+8=17 ; d20+5=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 11:35:29 PM
Cameron gets the wind sucked right out of his lungs when the entire world explodes around him. Lucky for him he manages to avoid the worst of the fireball. Cudgel too manages to avoifd most of the flames, oly to be feathered by an arrow.
Cameron Reflex 17 half damage
Cudgel reflex save 18 half damage plus arrow damage for 19 damage total
Cameron scurries to the other rock face as the Haste takes hold of his feet. As he moves he draws forth his whip. He hears the goblin voices, but cannot make out what they are saying. Silently he mutters a vow to his goddess that they will be made to pay. In the same breath he invokes her name loudly as he forcefully presents his holy symbol, drawing forth positive energy to heal the ponies, Cudgel and any of his friends within 30'. " Jancassis, your servant pleads for you to heal his allies!" ( from what I see on the map I hit all the dying ponies, Cudgel, Bliss, Alleah, Shel and Kezzem. All heal 6 damage and stabilize if they are dying)
When the healing has passed over him Cameron replies to Ringrot. Because of his goddess he knows no fear, and none even colors his words. " Foolish goblin. Jancassis will have your soul and my hand will be the method of it's delivery. I have broken bread with the Brothers and you dare to attack me and demand my surrender. You will beg for the release of death long before you get it. The only chance you have is to run, and hope I cannot track you by the smell of your fear."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 1/7 rounds used

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

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

Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 56 /61 Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 10th, 2016 11:39:35 PM
OOC
Probably just a flavor thing, but by encumbered ground do you mean difficult terrain that will cost us double to move through? Will it offer the fools, I mean goblins, hiding in it any cover?

DM Mark - You are right, difficult terrain. No cover aplies, just double movement.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+11=22 ; d20+14=20 ; d3+2=5 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 1:26:03 AM
SV Ref: 22
No damage (evasion)

Kezzem moves towards the goblin that fireballed them and lobs a dagger in his direction.

Attack: 20
Damage: 5
Apply Far Shot/Point-Blank Shot if applicable.

DM Mark - How does Kezzem see in the dark?

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 11th, 2016 4:14:37 AM

As he had his hand on it already, Murphy swings the haversack over his shoulder, calls in the direction of whoever called for surrender, "Where is Ringrot, and what are the terms?", transforms into a great horned owl, and prepares to fly away as soon as he can (very start of next round - planned route to J7, then due north for a bit).

He doubts there is a caster who can cast two fireballs right in a row like that. Must be a wand. He wants to get that wand for Shel.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+16=24 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 4:42:09 AM

If he is able, he hops 5' diagonally to L37, and goes into stealth mode [24].

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted (?)  d20+9=15 ; d20+7=24 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 8:34:02 AM
Pressi, spotting the goblins, points them out.

"Our horses," Pressi shouted as they began to run past.

Pressi ran (hasted by Shel, hopefully) towards Thistle quickly. (With a base speed of 40 + haste of 30, she should make it, maybe with a ki point of +20 speed. If she can't make it without a double move, she runs instead to Sugar.)

"Let's rope 'em up and move out," she shouted as she grabbed at the horse (grapple 17 (15+2 from feat)). She closed her eyes and hoped it was enough. (If she succeeds, Ride 24).

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted  d20+6=20 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 8:42:50 AM
(Reflex save before hasting is 20, so save 11 damage)

"Ow ow ow," Alleah whined. She grumbled as she tried to dust herself off. In the distance, she could hear the two goblins arguing.

No longer needing to stabilize the horses nor to cast haste, Alleah casts obscuring mist in the direction of the goblins. She makes a guess as to the general area, trying to hit either them or the ground in front of them to stop the fireballs.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted 
Thursday February 11th, 2016 1:02:54 PM
Update - I've been informed that obscure mist is not a range spell. Also, since Alleah was a double move shouldn't she be placed somewhere that isn't her original position.

So that said, Alleah moves towards the dying ponies and casts obscuring mist around them, attempting to protect them from the arrows if not the fireballs.



Ready, Aim, Fire! (DM Mark)  d20+4=8 ; d10=2 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=11 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 5:13:14 PM
Bliss moves steps forward unseen, and readies his crossbow.

Having previously consumed a Barkskin potion, Trill moves out the the dim light from the fire in the tree into complete darkness.

Cameron calls on his goddess to heal his friends. Then he tells this Ringrot he will beg for death when Cameron is through with him. Murphy askes Ringrot what his terms are, and grabs his pack as he turns into an owl.

Shel casts Haste on all but Mookie and Murphy before everyone moves. But as she moves 20’ towards where she things Trill went, she also steps out of the dim light from the burning tree into darkness. (With Shel being Invisible last round, the goblin instead shoots the prone pony Apple. Goblins hate horses.)

Pressi runs after the horses. She manages to grapple the pony Sugar and bring her to a stop, but she still continues to pull away. (Handle Animal DC 10 to get her calmed down.)

Alleah moves and brings up a mist around the downed ponies. How was she to know that Bliss now cannot see.

___________________________________________________________
(Please note, the yellow areas on the map are burning areas in the tree, acting like torch light - normal light to 20’, dim light to 40’. The rest of the area is dark. Pressi has low-light vision. Any characters except Murphy moving north need to make a DC10 Reflex save in areas they can see, DC 15 reflex save if they cannot see. Please note the areas with difficult terrain.)

You hear the same voice from the darkness, “Jancasis eh? Perhaps I can arrange for you to meet her yourself! After all, I don’t need all of you."

A pea sized ember streaks out of the darkness to the north-east, and this time you hear spell casting from that direction. A fireball erupts around Cameron, inflicting damage on him and further charring the ponies Apple and Frosty. Some of the gear in the saddle bags on the ground begins to burn. More fire appears in the tree, and begins to spread. (Cameron and Alleah - make a DC 17 reflex save - damage 23, save damage 11). As the fireball goes off, part of the obscuring mist burns away. (I had determined the area before Alleah move over.)

“As for my terms, lay down your weapons and surrender! Secure our new prisoners!”

Then, you hear movement and cries in the darkness moving toward you. Goblins archers move up and fire. 3 Goblin Dogs with riders run towards the party, moving swiftly up to attack. 2 of their riders attack Trill in the darkness (Trill cannot see), but miss.

In Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {”Oh, this is great! I love pony!” “Me too!” “Not so fast - I get first dibs.” “There’s no first dibbs, jerk.” “You’re the jerk!” “I’ll gut you for that.”}

Cameron - arrows - miss, miss
Alleah - arrows - miss, miss
Kezzem - arrows - miss, hit once for 2 damage
Trill - miss, miss

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist after the Fireball.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy
Shel - Dam 16
Kezem - Dam 2
Pressi
Alleahl - Dam 5
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 11
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - Dam 16 - stable
Bitey - Dam 16 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked
Rumpus - Dam 16 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 16 - stable
Sugar - panicked
Pippa - panicked
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog)

Goblin1 -
Goblin2 - Dam 5

Bliss (AC21, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d100=7 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+15=35 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 6:03:45 PM

Bliss activates his Agile Feet Travel Domain ability that lets him ignore difficult terrain (free action).

Still within the cloud, he tries to cast a Cat's Grace spell (1st level witch) (standard action) (Ley check 7% is FAILURE!)

Breaking stealth, Bliss takes a hasted move at 30+30=60 over to those rocks, gliding past Cam, getting closer to the goblins, careful not to provoke AoOs, ending move at Z29 (I moved Bliss to that spot on the map). (move action)

Among the rocks, he drops prone (free action), using the stony terrain as cover to stay hidden from goblin eyes. He looks around, thanks to his darkvision.

Perception 35.
Stealth 46.

Next round he plans to snipe.

DM Mark - They're not really tall rocks, so much as broken, rocky ground. I can see them giving cover from ranged attacks, but not from melee attacks.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday February 11th, 2016 10:49:38 PM
Shel casts Fly on herself and moves roughly 40' up into the air and back into the area of light, so she can get a better lay of the land. She tries to determine where the spells are coming from, so she can decide how best to deal with the caster. Or at least, how best to recue her friends when/if they are forced to surrender by the superior numbers of the baddies.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday February 11th, 2016 10:50:27 PM
Forgot to add this to the last post. Current HP 30/46.

Cameron (David F) AC 27 (T 19, FF 23) CMD 18 HP 45 /61 Character Sheet  d20+9=24 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+8=18 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2016 11:42:10 PM
OOC
Cameron included himself in his channel, he was only down 5, now down 16
IC
Reflex save 24 half damage
" Oh, I have met her, in all her whip snapping glory. It was when she came to answer the prayer of her devout follower and return one of his friends to life. It is a memory I cherish."
"So, you really think you have what it takes, Ringrot? I have a bag of gems here that says you aren't goblin enough to call off your boys and step out here to fight me Avenger to goblin. Bag is pretty heavy. My friends are all straight shooters, If I ask them not to pincushion you they will let me fight you myself. What do you say? Or are you afraid?"
Profession Gambler 18
Cameron keeps up the trash talk to try and pinpoint the leader. He hopes his friends are listening and trying to find him too.
Perception 15
Cameron moves to start removing goblins from play. As he goes he reaches into his pocket and draws a wand, tapping himself on the head with it.
Use Magic Device 17 DOH, no shield spell for Cameron this round...unless
When the wand fails to trigger, Cameron HEROICALLY tries again Use Magic Device 22 Shield at CL1 on Cameron
He uses the Haste to get among the goblins so that any more fireballs hurt them too
Reflex saves for Murphy's trip lines 12 and 21, all in areas I can see at least dimly.
What weapons do these goblins have, now that I am closer.? What armor are they wearing?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 5/7 rounds remaining
Shield +4 shield AC for 10/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 54/56, CMD 20  d20+14=28 ; d3+2=3 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 1:57:15 AM
Kezzem moves towards the goblin the struck him and lobs another dagger at the goblin.

Attack: 28 + 1 (PBS) = 29.
Damage: 3 + 1 (PBS) = 4.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+19=36 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 2:21:33 AM

Gear placement notes
Murphy had placed some of the saddlebags and such up in the tree over by where he was sleeping, and others on the ground, but not in the area where the ponies were standing, rather under the tree. I had figured he would use the lower branches of the tree to toss rope over, and use to raise the saddles and such to place upon the backs of the ponies when it came time to get them geared up again. I keep a little list of things to add to upcoming posts, and that little trick was scheduled for the morning post. I did early allude to it, however, when I wrote, "A lot of the foot [sic: should be 'food'] items he hangs in bags up in the tree he is staying in. He fills buckets full of water for the mounts. The saddles and pack saddles are removed." I figured he would want to keep the area right under his sleeping spot clear, but have the packs laid out where he could keep an eye on them (if he woke up) - also use them for cover. I put a red 's' for each saddle on the map for the general area for those. I kept the area immediately adjacent to the trunk free for easy navigation. I figured the dogs' saddles would be near where they slept.

That said, the saddles at N38 and O38 have fire above the immediately adjacent branches (N37 and O37), so they may be feeling the heat.

Action
Murphy pushes off the branch and begins to ascent diagonally up through the tree. When he is at K33 he makes a few minor owl noises and wing flexions, and then, about 65 feet above the ground, well up above the center of the flames (centered at P34), a large sphere of water appears, then falls through the air to the tree below. There may be some scattering of the water through air resistance, then much more as some splashes down through the branches. It will not quell all of the flames, but should douse a fair portion, and be near enough to provide the beleaguered ponies with a measure of relief.

Murphy, in the form of a great horned owl, continues his flight up and to the north, ending the round at K25, 45' above the ground, looking and listening (owls, as do bats, use high frequency echolocation) both below and towards the northeast [Perception: 36] [low-light vision].

Moons of the Wold
As the weather is clear, and as the Wold has two moons - the larger Wardd and smaller Kerracles, and often one or both are in the night sky - is any light whatsoever provided to this area by the natural satellites of the Wold?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted  d20=12 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 7:39:13 AM
Pressi released Sugar from her grasp (free action), attempting to calm her down (move action)... and succeeding on an untrained check (Handle Animal 12.) With a calm breath she looked up... to see how far she had moved from the rest of the group. Flames and smoke filled the far away area, mixed with the sounds of screaming and dog barking.

"That's not what you want to see first thing in the morning," she muttered.

Pressi looked around, trying to decide what she could possibly do next. Thistle was too far away to run down (no run action or double move) and fading fast. Alleah was not going to be happy about that.

There was a camp fire nearby that Pressi could try to light... Except she had no flint and steel.

She could try signaling the goblins with her whistle, hoping to drag them towards her... What was the range on that fireball thing? At any rate, she had no cover, and was too big to ride Sugar into battle.

Yeah, this wasn't going to be easy.

After telling the horse to stay here at the unlit fire pit, Pressi pulled out a small hourglass from her pocket. She had hoped to save this for something better than a couple of goblins, but she didn't have a choice.

Move Action: 70 feet towards the goblins/dogs as best she could.

Two Swift Actions: Spend 2 ki to move another 40 feet.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Friday February 12th, 2016 7:41:43 AM
Feeling the wind and hearing the swish of something close by and to her left trying to attack her she takes a quick step to her right (5 ft step) and then pulling a sun rod out of her haversack, she hopes she can momentarily blind what ever is close by. Quickly closing her eyes so as not to blind herself she activates the sun rod and tosses it where she had previously been.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted 
Friday February 12th, 2016 7:46:08 AM
Pressi tries to avoid any AoOs (Acrobatics 19).

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted  d100=13 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 7:57:06 AM
Alleah, angry at what the goblins have done, decides it is time to try and move the momentum to their side.

Moving close to the stone area, she casts Hold Animal on one of the riding dogs of the goblins. The ley line is weak, but she has just enough energy to pull it off (DC 16).

As the goblins notice her, she falls to the ground prone (AC 19+4).

Mmmm. Cooked Pony. (DM Mark)  d100=27 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+1=11 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+2=21 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+4=22 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20+4=12 ; d3=3 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=22 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=25 ; 4d6=14 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 6:17:14 PM
Bliss move deftly among the terrain and drops among the rocks, ready to shoot. The goblins see him for a moment, but then aren’t sure where he went.

Shel flies 40’ up into the air She looks around to determine where these fireballs are coming from.

Cameron offers to fight Ringrot in single combat. Then he moves up amongst the goblin archers. He can see they wear leather armor, and have short swords and wooden shields. But these also have bows.

Kezzem moves up, hasted, and throws a dagger. He can see that one of them has been wounded and chooses him. The goblin in front of Cameron slumps to the ground.

Murphy moves and creates water to dampen the flames, and then heads north. (The water momentarily dampens a 10’x10’ area as steam rises. You do not have echolocation.)

Trill position, and cracks a sunrod, which illuminates a large area.

Pressi lets go of Shugar, who seems much calmer now. Still, it edges away from the combat when released. Pressi moves up to the goblins.

Alleah feels the sting of the fireball, but manages to avoid some of the damage as she moves up to the rocky area (made save, 11 damage last round.) She casts Hold Animal on one of the goblin dogs. Ugh, ugly creatures.
___________________________________________________________
(Please note, the yellow areas on the map are burning areas in the tree, acting like torch light - normal light to 20’, dim light to 40’. Also, there is now a sunrod - normal light to 30’, dim light to 60’. Those with low-light vision double these ranges. The rest of the area is dark, and there is not sufficient moonlight or starlight to see with low-light vision. Due to Murphy’s snares, any characters except Murphy moving north need to make a DC10 Reflex save in areas they can see, DC 15 reflex save if they cannot see. Please note the areas with difficult terrain.)

Murphy’s water dampened some area, but he fire in the tree spreads. Burning embers begin to fall on some of the unconscious ponies, and the heat is intense. Some of the area of Obscuring Mist begins to vanish due to this heat.

The dogs the goblins have don't look right. They're more like big hairless rats with a bad skin condition. Disgusting.

One of the goblin’s riding dogs shifts position 5’ and both it and the rider attack Trill. The attacks seem clumsy and miss.

One dog (the other does not move) and two goblins attack Pressi. All three attacks are hits, and the dog’s bite is particularly vicious! (Damage 1+1+11(crit)=13 total.) Dust and dander rise from the dog as it bites. (Pressi needs to make a DC 12 Fort Save. Fail will cause -2 to Dex and Cha.)

Five archers shoot at Cameron - all miss terribly.

Four archers shoot at Kezzem, and one finds it’s mark (4 damage.)

Ringrot looks at Cameron, and with a flourish and some magical words, he points. A searing beam of fire burns into Cameron’s flesh (14 damage). “Hah. This is our duel dirtbag. You have an interesting beard - that will make a nice souvenir!”

Several of the Goblins are speaking in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Hey, what the heck was that? Did you see that little guy? Where’d he go?”
“I didn’t see nobody. Is this another one of your tricks Kliks?”
“Shut up and pay attention, it was over there.”
“Don’t tell me to shut up, you butt likin’ moron.”
“Shut up yourself Blyzdats - I’m not a moron!”

”Oooo, look. Them ponies is gettin’ cooked! I like ‘em cooked or raw.”
“Me too! We’ll be eating good tonight!”
“Yeah, Ringrot said we should have this wrapped up no no time, but how come they ain’t dyin’?”
“Maybe cause you can’t shoot straight!”
“Argh. I’ll gut you for that!”

“Hey, sumpthin’s wrong with my dog - it won’t move. Move, you stupid dog!”

“Heh heh. Hey Seethis, your dog just farted. That was cool.”
“Heh heh, yeah, it did Guthead. Hey, heh heh, maybe I can make it fart some more if I squeeze my knees.”
“Heh, you’re a fartknocker Seethis.”
“Heh heh, yeah. Seethis the Fartknocker! Good one, Guthead.”
“Shut up Seethis.”
}

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy
Shel - Dam 16
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 13
Alleah - Dam 5
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 30
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - Dam 16 - stable
Bitey - Dam 16 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 16 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 16 - stable
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Goblin2 - Dam 9 - dying
Dog - held (DC 20 will)

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent)  d20+12=22 ; d20+12=17 ; d4+6=8 ; d4+6=9 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 6:35:12 PM
Trill with wand in her left hand draws her sword with her right and and strikes the goblin in front of her twice [b] regular attack AC 22 for 8 points and AC 17 for 9 points.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday February 12th, 2016 9:04:37 PM
OOC: darkness always throws me off. I think from Shel's vantage, and the map, that she should be able to see goblins 3 and 4. If so, I'll make the following post.

Flying and invisible, Shel knows she doesn't want to appear right now. She casts Grease at the ground under goblins 3 and 4, trying to make it more difficult for them to find their footing to fire arrows.

OOC: DC 16 Reflex to avoid.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted 
Friday February 12th, 2016 10:45:35 PM
(OOC: No time to make a lot of commentary. Just getting this out.)

From her prone position, Alleah casts Bless, 50 ft radius.

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

used

2/5 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
1/3 L2 Witch slot

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 40/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless  d20+9=20 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+4=9 ; d6+3=9 ; d6+3=4 ; d6+3=7 ; d6+3=5 ;
Friday February 12th, 2016 10:54:37 PM
Pressi shrugs off the dandruff (no roll - disease immunity)

Quickly, she throws four punches at the three targets, the first one being a stunning blow. Hit AC 20, 23, 27, 9. Damage 9, 4, 7, 5. (Sorry, Str +2 so add 1 to each damage).

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

used

robe ability (1/day)
2 ki points
hourglass consumed
1 stunning blow

Cameron (David F) AC 28 (T 20, FF 23) CMD 19 HP 31 /61 Character Sheet  d20+9=29 ;
Saturday February 13th, 2016 12:21:27 AM
" So you thought, and I use that phrase loosely, that you, a dozen goblins and a few of your rat dogs were a match for Humble's Heroes? Ringrot, you have a huge set of stones on you, I'll say that. You signed those goblin's death warrants, every last one of them. I mean any one of us would have been a match for this bunch of losers. I am STANDING RIGHT HERE and they can't hit me with an arrow. Any closer and they can just hold the arrow and poke me with it. Let me cast one or two more spells and then I'll be ready to come and take your soul. At least your spells are making this interesting. Who knew a goblin could be smart enough to cast Fireball. Oh wait, I forgot, Goblins think books are evil or something. Well, then you must be one charismatic Goblin. Which explains how you convinced these guys to take us on without even two to one odds. I mean granted, you woke us up with a fireball and all, but still, that barely even hurt."
Cameron keeps the trash talk going, enjoying baiting the next pet soul that Jancassis will own. As he moves he puts the shield wand back in his pocket and leaves his hand in there, ready to draw something else next round.He then casts another spell, which should blunt this fire goblin's spells towards him. (Cast Resist Energy Fire)
Reflex 29 vs Murphy's trip lines unless I am past them by now
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 4/7 rounds remaining
Shield +4 shield AC for 9/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 500/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 54/56, CMD 20  d20+17=20 ; d20+14=31 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=12 ;
Saturday February 13th, 2016 2:56:13 AM
"Hey, leave my pal alone!"

Kezzem moves to flank with Cameron and stabs the unfortunate goblin between them.

Acrobatics (Tumble): 20.
Attack: 31 + 2 (Flank) = 33.
Damage: 5 + 12 (Sneak Attack) = 17.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 50/56, CMD 20 
Saturday February 13th, 2016 1:02:53 PM
hp fixed in header

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+19=21 ;
Saturday February 13th, 2016 4:57:21 PM
The ponies will perish if I do not aid them now, Murphy thinks. Life matters. He thinks his friends competent to deal with the invading goblins. Though, in some respects, the most effective thing he could do would be to attack Ringrot and his agents, he elects to fly back towards the burning tree.

He turns to head back to the tree, and casts create water up high in the air again (so that it will disburse to cover P35, Q35, P36, Q36), and ends over P35, ready to descend into the washed column surrounded by an inferno next round. He wishes that he could call out for Alleah to send a healing surge over the ponies, but figures she is occupied elsewhere. Seldom has he felt as frustrated as he now feels.

[Perception 21]

Bliss (AC21, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+12=27 ; 2d6+5=9 ; d20+29=32 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 12:17:05 PM

Wrapped in shadows and lying on the ground, Bliss takes a shot at this Ringrot fellow who can shoot fire.

Adding a +1 to attack with Haste, Bliss hits AC27 for 9 hp nonlethal damage. He ducks down into the shadows after firing (sniping).

Stealth 32

(Mookie stays well hid, with total cover.)

Mmmm. Cooked Pony. (DM Mark)  d20+4=19 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=19 ; d4=3 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+2=16 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ; d6=4 ; d4=2 ; d20=5 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 2:11:24 PM
Trill sees the goblin riding a goblin dog in front of him. She draws her sword and plunges it into the chest of the goblin in front of her. It looks surprised before it slumps forward, falling to the ground. Her next attack strikes the dog, and it also goes down.

Shel looks down from her high vantage point, casting grease beneath to of the goblins. The two goblins look alarmed that the ground just became slippery, but manage to maintain their footing. Shel become visible (generally, if the casting of a spell forces an immediate save to avoid the effect, it’s considered an attack.)

Alleah lies prone, and casts Bless, which affects all of the party but Murphy and Kezzem.

Pressi shrugs off the effect of the dog’s dander - she wishes she was also immune to their smell. She then makes a flurry of attacks. Her first one stuns and kills the goblin rider. He falls off the dog. Her next two blows kill the dog it was on.

Cameron moves up, noting a snare set in the brush as he does so. He taunts Ringrot a second time, and then casts a spell.

Kezzem moves up just as Cameron moves on. He steps over a motionless goblin, and moves to threaten the two archers, cutting deeply into the side of one of them. (5 damage).

Murphy creates water above the ponies, relying on the brances to disperse the water. He can see that as the fire grows in the tree, his dispersed water has less effect.

Bliss shoots and hides, hitting Ringrot. Ringrot looks annoyed.
___________________________________________________________
Ringrot looks at Cameron, “Big talk for a little man. I’ve taken down bigger folk than you before.” With a gesture, he points at Cameron, but the fiery ray goes wide. “Stand still! You’re just making this harder. Ow! Who’s shooting at me? Somebody kill whoever’s shooting at me!”

The goblins and a dog move to engage Cameron (all miss)

The startled archers move away from Kezzem (Kezzem gets and AOO on G6 as he moves away. They shoot at Kezzem. All of them miss.

Two startled archers see Alleah suddenly appear in the air, and shoot at her. On hits her. (Alleah takes 3 damage.)

The goblin dog near Pressi shakes off the spell that held it, and snaps at Pressi, missing her.

The fire grows and spreads in the tree, as pieces of burning branches being to fall.. The heat is intense. The unconscious ponies begin to take damage - even the ones helped by Murphy’s water suffer from the heat. Some of the supplies begin to burn. The small cauldon Mookie is in is getting very hot. Mookie takes 1 point of damage. (if it’s yellow, that part of the tree is on fire. Those below or adjacent to a yellow square will take some damage.)

Several of the Goblins are speaking in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Hey, where’d that bolt come from?”
“Probably from your butt”
“Oooo, I’ll gut you for that.”

“Hey Guthead, I’m trying to get my dog to fart while I kill this chick. C’mon you stupid dog, fart!”
“Hey, look out Seethis!”
“Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh…”
“OH NO, SEETHIS! So, if you're dead, can I have your stuff? I can? Good."

“Hey, how come these guys ain’t dying’ like Ringrot said they would?”
“Maybe cause your mom’s not here to kill them for you.”
“Yeah, my mom can really kill stuff.”
“With her smell.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
}

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy
Shel - Dam 16
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 13
Alleah - Dam 5
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 16
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - Dam 20 - dying
Bitey - Dam 18 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 18 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 17 - stable
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 9
Goblin Dog1 -
Goblin Dog2 - dying
Goblin Dog3 - dying
Goblin Dog4 -
Goblin1 -
Goblin2 - dying
Goblin3 -
Goblin4 -
Goblin5 -
Goblin6 -
Goblin7 -
Goblin8 -
Goblin9 -
Goblin10 - on dog
Goblin11 - dying
Goblin12 - dying

Cameron (David F) AC 28 (T 20, FF 23) CMD 19 HP 31 /61 Character Sheet  d8=7 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 4:40:44 PM
" Who's shooting at you? Really? Boy I called it when I said you were no wizard. The angry halflings you woke up are shooting you dimwit. Namely a halfling names Bliss. He was trained as a sniper by the Mailed Fist,. So not only will your idiot minions be unable to shoot him, they will be lucky if they even SEE him before he shoots them all. So speaking of idiot minions, I must say thank you for bunching up these guys so they could all come get some of my spells. That was mighty thoughtful of you. Means less chasing while I finish them off."
Keeping up the banter it is clear none of his minions speak common. Cameron wants this guy alive, and is thankful to Bliss for the nonlethal shot. That way when the goblin leader falls down he probably won't be dead. From what Cameron's taunting has already made him spill, he knows someone paying for halflings, probably to experiment on. Since they are looking for halflings that mentioned they were being experimented on, that means he needs to live, at least long enough to talk. Cameron knows enough about goblins from his dwarven foster father to probably terrify this guy into spilling everything.
Cameron moves out, and as he moves he draws a dagger, and some attacks from his new fan club. Thankfully that shield spell seems to have made it nigh impossible for them to hurt him. Once away from them he turns and drops a bubble of damaging sound between them and their boss man (target y9). Cast Sound Burst, 10' radius spread, 7 damage, Fort save DC 14 or stunned for 1 round.
Yelling back to camp Cameron shouts. " Make sure Bitey lives. I have work for him to do once we catch this dimwit. Oh, and try to keep the dimwit responding to me alive. I need to talk to him while he is still breathing, before, well you know."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 3/7 rounds remaining
Shield +4 shield AC for 8/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 499/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone,Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield

Please note, Cameron now has a weapon in hand with which he can take AoOs. Also, Cameron has suffered 30 damage total after your first scorching ray landed

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent)  d20+12=15 ; d20+12=16 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 5:26:01 PM
Seeing that the dog of the other goblin (AC27) isn't moving she instead targets the goblin with the wand in her left hand and sends off two magic missiles into him. (regular attack and hasted attack.)

UMD DC 15 & 16 for 5 points and 2 points

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 40/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless  d20+10=16 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 7:37:17 PM
"Who's the dimwit again, Cam?" Pressi asked innocently. "Is it the guy that keeps running his mouth about our numbers and weaknesses? Is he going to say next how Bliss can only be deactivated with the access code 1 2 3 4 5?"

Pressi, still in her elf form, began to run through the low vegetation pathway (move action, hasted) towards the lead goblin. "Pardon me, sir, but am I more the size you're used to dealing with?"

Pressi dove at the goblin Rick Roll (Grapple 16). "Hey, I understand you're the guy who blew up our ride."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=23 ; 4d6=11 ; d20+9=12 ; 4d6=21 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 7:53:29 PM
Shel flies 20' to the north and shoots two Scorching Rays, one at goblin 3 and goblin 4.

OOC: RTA on goblin 3 is 23. Does 11 points of damage. RTA on goblin 4 is 12. 21 points of damage.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted 
Monday February 15th, 2016 8:29:43 PM
(OOC: Is it Alleah or Shel that gets the 3 damage? Because it's Shel that just appeared.)

Alleah watched Murphy once again release a small stream of water upon the ponies, frustrated. She could feel his own frustration that she would not move there and channel, but with only three channels of small bursts a day (1d6), she could not keep them alive on her own. They would have to be carried out or have the fire taken out.

Alleah did regret some of the paths not taken - the entanglement that could have caught Thistle, the dispel that might have stopped the growth from catching fire - but saving mounts seemed an impossible task and a distraction at this point. Much as she hated to see Thistle leave, she had to let him go, had to keep the people from burning.

On the other hand, that fire did need to be put out. Still prone, Alleah cast the creation of a small water elemental, (Summon Monster II), with orders to put out the fire.

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

used

2/6 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
1/5 L2 Cleric Slot (Summon II)
1/3 L2 Witch slot

Cameron (David F) AC 28 (T 20, FF 23) CMD 19 HP 31 /61 Character Sheet 
Monday February 15th, 2016 9:18:12 PM
" We have elves now? Who the heck are you? Clearly not one of us. All of us know that to stop Bliss you have to find him, and then rub his tummy. Since he is practically invisible that would be hard to do, amiright?"
"Oops, I did it again."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d8+5=10 ; d20+17=35 ;
Monday February 15th, 2016 11:49:11 PM
Murphy dives and lands on Nutmeg. Feeling the wind as the fires nearby suck up the air, he casts cure light wounds, and the faithful pony gains 10 hit points (now down only 7 hp from full). He digs his owlish claws into the pony to shock him awake, hopefully driving him forward - trying to get him to go through the fog to the south east (starting at R37 and through to T39), at which point he abandons the pony, hoping the pony's own fear will drive him away from the fire and combat area. As he drops off, he expends a hero point, and begins transforming into a dire ape.

[Perception: 35]

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+13=22 ; 2d6+5=11 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:20:06 AM

"This pot is too hot!" says Mookie -- "After taking STOCK of the situation, I say this is SOUPer bad! I'll be frica-seeing you guys later! I've got better things to per-due! Ima make like a Peking Duck and FRY away!"

The talking raven gets out of the pot (move action) and flies south 40 ft (move action).

Bliss, meanwhile, is lining up another shot at the same goblin -- with a +1 from bless and a +1 from haste --

He hits AC22 for 11 hp (nonlethal)

And continues to snipe and hide -- Stealth 45

He also keeps alert -- Perception 34

Mmmm. Cooked Pony. (DM Mark)  d20+2=21 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+7=11 ; d20+7=24 ; 4d6=17 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+4=20 ; d4=4 ; d20+2=6 ; d10=6 ; d20+2=4 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 11:08:50 AM
(Some of my rolls got wiped out, so you’ll just have to trust me…)

Cameron continues to taunt the already taunted Ringrot. Then he moves and throws a discordant din that rattles their bones. Ringrot claps his hands to his ears. “Aarrgh, stop that! Who’s Bitey?”

The three goblins fall from the spell.
“AACK!” Fwump
“OOOF” Fump
“YEAAHAA” Fwump

Trill fires her wand, hitting the goblin riding the (no longer held) dog. It goes off once, and she suddenly realizes that Haste does not allow you to use a wand twice. (The last post noted that the dog made his save and is again moving.)

Pressi joins in the taunting, making a cryptic remark about access codes. Then she attempts to tackle Ringrot. In doing so, Ringrot side steps the effort, and stabs her with a spear as she recovers her balance. (Damage 4)

Shel moves forward in the air, and calls rays of fire. One toasts goblin 3, but the other misses the other goblin.

(The 3 points of damage last round were to Shel, not Alleah. Never added it to Alleah. Now added to Shel. Fixed below.

Alleah crawls 5’ to get in range, and summons a small water elemental, intending for it to extinguish the flames near the ponies. She creates it where the ponies are, and it instinctively uses it’s Drench ability to extinguish some of the flames. Unfortunately, she is not able to communicate with it, so it moves out to attack her opponents.

Murply dives toward the ponies, healing Nutmeg who then stands and bolts out from under the buring tree. Then Murphy heroically transforms into a Dire Ape.

Bliss shoots at Ringrot, hitting him squarely. Mookie launchs into a PUNishing commentary about his situation.
___________________________________________________________
The fire grows in the tree, the presence of the small water elemental temporarily saves some of the ponies. But not Dread - he takes more damage as fire falls on him.

Ringrot grimaces. “You people are making this very difficult.” He takes a 5’ step back from Pressi, and casts a Scorching Ray at her. The fire sears her flesh. (17 damage.)

The goblin dog near Ringrot moves to attack Pressi, and sinks its teeth into her thigh. (Pressi takes 6 damage)

3 goblin archers move back from Kezzem and shoot him. They miss.

One goblin moves out of the grease, and shoots at Shel, hitting her (4 damage.)

The dog and rider move up to attack Trill. Both miss.

Several of the goblins are speaking in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“AACK!” Fwump
“OOOF” Fump
“YEAAHAA” Fwump
(Yeah, it’s the same in goblin)

“What the heck was that sound? Hey, what happen to those guys by Ringrot?”
“I dunno, but this isn’t looking good.!”

“Aaaaah! That flying one shoots fire like Ringrot!”

“There’s a ghost shooting from those rocks! I didn’t sign up for this.”

“Hey Ringrot - what shoud we do? This isn’t going like you said.”
“It never goes like he says. He said we’d be rich. Are you rich?”
“A goblin is never poor, so long as he has a booger to pick and a squirrel to skin.”
“Spare me your Teachings of Gethel. She was an idiot.”
“Oooo, don’t you speak bad against the Teachings of Gethel. I’ll gut you for that!”

}

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy
Shel - Dam 19, flying 40’ up
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 36
Alleah - Dam 5
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 16
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - Dam 24 - dying
Bitey - Dam 18 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 18 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 7
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 20 non-lethal
Goblin Dog1 - with rider
Goblin Dog2 - dying
Goblin Dog3 - dying
Goblin Dog4 -
Goblin1 -
Goblin2 - dying
Goblin3 - dying
Goblin4 -
Goblin5 -
Goblin6 -
Goblin7 -
Goblin8 -
Goblin9 -
Goblin10 - on dog, Dam 5
Goblin11 - dying
Goblin12 - dying

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+13=29 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=26 ; 2d6+5=13 ; 2d6+5=9 ; 2d6+5=9 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 2:58:44 PM
Having stepped away, Ringrot is not engaged, so now is the perfect time to shoot him! Abandoning stealth, Bliss shoots twice (with haste) at the goblin leader, making his position clear.

He hits AC29 and AC33. The 33 is a nat 20, so Bliss follows up for a crit, and confirms vs AC26. For the first bolt that's 13 nonlethal damage, and for the second bolt, 9 nonlethal plus crit damage of 9 more nonlethal.

Bliss grins.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent)  d20+13=21 ; d20+13=21 ; d4+7=10 ; d4+7=11 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 3:03:33 PM
As the goblin and dog move forward to attack, Trill shifts her focus to her sword arm and strikes out twice (normal attack & hasted attack)

AC 21 & 21 for for 10 points and 11 points damage

Cameron (David F) AC 28 (T 20, FF 23) CMD 19 HP 31 /61 Character Sheet  d20+16=32 ; d20+12=27 ; 4d6=12 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 3:48:14 PM
Pressi looks, well, pressed with both that dog thing and Ringrot attacking her. He has been around the monk long enough to know there is no quit in her, so he assumes she will go after Ringrot again. The goblin then states the obvious, “You people are making this very difficult.” to which Cameron replies, " Well duh, goblins eat people, surrendering was never an option, moron."
Bliss then sinks two bolts into the goblin leader and Cameron expects him to fall, or at least wobble. He calls out to Ringrot, " See, told you, trained sniper. Stings doesn't it. You're plan is sooo not going well."
Cameron then realizes that he misstepped last round and you can't 5 foot step into difficult terrain. This frustrates him, but he soldiers on. He moves, dropping his dagger, and pulls out the new wand he bought in the catacombs. It was supposed to be for Trolls, but a few charges would be OK here. He points it at the dog thing and shoots.
UMD 32
A Scorching Ray flies from the wand at the goblin dog.
Hit touch AC 27 for 12 fire damage with no save
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 2/7 rounds remaining
Shield +4 shield AC for 7/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 498/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield
-1 charge from wand of Scorching Ray

Please note,
Cameron has suffered 30 damage total. Two fireballs, which he saved vs, a burst of healing, and the first scorching ray which caused him to wise up and cast resist fire. Just trying to keep this on the up and up

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+17=33 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 4:42:14 PM

Dire-ape Murphy runs from T40 over to stand with one leg in N40 and one in O40. As his hands reach to the ground without having to lean down further, he grabs the two saddles, one belonging to R and the other to Bitey and the other to Rumpus, and tosses them through the air to land at N44 and O44. If allowed, he kicks at Frosty's and Nutmeg's, which skitter to O42 and N42 (if not, he'll get 'em next round).

Perception 33 (keeping ears open for goings-on around the area, but eyes focused on the tasks at hand).

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted 
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:16:26 PM
Alleah, crawling another five feet towards the ponies, creates another water elemental near the flames. (Summon Monster II).

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

used

2/6 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
2/5 L2 Cleric Slot (Summon II, Summon II)
1/3 L2 Witch slot

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (22), HP 18/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless  d8+1=2 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+4=6 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=5 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:45:14 PM
"Yes, what Cameron said," Pressi added. "Plus we all are extremely difficult in general. Just bad bad personalities all around. Kind of surprising we didn't burn this forest to the ground without your help.

Pressi dodged the spear throw (no AoO for grappling - improved grappling feat)(which means my grapple should have been 2 higher, oh well) but not the fire or the dog bite.

"Sorry, my throat is a bit scratchy. If you could just give me a second..." With a quick sip (hero point spent), Pressi drinks one of her cure light potions... for 2 lousy HP. "Must have been a Bud Lime," she muttered. "Now where was I?"

As a full round action, Pressi throws a part of a flurry at the dog, moves five feet, and throws the rest at Ringrot. There is a stunning fist (DC 15) at the second throw and a vicious attack at the third, all non-lethal damage.

(Attack rolls 22, 16, 23, 6 (ignore the 22). Damage rolls 7, 6, 5, 5. Vicious Rolls 6 to target, 1 to self.)

Pressi, with a sigh, boosts her AC (ki point).

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

used

robe ability (1/day)
3/4 ki points
hourglass consumed
2/5 stunning blow
1 hero point (3 left)
1 clw potion

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 18/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless 
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:47:36 PM
Sorry, AC 21 temp - it doesn't fully stack with my feat.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=17 ; 4d6=16 ; d20+9=26 ; 4d6=13 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2016 9:03:12 PM
Shel keeps firing scorching rays at the goblins, starting with G4. If she hits it and he doesn't fall, she fired her second blast at the same. If she hits and it falls, the second blast is directed to G7.

RTA on first Ray is 17. Damage is 16. RTA on second Ray is 26. Damage is 13.

Shel was a flying artillery as she zapped goblins left and right. The odds were beginning to turn for the halflings.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d8=1 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 12:04:26 AM

Melvin - for cure light wounds (even from potions), you always reroll a '1'. As ADM, I will do so for you this time. Okay. A one. That means I get to re-reroll! A... 2.

I guess powerful healing is not to be yours this round. You do get 3 hp relief, though, rather than just 2.

-ADM Kim

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 4:12:13 AM

Brian? Kezzem? We need your dagger input...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 50/56, CMD 20  d20+14=31 ; d3+2=5 ; d20+14=32 ; d3+2=3 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 10:28:42 AM
OOC: Oops, sorry.

AoO: 31.
Damage: 5.

Kezzem then moves and attacks G3 wishing he had a flanking buddy.

"This is for the ponies, you big smelly goblins!"

Attack: 32.
Damage: 3.



Mmmm. Cooked Pony. (DM Mark)  d10=5 ; d4=1 ; d6=2 ; d4=2 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 11:11:17 AM
Bliss abandons his stealth, and shoots Ringrot twice. Ringrot falls to the ground.

Trill strikes twice, once at the rider and another at the dog. Both fall.

Cameron continues his taunting, even as Ringrot falls. Cameron is pleased, and celebrates by shooting a scorching ray from his wand at the remaining goblin dog. It falls prone and is still.

Murphy thinks, my stuff!, as he moves from the ponies to save the gear. He moves 5’ and stands over Rumpus as, with his 10 reach in dire ape form, he grabs the saddle and bags of Rumpus and Bitey. and throws them. The intense heat threatens to overwhelm him. (2 damage from the fire and heat.)

Alleah summons another water elemental. She gets lucky, as this one also instinctively casts drench when it is summoned, bathing the ponies in water that almost immediately begins to steam. Then it moves toward her enemies.

Pressi stuns and kills the dog. (thanks for the AOO clarification)

Shel fires two searing rays, dropping two goblins.

Kezzem moves up to the prone, still goblin and plunges his dagger into him. It is now dead.
___________________________________________________________
The fire continues to grow in the tree. The heat beneath it is intense, and fire rains down to the ground.

Most of the goblins have fallen. The few remaining flee. Suddenly, one of them pushes another one down.

The goblins are speaking in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Gnacak! Ringrot’s down. Time to go if you want to live.”

“Maybe they’ll leave the cooked ponies, and we can come back to get it.”

“Let’s get out of here.”
“We can’t outrun them. HEY, why’d you push me down?”
“I don’t have to outrun them, I just have to outrun you!”
“I’ll gut you for that!”

}

Here is your map.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy - Dam 2, Large Dire Ape
Shel - Dam 19, flying 40’ up
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 34, elf
Alleah - Dam 5
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 30
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - dead
Bitey - Dam 19 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 19 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 7 - panicked
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 46 nonlethal, 5 lethal - unconscious
Goblin Dog1 - dying
Goblin Dog2 - dying
Goblin Dog3 - dying
Goblin Dog4 - dead
Goblin1 -
Goblin2 - dead
Goblin3 - dead
Goblin4 - dying
Goblin5 - dying
Goblin6 - dying
Goblin7 - dead
Goblin8 -
Goblin9 -
Goblin10 - dying
Goblin11 - dying
Goblin12 - dying

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+13=20 ; 2d6+5=14 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 11:24:03 AM
Bliss stands up (move action) and shoots at goblin G1 (standard action) with the last bolt in his clip. He hits AC20 for 14 nonlethal.

OH! Please make that AC18 with a -2 range mod.

"Mookie, you okay?" Bliss calls out to his familiar.

Mookie caws -- probably too faintly to hear, but through his empathic link, Bliss feels annoyance. In other words, just like always.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 18/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 2:05:37 PM
(OOC: So just to be clear, is the DM allowing me to save my hero point and the cure potion, or is the 3 HP part of his calculations.

Also, I'm not sure how many hero points I am supposed to have. I had 2 at the time of leveling, and I think I got 1 hero point for leveling and 1 hero point for my participation in saving the tower, for a total of 4, of which I used 1. Did I do that wrong?)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 58/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 4:48:35 PM

[Note: As described in his prior post, Murphy had moved (from T40 (having been on the back of Nutmeg briefly), although if you wanted him to start at Q36 at the beginning of last round, that's fine, too - and, if the latter, he likely should have more heat damage by running under the burning branches) to N40/O40, not N37/O37 last round. So fire in the branches above where he starts the round just appeared, - he did not need 10' reach for the saddles.]

Murphy tosses Nutmeg's and Frosty's saddles from where he stands (N40) to N44 and O44, then moves to L38, and shoves/drags the four saddles to K42 and L42.

He turns, and prepares to brave the inferno to go after the ponies.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 7:13:55 PM
Shel is fine with allowing the few remaining goblins to flee. "Alleah, we need at least one of them alive tofigure out who sent them. Can you heal one of them," she asks, as she lands on the ground again. She takes a look around, seeing the blaze spreading. "I don't have any spells that can stop the fire," the sorceress whispered, as she reviewed her few arcane abilities.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 18/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 9:15:25 PM
Pressi, sighing, began to drag Ringrot towards the rest of the party.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; hasted  d100=49 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 9:22:23 PM
"I can do this," Alleah mumbled to herself. "I can do this."

Alleah cast Resist Energy Fire on herself (standard action, ley line 49, 10 hp) and Agile Feet on herself (free action SLA, ignore terrain issues). "I can't do this... oh man..."

Alleah moved into the fire to the still alive horses (move action 30 feet). "Tell everyone who is mobile to get away from the tree to a central location," she called out to everyone else. "Drag unconscious bodies or gear if you can, but get them away. And if anyone can start tracking Thistle, I'd really appreciate it."

Cameron (David F) AC 28 (T 20, FF 23) CMD 19 HP 31 /61 Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 17th, 2016 10:45:37 PM
" Just drag dimwit as far from the ponies as you can Pressi. Then keep an eye on him please, I need to go help the ponies, and doing so may wake dimwit up if he is too close. I will have enough healing left for you too, just don't bleed out on me OK?"
Cameron kicks it into high gear and double moves, hasted for the burning tree.
"Alleah, Murphy, I'm coming. If you can get a good hold on those lead ropes. I am too small to drag ponies but I can probably heal them enough to wake them, They will not be happy when they wake up though and will want to run."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste, +20 movement, +1 dodge AC,+1 to hit,+1 reflex save,extra attack upon making a full attack 1/7 rounds remaining
Shield +4 shield AC for 6/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 497/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield
-1 charge from wand of Scorching Ray

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 58/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 18th, 2016 1:44:32 AM

Melvin - for Pressi - I believe you are correct on the hero points. Four (4), less any you may have used in this encounter.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent)  d20+7=13 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2016 1:59:14 PM
Trill sheathes her sword and reaches down and picks up the sunrod and with every ounce of strength she has heaves it end over end toward X22.

Mmmm. Cooked Pony. (DM Mark)  d6=4 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2016 5:35:20 PM
Bliss sees the fleeing Goblins and shoots one of them in the back. He falls in a tumble.

Mookie sees the slight curl the heat put on his feathers and is a bit annoyed.

Murphy moves 5’, and grabs (move action) and throws (standard action) two bags. (I moved Murphy back on the map. If a saddle/bag is no longer on the board, it burned up. If you want to try to save the remains of a burnt saddle you pull out, mending may work to restore it, but not if it's completely burned.)

Shel lands on the ground.

Pressi move up to the dying goblin (5’ move), grabs him (move action) and then drags him south (move action). (Kim is correct, Pressi should have 4 hero points. Don’t worry about using that one up for healing. I had previously corrected the damage to what you listed in your header - go with that.)

Alleah screws up her courage, casts a spell, and dashes into the fire. She takes 4 damage from the fire above her.

Cameron moves as fast as he can toward the ponies (total of 80’ with Haste.)

Trill throws the Sunrod north to light up another area.

Kezzem contemplates his place in the universe.
___________________________________________________________
The fire continues to grow in the tree. The heat beneath it is intense, and bits of fire rain down to the ground. Dread is dead. Steam rises from Bitey’s and Rumpus’ hair as the water evaporates.

There are only two goblins still standing. Well, running actually. In terror.

The goblins are speaking in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Tenny! They killed Tenny. You dastards!”

“Gaaa, we’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die!”

}

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy - Dam 2, Large Dire Ape
Shel - Dam 19, flying 40’ up
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 34, elf
Alleah -
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 30
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - dead
Bitey - Dam 19 - stable
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 19 - stable
Nutmeg - Dam 7 - panicked
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 13 - 0 hit points - disabled
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 46 nonlethal, 6 lethal
Goblin Dog1 - dead
Goblin Dog2 - dead
Goblin Dog3 - dying
Goblin Dog4 - dead
Goblin1 - Dam 6 nonlethal, 5 lethal
Goblin2 - dead
Goblin3 - dying
Goblin4 - dying
Goblin5 -
Goblin6 -
Goblin7 - dead
Goblin8 - dying
Goblin9 - dying
Goblin10 - dead
Goblin11 - dead
Goblin12 - dead

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 30/45, CMD 13; hasted; fire resist  d100=39 ; 2d8+5=10 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2016 8:34:33 PM
"Ow ow ow, so hot so hot," Alleah screamed as she made her way through the fiery blaze.

With an outstretched hand, she reached for Rumpus. "Please don't hurt me," she whispered.

Energy flew through her hands as she tapped into a ley line (39). It caught, sending a cure moderate through the horse's body (10 hp).

With a sharp slap, she sent Rumpus running through the field before moving to mount the unconscious Bitey.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 19/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless 
Thursday February 18th, 2016 8:43:38 PM
Pressi continued to drag the unconscious "Dimwit" towards the group at large. "Yeah, yeah, doing so as... wait, Cam, can Alleah even hear you?"

Pressi looked up as one of the horses began running out. "Guess not," she said.

Pressi finally dragged her charge to Shell and Trill. "Anyone here order a goblin sunny side up?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday February 18th, 2016 8:48:58 PM
Shel pulls the goodberry from her belt that Murphy had given her earlier. Using her haste magic, she moves toward Cudgel, ready to feed it to him next round, seeing his obvious injuries. "Hold on, little puppy. I'm coming with a treat to make you feel better. You were very brave," she coos to the dog.

Cameron (David F) AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 31 /61  
Thursday February 18th, 2016 11:22:10 PM
" Yeah, guess not. OK, on to plan B."
"Oh, and Pressi, you realize you needn't be overly gentle with the goblin. Grab an ankle and run through the brush if you want. It isn't worse than he has done tp others in the past, I guarantee, and it is far nicer than what is going to happen to him."
"Thanks for looking out for Cudgel, Shel. He was very good and did exactly like I told him. Who's a good boy?"
Cameron instead of running into the fire to heal the mounts. stops where he is and creates water above dire ape murphy. He hopes that doing so in front of the water elementals sparks ( get it?) some kind of reaction to make them realize the FIRE is the enemy since it is now the only thing harming their summoner. He will wait for the firew to get put out and the others to gather up before delivering more healing since some of them, himself included took a fair amount of damage.
(Cameron creates 10 gallons of water, according to the spell, that should be just over a cubic yard. He causes it to form above the fire and Murphy and to fall over an open area, rather than trying to bunch it to fit in a vessel.)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Shield +4 shield AC for 5/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 496/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst

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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield
-1 charge from wand of Scorching Ray

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday February 18th, 2016 11:42:18 PM
Bliss reloads his weapon -- taking all round!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 50/56, CMD 20  d20+14=24 ; d3+2=4 ;
Friday February 19th, 2016 12:04:50 AM
Kezzem chases after the goblins to the NW (G1, G5, G6) and throw a dagger at G1.

Attack: 24 (apply Far Shot as needed)
Damage: 4

AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 31 /61Cameron  
Friday February 19th, 2016 1:44:38 AM
OOC
did Alleah take 14 damage, pushing 4 through her resist fire or just 4 which would be negated?

DM Mark - Oops. It was resisted. Thx

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent) 
Friday February 19th, 2016 2:24:28 PM
Trill moves back toward the fire t see what help she can be and whom she might be able to help in any way.


Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 58/60 - (Kim)  d8+5=7 ;
Friday February 19th, 2016 5:34:56 PM

[Mark - please see my email for my post. Put in what makes sense to you. All this backstepping has me confounded.]

That's a lot of dead goblins. (DM Mark) 
Friday February 19th, 2016 7:42:03 PM

(Is this the last round of Haste?)

Alleah overcomes her fears and moves bravely into the fire to heal Rumpus. The fire burns her, but she’s rewarded by seeing the pony rise and run out of the flames.
Pressi in her elven form continues to drag the unconscious goblin back toward camp.

Shel move to the dog Cudgel and give him a goodberry. He gladly takes it, wagging his tale in response and pushing up against Shel.

Cameron tells Murphy it’s OK to be rough dragging the goblin back. He then creates water over Murphy in his ape form, which helps.

Bliss reloads.

Kezzem (hasted) runs after the goblins. He runs to the edge of the light, peering into the inky darkness. He hears the distant sounds of the goblins running away.

Trill move back toward the burning tree, ready to help.

Even with the water created by Cameron, Murphy takes damage (2 damage). Heedless of the effect, Murphy pushes what saddles and gear he can out of the area of the fire. (Per my email back, just let me know what you got out - I’m flexible here.)

___________________________________________________________
The fire consumes the tree. The heat beneath it is intense, and burning branches fall to the ground. The burning smell of horse flesh is strong (3 dead ponies are burning beneath the tree.) Rumpus has just run out, and Bitey lies prone and is in deep trouble. (Rumpus take 3 damage, Bitey takes 1.)

There are bodies of goblins and goblin dogs scattered around.

The goblins in the darkness say nothing as they run away.

Here is your map. The black outline shows what’s left of the Obscuring Mist.
___________________________________________________________
Murphy - Dam 4, Large Dire Ape
Shel - Dam 19, flying
Kezem - Dam 6
Pressi - Dam 34, elf
Alleah - Dam 4
Trill - Dam 4
Cameron - Dam 30
Bliss
Mookie

Dread - dead
Bitey - Dam 20 - dying
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle - panicked - gone
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone
Rumpus - Dam 12
Nutmeg - Dam 7 - panicked
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 12
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 46 nonlethal, 6 lethal
Goblin Dog1 - dead
Goblin Dog2 - dead
Goblin Dog3 - dying
Goblin Dog4 - dead
Goblin1 - Dam 6 nonlethal, 5 lethal
Goblin2 - dead
Goblin3 - dying
Goblin4 - dying
Goblin5 -
Goblin6 -
Goblin7 - dead
Goblin8 - dying
Goblin9 - dying
Goblin10 - dead
Goblin11 - dead
Goblin12 - dead

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 58/60 - (Kim) 
Friday February 19th, 2016 7:54:58 PM
Dire-ape Murphy, next to Bitey, changes back to his own halfling form. Using a hero point (for a second action), he casts, via the pearl of power, his second cure light wounds spell on the dying pony, curing 7 hp damage.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday February 19th, 2016 8:12:01 PM
Shel felt for the ponies, but wasn't about to get herself burned alive. She patted Cudgel on the head agin, and then cast her Detect Magic cantrip. Murphy's words about a possible wand of fireballs rang out in her ears. She wanted to find that, if there were such a thing in the area.

AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 31 /61Cameron  
Friday February 19th, 2016 8:25:38 PM
OOC
Um, since Pressi was dragging Ringrot, that was directed towards her.
Murphy, Alleah is sitting on Bitey, I assume prepared to heal him this turn, waking him up and riding him out of the fire. Maybe hold off on the hero point until she posts?
Great job Mark running a battle with a ton of moving parts and keeping us all hopping.
Cameron will post later

DM Mark - sorry. Got all Murphyed up there. It was Pressy dragging Ringrot.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 56/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday February 20th, 2016 12:35:18 AM
OOC
[To David/Cameron - Ah, I somehow missed that Alleah had mounted Bitey. Had I noticed that, I may have not changed form / cast CLW - but, that's what I did, anyhow. Forgot to roll a perception check for Kim :-). Bitey is far enough down in hit points that likely he needs a few cures to get up and move without taking enough damage to drop unconscious halfway out from under the tree.
To DM Mark - the 2 additional hp heat/fire damage Murphy took - my header showed 58/60, should have shown 56/60 - as it now does. No worries]

As an afterthought, Murphy calls out, "Someone find the ponies. Someone move the saddles a ways onto the dirt." Then he coughs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 19/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; hasted; bless 
Saturday February 20th, 2016 9:24:53 AM
Pressi finally drops Ringrot and begins to move towards the fire, calling out for her friends (but not entering the fire area - she does position as best as she can to help save the gear).

She cries out to signal the people in the fire, and tries to determine how to best assist.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; fire resist (6)  2d8+2=8 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+4=24 ;
Saturday February 20th, 2016 9:36:01 AM
Alleah, not entirely trusting the ley lines, chooses to use her cleric abilities for the last living horse in a fire. (Spontaneous Cast CMW - replace the silence spell slot, cleric level 2).

(She heals for 8 HP, so yes she might need Murphy's healing. I don't know if Rob will let me spend any hero points unless I absolutely have to.)

Once Bitey is healed, Alleah rides Bitey out of the fire. (If needed, Ride 18, Handle Animal Nat 20).

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

used

1/7 Agile Feet
2/5 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
3/4 L2 Cleric Slot (both Summon II, silence/cmW)
2/3 L2 Witch slot
1/3 L3 Witch Slot

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 50/56, CMD 20 
Sunday February 21st, 2016 12:49:03 AM
"Yeah, you better run!" shouts Kezzem in Goblin into the darkness. He then makes haste to check on Rumpus.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 5963, CMD: 22,Hasted) (Kent) 
Sunday February 21st, 2016 3:53:50 PM
saddened by the loss of Dread as she was just beginning to get used to her ways, she walks over to Pressi and hands her a CMW potion. "Drink this before you fall over Pressi."
She the starts moving over to Murphy is working and helps sort out and organize what equipment and materials they managed to salvage.


AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 31 /61Cameron   d20+9=13 ;
Sunday February 21st, 2016 7:16:23 PM
Cameron steps back from the tree turned conflagration. He does this both to keep an eye on Ringrot, and to improve his chances of gathering the mounts.
" FWEET, FWEET,FWEET!" he whistles, "Here ponies, come to me. Here where it's safe come here. FWEET, FWEET, FWEET. Come to Cameron!, Cudgel, Skipper, you too, come here where it is safe."
Handle Animal 18
" You guys can help me. Call them like we do each night when we camp and feed them. They will come to us. When they get here gather them up and I will call on Jancassis's light to heal us all. We need to have that goblin searched and bound by then too. Get everyone together."

----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Shield +4 shield AC for 4/10 rounds remaining ( AC adjusted in header)
Bless +1 to hit and +1 on fear saves ?/? rounds remaining
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 495/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst

0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 hero point
-1 charge from wand of Shield
-1 charge from wand of Scorching Ray

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 56/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=33 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=19 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 12:00:32 AM

[As it looks like we are out of combat...]

Murphy, his nostrils filled with the smell of cooking pony flesh, hastens out of the flames over to S29. He casts create water high in the air to dampen T31, U31, T32, U32, to cut off a possible pathway for fire to the north. Next rounds O27, P27, O28, P28; and eventually in a solid diagonal line to I24, J24, I25, J25. In the midst of that, though, he hears from Cameron that the goblin, presumably Ringrot, has not been bound.

"What!? Ringworm is still alive?? BLISS - can you tie up that murderous slime? Get the wand of fireballs from him. Strip him to his loincloth! Bind his fingers! Gag his mouth!" One might get the impression that Murphy has a bit of passion about the subject. He takes a quick break, and tosses a 50' rope over in the direction of the goblin, making certain it lands in dirt or on the rocky ground. "Pressi, can you help Bliss?". He does, however, then continue with the firebreak to keep the flames from consuming too much of the local vegetation.

He wonders to himself, momentarily, if there is such a thing as a water dragon which can spew pools full of fire-quenching water, and whether he might someday be able to transform into such a creature.

After the firebreak (should take about one minute, including the rope toss), he goes to help Trillium with moving the saddles just a bit farther from the patches of vegetation near the trees. "How are you doing, Trill? I missed most of the fight, just trying to save the ponies and gear. Sorry about Dread. A good pony. Say, now that we've got the saddles out of the way of the flames - we can mend what we can mend later. Let's help Cameron collect the frightened ponies. I know Nutmeg ran off that direction," he says, pointing to the east.

He pulls out a wand of cure light wounds. "This wand can help heal those who need it. How are all of you doing? Pressi? Shel? Alleah? Cameron? Kezzem? Bliss? Mookie?" He already had asked Trill how she was doing.

Just before he goes in search of the ponies, he asks, "Can someone gather the bodies of our opponents, place them in a line, search them? After that, what, toss them under the burning tree?" He is not feeling very sympathetic toward those who tried to kill them, despite having been peripherally amused by the tenor of some of their conversation during their assault on his friends.

Before the ground gets too overrun, he puts back on his eyes of the eagle (he does not sleep with them on), and starts looking for pony tracks. He takes out his everburning torch, and uses it to light his way as he goes in search of the scattered animals.

At some point, Murphy realizes that his sleeping roll has burned up. 'What a minor point,' he thinks to himself. 'All of my halfling friends are alive.'

"We are, right? All alive?" he asks his friends. "How many goblins got away?"

Perception: 33
Tracking rolls (survival):
Thistle: 14
Pippa: 30
Carrot: 19
Others: 12; 28
Handle Animal rolls: 18; 7 (nat 1); 14; 17; 19

If Trill (or someone else) helps him, that may bump up the tracking and handle animal rolls.

Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 34/45, CMD 13; fire resist (6)  d20+8=14 ; d3=2 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=17 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 7:30:41 AM
"Thistle," Alleah cried as she rode through the camp site. "Thistle!"

(Tracking Rolls to Aid Murphy: 14, 12, 17, Nat 20, 14. Handle Animal Rolls to help Murphy: Nat 1, 23, 23, 7, 17)(d3 is a misroll).

Alleah let out a plaintative wail as her pet seemed lost forever.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+15=27 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 7:34:44 AM

Bliss looks for ponies (Perception 27)

Then he says "Okay Mister Murphy!" and he disarms and ties up the enemy leader!

He casts Detect magic too!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 19/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; bless  d20+10=15 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+1=4 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 9:10:08 AM
Pressi waited to make sure that they no longer needed her extra speed and low light vision before shedding her elven form (it wears off in an hour, regardless).

Pressi seems to recoil at Murphy's anger. Yes, her own horse Frosty just died in a horrible ironic name event. The horse she had rode to the tower. That she had danced on for the first time in years.

After Pressi helped in tying up Ringrot and removing all his weapons and armor (including, yes, anywhere he might hide a weapon)(not sure what roll to use, but I will start with Grapple 15, Perception 22), she moved towards Murphy to calm him down, hugging him tight. "I can't be the calm one, I just can't."

Regarding everyone asking if she is all right, she admits to have taken a beating. "But Kezzem was right. Taking a beating is my job. So you all are going to have to get used to seeing me take a fireball to the face every once in a while. Besides, I think the bleeding has stopped, and I only feel a concussion level of shock and sleepy calm."

If it becomes clear that no more resting is coming, Pressi still tells Trill to hold on to the CMW for emergencies. She takes the CLW she considered sipping before (3 HP, I believe was the earlier roll) and a hit of the CLW wand. She consideres taking the other CLW potion she has (4 HP).

AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 31 /61Cameron  
Monday February 22nd, 2016 10:46:51 AM
Cameron just stares as the group just scatters in as many different directions as he has fingers and sighs. He walks over to Bliss and helps search and bind the goblin, making sure to gag him as well, he was a spell caster after all. He asks Bliss, " How long since your group has had an actual healer to fix you up during and after fights? My other pursuits have dulled the amount of healing my channels deliver, but if I could just get people to stop running hither and yon I could heal them. Plus, standing in place and projecting calm would draw the ponies back faster than running through the brush after them. It is getting early, and this fellow has slot to tell us and then answer for. Questioning him will take time, and delivering vengeance even more, as I can only do what I plan once per day."
While waiting for the ponies and his friends to come back, Cameron pulls out a patch of hair friom Ringrot's head and steps a few feet away, still watching the prisoner with his whip handy, and prays.
He calls to Jancassis to tell him how many have met their end at this goblin's hands. He wants to know how many people have been ambushed, robbed, killed and possibly eaten by this goblin and how many he may have sold into slavery. As he prays he powers his question with divine power by casting Detect victim over and over using Ringrot's hair. He hopes Jancassis will reward her Avenger with this information, so that he can judge the correct amount of vengeance to deliver. Throughout this process Cameron remains deadly calm and devoid of emotion. He had passed her tests, now he was about to live them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 50/56, CMD 20 
Monday February 22nd, 2016 10:48:46 AM
"Two gobs got away by my count. Stupid darkness."

"Of course I was right," says Kezzem to Pressi. "What was I right about?"



Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Monday February 22nd, 2016 1:22:06 PM

Bliss laughs and shrugs. "Cam, we gots lots who can do a little curing, even me! But none what's mostly or only a doctor, like."

After Pressi switches back to normal form, Bliss says to her, "Miss Pressi, I like you as an elf as much as I like you as a hobbit!"

That's a lot of dead goblins. (DM Mark)  d20+1=17 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=20 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 3:05:08 PM
Murphy, having pushed much of the gear out of the fire, changes form back to his halfling self and moves over to Bitey and Alleah. He asks everyone to help save the gear, and heal and gather the ponies. (Murphy can hold off on the hero point and the cure if he wants.) Murphy offer to heal whomever needs it. Then he pulls out a light and plans to set off to find the missing ponies. (This will take a while.)

Shel casts Detect Magic on Ringrot. So does Bliss. There are three items that detect as magic - a dark grey cloak, a plain silver ring, and a scepter with a shrunken head mounted on one end with the mouth and eyes stitched shut.
Cloak: Spellcraft DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Cloak of Resistance +1}
Ring: Spellcraft DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Ring of Protection +1}
Sceptre: Spellcraft DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Metamagic Rod - Silent Spell}
In addition, Ringrot himself detect as magic. There are 4 magical auras on him.
Ringrot: Knowledge:Arcana DC 16 - Highlight to display spoiler: {School - conjuration}
Ringrot: Knowledge:Arcana DC 16 - Highlight to display spoiler: {School - abjuration}
Ringrot: Knowledge:Arcana DC 17 - Highlight to display spoiler: {School - necromancy}
Ringrot: Knowledge:Arcana DC 17 - Highlight to display spoiler: {School - transmutation}

Alleah heals Bitey, and rides him out the of fire. Bitey stumbles to his feet, wobbly and still very badly injured, he move out the fire bearing Alleah with a wild look in his eye.

Kezzem shouts after the fleeing goblins, and then turns back to check on Rumpus.

Trill presses a healing potion into Pressi’s hands, which she refuses, asking Trill to save it for later. Trill then move to help sort out the damaged equipment.

Cameron calls for the ponies. None of the ponies will move toward the burning tree without being led. The dogs perk up, and seem less intimidated by the fire. Cameron casts Detect Victim, but detects nothing.

Bliss, Pressi and Cameron seee that Ringrot is tied up.
___________________________________________________________
The fire consumes the tree, which provides a rather dramatic amount of light as it quickly burns. The heat near it is intense. As you pour water on the burning tree, it becomes clear that you cannot keep up with the flames, but you do manage to create a great deal of steam in the process. The water does help keep the fire from spreading. The smoke from the burning tree has the smell of cooking meat from the 3 dead ponies beneath it, and perhaps any other creatures you throw in. (Remember, Create Water is a very limited spell, with a minimal actual area of effect.)

There are bodies of goblins and goblin dogs scattered around. As the group pulls them toward the tree, it becomes clear that some are not dead. What do you do with those? What do you do with Ringrot? Who stays at the world’s largest campfire, and who ventures into the darkness with Murphy?

Ponies - Dread, Frosty and Apple died from the fire. Present are Bitey, Rumpus, Nutmeg, and Sugar. Eventually, Thistle comes back on her own. Carrot and Pippa are missing. It’s dark.

As for the gear, you are able to save 75% of the gear, though a few items may require a mending spell to remove fire damage.

No further updates to the map. We are no longer going round by round.
___________________________________________________________

Dread - dead
Bitey - Dam 12
Frosty - dead
Apple - dead
Thistle -
Carrot - Dam 10 - panicked - gone?
Rumpus - Dam 12
Nutmeg - Dam 7
Sugar - nearby
Pippa - panicked - gone?
Cudgel (dog) - Dam 12
Skipper (dog) - nearby

Ringrot - Dam 46 nonlethal, 6 lethal, unconscious
Goblin Dog1 - dead
Goblin Dog2 - dead
Goblin Dog3 - dead
Goblin Dog4 - dead
Goblin1 - Dam 6 nonlethal, 5 lethal, unconscious
Goblin2 - dead
Goblin3 - negative HP - stable
Goblin4 - negative HP - stable
Goblin5 - gone
Goblin6 - gone
Goblin7 - dead
Goblin8 - negative HP - stable
Goblin9 - negative HP - stable
Goblin10 - dead
Goblin11 - dead
Goblin12 - dead

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron   d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=22 ;
Monday February 22nd, 2016 11:14:50 PM
" This place is a beacon shining in the night. I would feel a whole lot better if we were not here any longer than necessary. That burning meat smell will attract every predator and humanoid withing five miles. Worse things than giants live in the Red Hills, and I do not wish to meet them. Ringrot will keep until we are away from here. He mentioned he did not need all of us. My interpretation of that is that he intended to sell any of us he caught. I would have to assume he had a buyer for us and would further assume that the buyer might be looking for halflings to experiment on. Sound like anyone we know? Tonight's vision mentioned that the experiments were troubling. I propose that we get all of the information we can from him and them allow the Red Hills to deliver whatever Vengeance Jancassis has in store for him."
Once all of the group has gathered around Cameron will channel energy to heal them.
Channel energy for 8 healing
Channel energy for 7 healing
Channel energy for 8 healing
He keeps one channel in reserve in case it is needed later
Ringrot is also healed, and should now be awake and able to talk IF the gag is removed. Cameron has had no answer to his prayers, so he relies on the few goblins he has met to paint his picture of what Ringrot may or may not have done to deserve Vengeance to be visited upon him.
Spellcraft 26, 19 and 22
Cameron identifies the cloak as a Cloak of Resistance +1 and the rod as a metamagic rod of Silent Spell. He is unable to make out the spells since he has no formal arcane training. He would prefer if others were to identify those spells before he heals and awakens the goblin.
Cameron tasks the dogs with guarding Ringrot while he takes down his tent and stores it in his pants. He is then ready to leave. While the others break camp, he walks over to Ringrot and says, " Do you recall what I said villain, when the battle tonight started? Here is Jancassis's first taste of Vengeance for all of the misdeeds you have done. I will visit another on you each day. I will stop once you have answered all of our questions truthfully and taken us where we want to go."
Cameron says a quiet prayer, one that sounds like an unspoken threat. He then touches Ringrot and delivers his spell. Bestow Curse reducing his charisma by 6 DC 15 will save to avoid
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 495/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today


AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Monday February 22nd, 2016 11:20:55 PM
OOC
Oh, and I have no idea what you mean about some of the goblins still being alive. Every goblin that Cameron inspects other that Ringrot is absolutely dead. You must be mistaken DM Mark.

That's a lot of dead goblins. (DM Mark) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 1:24:25 AM
Perception 15:Highlight to display spoiler: { Cameron is killing helpless goblins.}

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=36 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 1:53:54 AM
Perception 36

Bliss stares incredulously as Cam kills helpless goblins.

"CAM!" he shouts, "what are you doing? Don't kill them! That's why I got my bah! So that we don't have to kill things so much!"

"Stop, please!"

Mookie, flapping near to Bliss, just shakes his head.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 2:23:16 AM
Alleah smiles weakly as she rides Bitey free the flames. It's a pity some had died.

Her face turns to one of horror when she sees what Cameron is doing. "Stop that right now!" She will go to each of the goblins that Cameron has killed and cast Stabilise

(OOC: I'm not sure if Alleah has used any healing channels, but if she has some available she will ensure everyone - halfling, horse and goblin - are within range to receive her healing).

"Yes they attacked us. But perhaps they were following orders? Perhaps this was the only way they could feed their families? How many lives are you assuming they have taken in the past? Perhaps their families were killed by halflings? Without proof of a grave wrong-doing, your acts of 'revenge' are just murder!"

-------------------
OOC: And a BIG thankyou to Melvin for covering for me!!!

Also, Cameron, please don't take any of these comments as an attack on you. What to do with prisoners is always a topic that comes up with every party :)[/i]

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 56/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=35 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=15 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 3:58:42 AM

Backstep
As Pressi wraps her arms around him in an embrace, shortly after she helped Bliss tie up Ringrot, and he was just finishing up his breakfire in the vegetation to the north of the tree, he appears a bit shaken. "I... calm one?" He takes a deep breath, then allows her hug to do its work. "Right. I just have this heat running through my veins, Press, and it may take a bit to work it out. Thanks for binding our attacker." He gives her a squeeze, and says, "Thank you, Pressi." As he lets go, he adds, "Still a lot to do. Sorry." And he dashes off to help Trill with the baggage for a minute...

[Thank you, DM Mark - yes, if Alleah was able to get Bitey taken care of enough to get him up and going, that's fine, I'll take up your gracious offer to preserve the hero point and emergency cure.]

Roundup
With five of the living ponies accounted for, and with his tracking successfully finding the general direction that both Pippa and Carrot went (Pippa to the east, Carrot to the south), Murphy announces that he's going in a few minutes first for Pippa, then for Carrot, and would appreciate if at least one person would join him. He will take a bit and bridle along for each pony. He has a 30/32 (the higher number with assistance) for tracking Pippa, a 19/21 for Carrot.

Conversation
As it quickly becomes evident that Cameron is performing a coup de grace on each of the goblins [Perception 35], he joins Bliss and Alleah in halting his comportment. He hastens to the side of Jancassis' avenger, and places his fingers on the handle of Cameron's bloody dagger, with gentle firmness easing it out of his hand. "Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper." In halfling, he says, "Once combat has ended, it is not our general custom to end the lives of our opponents. There may be moments when exceptions are made, but this morning is not among those times." He moves to some unburnt vegetation, and wipes the blade a few times to remove the remnants of lifeblood, then returns.

In the halfling tongue, so that, presumably, Ringrot will be unable to understand, he responds to Alleah. "He hired the goblins, and promised them riches following an easy fight. They were dismayed to find his forecast inaccurate. Alleah, I give no excuse whatsoever to the goblins. They did perform a grave wrong-doing in attacking us, who had done them no harm. I will not say they deserve to keep their lives. And I will not accuse Cameron of murder. As Cameron has pointed out, it was their goal, under cover of darkness, to end the lives of some of us, and remand the rest to slavery, perhaps vile experimentation.

"There will be times that we ought to end the remaining lives of those defeated in battle. But now is not among those times. Justice may allow it, but where we can, I prefer we deal in mercy, as we have endeavored to deal in the past."

Turning to him from whom he took the knife, Murphy asks, "Cameron, do you accept this our custom? Or will this be a time for us to part ways?" He holds out the knife by two index fingers, one under the handle, one under the blade, so that Cameron may have it back, whatever his answer.

Though he earlier had in mind words of praise for the cleric, those words have been stayed due to the present circumstances, as he awaits his friend's reply.

Identifications
Murphy does not recognize the Cloak (Spellcraft 9) or Sceptre (8), but is able to say that it is a ring of protection +1.
He also notes that Ringrot has two auras of sorts. One is from the school of abjuration (Knowledge: Arcana 23), the other the school of necromancy (K:A 22).

If for some reason Ringrot was not stripped to his loincloth, Murphy will ensure that this is accomplished, so that he is hiding nothing (other than whatever is beneath his loincloth, which the druid has no interest in discovering).

Disposition of Enemies
Those few goblins who were not killed, Murphy ensures, with help from this friends, that they are tied up, their legs hobbled.

He will wait to talk to Ringrot until the matter with Cameron is resolved.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 4:01:11 AM
That was Spellcraft 22 on the ring of protection +1.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 4:11:58 AM

ADM Kim to the gang: We need posts for Shel (Gerald) and Trill (Kent).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=26 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=14 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 6:44:06 AM
Sorry the site wouldn't let me on last night. Shel can identify the scepter and the cloak. Her knowledge rolls are good enough to figure out all the magic on the leader except the last one. I'm on my phone so I can't read the spoilers, if someone would be so kind as to post them. Thanks.

Shel was glad for the channels as she had been beaten up pretty well by the goblin attack. She felt back to normal. She didn't like the idea of killing the goblins but also wasn't a fan of letting them run free to terrorize more travelers. While the others debated that topic, she focused on identifying the magical items.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+18=21 ; d3=1 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=38 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 7:35:23 AM
Putting away the potion while shaking her head, Trill aids with moving the Goblins around and checking them over for anything of value. Perception DC 21, 34, 19, 34, 31

She perception DC 38 Nat 20 she sees what Cameron is doing but isn't overly concerned about it as she figure it is exactly what they would be doing to us had they won the battle and they had been the aggressors attacking while we were asleep, and leaving them alive would be a threat to future travelers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 41/53, CMD 24, low light+keen senses; speed 40; bless  d20+13=16 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 9:09:12 AM
(OOC: I still have to post sorry sorry)

(OOC to Rob: glad to do it and I hope I was good to her personality and strategy. No channels used, but I did burn a number of spells to save horses - see below)

Pressi takes the three channels from Cameron, which heals her a significant amount. Of course, she'd be glad to take a channel from Alleah as well.

Pressi does notice Cameron's actions out of the corner of her eye (Perception 16) but is late to the discussion of whether to kill helpless goblins and why/why not. So aside from a disapproving look she remains silent as she helps people bind.

She is torn over whether to go with Murphy. After all, they may need her leadership here rather than her lack of survival skills out in the wild, perhaps to keep Cameron from being tied up. But as nobody else volunteers to travel, she volunteers to travel on foot, staying in her elf form as long as possible (adding her low light vision and higher grapple to their travels, but she won't be as stealthy).

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

Pressi used

robe ability (1/day)
3/4 ki points
hourglass consumed
2/5 stunning blow

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

Alleah used

1/7 Agile Feet
2/5 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
3/4 L2 Cleric Slot (both Summon II, silence/cmW)
2/3 L2 Witch slot
1/3 L3 Witch Slot

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 11:02:24 AM
Cameron will take the dagger back, wipe it on the tunic of the goblin he just finished off and comment, also in halfling. " That is fine, they are now your concern. They will slow you down and may even try to give away your position if they feel that other attackers will free them. I have started negotiations with Ringrot. His payments for his crimes will take longer, and if he does as I have asked, he will owe no penance to me. The rest of you may decide what to do with him after he gets us to the mages, if indeed he knows where they are."
"You are probably correct Alleah, they were most likely just following orders. That does not absolve them of the wrongness of the orders, nor the consequences of following them. Sadly for them, they were unable to speak common, nor I goblin. Had they heard who they were attacking in the initial exchange, many of them probably would have fled in terror while we were still ramping up."
"We now have three fewer mounts, five fewer if those other two are not found quickly. Two extra prisoners to care for, and a dinner bell the size of one of the giant towers ringing to every creature in the area. We should get out of here very soon. I am packed and ready to go."
Cameron does not seem mad, or disappointed. He states his case flatly and without any accusatory tone. This very argument was what had landed him tied up in a riverbed next to a half eaten halfling a few weeks ago, except he had been the one pleading for mercy for the captives. That would not happen to him again. He prayed that the goblins did not slow them down, because those visions at night were beginning to make him think they were on a clock, and time was running out.
OOC
Absolutely no problem Rob. It is a problem in almost every group. It went both ways in my last game too. This was going to come up at some point, as will I expect Cameron's new found use for the bestow curse spell. But I will leave that discussion until it needs to be had.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=27 ; d20+1=2 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 11:33:29 AM
Perception: 27

"Leave one alive for questioning, Cam!" says Kezzem.

He then attempts to track the missing ponies and ends of walking in a circle.
Survival: 2 (natural 1)

"Uh, a little help here?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 12:10:03 PM
" That is what Ringrot is for Kezzem. He is the only one smart enough to speak common. He is also the leader, which means he masterminded this, thus he will know more than his minions."

That's a lot of dead goblins. (DM Mark) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 1:36:32 PM
OOC: Kindly see my e-mail on how to deal with helpless individuals going forward,

I can be very compliant. (DM Mark)  d20+7=18 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 4:05:29 PM
Cameron ends a couple of the unconscious goblins. There are some objections to this, and he stops.

You will find that there are now 11 unconscious goblins. 7 are dead, 4 remain alive - 2 of these are negative and stable, and the other two (Ringrot and another goblin) have non-lethal damage.

The party discusses how to handle the unconscious goblins. Some are opposed to killing them others are silent. Kezzem says to leave one alive for questioning.

Cameron heals folks and ponies, including the bound Ringrot. Then he goes over to Ringrot and casts Bestow Curse on him, trying to affect his charisma and telling him that he will do this each day until Ringrot tells answers his questions.

Ringrot’s eyes narrow as he looks at Cameron, “You say you will punish me if I do not answer your questions, and then you try to affect me with a spell before you even ask. A good, no-nonsense approach - I like you. Tell me what you want to know, and maybe we can work a deal. What do you offer in return for my compliance - I can be very compliant.”

Alleah pulls the remaining 3 non-dead goblins together, and channels a heal that affects goblins and all, causing the goblins to awaken. They begin to wail and speak in Goblin: Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Waaaa haaaa haaaa. I knew this was a bad idea, I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!”

“You’ll be rich he said. You’ll be famous he said. You’ll have all the goblin women you want he said. You can make others skin your squirrels he said.”

“Hey Ringrot - where’s you’re big victory now jerk? You can kiss my goblin butt - before I wipe!”

“Jeez, they threw the others into the fire!”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us, don’t burn us,...”
}

Murphy and Pressi prepare to search for the two missing ponies. It is dark (about 2 AM), and this will take some time even in the light.

In addition to the above magical gear, Ringrot also has a spear and 25 GP, along with other minor food and gear.

The other 10 goblins have leather armor, light wooden shield, short sword, short bow with 20 arrows, 10 GP each, along with other minor food and gear.


Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 6:12:40 PM

Just before heading out with Pressi, Murphy translates the goblins' words, then tells them, "We don't plan on tossing you in the fire, if you'll each promise us one thing. You will never join in on any attack against halflings again. We could have killed you. We could have tossed you in the fire. But, if you will promise by the eyes of the Raven in the sky, and by your own name, not to attack halflings, then we will let you go. Actually, we will leave you tied up for a while, give you some water if you are thirsty, then, when we are ready to leave, you can figure out how to get yourselves out of the ropes, and go home.

"Now, do you promise?" Murphy asks the 'jeez' guy, then the 'squirrels' guy, then the 'big victory' guy, then the repetitive 'I knew it' and 'don't burn us' guy. After each affirmative reply, he tells that one, "All right, you get to stay out of the fire."

Finally, he turns to Ringrot. "I do not feel as kindly toward you. Do you have a wand of fireballs, or were your four balls of fire produced by some other means?" Just after he asks that question, he places the index finger of his left hand on his own temple, and the thumb just below his cheekbone as he awaits the reply. If he gives the smart mouth reply of 'some other means,' he asks, "Then, how?"

Then he takes off after Pippa, with Pressi, on a healed up Nutmeg, and with his everburning torch providing light.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=25 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=20 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 6:29:24 PM

Bliss says, "That sounds like a great idea, Mister Murphy! Tell them they should learn to be good and treat others nice like we're treating them."

Bliss tries to Identify magic items with a Detect Magic spell. Spellcraft checks are at +5, make that +6 with Guidance. Bliss rolls 25, 23, and 20!

"Wowsy!" he shouts -- "I feel so magical!"

He explains that this dark grey cloak is a Cloak of Resistance +1! This plain silver ring is a Ring of Protection +1. And this scepter with a shrunken head mounted on one end is a Metamagic Rod of Silent Spell.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 6:49:32 PM
"Be sure to collect all their gold. Their gear might be stinky, but the gold will help us out anywhere.".

She listens close to the conversation the others were having with Ringrot. "Yes, tell us more about the powerful magic you used. Are you a wizard? Or did someone gift you with magic somehow, through a wand or scrolls? I want to know about your magic. Tell us more, and it will be better on you."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 7:35:54 PM
Pressi, back in her halfling form by now, hops on behind Murphy. Everyone else seems to be doing a good job interrogating the captives. (Though she does put in a request for the ring of protection.)

Together, they ride off for Pippa, hoping nobody ate her yet.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 9:36:37 PM
Trill looks and listens to the goblins and responds quickly in kind.

Highlight to display spoiler: {If you are so smart to have known this was a bad idea, and if he is such a jerk and a bad guy, then why didn't you all turn on him and stop him? You only out numbered him, what 15 to 1. I will make this promise to you guys. If I ever catch you preying on innocent travelers again, I personally will throw you in the fire alive and bound.}

OOC: Tag fixed by Cayzle

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron   d20+8=15 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=20 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 11:38:40 PM
Good grief Murphy, he's a fire sorcerer. They get tons of spells based on their personality. This guy managed to convince those idiots to attack a clearly superior force, so yeah, I think he can manage all those fireballs. Why didn't we hear them? Rod of Silent Spell. HE lives through his fights because he is not stupid like those morons. HE can always recruit more dummies to fill the ranks because of his glib tongue. A wizard? Really? Goblins think books steal your words. No goblin is a Wizard. Aside from that he is not a wizard without a spellbook, and as he sits here naked, yeah naked because somehow that was something we all needed to see, he has no spellbook. Will there be more dumb questions or can I find out what we really need to know? Thinks Cameron as everyone comes over to try their hand at interrogating the prisoner. What was the point of having a Disciple of Vengeance in the group if not to relate to the more unsavory people you find in the wild?
While everyone else tries their hand at this, Cameron goes and finds Cudgel's saddle and tack. If it is damaged, he asks if anyone else can mend it with magic, since he has said his prayers and set his spells for the day. Once everyone else has finished talking to Ringrot, he takes the goblin and Cudgel aside, where whatever comes to check out the fire may not stumble across them right away and hands Ringrot back his clothes, mostly so he does not need to interrogate a naked goblin.
"You resisted her first curse, so you are wise enough to know that I can uphold the threats I have made. I don't lie, at least not if I can help it. I have seen my goddess as I said and I do her will. I have endured her trials and am now one of her chosen. Answer my questions truthfully and take me where I want to go, and I will have no further reason to hold your attack against us. You are evil, of that I have no doubt and this is how you make your living. The more curses you have on you when I choose to release you however, will determine your chances of survival in the Red Hills. Do we have an understanding?"
"How many ambushes like this have you performed? How many travelers have you robbed, killed, eaten, or sold into slavery? Please be as precise as you can be on each count. These are starter questions so that I may gauge your willingness to not lie to me."
Cameron listens to the answers, and attempts to gauge Ringrot's truthfulness.
Sense Motive 15, 25, 17, 20, 20
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Resist Energy Fire ignore the first 10 points of fire damage from each source 495/500 rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today



Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 12:10:08 AM

Responding to Cameron in halfling, "Well, all right, aside from the fact that my sister is a sorcerer, she's not a fire sorcerer, and I don't even know about fire sorcerers. So, your knowledge is superior to mine. Until you told me, though I began suspecting I was wrong when we did not find a wand on him, I felt certain he had a wand. New knowledge. Thank you."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 12:11:24 AM

OOC: Ah, but Cameron only thought those thoughts. So, I guess my character did not respond to Cam's thoughts, as Murphy is not a mind reader.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 12:37:36 AM
OOC
I wanted to say that out loud, but thought it far better not to tip what I know about how things work to the prisoner. Prudence in the Agents was a fire sorceress, so Cameron knows all about them getting a whole lot of just a few spells. This guy definitely has charisma, thus my first attempt to curse him, so he has plenty of spells. All those fireballs are not a stretch, but the not hearing him cast was bugging me until I saw the loot. Then it made sense. I put the "no way there is a goblin Wizard" thing together while we were fighting because of their hatred of books. I assume that growing up dwarven I would know that pretty common fact of goblin life.
All in all I didn't want Cameron to be nearly as sarcastic as David was feeling when he got home today though, so yeah, I just thought it.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=21 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 1:42:49 AM
Alleah has no intention of joining in on the interrogation of Ringrot. She places her hand on Cameron's shoulder. "Just try not to do anything too permanent" she suggests quietly

Alleah casts Toros Taur Try to give Cameron a +1 to Perception & Intimidate checks for the next 10mins

Alleah stays with the other goblins and tries to keep them out of earshot of Ringrot. Fortunately, goblin is a language she is familiar with, so completely understands what they are saying right about now.

She speak to them in goblin in a hushed voice.

"How in Wardd's name did you end up following him? Did his mother drop him in the booze barrel as an infant or is he just stupid?" She smiles trying to come across as non-threatening to these particular goblins. She takes a seat on the grass on the other side of them, so that she can see them all and that their backs are to wherever Ringrot is.

With a slight grin, she reaches in to her kit and pulls out a handful of candied bacon (From DM post 19th Aug 2014). She purposefully runs it under her nose, showing how she savours the smell before nibbling on the end of one piece "Mmm. That's good. Oh, I'm Alleah by the way " she says idly.

"Now, I wouldn't be surprised if Ringrot the Id-i-ot is telling these guys all they want to know. I don't know about you, but I get the feeling he's not going to be looking out for your best interests. Probably going to try and get a deal for himself or something."

She sighs and takes another nibble from the bacon.

"I've already saved you once today. I'm not sure I'll be able to again. Well, unless you were able to help me. If you could help me, then I could help you. You see? Is there anything you want to tell me?"

Alleah will separate the bacon into 3 equal portions and toss a piece to each goblin, whilst keeping a small piece for herself to chew on.

Diplomacy: 21 and hoping the delicious bacon might help too :)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+13=22 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 1:44:59 AM
Oh, and Sense Motive: 22

Got any more of that Meat Candy? (DM Mark) 
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 10:58:32 AM
(If someone would kindly offer to track treasure collected, it would help your DMs immensely. Also, I will hand out XP once you move on from this camp.)

(I can address Kezzem’s post later. Sorry to rush things - busy day.)

Murphy heads out with Pressi on Nutmeg after Pippa. He finds that it’s very difficult to track from the back of the pony, especially at night, and the pony does not add to their speed. After about 2 hours or so you find Pippa, and return near dawn. You're both very tired. As they return to camp, it begins to rain.

Bliss impresses himself with his magical insight.

Trill asks the goblins why they didn’t turn on Ringrot, and threatens them, should they ever prey on travellers again.

Alleah sits down with the goblins and offers them some bacon, which they cannot eat. Assuming you untie their hands, the eagerly accept the bacon.

Shel is interested in the goblins’ gold, and asks Ringrot about his magic use. (Not sure if Shel goes with Cameron and Ringrot.)

Cameron takes Ringrot and Cudgel aside, and cuts the goblin’s bonds and give him his clothes. Ringrot looks nervous as the great dog sniffs him. Cameron asks him very clearly to tell him of the goblin’s misdeeds. His conversation with Ringrot can be overheard by some over the noise of the fire, if they are listening (Perception DC 10).
___________________________________________________________
Ringrot put on his clothes and says,”Bleah, spellbooks and scrolls are for chumps. Sorcerers are the real masters of the arcane, with power in their blood. I have no need for wands, for I am a fireball master! And now my awesome power is now at your disposal! If you would just give me back my stuff, I will serve you faithfully for life. Just think - the mighty Ringrot as your personal servant!”

“As for ambushes and waylaid travellers, well, that is all in the past. From this day forward, I’m skinning a new squirrel. I am a reformed goblin now, ready to serve my new masters and help you in your quest! By the way, what is your quest? Also, you got some mighty pretty women here. Their heads are small, but they are fine lookin’. How much were they? You must be an important person to have such women, my handsome dwarvish halfling friend.”

Sense Motive 20 on Ringrot:Highlight to display spoiler: { You don’t really need much of a sense motive check to see what’s going on here.}

Sense Motive 10 on the other three goblins:Highlight to display spoiler: { They seem very apprehensive about the dogs and ponies.}

Sense Motive 20 on the other three goblins :Highlight to display spoiler: { They seem pretty straight forward and eager in their answers.}

The three goblins enjoy the bacon. In response to the questions, and everyone else’s looks and tone, they begin speaking all at once. Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Mmmph, thish ish pretty good schtuff. munch, munch, munch… “

“Ringrot’s, well, he’s, um, he promised us a bunch of stuff.”

“Oooo, he’s a bad one, he is. He sold a guy to some gnolls a few weeks ago.”

“Yeah, we heard they buy folks in Bright Springs. We were gonna get some people and go there and be rich!”

“I promise I’ll never hurt a halfling again! You can trust me and let me go. But don’t trust these two - they’re shifty.”

“Shut up you jerk. I swear I won’t hurt anyone. Let me go.”

“Liars, I’m the one that won’t hurt anything again ever. In fact, I’ve never hurt anyone or anything. And I’ll cut the two of you if you say otherwise!”

“Hey wait, you guys should take me with you. Don’t leave me here with these two jerks. I can do stuff and stuff!”

“No way, you buttsmack! I can do stuff too - take me! He sets fires and eats his boogers.”

“Yeah, it’s true - he does like fire and boogers.”

“Liars! I don’t eat them. I have a collection!”

“Pfffft. Your butt’s a collection.”

“Oooo, I’ll gut you for that!”

“Hey Alley - got any more of that meat candy?”
}

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+9=16 ; d20+9=27 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 11:12:47 AM
Sense Motive checks: 16 (no to Ringrot) 27 (yes to others)

OOC: if it matters, note that Reincarnated Bliss does not know the Halfling tongue.

Bliss is glad that some goblins are alive, but he has no desire to travel with them. "Let them go?" he suggests.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron   d20+3=15 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 12:48:59 PM
" You are wheedling, playing for time, and not answering my questions. Cudgel here does not know which one of you is the caster of fireballs yet. Look at his singed fur. LOOK AT IT! He used to be very proud of his coat. He might not like the caster on the goblin side. Oh, and this is a limited time offer. If the other goblins gain my friends trust first, they are sooo trusting. Well, then I will have no need of information from you." Cameron let's the last sentence hang in the air as he looks expectantly at Ringrot.
Intimidate 15
After a moment passes, Cameron continues. "Oh those other goblins are so dumb. They will probably tell my friends anything to avoid that big fire over there. Jancassis has left it to me to find out your crimes, and I will accomplish that before asking you the important questions. And I am so not trusting. Now, about my previous questions?"



Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=40 ; d20+11=16 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 1:36:19 PM

Happy to have found Pippa, grateful for Pressi's help in doing so, Murphy is bushed after the events of the night, and the paucity of sleep. Ah, the rain. That should help dampen the remaining arboreal burning. He collects some charcoal for later use. However, it will make tracking of Carrot more of a challenge, so he wants to be off on that task as soon as he can manage - about 20 minutes after he and Pressi return with Pippa and Netmeg, based upon the things he needs to do before leaving.

He collects the various bits of rope he and others help set around the camp, pleased that they at least somewhat slowed the goblins' attacks. He plans to ensure that all of his friends know of their placement at the next campsite.

He performs mending on what saddles need it - those somewhat damaged, yet not totally consumed by the flames. [With 75% of the saddles destroyed - I am assuming that two are fully gone - Carrot's and Dread's - and one is half consumed - Apple's, based upon their time of exposure to being near or below the burning branches.] He leaves it to the others to get the ponies saddled up after a bit of rearrangement of the loads, and reassignment of which pony gets which saddle.

Again, about 20 or 30 minutes after his return to camp, Murphy heads out to track Carrot. He hopes she kept traveling the general direction she set out, as that is their general direction of travel.

His perception (40) is quite acute today, but his tracking is not so much (16). He returns to his friends, asking for help, and showing, when they get back there, where he appears to have lost Carrot's pathway on a particularly large expanse of rocky ground. If someone suggests that they just continue their travel, and hope to find her along the way, he is open to that persuasion.

When all are headed out for today's travel, having (finally) observed that Bliss does not seem to understand what he says in halfling, at some point Murphy takes him aside and says, "Bliss, if you would like, I and our friends can help you learn the halfling tongue. Since you're a halfling now, it's best if you can understand what we are saying. There are times I want you all to understand things, without outsiders picking up on it, too." [Maybe by next level, he'll have it down well enough to understand us - if he wants to learn. He should have a bit of a headstart, because, although I don't mark it each time he speaks, a good part of the time Murphy does speak in halfling. In situations where there are non-halflings, I will mark it for clarity.]

Disposition of goblins
Before leaving to track Carrot for the first time, Murphy, in halfling (with whispered translation into Common for Bliss), recommends to his friends that the goblins be sent on their way back to wherever they came from, and that the group decide, with Cameron, the disposition of Ringrot. "One of the goblins did say, 'Yeah, we heard they buy folks in Bright Springs. We were gonna get some people and go there and be rich!'"

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=20 ; d20+7=20 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 1:40:34 PM

Sense motive on Ringrot: 20
Sense motive on goblins: 20

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22  d20+8=9 ; d20+8=15 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 2:11:55 PM
"Murphy, if I may," Pressi begins gingerly. "You know I'm always up to keep you company and I feel bad about letting the horse get away, but I think we need to face facts. That horse has been running for who knows how long, you've clearly lost the trail, and I can't track. If the horse is still alive, he could be anywhere. At this point, finding Carrot is probably up to Carrot.

"But more to the point, our needed resource isn't mounts. It's time. Those people who have your... our... mages and are doing who knows what to them. They know we are here, and this is just the first strike. The second strike won't take long in coming - it won't take long for them to notice suspiciously absent goblin hires - and we're already facing them with fewer spells and ki points. It's a bad choice, but I think we need to keep an eye on what's really important.

"That said, if you want to press on for Carrot, I will help you. If you can look me in the eye and insist that we have a good chance and that it really will help us later. Or are you doing this out of guilt or stubbornness? Don't do this because you feel we failed our mounts."

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

Pressi, regardless of whether they go out again, does check on the condition of her gear and ask for any mending as needed (most gear should be in her bag of holding). She also does overhear some of the stuff the goblins say, but generally keeps quiet. (Sense motive R, G - Nat 1, 15)

She hopes Ringrot gets his gear soon. Finally, someone who is cooperative and trustworthy.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+11=22 ; d20+1=3 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 6:13:40 PM
Sense Motive: 22

"These guys don't seem so smart, probably don't even know basic maths."

He turns to the goblins, and says, in Goblin, "If 13 goblins attack a bunch of halflings, and the halflings kill 5 of them and 2 run off, how many goblins are left?"

After pausing to let the goblins ruu the numbers, he adds, "Well, to be fair, that depends on how cooperative you are."

Intimidate: 3.
Kezzem tried being clever in his threat, but it probably goes over the goblins' heads.


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 6:40:32 PM
Shel walked away from the conversation with Ringrot. She couldn't speak the language, and wasn't a fan of his attitude. She was worried that others would be waiting on the goblins to return, and that another wave of attacks was en route. She cared about the ponies and all, but she wasn't about to let looking for one of them cost the rest of the group their lives.

"I think we need to get moving. There may be reinforcements coming, and the fire makes us pretty easy to track. We need to head on as soo as possible."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 7:47:09 PM
When Murphy returns with the first pony, Cameron has Cudgel already saddled and is gently trying to get the others to pack the remaining ponies, because this fire is really making them stand out. Like can be seen and smelled for miles, maybe dozens of miles. He is glad others try to let Murphy down easy and persuade him to let the remaining pony go. They are only 2 days ride from Hovel, and the mount knows the way back.
As for Ringrot, Cameron does not know if he trusts him yet. He does know that if let out of sight or allowed to rest for a few hours, the goblin will replenish his spells and be just as dangerous as he was last night, so letting him go is not an option for Cameron. Cameron has not gotten a straight answer from him yet (please tell me these few questions did not take 2 hours), and hopes that talking to the other goblins is going better than this is. Cameron plans to keep the goblin leader close, riding double on Cudgel, until some decision can be made what to do with him.

If asked, Cameron does not think releasing them back into the wild will keep them from attacking others on this path, no matter what the goblins promise. First off they promised under duress. At the threat of imminent painful death, most people will promise anything to avoid it. Second, they are dumber than a bag of hammers. If Ringrot or any other moderately intelligent goblin recruits them they will fall back into their own ways. As for Ringrot, Cameron's plans were to curse him several times, reducing his ability to cast spells and thus making it harder for him to continue and a raider. However the goblin has already saved vs Cameron's curse, so that plan is not going well at all.
If not asked, Cameron volunteers none of this information.
Cameron would like one of the shortbows, and insists that all of the arrows be kept. They might be very handy indeed in this untrusting environment.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+11=24 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2016 7:55:05 PM

All right - before leaving the camp, keep in mind that Murphy had wanted to leave the four goblins (there were 4 alive in addition to Ringrot, right?) tied up as they left. It may take them a few minutes, or maybe longer, to untie themselves, and then head back to their camp. We will be on our way, Ringrot may be traveling with us for a little while (though Murphy does not trust him, and has no interest in returning any of his items to him - those were forfeit when he attacked us and killed our animals). He would just as soon have the goblin sorcerer travel with them for a day, then boot his behind back to wherever. That will mean he would have to travel for a day to get back to his people, and Murphy doubts the round trip by Ringrot to again attack them again would be likely. For the moment, on the Ringrot question, though, he will leave it to the group's decision following Cameron's report.

Responding to Pressi's reasoning, Murphy says, "You are right. If we find Carrot on the way, then we may rejoice. If not, then I pray she find safety, or a good person to care for her." He will keep an eye out for her, and occasionally check again for her tracks, but, aside from that, will leave the matter to chance or Wardd's discretion. [Another survival tracking check of 24, for what that's worth.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+5=18 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 1:35:12 AM
"That was the last of the bacon candy" she says, eating the last tiny morsel she kept for herself. "Now, I think I'll be able to get them to release you, but you must solemnly swear to try and be good for the rest of your lives."

Assuming they do...

"Very well. I am a powerful witch, you see, and I hereby put a spell on you. Should you ever perform an evil deed again your feet will fall off, your skin will turn pink, and your fingers will forever stick inside your nostrils." Alleah stands and waves her hands about in an overly dramatic fashion as she chants the horrible incantation to cast her 'spell'.

If you speak Elven - Highlight to display spoiler: {"Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you". I told you it was horrible!}

Bluff check to have them believe this: 18. Hopefully that she has shown she can cast spells will help as proof to fool them.

"It is done." she says solemnly "You are free to leave. But always remember your promise and the curse" she says, untying them. "Go now before they change their minds"

Alleah keeps her face deadly serious until the goblins are out of sight, then chuckles as she places her hand on Murphy's shoulder "I know you wanted to keep them tied, but I think I've scared them onto the straight and narrow. And honestly, I doubt those three could have untied themselves"

Never Gonna Give You Up. (DM Mark)  d20=11 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 11:24:46 AM
Experience Points so far:
640 experience points each for resolving things as you left Humble's Ford and Hovel.
1920 experience points each for the goblin encounter.
1 hero point to Murphy for his efforts to save the ponies!

(This post is a bit disjointed due to multiple actions over several hours.)

Bliss does not relish the idea of travelling with goblins, and suggests they just be let go.

Kezzem gives the goblins a math problem to intimidate them. In return, he gets several minutes of goblins counting their fingers, staring off into space, and picking their noses.

Shel suggests that the group get going.

Murphy senses that Ringrot is trying to manipulate his situation. He senses that the goblins are just looking to better their position. (There are 4 goblins alive - Cameron killed two before he was stopped.)

Cameron tells Ringrot to answer his questions, and attempts to intimidate him. Just then a bug flies up his nose and spoils the effect. (Cameron’s questions did not take two hours.)
___________________________________________________________
Ringrot blinks as he looks at Cameron, unintimidated, “Look, my new found friend, I have no intention of stalling. My time is all yours. There was a man I captured and sold to some Gnolls. But that was the old me. The new me is ready to serve my new masters. I can be much more effective if you give me my stuff back. And if you’ll let me keep one or two of those goblins, we will see to all your needs. The rest of the goblins you can simply get rid of - they don’t matter.”

In response to Cameron’s threat, he looks sideling at Cudgel, “You could sick your dog on me, but you could also have killed me and instead you healed my wounds. I can see you’re a smart guy - let me repay your wisdom with raw firepower! Oh, and sorry about your dog’s fur. For what it’s worth, I think it’s an improvement - it gives him character. I could probably arrange for you to have some goblin dogs.”

Sense Motive 20 on Ringrot:Highlight to display spoiler: { He is trying to manipulate the situation to his advantage. }
___________________________________________________________
(Murphy and Pressi will not return for some time, but once they do…)
Murphy and Pressi return near dawn as a light rain begins to fall. They are cold, wet and tired. The rain clears the air, and dampens the still smouldering tree and vegetation. They found a tired and bedraggled Pippa, and debate the wisdom of going after Carrot. Murphy finds that two of the saddles have been destroyed along with some of the gear (25% - you decide what.) The rest seems salvageable. (Mind the weight and bulk - you are missing 4 ponies.)

(Note, in the morning, anyone that did not go back to sleep will be fatigued. Arcane casters cannot regain spells without 8 hours or rest.)

Cameron saddles up Cudgel and prepares to go. He plans to have Ringrot ride with him.

Alleah lets the 3 goblins go, she warns them to do no evil, and feigns casting a spell on them to ensure this. Sense Motive 20 on the other three goblins :Highlight to display spoiler: { They seem pretty worried about the “spell” Alleah just cast.}

Once Ringrot sees the other goblins leaving he says, “Well, I guess we’re out of here then. See ya.” As Cameron stops him from leaving, “Hey! What the heck? How come you’re letting them go and not me?”

The three goblins gather up their gear (sans gold) and move out, and don’t seem to mind the rain. They keep a wary eye on the ponies and dogs as they go. You hear them speaking in goblin as they leave:Highlight to display spoiler: {

“Hey, they’re keeping Ringrot! Ha, Ringrot, who’s the tough guy now? You can kiss my goblin butt! “

“Hey, let’s make Ringrot our new swear word. Hey you’re full of ringrot! You’re such a motherringrotter!”

“Yeah that last one didn’t work.”

“What do you know, you dumbringrot.”

“Watch your mouth, I’ll gut you for that.”

“Hey, would that be evil? She spoke some kind of powerful spell on us.”

“I dunno.” One goblin hits the other hard on the arm.

“Ow! What the ringrot was that for?”

“I’m not pink, so at least that’s not evil.”

“What kind of spell was that?”

“I don’t know, but it sounded awful!”

“Yeah, it kinda looked like she was dancing when she cast it.”

“Yeah, that part was weird. I hope I never see that again.”
}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+11=14 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 12:40:38 PM
Sense Motive: 14

"So what the Ringrot are we going to do next?" asks Kezzem, adopting the Goblin curse as his own.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron   d20+8=14 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 2:29:26 PM
I question the DC 20 Sense motive, but if you are rolling bluff for him, then he is deceiving me fairly....sigh
Sense motive 14
Ringrot has given Cameron absolutely no useful information other than once, he sold someone for a profit. Despite this utter lack of actionable info, he seems to be convincing in his desire to have his gear back.
Cameron cannot shake the feeling he is being manipulated, so he ties Ringrot back up and gags him. He will begin questioning him again in the early morning when he has had time to prepare spells to glean the truth from Ringrot's statements. Should Ringrot not like this, Cameron will sound the alarm and HOLD him, (cast Hold Person DC 14 will save to resist)

OOC
DM Mark, you mentioned Alleah channeled to heal again, but I saw no amount healed. Did that happen?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Fatigued
A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today

DM Mark - I did not mean for Cameron to be misled, but I see your point. The goblin is only out for himself, and agreeing to whatever you want to hear.

Also, on 2/23 Alleah said she channeled energy if she had any left. I will leave that to the PCs to work out. If you need her healing, please let her know.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Thursday February 25th, 2016 8:24:54 PM
ooc
8)
Cameron has, and will probably walk around burned to a crisp rather than ask for healing. He is a cleric, and is mostly healed. If I thought that topping myself off were a priority, I would cast a spell or channel one last time I have never gotten the people that get like 90% healed and then burn charges on wands and swig potion after potion for that last 10% when they are about to rest and recover it anyway. If Cameron doesn't have bits hanging off him and isn't leaving a blood trail, then he is fine.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d100=76 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 8:31:22 PM

Bliss waves goodby to the fleeing goblins and then laughs at Kezzam. He holds up a finger.

"Oh Ringrot! I got ringrot!"

Mookie snorts. "That's not even a joke, Kid."

Bliss walks around and sees that Cam is still scorched. "Hey Cam! Hold still!"

He casts a CLW on Cam (ley check 76) for 5 hp curing. By touching him with his ring finger. "Hope I didn't give you ringrot!" says Bliss to Cam. "Nobody wants that!"

But soon enough it is yawns all around.

"I'm tired!" says Bliss. He looks for his cauldron. If he finds it, unmelted, he'll go back to sleep. Otherwise he finds a crook in a tree and falls asleep up there (after tying himself down so he won't fall out). Mookie nests next to him, head under wing.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday February 25th, 2016 8:45:32 PM

Well away from earshot of the goblin, Murphy counsels his friends to have Ringrot travel with them for the next five or six hours, then hogtie him, and let him figure out how to get out of his bindings after they leave. He will not agree with Alleah if she suggests not binding him. "He can sleep up, then cast a fireball on himself to loose the ropes, for all I care." He tells his friends he does not trust him as far as he can throw him. "And, trust me, I cannot throw him very far... unless I change form." He also says, considering the fact that the sorcerer tried to kill them and their animals, he thinks this arrangement shows a Great Deal of Mercy. Perhaps even Foolishness. Those listening can almost hear the capital letters.

If Cameron says, "Let's bring him along with us, and I'll be able to make it harder for him to do things," Murphy responds, "I understand your desire, and the potential benefits of what you offer. But I do not want him near us while we are sleeping. If he ever fireballs me or those I care about again, I will make every effort to end his miserable life."

While traveling ponyback, Murphy finds out what it is like to sleep in the saddle. He's never done that before, but knows others have. Of course, his perception drops way down as he snoozes.

DM Mark - "Sleeping" in the saddle does not constitute restful sleep, and will not let you regain arcane spells or remove the fatinued condition.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday February 25th, 2016 8:59:14 PM
Shel wanted the group to move on, but in the event that they stayed around, she would have tried to go back to sleep for a few hours. She had experimented with the effects of how her magic recharged itself, and she would not have wanted to allow herself to be mostly unprotected, due to her reduced magic.

Once they were underway, she again hopped on Alleah's pony, if invited. "One of you need to take that rod of Silent spell. It's a pretty nifty little device. It'd be better in one of your hands...I can already cast most of my spells silently."

She stays far away from Ringrot, not trusting that little bugger.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22, Fatigued 
Thursday February 25th, 2016 9:29:53 PM
OOC: I'm not really following what gear is damaged, fixable, etc. Are you looking for volunteers to destroy gear or are we all supposed to do it or are we supposed to roll dice? It seems to me that if gear is damaged, you should just tell us the extent.

OOC2: Pressi will take a channel from Alleah to top her off a bit.

Pressi, trying this new thing called staying out of fights so she can avoid continuing to look abraisive, continues to remain silent on the whole Ringrot issue. It is a bit of a shame, however, that the reasons they grabbed Ringrot... actually, Pressi can't even remember what information they were looking for, but she figured they did not get it.

She doesn't entirely fear Ringrot as much as the others, though her trust does wane a bit. Still, the idea of that added firepower and guide, even if we would have to put him down later....

She knew as she struggled to stay awake atop Sugar that she was not completely in the best frame of mind. And, of course, nobody got to sleep long enough to recharge their spent spells. Trying not to lose focus as a guard, she does attempt to meditate for a few hours, which will at least recharge her ki. (She doesn't need continuous sleep.)

DM Mark - Given the volume and complexity of the gear Murphy chose to bring, I trust Murphy to determine what was lost. :)

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Thursday February 25th, 2016 9:46:06 PM
Trill watches with glee as Pressi fauxspells the goblins. And Trill adds her glowering glare to the mix the entire time.

She is not the happiest person when it comes to the Ringrot situation, and would be just as happy to have held a quick trial and hung him for his crimes.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday February 25th, 2016 11:08:41 PM

Before going to sleep, if we do, Bliss says, "Maybe he can tell us about the Breakfast Clubbers, and whoever mighta catched them."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+13=16 ; d100=85 ; d100=69 ; d100=99 ;
Thursday February 25th, 2016 11:58:31 PM
Those who were close to Alleah when she channeled energy - horse, halfing and goblin alike - were healed for 15pts total (OOC: Sorry folks. I had to look back and check whether Alleah had actually channeled anything while I was away)

Alleah *thinks* the goblins believed her about the spell. They weren't letting much on.

"Before you hold Ringrot firm, Cameron, mind if I have a try at him?" Alleah will wait for the others to give her some space, as well as letting a few minutes pass since his interrogation. She wants him to feel comfortable (sort of) and not currently threatened.

When a few minutes more have passed, Alleah casts Charm Monster on Ringrot (Leyline check: 85 = Freebie. Will Save vs DC21 or Ringrot will view Alleah as a trusted friend and ally for the next 5 days)

If Ringrot resists, Alleah will try again and again (Leyline checks: 69 = Pass. 99 = Freebie again!)

-----------------------------
Channel: 6 + 3 + 5 = 14pts total
Sense Motive check on Goblins vs DC20: 16 = Fail

1/7 Agile Feet
2/5 L1 Ceric slot (bless, obscure mist)
3/4 L2 Cleric Slot (both Summon II, silence/cmW)
2/3 L2 Witch slot
1/3 L3 Witch Slot

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 54/61 Cameron  
Friday February 26th, 2016 3:55:50 AM
Murphy wants to leave Ringrot at lunch time, tied and helpless. Cameron thinks about this as they ride through the morning. He didn't think that charming him was the right thing to do, perhaps even more barbaric than beating him to get the answers they needed, but he said nothing. They had accepted his methods of dealing with the fallen, expressing their preference to leave the unconscious alive and he had complied. Perhaps the charms will yield answers.
Cameron thought about the things he had come to believe in following Jancassis. It all came down to the idea that when you were the one with the power, how you used it would dictate whether or not revenge would be taken against you. He and his friends had the power now. How were threatening and casting magic spells against the helpless prisoner any better than attacking a sleeping camp? As he rode, and thought, he prayed silently for an answer on what to do.
He had asked his questions hoping to find a monster worthy of vengeance, yet what he found was a scared sorcerer who wanted nothing more than to please those that had captured him, so as to not have to endure their wrath. Jancassis could grant Cameron the spells to determine if Ringrot was evil or was still evil, despite his apparent change of heart (based on the results of my failed sense motive checks) but wasn't the true test Ringrot's own response to his capture, and release. Cameron thought so. He had been watched over by a priestess of Alemi, Lilliput, during his trial. She had vowed not to allow him to die not because he had asked it of her, but because she would not allow it to happen where she was the keeper of the temple. She had forgiven his vengeful ways and hoped that he could find peace. Now it was up to him to try.
When they broke for lunch, Cameron took Ringrot off into the bushes to empty his bladder. Riding all morning had surely made that necessary. While they were apart from the others he decided to tell Ringrot what he had been looking for.
" I asked you those questions looking for a reason to hate you, a reason for you to be worthy of Jancassis revenge. Instead I found you to be a scared prisoner, who would say anything that you thought was what I wanted to hear to make me let you go. The only way I can tell if you are really evil, really a threat to others is to tell you why I needed information from you and let you decide if you want to tell me or not."
"We are the protectors of the Crescent Valley. We came here to find some halflings that went missing and are apparently being held here in the Red Hills and experimented on. We came to set them free. We don't get paid, we do this because it is the right thing to do and because the valley needs us. The goddess I follow seeks vengeance for wrongs done, but I see her as a protector and follow her to make myself stronger. If I can survive a trial and come out the other side able to seek revenge, then I am stronger for it. Do you know who in Bright Springs might have our halflings and how we might get them out? Knowing what I have told you, do you still want to cme with us and help, truly help us? I doubt that there will be glory in it for you, and I am not sure it would even earn you your gear back, that was pretty much forfiet when you attacked us and lost. But it might earn you the respect of our group, and maybe the chance to not have to fight for every meal you put in your belly. Do you know anything that will help?"

Back in the Saddle Again - Dm shawn  d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ;
Friday February 26th, 2016 3:56:20 PM
Kezzem does his best to use the new goblin curse word while asking what they'll do next. Apparently there are a few different ideas branching off.

Cameron is a bit frustrated with the way Rigrot is answering him. He ties him back up and desires to requesting him in the morning when he gets his spells back. He walks around the camp a little toasty but Bliss does give him some additional healing (+5 hp).

Murphy gathers his friendS and outlines his plan to take RIngrot with them and eventually tie him up and leave him to his own to escape. He does t want another fireball to harm him or his friends or woe to those named Ringrot.

Shel wants the group to move on, but takes the sleep when she can get it instead. She tells the others to take the rod while she herself stays away from Ringrot.

Pressi does her best stay away from the whole situation and is doing a good job. She doesn't fear Ringrot, but she doesnt trust him either.

Trill loves Pressi's technique but does not love the idea of Ringrot going with them. A quick trial and a hanging is all he is worth.

Alleah casts her charm Pwrson, and the first time Ringrot just stares back... " Trying something funny?".

The second time his eyes take on a sheen and Alleah knows he is under.

;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ooc: I didbt advance to the the ride since Alleah attempted to charm.


Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday February 26th, 2016 11:08:28 PM
[Am afraid that since most of us are posting in 'later that day' mode, we may not have much to say via backpedal.]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday February 27th, 2016 2:30:22 PM
OOC: Kim is right as far as Shel is concerned.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22, Fatigued 
Saturday February 27th, 2016 7:30:05 PM
Pressi watches carefully as the quick questioning, frankly a little uncomfortable. Trill and Cam, though they haven't spoken much in a while, seem to feel like they are going to a dark place. And charm spells remind her a little too much of the time with the four faeries, when she had gone under.

Couldn't they just stick stuff under his fingernails and call it a day?

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Sunday February 28th, 2016 11:39:49 AM

Bliss watches Alleah charm the goblin leader. He casts a message cantrip so he can whisper in her ear. from a ways off.

"Miss Alleah! Ask him about the Breakfast Club! Or about any halflings he mighta heard was prisoners. Ask him about Bright Springs and Dour Lake. Ask him who could be doing magical experiments on halflings?"

Mookie says to Bliss, "Ask her about treasure!" Bliss does not relay this. "Hush Mookie," he says sternly.

AC(-1 to all from fatigue) 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Sunday February 28th, 2016 3:11:29 PM
Cameron watched Alleah as she charmed the goblin. At first he saw the doubt and wonder in his eyes as he resisted, then the magical befuddlement. Cameron thought back into his own past and turned away from the scene. He walked away and went to check on Cudgel's tack. He was close enough to hear her questions, and any answers that Ringrot made chilled the Avenger with their hollowly friendly sound. While Cameron didn't want to hear that voice, he also couldn't pass up hearing the information that he was sure the goblin was hiding. So, he put on his emotionless Avenger face and listened as Ringrot told what he knew.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Fatigued
A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday February 28th, 2016 10:55:17 PM
"I don't know if we've been properly introduced. Ringrot, isn't it? I'm Alleah" she extends her hand to shake with her new 'bestie'. "I'm so glad you're going to be travelling with us"

"You wouldn't have heard news about any other halflings in the area, would you? It would be awfully nice of you to tell me." If Ringrot looks a bit apprehensive about speaking in front of the others, such as Cameron, Alleah will take him aside so they can talk privately. She's wary that the spell makes Ringrot see her as a trusted friend and ally, but she's not sure how he might view the others here.

"Oh, and do you have any other friends near here? I'm sure we'd all get along splendidly" She's curious in case Ringrot has an army at his disposal.

------------------
OOC: My apologies for missing a post guys Highlight to display spoiler: {The new work team took me out to lunch and I ended up with food poisoning over the entire weekend :( On the plus side they offered me a new job!}

Cayzle Comments: Highlight to display spoiler: {Rob, congrats on your new job ... as a FOOD TASTER!}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=29 ;
Monday February 29th, 2016 11:38:13 AM
"I think it was Dingnut," says Kezzem. "So what made you think you could take all of us on anyways?"

Kezzem will continue to purposely get Ringrot's name wrong, in the hopes of angering him into blurting something out.

Bluff: 29

A dear Goblin Friend- Dm shawn 
Monday February 29th, 2016 3:27:15 PM
Pressi was sick of the time consuming questions and the though of the charm. Couldn't they just put things under his fingernails to get him to talk?

Bliss uses a message spell to relay a laundry list of questions to ask and one not to ask their captive.

Cameron also didn't like the fact of the charm spell and moved far away enough not to be present but still able to hear.

Ringrot wraps his skinny, long fingers around AlleahS hand . The cold, clammy appendage makes Alleah think of worms.

" Thank you Miss Alleah. " Ringrot says. " I'd venture to say it will be a fun time too"

" No halflings and no friends. Other then you. And you is both" Ringrot says with a decaying grin. " Yous my friend and Yous a halfing." AS if a thought occurs.. " Wait, some dirty halflings live a travel away. Two moons, six meals. Well six meals for Ringrot... 2 meals for other goblins."

He looks to Kezzem buy seems unsure if he was being talked to, his friend Alleah wouldn't let someone talk to him with the wrong name.

" We was paId.. copper and silver. Top coin, in Bright side. Fresh bodies, live casters. But this was our first try and we didn't know who to see..."

××××××××××××××××××

Any other questions are answered in more goblin gibberish. The leader knows nothing else and is yours to do with as you see.

The day itself is a terrible, rainy day. Not a good showering rain but a soaking one that gets into the bones of halflings and doesn't allow them to sleep on saddles. ( Anyone who didn't nap make sure to update your status ).

The night doesn't come soon enough with a warm fire to dry ones clothes and warm some food. Watches aren't even started and food isn't delt with when a noise can be heard coming from the north of the camp. Something moving around in the wooded area.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday February 29th, 2016 6:56:37 PM
OOC: Question regarding the meals. Is Ringrot overfed, or were the other goblins underfed?

Ooc: Ringrot ate more

AC(-1 to all from fatigue) 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+16=23 ; d20+12=23 ;
Monday February 29th, 2016 9:08:30 PM
Cameron pulls Murphy aside, sometime during their wet trek for the day. Since he seems to be the main organizer of the group, Cameron figures talking to him is similar to talking to the whole group.. " I can understand and respect your groups desire not to finish downed opponents, and I am sorry I didn't ask. Where I come from, if someone attacks you they are pretty much consenting to an all or nothing fight. Either you live or they do. I will not harm the fallen again. I also do not like the idea of charming our opponents. I know it is odd that I would consider myself a punisher of the wrongs people do to each other and say that, but I have been charmed before and made to feel that my friends were not in the right when they didn't immediately surrender to a rather shifty group of adventrurers. The spell stole my ability to think for myself, and I hated every minute of it. While I can see how it has indeed helped us here, I would ask it be used only if other questioning fails."
When the camp seems to be being invaded as they build it, Cameron pulls out his sling and stones and goes into hiding, using his goddess's ability to hide better if the foe is unaware of him if possible (I don't know if we have all been spotted or not) He moves stealthily to gain a viiew of the noisy area.
Stealth 23, 22 if no clerical bonus
Perception 23
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Fatigued
A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today

OOC
OK, so what'd we do with Ringrot? Is he still with us? Did we tie his friendly butt up at lunchtime and leave him behind?

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday February 29th, 2016 9:14:45 PM
"Ringrot, what direction do the halflings live again?". Shel wanted to be sure the party wasn't sent in the same direction from whence they had come.

She wasn't keen on him coming with the group, but if he could prove he had information to help the group, then she didn't object to his continued travel with them.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=33 ; d20+29=47 ; d20+15=27 ; d100=68 ; d100=97 ;
Monday February 29th, 2016 11:18:44 PM
Not one to miss a snooze, Bliss definitely get his extra sleep last night!

The tiny fellow does not mind the rain too much -- he casts a witch cantrip -- Endure Elements -- on himself, Mookie, and everybody. So at least the chill is not too bad.

And at night, he uses a first level spell slot to call a cauldron to sleep in. As before, he sets it on its side and uses it like a cave to keep out of the rain. He and Mookie are about to snuggle in for some rest when there is a disturbance.

Perception 33! Bliss notices!

Bliss casts a Message cantrip on Mookie so the bird can relay news. Then, using his stealth and staying under cover when he can, Bliss hides in plain sight and sneaks to the north, to find out what there is to find.

Stealth 47 Perception 27

Oh, and ley check for the cauldron: 68=OK! And for the message: 97=OK!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 1:39:19 AM
During the ride Alleah uses one of her Calming Touches on Cameron, removing the fatigue he no doubt feels. If anyone else feels somewhat tired, she can help them too (OOC: Please let me know who needs one and it shall be done!)

On the outside, Alleah look calm and collected. Inwardly: "Warrd's Wrinkles, that goblin has a handshake like a wet fish! Ew ew ew ewwwwww"

"You're very welcome to travel with us, Ringrot. However, if there is somewhere else you'd rather be you may take your leave from us. It's quite alright, you know"

She listens intently to what Cameron has to say about Charm spells "I complete understand your feelings on this. To my way of thinking, the spell does no permanent harm. It is purely temporary - unlike a curse. Whilst those who cast the spell on you may have had foul intentions, I do not plan to ask my new friend Ringrot to do anything I wouldn't do myself. He will be well treated and not asked to harm anyone. If at any time you think we have asked too much of him, or put him in an overly compromising position, tell me and I swear I will release him from his duties"

Alleah's eyes and ears are alert "Sssshhhh. Did you guys hear that?" (Perception: 20)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=23 ; d20+19=21 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 11:31:06 AM
"If it's temporary, why are we keeping Nimrod around until it wears off?" asks Kezzem.

Alleah's eyes and ears are alert "Sssshhhh. Did you guys hear that?

"Hold on, I'll take a look." Kezzem heads off towards the sound.

Perception: 23
Stealth: 21

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22, Fatigued (AC 18, CMD 20)  d20+13=22 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 2:53:07 PM
Monks are taught to meditate even in a solid block of ice. But while they may sleep on a simple mat, a horse ride in the rain is a horse of a different color. (She gets her ki back but still fatigued. Daily abilities would not have returned, even if she slept).

In response to Alleah's offering, she does request a Calming Touch. It would be nice not to have such a hit to her physical form. Part of her did regret staying up to do all the horse searching and packing, though others needed the rest more, she supposed.

So when the noise began to occur, it was all Pressi could do not to go riding towards it, screaming at the target to "Show yourself, coward." Instead, with everyone else sneaking about and perceiving away, Pressi continued to stand her ground quietly, with a quick glance at their captive (Perception 22).

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

used

robe ability (1/day)
2/5 stunning blow
(Ki returned - meditation while riding)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=27 ; d20+22=33 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 3:30:55 PM

Murphy was pleased to receive Alleah's offer of a calming touch, to alleviate the fatigue.

"I should not relish being the recipient of a charm person spell, either, Cameron, unless it were from someone I already felt to be quite charming." He hears out Alleah's response. "I believe you used the spell judiciously, my friend," he tells her. "Cameron, some matters we can deal with or decide upon with clarity. Others may be more situational, with a measure of leeway allowed.

"If we battle undead, and even if they were only rendered unconscious, I would generally say, 'Finish them off.' Or if it were an otherworldly evil entity, likewise. In most other cases, we may bind them, but will avoid putting to death a downed opponent. If the question arises again, and time and conditions afford a moment to consult, you can always ask."

Murphy sets up his standard, and mainly hidden, trip lines surrounding the camp, ensuring all know where he has placed them, along with something which will make noise should any of them be tripped over.

With the noise from the north [Perception 22], Murphy casts longstrider on himself, then moves to the west a ways, then northwest, and stops to listen again [Perception 33].

Who goes there - Dm shawn 
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 5:36:26 PM
Ringrot looks at Shel, and for a second she thinks his eyes are going to stay crossed. " Ahh.. " he sounds before pointing in one direction. He thinks for a second and points the other way... and finally just shrugs his shoulders.

" Me gonna go. " the goblin answers Alleah. " Me will miss you, but me is gonna go." The goblin answers anything else before walking away to the west. After about ten minutes, he comes walking bask through. " Sorry.. wrong way.." As he passes back through to the east.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Everyone heads to the wooden area just north of camp. Some quieter then others, some faster then others. Once inside the cropse of trees the moonlight plays tricks with your eyes, while the rain drops off of the branches into puddles on the ground.

Plop... plop.. plop.. and then you see it. A wolf, taller then any halfling you know. His eyes stare at you, determining if you are predator or prey. Seconds feel like minutes, and finally it spins on its haunches and heads deeper into the woods not before scaleING a low branch, and.howling to the moon god. His huge form, shadows on the moonlight. As if a call to allies, more wolves answer the call. Some sounds miles away, some sound yards. One thing is for certain... goblins, halflings, nor the dinner club rule this untamed land.




Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+4=21 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 7:42:37 PM
If the wolf is within 30 ft Trill will try her wild emapthy to influence the mood of the wolf. Wild empathy DC 21

Eyeing the wolf as it leaves and the then hearing the call and answering howls, Trill shakes her head. "If it ain't one thing tis another." Ok guys and gals lets get a move on e certainly can't out run the wolves but we can certainly pick our fighting ground. As she moves to the front to begin scouting again she is constantly on the look out for possible high ground and or easily defensible areas that they can make their way to or retreat to if needed.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 8:54:44 PM
" Thank you for the moment of rest, It has reinvigorated my body Alleah." Cameron replies
When the wolf turns and leaves, Cameron figures the matter is settled. The Alpha came, and saw that they were not easy meat and took his pack to find a better meal.
Cameron again finds a suitable spot and hangs his tent. Despite Alleah's touch he is asleep almost instantly.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Fatigued
A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Resist Energy, Sound Burst, Bestow Curse

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
1/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
4/5 channel energy used for today


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday March 1st, 2016 9:49:14 PM
Shel was unnerved by the big wolf and its howling. "Anyone else spooked by that big fella? Murphy, could you turn into a wolf and convince him to leave us alone? Or would it want to fight you if you took wolf form? Maybe that wouldn't be the best idea. I don't know how to deal with that thing. Let alone if he has other big wolf friends! Let's keep going nonetheless, and maybe they will just leave us alone, Shel squeaks, petrified of the wolves.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+9=24 ;
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 6:59:11 AM
OOC: "Sorry.. wrong way" .. nice touch :)

"If need be I can cast a speak with animals spell, should it return. Though it does have me thinking - any chance that was a druid in a beastial form? Kindof like Murphy can do?" Alleah shrugs. She doesn't know the answer.

"But you know what? Whatever it was I take this as a good sign. Wardd sent us something that howls worship to His moon. Yep, this is almost certainly a good thing"

----------------------
Knowl Nature: 24 - to ID what kind of wolf it was

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 9:49:16 AM
"Oh, are we taking the position that was an actual wolf?" Pressi asked as she placed the silver nun-chucks and throwing stars back on her belt.

Pressi felt better after Alleah's calming touch, and after Ringrot had left a couple of times. But the wolf stuff unnerved her, and she couldn't be sure that they wouldn't hold off until 2 AM again. Pressi had always had a bit of concern about her height and wished she had the ability to match that wolf's back.

"I don't know if we can take another sleepless night, and I don't agree with Cam that the wolf just decided to leave us alone. And I sure don't take a Waard worship wolf as a great sign." But she isn't sure what to do about it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+4=24 ;
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 10:41:42 AM
Kezzem tries to recall if these are natural wolves or werewolves.

Knowledge (local): 24 (natural 20)

"Well, he seems to be having a...howling good time."

"Sorry."



Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 11:57:49 AM

Bliss loads his bah and watches to see if the wolves can be reasoned with. He hopes the doggies will not be mean.

Who goes there - Dm shawn 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 5:44:09 PM
The gray wolves are 100% natural, and no werewolves. The group isn't sure they won't return, but there seemed some impasse. Perhaps the hunters would pick another area to chase game in while the group took this one for the night. Or perhaps they are waiting to come back and separate your throats from your bodies.

The camp is finally set, Murphy even sets up his triplines. Food is cooked and much needed sleep is taken. The watches are the usual lineup and it is a very uneventful night... until.

When Pressi is on watch she is startled to see someone standing before her. The person easily snuck up and didnt make a sound. Before she moves into action she sees before her Veseley. His phantom mouth opens " I am unable to access my magic, but this stone I “borrowed” has allowed me to contact you.
He shows Pressi a pink, teardrop shaped gemstone. He says he and Tiana are being fed, but
experimented on, and it smells very bad where they are. "

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+7=25 ;
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 6:16:12 PM

Bliss is happy the doggies went away with no fuss.

He resumes his beauty sleep in a cauldron, snuggling his familiar.

Does he awaken at the sound of Veseley's voice? Sleeping gives a -10 penalty on perception ... rolling at +7 instead of +17 ... a 25! Probably that's good enough to wake a sharp-eared fellow!

He elbows Mookie to wake up and gets up out of the pot, one hand on his bah. He gapes at the sight of the ghostly figure.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20-7=-3 ;
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 9:53:26 PM
Shel was tired after her night of little rest. She didn't even have time to follow up on her wolf fear before she was sacked out in the middle of the camp. She was not woken up by the silent ghost like projection. OOC: Perception 3.

She dreamed of tasty roasted root vegetables while the others dealt with the vision.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 11:03:40 PM
"No, mommy, I don't want to eat no more," mumbles Kezzem in his sleep.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=34 ;
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 1:15:10 AM

Murphy may also have perceived Veseley speaking [Perception: 19]. If so, he rolls over and observes the cast image. "Poor wizards. We need to get there soon." He rolls over and snoozes, dreaming about traveling with Veseley through dark places, and seeing large wolves.

On his watch, he helps prepare the camp for an early exit. He cooks a quick breakfast for all, attends to the horses, retrieves the trip lines, and readies to leave.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+9=11 ; d20+14=24 ;
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 1:29:35 AM
OOC: Based on our watches, Trill and Alleah were also awake at this time...

Alleah tries to identify the spell that is allowing Veseley to do this, but honestly, she has no idea (Knowl Arcana check to ID spell effect in place vs DC20+Spell Level: 11 = Fail!)

She looks closely at the gem he is holding, and also looks at the edges of his form in case there is some bleed into the background. Can she can hear anything in the background? Some indication of where he might be? (Perception: 24)

"Veseley? Is that you? Can you hear us? We're coming to rescue you! Just hold on a little longer"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 10:44:55 AM
Cameron sleeps through the whole affair, waking only to pray and take his watch.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22  d20+8=14 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+5=24 ;
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 11:25:04 AM
Pressi flipped out a little more than she should have, given that this has been the third visit thus far. Maybe because she was still raw from the wolf visit and the goblins, or maybe because deep down she didn't think they would visit a non-caster that they wouldn't recognize from a face in the crowd.

A brief moment passed where she wondered if it was all a trick. It seemed too convenient that an enemy who seemed to have complete control over their captives - to the point where divination was struck down - and who knew they were coming would make such a blunder. And if it was really them, what's with all the riddles anyway? (Sense Motive 14, Know Local 15). She considered asking the image something that only a native of Humble Ford could know. As a non-native who just moved there, it proved somewhat difficult.

She also kept a fixed eye on the tear shaped stone, trying to identify it (Appraise 19) and to keep an eye on what might have happened to Vesseley (Perception 27). It reminded her a bit of her own tear that lets her do vicious attacks. But its only message capabilities are to comment on weight and fashion.

Calming down, she started with some basic business. "Can you talk long? Do you have to talk in code?" (Diplomacy 24). If they have to talk in code, she tries to reframe the questions as yes or no answers.

If not, she tries to get as much information as she can. Who did this? What experiments? What kind of smells? Where are you? What are they feeding you? Is this related to the Giants or the tower falling? What do they want?

Why did you pick me to talk to?

Who goes there - Dm shawn 
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 5:13:24 PM
Shel, Kezzem and Cameron all stay asleep through the visitation.

Everyone else is either awoken or is currently up and gets to see the image. Vessels shakes his head at all the questions... " No time, must go. Help us." AND with that the image fades into the rainy sky.

Pressi all of a sudden gets a strong sense of his direction for about an hour ­ southward in the Red Hills.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 8:01:20 PM
Trill looks around at the others, Ok all I am thinking we need to get there sooner rather than later. Who's with me up front today? Do we stay close or do we spread our selves a bit? Thoughts?


Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 8:41:00 PM
Bliss says, "Let's go! I can see in the dark! I'll go first!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 9:50:35 PM
Once Shel is awoken, she is ready to continue on her journey. She was hoping the ghosts would continue talking to her, a little selfishly, but she was glad those two were alive for the time being at least. "How does Vesely decide who to come to when he makes his appearance? It was really neat the time he spoke with me. Is there a rhyme or reason, I wonder..."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 3rd, 2016 10:41:21 PM
" From the sound of it they are at Bright Lake, wasn't that the name of the lake the trader spoke about that was all fouled by mining residue? That jives with what Ringrot said too. So how far off is that? I would prefer that we hustle for the whole day. We would make better time, but it will probably not be popular with the mounts. I can channel to heal the damage it causes and so can Alleah, so I don't see the issue, really. Let me know when you are all ready to go. I'm all packed."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday March 4th, 2016 3:38:33 AM

"Shel, I imagine when he gets the opportunity, he calls out to us. How? I do not know. He is a brilliant halfling."

"Cameron, if you all can mitigate the weariness that will set in at keeping such a pace, and ensure that neither we nor our mounts suffer long, then I'm willing to move with haste."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday March 4th, 2016 5:36:05 AM
"It's possible Veseley may have had an item or token that was important to you, Pressi, and that's why he could appear to you specifically." Alleah suggests "At least, that's the way I'd do it"

"I don't like the thought of inflicting harm on the ponies, even if it is only temporary. Hurting a living creature for our needs just doesn't feel right. I'm happy to drive them as much as we can - and buff them to help prolong their stamina, but as soon as they feel any pain we should let them drop to a walking pace for a while before pushing them further"

"Now, I can keep pace with the ponies on foot, and that would also help to keep Thistle's load to a minimum" Alleah has a 40ft base speed and the run feat - much like a pony.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Friday March 4th, 2016 11:52:46 AM
" You're OK with allowing the mages to suffer and maybe die though? That's a very odd idea. We could have kept their loads light by not bringing everything that wasn't nailed down in Humbles Ford, but that didn't happen. Life is full of pain. You endure it and come out the other side. If you don't want to injure the mounts we ride until they are 'hurt' and then abandon them and continue to hustle on foot. Point is we need to get there now. We don't really have a choice."
"I see this from a different point of view than you do probably. I was a soldier. Troops, mounts, weapons, they are tools and expendable. The contract, the outcome, is what needs to be looked at. I don't want to lose them frivolously, but are a few mounts more important to binding the valley together or are a couple of mages that might be able to fix the tower, and certainly will be able to rally the forces of the valley? Hustling along to that outcome is the only way I see. Does anyone else see another fast way to get there?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Friday March 4th, 2016 12:14:45 PM
Once awoken and the situation is explained to him, Kezzem has one question to ask.

"Are you sure you weren't dreaming, love?"

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 4th, 2016 12:41:29 PM

"Kezzem, I saw him!" says Bliss. "Maybe he was a ghost, but it was him! He was right there!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22 
Friday March 4th, 2016 2:08:38 PM
Pressi sighed, realizing they were in for a long night.

In her report, Pressi also shared a lot of the questions she tried to ask and the worries that she had. "The bottom line is that I can't help shake this feeling that this is a trap. That these viewings aren't being allowed - maybe even encouraged - by whoever captured them. Call that intuition, or paranoia. But I think it's that we were sent off on so little information.

"But I do know one thing. Whatever caught them is so in our heads that it seems surreal they would overlook this when they've overlooked so little else. And I hate the fact that they know so much more about us than we do about them."

Pressi began to pack her bags. "But we can talk in circles about what we might find on the way there. I guess I need to lead the way at least for an hour. And I have no trouble pushing myself, or even my mount if need be."

Pressi thought about her speed. She can reach a base speed of 40 ft for an hour - if she shifts to an elf build. Otherwise, it's 30 feet or mount riding.

Who goes there - Dm shawn 
Friday March 4th, 2016 6:57:24 PM
Leaving right now and heading out in the dark is splitting the party, as is the pushing of the ponies and mounts. Either way, from the time the group decamps and heads out, the entire day is more soaking, misty rain. Sometimes it clears to let the sun poke through the brancjes. The day IS uneventful other than some wolf prints.

Once camp is made and watches resume it is around midnight during Bliss, Kezzem and Alleah'S watch that a slight sound can be heard above the treeline.

DC 15 perception Highlight to display spoiler: { It is a large wyvern that flies by. }

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=30 ;
Friday March 4th, 2016 9:46:11 PM
Perception: 30

Alleah instinctively crouches as she sees what flies by. She elbows Kezzem to see if he saw it too, but motions for him to be quiet by placing a finger to her lips.

She doesn't want to wake anyone up just yet. She's well aware they need a good nights sleep, and hopes that wyvern will just keep on flying. It should make for an interesting story to tell at breakfast.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday March 5th, 2016 5:16:04 AM
Shel keeps sleeping peacefully, not knowing she had been lucky on her watch. She was especially tired and slept a dreamless sleep.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=31 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+11=12 ;
Saturday March 5th, 2016 10:06:48 AM
Perception 31

On watch when the wyvern flies by, Bliss stays hidden (Stealth 32) and alert with his bah readied. If it attacks, he fires, missing with a natural 1. He is not sniping (I do not think you can snipe with a readied action?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 41/53, CMD 22 
Saturday March 5th, 2016 3:49:51 PM
Pressi grumbles to herself as she continues to sleep. She has a weird dream where the bestiary for Wyvern actually starts with the phrase "nasty, brutish and short."

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Saturday March 5th, 2016 6:33:27 PM
Sleeping Blissfully, Trill gets what rest she can so as to better be ready for what is coming with the new day.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=31 ;
Sunday March 6th, 2016 2:23:39 AM

Murphy awakens for fourth watch, gets the reports passed on of earlier activities - such as the wyvern overflight. During the course of his watch, the druid attends to activity in the sky above, as well as more ground-based observation. [Perception: 31]

As he cooks breakfast, the halfling prays for greater wisdom. "Our wizardly leaders are stolen away, and them must we rescue. Help us do so well, that they and each of us may live. Help us to take down those who do such evil, not only against our friends, but also against many other poor souls.

"You who watch us from above, show kindness to us. Strengthen our hearts and our minds for the tasks ahead. Let us not fall into petty bickering. Use our abilities, and mitigate our weaknesses. Let us think well of how to communicate important information to one another in the midst of crisis, in the middle of combat. Selah.

"Finally, we pray for the protection of Crescent Valley. Many would see her fall and despoil her. Many would rise up against her. Raise up, O Heavens, many valiant halflings and allies to defend her right well. Selah."

The Druid's Camping Regimen, Fine Tuned Further
One of Murphy's new camp-setting plans following the recent goblin attack consists of a subterranean dual-chambered fire pit. He takes several minutes to dig a hole, then a second hole to the side a foot and a half or so away from the first hole, and a bit more shallow. He then uses the end of a stout stick to form a tunnel a couple inches in diameter from the shallower hold diagonally into the deeper hole, to emerge just above the bottom. While fashioning this arrangement, he is mindful of the general direction of the wind. As a fire is laid in the bottom of the larger hole, air will tend to be drawn down from the diagonal passage adjacent, helping to give air to the flames, and increasing the intensity of burning. Ensuring there is enough room on all sides of the cooking pot to allow for airflow, heat rises, with flames of course warming the bottom of the pot, but also concentrated heat flowing along the sides of the cooking instrument.

With it laid in the hole, smoke will tend to be much less of an issue, therefore not advertising as widely their presence. With flames below the level of the top of the pit, the fire will not likely be seen - except, perhaps, by birds or such flying overhead.

By the end of his and Alleah's watch, breakfast is ready, tea is served, ponies are fed and saddled, the scattered trip lines are gathered and repacked.

"Eat. Then we go," Murphy tells his companions. The last thing before leaving is to put out the fire, cover the pits with the mounded dirt, and the privy likewise. [And no, Bliss, I do not want to discuss it.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=30 ;
Sunday March 6th, 2016 1:34:34 PM
Perception: 30.

"Yowzah, that's a large," begins Kezzem before Alleah elbows him in the gut. "What was that for?"

To Bombul's Hollow and Woodbridge


The Lollipop Guild - Dm shawn 
Monday March 7th, 2016 10:10:57 AM
The next morning, camp is broken early to reveal a cold, cloudy day. The rain has stoppped, so atleast it's a start.

A few hours in and the woods break to reveal a strange site. A wooden wall of sorts, made out of mud and logs. Some short humanoids are moving around. Perception DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Halflings! }

A loud crash and screams interrupt the day. Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Part of the wall has collapsed and crushed some halflings!!!! }

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=14 ; d20+13=24 ;
Monday March 7th, 2016 10:32:37 AM
Perception: 14

"Halflings ahead," says Kezzem. "Alleah, get your cards ready, time to earn some coin!"

Perception: 24

"Nevermind, they's in trouble! Let's move!"

Kezzem rushes to help.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=27 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+6=26 ;
Monday March 7th, 2016 3:47:22 PM

"I hadn't been aware of a forest in the Red Hills," Murphy comments as they travel the way. "Most always one thinks of the dry deserts of this land. Am very glad to find this area in the hills. I'm marking our map along the way. 'Burnt Tree campground,' is where we stayed night before last. Wonder what locals call this forest?"

Further along the way, he notes the wooden walls and, "Hey, halflings ahead!" he says to the others, almost at the same time as Kezzem says the same thing. He hears Kezzem's suggestion to smiles, and adds. "And, maybe we can get a good meal."

Then he hears the crash and screams. "The wall fell down - quick, this way!" he says, urging his mount quickly forward.

[Perception 27, 27
Handle animal: a perfect 26]

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+12=28 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+8=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Monday March 7th, 2016 4:22:21 PM
Cameron has no trouble seeing that the humanoids are halflings (auto pass) and the crash and resulting screams tell him that some of them were just buried by the wall they are attempting to construct. He spurs Cudgel forward to get within 15 feet of the collapsed wall. Once that close he pulls his goddess's holy symbol out and channels positive energy, attempting to heal the wounds of the buried or crushed halflings. Having grown up with dwarves and miners though, he knows that any buried too deep will ned to be dug out quickly so they do not suffocate.
These are the positive things he does. On the other side of the coin, his free hand (guide mount with knees, auto pass) dips into his pocket and calls to hand the wand of Scorching Rays. He has not forgotten what they were told about anyone they met in the Red Hills. Most people were here because they were not welcome anywhere else. That could be for many reasons, but antisocial behaviour was the leading one. His eyes scan the assembled halflings and his quick to judge heart decides if they mean him or his friends any ill will.
Perception 27
Sense Motive 18
Any that decide to point weapons at him will not be automatically roasted, but will be given a stern look that says 'don't try it buddy' quite well in any language.
The channel heals 7 points of damage to anyone within 30 feet of Cameron.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=34 ; d20+29=47 ;
Monday March 7th, 2016 8:19:27 PM

Bliss sees what is happening, but some bite of intuition makes him pause. "What are halflings doing way out here in such a dangerous place?" he asks. He sneaks along, alert to something strange maybe.

Perception 34

Stealth 47

Loaded Bah in hand.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Monday March 7th, 2016 8:47:11 PM
"Ok, I see them," Pressi begins as she pulls out her rope and climbing equipment. "Just let me get my strength boost going..."

Pressi hops off of her mount before changing into a bugbear.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+18=19 ; d20+18=23 ;
Monday March 7th, 2016 8:59:16 PM
perception dcs 19 & 23

Bow still in hand Trill quickly moves forward to see what there is to see and help if they truly are in need of help and not just playing opossum.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday March 7th, 2016 9:08:26 PM
Shel casts Invisibiloty on herself, after hearing the warnings of the others. Much better to get the drop on any enemies that might attack the others, and to decide how to respond.

She was surprised at herself. Less experienced Shel would have thrown herself directly into trying to help the buried halflings. Time had taught her to apprise the situation fully, then respond as she could.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday March 7th, 2016 11:12:11 PM

"Bliss, it's known that some halflings live in the hills," Murphy answers his tiny friend.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=26 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 4:56:42 AM
Perception: 26

Alleah joins the others in rushing towards the scene. If there are halflings trapped under the wall, her plan is to cast Reduce Person on them, making them small enough to hopefully escape. She only needs to be able to see a moving body part to target.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 11:08:12 AM

Bliss tries to judge distance. How far away is the collapsing wall? If it is more than 300 ft, then he'll run 150 ft closer, abandoning stealth. (Run action, 5x30=150)

When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn 
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 7:40:59 PM
Kezzem sees the wall crash and rushes forward to help.

Murphy informs the others of the normal fauna of the area, but when he hears the crash he rushes in to help.

Cameron also rushes forward, just stopping short of the crash. He channels energy helping those who need it. He also reaches in and grabs ahold of his wand just incase. The halflings standing around do nothing aggressive towards him or the others.

Bliss moves closer as stealthily as possible. He doesn't trust halflings being out here but Murphy informs him that in fact some live out here. He is only around 100' away. (So he keeps his stealth?)

Pressi gets her ropes and chains out to help, and changes into a bugbear for some extra strength.

Trill moves with her bow in hand. She wants to know If this is a plouyoung or not.

Shel casts invisibility on herself to get the drop on the enemy, if there is indeed an enemy.

Alleah comes forward also, and quickly carts reduce person helping the process of rescuing the halflings by shrinking them down.

The reduce person spell helps the halflings pull their neighbors out from the collapsed wall. Camerons healing helps stabilize them. The group aids in pulling them out from the knee deep mud, and broken timbers. Two halflings comes out hurt but alive. The third is worse, just hanging on and if not for Camerons spell would probably be gone. The noise dies down as the last halfling is pulled out. His broken body doesn't hide the fact that he is gone as No breath comes from his chest. The closest halflings begin tearing up and some outright cry.

Some of them stop and pull their weapons up staring at Pressi in bugbear form but before a fight can erupt a meekish halfling woman steps forward.

" I am Henwi Greenfoot and I thank you for your help even if we weren't quick enough. May I ask who you are and why you have come to Bombul's Hollow?"


Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=30 ; d20+29=41 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 8:36:30 PM
Bliss sneaks closer still stealthily. He looks around for clues.

Perception 30

Stealth 41

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+7=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 9:09:33 PM
Cameron steps between the halflings drawing weapons and Pressi. " SHe isn't really a bugbear, just took that form for some extra muscle to help pull your friends out of this mess. Put your weapons down."
Shifting his attention to the woman who seems to speak for the halflings he answers her, the WLA pin on his coat showing forth, as does his holy symbol, still clutched in his hand.
" My name is Cameron,Avenger of Jancassis. We hail from Humble's Ford. We ventured into the Hills looking for some friends who went missing. We have it on good authority that they were snatched. You haven't heard of any halflings being held hostage around here have you?"
"If you move the wounded all together I can heal them some more, some of you are still a bit banged up from the look of it."
He keeps the details vague, still not fully trusting these halflings, but willing to give them the benefit f the doubt. He speaks the truth though and tries to remain friendly. He will channel energy again once they are all gathered up, healing another 9 points of damage.
Diplomacy 15
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today


Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday March 8th, 2016 10:20:29 PM
Still not totally trusting any of these halflings Trill stands to the side bow in hand listening and watching.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=13 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 2:20:29 AM
Alleah takes death very seriously - even for those she does not know. She kneels by the body of the deceased and casts a few spells. Prestidigitation and Clean Blood to clean the body, followed by Gentle Repose so that the body will not decay. With those spells cast, hopefully his loved ones will have time to prepare for a proper funeral and burial. She clutches her holy symbol as she says some final words: "Watch over this man's soul, Lord Gargul, and judge his life fairly."

Alleah too has a WLA badge, though the holy symbol she clutches is for Wardd.

"My condolences for your loss" she says gently to the grieving halflings "My name is Alleah. As Cameron said, we are looking for some friends of ours we believe were kidnapped. We mean no harm"

Aid Another in Diplomacy: 13 = Pass. +2 bonus to Cameron's check

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 6:14:37 AM
Once she sees no violence was forthcoming, Shel concentrated and dismissed her Invisibility. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish we were a bit closer and maybe we could have helped more."

She stood by as the others expressed the deeper sympathies. She wasn't terribly comfortable sharing much more than that.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 6:41:12 AM

"Henwi Greenfoot, my friends largely have answered your question. My name is Murphy, from Crescent Valley. We were passing through on our way to effect a rescue of friends, when we just now came upon Bombul's Hollow - which we really did not know was here. I'm very sad at the injuries and loss of life here. How this wall just now came to fall? Were you attacked? If so, are the attackers still about?" Murphy asks, looking around briefly, as well as up in the air.

If no local enemies are evident or mentioned, he further asks, "Is there anything we can do for you?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 9:26:02 AM
"How dare you!" Pressi growled in her bugbear form as the very people she helped turned their weapons on her. Stretching to her full seven feet did not help her diplomacy roll.

As Cameron and other teammates began to insert themselves between her and the group, she did have the presence of mind to shed her bugbear form and to keep her hands away from her weapons.

"What are you guys building, anyway?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+4=16 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+13=21 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 10:37:52 AM
Knowledge (local) on Bombul's Hollow: 16
Sense Motive on Henwi Greenfoot:16

"I don't think feet were supposed to be green," says Kezzem. "Cameron, maybe you should take a look at that."

Bluff 21: Sense Motive Highlight to display spoiler: { Kezzem is attempting to use humor to deflect his irritation about that "not quick enough" comment made by Mr. Greenfeoot }


Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=22 ; d20+29=35 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 7:57:26 PM
Bliss continues to sneak closer. Hearing Alleah praying over the dead makes him feel bad for being suspicious, but this time at least, he wants to be sure. He peeks around or through the gap in the wall. What's on the other side? A village? Just how many hobbits are there around here? What do they do? Are there roads or paths in or out? Are there fields?

Perception 22

Stealth 35

When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn 
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 10:06:51 PM
Bliss sneaks ahead and scans for anything but Nothing is out of the ordinary. Beyond the wall are small huts made of mud and straw. The town is empty as every halfling is at the wall.

When Cameron tells them to put the injured halflings together, the townsfolk listen and gather them up. The extra healing coming in helps mend their wounds but they do have some minor injuries left.

Trill stands by, ready for a fight but listening for now.

Alleah prays over the body and cleans it up. The eyes of the villagers let her know she Is doing the right thing.

Shel dissipates her invisibility spell and steps forward to pay her condolences.

Henwi tellS Murphy that they were building the wall to protect from giants and some bears. They haven't been attacked lately but they were trying to be preparEd.

The halflings jump back at Pressi's roar. When she reverts back to her form the halflings calm a bitt.

Kezzem tries to use comedy to alleviate the situation but the halflings seem very Stonefaced at the moment.he doesn't recall anything about the town and it's inhabitants.

Henwi tells you " There isnt anything in way of coin or treasure but you are more then welcome to stay as long as you need. "

When Alleah asks about the kidnapped dinner club she thinks for a second before saying " seek out a human named Greyson in a town
called Woodbridge a couple days further down the road. Greyson has always been kind to the
halflings here, and seems to travel in the area. He may be able to help. Tell him to say
that Henwi Greenfoot sent them."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday March 9th, 2016 11:11:54 PM
"Henwi Greenfoot? It's a pleasure to meet you. We appreciate your offer of hospitality, but we are in a bit of a rush. Maybe we could share a supper, and then we could head onwards toward Woodbridge. The sooner we get there, the sooner we could find Greyson and attempt to find our friends."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+2=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday March 10th, 2016 4:34:33 AM
" Oh Shel, you know our mounts are overly sensitive to emotional turmoil. This wall collapse has probably completely stressed them out. There's no need to hurry along now. It might emotionally harm the poor beasts."
"What I don't get is we have a perfectly good lead on whee they were taken, why detour to find another lead before we investigate the one we have?"
" Henwi, we had heard that someone in Bright Springs had been paying for halflings to experiment on. That's where we were headed. You might want to make sure all of your folk are accounted for until we can put a stop to this halfling snatching. I have a little military experience. I'll take a look at your earthworks and see if I can suggest some improvements."
Cameron steps away to look over the shoddy wall they are building to see if he can suggest anything. Though he had been a soldier and in his youth had seen plenty of walls built by master stone masons, he had little in the way of knowledge to actually suggest a solution. But he would help out any other halflings trying to make the wall better.
Knowledge Engineering 22 (untrained)
Cameron will also tend to the other wounded before they leave, channeling a third time to make sure all of the townsfolk that are hurt are back to full health. Life in the Hills looked like it was hard on these halflings, and the Avenger wanted to make sure he had done all he could to help them survive rather than needing to Avenge them if they passed back this way and found them murdered or missing.
Channel energy 4 more healing
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 5:13:31 AM
"I'm inclined to agree with Cameron. We now have two leads. If they are in the same direction, then perhaps whichever we come to first we investigate further? That is, no point completely disregarding Woodbridge if it's on the way"

"We've pushed the mounts quite hard today. What say we rest here the night and be grateful for the hospitality that Henwi is offering? We in turn can help tend to the wounded and perhaps even help with this wall. Then in the morning we set off fresh"

She then adds quietly to Cameron "And we may be able to help them with the funeral as well. Having two clerics on hand might help give them some spiritual peace"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 6:39:46 AM
Relaxed at there being no apparent subterfuge, Trill lowers her bow and puts it away.

"I'm in favor of some rest for the night and leaving early in the morn. There is no need for us to be exhausted when we get to our destination."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 11:51:53 AM
"Is this Greyson fellow a wizard or something?" ask Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 2:14:27 PM
"So let me get this straight," Pressi began towards Cameron. "We don't have time to meet this Greyson fellow, a person who might be able to corroborate this lead or keep us from wasting time walking in the wrong direction, and oh yeah might give us a better idea of what we are walking into. But we DO have time to hang around here for a spell. And I'm sure the mounts are your only priority...

"Honestly, I don't get this group. Stop. Go. We're running out of time so lets push ourselves to the point of exhaustion until we can find a bed and breakfast..." Presi turned to Henwi. "You guys have alcohol, right."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 10th, 2016 4:32:54 PM
" Exactly Pressi. Finally someone else has an opinion. To me, the mounts are tools, nothing more. See, two days ago, I mentioned that we could go alot faster. It would harm us a little, but I was up to the challenge of keeping us all healed, and by doing so, eliminating the fatigue brought on by going faster. That was the plan to help save the halflings."
"Instead, I was told that that would stress the mounts so no dice, we plod along at normal speed. I said what I just said because we SHOULD be riding, hellbent for leather, to get to Bright Springs where our first lead sent us, but instead we are moseying through the Hills as if two very important halfling's lives didn't depend on us saving them. Should we talk to this person? If they are on the way to where we are already going, or can be gotten to without too much delay in the path to where we were headed, then yes, of course. But we need to decide what it is we are really doing. Are we babysitting some mounts, or are we using the tools available to go save some halflings? Until we make up our minds about that we really aren't getting anywhere fast."
"Stopping and holding a service for this fallen fellow will surely make us and the folks here feel better. Of that I have no doubt. But please recall that two halflings you all know, but I have never met, are being tortured while we do that. I know them about as well as I know this poor fellow here, so to me it shouldn't make a great deal of difference either way. But it does matter to me, because the ones still alive I can help. This fellow, nice as he might have been, I can only offer the words of a goddess he probably never prayed to to send him on his way to visit Gargul and hopefully to a deserved rest he earned out here living in these harsh Hills."
Cameron stops, out of breath. He has been holding in the fact that walking towards the solution to their mission instead of running has been driving him nuts, but for the sake of unity he has held that in. Finally someone else has seen this and called him on it. Is his view harsh? Probably more than is necessary, but yes it is. He hasn't lied. He knows the mages actually less well than this poor dead fellow, since he has actually seen this halfling. But it is true that there is little he can do for this dead man, and alot he can still do for the mages, and they for the Crescent Valley. If only others could see that too.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 10:03:03 PM
Shel rolled her eyes at the two arguing. She knew that fighting and fussing wasn't going to help the group on their tasks. Shel nods at Alleah's idea to try and follow no leads, and simply deal with the first one that presented itself first. If that led to a dead end, then they could explore the next one.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 11:08:20 PM

Having heard about half of the conversation and understanding half of that, Bliss sneaks up on Mookie and gives the bird a shove.

"HA! I pushed my mount!" he exclaims (breaking stealth, by the way).

"Oh, wise guy," says Mookie. "We'll see about that!" He cocks his head this way and that.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 10th, 2016 11:11:43 PM

Listening to Cam some more, Bliss walks over to him and says, "Well, Cam, you have good ideas. You were right about the circus folks. What should we do?"

He ignores, or does not see, Mookie sneaking up on him, a worm in his beak.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+4=21 ;
Friday March 11th, 2016 12:43:29 AM
Murphy takes a few minutes to investigate just what they were trying to do - how they were setting up the palisade. After considering what they were up to, he offers a quiet suggestion or two for an alternative, safer way of erecting the structure [Knowledge: Engineering: 21], including having several temporary supportive, tip-pointed poles leaning in close to the structure on both sides of the wall to catch it quickly should it start to lean one way or the other as they work to bury the bottoms of the posts in the ground, and several ropes supported by firmly planted stakes - and helped by halflings - on both sides during the process of raising the sections...

He asks people how Bombul's Hollow came by its name. He mentions he knew there were halflings scattered here and there in the Red Hills, but they were the first he himself has come upon. "How was it you found this place?" Also - do they speak Halfling, or common, as they converse?

"Our mounts are helpers," Murphy answers Cameron. "They move faster than most of us. We may need their help as we take away some poorly treated people. Complain away, if you please, Cameron, but several of these mounts have been with me longer than anyone here except Shel. Good folks have regard for the lives of their animals. And we all have regard for the lives of those we seek to rescue.

"We are not some Dragon group who can teleport here and there willy nilly. We generally get where we are going by walking, or by riding. Some of us could travel faster alone. But to do so means that one or two can get there quickly. Likely, more than one or two of us will be needed once we come to our destination.

"One more thing - according to the maps I have seen, it should be about a hundred to a hundred fifty miles from Hovel to where we are heading. Practically speaking, the question of the time it takes to travel through the Red Hills seems to be a changeable thing, which I do not entirely understand," he says, looking in Trill's direction for some reason or other.

"First time here it took us about a week to travel out to the Parley House. Second time, it took about a day and a half. Doesn't make sense to me," he says, running his hand through his sandy hair. "If we can drive the ponies, but between you and Alleah get them freshened up again from time to time, I'm for that. I won't allow having us kill them, though, to gain an extra mile or two.

"Also, we need sleep. I can stay up overnight once in a while. But it can take time to get over that loss of rest. Several spell casters here must have sleep to renew their spells."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday March 11th, 2016 2:21:30 AM
"You'll have to forgive us. It has been a stressful day" Alleah says to Henwi "If there are any chores that need to be done before supper I'm sure we could help. We have an excess of energy to put to use"

When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn 
Friday March 11th, 2016 3:52:18 AM
Cameron helps walk around and examine the wall. The mud and logs is so basic he needs no engineer studies to see it is flimsy. A few spots to beef up but nothing else will really work.

Cameron, Pressi and Alleah have a little back and forth about pushing the mounts. Murphy even chips in his opinion.

Shel is in favor of following the first lead.

Bliss and Trill realize they are in no danger and drop the Invisibilty and lower weapons.

Kezzem asks about Greyson, to whichHenwi says she is unsure. " never seen him cast no magic " .

Decisions need to be made on the staying or pushing the horses. Henwi would be honored if Alleah would help with the funeral process but if time is an a issue, she understands.

She tells Murphy it was named so for a small watering hole close by. Bombols Hole it is called so it just fit. She and the others have only spoken common.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday March 11th, 2016 8:29:37 PM
"Of course, Henwi. I would be honored to speak the final words for the deceased"

Alleah spends the time before supper talking to the locals and learning about the deceased man. She helps coordinate a few mean to dig a reasonable sized grave whilst the women tend to making the deceased look nice.

Finally the time has come...

Alleah gathers everyone to stand around the grave with the deceased man lying in it. She bows her head, and begins the service.

"Friends. Today we gather to say goodbye to the local baker, Mr Lee. Rikasst, as he was known to many, was a kind man. He was an extremely talented baker, and was always willing to lend a hand to others. Wheverer he went he could always help put a smile on a persons face. He was not the kind to give you up, nor did he ever let you down. He grew up a local to this town, never running around or deserting anyone. And now, as we cry, it is time to say goodbye. Goodbye, Rikasst. Your rolls will be missed."

She gives everyone an opportunity to grieve, before concluding the ceremony. She nods to a man holding a shovel, indicating now is the time to bury him.

"And so, Lord Gargul, we pray you will see fit to look after this man. Judge his soul fairly, and we pray you see fit to send him to the Lands of Rest, and that his soul finds eternal peace"

When the Walls come crashing down - Dm shawn 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 2:55:15 AM
Not a dry eye is among the halfling population as Alleah does her part of the funeral. Some of the others come up and say words for their friend, and some just pay their condolences quietly.

After the funeral, all the halflings of the hovel gather in the center of the town, and start a great fire. They cook some venison that was freshly killed. The time of sorrow is over and the time of remembering their friend and the good times has begun.

The rest of the night is uneventful, but feel free to talk to Henwi or others. And decide were the group would like to go.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 8:50:38 AM

Bliss feels sad at the funeral. Miss Alleah's words are so beautiful! Feeling safe in the halfling community,

He asks around to see if this Mister Greyson in Woodbridge is on the way to where we think the captives are prisoners. Bliss does not want to go to Woodbridge if it means delay in doing the rescue.

But that is for tomorrow. Bliss beds down in his usual summoned cauldron with Mookie and gets a good rest.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 10:26:14 AM
Having no real dog in the fight and having put forth her opinion, Trill listens to the bickering and conversation, watches the funeral and then sits down with the others.

" Look I know we are kind of in a hurry, but we will neither do ourselves nor the captives any good if we show up unable to help. The ponies need a rest more than we do actually as they are doing all the real work, not to mention having nearly been fried to death the other day. Unless we know for a fact that this Greyson guy knows something that is absolutely necessary for rescuing the captives, then I suggest we bypass him and head on. Unless of course we have lost our way of finding the route we have been using."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday March 12th, 2016 11:09:34 AM
" All of us were nearly burned alive, and all are now healed and fit. The mounts get to rest for two thirds of the day since we travel only eight hours. They do not lose sleep to setting watches or making a camp.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 7:27:33 PM
"If Greyson is on the way, we might as well check him out Trill. Like I said, let's not make a set plan now. Let's leave it to Wardd. Whichever lead we come to first we investigate. What do you think?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 9:02:02 PM
Shel was content munching on the crispy venison and listening to the party discuss their preferences. She still felt it was more pragmatic to investigate whatever clue the group happened upon first, then if it were unfruitful, then follow up on the next clue

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Saturday March 12th, 2016 9:34:03 PM
Pressi does freak out a little bit about Trill's statements. She was sure Trill would talk about how animals were people and the will of nature and all. No morality statements at all?

She had been discussing in the background a good deal about whether to push the horses and all. She agreed with Trill that, great as speed was, it was also good to keep resources. Though there did seem to be a plan developing that would make their speed more efficiently.

As for Greyson, "It is my opinion that we need to figure out not only where our friends are, but who took them and why, and what they might do to keep us from getting it back. If this Greyson fellow can give us even the slightest edge, he's worth going a bit out of the way for. And as for Waard, I prefer to avoid leaving it to him when possible. But it seems to me that if Waard didn't want us to go to Greyson, we wouldn't have randomly acquired his name in the first place."

Pressi goes to bed early once it is clear they don't have alcohol.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d100=7 ; d100=56 ;
Saturday March 12th, 2016 11:11:56 PM
Before bedding down for the night, Alleah will go talk with the ponies. She wants to hear from them what they think about being pushed so hard, in an effort to save the halflings sooner. She wants it straight from the horses mouth, so to speak.

--------------------
Cast Speak with Animals. Leyline check: 7 = Fail! Well, if you're ever going to fail a leyline check, this is a pretty good time.
She recasts, this time successfully. Leyline check: 56 = Pass

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday March 13th, 2016 4:41:09 AM
Murphy joins in with the community, listening to stories, getting a feel for the people who dwell here. He does ask if they speak the halfling tongue.

Regarding their plans, he says to the group, "From what she said, Greyson is en route the way we are going anyhow. So let us continue our path, and, if he is available, consult briefly with him to see if he may help us come up with a plan as to how we will rescue the wizards."

He is fine with the proposed means to speed their journey for now. "I will be watching the ponies closely to see how this new plan works. The sooner we can get there, the better."

As it is about 100 miles from Angel Springs to Dourscale, Murphy puzzles over why it takes so long to go roughly that distance, mentioning his ponderings to Pressi.

Meanwhile, once the rescue is accomplished - he is all for having a talent show.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Sunday March 13th, 2016 5:30:10 PM
"I say we check on this Greyson fellow," says Kezzem. "I wonder if he's part elven. I knew an elven wizard once that called himself Grand Elf the Greyson."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=24 ; d20+22=32 ;
Sunday March 13th, 2016 6:39:28 PM
"Alleah," he says sometime during the socializing after the formal service, "those were good words you offered on behalf of Rikasst Lee."

He takes time to talk further with Henwi Greenfoot, in the company of as many of his friends who care to be there, and in the company of whoever she is with. He will try to get to know the names of others from here. "My friends and I make up what is called Humble's Sword - originally from Humble's Ford, up in Crescent Valley. A group of us won the Valley Competition, and soon we found ourselves getting involved here and there as opportunity and need arose. Anyway, we like to help folks out as best we may.

"What is your story, ma'am? How did you come to lead this town? What are some of the things people do here to make a living? And how do things fare for you in general here in this part of the Red Hills? Is there much trade? If so, of what sorts?" On the topic of trade, he mentions his family's toy and music business.

He also asks about the size of the local forest, and what they call it. He shows her his maps, and verifies where to place the town on his main map. He shows her the location of burning tree, and tells her of the attack by the goblins.

"We have encountered giants here in these hills. My sister and brother and cousins ended up fighting a huge white bear in the Red Hills once. Have you heard rumors of any giants on the move? We ran across a two-headed troll some time back, and fought some ogres and ogre mages.

"Besides the palisades you're working to build - which is an excellent idea - what other defenses do you have against attacks?" He mentions the pack of wolves they came across many hours ago.

He speaks with his friends, and says, "I don't know exactly what it is, but we seem to attract attacks. With the folk here preparing against incursions from bears and giants, or maybe even wolves - perhaps some such may choose to attack this place tonight. Despite us being in this nice little town, perhaps we might prepare in case something should occur. I'm sure Bliss has his bah loaded."

For the evening, before watch: Perception 24
During watch: 32

If Ponies could Talk - Dm shawn 
Monday March 14th, 2016 10:45:38 AM
One of the townsfolk, Jago Rumble let's Bliss know that Woodbridge is only a few days down the same path.

Trill finally shares her opinion on the ponies while also throwing out the idea of skipping Greyson unless they know he has some inportant information.

Cameron argues back that the mounts get rest while the menial chores of camp are being done.

Alleah throws out the idea of letting Waard decide for them. Which ever one they come across first they deal with.

Shel ate her venison and quietly thought to herself what the whone situation entailed.

PressI adds to the discussion, saying any lead helping them not only get the missing halflings, but also figuring out why is a good idea.

Before bed Alleah heads over to the mounts to eat their opinion.

Murphy picks up some of the halflings speaking the halfing tongue to each other. Most conversations are in common but even once in a while it goes to the racial tongue.

Kezzem wants to check.out Greyson and even ponders if he has any elven blood.

Murphy meets more with Helwani. Some of the townsfolk are there as well to listen and share.

" We have members of the Soggybottoms, and Undertrees, the Holehoppers and Junk. We are small, but made up of some diverse personalities. Me pa started the town with some others,trying as most new towns do to get away the big city life. Unfortunately there is not much by way of trade.

As for giants, some of our hunters have seen prints bUT nothing factual spotted. "

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The pony Alleah talks to almost makes a laughing noise. " No.. we would help you as much as we can. The little one who talks alot saved us from the fires."

" Yea.. we'd carry you as much as we can as long as we know we are going to be Ok. "


Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Monday March 14th, 2016 11:25:18 AM
Bliss thanks Bango and tells him that he has often admired his work.

The tiny halfling is eager to get on the road and find this Gruesome fellow

"He may be gruesome, but that's no reason to delay," says Bliss.

"His name is 'Greyson,' Kid," says Mookie.

"I don't care if his NAME is gruesome," says Bliss. "probably he's a very nice person. We can't all have nice names. Like me."

He works hard to get the party on the road.

Mookie hides his head under his wing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Monday March 14th, 2016 9:30:42 PM
"Huh, I guess it does feel a little like we're moving more slowly than we should," Pressi commented. "Almost as if you can't just compare distances and mount speeds, but you instead get to your destination on a certain day no matter what. I always just blamed my poor survival training. You don't spend a lot of time studying the forest when you travel through city alleys.

"I really wish I had answers for you, but I don't. Maybe it's my paranoia and my sense of unknown but every time I think about these events, I just get more questions. I try to think of why anyone would capture the dinner club or experiment on them. I try to think of who even knows about the second dinner club and can formulate a way to catch them. I just... something is wrong, and I can't shake this feeling that we don't know everything about the tower's collapse."

So later, as Pressi overhears Murphy's discussion, she admonishes him for not mentioning that they fought battles in here before. "Who were these ogres and giants? What did they want?"

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

In the morning, Pressi loaded up the horses, pretty sure the mount driving and Greyson destination has been agreed upon.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday March 14th, 2016 10:12:24 PM
"Good thinking, Alleah. If they are okay with being pushed a bit, so long as we heal them up nice, then everyone's happy. Maybe we could sneak them an extra apple or two if we found them," Shel smiles at the thought of babying the remaining ponies. That fire was terrifying for everyone.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Monday March 14th, 2016 10:35:54 PM
"Great idea, Shel. Much like with men, the way best way to keep these ponies on side will be with food"

In the morning Alleah looks for some wild-flowers. She wants to lay a bunch on the grave before they leave.

"Is everyone ready?"

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 1:05:16 AM
"Well, I did mention in your presence - remember the winged gnomes? - that we had killed giants before. And then as we traveled through the Culverwood, after leaving Cnossia and the waterfall pool, I spent time along the trail going through most of our stories, and did mention the Red Hills, and the ogres, and the two-headed troll named Stupid, and the ogre mages, and lots of other things. Of course, if you weren't listening as I told the tales, but were daydreaming about your own things, well," Murphy says with a twinkle in this eye, "I guess I did not tell them in an interesting enough fashion for you, Miss Pressi!" [The notion was that you read through the game archives, and Murphy's tales along the way filled you in on what you would need to read to grab all of that. Did not wish to fill page after page with his tales.]

"However, by way of review - there were two brothers, ogre mages both, called - and these really were their names, 'Idafeatyu' and 'Noyudint.' Idafeatyu sponsored the assassination of our beloved High Priestess of Flower, Sarabella. That evil deed was somehow laid at our feet, and we had to work hard to clear our names. Idafeatyu had taken over the old Parley House in the Red Hills." He shows her on his map the location. "What did they want? Oh, power, influence, wealth, control, havoc, and general evil things that bad guys like.

"We tried some sort of negotiation with him - Idafeatyu. But the way it wound up, he finally attacked us, and we killed him. He and a few of his companions are buried there on the grounds of the Parley House. Well, at least their ashes are buried there. At a later time in the same place Noyudint showed up with giants and biguns, and proved as skillful a negotiator as his dead brother. Of course, he started a fight, so we killed him, and all of his companions save one. Oh, on that trip, we also got a large, beautiful bell back that had been stolen from our town a while before.

"Now, there are lots of other stories, and I'd be happy to go through them for you as we travel the way. Also," he adds, as he pulls a book from his haversack, "I have this journal I've been keeping. Most of it, except for what I wrote since we left Humble's Ford, I've left copies of back home, and with the WLA. But you can read it anytime you want, except when I'm writing something new in it. Here, look over the first chapter or two before you go to sleep, if you want."

"Oh, it was the Trading Bell - which magically calls out to customers and traders from far and wide, and it was re-installed near our town. The cleric of Ffloy was overjoyed. Hah! That rhymes. Well, except for the 'd' at the end."

Murphy lightens the load of the ponies a bit more. Some of the items had burned in the tree fire, including some food. He tries to get to where most of the ponies have a light load, or something toward the low end of a medium load.

He gives thanks to the villagers, and petitions their prayers on behalf of those they go to help.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 4:20:26 AM
In the morning when the others wake up, Cameron and Cudgel are ready to go. Cameron watches impatiently as the others plod through breakfast and loading their gear and nearly cries that getting going takes so long.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 56/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 12:02:24 PM
"Dude, those ogres have the best names!" says Kezzem. "We need to find more of these guys!"

If Ponies could Talk - Dm shawn 
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 1:21:43 PM
Bliss has a bit of name trouble but is quickly educated by Mookie.

Pressi shares her opinion on travel while also admonishing Murphy about not sharing past practices

Shel loves that the ponies are willing to push. She also likes the fact she can baby them a bit.

Alleah is in agreementhe with Shel. Before they depart she wants to layou some wildflowers on the fresh grave.

Murphy reminds Pressi that he shared the stories before, but his own lackluster way of telling might not have kept her attention.

Cameron is set to go the next morning, not even looking to partake in breakfast.

Kezzem loves the names of the ogres.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After final good byes, the village of Bombuls Hovel is in your dust. The going is good and fast. The weather is clear and a bit warmer. The ponies are pushed, but cured at the same time. If they were angry, they don't look it.

Once at camp, it is another easy transition. During the night, wolves begin to howl from far away, move a
bit closer and then move off.

The night changes though when during Murphy's watch the Vision from Veseley ­ again appears as an apparition before him. He
says the food is terrible, and it stinks there. But even worse, is a large wood and metal machine
he and Tiana are strapped to for experiments. He does not know what it does, but he is
weakened by the experiences. They are in some sort of a building, in a town near a lake.

Just as quickly as he came, he is gone. Murlhy gets a strong sense of his direction for about an hour ­ southward still.



Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 1:48:53 PM

Assuming Murphy shares his vision -- and surely Murphy is not one to keep things to himself! :-) -- Bliss tries to align the direction from the vision with the direction in which the party is travelling to meet with Greyson. Are these in the same direction? Opposite? Something else?

The answer to that question seems important, since Bliss will not want to move AWAY from the people they seek to rescue.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 2:54:59 PM
((OOC: Brian, Kezzem, Those ogre names were actually names of two Orc PCs I used to play when I was Table topping back in the 70s)

-------

Trill accepts the group's decision and is fine with the pony plan and again moves to the front of the group for scouting purposes.

She shivers a bit as the wolves howl and speak as she is not overly fond of dogs and their ilk.

"Wolves, why does it always have to be Canines."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+12=28 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2016 9:39:13 PM
Shel tries to think of any monsters resembling the one Murphy saw in his vision. Wood and metal together? Interesting.. She ponders on the visual, trying to recall any arcane creations.

OOC: Knowledge Arcana 28. Not sure if that skill will help or not.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=17 ; d20+7=8 ;
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 12:15:19 AM
Based on the watch order, Alleah was fortunate enough to again be awake when Vesseley came to the party in a vision.

She tries to see if he still holds that gem in his hand that he used last time.

---------------------------
Perception: 17
Knowl Geography to determine where he might be held: 8. Yeah, probably not :)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=11 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=21 ;
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 12:19:40 AM

Murphy is puzzled at Cameron's grief, as he himself is up for last watch, and uses most of the time for preparations for when the rest arise - including preparing ponies, food, and gear, working with the seldom-sleeping Alleah.

Nonetheless, his normal diligence had been interrupted by the vision Veseley cast his way. He calls for Alleah as he sees it, describing it for her, and asking if she can see. "Veseley, can you see us or hear us? Wink your left eye once, right eye twice, then blink both eyes three times if you can hear. This is Murphy. We are coming for you."

The wood and metal contraptions sound like something the old Sons of Dread might have fashioned, based upon a story or two he's heard here and there, though he really does not know too much about that nefarious organization. [Knowledge: history 11]

He marks the direction that he senses, choosing several landmarks within and shortly outside the village to line up. He then takes out paper and ink, and sketches to the best of his ability the face of Veseley, and the machine he described. The first two sketches were barely passable, but the third seems to satisfy him more [Profession: Artist: 13, 14, 21]

He tells the others about the vision as they rise for the day, and has breakfast ready for them. Unless someone from the town prepared them something. The ponies already have had a bit to eat, water to drink. Murphy with his friends bids farewell to whoever in the town may be there to see them off, thanking them for their kind hospitality, and urging them to go ahead with the building of the palisades, yet with safety of the workers always in mind.

He thinks on wolves, and meditates on the process of shapechanging into a large wolf. He thinks through what he might say should be be able to cast speak with animals just before changing into their form. He envisions something like the wolf they saw recently. He considers their howling, and forms his mouth around the sounds, albeit at a very quiet volume. He rides Pippa for now. Keeping his promise, he tells Pressi and anyone else who would care to listen bits and pieces of the Humble's Sword adventures.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 4:21:23 AM
Based on this current vision, and the ones before, Cameron is sure that they are being held in the town by the Lake, what had the old merchant called it, Bright Springs? That would account for the lake, the foul smell and the direction. As described earlier, he is trying to record where to the south the feeling guides the group from where they are when the get it. ( Do these "south" pointing arrows all seem to go towards that town on the map? We have a few points now to triangulate with and I am sure we are not traveling in a straight line due to terrain and whatnot, so they should be at slightly different angles.) Cameron continues to pray nightly to Jancassis that the wizards have the strength to endure their trials and the desire for vengeance once rescued.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 10:39:59 AM
OOC To Kent: Nice

"I've known some ladies that liked to be tied up in bed," says Kezzem, "but somehow I don't that's what the Vesely fellow is talking about. Though it would be mighty awkward if we showed up to rescue him and that was the case."



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=9 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=24 ;
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 10:42:32 AM
In the evening, Pressi can be seen flipping through Murphy's journal while making basic notes and sketches in her own. One particular question that jumps out to anyone looking over her shoulder: "Are we the invaders?" Pressi takes a moment to try to remember the origins of Humble Ford (Know History 9, Know Local Natural 20) and adds what she can remember to her guide book.

A little later, she writes down "B" and circles it.

In response to Trill's statement of wolves, she replies "Because we'd abandon the second dinner club to their fate if we were facing Dire Marmosets and Spooky Boll Weevils. We just have to accept the fact that wolves are a classic."

In the morning, Pressi adds her own thoughts about the machine, considering that it might be some part of ceremony (Know Religion 23). She also tries to think about why they might choose near a lake - and in a building in town. "Why not someplace away from prying eyes? Why not in a cave or on a mountaintop?" (Know Dungeons 24).

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 4:30:56 PM
" The merchant in Hovel, the eccentric guy, he didn't give Bright Springs a very high reputation. Said something like it had turned evil the same way that the lake had turned foul with the mining runoff. Where better than an evil town to hold good captives and perform evil experiments on them? It's an evil town in the middle of a dangerous land filled with evil inhabitants that don't care who is being tortured as long as it isn't them."
"We are either going to need to sneak in there, unseen or send in someone they can believe isn't evil and that they haven't seen before if they have seen you guys with the wizards. I am still new so I would be safe, but I'm not a good liar. I do have the fact that almost everyone considers Jancassis evil on my side though."

Visions - Dm shawn 
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 5:38:31 PM
Bliss hopes the direction lines up with their travels and luck be a lady, it does. A few twists and turns but it seems to be the same general direction.

Trill shares her disdain for the wolf sounds. It would be a shame if one of these nights the wolves got closer....

Shel can't think of any monsters that resemble a wooden/metal machine.

Alleah canot tell if he holds the gem. Veseley'S hand is clenched while talking.

Murphy asks Veseley questions but no answers come as the apparition fades before he can answer. As for the description of the machine, nothing comes to mind. For the drawings.. Veseley'S face is easy to replicate, but the machines description of wood and metal leaves much to be desired.

Cameron too noticed that the direction matches up with the way they are headed. He prays to Jancassis for the dinner club to have strength.

Kezzem recalls a past memory that might prove awkward now.

Pressi tries her best to recall a religious ceremony with the machine, but nothing. As for the possible dungeon or cave complex. Who is to say there isn't more then meets the eye. She recalls the origins of Humble's Ford and adds it to her diary.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ­

The next morning Cameron and Murphy gets the mounts ready. After a delicious breakfast the ride begins. The Weather remains clear and relatively warm.

After a few hours while riding along, right before Shel's face another Vision from Veseley ­ He appears for a moment, has a sudden
surprised look, and then disapears. Shel gets a strong sense of his direction
for about an hour ­ toward Dour Lake.



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 6:55:24 PM
"We have to head for Dour Lake! Something strange happened with the vision this time. He appeared, looked surprised, and vanished before he could say anything. I'm afraid he's been caught communicating with us somehow! We need to hurry...I'm afraid this might be his very last vision," Shel calls out, very worried by the surprising message, or lack of a message, more precisely.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 16th, 2016 9:51:45 PM

Bliss is eager to head on. "Come on, before it is too late!" he cries.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 1:26:07 AM

"We're heading, we're heading," replies Murphy as he heads forward.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d100=71 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2016 5:24:02 AM
"We've been pushing quite hard. Can we afford to take an hour's break? If Veselley can message out, then perhaps whatever was blocking my scry attempts earlier is gone and I can get a clear picture on him. I know we'd lose an hour's travel time, but being able to see what is around Veselley could be invaluable intel. We could get a clearer picture of where exactly he is, his current state, and perhaps even who has him"

If there aren't any disagreements, Alleah immediately begins to cast a Scrying spell.

Leyline check: 71. Veselley can make a Will Save vs DC19 to stop Alleah from Scrying on him

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 10:34:33 AM

"Fine with me, Alleah," Murphy replies. "How about the rest of you?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 17th, 2016 11:48:36 AM
" Sure. How far do you think it is to Dour Lake? I'm no good with maps."
Cameron will feed and water the mounts while Alleah scrys on Veseley.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 1:20:04 PM
Pressi responded to Cameron, "People don't just go along with their neighbors experimenting even if they are all evil. I mean, it would just... The lake and people mysteriously turned evil, the economy cratered, we haven't even heard anything from this town in some time....

"The way I see it, there are two possibilities. The first is that they promised the townspeople lots of money and power in exchange for resources now. Food, water, manpower. The second... I have to think on this...."

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

Pressi continued to ride Sugar as Shel screamed out. As Alleah raised the idea of trying to scry again, Pressi rejected it. "We've already tried scrying a couple of times. It's not going to work now that their security is going in overdrive."

Pressi resists telling the second portion. The part about how evil beings that kidnap and extort, upon finding out that their careful security has been penetrated, are not known for merciful or reasonable behavior. They've already punished Veseley, she thought with grim detachment. Maybe not killed him - they still need him - but they've found a way you don't want to see.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 7:11:41 PM

Bliss is eager to learn more. "Go ahead, Miss Alleah! See what you can find out!"

"I just wish we had another witch so we could make a circle and help you."

Visions - Dm shawn 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 9:08:21 PM
Alleah tries scrying but gets nothing back from Veseley.

The rest of the travel, for the few hours, is uneventful. Finally the woods start to thin out little by little. Eventually the trees break and a clearing before you reveals a small village. Bigger and more secure then Bombuls Hovel but still leaves alot for want.

Some men can be seen walking atop a wooden wall. Logs stand straight up to secure the town, and look sturdier then the ones at Bombuls.

" What warrants a visit from the halflings " one of the men calls down from the wall. The men have crossbows and bows and arrows, they're pointed in your general direction but not directly at anyone. " Be quick, the town of Woodbridge had no visitors schedule for today. "

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=19 ; d20+14=15 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2016 10:08:27 PM
The failure of the scrying spell bothers but does not entirely surprise Alleah.

Woodbridge looks to be significantly more protected than Bombuls.

"Well met!" Alleah calls out. She raises her hands in the air and takes a step forward "We're here to see Greyson. Please tell him that Henwi Greenfoot sent us. We only seek his counsel and then we will leave. We aren't here to cause trouble at all, good sirs"

Diplomacy: 19
Perception: 15

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday March 17th, 2016 11:44:09 PM

"Also, do you have any bread surprise?" Murphy thinks to add.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=13 ;
Friday March 18th, 2016 12:00:41 AM
Aid another Diplomacy of 13 to Alleah's roll.

Shel calls out, "She's right. We are just here for a pop in visit and then we have to be on our way. Very busy indeed. We won't take up much of your time at all. I promise!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Friday March 18th, 2016 2:12:51 AM
"Would you like to hear about are lord and savoir, Alemi?" says Kezzem.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+15=32 ;
Friday March 18th, 2016 8:06:33 AM
Quietly watching the Guards? as they patrol the walls, Trill tries to get a sense of whether the guards are over vigilant for a reason or if they seem to be doing their job in a particularly routine manner. Perception DC 32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday March 18th, 2016 10:00:01 AM
Pressi continues to ride silently, not really having anything to do at this point.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+1=14 ; d20+1=14 ;
Friday March 18th, 2016 1:53:52 PM

Mookie chimes in, "Yeah, Henwi Gweenfoot told us to see Gwayson!"

The bird caws, "We fought dwagons and gobwins to get heah, too!"

Bliss chimes in, "Yeah, and Mister Gruesome, too! We're here to see both of those guys! So please let us in because we are on a proper and honorable quest!"

Sotto voce, Bliss asks Mookie, "I remember the goblins, but when did we fight a dragon?"

Diplomacy Aid Another checks (feel free to add a circumstance penalty): 14 and 14 for something between a +0 and a +4.



Visions - Dm shawn 
Saturday March 19th, 2016 8:14:29 AM
Trill can tell the guards are being very protective but not aggresive.

The gates open and a man steps through. His chain mail is clean and dent free. His blonde hair is long and hangs down the back a bit. On his side is a long sword. In the village of Woodbridge this is probably the best equipped man, but in most major cities he would be an under equipped city watch.

Behind him comes a half orc. His leather armor is very meticulously clean, and his war hammer has a clean shine to it.

"Well met, I am Morrow Thorton and this is Chom. " the human says. " We don't get many visitors here that much and most that do come are nothing short of evil. Greyson, you say. Yeah Greyson lives here, but that doesn't mean we are going to let you just walk in. "

Chom puts his hand on Thorton'S shoulder..

" We do allow people in, but we need to know if you are worthy of sorts. Anything you can do to provide entertainment, or any way you can prove you have goods or services we need. We are flexible on what it is but just want some assurance."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday March 19th, 2016 11:10:27 AM
" Oh, is that all? This was an unnecessary waste of time. We should keep riding and make as many miles as we can. The wizards have been found talking to us and their captors are not going to be very nice about it. We don't have time to entertain people we don't know just to talk to a man that might know something about our quest."
Cameron wheels Cudgel around, ready to leave. He could probably take this town by himself in less than a week, so these humans had good reason to be mistrustful. But they did not have the luxury of time to play nice and entertain them. ENTERTAIN THEM! Goddess how he wanted to cram those words back down this popinjay's throat. Did they look like entertainers? Pressi was, but in her monk garb she was an adventurer just like the rest of them. Were the WLA pins not clear on their chests? Was this place so remote that such symbols meant nothing to them?
It didn't matter to Cameron. His path had been clear to him since the first vision and the meeting with the half mad trader in Hovel. He could tell it was a town by the fouled lake, he just didn't know which town. Bright Springs was what the trader had called it, and the goblin had said that was the place. Cameron would level the place looking for these mages. He had given his world he would return them, and as an ex-mercenary, he knew what weight that held.
Cameron nudges Cudgel into action and begins to leave.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
?/5 channel energy used for today (How many have been used to heal the mounts?)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=21 ;
Saturday March 19th, 2016 8:01:40 PM
"I hate to be rude, but we are in a hurry here! Do you our WLA badges? They just don't give those out to everyone! We need to talk to him. If you let us in, there won't be any trouble and we might toss you some gold on the way out! If you don't love, we will have to run you down, though!". Shel blushed at her outburst, but she was serious.

Intimidate 21.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday March 19th, 2016 9:52:26 PM
Alleah sighs. Not because of the request of these men, but just at the response of her friends.

"Let's see.. I can do this" Alleah casts a Prestidigitation spell to create a small statue of Chom. It's a crude representation and the nose is a little big, but it's obviously him.

"I also have this" she says as she pulls out her holy symbol for Wardd "And as you would know, Clerics of Wardd are thought to be harbingers of good fortune. It's said to be good luck to invite us in"

"And finally I have this" Alleah smiles as she holds up her coin purse. "There's about 200 gold pieces in here. A town can't survive without trade, as you'd know. But if you'd rather I spent my money elsewhere..."

---------------------
Ongoing Diplomacy: 19 (previously rolled) + 2 (Aid Another)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+9=16 ;
Sunday March 20th, 2016 12:15:24 AM

"Cameron here just recently joined our group," Murphy says to the two who have just come forth with their request, "and may not be fully aware that we have been called upon from time to time to provide entertainment, and have been of service at various times and in many ways to others. Aside from a modicum of firewood and feed for ponies, we do not have much in the way of trade goods, though it appears that Alleah is willing perhaps to purchase some of whatever it is you may produce.

"We are in a situation, however, where time is of the essence. Wicked people have kidnapped some of our land's leaders, defenders and sages, and their lives and welfare are threatened. We need to get to them with due haste.

"But what services do you seek? If it is to serve as reliable messengers, or to convey some light weight goods or items to another point, we may be able to help you there."

Supporting Alleah, the druid adds, "If it is entertainment you want..." and he casts create water off to his side, about 30' up in the air, "we can quickly water a garden," then he sends a lightning arc off a bit to the other side, with a small crack and flash of electricity, "or exercise a wee measure of control over some of the elements. And, we have stories."

He looks to his friends, and says to them, "We will neither threaten nor harm these people. I do not take kindly to rude behavior," and then turns his attention back to the two sent out to them. "Would you not agree that good comportment is mutually advantageous? Now, sirs, if you would be so kind, take us in to meet with Greyson. I speak true when I say it may be a matter of life and death. Not of yours, not of ours, but of our friends and mentors, and of a beautiful and brilliant woman."

[Diplomacy: 16]

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Sunday March 20th, 2016 6:59:41 AM
Trill watches and listens amazed at the temerity of some people. It is not as if we look like a group of thieves and ruffians, she thinks to herself.

Stepping slightly forward, Trill looks at Morrow.

"If you are interested in trade, I can discuss some possible options for bringing in certain beverages from Green Gnomish Industries or at least give you letters of introduction the owner and purveyor of the Brewery/Winery/Distillery."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Sunday March 20th, 2016 10:19:12 AM
"How dare you," Pressi shouted at the man. "If you think that you could ever get me to just willy nilly entertain you, you have another thing coming."

The rest of the group looked over to see that Pressi was already in her entertainer's outfit and made up.

"Ok, fine,if I have to do it..." Pressi muttered as everyone else in the group tried to get out of it. "No, no, if it's for a good cause, I will somehow find the fortitude to survive the limelight yet again...."

The rest of the group tries to figure out how she changed in 30 seconds without getting off her horse. Right next to them. In the middle of an open field.

"I do have a couple of observations. First, I love that they spent all this time considering who would be the height of trustworthiness and well behaved and decided on entertainer. Second, this would seem to boost my theory that no matter what we do or how much we rush or stress, we will somehow get to the wizards on the same day with them at the same condition. You'd think I'd eventually get tired of being right, but it actually excites me... a lot."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Monday March 21st, 2016 10:58:28 AM
Pressi's naiveté startles Cameron enough to make him stop. He speaks to them in halfling, hoping Bliss will forgive him for leaving him out.
" Wait, you think that they will trust us because we entertain them? Really? "
"What I read from their exchange was that they live in the Red Hills where anyone can be an evil bastard and try to kill them. For that they are actually smart. They should vet people before letting them into their walls. I just don't have time for that right now."
"The other thing I heard them say, was that halflings are small and of no use to them other than traders and entertainers. I could have proven them wrong on both accounts, but chose to not threaten, hurt, poison, kill or curse any of them, just to turn and ride away."
" I'll be heading on, towards the lake. You folks can make nice with these racist jerks and either catch up, or catch up tomorrow if I sleep in. I won't push Cudgel any more today, but tomorrow will be a whole new day. I said I would rescue those wizards, and I do what I say I will. The world is a messed up place, and some things can't be changed in a few easy words or gestures. "
" For the record, I don't think you are right. What we do, and how we do it matters. It always has, and it always will. I have stood before Gargul, and read in his face the depth of hero he expects when he returns someone to the Wold instead of letting nature take it's course. I want to be able top say I did all I could to live up to that gaze. To say I worked to make the Wold better, that I kept my bargains, that I tried my best, despite what others thought. Because one day it could be me he is deciding whether or not I should be allowed to go back. Whether or not I made all the difference I could."
" See, to me it doesn't matter why they were taken. I will get them back. The why either doesn't matter, or can be figured out later. Right now though, two people I made myself responsible for by sayng I'd help are getting tortured and the how or why doesn't matter. What matters is that I get there as soon as I can to help them. Anyone or anything that tries to stop me once I get there will be sorry."
He nudges Cudgel again and keeps heading out the way he came, heading for Dour Lake.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
?/5 channel energy used for today (How many have been used to heal the mounts?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+5=20 ;
Monday March 21st, 2016 12:53:06 PM
Perform (oratory): 20

Kezzem recites a limerick to the man.

"There once was a man on a wall,
Who took a most unfortunate fall,
But you need not fear,
For halflings are here,
And we're lucky according to Wald."

Though shall not Pass - Dm shawn 
Monday March 21st, 2016 2:06:01 PM
Cameron outbursts to the human and orc. Both stab dmotinless and wait for him to finish before replying. " So... no one invited you to the village. If you want to leave, then leave. We have people perform because it makes it easier to spot who is here to do harm. "

Shel tries to intimidate and throws around the Wla name. The human again answers wen she is done. " The group holds no power here. You showing me that pin is the same as me showing you a button. "

Alleah uses her magic to make a small statue of Chom. The half orc looks genuinely touched at getting the statue. " You may enter" Chom says.

The human nods his head to Murphy's display of magic.. " You too may enter."

Morrow listens to Trills idea of trade, and Morrow seems Intetrsted. Howeve he adds " That is an issue for you to discuss with the elders of town. I am just a guard capatain. "

At Pressi's sudden outburst, bothChom and Morrow let out a little giggle. They both look intently to watch what she can do as far as a performance.

Kezzem adds a limerick that is a little close to the actual situation, but he too gets the gates opened before him.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For those on the outside, the two men do not budge.

Inside, the guards ands villagers passing by Alleah, Murphy, and Kezzem get a wave or a nod. An occasional Good day. The villagers inside, do not seem as tense as the guards.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday March 21st, 2016 2:10:11 PM

Murphy holds up a finger, and says, "Excuse me."

He dismounts, then runs full out until he stands before Cudgel. He then steps aside to draw next to the pony, his back to the party, and says, very quietly, and in the halfling tongue, "Cameron, listen to me. I welcomed you into this group. Do not leave us now, regardless how justified you may feel to do so. You may think yourself wiser than all the rest of us. But do this, I request of you. Ride in a wide circle around this place, then back to the front gate. Keep an eye out. Hope to see you soon. Just nod if you are willing."

If Cameron nods, he brushes Cudgel's flank, and lets them go on. If he does not, then Murphy says, "Your leaving may lead to unforeseen peril, and slow us down further in our purpose. Yet, fare well, friend."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday March 21st, 2016 3:46:10 PM
[Note - I posted before I saw our DM post. Murphy still does that, then returns.]

Murphy says, "Thank you. We are Humble's Sword. I will wait until my friends have met your simple request - yet, I do believe that what Trill had to say regarding trade does fall among the options you listed as qualifying for entry. As you said, 'entertainment, goods or services.'

"As well, in such a land as this, testing those who come to your gates seems prudent."

He turns. "Shel, honey, not vinegar. Unless you have some real good vinegar. Bliss? Anything entertaining, or a trade good?"

Regarding Pressi, he waits, and is ready to see what she can pull off. No, he didn't mean it that way. Whew. He didn't say that out loud.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+4=22 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+24=41 ;
Monday March 21st, 2016 4:13:25 PM
[OOC - I'm assuming the wall is roughly 20 feet tall. If it's a different height, adjust accordingly.]

(Dance 22, Acrobatics 27)

With fans in each hand, Pressi flew through the air without hesitation, almost like fluid. Behind her happy and flirty nature, she moved with grace until she seemingly stopped right in front of the gate. She gives Morrow a wink and a smile, preparing her big finish.

(Acrobatics High Jump 41)

Pressi soared easily up the wall, landing among the crossbow wielders, shyly hiding her face with one of the fans. Before they could react, she falls off the wall (slow fall 20), attempting to get the human to catch her. (If he doesn't, she just lands normally.)

"So, did you like what you saw?" she asked.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday March 21st, 2016 8:45:06 PM
"Glad the let us in, but no I won't get to use my giant wooden badger idea.," says Kezzem.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday March 21st, 2016 9:18:31 PM
While Pressi uses her powers of ...entertainment, Shel takes the opportunity to cast a Silent Invisibility spell. She was quite put off at a request to entertain the guard when something serious was happening. She would just sneak in under the power of her spell. Its about the principle now, she told herself as her magic took effect.

When the others were ready to head on in, Shel followed closely behind them, quiet as a churchmouse.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+15=35 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=14 ;
Monday March 21st, 2016 11:16:21 PM
Cameron didn't think they would all speak halfling, but apparently they do. (everything Cameron said was said in halfling to Pressi, in case that wasn't noted when I said that it was spoken in halfling)
As Murphy tries to pull Cameron back into the fold, and issues him a secret plan to watch their backs the Avenger nods and says in the giant tongue " Send Mookie out if things go badly. I'll be nearby." and heads out. Once he is well out of sight of the place he dismounts Cudgel, and tells the DOG to stay. He then casts Longstrider on himself and circles the town, looking for anything out of place or that makes him feel uneasy about letting his friends enter. He tries to remain hidden as he looks.

Stealth 35 natural 20
Perception 20, 19, 22, 16, 14 not sure how many I will need, so I gave you 5, all pretty mediocre.

If nothing alarms him...
Once his tour is complete he will head back to Cudgel, bed the dog down for the night, and hoist his tent up into a tree to pass the evening, waking for prayers at midnight. He makes no fire and draws no attention to himself.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Longstrider 5 hours duration

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Longstrider (domain),

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=47 ;
Monday March 21st, 2016 11:28:18 PM

Bliss sends Mookie to fly after Cam. "Go take care of him, old pal," whispers Bliss.

Then he tries to sneak into the place with his friends, right under that annoying fellow's nose.

Stealth 47

=====

With Cam, Mookie says, "So, lone wolf, huh? Good luck with that."

The bird pauses and cocks an eye at Cam.

"You know I'm flying away if things go south."

OOC: Bliss does not speak halfling because he was reincarnated, and never learned it.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 12:07:18 AM

Dog ... right, dog. Sorry, Cudgel.

OOC: Murphy has offered to teach Bliss the halfling tongue, if he would like to learn it.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 1:21:55 AM
" That's what I'm counting on you bag of feathers. Go back with the others and come find me if things inside aren't as rosy as the humans are making them out to be. I'm the escape plan."
"And lone wolf always works out for me, until it doesn't."
Cameron has Mookie stick around until he finds Cudgel a place to wait for him, so the bird knows where he will be. Then he sends him back to the others.
" Remember, secret plan, so mum's the word."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=28 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 4:33:21 AM
"We should make this quick" Alleah whispers to Murphy and Kezzem "The others probably wouldn't see the funny side in us having a banquet and partying all night"

She approaches one of the people who were kind enough to wave "Pardon me, but could you tell me where we could find Greyson?"

Perception: 28 - Are there many guards walking about inside the town?

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=26 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:50:02 AM

Murphy does enter the town. He acknowledges the greetings he and the others receive, and looks about to see what the town is like inside. What sorts of architecture, density of population, what the people look like, what types of clothing they wear, whether there is a nearby fruit stand - and, if so, he purchases a bag of apples, or pears, or melons, or what have you.

He attends to the reply Alleah's question engenders, and will head in the direction indicated by the respondent. "Yes," he answers her earlier comment. "time spent here should be brief."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 10:14:15 AM
(OOC: A quick correction to my last post. I forgot that a high jump's distance is basically the acro roll / 4. So Pressi jumped 10 feet in the air. Spending a ki point brings her to 15 feet in the air. Haste adds another 3 feet. So no, Pressi cannot make a 20 foot high jump in her current form. As an elf, she could make it on a natural 20 and hasted.

Anyway, we haven't established the height of the wall, so I leave it up to the DM what flavor he wants to add - and to Alleah or Shel if they want to cast haste beforehand.)

Pressi jumps as high in the air as she can (spending a ki point). It is an impressive distance, capped off by a tumble up the wall, almost as if she is running upwards, before floating towards the ground.

Though shall not Pass - Dm shawn 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 3:23:02 PM
Murphy talks Cameron into walkING around the town and coming back to the gate to camp.

Inside the town, the villagers are all human and half orcs. Some are weary and nervous but others are kind to the trio inside. One man stops and thinks for a second... " ehh.. Greyson usually hangs out by the smoke tent. He keeps up with the going ons of town.

Outside Pressi does her best to reach the top of the wall but comes up short. Shel uses the chance to disapear, as does Bliss.

It would be a great plan if everyone watched Pressi's display, or was dumb enough to not notice Shel and Bliss missing when there were only three party members left outside.

"INVISIBILITY " The call comes from the gate. Morrow's sword comes free from the sheeth in a flash. In the spit second fingers are itching on triggers, and now Strings...

" Freeze" Morrow yells. " Move and we attack." Without taking his eyes from the area that Shel was he calls into the wall. " Send those three back out. They lost their Woodbridge privileges."

" This is the reason for the tests. We could care less if you could dance or sing. We just want you to prove to us that you're not here to harm us. But disappearing before us? That seems an aggresive move. ....... You leave now. All of you. We didn't ask you to come here, we didn't Invite you. You needed something from us and we were delivering and then you did this. "

Chom, Who never took out a weapon, puts his hand on Morrow' s shoulders.

" ease the tensions my friend." He says before turning to the gate.

" Come wait back outside and I personally will get Greyson for you. If you do not take this chance now.. then I can only say I am sorry."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 4:38:01 PM
"We should make this quick" Alleah whispers to Murphy and Kezzem "The others probably wouldn't see the funny side in us having a banquet and partying all night"

"This is no time for jokes," insists Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=24 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 5:32:16 PM
"Woah, woah, woah," Pressi began as everyone drew weapons against them. "Ok, that's my fault. I saw the wall and decided to show off. But honestly, did you not feel any excitement that.... What do you mean by invisibility?

"Oh come on, do you really expect me to believe that we have two team members who are so stupid as to... oh, right, those two. Yes, they are that stupid. I'd like to tell you this is an aberration, but I can't sell that.."

"But Morrow... Morrow was it? Surely with all that fear that you have for us, you could understand how much we fear you. Certainly, we can find a way to get past this? A better way to show that we are serious in our respect for your town?" (Diplomacy 24)

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 6:47:15 PM

So Murphy heads toward the smoke shop - unless he heard the instructions from outside the gate. If not, he seeks Greyson. If so, and if he heard the shout of 'Invisibility!' - then he calls out, "Shel. Did I not say 'honey' and 'not vinegar'? Please just show yourself. Bliss? Come out of the shadows.

"Do not be so easily affronted, my friends," he says, speaking mainly to he companions, but loud enough for Chom and Morrow to hear. "Humility goes before honor. In the Red Hills, caution, as well as courtesy where it may be offered, are two skills further to develop."

And he then turns to Morrow and Chom. "Forgive, please, my friends. Some have thin skin, after all we have been through. I pledge you none of those with me would have done you any harm, so long as you did not advance harm upon us. My name is Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, of Humble's Ford in Crescent Valley. I am the putative leader of this group, and any... inappropriate actions on the part of my companions should be laid at my feet.

"You have never heard of us? Not surprising. You have never heard of the Woldian League of Adventurers? I do not mean to be indelicate, but do any of you get out much? I mistakenly thought that nearly all of the Wold was acquainted with the WLA. We are sworn to fight evil, and to protect the innocent. I see that not all of us have made a good impression upon you.

"I think you may safely sheathe your sword. None of us have drawn against you. And, may I compliment you on your tight security measures.

"As you have offered to bring Greyson to us, we will take you up on that offer - though, again, I tell you that we did not come to bring harm to you or yours. As you did not know of the WLA, neither did we know of you, prior to mention of Greyson by some distant relatives we found on our way southward."

Murphy assumes that all halflings are at least distant relatives.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 7:34:03 PM
Trill rolls her eyes at all the nonsense, hoping again that this side trip actually turns out to be worth it.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 9:04:26 PM
Shel doesn't reappear, but if she did her frown would be quite noticeable. "Just bring Greyson out then," she fumes, still invisible to the group, if no one else. Im surprised this one horse town has such a strong defense. It's impressive, if annoying," she thinks to herself, impatiently tapping her foot on the ground while waiting on the man.



Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 11:27:56 PM

Mookie grins an open mouth avian smile at Cam. "Ah. I shoulda remembered that you're smarter than you look," he says. "Okay, I'll play go-between."

===== ===== =====

Bliss wonders if they are talking about him. Well, no matter. He slips out the way he came in. Mookie gets a feeling of chagrin coming though the empathic link.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 11:28:36 PM
Cameron stops at the order, and turns Cudgel around to watch the show. " Yup, this was totally worth it. Not like anyone is being tortured while we fool around here."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 12:23:45 AM

"Shel, Bliss. This is no longer a polite request. SHOW YOURSELVES! STOP YOUR HIDING, NOW."

This is a very rare occasion in which he uses the imperative with his friends. He understands that his doing so may be particularly irritating, especially to his good and trusted friend Shel, who he knows is already well settled into irritation by the guards' challenge. If Bliss just pops up somewhere among him, that will be fine.

He adds quietly, a muttered comment, 'What is the opposite of socially functional? There has got to be a word. Because that word describes us as a group.'

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 1:41:13 AM
Alleah pulls the hood of her cloak up over her head, and holds it tightly. She is so embarrassed at having to be escorted out of the town.

As she stands there waiting for Greyson, she nods along vigorously at what Murphy has to say.

"Seriously guys? It's not like we're trying to enter the tower of a lich, or some evil lord. This is a peaceful village we have come to to ask for information and aid, and you act like, like, like this?!?

Bliss, Shel, you're not helping. Show yourselves or walk away"

Ready action: If Shel does not drop her Invisibility, Alleah will cast See Invisibility

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 11:49:02 AM
Bliss steps up to wherever Cam is and then steps out of the shadows.

"Hello!" he calls. "I'm right here!"

Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 12:10:50 PM
No weapons are put away. No fingers come off of triggers or strings. Chom heads inside the gate, first stopping next to Alleah and handing the statue back. Morrow follows behind moving backwards. The gate shuts with a resounding THUNK. After a few minutes Morrow appears back at the top of the wall.

After a couple more minutes the gate opens again and out comes a human. His blonde beard is almost as long as his grayish blonde hair. Hanging from his lip is a rolled cigar. He looks to have a perpetual squint as if the sun is always in his eyes. He wears no armor or weapons, but is is safe to assume the volley of bolts and arrows from the wall would be enough defense.

" I am Greyson. " the man says. " Chom said you requested me? I don't recall knowing you. "

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+13=20 ;
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 1:02:09 PM
Bluff: 20

"Greyson, surely you remember you're old friend Kezzem! These folk are from Humble's Ford, and we are looking for the Second Dinner Club. I know they were all put off about not being the First Dinner Club, but that's no reason to up and disappear now, is it? So be a friend and tell your all pal if you've seen them about these parts."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 5:16:21 PM

Murphy looks over to Kezzem, highly doubting the claim he is making about his acquaintance with Greyson, as this is the first mention he has made of it, and the day before had been asking questions about him as someone who had never heard of him before.

"Hello, Greyson. Looks like a fair cigar you have there. My family smokes more the pipes. Have you ever tried Thistleleaf Pipe Leaf? It's a favorite in our parts. Oh, my name is Murphy. Thank you for coming out to talk with us. We just came south from Bombul's Hollow, where Henwi Greenfoot spoke well of you, and, after we told her of what we seek to do, said she thought you may have some insight.

"As Kezzem just alluded to, we seek the two remaining members of the Second Dinner Club, wizards both, and long-time defenders of our community, Humble's Ford, and of Crescent Valley. They were captured by someone - we do not know precisely who, but have various reasons to believe they are in the vicinity of Bright Springs. One of the two, Veseley, has been able to establish occasional one-way telepathic connections with various ones of our group who were aquainted with him. He and Tiana Taithen are undergoing torture. He spoke of wooden and metal contraptions they were strapped to, and said he is weakening, feeling drained.

"Yesterday, while trying again to communicate with us, apparently one of his captors came upon us as he did so, and we have not heard from him since then.

"What we hope to speak with you about is whether you may have any idea who it is who holds them captive. We learned from some goblins a few days ago - after they tried to kill some of us, intending to sell us to the same people in Bright Springs - that they are paying money for creatures they can molest, experiment upon, and do heaven knows what."

Murphy takes a breath, and continues. "It all comes down to this: Do you have any knowledge about these matters, or about Bright Springs, which may help us effect a rescue?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 5:59:17 PM
Cameron just shakes his head. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out some dried meat from his rations. He gives a stick to Cudgel and offers some to Bliss and Mookie. If only he had popcorn in his pockets....
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Longstrider 5 hours duration

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 6:07:38 PM

Bliss munches the slim jim -- Mookie gives his share to Bliss.

"Hey Cam," he says, "Cam? Cam? Cam, guess what? Cam!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 8:43:32 PM
"Now, before you say anything," Pressi added after Murphy finished, "you probably think after all this that we're a little stubborn and foolish. I want to put your mind at ease. We are extremely stubborn and foolish. Sorry you had to find out like this.

Pressi backs up Murphy's story, adding how as a transplant to the town of Humble's Ford, the dangers that the club face affects her deeply. "I'm sure that, back in your day, you had people who got you thrown out of town on occasion.

"Speaking of which, I'm going to turn the diplomacy over to Murphy. Shel's invisibility should run out any minute now, and I want to be prepared to bull rush her when it does."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 10:18:18 PM
"Oh quit kissing up to Murphy, Pressi. You hoping the Sherrif of the group will make you a Deputy? And Murphy, I know you've seemingly appointed yourself leader, but you don't order me to do anything, thank you very much. I dont order you to stop prattling when you ramble on another tangent about nothing at all for half an hour. Cameron is actually right, we should've just passed this place by. Obviously, they don't anything or they wouldn't have made us put on a show for them.". Shel was mad at the whole situation and at Murphy for talking down to her. They were equals.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 24th, 2016 12:17:34 AM
Cameron looks toward Bliss and raises an eyebrow.
" Yes Bliss?"
After the tiny halfling spits out his important tale, Cameron leans in close and whispers to him.
" Does this Greyson guy remind you of anyone we used to know? A silver would get you a gold if he isn't some half baked hippie just like Linden was. Someone who sits around all day smoking herbs and seeing things, you know, hallucinating."
" Now hush, Shel just agreed with me. That's never happened before. I want to watch how this plays out.
Cameron slowly chews his jerky, getting all of the flavor out of it before he swallows it.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 2:31:42 AM
Alleah just covers her eyes and sighs to herself. She'd heard tell that it was easier to herd cats than halflings, and that was starting to look very true.

She just needs a moments peace to collect her thoughts.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 2:39:51 AM

"Shel, sorry to hear you are so offended today. We can discuss details later. Right now, feel free to keep talking, or to stop talking, if you think that either approach will help us accomplish our objectives - to rescue the captives, and perhaps break up the wicked enterprise." Murphy replies.

He returns his attention to Greyson. "By the way, I meant earlier to say that one of their captors came upon Veseley, not upon us, as the wizard attempted telepathic communication."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=21 ;
Thursday March 24th, 2016 3:27:29 PM
(Perception 21)

"That's really brave of you to say while hiding. Why don't you come out and say it to my face."

Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn  d20+5=17 ;
Thursday March 24th, 2016 4:27:47 PM
Kezzem tries to use the " old friend" technique and luck has it works a bit. The man squints his eyes more then they should be. " I think I remember you.. but I dont recall any first or second dinner club. Sorry"

He stands and listens to Murphy tell the entire situation up to this point. He takes a big inhale before blowing the smoke out.

" You have any of that leaf to trade? If you have it or some other I can tell you who you're looking for. "

If... ONLY IF Murphy or someone else produces some tobacco. Highlight to display spoiler: { You're looking for Uthvas, a necromancer and a taxidermist, and works on dead bodies. He is tolerated in the town, and supported by the Mayor, a half­orc named Hammish.
He will pay for freshly dead bodies. }

Cameron feeds cudgel while still upset at the whole matter.

Bliss and mookie share in Camerons meat treats.

Pressi adds to Murphy's story before her and Shel have a full back and forth. Hostilities are thrown back and forth and invisibility iS waiting to be dropped.

Alleah has to collect her thoughts and just shakes her head. Halflings were a handful.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 7:43:18 PM
Her beef with Shel forgotten, Pressi begins to rummage through her bag. "As a matter of fact, I happen to have a bag of special tobacco that I happened to have with me on our way back to... Domi's Betrayal. Yeah, I'm out.

"Ooh, I do have this." Pressi shows Greyson a small hourglass where the sand runs continuously upwards. "I also have some hemp rope that goes with it."


AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 24th, 2016 8:13:35 PM
Cameron watches the back and forth of the group and wonders how they haven't been killed yet. They do come together in a fight pretty well though, he has seen that. When it appears Presst is out of tobacco,Cameron reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pipe and pouch. He extracts the pipe, but closes the pouch and offers it to Mookie.
" Think you could fly this to Murphy, Mookie? I don't think those guys on the wall really liked my comments, and I learned a long time ago not to offer people a reason to take a shot at you. You're a bird and haven't spoken in their presence yet. They should have no beef with you. This tobacco isn't special, but it might be enough to get this guy to talk. Who knows, he might know something after all."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 10:23:43 PM

Bliss looks around, a little wide eyed. "Cam! Cam! Where is everybody? Shouldn't we oughta stick together more, like?"

"Oh wait, I see them over there talking to that fellow. He doesn't look all that gruesome, so it must be the other guy. Let's hear what he has to say, come on!"

Bliss tugs at Cam to get him to move up within hearing range of that fellow.

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 10:25:25 PM

Mookie watches Bliss tug ineffectually on Cam, and caws, "Sure, no problemo, I got this."

He flies the pouch of tobacco over to Greyson, drops it at the man's feet, and takes a bow.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday March 24th, 2016 10:35:07 PM
"Veseley looked positively panicked during his last 'appearance.' Something terrible happened, I could tell that much.". With Greyson finally appearing, Shel finally dropped her Invisibility spell. "And the third member of the Dinner Club was a relative of mine, and we saw him killed in front of us, so I apologize if I came off as a little testy to your guards, but patience isn't my strong suit right now."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday March 25th, 2016 2:09:34 AM
"Tobacco? Sure. Just a moment." He walks back over to where he left Pippa, and gets into the saddlebag. He pulls out a bag containing a pound of tobacco, then takes an empty pouch and fills it with about a quarter pound. Next he reaches into his haversack and extracts a six foot narwal ivory pipe. He brings the remaining bag with 3/4 of a pound of tobacco with him. As he walks back, he sees Mookie drop a bag at Greyson's feet.

"Looks like the bird beat me to it. This here is some of our everyday pipe tobacco - not Thistleleaf. But you're welcome to give it a try. It's called 'Orby's Smooth.' Orby is my father's older brother."

Murphy takes a bit of the tobacco, and tamps it into the bowl of the pipe. He hands over the pipe (perhaps made from a narwal horn). "This pipe smokes smooth, too."

Following the two deliveries of pipeweed, he listens to Greyson's brief information.

"So, just to ensure I've understood correctly, you believe the fellow who has our friends captive is Uthvas. And Uthvas practices necromancy and taxidermy. Mayor Hammish, a half-orc, supports Uthvas in his work. Can you elaborate in what manner he supports him?

"Oh, and have you any recommendations as to how we might best approach the situation? We want to rescue our friends with no further harm coming their way. Should the opportunity show itself, we may want to treat with their torturer, as well..."

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday March 25th, 2016 2:12:36 AM

If Greyson wants the help, he will strike spark to pipeleaf as the tobacconist pulls in air.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday March 25th, 2016 4:13:19 AM
"putative leader? Oh brother!" Alleah rolls her eyes, but continues to remain silent.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Friday March 25th, 2016 8:31:48 AM
Trill joins the others as Greyson speaks but doesn't say a lot at this point. So far all we have really learned is the name of the Mage and a supporter. Not as much help as she was hoping for.

As Murphy asks a couple of questions, Trill is somehow moved to ask a few of her own as well.

So Greyson,

* Where exactly does this Uthvas hold up?
* Have you ever been there, and if so can you provide any sort of floor plan?
* Does he have any other followers/men/associates that are usually with him. If so do you know anything about them?
* What will mayor Hammish's, and the town's, response likely to be if we end up having to Kill this Necromancer

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday March 25th, 2016 9:59:06 AM
"Huh, so now we have information that can allow us some guesses about the second dinner club's condition," Pressi says not at all directly to Shel, Cameron and Trill. "And more to the point, now we have some idea of what to do rather than just rushing blindly towards someone that could turn us into zombies in a blink of an eye. It's almost like this side mission turned out to be time worth spent, is it not. Because I'm beginning to feel that it is. Though there's something that I feel like I'm forgetting, what could it possibly be....

Pressi jumps into Cameron's face. "Booyah!"

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 25th, 2016 11:23:25 AM

Bliss laughs at Pressi. "Oh, you make me laugh! Maybe we'll see ghosts too! And you can say 'Boo' to them!"

"Boo!"

"Ha! Cam, we're all ghastly ghosts!"

Mookie looks back over his shoulder. Er, wing. "Kid, stop goofing! Be a hero!"

"Oh yeah," says Bliss, standing up straighter. But he cannot help thinking again that he really needs a hat of Disguise. He would enjoy pretending to be a ghost or a zombie. Just a little one.

Enter the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn 
Friday March 25th, 2016 5:09:48 PM
Greyson takes a string pull on the pipe, expands his lungs with the smoke and blows it it in a big ring.

" That is all I really know. He's holed up in Bright Springs and that half orc helps him get away with his experiments as long as he is taken care of. I never was in his residence or even know where it is. "

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday March 25th, 2016 9:50:47 PM
Alleah isn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but still "Forgive my curiosity sir, but how did you come to know this information?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday March 25th, 2016 10:25:43 PM
Shel waits for any more information before heading out. "Anything else we need to know about the surrounding area or the necromancer? Necromancy magic is so nasty. I don't know who would want to use much of that stuff!"

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 25th, 2016 10:33:37 PM

Bliss whispers to Cam and Pressi. "He says the bad guy is in Bright Springs. Is that the same place where they want a song and dance to get in? Maybe we should start practicing the hootchy-kootchy."

Mookie, who has wandered back, laughs harshly. "Yeah, or the macarena!" he says.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday March 26th, 2016 7:44:55 AM

"It sounds, though, if I am not mistaken, that you have at least some acquaintance with Bright Springs." Murphy pulls out some paper and ink. "Might you be able at least to sketch out a simple map of the town? Oh, and, how's the pipeweed? Nice ring!"

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday March 26th, 2016 7:45:52 AM

"I forgot one more thing. Do you know how far Bright Springs is from here? Miles, or time-wise?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday March 26th, 2016 5:18:23 PM
Cameron has asked that distance/time question repeatedly, and there has been resounding silence each time. Makes planning in any way very difficult.
As Bliss chatters away about nonsense and Pressi is still more concerned about knowing whats going on rather than fixing the problem, Cameron starts making plans as the fellow is asked to draw a map. He tries to catch Kezzem's eye and motions him over. Cameron has a plan to get them all into this necromancer guy's presence at the very least. It is not nice, nor is it friendly, and he want's the opinion of the guy who is constantly telling stories that may or may not be true to tell him if it will work.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Sunday March 27th, 2016 10:42:42 AM
Trill shakes her head at the lack of information they have received from this visit. They have a name, and the fact that he is a necromancer and that he is at least tacitly supported by the mayor of this town.

"Ok all, so we may be dealing with some sort of unholy, undead beasts of some sort." Who has any thoughts about dealing with them?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Sunday March 27th, 2016 11:00:48 AM
"Well, I believe Cameron was thinking about at least some of us walking in disguised as evil traders, particularly him because he follows Jenasscis and wouldn't be recognized by anyone. To add to that, I have a few disguise items (bugbear servant as circumstance bonus?), you could throw someone like me or Murphy in "not at all easy to remove" ropes because we don't need gear, and the rest could walk in invisible.

"I think the other key is that we could weaken him before we strike. The half orc helps AS LONG AS he is taken care of. The people in the town, and it doesn't sound like they're just zombies, are probably relying on the necromancer for food and promises of money. That means we can split them off.

"Also, I'm pretty sure Bright Springs is where my black aviator alter ego is running around right now..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Sunday March 27th, 2016 11:01:43 AM
"There is one other thing," Pressi said silently. "We have to assume that the second dinner club has already been killed. At least once."

Bliss (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Sunday March 27th, 2016 1:52:05 PM

Bliss offers Enlarge Person to anyone who wants to be disguised as a human r a half-orc or a bugbear. He just has to recast it every three minutes.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday March 27th, 2016 8:43:40 PM
"Or since he's a taxidermist we walk straight in with a dead animal" Alleah suggests

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+11=19 ;
Monday March 28th, 2016 12:26:19 AM
Sense Motive (Cameron): 19

Kezzem notices Cam trying to get his attention and mosey's on over to him.

"What's up, Cam?"

"Or since he's a taxidermist we walk straight in with a dead animal" Alleah suggests.

"Nobody's killing an animal!" Kezzem shouts back.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Monday March 28th, 2016 1:19:16 AM
"I wouldn't dream of killing an innocent animal. I would imagine though we would find something deceased between here and there. A dog, a bird, a wolf, a boar. It could be anything already dead"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Monday March 28th, 2016 10:09:40 AM
Pressi stared a bit at Kezzem, surprised for the first time in a while. "Since when have you cared about killing an animal?"

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

Later on, Pressi took Bliss aside. "I want to talk to you a little about what happened back there. I don't approve of what you did, but I singled out Shel because she's supposed to be the adult. She should have known better, and you....

"Well, I guess I can understand based on how I was at your emotional and intellectual age. It would be nice if it matched your actual age, but we're given the cards we're given. I just need you to understand that resisting authority isn't what makes you an adult. Doing the right thing, even if it's hard or scary or hurts you emotionally is what makes you an adult. And sometimes, you're not going to be sure what the right thing is.

"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I used to confuse the two, and that's why I left home. So if you ever felt unsure and wanted to talk about it, I'm here to at least talk about it."

Pressi shuddered at the thought that Bliss might soon discover puberty.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Monday March 28th, 2016 11:36:37 AM
Cameron is about to start explaining what he has in mind when he realizes they are still standing in front of the town and Grayson is kinda right there with them.
" I wanted to talk strategy with you Kezzem, because you seen to be the one that can make people believe the most improbable of stories. But I don't want to do it here. We'll all talk once we hit the road again. I have an idea that is pretty close to your wooden rabbit idea."

Exit the Mutant Greyson (not really a mutant) - Dm shawn 
Monday March 28th, 2016 4:13:58 PM
Greyson turns to Alleah. " About Uthvas, anyone who deals with Bright Springs has knowledge of him. I don't know everything about him, but what I do I shared. "

Turning to Shel. " I know nothing about Necromany. As for the surrounding area.. don't drink the water or eat anything out of the water. It is very dirty to say the least.

Bliss Confuses Bright Springs for the town they are standing in front of.

Greyson takes the paper and draws a very crude map. The town is on the shores of the lake and lays against hills and mountains.

" It's a walled city. Main gate is guarded but easy to get through. Should take you no.more then two days.

Cameron tries to get Kezzems eye to tell him the plan he has for getting close to Uthvas.

Trill doesn't like the ammount of info they received, nor does she like the idea of battling some neceomany. Maybe diplomacy will win.. ( tried with a straight face.)

Pressi brings up the idea of posing as traders and sneaking In.. and also.mentions the elephant in the room... What if the second dinner club is dead?

Bliss can cast enlarge to make the little halflings look like little humans.

Alleah suggests bringing in a dead animal to the taxidermist to which Kezzem snaps back about not killinh animals. AlleahS assures him that wasn't her plan while Pressi was shocked he would snap.

Kezzem is about to share his plan when he realizes Greyson is still there.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As if taking the cue Greyson gives a nod and heads back to the wall. He kmocks on the gate and waits for it to open.

He turns, as the door is opening.. " I know I don't know you, but be careful. The people of Bright Springs are good but some bad things happen there. I know you have heard the sayING about poking the bear.. well Uthvas had many stuffed bears and doesn't want them poked. Just be careful. And this is some good smoke. " he adds as he heads in blowing a gigantic smoke ring.

The gate shuts behind him with a resoundING thud.. again the Sword is by themselves.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday March 28th, 2016 4:47:21 PM

As the gate thuds shut, Murphy asks, "I wonder if Uthvas has undead bears."

[have to run back to work... more later]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday March 28th, 2016 6:14:24 PM
"They're probably..." starts Kezzem.

Murphy says, "I wonder if Uthvas has undead bears."

"I was just about to say that! Hey, maybe those bears have been...taxizombied."

OCC: Sorry.



Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Monday March 28th, 2016 8:35:48 PM
Oh Great, Zombie Bears!! Well let's get back on the way. We are killing daylight right now.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday March 28th, 2016 10:16:43 PM
"Only two days? That's not so far away. Trill is right! Let's get going. We can discuss plans on the road. I agree that a disguise is probably our best bet, especially if every town in this area has an Invisibility detector at its gate."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Monday March 28th, 2016 11:18:56 PM
After they have ridden on a bit, Cameron explains the plan he had been working on back when Ringrot was part of their lives.
" So Ringrot got me thinking. This Uthvas guy is recruiting every lowlife in the area to 'bring him subjects' for his experiments. Why don't one or two of us pose as people taking him up on the offer. I am not considered a good person because of the holy symbol I wear, but you all know me better than that. I tell the guy a story, a mostly true story, since there are magics that can detect a falsehood. If he buys it you all are my prisoners that 'had it coming' and you will all be in with the Second Dinner Club, or whatever is left of them. I know you guys are resourceful and if given a chance will be able to get free. I keep him busy and you free the hostages. Then I leave, with our business concluded. Once the mages are safe we decide what, if anything else, needs to be done in Bright Springs."
"Would that work? Do you all trust me not to sell you down the river?"
" I thought of Kezzem as the other guy selling you off because he has a knack for telling believable stories. I am not well known in Crescent Valley, so if I wanted you guys to say, disappear so that I could land your cushy job as protector of Humble's Ford, most people would believe that. I tell him that I lured you out by telling you that the mages that almost everyone knows are missing from the Ford were being held in the Red Hills. When I saw my chance I poisoned you all and tied you up. I am quite sure that between myself, Trill and Murphy we can find some sort of herbal poison out here that would knock a halfling out for a few hours."
" What do you think?"
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22 hasted, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP22of23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:57:28 AM

As Bliss listens to Pressi, a bit of a change slowly comes over his demeanor. He stands up straighter, looks straight at her, and when she pauses, answers, "Yes ma'am." When she is done, he says, "Thank you, Miss Pressi. I'll visit you if I want to talk."

Bliss is grateful to understand that they have to go two day's travel further on to get to the necromancer's village. He worries about fighting undead -- his new bah is less effective against those. And he is worried about the Breakfast Clubbers. He hopes they are still alive.

"Come on, we have travel to do." he says to his comrades in arms.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 2:36:44 AM

"Sounds like a decent germ of a plan, Cameron. Let's think through it thoroughly as we travel, and work out the details. Does anyone have any other suggested approaches?" Murphy asks everyone.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 5:38:31 AM
Alleah waves goodbye to Greyson and the town.

"Greyson didn't specifically say that this necromancr taxidermist has the Second Dinner Club. Just that we should look for him. I'm not really keen on a plan that involves half of us being drugged and at the mercy of any of this necromancer's associates. Having half of us unconscious weakens the collective group.

A few less risky, and perhaps less direct, plans come to my mind.

The mayor - Hammish - could be our way in. We either find a way to get him on side, or, we charm him to help us.

Failing that, it sounds like this Uthvas necromancer fellow tries to run a legitimate taxidermy business on the side. Well, we could just walk up to his front door asking him to stuff an animal of ours. We could very truthfully say that a much loved pony recently died and we require it, er, preserved. Then we start poking around.

Or we could try and find him from a distance without being detected. If he Detects as evil, we could even try and abduct HIM from the streets and question him ourselves."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:10:42 AM
"Yeah, and I never agreed to just letting myself be paralyzed," Pressi objected. "Nor did I agree to just let you run around unsupervised, Cameron. Not that I think this is some sort of trick and you'll suddenly turn out to be evil. But no, I don't entirely trust you, or your judgment. Though I suppose if Kezzem is babysitting you... I guess he would be good, especially if things went south."

Pressi leaned back, listening to Alleah's statements. "True, but when someone says you're looking for a kind of guy, that's the guy. I do think we have to go to him directly, though getting the town mayor to vouch for us is not a bad idea. That's going to be the key - to show enough circumstances that they'll buy this. And I suppose to be as subtle as a criminal normally would be.

"I'm kind of wondering, and I know the dangers of this, if this is one of those times we do need to split the party. It's more believable that Cameron would take down two of us than all of us, a couple could follow us, and the rest could see if we can get the town to turn against our Uthvas friend."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:40:57 AM
" I thought of Kezzem as the other guy selling you off because he has a knack for telling believable stories," says Cam.

"The trick is to tell the biggest lie possible without it being absurd," says Kezzem.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:41:25 PM

Bliss says, "I can just sneak around pretty sneaky like, and probably go unnoticed. Mookie would stay outside to rescue us if things go belly-up."

"Yeah," says Mookie, "I'll be the freaking flying cavalry to save your sorry hides. That's what I'll do."

"Especially since I can see in the dark pretty good now," continues Bliss. "So I would not have to pretend to be a prisoner or a druggy or anything like that. I could also sneak around inside first before we enter to do some scouting. Tiny like I am, I can squeeze in some teensy ways. Then come back and draw us a map of the place and such."

Bliss says to Kezzem, I'm not too good at lying, so you better do that tricky stuff.

He says to Pressi, "Oh, miss, you can trust Cam all right. He's for sure one of the good guys. We trained and adventured together, and he is brave and determined!"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 1:22:04 PM
" Oh, I never intended you to still be poisoned when I turned you in. The fact is that if they are dealing with a cleric, follower or, in this case Avenger of Jancassis, Poinson is expected to be used in some way at some point. It would be absurd to claim that the two of us could bring you all down, even while sleeping without some kind of edge. That edge is that you were all slipped a mickey during dinner that dulled your reflexes to the point that we could deal with whoever was on watch and tie the others while they slept a drugged slumber. AFter that, poison would not be needed, you would already be caught. I would never let them take you while you were still poisoned."
"The rest of it, and the reason I would rather poison you mildly, than just say that I poisoned you is truth. I may bend it, but I have to deal in the truth. Every person that comes to me asking for help in gaining revenge I have to believe is doing it from a point of they were hurt and now seek to return the favor. If I am to work on that pemise, that the other people I am dealing with are telling ME the truth, I need to tell it and know when to recognize it is not being told."
"The only problem I see with gaining the mayor's trust is again the spectre that has haunted me this whole trip, time. If we take the time to treat with the mayor, maybe do something to earn his trust, we will be allowing the experiments to continue. I am with Pressi that we may not get beack whole halflings at this point, we may not even get live ones. If this guy is a necromancer, he may be experimenting in a way to remove life from one being and store it for another use. Perhaps eternal life, resurection or something else. If he was proceeding slowly, then discovering that they have been calling for help may accelerate his tests, and that may well kill the mages. I think now more than ever we need to hurry."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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

Plans in motion - Dm shawn 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 10:11:35 PM
The group heads out bouncing ideas off of each other to figure out how to get inside and to Uthvas. Only an hour into the journey, poof... Veseley appears for the first time before everyone. ­ He appears as an apparition. He says his captor is some sort of necromancer named Uthvas. Uthvas continues his experiments on
the two mages, but also on a great hill giant there. Veseley does not know what Uthvas wants
from the two halfling mages, but they remain very weak after their experiments. The
necromancer seeks something from the giant called Giant Essence. This is what fueled the
protection of the towers around the Crescent Valley.

And just like that he is gone again...



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 10:27:34 PM
Shel was slightly relieved at the vision, as strange as the feeling was. "At least they are still alive. Thank goodness. I agree with Cam that we need to hurry. I doubt we have time to bring in the mayor. That leaves us with either being turned in as captives, or approaching to talk about taxidermy and trying to turn the tables on them. I think I'd rather try the direct approach. Maybe we can wait by the ship for a little bit, until there is no other customers inside. We rush in and ask our questions...if he doesn't cooperate, maybe we could take him and find a quiet spot to talk more to him?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday March 29th, 2016 11:01:11 PM
"I'm in favour of that direct approach, Shel. We should do it quick and quiet. Try and catch him by surprise and before he can react. Keep in mind that if we do make a scene, the mayor might call the city guard on us."

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:40:19 AM

Bliss says, "He's experimenting on giants!"

Mookie says, "Maybe we should cut a deal with this guy. He seems more competent than the Breakfast Club, and probably knows more about fixin the tower than they do! We have not heard that he's killed anybody. Not all necromancers are bad guys. In fact, there was this guy who hung around with the Boss and her crew who was practically a walking corpse. What was his name ..."

Bliss says "What? Wowsy! My mom used to hang out with a necromancer?"

"Sure," says Mookie. "They were like best friends. And even though he was half-undead, boy he was good at killing liches. Wait, I can think of this ... Jester? Joust? Good lookin fellow, even if he was tainted by death. Not that I notice those things much, but this guy was smoooth."

[OOC: Mookie is talking about Jass, an undead bloodline sorcerer and a Hero of Blackbird Lake, a level 20 retired PC with a 34 Chr played by SteveK.)

"Anyhow," adds Mookie, "Maybe this Uteva guy is not so bad, is all I'm saying. Do we KNOW that he has killed anybody or created any undead?"

"I could sneak in and find out!" offers Bliss, enthusiastically.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:42:49 AM

"Evil and distasteful as Uthvas' investigations may be, if he is trying to acquire essence of giant, might that serve as a key to rebuilding the now fallen giant tower north of Humble's Ford?" Murphy asks. "And we must also ask the question: Is this death spell maker trying to perform a similar extraction from his halfling victims?"

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 7:46:49 AM

[concurrent post with Cayzle's above]

"I met Jass at The Giggling Ghost," Murphy says to Mookie.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 9:15:01 AM
"Umm Mookie, we know he is evil because he has kidnapped two innocent halflings and is doing experiments on them without their permission and causing harm to them." This mention of Giant's essence may have something to do with the giant towers and perhaps the reason the one has failed."

"I say we need to get a move on and at the bare minimum remove the mages from his grasp."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:32:48 AM
"I'm pretty sure the taxizombie guy torturing halflings is not a good guy," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:57:54 AM
Pressi almost fell over at Bliss and Murphy's conversation, making it quite clear that she is NOT going to strike a deal of any necromancer. Even if this Jass guy was the pinnacle of goodness - and she had doubts that this guy would be fun to be around - the combination of magic and desecration made it more likely than not that striking a deal would be a great idea. She had already decided that, whatever this guy turns out to have done, she was going to pound him into the ground.

"At the very least, are you sure it's unlikely he's evil? Or are you just hoping he turns out to be?"

Pressi sighed, moving on. "Can someone explain to me what 'Giant's essence' actually is? Or what it has to do with the towers?"

Returning to the planning, "Well, in all honesty we all kind of agreed not to do the most direct approach. The most direct approach is to just ride through the town to this guy, weapons drawn, screaming the names of our respective gods in a far more noble manner than anything we've contemplated thus far. So now we're just arguing over how subtle we want to be. And over what we think Uthvas is like and what protections we think he has. That's why I suggested a split party and some investigations - so we could quickly switch if we guessed wrong.

"Though I might be able to convince some of you to do the 'storm the castle' method instead," Pressi said as she turned to Cam. "I'm not familiar with Janasscis having a problem with lying. Even Domi doesn't stop his lawful good monks from just stating outright falsehoods. Is this a personal belief, then?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 4:45:27 PM
Cameron had been listening to the discussion, and thought that direct questioning followed by more direct questioning would probably be the best path, until the town guard got involved anyway. Pressi's question sort of caught him off guard. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts and then answers her.
" Yes, it is a personal choice. But from what I know, she has a huge problem with people lying. "
"Look, I see it this way. My goddess is the one folks pray to when they have been given a raw deal and no one else will take their side, and they are too small or weak to enact revenge themselves. She looks into their plight, maybe by using one of her followers in the Wold, most likely an Avenger. If she finds their case has merit, she assigns someone, again probably an Avenger, to mete out a vengeance that is equivalent and just. She doesn't just harm folks willy nilly. If what she is doing is looking for the kernel of truth at the heart of a wrong that has been done, she needs to have honest testimony. I have heard more than one story about those that have lied to her, to get her to harm a rival, or make way for them to overcome someone to make a profit. They find out what real vengeance feels like really fast."
"On that note I try to tell the truth as much as I can, and to be honest and fulfill bargains I have made. The Fist fostered that in me, and Jancassis shows me why it is best to deal honestly and squarely with others. If you screw someone over and they survive the encounter, then you might be the next person she is looking to take vengeance on. It also explains why I try to give people only one chance to kill me. If they fail, they die, no second chances. Basically, if I offer no offense, then I should expect no vengeance be wrought upon me."
"I like the direct approach too, my only question would be what to do if and when the guards are summoned to stop us. I can knock them down, and generally keep them from getting to us and hurting us, for awhile anyway. If their numbers are too great, or they have ranged weapons, well, then we may have to hurt them, and I don;t think we want to go into what was recently described as a town where 'the people of Bright Springs are good but some bad things happen ' and start hurting guards that are just following orders. We need to keep the rest of the town out of this conversation. OR, we need to include them in the conversation, and let them know the truth of what happens in their own town. Evidence like that will not be easy to collect, and it may get the guard sent after us anyways."
" By all accounts that I am hearing, this Uthvas guy and the mayor perhaps have some vengeance coming their way, but the guard and the rest of the town sound like they are either pawns, or just stuck in the middle. If we can get the evidence, and can control ourselves long enough to talk to most of the town, I may have spells available to me that can keep the common folk from getting involved in stopping us. Maybe. It would take preparation, and I would be almost useless in combat if I tried it."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 5:15:24 PM

Bliss nods at the things Kezzem, Pressi and Trill say. "You guys are prolly right. I just don't want us to kill the only guy who can fix the tower, is all. Maybe I can shoot him with my bah, so he just gets knocked out, not killed, and that way we can save him to help us afterwords."

Bliss looks up at Cam, listening, and then shakes his head. "Good for you, Cam!" he says. "You got a lot juggled up in your head right there. My little brain would explode tryin to keep up with all that. I have enough trouble remembering that I want to do hero stuff and not mercenary stuff or cowardly stuff or murder stuff or goofy stuff."

"You have a lot of trouble staying away from the goofy stuff," says Mookie.

Bliss laughs. "True!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 9:49:33 PM
"If we move quickly enough and quietly enough, we won't have to worry about hurting any guards. I can make a few of us invisible, but after getting caught last time, I'm a bit wary of that tactic as our sole cover to approach. Maybe the people in this area have to struggle with invisibility magic more than in the Ford, so they are used to trying to deal with it."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:28:04 PM
" No, they were just smart enough to count. They stopped 7 halflings, one rode away, then four more did what they wanted and entertained or traded with them and were le in. Suddenly there wee no more halflings. A ten year old can do that math, Seven minus one, minus four means if there aren't still two halflings in front of you, then you are being invaded by the two you took your eyes off of, stop everything."
"Simple math really"

Plans in motion - Dm shawn 
Wednesday March 30th, 2016 11:35:09 PM
Plans are being thrown back and forth and actually starting to come together. The day flies by even though the weather is pretty bad. Another soaking rain through out the day.

Camp is another easy set up, and the usuall watches are taken. The wolives are back, howling in the distance.

During Shel and Camerons watch things change though. . The howling goes away.. and a low, laughing sound can be heard in the darkness.



Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 12:36:31 AM

During the discussion, Murphy tosses in a few coppers. "Is what the necromancer doing evil? Surely looks like it concerning our halfling friends, and one may even call into question what he does with the giant. One could argue most hill giants are evil, and seek to justify him on that count.

"But let's say, all right, his practices, at least some of them, fall into the evil category. Well, then, what is to be done about that?

"One could say, 'Hey, he's evil, so kill him.' Or, less drastic, 'Hey, he's evil, so let's stop him, and punish him.' Often attempted here in the Wold. Stop the oppressor, offer a meaningful measure of retribution for his misdeeds.'

"One could also say, 'Hey, he's evil, but perhaps he could be turned towards the good.' Perhaps an appeal to conscience? To the long-term benefits of good versus evil? 'Because your mother would be proud of you'? Or, 'Change your way of thinking, learn to do good. We could come down on you severely for your past misdeeds. However, if you acknowledge the error of your ways, and turn your heart, and hands, and mind toward helping, serving, blessing others, forgiveness and redemption are available.'"

Murphy then adds, "We won't know whether the fellow is persuadable. If so - if we can build a convincing case that he is open to considering, then perhaps he can be moved toward doing what is right. Frankly, though, I am not optimistic.

"However, like Bliss, if, besides rescuing our two town wizards, we can also gain information that may help in rebuilding our warding tower, that could benefit the whole valley, and serve to ensure the future..." he pauses, then grins, "as much as we have lately seen that the future might be ensured."

"Pressi, Shafbaffum years ago build the warding towers. It is commonly said that he used 'essence of giants' in effecting the defense. I would suggest, among other things, that we not include massive burning of the necromancer's goods and possessions as part of our strategy - in case Uthvas has taken careful note of his work."

Considering further, he says, "Like as not Uthvas has other research victims under his roof. Rather than freeing two halflings, we may want to consider whether we may be able to liberate a whole host of prisoners."

Camp
As they set up camp, Murphy casts speak with animals, and spends some time talking with the ponies, praising them for their brave hearts and swift movement. He gives them extra oats with their feed, and sees if others would like to help him brush down their coats. He looks them over with care, checks their shoes, and does what he can to see to their welfare.

Wolves
Murphy thinks he would like to talk with the wolves. Perhaps they can ally? Or, something...

He considers the report of the laughter as he comes on watch.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+9=29 ; d20+12=30 ;
Thursday March 31st, 2016 4:30:32 AM
Cameron's ears perk up as the laughter begins.
Is it menacing laughter?
Jovial?
Is it in any language he recognizes? He speaks Common, Halfling, Giant, Dwarven, Tauric and Orcish.
Without any more information, it is difficult to give you any reaction to this laughter.
Cameron does call the dogs to him. He orders them to stand alert and prepares to take them with him to check on the other, more skittish mounts.
He casts light on the fletching of a goblin arrow and pulls out a goblin bow to use as he goes to check the mounts as well.
Handle animal 29
Perception 30
--------------------------------------------------------
On the matter of Uthvas, Cameron is flabbergasted at his companions inability to spot evil.
" Um, this guy is hooking unwilling subjects to some kind of device and pulling their essence out of them. Note the unwilling part. If you are questioning if he is evil or not then I am the embodiment of Alemi among you."
" Holy moley folks it would be the same as me tying one of you up and torturing you for information. Hot pokers and knives and acid Oh My. It doesn't matter that one of his subjects might be a giant. That he is extracting giant essence and that it may have been used in the towers creation brings that whole enterprise under my scrutiny too. Screw your heads on straight. Evil is evil no matter who is doing it to whom. I am shocked that I of all people need to point this out."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 7:18:16 AM
"I can't believe it, but I think Cameron and I are actually in agreement! Let's nab this necromancer guy and do it quickly. If we take him without raising any alarms we can question him to find out what he knows. If, and that's a HUGE if, he has done nothing wrong then we compensate him and let him on his way.

If the guards are called, I'll do my best to placate them, or, bluff them into heading a different way if I can. Of course, Calm Emotions and Sleep spells might come into play too"

-------------------------------------------
Unless disturbed by Shel or Cameron, Alleah continues her meditations.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:23:06 AM
Shel agrees with both Alleah and Cameron. Strange circumstances make for strange bedfellows.

The sorcerer doesn't move to wake up any of her friends as the strange sound still seemed far away,a nd she didn't want to disturb them. If it draws any closer, she will begin waking them up, starting with the ones closest to her.

Plans in motion - Dm shawn 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:38:53 AM
Ooc: Sorry. The laughter sounds menacing aND has an animal quality to ut.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 11:09:40 AM
"Well, here's the problem," Pressi said to Cam. "You're operating on the assumption that Shel has the ability to do simple math, or really any intelligence at all. I suppose it's possible, but I have no evidence to verify it.

"I guess on some level, I figured I'd agree with Cameron about tactics. Jenasscis and Domi... I guess we have a lot more in common than we sometimes care to admit. The need for physical and natural conquest. The need to get involved in the truly hopeless. The refusal to back down until the job is done, and to be trustworthy in your dealings. There's a few areas where we quibble... but I don't always want to win the argument. I just want to make sure that in your emotion or your stubborness that you haven't forgotten to keep an interest or tradeoff in mind.

After listening to Murphy, Pressi rolled her eyes and continued with Cam. "Eberryon. A little too far on the mercy, hopey and strategic deal scales for my tastes sometimes. We haven't always seen eye to eye either. Though... you are kind of talking to someone who needed those several chances you never would have granted. Have you never wondered what might have been had you shown mercy... oh, right, you once did. Sorry. It's just.... the key is always about balance. I learned that from Waard.

"One other thing we haven't discussed. Domi and Waard both have this idea that, as good as it is to help the hopeless, it's better to give the hopeless the tools to rise up against their oppressor, and I feel as a good member of Domi that getting the town to rise up would make our lives so much easier. Now granted, I can only speculate as the townspeople-necromancer relationship..."

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

Pressi wrestles in her sleep, the laughing filling her ears and invading her dreams. "So much for the element of surprise," she mutters.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 11:25:17 AM
"I don't know, Murph," says Kezzem. "If you're willing to torture others like that, you're too far gone in my book to be saved."

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=19 ; d20+29=33 ;
Thursday March 31st, 2016 5:28:49 PM

Is Bliss asleep when the laughter sounds? Does it wake him up? Well, his perception check in this regard is ... a 19. Hmmm.

If he hears it and is awake, Bliss sneaks out from under his cauldron to investigate. He whispers to Mookie, "Shh. You stay here and pretend to sleep while I check this out." Mookie snores on, which to Bliss means he is doing a good job of pretending to sleep.

Bliss hides behind foliage and flowers, ponies and packs as he sneaks toward the laighter.

Stealth 33

Hopefully he can sneak up, take a peek, then sneak back to report.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 31st, 2016 5:51:29 PM
Ooc: Sorry. The laughter sounds menacing AND has an animal quality to it.
Well that is a horse of a different color, pun intended.
Since the laugh is menacing, and apparently low and growly enough to be an animal, Cameron is worried. He once, briefly, before taking up the mantle of cleric, had to fight some wererats. Breaking their resistance to normal weapons was hard, and ever since he has carried a silver dagger, just in case. Instead of the goblin bow, Cameron pulls that dagger and tosses a rock with a light spell on it into the midst of the ponies. It may startle them, but shouldn't alarm them unless it shows predators already in their midst. He encourages Shel to light another quadrant of the camp if she can. He then quietly steps over to the others and wakes Alleah first, since it was she that spoke to the horses, and explains the situation, hoping if it is some kind of intelligent animal, she will be able to speak to it. The wand of scorching ray is quickly put into Cameron's other hand.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 9:31:25 PM
Alleah nods to Cameron as he explains the situation. Her first instinct is to yell out loud and rally the entire party. Since Shel and Cameron think it better to be quiet right now, Alleah doesn't disagree.

She stands and then wakes Bliss.

--------------------------------
Move action to stand up
Move action to wake Bliss

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+9=18 ; d20+9=16 ;
Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:29:02 PM
Trill helps set up camp and after her watch is lights out to the wold as she sleeps thought howling and laughter.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:45:40 PM
" If they are truly beasts, maybe you can convince them that there is no prey here, only death. If they are what I think they might be, shifters, then we might just BE prey after all."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:45:45 PM
"I can count one very plain girl who throws herself at every man she sees, Pressi, and still doesn't get the attention she wants," Shel calls out overhearing the mean girl talking about her unprovoked yet again. "Jealousy is such a bad look."

-----------

Shel continues to quietly wait to see if the laughter begins moving toward the campsite before raising an official alarm.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+17=24 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 1:23:03 AM

"So, mentioning options and possibilities of approach is counterproductive? By the way, if any think I do not think Uthvas is evil, then perhaps subtleties are counterproductive here.

"Rather than repeating what others have said, I thought I would mention other thoughts. We have yet perhaps a day before coming face to face with the death diviner.

"And, could we lighten up on demeaning one another? Let us not allow respect and courtesy to fall into short supply."

=====
Murphy is asleep unless someone wakes him, or things get particularly loud.

[Perception: 24]

Plans in motion - Dm shawn  d20+4=24 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=22 ; d6+4=10 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 7:07:35 AM
Cameron sends the light spell into the horses. It does startle them but also reveals nothing extra.

As soon as the rock lands everything goes black around Cameron. Spellcraft 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {Darkness }

Shel has three javelins rain down on her. One embeds itself in her shoulder. (Crit confirmed 20 damge )

Two come down by Cameron but miss.

Two hyenas come charging out of the woods. They are still 30' away.

No one else was woken up. The light spell was cast and then attack started

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 53, CMD 24; darkvision  d20+11=18 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 11:32:14 AM
Murphy's outburst gives Pressi the time to think things through. After some time considering Murphy's words (and coincidentally how to react to Shel), Pressi bites back her remarks once again.

"Of course, you are right," she replies to Murphy. "My remark, meant just as humor, must have cut far deeper than I intended to elicit a response of my entire worth, and so I apologize.

"And Murphy, you must know that I do quite respect your positions, even if I don't always share them - or quite get subtlety. As Shel so wonderfully pointed out on several occasions, I'm not exactly subtle myself."

After some riding in silence, she rides next to Murphy, further apologetic. Eventually, the talk turns to that of the pressures of the road and of what they might do, the two of them, when they get back. She makes sure to smile and wave at Shel in the meantime.

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

"Back, back, get back," Pressi shouts at Shel as she gets up. "Behind me."

If Shel makes any protests, Pressi cuts her off. "We can continue our argument later, when I can better make a remark about the times you've been penetrated, but for right now, this way."

Pressi transforms into a Dwarf (darkvision 60) and peers out into the darkness (Perception 18). She prepares to block herself and Shel from incoming fire. (Ki point for AC.)

dm shawn: Pressi was not awaken. Cameron casts the light spell and then the attacks happened. He didnt get a chance this round and Shel specifically said she wasn't waking anyone.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 12:42:55 PM
If Cameron hears the Hyenas and knows what they are, his heart goes cold. He isn't afraid, Avengers know no fear. He is angrier than he has ever been before. The laughter, the hyenas, the taunting mocking laughter. These are gnolls. They instill fear by playing with their food before killing. He has faced them before, and he has killed them before.
He hears the javelins land around him, and the meaty thunk of one hitting Pressi. His first instinct is to kill as many of them as he can, but that hit sounded bad. He knows he was within 30 feet of her as they watched so he does what comes naturally, he keeps her in the fight and channels.
Channel energy to heal 6 damage to all within 30 feet
He then calls out to the gnolls, loud enough to wake the others he hopes.
" Gnolls? Really? I hope you brought more than two score with you. Years ago when I was young I managed to kill a pack of over a dozen, by myself. Enough of these games, you can not frighten me. Jancassis has seen to that. Face me, and maybe I will kill you quickly instead of the long suffering you inflict on your prey, and by Jancassis deserve in return."
After taunting them hoping to draw their ire while his friends wake up, Cameron moves quickly towards the mounts. (move 20') He also draws the wand of scorching ray.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Friday April 1st, 2016 1:27:58 PM
"Huh, what?" says Kezzem as he wakes.

"Hey, look, doggies!"

OOC: I'm assuming waking up counts as my action this turn.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 53, CMD 24; darkvision 
Friday April 1st, 2016 3:21:44 PM
OOC to Shawn: I am operating under the assumption that the sounds of battle - the spells, the javelins, the not so subtle Hyenas - are sufficient to wake up a bunch of people not sleeping under magic. I shouldn't need Cameron to shake Pressi on the shoulder and let her know that there's a bunch of explosions going on.

If it's that big a deal, then have my move after Cameron's shouting. That has to wake us up, right?

OOC to Kezzem: You get the same number of actions as normal, but rising from a prone position is a move action, and getting a weapon is another move action, so yes. Pressi uses a move action to get up and then has one more standard or move action because she doesn't reach for a weapon.

Plans in motion - Dm shawn 
Friday April 1st, 2016 4:15:53 PM
Ooc: if they woke Pressi up I'd say she gets her full actions, buthe waking herself, getting up, telling to Shel and then casting a spell.. all in 6 seconds? I don't feel that's right. I agree.. like Kezzem, if you wake yourself you spend the round getting up. If that's was the case there would be no need to wake anyone as everyone would just wake the next round with full actions. If you want to discuss it more let's do so in email.

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+17=23 ; d20+22=39 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 5:02:45 PM

Murphy wakes up (perception 23, no eyes of the eagle in play as his eyes are closed), gets up and looks about and listens (perception 39, with eyes of eagle in play).

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Friday April 1st, 2016 5:49:42 PM
Trill hearing the sounds of intruders and a few raised voices doesnt moves but looks around from where she lies to see what she can see as her hand moves into the opening of her haversack.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=33 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 7:39:02 PM
(OOC: replaces second half of my post)

"No, no," Pressi muttered in her sleep. "I asked for the ottoman."

(Perception Natural 20).

"Wha... huh?"

Pressi gets up, continuing to look around (Perception 20 - I'm using the old roll)

"Back, back, get back," Pressi shouts at Shel as she gets up. "Behind me."

If Shel makes any protests, Pressi cuts her off. "We can continue our argument later, when I can better make a remark about the times you've been penetrated, but for right now, this way."

She prepares to block herself and Shel from incoming fire. With a quick flick of her wrist, a number a shuriken appear in her hand (Quickdraw - free action).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday April 1st, 2016 8:33:26 PM
OOC: With the damage and the channel, Shel is down 14 points right now.

For once, Shel takes Pressi's advice. "Sorry for earlier, Pressi. We've got to stop fighting so much. Everyone wake up! We are under attack," Shel screams as loudly as she can. She casts Haste on the group, giving them all a bit of armor, and hastening their strikes for the upcoming battle.

OOC: Remember your Haste bonuses, please.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d100=68 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+14=19 ;
Friday April 1st, 2016 9:02:42 PM
Alleah's meditation is interupted by the noise of combat.

Things are much darker than they should be. She reaches for a leyline to aid her in removing the source of this unnatural darkness and then gets to her feet to see what is going on

--------------------------------
(Standard Action: Cast Dispel Magic. Leyline check: 68 = Pass. Dispel check: 18. DC = 11 + the Darkness spell's caster level
Move Action: Stand from Prone
Perception: 19 (once the darkness is dispelled))

Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday April 2nd, 2016 12:36:15 AM

Haste - additional move action.

Murphy dons his handy haversack.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday April 2nd, 2016 9:22:50 AM

Mookie wakes up and pokes Bliss.

Bliss wakes up and stands up.

He asks, "Wha?"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+8=19 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 2:00:25 PM
slight of hand roll for above roll to removes wand without being seen. [b]DC 19[b]

Plans in motion - Dm shawn  d20+3=13 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=18 ; d6+4=7 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 2:05:58 PM
Cameron calls out that Gnolls are attacking, but gets no reaction from the attackers. He channels energy and heals those around him. He makes a break for the horses and pulls out his wand.

All around the camp, everyone is waking and getting up. Some taking advantage and staying down and some springing right into action.

Because of Alleah the darkness dissipates.. and everyone sees two hyenas making a run for Cameron.

In the distance by a small batch of trees a small group of Gnolls can be seen. Their arms are cocker back to throw another volley of javelins.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The two hyenas catch up to Cameron and snap their strong jaws but come up short. (Cameron gets an Aoo).

Most of the javelins miss, but one catches Shel again (7dmg).



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  7d6=24 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 4:01:05 PM

Murphy casts flame strike, centering the 20' diameter 40' tall cylinder of fire right down on top of the group of javelin-hurling gnolls [damage 7d6=24, dc reflex save 18 for 1/2].

He pulls a wand of cure light wounds from his haversack, and moves to stand in front of Shel, adjacent to Pressi, to try to shield his long-time friend from more incoming shafts. He wonders whether Pressi can catch any javelins with her hands.

...
As each night he carries out the practice of placing trip lines at various places around the encampment, and knows where he placed them, he anticipates that, should there be more than the javelin-hurling gnolls and a pair of hyenas about, there's a fair chance additional attackers may be tripped up by the lines. Also, as per his practice, he has each one rigged such that, if one is moved, a measure of sound from falling rocks or snapping twigs will also alert the party to the location of whoever is coming in.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+10=24 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=24 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 5:40:35 PM
" Nice shot Murphy! Well done, pun intended."
As the hyenas rush in, Cameron slashes at one with the silver dagger he had in hand.

AoO hits AC 25 ( I forgot the haste when I rolled) for 1 damage ( minimum of 1, even with the -1 for silver)

Stepping back from the hyenas he aims the wand in his other hand at the beast he just stabbed and burns it's face off. Dropping the dagger he draws a short sword instead ( Free action to drop, Free action to draw a weapon with a move)

UMD 25 vs DC 20 to activate the wand of Scorching Ray
Hit touch AC 24 with wand of Scorching Ray for 13 fire damage Reflex save DC 13 for half damage
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 1/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 48 remaining


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19 (22), HP 53, CMD 22  d20+9=26 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+4=17 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 7:25:19 PM
Pressi follows up by focusing her shuriken at the last javelin thrower (if he falls, the remainder hit a different thrower), hitting with every star. (Attack rolls 26, 22, 19, 17)(damage 3 per star). She is, though, somewhat less jubilant having to follow that fire from the sky.

In response to Murphy, "Oh, I have plenty of abilities that will blow you away. Wish I had that one."

(OOC: there is a monk feat that allows me to knock them away, I just didn't take it.)

Pressi does increase her AC +3 (spend ki point)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 
Monday April 4th, 2016 8:54:48 PM
(Do we have a map)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday April 4th, 2016 9:30:22 PM
Current HP: 25/46.

"Don't worry about healing me, Murphy. I'm going Invisible. Go get'em Pressi, I'll be fine!". Shel casts her magicks and becomes invisible, moving 20' away from the hyenas, just to be safe in case they had good noses.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=43 ;
Monday April 4th, 2016 11:22:30 PM

Bliss looks for shadows sufficient for the use of his special skill. He sneaks up closer to the humanoids, leaving the animals to others.

Stealth 43 if he can HiPS.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+16=36 ; d20+16=17 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=18 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 12:13:38 AM
Kezzem will move to flank a hyena with Cameron and stab it with a dagger.

Attack: 36 (Natural 20).
Crit Threat: 17.
Regular Damage: 5 + 18 (Sneak Attack) = 23.
Crit Damage (if applicable): +4

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d100=100 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 3:14:58 AM
Alleah focuses on the nearby threat - the hyenas. If either one still stands, Alleah will cast Hold Animal.

She tries to move to a position that puts the others closer to the enemies than she is.

----------------------
Lelyine check: 100!!!
Hyena to make a Will save vs DC20 or be paralysed

IF the hyenas are already dead, Alleah will instead use a Hold Person spell on one of the Gnolls. Will Save: DC21

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+12=14 ; d6+1=2 ; d4+1=3 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 8:00:29 AM
(OOC, don't know distance ...)

from her prone position trill aims and releases a charge of the wand UMD 14 (magic missile) at the gnolls. 3 points damage

Plans in motion - Dm shawn  d20+3=7 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+5=10 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 2:39:40 PM
Murphy brings down flames upon the Gnolls catching 3 in his spell. All three take the brunt of the flames. He pulls out the wand and heads towards Shel and Pressi.

Ooc: As for the trip lines. No problem setting them, but I need disable device rolls every camp to set them up for a dc.

Cameron first stabs and then torches the hyenas face. The burning, acrid smell clings to his nose as the creature drops.

Pressi's 4 shurukien all hit home.

Shel turns invisible.

Kezzem sneaks up and slices the other hyena, ending it's life.

Alleah holds her spell since both hyenas are down.

Trill sends some magic missle into a wounded gnoll.

Murphy feels a tingling sensation in his eyes. Fort DC or Blind.

The remaining Gnolls Scream Into the night and unleash blood curdling screams before charging down to do battle. If possible their arms and legs look more muscular. Battle axes come out as they charge in.

Murphy, Shel, Alleah, Trill and Pressi all get one gnoll charging them. (One Aoo each, Except for trill who is prone and Murphy if struck blind.

Gnoll 1 23 dmg
Gnoll 2 23 dmg
Gnoll 3 23 dmg
Gnoll 4 13 dmg
Gnoll 5
Hyena 1 dead
Hyena 2 dead
???????

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19 (22), HP 53, CMD 22  d20+10=28 ; d6+3=5 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+5=6 ; d6+3=8 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=8 ; d6+3=8 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 3:52:46 PM
"Yeah, lets get one thing clear," Pressi replied to Shel. "I didn't agree to protect you just so you could..."

Pressi glanced to see that Shel had already vanished before striking a pose, her eyes locked on the Gnoll bearing down on her. "I swear to Domi I may kill her myself."

Letting out a battle cry, her hands flew at the Gnoll.

AAO Roll 28, Damage 5, Stunning Fist DC 15

Flurry Rolls Attacks 19, 25, 14, nat 1. Damage 8, 6, 8, 8

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

used: 1 ki, 1 stun

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+16=30 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+10=18 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 4:55:58 PM
Cameron listens intently, there IS a spellcaster here, and he doesn't think it is one of the chargers. Having no attacker of his own to deal with he takes aim and blazes another shot at the Gnoll after Alleah.

UMD check 30 vs DC 20 to activate the wand, hitting Touch AC 18 for 18 fire damage with no save ( I was incorrect last round)

Cameron does not wait for anyone to tell him to take charge, he just does. He was fully awake and had as good a handle as any of them on the situation, and then his training kicked in...
Knowing Bliss will be hiding, and remembering that the little fellow speaks the Dwarf tongue he calls out, in Dwarven. " They have a spellcaster out in the darkness. Bliss hunt it and put it down, I'll help out the others." Cameron then steps into the fray, trying to give Kezzem and Pressi flanking on as many targets as he can. In Halfling he says, " Kezzem, Kill them all. Gnolls would only give quarter to use us as slaves or to keep us fresh to eat later. No quarter."
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Cameron is TRYING to provoke AoOs from as many of the Gnolls as he can. Trill is still prone and most of the others are unarmored and have poor ACs. Cameron is armored and currently killing plenty of Gnolls and shouting orders. It should not be a stretch to provoke them. I am unclear if I can fight defensively while doing this, so he will declare he is, granting him +3 dodge bonus to hs AC since he has 4 ranks of Acrobatics. If you decide that he cannot fight defensively in this case, the still tries to provoke the AoOs to let the others get up and catch their breaths/get out of melee.}
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 2/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+12=23 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 5:00:27 PM
"Cameron listens intently, there IS a spellcaster here, and he doesn't think it is one of the chargers."
Duh, it helps to make a perception check while listening intently.

Perception 23

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d6+2=5 ; d4+1=5 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 7:10:54 PM
Leaping up as the gnoll runs in Trill lets loose another magic missile into the gnoll for 5 points

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d100=50 ; d20+14=34 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 8:43:36 PM
DM - Highlight to display spoiler: {Per previous post - "IF the hyenas are already dead, Alleah will instead use a Hold Person spell on one of the Gnolls. Will Save: DC21"}

Fortunately, Alleah also speaks dwarven so she understands precisely what Cameron has said. She looks - and listens - for any signs of a hidden spellcaster. As a bloodwitch, Alleah knows that if they were casting spells with verbal components, she should be able to hear them quite clearly. Further, if the caster was invisible, that invisibility would be broken by attacking anyone.

If she is able to pinpoint the caster she targets him with a Hold Person spell

-------------------------------
Perception: 34 :)
Leyline check: 50 = Pass. Cast Hold Person. Will Save vs DC21 or be paralysed

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday April 5th, 2016 9:44:40 PM
OOC: can the gnolls see Shel, DM? From your post, that made it sound like they could, even though she's invisible. Either way, I don't get an AoO as I have no weapons in hand.

If they can't see her:
Shel delays to see if the others could point out the spell caster. If she is able to glean a direction, she will cast Fly on herself and start moving in the opposite direction of the caster while still invisible, not wanting to hurt the team by having to force them to protect her.

If it appears they can see her:
Shel takes a 5' step away from the gnoll threatening her, casts Fly, and flies 30' in the opposite direction of the threatening gnoll.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+11=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+29=47 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 2:07:49 AM

Bliss falls prone and shoots at Gnoll 5, then tries to hide again in the shadows.

Sniping attack with bolt: hits AC17. Maybe the gnoll loses his dex bonus to AC?

Damage (nonlethal) 12.

Stealth to stay hidden: 47.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+12=17 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 7:53:17 AM
UMD roll 17

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  d20+7=21 ; d20+22=29 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 10:02:02 AM

Saving from the cause blindness spell [Fort: 21], Murphy may have a fair idea who spoke to cast the spell [Perception: 29]. He point out to others the direction and distance to the spellcaster.

[Will post actions shortly, must run]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20  d20+14=30 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=12 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 10:41:44 AM
"Roger dodger, mein Captain."

Kezzem moves to flank with Cameron.

Attack: 30.
Damage: 4.
Sneak Damage: 12.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  d20+9=22 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 2:05:01 PM

Murphy pulls out a tanglefoot bag and tosses it at the incoming gnoll.

He then runs up to 65 feet (run 100', plus 30' from haste, divided by 2) toward the spellcaster, but in a diagonal path - not directly toward, but roughly 60 degrees off of direct - finding along the way, if there is any, a good tree or bush or boulder to stand behind for the moment.

Plans in motion - Dm shawn  d20+3=4 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=24 ; d6+8=14 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 5:18:14 PM
Pressi connects solidly three times, and to makensure matters worse for the Gnoll it succumbs to the stunning fist.

Cameron torches another gnoll.. it's hair singed, leaving pink skin below.

Trill let's loose with another missle and the magic plops.into the gnoll.

Alleahs hold person spell effects the gnoll charging in on her before it gets another attack. She listens but doesn't see anything or hear anything. Maybe in the dark woods....

Shel, still invisible, flies away from the casters line of site. The Gnoll before her looks dumbfounded that his luck ran out.

Bliss tries sniping but misses.. lucky he is able to duck back into the shadows.

Murphy doesn't go blind. But he also has no idea where the caster is. He can only assume the same direction the Gnolls came from. His Tanglefoot bag makes for a sticky situation for the gnoll before him. He heads out to look for the caster.

Kezzem moves to attack the gnoll Cameron was on and plunges his dagger into the Gnolls kidney. The creature let's out a wail and dies before him...

XxxxxxxxxX

One.gnoll swings at Pressi but misses. Another smashes his battle axe into Kezzem. (14 dmg)

Murphy moves closer and does see another gnoll standing under a tree. Will save DC 15 or shaken. Spellcraft DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {gnoll cast Doom }

Gnoll 1 39.dmg stunned
Gnoll 2 45 dmg (Held)...... dead
Gnoll 3 23 dmg(stuck)
Gnoll 4 18 dmg
Gnoll 5
Caster

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  d20+7=15 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+22=25 ; d20+13=15 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 7:39:59 PM

Murphy cannot quite tell what spell was cast [spellcraft: 15], but shrugs off the effect [will: 24]. The druid wild shapes into a small air elemental, and flies up and over the tree that shelters the gnoll. He uses his darkvision to see if there are any others in the area in addition to that one. [Was the new gnoll under the tree the spell caster, could he tell? Perception 25] He ends up about 80 feet above the tree, with the trunk below between him and the gnoll. So, if the gnoll is on the south side of the tree, Murphy-air elemental is slightly to the north side of the tree. And, at his destination, he attempts stealth - but not too skillfully [stealth 15].

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+9=23 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=20 ; d4=1 ; d6=5 ; d4=1 ; d6=5 ; d3=3 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 9:13:32 PM
Cameron decides to save the remaining charges in his wand, Jancassis knows he might need them to shoot his way out of something, and all the targets he can SEE are within reach of his blade. He drops the wand, draws a new dagger and moves 5 feet to flank the unwounded gnoll with Kezzem.His blades flash out, driving into the gnoll and striking vital organs.
Attack 1 hits AC 25 with flanking for 1 damage +5 for sneak attack total 6 damage
Haste attack hits AC 16 with flanking for 1 damage +5 for sneak attack total 6 damage
Dagger hits AC 22 with flanking for 3 damage +4 sneak attack for a total of 7 damage
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 3/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=12 ;
Wednesday April 6th, 2016 9:50:59 PM
Feeling better about the situation, Shel decides it was time to return fire, so to speak. Still impressed by Pressi's defense of her, Shel focuses on her opponent first and blasts that gnoll with an empowered Magic Missile, as she fades back into view. The sorcerer keeps her distance, having felt those awful spears too many times already.

Magic Missile damage 12+6=18 points of force damage to the gnoll fighting Pressi.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=21 ; d100=29 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2016 2:35:12 AM
"Alright! Drop your weapons and put your hands up! You! Yes, you!" Alleah yells at the stuck gnoll "Don't make me hurt you!"

-----------------------------
Diplomacy: 21 (or Intimidate 15)
Ready action: Cast Blindness/Deafness on the Stunned Gnoll if it doesn't drop its weapons and put its hands in the air. Leyline check: 29 = Pass. Fort Save vs DC18 or go blind

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 51/53, CMD 22; hasted  d20+12=22 ; d6+3=9 ; d6=2 ; d20+12=17 ; d6+3=7 ; d6=5 ; d20+12=25 ; d6+3=8 ; d6=5 ; d20+7=17 ; d6+3=5 ; d6=2 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2016 8:42:55 AM
"Yeah, well it just goes to show you," she quipped at the stunned goblin. "Some women are dogs and SOME WOMEN ARE BI..."

Pressi quieted down as another goblin took a swing at her, Shel blasted that gnoll in turn, and several other of her teammates swarmed the group. She seems to have some conflicting emotions come at once, but she does give Shel a bit of a wave.

(OOC Rob - I think you wanted to try an intimidate check.)

Pressi swings into action again, splitting her armed attacks between the three gnolls in her reach (the attacking gnoll, the tangled gnoll, and the stunned gnoll).

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

(All rolls are for gnolls she is flanking. If she isn't flanking, subtract 2 from the attack rolls and ignore the sneak damage).

Attack 1: AC 22, Damage 9, Sneak 2
Attack 2: AC 17, Damage 7, sneak 5
Attack 3: AC 25, Damage 8, sneak 5
Attack 4: AC 17, Damage 5, sneak 2
vicious attack: damage: 6 to gnoll, 2 to Pressi

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

used: 1 ki, 1 stun

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+12=27 ; d20+12=28 ; 2d6+5=14 ; 2d6+5=11 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2016 8:51:35 AM

Bliss gets reckless and just attacks twice with haste!

(with extra +1 for haste, forgot that last round.)

He hits Gnoll 5 at ac27 and 28 for 14 and 11, all nonlethal.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 42/56, CMD 20  d20+13=19 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+8=10 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=10 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2016 10:28:38 AM
"Youch!"

Kezzem attempts to stab the gnoll that struck him (I'm assuming that Cameron moved to flank with this one).

Attack: 19
Damage: 5
Sneak Attack: 14

Attack: 32 (natural 19)
Crit Threat: 31.
Damage: 4 + 4 = 8.
Sneak Attack: 10

Attack: 10.
Assuming this one misses.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+12=17 ; d4+6=7 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2016 7:41:06 PM
Trillium drops the wand and takes a 5 foot step back as she draws her rapier. She then takes a swipe at her opponent AC 17 for 7 points damage

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday April 7th, 2016 9:40:48 PM
"Gold job, everyone, we are routing them now," Shel calls out as she waits to see how the foes react to the decisive counter strike from the squad.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted 
Friday April 8th, 2016 1:46:23 AM
Murphy likes his air elemental shape. He looks like a wispy owl.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday April 8th, 2016 3:46:06 AM
Alleah's hands are raised and ready. If that Gnoll doesn't surrender then her angry face will be the last thing he sees. Before going blind that is - not dying.

Plans in motion - Dm shawn  d20+3=4 ;
Friday April 8th, 2016 5:09:36 AM
Camerons blade finds gnoll flesh twice.

Shel calls on a more powerful version of magic missle and slams the bolts home.

Pressi connects twice with the Gnolls, who drops onto his back.

The Gnoll ignores Alleah, and falls victim to her blidness spell.

Bliss twice connects with the gnoll. The best drops unconscience

Kezzem also finds gnoll flesh twice, thus time the gnoll dies.

Trill swipes her rapier across slashing the throat of the laSt standing gnoll.

4 dead Gnolls and 1 unconscience one lay at the groups feet.

Murphy uses his wild shape to go air elemental and move closer. Once above the gnoll he sees three other forms with his darkvision, but they appear to be laying down and bound.one is bigger, like a human whIle the other two are smaller. Smaller even then the halflings. The Gnoll looks around, and not seeing Murphy but seeing all his friends down takes matters into hus own hands.

He pulls a dagger from his side and puts it to the throat of the human.

" Let me.leave or the human dies..." he calls tor Murphy blindly.

Gnoll 1 45.dmg stunned..... dead
Gnoll 2 45 dmg (Held)...... dead
Gnoll 3 45 dmg(stuck)....... dead
Gnoll 4 36 dmg (unconscience )
Gnoll 5 11 dmg(blind)....... dead

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  d20+13=18 ;
Friday April 8th, 2016 11:59:46 AM


Murphy hears the gnoll's opening line of negotiations.

He flies down to the tree sheltering the gnoll and his three captives, alighting without too much noise on a stout branch about fifteen to eighteen feet above the gnoll. He transforms back into his halfing form so that he can speak. "Well, I had planned on electrocuting you, Mister Gnoll. However, as you propose an alternative. Here is the deal. You sheathe your dagger. You walk about ten feet away from these people. We talk briefly. You answer my questions. Then, so long as you have caused no further harm to your captives nor to me and my friends, and you promise never to bother us again, nor to take any actions against your captives - then I will permit you to leave, with your skin intact."

If he does sheathe his dagger and step away, Murphy asks him, "To whom were you taking the captives, and how much would you have been paid for this?" As a follow-up question, he also asks, "Why did you choose to attack us?" His third question is, "What is your name?"

If all three questions are answered satisfactorily, he will say to him, "Now, will you promise never to bother us again, and to take no actions against your captives nor their kin?" If he makes this promise, then Murphy lets him go.

[Stealth 18 - trying to land quietly on the branch above in air elemental form.]

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+10=14 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Friday April 8th, 2016 1:43:24 PM
Cameron can hear Murphy speaking, but cannot see him or the gnoll that he is conversing with. Apparently there are hostages, These are filthy gnolls, of course there are hostages. Cameron can hear them talking about the gnoll swearing to be nice and letting him walk away. Apparently they have never seen what gnolls do to their victims, to their hostages. His holy symbol begins to grow warm against his chest. He can feel it, and knows it will grow warmer. As he retrieves his wand, then his dagger, he silently prays, assuring his Mistress that vengeance will be taken.
They barter for the lives of the captives of this spellcaster, those lives MUST be saved. None of these gnolls will live though, Jancassis. I will use the skills you have taught me and show you that you were not mistaken when you chose me to be your instrument of retribution. They will let them go, and I will hunt them and end them. Just reward for their lives of murder, torture and enslavement of those weaker than they are.
Cameron retrieves the items he has dropped during the fight and gets ready to pursue the gnoll when the others allow it to flee. If this conversation takes multiple rounds he will channel once since Kezzem is wounded ( Shel is too, but her header isn't updated, so I have no idea how badly and no reason to heal her). This may also awaken the unconscious gnoll. Cameron is ready for that as well.
Round 1 pick up wand and dagger, Still hasted
Round 2 channel energy for 9 healing, Still hasted
Round 3 if the gnoll on the ground tries to fight in any way upon being healed, incinerate it . UMD 32 touch attack hits AC 14, plus any prone modifiers for 11 damage. Still hasted
Round 3 if instead the gnoll remains pacified start walking toward the sound of Murphy talking, move 40. Still hasted
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 4-6/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 51/53, CMD 22; hasted  d20+19=29 ; d20+8=14 ;
Friday April 8th, 2016 3:08:44 PM
Pressi, frowning at Murphy's attempts, does stay silent. But she is prepared to rush over there as needed.

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

Readied Action: Bull Rush if the gnoll caster does literally anything besides immediate surrender. If the gnoll sneezes, she's knocking his head off.

Bull Rush is part of charge - movement is (30+30)x2, spend a ki point for another 20 if necessary.

Acrobatics Roll to avoid AAO is 29. DC is +10 if I am moving full speed.

Bull Rush Roll is 14. She attempts to shove him away from the hostage.


ADM Kim to Humble's Sword crew 
Friday April 8th, 2016 10:03:18 PM

Gang - If we do not have another DM post, with associated players' posts, we will fall many posts short of full posting for this week. PLEASE get your PC's post in quickly for this round.

====
And, after this weekend, it would be good for someone to delete this post :-)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday April 8th, 2016 10:32:03 PM
OOC: I have began posting from my mobile phone exclusively and I have no idea how to edit my header. Current HP is the same as I put in my Monday post, the last time I was wounded, 25/46.

Shel moves toward the remaining opponent, using the remnants of her magic to accelerate over the distance. "Why did your group attack us," she asks having missed the earlier conversation between the gnoll and Murphy as she moved in that direction.

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Saturday April 9th, 2016 3:11:50 AM
The gnoll smiles a wicked smile at Murphy before pulling his hand and blade away from the humans neck. He moves away from the prisoners and continues backing up.

Murphy can see from.this close that the gnoll has hideous, blotches and marks all over his face.

" The human was for sale at the next town. The goblin babies... for sale for meat. Price.. well that was negotiable. As for.. Ashakan is my name.. "

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Saturday April 9th, 2016 8:23:01 AM
Trillium watches with satisfaction as her opponent hits the ground and then quickly wipes her sword clean on the gnoll and then picks up her wand.

" Hey guys, anyone hurt? If so use that wand we were given and get ready you never know when something else might be out there and waiting. Also let's check the prisoners to see if they have any injuries as well."

That said, Trill takes out her bow and keeps it at the ready, for while she is good with her rapier, she is much more dangerous with her bow in hand.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday April 9th, 2016 10:16:34 AM

Bliss says "Ugh! Baby meat! That's not good!"

Mookie sticks a feathered head under his wing.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday April 9th, 2016 11:41:00 AM
Assuming only 1 round has passed...
Cameron channels energy and heals his companions, ans the unconscious gnoll.
Channel energy for 9 healing (rolled last post)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 5/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 51/56, CMD 20  d20+13=14 ;
Saturday April 9th, 2016 12:34:42 PM
"Thanks Cam. I'm still a little banged up, but not too bad."

"Now listen, gnolly, let the human go, and we'll let yo leave. Maybe even let you keep the goblins."

Bluff: 14 (natural 1). Kezzem's not keen on letting the gnoll leave and has no intention on letting him keep the goblins.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted 
Saturday April 9th, 2016 2:13:00 PM
"Hi, Press," he says as she walks toward them. "You mind keeping an eye on this fellows captives? See how they are doing?"

He returns to attention to the gnoll. "So, Ashakan, who is buying humans in the next town? And what are they doing with them?"

"Oh, and, how was it you thought it would be a good idea to attack us?"

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday April 9th, 2016 11:18:23 PM
In the Halfling tongue, Cameron says, "You're welcome Kezzem. Nice way to follow a lead in the fight back there. I think we will work out as good combat companions.."
"Now, are we seriously talking about letting any of these gnolls live? Have any of you ever SEEN what gnolls do to their captives, their slaves? I have. Trust me,some creatures can't be redeemed, only slain. My vote is they die here and now. Letting them go will slow my arrival in Bright Springs."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 51/53, CMD 22; hasted  d20+13=18 ;
Saturday April 9th, 2016 11:42:37 PM
Pressi cocked an eyebrow at Murphy's instruction but the gnoll did stand down. Kneeling, Pressi checks the human and then the goblins. (Perception 18). She isn't sure what she's looking for, but she figures she will know it when she sees it.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday April 10th, 2016 1:08:59 AM
Alleah stands over the unconscious gnoll and kicks any weapon away from its reach.

"Any that survive will either be taken prisoner by us, or, will be set free. They won't be killed for convenience sake" she responds matter-of-factly in halfling.

Alleah readies herself to cast a hold spell should the gnoll with the captives do anything aggressive (Ready to cast Hold Person. Will Save vs DC20 or be paralyzed. Clerical spell s no leyline check needed)

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Sunday April 10th, 2016 11:38:50 AM
Cameron stops talking as if he had been struck. He then, using the move action still available to him, starts heading for his tent. In Halfling he continues.
" Kezzem, Shel, if you would stay near me for another moment or so I will get you healed up."
" Here I thought we were adults that talked over our differences in opinion, voted on things. I guess not. Letting them go is fine.It will just mean this takes me longer. Someone please clue Bliss in once the pretty gnolls have gone. Let him know how the same monsters that once killed one of his friends are all nice now and not a threat. Eating babies I'm sure is the new thing, it will be catching on all over the Wold. I'm sure he will understand."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday April 10th, 2016 9:57:49 PM
"It was discussed, Cameron. Back with Ringrot and the goblins. We don't kill prisoners. If that's something you can't accept or are going to bring up every time we take prisoners, then perhaps our way of life isn't for you?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) hasted  d20+22=26 ;
Monday April 11th, 2016 12:04:22 AM

Murphy listens to the side conversations Cameron is having with the others in the halfling tongue as he awaits the gnoll's response. One of his conditions to letting the fellow go is that he answer the questions he puts to him. So far he is close, but not fully there yet.

[Perception: 26]

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Monday April 11th, 2016 7:51:05 AM
Trill tells anyone Injured to use the parties wand to heald themselves.

Cameron channels a healing energy to those around him, which includes the gnoll. Being ready Alleah cats hold person and the Gnolls body goes rigid as its frozen in place.

Bliss does not like the idea of baby goblin meat.. but who does.

The Gnoll caster smiles at Kezzems bad attempt at lieing.

Murphy awaits his answers and is rewarded. " I don't know his name. He pays good coin but we keep it business. As for you.. we thought you children at first. Then we figured you were sleepinG. You lucked out... most don't last that long with us."

Pressi checks the captives. Other then bumps and bruises, they appear fine. Theyre tied together, bound at the wrists. The human looks protective of the goblins. With bulging eyes, afraid of his situation, he is able to say thank you.


Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday April 11th, 2016 9:55:11 AM
"Tell me what, Cam?" asks Bliss, "What are you talking about? I'm tired. We should just finish our sleep and get going in the morning. Do we want a new camp?"

Bliss either helps re-establish the party camp or helps set up a new one. Either way, he stumbles back to bed and is soon back to sleep.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 51/56, CMD 20 
Monday April 11th, 2016 10:25:22 AM
"So...can we kill him?" asks Kezzem. "I mean, he eats people. Goblins, yeah, but still people...sort of."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 51/53, CMD 22; hasted  d20+5=6 ;
Monday April 11th, 2016 2:17:29 PM
"Yeah, don't thank us yet," Pressi responded. "I don't think this is over."

Pressi began to cut the ropes with her sai, freeing all three captives. "I'm Pressi by the way. The guy up there talking to your captor is Murphy and the guy yelling at Murphy is Goober. And you are?"

After getting their names, Pressi tries to get some information about who they are and what they are doing in the woods. She also asks if the Gnoll Caster has been particularly chatty since their capture. (Diplomacy Natural 1).

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Monday April 11th, 2016 2:49:15 PM

"I see. So you are fine with attacking and enslaving and killing children. You prey on those you deem helpless. You cowardly threaten a helpless captive in order to buy your freedom.

"I did say if you met my stipulations - my requirements - that you would leave with your skin intact. You have met some of them. However, all and each must be met. Also - it appears you may have wronged these three people," the druid says, nodding toward the newly unbound captives.

"Before you leave, there is a bit more that needs to be done. Know this, Ashakan, if you try to take any action against any of us, the odds are not in your favor, and your own death will likely result. If you want to live, then, you will submit to a brief trial, as you have not done all that I asked as of yet. Sit down, one of my friends will bind your hands behind you, and hobble your feet and legs. You will sit trial. Your captives will testify. You may present a defense if you choose.

"If you comply, and fully meet our stipulations, then, as I promised, your skin will remain intact, and you will leave. Under what conditions will depend upon what you do and say in the next several minutes. If you attempt to flee before you have met the conditions I have set, then any of my friends who choose to do so may pursue you and do what they will with you. If you submit, and cooperate, and speak truly, that is your one chance for life.

"For this trial, Cameron, will you serve as prosecutor? And, Alleah, will you provide counsel for the defense? Or, would others here prefer to stand those roles? Trill, I see your swift arrows are ready. Will you and Kezzem provide security? Bliss, Shel, Pressi, will you make up the jury? Unless another thinks it should go otherwise, I will serve as judge in this procedure."

Note that the gnoll has not as of yet given a promise that he will not harm any of those present, nor their kin. On that basis, Murphy is aiming for this course of action, though he does not say so, unless asked.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Monday April 11th, 2016 2:52:47 PM

If someone brings to his attention that another gnoll is still alive, Murphy will ask that someone bind him, and he and the spellcaster can stand - or sit - trial together.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Monday April 11th, 2016 3:03:55 PM
Nodding her acquiescence, about security, to Murphy Trill moves so that she has a full view of the area and those in it as well as as much of the surrounding approach as well.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ;
Monday April 11th, 2016 4:31:18 PM
" The one over there, the one with Bliss's bolts at his feet stirred when I healed, He's alive, and as of this moment, I think he is confined by Alleah's magic. "
"I'll Prosecute, but this isn't necessary. You can do as Alleah wants, regardless of the emotions involved by the rest of us and let him go free to kill again. He will enjoy a day at most before I manage to hunt him and send him to Gargul for judgement. I'm fine with that, really."
" As for them giving testimony, they are frightened out of their minds Murphy. They don't know us from a hole in the ground. What's to say some evil halflings weren't the ones that enslaved them in the first place? However this is what my goddess would ask of me. I can feel her pacing in the shadows all around the camp. If this is the course you desire us to follow, I will."
"I will require a bit of time to prepare the witnesses, as they are currently at the very least cold, hungry and frightened near to death by the night's festivities."
Cameron had been about to start striking camp. There was no way he was going to sleep here when there were Gnolls on the loose around him, no matter how they promised to behave. Murphy raises an interesting point though, and he would like to see where it leads. He will bind the gnoll that stirred when he healed, and then, with the human, goblins and gnolls in range, channel positive energy again, healing everyone for a pitiful 4 healing. Based on this he is certain that Jancassis would have rather seen the gnolls set loose and him to hunt them, but that was not going to happen, not yet at least.
Cameron takes a lock of fur from each of the gnolls, and uses it as the component for a Detect Victim prayer. He expects that the goblins and human will show as desiring revenge against the gnolls. In any legal court, this would probably call any testimony they were to give into question, but it is something Cameron was expecting.
Cameron goes to their underground fire pit, and wakens the coals, adding some fresh fuel. He bids the human and goblins to sit near the fire and warm themselves, while providing them with a blanket from his bedroll. It will be small, but better than nothing. He will heat a pot of water for them, and provide them with his grooming kit, again small, but again, better than nothing, so that they may wash, and some food so that they can eat. He will explain to them, well the human at least, he has not yet mastered the goblin tongue, that he is both a cleric and Avenger of Jancassis, the goddess of vengeance. All they need to do is answer the questions asked of them truthfully, and he stresses that point, and the gnolls will not hurt them again. When they are more at ease, he will signal Murphy that he is ready to begin.
---------------------------
All of that assumes the gnoll plays nice. In the event that doesn't happen, and the gnoll either tries to flee or attack, then...

Cameron turns and with a simple flick of his outstretched wrist immolates the gnoll caster.

Wand of scorching ray
UMD 28
Ranged touch attack hits AC 16 for 14 fire damage
He then moves to pursue/engage, the gnoll. Move 40
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 6/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
3 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 46 remaining

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday April 11th, 2016 10:08:45 PM

Bliss watches the proceedings. He is not sure what to make of all this.

"Mookie, what's going on? Shouldn't we be getting back to sleep? Tomorrow is a big day."

Mookie shoves his head deeper under his wing.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday April 11th, 2016 10:20:01 PM
"Guys? Bliss is right. We need our rest or we are going to be at way less than our best tomorrow. Sleep is important and us heading out early is important. Remember , we have a mission that needs our undivided attention. But, if you all think his is more important, I'll stand as a juror. But I really hope it doesn't come to that.". Shel waits for the decision to be made.

"And thanks for the healing, Cameron. Very much appreciated. I'm feeling quite a bit better now!"

Current HP 38/46.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Monday April 11th, 2016 11:18:15 PM

"I think we might be able to wrap this up in perhaps 15 to 20 minutes or so, friends. If you'd all humor me, we can get through it, then those not on watch can catch up on sleep. We'll get up half an hour later than usual, so all get sufficient rest."

He does not disagree on the need for rest, but an issue he thought was resolved among party members obviously is not. Besides, this gnoll, if he is to be released, needs to have the smirk wiped entirely off his face.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 12:49:13 AM
"Woudln't it be better just to hand them over to the local authorities?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 1:40:03 AM

"Perhaps so, Kezzem," Murphy responds. "But do you want to have these gnolls travel with us over the coming day?" In halfling, he adds, "Or have this fellow tell the people in the city we travel to of our intentions?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 2:28:08 AM
Alleah speaks in halfling "You promised him that if he answered your questions that you would let him walk, Murphy. You cannot hold him for punishment without going back on your word and honor - regardless of his crimes. However, I think I have an alternative solution, since I made no such promise...

I shall cast a Lesser Geas on each of them. I will command them to head straight to the guardhouse in Angel Springs and confess their crimes. The legal system there can deal with them however they see fit. If it's the death penalty, then so be it. The law will be done and we will be on our way"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 3:02:41 AM

Likewise in halfling Murphy responds to Alleah. "He has not yet promised not to bother us again, nor to avoid any actions against his captives or their kin. No, I have not gone back on my word, Alleah. I have told him what is required for him to be able to walk. Now, let us see if he chooses to meet those terms. He has come part way. Also, if I say, 'Go ahead now and leave,' before he fully complies with the terms I laid down - then I'll wager he'll enjoy his smirk for some time to come.

"At least let his victims have their moment to state their accusations, if they choose to do so. I am open to your general suggestion, dependent upon the results of what should be a very short trial here tonight. I am not wholly unsympathetic to Cameron's desires, despite that he must understand that if we make a decision as a group regarding the disposition of captured opponents, he is not free to usurp that decision. I am not wholly unsympathetic to your inclinations. If the gnoll will not give convincing assurances that he will go by what we lay down, though, I am not certain that Angel Springs should be the destination of a lesser geas, but your general notion has merit."

He then asks, "Alleah, will you help in this short trial? Or perhaps it may better be deemed a hearing. This is a wicked, depraved creature to the best ability of my eyes to see. I want a measure of proper fear and respect to be planted, however tenuously, in his darkened soul, before we send him back into the night."

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 3:52:00 AM
" I see, I am still the problem. Let me see if I can explain this a bit more so you can understand it."
"Have any of you ever suffered any kind of trauma? Maybe nearly drowning, almost falling from a great height, or being exposed to the predation of a group of gnolls? In normal people, these kinds of things can leave lasting marks. The person that nearly drown might develop a fear of water. The one that nearly fell might fear heights. While I do not fear for myself from gnolls, I have seen what they can do to others, and I would spare others that. You can't just make a blanke statement that all prisoners are allowed to go free and expect that there will be no pushback when someone particularly offensive to one or more of us is a prisoner, and you plan, after hearing how depraved and evil they are, to just let them walk away. It isn't the smirk you are talking about or that he tried to kill us, well that is part of it, but not all of it, that makes this important to me."


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 4:43:00 AM
"None of us are trained in the laws of the land nor on trial proceedings. No law or ruling that we come up with would have any legal basis whatsoever. We could end up doing more harm than good. We are better off leaving this to the professionals. If the legal system in a lawful town sees fit to set them free, or hang them, or anything in between, then that is as close to a lawful outcome as we are going to see.

If you can think of somewhere other than Angels Springs within 5 days walk, then I will happily geas them to go there."

Alleah has no intention to participate in a trial, and would much rather see justice administered by qualified professionals.

-----------------------
OOC: In terms of a trial, it could end up taking days - or weeks - of in game posts to conduct. I'm not really interested in roleplaying that sort of thing. Let's be done with these gnolls and move on with the module :)

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 7:41:03 AM
" Listen..." the gnoll starts. " I answered your questions, I gave you the captives, and I am walking away. I gave you what you wanted and Then you changed to a trial. Forget that. I am done with this. You like to claim to be a goodly race, yet you want to hold a trial whose outcome is predetermined. You are so high and mighty to think you are judge ( points to Murphy), jury (points to shel, trill, Kezzem and Pressi) and executioner (points at Cameron.)

It doesn't matter if I tell you that I won't harm you. I am a Gnoll and whatever I say is wrong to you. I am going to turn around and walk away now.. prove to me you have as much evil in your heart as I do. Before i forget.. these tumors and legions you see on my face? They're there due to a disease. A contagious diseas, so come grab me if you want, but do so knowing your life is in your own hands."

With that he turns around and begins walking away. ....

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+11=29 ; 2d6+5=16 ; d20+11=24 ; 2d6+5=16 ; d20+17=27
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 8:01:54 AM

Bliss shoots him with a merciful bolt. A natural 18 is not quite a crit threat. He inflicts 16 nonlethal damage.

It that does not put him down, Bliss shoots again next round. AC24 for another 16.

I figure he is down or we are in combat?

If he goes down, Bliss runs over, strips him down to his underwear, takes everything he has (including spell pouch, holy symbol, etc etc). Perception 27 to make sure he is not hiding anything. Then Bliss says, "Okay, that's fair. Let's go now please."

If he does not go down, then let's roll initiative! Metaphorically speaking.

[OOC: Bliss may be nudging his alignment towards Chaotic Good!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 10:35:25 AM
(OOC: Sorry I didn't weigh into the trial stuff myself. Didn't really have time with the baby and all. WIll have an actual post shortly.)

(OOC to Bliss: I don't know, I think this act might actually nudge Bliss into CN territory. He's shooting a fleeing person in the back to take his stuff. Yes, its a little more complicated than that, but still.)

(OOC to Shawn: Oh my god, we might catch a disease if we touch him. How can our team of range fighters, divines and disease immune monks ever prevail.)

Dm Shawn: That was more for the people who wanted to tie him up.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 2:48:08 PM
Pressi, kneeling, kept her attention on cutting loose the human and goblin prisoners while deciding whether to even get involved in the screaming around her.

Her cutting stops as she hears a crossbow fire nearby. It takes a second shot before she realizes what has happened. It takes every curse in her vocabulary to express her incoherent anger that Bliss just fired two bolts into the back of someone ambling away when the crisis was over.

"Idiots," she finally screamed in anything resembling coherence. "You're all idiots. We're supposed to be the good guys racing to save whats left of our friends and we're bickering over some schmuck that's barely worth our attention. And now we've gone to arguing over whether to set a quickie court that will add even more time, or just abandoning what is supposed to make us the good guys and just killing him or whatever or ENOUGH. ENOUGH, all of you. Because I can't be the only one in this group that just keeps her mouth shut and let things go. You're all big men devoted to your various gods. Congradu DOMI lations. Someday, you all might even show some loyalty to this group and its mission. Or at least understand that being an adult means not having a tantrum every DOMI time something doesn't go your Mother of Domi way!

"We made a tactical decision to strike a deal to get this guy to stand down, let the prisoners go, and give us some information. It's not the tactical decision I would have made, but we made it, and we will honor it. I know for sure that Cameron will shut up and honor it because he made this big long speech about how he's super honest and always faithful to deals and I don't think we know each other well enough for him to just admit he's a hypocrite. But we're also going to honor it because who seriously gives a shittake? And now we've gone back on our word and shot someone in the back. Was your precious, fragile pride worth it?"

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 5:16:41 PM

"Pressi, Pressi, it's okay!" says Bliss, honestly confused. "My bah didn't hurt him. Just put him to sleep like. He'll be fine. Knocking him down and taking his stuff is a fair deal, especially for someone who eats babies."

"Without his gear, he'll think twice about doing more bad stuff, and maybe he'll think about not doing bad stuff next time since that's what you get when you do bad stuff. See?"

"And besides, I didn't agree to any deal. What deal, anyway? You want he should keep his gear? OK?"

"We don't even have a sarge or a CO or a boss, and if we did, I'd follow orders like I learned in the Fist. But all we got is Mister Murphy, and half the time I don't even understand WHAT he's saying."

"Besides, we gotta go get a new camp and rest up for the morning. I'm tired."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday April 12th, 2016 10:17:31 PM
Shel stood by and grinned. Pressi's yelling isn't so bad when it's at the others instead of me, she thought to herself. She didn't take any actions, as she was determined to let this play out. The group was going to have to resolve this prisoner issue one way or the other. Might as well get to it now, it was as good a time as any.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 1:06:17 AM

Murphy buries his face in his hands for a moment. He sighs. If the gnoll is still conscious, he says, "I said with skin intact, but that does not include all your possessions. As payment for your enslavements and murders, your items we shall retain. We will send you with a knife, and a waterskin. Likewise your companion." If unconscious, he does not interfere with Bliss's recovery of the gnoll's possessions.

As he comes to, he tells him the above.

To his companions he turns. "I will speak very clearly, in short words," he says in the common tongue, that all might understand. "I suggested the trial in order to save the life of this apparently wicked gnoll, which I agreed to do that he would spare the life of this poor captive human, and the two wee goblins."

To Ashakan he repeats, "The trial was to save your life, as I promised."

And to the party, he continues, "I suggested the trial as a step toward preventing Cameron from doing what yesterday he said he would not do, and now says that he must do - to pursue and kill this gnoll. I did it to save time, by using a short time of a brief trial or hearing, in hopes of persuading and precluding Cameron from acting against the interests of our goal of saving our friends, and by hunting down the gnolls whose lives we exchanged to preserve life."

He looks at Bliss. "When this group first formed, I was asked to lead it. Now, granted, that was in the context of the Crescent Valley games, and we were a team. But as we became an adventuring group, it seemed people still looked to me to take the initiative ... I mean, to help us choose some of the things we were to do. I never wanted to be some sort of leader who says, 'My way or the highway.' I wanted the group to do things because it made sense to all - or at least to most of us. Usually the circumstances led pulled us forward.

"In the beginning, we were somewhat united, with similar backgrounds, similar goals. We were all from Crescent Valley, and so each had a personal stake in defending the land of our homes.

"We have changed. Only Shel and I of the original group are still here. I value each one of you who has joined us since.

"And Bliss is right. I think I have been showing leadership in some ways, but not always with clarity, and not always with consensus.

"Some of you may agree, and some disagree. But I think we need to decide. Will we remain a group of willful, disparate individuals... I mean, Bliss, people with strong differences in purpose and direction, and with each of us pulling in conflicting directions? It has been that way, in some measure, for a while now. Or will we figure out, and agree upon, some core ideas to guide us, to bind us to one another, and to protection of Humble's Ford, and the Valley? And a reasonable system of decision making. And, clarity in leadership structure?"

And he turns to Cameron, "I made an offer to this gnoll to save a life. If you go against my decision in this matter, and attempt to hunt down the gnolls, then you and I can no longer walk together. We need you to help us in the rescue business, not in the revenge business."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 2:35:56 AM
"Can you honestly say letting this guy go is a good idea?" asks Kezzem. "How many more people we he eat, kill, or trade? Is keeping your word worth their lives? I'm not saying we have to kill him dead or anything, but just letting him go free does not sit well with me. He was eating people!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+10=21 ; d20+5=20 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 2:45:50 AM
Alleah's ears prick up when the gnoll mentions he has a contagious disease. She doesn't get the chance to ask him any questions before he turns and Bliss knocks him out.

While the others talk, she looks very carefully over the gnolls (both living and deceased) as well as the human and goblins for any signs of the illness. She knows how just one case of a contagious disease can become an epidemic.

Talk of prisoners and such will have to wait. "Uh, anyone who touched that gnoll needs to be examined. If it is a contagious disease, you may need treatment. Until we can tell what the disease is exactly, we'd be better off treating his possessions as contaminated too. Some diseases can be contracted just by touch"

She then has to do something that the others may not agree with. "I have to remove that gnoll's affliction. If he is contagious, we can't have him spreading it all about the countryside. We don't know how it is transmitted, and it could feasibly end up poisoning the water supply. Who knows how many countless could die if it spreads?"

Alleah can finally get some rest to regain her spells. Once done, and if the gnoll is willing, she can cast "Purify" to treat the diseased gnoll.

------------------------------
Perception on everyone to look for signs of disease: 34 (Take 20)
Heal check to identify the disease: 21
Purify: Caster level check: 20 to remove the disease

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 8:45:13 AM
Ooc: Some posts are based on the gnoll being knocked out. As you'll see that did not happen.

Bliss fires a merciful bolt and connects with the gnoll. The beat looks over his shoulder, and laughs that hideous laugh.

"As evil as me, I see" he mocks Bliss as he picks up speed aND begins to run.

Pressi has had enough and let's her disdain be known. She screams to the group that they are better then that.

Shel figured now was as good a time as any other to let the prisoners discussion finally play out.

Murphy buries his head in his hands before explaining his reasons for a trial while also lamenting that a leader is needed. He also explains this is a fork in the road for Cameron and decisions need to be made.

Kezzem doesn't like the idea of just letting the gnoll walk away. He does eat people after all.

Alleah is able to look over the other Gnolls and prisoners but none bear the legions and tumors the lead gnoll had. (Holding off on the other parts of your post till the gnoll us actually knocked out or let go.)

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 12:02:07 PM
" See, Kezzem is thinking what I'm thinking. But now two of you have said the same thing, and honestly, it has been on my mind as well, we really can not work together. These guys will be here, killing and eating other humanoids until I return for them. You all can go back to sleep and prepare for tomorrow.I most certainly will not be returning to sleep with that fellow on the loose. He is out of my sight and I will not go play his game to find him.In the morning we will go get our people back, and I will see you back to the Valley and collect my little friends. From there I will take my leave and do as I must. Problem solved."
" I will not kill anyone outside of combat while I am with you. If a fight starts I will not, repeat will not hold back. When it ends you can make nice with as many murderers and baby eaters as you like. May your gods have mercy on you when they kill others after you could have stopped it, because mine won't."
Cameron steps to the prisoners and offers them his hand, preparing to lead them through the darkness and into the camp.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Haste 7/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 to hit, +1 to reflex saves

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 5:50:29 PM

Bliss readies his second bolt and looks around for someone to tell him to fire again or not. [OOC: Readied action to shoot at the fleeing enemy if anyone tells him to. Might as well use the attack rolls from last post?]

Meanwhile, Mookie listens to the discussion and says to Bliss, "Kid, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"

"I think so, Mookie," answers Bliss. "But do we have time to find a liontaur, a rope of entangling, and a flying carpet that's big enough?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 9:36:55 PM
"Now, is it just murderers and baby eaters?" Pressi asked. "Because Murphy wants to focus on bringing baby eaters to the masses, but I feel like we should diversify. Really support the puppy kickers, jaywalkers, really just fall in love with all the monsters we can.

"Look, if it's that clear that we are concerned only with the destruction of as many babies as possible, why even stick around? Nobody's forcing you here at sword point. I'm sure there are plenty of groups that will let you kill whoever you want and you don't even need to wait until tonight. In fact, you know what, there he is to be shot in the back again. Go for it. Blow him away in all your luscious, manly glory because I'm done. Just because you need a mom doesn't mean it has to be me."

Pressi sat for a little bit, trying to calm down. "Look, Domi only knows I hardly have clean hands on this. But this... this is insane. We're trying to figure out how to save the second dinner club and stop a necromancer and all this necromancer guy has to do is leave us alone so we'll kill each other. I don't know what to do, but it's got to start with pushing our pride and emotions aside. I mean, Shel and I aren't going to pick out china patterns any time soon, what with her calling me an ugly whore and therefore of no value, but we can at least put that aside. Cameron, can you really not put this aside? Can you really see nothing of me besides someone that hates kids?"

"Oh, and Alleah, I think you were right. But you should probably hit him with the spell now, while he's still running shockingly slowly."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 9:56:34 PM
Shel decides to speak up at this juncture. "Okay, I agree with most of you that we can't be killing surrendered enemies all willy nilly even if they might have been baby eaters at a prior time. Executing someone isnt what good people and heroes do. We can take them with us, drop them off at a town, or something of the sort. Im even fine with tying them to a tree when we get to the necromancers and then untying them and bringing them back to justice after our task is done. But, I can't in good conscience put up with all the killing of enemies no longer a threat."

Shel doesn't speak to Pressi's point exactly, but nods. "I think we can work together. It's just going to take a bit of an effort, whether we love each other or not. We've got to find the others to see if they can fix our tower. Don't forget that. It'll take all of us to achieve that!"

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 13th, 2016 10:43:13 PM
" Very well then. In the morning I will escort our new friends to one of the towns we passed and you all can continue being heroes. Have a great night."
Cameron stokes up the embers and gets a fire going and food cooking to feed their new guests.( the human and goblins, not the gnoll)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 12:25:08 AM
"We can't let Typhoid Mary there get away until he has been treated" Alleah says, pointing at the fleeing gnoll "Bliss, can you subdue him so I can treat him?"

Alleah will also cast Hold Person on the fleeing gnoll in an attempt to stop him.

-------------------
Clerical spell. No leyline check needed. Will Save vs DC20 or be paralyzed

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 12:35:33 AM
"Well, I suppose that solves that problem," says Kezzem. "Things were getting a little serious there."

"A liontaur, a rope of entangling, and a flying carpet you say? Tell me more!"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Trial  d6+3=5 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2016 1:03:44 AM
"Go ahead, Bliss. The gnoll figures we're evil, anyhow. As I said, skin intact - and your merciful bolts will allow for such. Go stop him, take his possessions. If anyone else wants to help stop him without killing him, join in. I'll come over and help you tie him up. Alleah, you can do the healing when you're ready."

Murphy climbs down the tree, and runs (move: 100) after the gnoll and, presumably along with Bliss, catches him to tie him up. Murphy has rope. If Bliss's bah does not put him down, Murphy casts entangle so that it catches the gnoll as just as it enters the area of effect.

If a bit more effort is required to bring him down than Bliss's bolts provide, Murphy will add a lightning arc or two (5 hp electrical damage on 1st), but only after slowing their opponent down with the entangle.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 1:20:00 AM

Ah, one more thing. Murphy wears gloves as he ties the fellow. Once the spellcaster is subdued and tied, Murphy also gags him so he can feel free to mumble. He will wash off the gloves well after the task is complete.

If we need to drag Ashakan back, Murphy will head back and get a pony to help pull him back to the group.

Once there, the druid says, "My father told me if I gave my word, to keep it. In this case, an innocent life was spared by a wicked creature. I bargained with said creature that the human would be spared. Is this an excellent idea? That the human's life was saved, yes. That I agreed to let the gnoll leave, skin intact? Kezzem, I do not know. I have seen enemies become friends. But that rarely happens, and I do not anticipate it here.

"Cameron, you are rather fickle. First it was you would remain with us through the rescue of the halflings and their return to the valley. Now, you plan to leave earlier? I would just as soon you stay with us, and help us on the mission we all agreed to. I even hope that we can work through all this, and come to a healthy, honorable, and livable arrangement among us as friends.

"My thought is we should keep the former captives with us as a group, do what we can to see to their welfare. Thank you for feeding them."

He turns to the human. "My name is Murphy. What is yours? Can you tell us a bit about who you are, and how you came to this turn of events?"

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn  d20+10=20 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2016 10:03:45 AM
Cameron let's it be known his exact stance on the situation. He also let's it be known he will be leaving at the next town.

Bliss readies his bolt and waits for a word to.fire. Murphy gives the word and Bliss unleashes another merciful bolt. It hits the gnoll, but the gnoll keeps moving.

Pressi shares her opinion on the party, noting the necromancer doesn't need to do anything as the party will just kill themselves.

Shel agrees with the majority and even has a theory that her and Pressi can work together. Maybe those China patterns are closer then Pressi thinks.

Alleah casts hold person, but the gnoll doesn't stop. (Made.Dc)

Kezzem doesn't get Bliss's joke about a liontaur, carpet and magic rope.

Murphy gives the word before dropping down and running after the gnoll. (No spell cast, running is a full.round action.)

Distance: the gnoll ran twice, Murphy once,. Murphy is 100' from the group. The Gnoll 140' past Murphy ( 240' from the party.)


Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+7=13 ; 2d6(1+4)+5=10
Thursday April 14th, 2016 10:42:54 AM
Bliss laughs! "This is why I even HAVE a bah! Looong range!"

He shoots again ... 240 ft = -4 range mod. He hits AC13 ... note that unless the gnoll has the run feat, then he loses his dex bonus to AC when running.

On the chance that might be a hit, Bliss does 10 nonlethal damage.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 11:44:21 AM
Murphy stops and casts entangle in the manner earlier stated, then spends the rest of the round running forward.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 12:03:55 PM
"Keeping your word is good and all in general, Murph, but not when life's are at stake. Sometimes it's better to lie. For instance, if Alleah asked you if a new dress made her look fat...you lie and say yes because that's much more fun!"

"Seriously though, I can get wanting to give people a second chance, like those idiot goblins we fought earlier who were misled by that sorcerer whatshisname, but this guy represents a threat to society, and we should not be the ones to determine whether he can be redeemed or not. We are risking the lives of the people here, and they should have a say. Plus, if it makes you feel better, you promised he could leave unarmed, I don't think you promised he would be free to kidnap and eat people."

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Thursday April 14th, 2016 12:44:23 PM
OOC
Not next town, next dawn.
IC
"Pressi doesn't seem to think my help is needed Murphy. All of you want me to bend with no consideration of how or why I feel the way I do. I am who I am because at some point in their lives, my parents and their group spared someone and that someone came back and killed them all, so no, I am not planning on reconsidering my stance."
"A priestess of Alemi stood by me and made sure I didn't die in my trial to become an Avenger. She wanted me to explore forgiveness, and I have. The old me would have killed those baby goblins simply because they would grow up to be full grown evil goblins. I look at Bliss and know that doesn't have to be, if they are taught right from wrong. I have seen places here in the Hills that need someone strong to help them hold back the night and learn to thrive in such an evil place. I plan to do that and make at least a small part of the Red Hills habitable by good folk."
" I hope your forgiveness never comes back to haunt you, but I fear that is not in the cards."
While cooking, Cameron turns his attention to the human and the goblins. Are the goblins old enough to eat solid food? Do they have names? Are the prisoners alright? Are they injured, malnourished?

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 8:12:17 PM
Trill looks around at the other members not at all sure what is going on and starting to have a bad feeling about all the goings on. Keeping an eye out for anything that may be approaching, she stews and wonders what she has gotten herself into.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 9:37:31 PM
She gives chase to the gnoll, gaining some 200ft on him (40ft base speed + Run feat). He won't be escaping if she has anything to say about it.

"I know it doesn't seem it, but we're actually wanting to help you! I want to treat your disease!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+19=38 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2016 9:54:43 PM
"Wait, so we're chasing that guy after all? That seems like the kind of thing you either decide early or forget it."

Pressi frowned at the further remarks of Cameron, and surprisingly of Kezzem. Having met him a couple of years ago, she knew a few things from his past that she bet buddy Cam didn't, and vice versa. She pulled on her unusual robe a bit, straightening it. How much forgiveness would these two have given her, all those years ago.

Pressi began to respond to Cam and stopped herself. "We will deal with this later. For now..."

Pressi eyed the floating sorceress carefully. "Hey, so a couple of stupid hypothetical questions. First, how much can you carry. And second, what speed can you go? Ok, one more stupid question."

If Shel allows, Pressi hops on Shel's back and they ride at top speed to the gnoll. (Acrobatics 38).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday April 14th, 2016 11:24:14 PM
"Um, I've never figured it out. I can Fly and then with my Haste magic, I can go even faster. I'm pretty weak so I don't know exactly how safe this is, but we can give it a try.". Shel thinks a second longer and snaps her fingers.

"You are much stronger than me...how about I cast Fly on you and we both go after him? You'd really never forgive me if I crashed and hurt both of us.". If Pressi is willing Shel casts Fly on her, and heads off in the direction of the diseased gnoll.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday April 15th, 2016 9:45:24 AM
After some hesitation, Pressi accepts Shel's offer.

(OOC: My original thinking is that, due to the round by round thing occurring, the only way for either to catch up would be for the other to give up their move, i.e. one carries the other and then the other starts running. But I've reviewed the rules and I don't see any way around the encumbrance rules that would slow either down. My other mechanical consideration was that Pressi hanging off Shel would be funny.)

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn  d20+4=18 ;
Friday April 15th, 2016 12:14:02 PM
Bliss fires his arrow, but comes up shy.

Murphy stops, and casts entangle. The branches and roots around the gnoll begin trying to capture him but he blows right through. Murphy moves after. (You cannot run and cast in the same round. So Murphy moves 30'.)

Cameron goes more in depth with why he does what he does. As for the rescued prisoners. The human intreduces himself as Nywald.. the babies have no names. Nywald was forced to take care of them.

Trill is angry, and watches for anything trying to sneak up. She sees nothing of the sort.

Alleah takes off after the gnoll, pleading she wants to help him. If the gnoll heard and understood he isn't showing it as he continues running.

Shel casts fly on on Pressi and hops in her arms following after the gnoll..

Camp.... Pressi and Shel (60')... Murphy (130')... Alleah (200')... Gnoll (360')


Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+7=17 ; 2d6+5=14 ;
Friday April 15th, 2016 12:19:11 PM

Bliss grins, moves forward 30 ft, and takes another shot! (-4 for range) He hits AC17 for 14 more nonlethal. And that's with no dex bonus for the gnoll!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday April 15th, 2016 12:54:50 PM
Kezzem full runs after the gnoll.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Friday April 15th, 2016 4:53:29 PM
OOC
Unless it was recast, the haste is long expired...
IC
Cameron Introduces himself and explains that in the morning he will get them to safety. For now, water is heating for washing and he will have food prepared a few minutes after that. He makes a thin porridge for the goblins and whatever else he has as rations for the human. Once they have been fed, they can curl up in his tent, since he will not be sleeping tonight because of an angry double croseed gnll cleric running about in the woods. When midnight rolls around he will pray, and change a couple of spells to make up for his lost sleep.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday April 15th, 2016 9:05:55 PM
Pressi has a bit of a moment where she wonders if she should have stayed back with Cameron, especially since it seemed like it would be a while before she and Shel would be anywhere in range of the Gnoll. And also in part because she had gotten caught up in the moment, but still felt like chasing him violated the spirit of the agreement. Also, if it was so important that everyone catch this guy, maybe that should have been made clearer. (Cam's not the only one who's fickle, Murphy, she thought to herself.)

She makes her opinion known to Shel, but if Shel casts haste in her next turn, Pressi dutifully speeds ahead as fast as flight takes her.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday April 15th, 2016 10:38:31 PM
Shel does indeed cast Haste, which will include the two of them, and if any of the others are still in range she will include them as well. "He's probably got too big a start alright, but I want to be sure nothing else jumps out and ambushes the others."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday April 16th, 2016 12:16:51 AM
Alleah slows up. The gnoll has no intention of coming back and she has no spells left to stop him. "At least I tried" she consoles herself as she turns to slowly walk back to the camp.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday April 16th, 2016 12:25:24 PM

Running... "Avoid the entangled area ahead!" He tells those who are moving in the same direction.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Saturday April 16th, 2016 7:43:54 PM
As water heats and food cooks, Cameron expands on what Nywald can expect in the morning.
" So one of the towns I can take you to has it's security well in hand, is mostly human and will probably have you kill the goblins before letting you inside. Plus you might need to perform a dance routine."
" The other town is all halflings that have very little clue about how to secure their town, but will try like heck to do it. They are also tolerant of everyone and you will probably be their hero since you are big enough to help them get things done. No pressure, but I will be going to live with the halflings for awhile. They need a hand and they strike me as folks I can really help."

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Monday April 18th, 2016 8:29:33 AM
Bliss fires again, hits again, but the gnoll doesn't go down.

Kezzem takes off after the gnoll, better late then never.

Nywald thanks Cameron. " I am not sure what to do, but I was forced to raise these two and I grew attached to them. I would like to conti.he to raise them."

Pressi and Shel moves faster due to the haste, but still the gnoll has a head start on them.

Murphy runs full along, telling for the others to watch the entangle spell.

Alleah has realized the gnoll wants no healing, and instead slows up.

The Gnoll, beaten up by the bolts dosent slow down and starts to increase his lead.

Camp
Kezzem 80'
Pressi and Shel 150'
Murphy 230'
Gnoll 480'

Pressi and Shel

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday April 18th, 2016 10:11:21 AM

Murphy casts one more entangle spell (DC 15) (pearl of power) to catch the gnoll, and moves another 30' forward.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Monday April 18th, 2016 10:27:32 AM
Kezzem continues to full run.

OOC: I take it he was not in range of the haste spell.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Monday April 18th, 2016 12:05:39 PM
" If you wish to raise them, then I suggest moving in with the halflings. They seemed much more tolerant of outsiders. If you have any skills as a workman, engineer or soldier, they will also benefit from your experience."
Cameron continues to listen to the spells and tussling going on out in the woods. They were wasting plenty of resources trying to heal that murderer. He hopes they find it worth it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Resist Energy, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

OOC
By the way, the Recent Casting Limit rules will mean most of these spells will not be available for rememorization tomorrow. This is the rule that stops a cleric or other caster from casting all their spells just before rememorizing them for the following day, you know to stop double healing and spellcasters fighting battle within a couple of hours of each other, both at full casting capacity. Of course, resting another 8 hours after this fight will eliminate that problem.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Monday April 18th, 2016 1:39:10 PM
While cooking, Cameron steps over to the other gnoll prisoner, the formerly unconscious one, and gently slices a tuft of hair from his head. He then casts Detect Victim.
Depending on the results of the spell, Cameron will have some things to say to the Gnoll, and Nywald. I'll wait for the results before continuing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=18 ; d20+8=14 ;
Monday April 18th, 2016 2:04:45 PM
(OOC: Sorry for not posting over the weekend, really busy. I'm going to post Pressi's interactions - and I guess smoothing over since he seems madder at her than anyone else - at a later time today. But first, a question for David. Is this really a way for you to leave the game or to swap characters, or are you actually hoping for Pressi to beg you to stay. Because I'll write Pressi however you want, but if Cameron is really gone in the morning, no matter what, I'd appreciate the heads up.)

Pressi began to slow down. "What in the world?" she asked as Alleah began to approach them in the other direction. (Perception 18).

While her view of the field was not what she always hoped for, it was clear that the Gnoll was disappearing into the horizon, and Pressi doubted that they could even catch up to Murphy. Eventually, however, she did move forward enough to see Murphy casting what appeared to be a final catch attempt.

Seemingly using Leska's fan to cool off, she signalled to Shel and Alleah that they should meet her later (Send Message bluff 14, but you'd have to spot it off her fan first) before approaching Murphy. "I'm sorry," she told him. "But it's time to head back."

(OOC: I'm using the meeting as a way to RP some of the stuff we talked about outside of game in regards to leadership, prisoners, etc.)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday April 18th, 2016 9:44:32 PM
Shel continues to fly as far as Murphy but once she catches up with him, she begins slowing down as to not risk being alone with the gnoll, wounded or not. But if Pressi forges ahead, she will follow along as well, trying to keep her company and safe from any possible ambushes.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+5=16 ; d20+17=21 ;
Monday April 18th, 2016 9:50:21 PM
Bliss takes a last shot (5th in his bah, I think?) at -6 to hit with range ... ac16 is a miss!

The tiny fellow sighs, looks around, and wonders what the heck the Wold is coming to. Well, his Aunt Priss always said that politeness counts the most. He reloads as he walks up to Nywald and sticks out his hand.

"I'm Bliss!" he says. "Nice to meetcha! What's your name?"

He looks at Nywald carefully. Perception 21



AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 1:30:43 AM
OOC
Yes, Cameron is leaving. Play Pressi like Pressi is in your head, that's how I play Cameron. Like any real person Cameron has events in his life that define who he is. Letting people go that try to kill him is not who he is. Letting gnolls go is out of the question because of his history with gnolls. Had these been bugbears, or lizard men he still wouldn't like letting a baby eater go, but you would have had a less strident argument.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 3:19:35 AM
Alleah is still catching her breath as she returns to the group. She sees Pressi approach and lets her know what has happened
"That gnoll has a disease that I fear is quite contagious. I'd be worried about him spreading it or causing an epidemic. Unfortunately since I haven't had a chance to rest and prepare my spells yet I don't have any left that could stop him. All I have are a few cantrips"

Alleah kicks a pebble and looks in the direction the gnoll fled "Hopefully Wardd will be kind and that gnoll won't get a chance to spread the disease"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 2:49:24 PM
Pressi shrugs as she, Shel and Alleah stand about. "We do the best what we can. We can't punish ourselves for the actions we didn't take or the things that might happen, because we'd never leave bed if we did. Lets just go back, brush ourselves off, and think about what to do the next time."

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

After a private discussion among the three women, about the possibilities of splitting leadership, about what to do with team members with very different codes, Pressi stayed in the forest, waiting for Cameron to show up so she could speak with him privately. She was going to have to sleep in the saddle later, but it had to be done.

"So, bit of a long night," she started.

"Look, if you want me to beg you to stay, I'm not doing it. Nobody begged me to stay. Not even Murphy, and he actually wants to sleep with me, so.... No begging tonight. If you want to stay, I'd be indifferent to have you.

"I'm also not going to talk to you about what happened, except I made a difficult choice. I didn't do it because I like gnolls. I didn't do it because I like baby eaters. I didn't do it because I somehow want to see you suffer. I did it because I strongly believe it was the best option for the time, and yes that's because I am loyal to Murphy. But you should know I'd back you up to if the need arose, and it pains me that you don't think I would... or maybe that you wouldn't consider having my back. And if we don't trust each other, we don't trust each other. But you can at least stick around until the Dinner Club is saved, you know, sense of duty and all. You don't have to like me or agree with me or respect me. But you do have to recognize that we are a team. And if you can't find a way to be part of it...."

Pressi was quiet for a bit. "You asked me before if I ever had a traumatic event. I thought that was obvious. I lived on the street, worked for some of the worst rich men in the world and pretty clearly have trust and anger issues. Trauma is my roommate. Kezzem will tell you how little I joked, danced or flirted when we first met, and people were just beginning to decide that maybe I wasn't a danger to society that needed to be hunted down. But what am I to do? Wage war on men? Attack any rich person that gives me the option? Sullenly stay away from any connection? I've tried all of that; it gets old fast."

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn  d20+4=7 ;
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 6:18:58 PM
The gnoll continues running away from the party, while some head back. Pressi and Alleah both give up and head back to the group.

Kezzem full runs after the gnoll.

Cameron shares his ideas with Nywald and the human appears to like that very much. " Thank you sir."

Pressi heads back and gets into it with Cameron a bit, letting him know her stance. She also discusses her ideas for leaders.

Bliss misses again.. but he does get a friendly smile from the human. " Nywald, nice to meet you Bliss."

Murphy as last ditch effort catches the gnoll by surprise in the entangle spell. The vines pull up and catch onto the running Gnolls legs and torso.

Murphy 260'
Gnoll 600'



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 7:35:02 PM

In halfling, Murphy cries out, "Got him wrapped up in vines. Let's stop him firmly!" He runs forward another 100 feet.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 7:47:31 PM
Trill watches and keeps watch looking out for other approaching danger, wondering how the mages are doing right now with the necromancer.


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:21:38 PM
"Keep him tight, Murphy. I'll go get the others and maybe they can knock him out until Alleah can try to heal him of that ick.". With her Haste spell still active, Shel flies back toward the others.

"Murphy's got him tangled in some weeds. Can any of you come help us knock him out? Alleah might be able to cure that contagion if we can.". Whether or not the others care to help, Shel plans on heading back the other direction to assist Murphy herself.

OOC: that might be several rounds of actions, depending on how far away everyone was.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+9=28 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=15 ; 2d6+5=7 ; 2d6+5=8 ; 2d6+5=8 ;
Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:35:55 PM
After looking around, Bliss says, "Pardon me" to Nywald.

Then he will run for three rounds. That's 450 ft closer -- move 30 plus run feat. Then he'll take a round to reload. Then he'll empty a clip at one range increment away ... five more rounds of firing ... hits AC28, 22, 21, 10, and 15 for likely three hits for 7, 8, and 8 damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 12:00:35 AM
Kezzem continues to run at the gnoll.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 1:24:30 PM
With half the party now chasing one fleeing gnoll, Alleah stays behind at the camp to keep a watch on things. She checks the other gnoll is firmly bound.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  3d6=14 ; 3d6=3 ; 3d6=8 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=13 ;
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 2:35:09 PM
So that we do not eat up another whole week in our pursuit of the gnoll, here is what Murphy plans to do:

Murphy shouts, "Someone bring a pony out here!"
2. Change into a great horned owl. Fly 60'.
3. Cast call lightning, DC17.
4. Full round 'run' (fly) 240' - so that he is 60' past the gnoll.
5. Lightning strike, 3d6=14 hp. The gnoll is still up, despite what Bliss's bah has done. He does not want to kill the gnoll, but does want to render him unconscious, if possible. He flies another 60' further past the gnoll (120' away)
6. If gnoll is still up, another lightning strike (lowest possible) 3 hp.
7. If need be, another, 8 hp.
8. If needed, another, 14 hp.
9. If needed, another, 12 hp.
10. Extra credit, 13 hp.
11. And last one, 13 hp.

I anticipate others' efforts would have taken care of things well before the last several strikes would be used... so those likely are held in reserve (spell endures 7 minutes, for maximum of 7 strikes any time during its duration)

Once the gnoll is fully under control of the party, Murphy comes down to help tie him up - including gagging him, wrapping rope around and between his fingers to help forestall spell casting, and hobbling him, then works with others on getting the gnoll back to camp.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 5:12:28 PM
" Beg me to stay? Why would you do that? You aren't dumb and have to know that it would do you no good. Very clearly I am different from the rest of you. It doesn't make me better, or worse than you, just different. I do not think your, that's the collective you, not just you Pressi, I do not think your tactics will favor a stable place where good folk can live. Even if two out of three, of you catch and release bad guys never harms another person, it will still be too many. And not harming another person is not the promise I have heard presented to those you guys release. I have heard 'don't hurt halflings' and 'don't hurt us' but 'never don't hurt anyone' ."
"Explaining it over and over both bores me and makes me wonder what the agenda is for this group. The fact that I am not understood when I explain my viewpoint makes me think you all do not listen. Just a moment ago I agreed to all that you wanted. I stated that I would harm no one unless we were in combat and I would see you all to the rescue of the wizards and their return home. Seconds later , You, this time I mean you Pressi, went on a rant and exclaimed that I had to come around to your way of thinking and that you didn't need my help. Normally I wouldn't be discussing killing prisoners, but we have not had one engagement on this mission where there were NOT prisoners. And they didn't surrender, and have us accept their surrender, they got knocked out and were forced to be our captives. With Bliss's Bah that will be the norm in every fight you folks get into. I am smart enough to avoid conversations where I am not heard and situations where I do not agree with the people I am working with, so I will escort Nywald and the children somewhere safe, and the rest of you can keep doing whatever it is you are doing, if you can agree on what that is. It's very simple, really."
" I haven't raised my voice over this yet and I see no point to do so now. I don't need you to be my mother. My mother, from what I recall would not defend a gnoll baby eater or any evil being . Even as a priestess of Flower she knew that some evils just need to be killed so that the remaining folk in the area can move on. I wish I had known her better, but Morgan made me know her a little at least through his tales of them when they were younger."
Cameron turns back to the food. He spoons some of the porridge into a couple of bowls ( we have bowls right?) and sets them aside to cool. He fills another for Nywald and hands it to him.
" Once you have eaten and this has cooled some, I can feed one of them and you the other, unless you want to care for them both. Oh, and I think naming them should be considered. It makes it easier to keep track of them."

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 6:02:57 PM
Mookie adds to the conversation -- since Bliss is far afield firing bolts into the dark ...

"Hey, Cameron, I've been a familiar to an Avenger. I see where you are coming from. But don't leave on the Kid's account. He got his darn bah just because he has a soft heart and doesn't want to kill things. That doesn't mean he has thought it through to its logical conclusion. He hasn't! Not sure he can!"

"And he would not fuss if unconscious enemies get the knife, or get brought to 'justice,' or get released. Or get left tied up in the wilderness. Or get cursed or marked or branded. The Fist taught him to follow orders and not to ask questions. And as for me, I wouldn't give a Loogie of Lem if you-all want to kill everything in sight. Probably safer that way, and I want to keep the Kid safe, like his mom charged me."

"Just thought I'd toss that out there. Don't make your decisions based on the what the Kid does or doesn't do. Not fair to you to do that. Not fair to him."

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 6:03:24 PM
Murphy cries out that they caught him. He zooms ahead another 100'.

Bliss runs full speed.

Trills.mind goes to the Dinner Club and how they are making out. She keeps.her eyes peeled for any dangers bit none present themselves.

Alleah stays back with the camp and hangs out.

Shel calls to.Murphy that she will grab the others and help. She flies back 60' towards the Gnoll.

Kezzem runs full speed after the gnoll.

The Gnoll moves through the entangle.. 15'

After round 1

Camp... Shel 60'... Bliss 150'... Kezzem 240'... Murphy 320'... Gnoll 615.

Round 2

Murphy change into An owl.. everyone else moves.

Camp... Shel 60'... Bliss 300'.. Kezzem and Owl Murphy 320'... Gnoll 630'...

Round 3

Murphy casts Call Lightning .. but the gnoll is more then 100' past his max reach.

Everyone else moves...

Camp.. Shel 180'... Murphy 320'... Kezzem 400'.... Bliss 450'... Gnoll 645' (and clear of Entangle spell)..

Round 4...

Bliss Reloads... everyone moves. ( There is no RUN speed for fly. Fly speed is top speed.

Camp... Shel 240' ... Murphy 380'... Bliss 450'.... Kezzem 480'... Gnoll 765'....

Gnoll 43 Nl

Ooc: I am stopping there.. since the distance might change tactics.


AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 7:36:55 PM
OOC
You all realize this is happening in the dark, right? Even with 60' darkvision, no one has seen the gnoll in a long time. How the targeting is even happening is beyond my comprehension.

CDM Jerry 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 7:40:42 PM
I have initiated an email discussion that is in your boxes now. I expect everyone to participate and monitor emails while we talk.

Thanks Gentlemen. :)

[DMs, after everyone has posted here once, this post may be deleted.]

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 8:19:36 PM

Bliss runs until he can see the target with no concealment miss chance. But he does not enter the entangle, please! Then he fires. When he does get to fire, his first shot hits AC28 for 7, then AC22 for 8, then AC21 for 8, then hits AC10 and AC15. Or I can reroll if the DM prefers.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 8:53:25 PM
" Nice as it would be Mookie, he cannot remain an innocent child forever. It is a sad fact that when people disagree they fight, sometimes with more than words. In those fights, people are hurt. He was a soldier and knows what fighting leads to. Better he learn it on the scum that attacks him, trying to stop him from doing good than to find out that violence kills when it is a friend doing the dying."
" He CAN always wound someone and threaten to hurt them f they don't stop. At least in that case they have to choose to ignore him and not do good. Then he would see that they are not going to be good, that even their life is not worth enough to make them stop doing evil. Then he can choose whether or not to do them actual harm."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 9:23:15 PM
At this point, Shel broke off the chase. No one could see anything, and the gnoll was definitely better adapted to the woods than she was. She turned around in the flight, again heading back to camp, feeling like a spinning top from all her starts, stops, and reverses.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 10:58:49 PM
OOC: @Cameron - I don't think it is total darkness. Granted, there was a Darkness spell - or equivalent - cast during the combat. But right now, it is Dim Light ("Areas of dim light include outside at night with a moon in the sky")

-------------------
Alleah stays at the camp, but stands near Thistle. She keeps her ears alert in case Murphy calls again for a pony.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 11:31:53 PM
Oh, OK. We were on watch, so I assumed it was night time. Granted we were first watch so it could be semi light still.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 12:21:33 AM
Cameron - there are two moons in the Wold. Granting that we faced an unusual evening about a week or so back (the burning tree episode), the moons were either both down, or one or both were in a new moon phase. Most nights should not be pitch black, such as we experienced then.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 12:44:37 AM
Kezzem keeps pace with Bliss.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Persistent Pursuit 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 12:57:04 AM

[DM Shawn - please see the (brief) discussion about a flying 'run' over at the rules board - it is allowed by the rules, so the distances I posted earlier should obtain (and his flight distance should be 300', rather than 240', as Murphy has run feat), and, allowing that the gnoll manages to wade free of the entangled area, Murphy is still in flight ]

Using your count by rounds:
1. Murphy went from 260' to 360' (one round run @100') (gnoll ends at 615')
2. Wild shape, fly 60' to 420' (gnoll at 630')
3. Cast call lightning (note he did not invoke a lightning strike at the end of the spell - he has up to 7 minutes to cast up to 7 vertical lightning bolts up to once per round, but waits until he is closer), at 420' (gnoll at 645')
4. Fly 300' to 720' (gnoll ends at 765')
This round:
5. Lay lighting bolt, 14 hp, on gnoll. Fly another 60' to 780' (gnoll at 885'?)
Next:
6. Lightning bolt, 3 hp. Fly 60' to 860'

If gnoll is still up, Murphy will continue in this vein, perhaps needing an additional full round up to 300' 'run' flight to catch up/get ahead. Additional electrical damage (DC 17, save for half) will be: 8 hp; 14 hp; 12 hp; 13 hp; 13 hp.

His aim is to stop, but not kill the gnoll. He hopes someone will send a pony and reinforcements his direction, as he requested half a minute ago.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+10=19 ; d20+10=22 ;
Thursday April 21st, 2016 10:54:03 AM
OOC: Ok, since it's clear that Valjean and Javert here will never back down, even if it becomes September and they run to one of the two moons, I may as well help out. DM, please enter these moves in retroactively if possible, since I could not post them yesterday.

Round 1: Pressi uses her 1/day action to turn into a medium creature. This raises her base speed to 40+30 (hasted) to 70.

Rounds 2-4: Pressi runs for three rounds, spending a ki point each round. That's 300 feet a round.

Round 5: Pressi grapples the gnoll when she reaches him. Disease immune. Grapple roll 19. No AoO.

Round 6: Pressi pins the gnoll. Grapple Roll 22.

Round 7: The DM either gives us the gnoll or tells us outright we aren't catching him. Pressi really doesn't care either way, but honestly there comes a time when railroading becomes a necessary evil. Take control of this game, please.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 9:37:52 PM
Mookie looks around at the (two) prisoners. Is there anyone else left guarding them except him?

He puffs out his chest and looks as imposing as possible.

"That's right! I'm in charge of ya's now. No mo monkey bweesness!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 10:49:41 PM
Shel heads back toward Bliss at camp. She was worn out from deciding whether or not to chase the gnoll. She figured it was already gone and if it wasn't the others could take care of it. She grimaced when she saw several lightning strikes, but ignored them.

"Just another boring night, eh Bliss?"

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 11:06:37 PM
The good aligned group pursues the gnoll into the night shooting weapons, casting lightning down on him and finally Shel tackles him almost 1000' away from camp.

Ooc: Mark will be taking over Monday

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday April 21st, 2016 11:28:08 PM
Kezzem can't help but chuckle at the sight of a halfing tackling a gnoll twice her side.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Persistent Pursuit 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 2:47:13 AM

Murphy descends to where Pressi has grappled the gnoll... He flaps his owlish wings, settles to the ground nearby, and transforms back into his own halfling form. As it turns out, he only landed one lightning strike on the fellow (14 hp damage), as Pressi collided with him an instant later, and she had the canine-looking monster pinned a moment after that.

He withdraws rope, dons gloves, then ties up the creature. "We've got a few things left to resolve before we let you walk away. Miss Alleah wants to heal you of your skin condition, among other things." He hobbles the gnoll with several strands of silk rope, so he cannot run - at best shuffle slowly along, or hop. He also wraps rope about his fingers, takes away weapons and gear, and gags him, to try to preclude any spell casting. He does not blindfold him, however. He instructs him, "Now, if you want to resist, I can knock you out, change into a large creature, capable of carrying you over my shoulder, and it may not be a comfortable ride, and bruising is possible. Or, you can walk with us, and we'll travel peaceably together."

Once the binding is done, he says in halfling, "Thank you, Pressi," as he places his now ungloved hand at the back of her triceps for a grateful and affectionate squeeze.

He is glad he did not have to see how many lightning bolts it would take to bring him down. He really did want to keep his word to the gnoll, to let him live. Chatting with Pressi during the fifth of a mile walk, he says, again in halfling, "With Cameron's promise to hunt him down, I thought that perhaps a trial might move him to reconsider. This fellow we're escorting has shown himself foul, and I take no delight in the notion of releasing him back to do whatever he may do. But Alleah has ways she has used before to make it harder for opponents to return to their evils ways without consequence. I do not regret helping to ensure the human was not murdered.

"Also, I heard you and Cameron disputing. I don't know the details, only that you sounded rather, uh, animated. And Cameron, who at first promised to see things through to the rescue of the wizards, now I understand he plans to leave in the morning? Do I understand correctly?"

He does wait for her replies, rather than delivering a soliloquy, but during the back and forth, says, "I realize Cameron means well. But I fear he inadvertently scuttles us in our purpose in different ways. He is heedless of being unnecessarily rude to others - I do not think he counts it rudeness, but merely efficiency in communication. He also shows genuine concern for others, helping, and striving earnestly.

"I do not want him to leave us. But, Press, I do not know how to help him see how contrary and intractable he can be - nor do I know whether he has any desire to receive counsel. Let me know if you have any insights that might help. I admire his singleness of purpose. I am astounded at how tone deaf." He pauses and asks quietly, "Am I tone deaf, too, Pressi? You tell me if ever I am." He thinks a moment longer, then adds, "I know I can be as dogged in pursuing a thing as anyone."

"Hi, Kezzem," he says as they draw close to one of the pursuers. "Thanks for joining in the chase. Say, just a thought. When I mentioned the trial, and the need to tie up the gnoll - and you likely aren't aware of this, as you've likely never been a sergeant at arms for a courtroom before. Just for future reference - not that we'll likely ever hold a little trial or hearing again, but securing the accused is the sergeant's job. With a bit of quicker action, we may not have had quite the chase we just enjoyed, there."

Because the call lightning spell is welled up within him, Murphy discharges a lightning strike into bare ground on a spot perhaps sixty feet from the group. "Sorry. I've got a lot of those built up inside me."

He turns to Ashakan and says, "I am glad that my friend here slowed you down before I needed to use any more of those to halt your progress. I really have no intention of taking your life. We do want you to consider how many lives you have taken, and intelligent creatures you have enslaved."

[DM Shawn - thanks for DMing, even though it was brief.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=7 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=10 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+10=18 ;
Friday April 22nd, 2016 3:05:01 AM
With everyone returned to the camp, Alleah unleashes her energy channels for the day. She looks to include everyone - halfling, human, gnoll, pony and everything in between - in the effect. She also uses up her remaining clerical spells to spontaneously cast healing on the injured gnoll.

Finally she is able to get an hours rest and regain her spells.

"I swear to Wardd and Gargul I only wish to see your disease treated before you leave here. Please, let me aid you" she says quietly to the gnoll

She then sets to work.

---------------------------
Energy channels: 6 + 2 + 2 = 10pts healing to everyone.
Spontaneously cast CLW on injured Gnoll: 11 + 10 + 7 + 9 + 10 = 47pts healing to Gnoll

... Rest ...

Cast Witch's Tool to summon cauldron
Cast Create Water cantrip to fill it with water
Cast Prestidigitation cantrip to warm it up
Cast Purify to treat the gnoll's disease: Caster level check = 21.
Other Caster Level checks in case Purify treats any other conditions: 11, 8, 21
If all that fails:
- use Heal check to boost the gnoll's save against the disease: 18
- use Bit of Luck ability to give the gnoll 2 x saves against the disease ("For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result")


AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+6=21 ;
Friday April 22nd, 2016 4:20:35 AM
The gnoll is dragged back to camp, and Camern looks him over, now able to get closer and examine him.
Knowledge religion 21
" So did you find your great need? I doubt you want to be cured, but they won't release you until they at least try. Will he grant you spells if you are cured?"
Turning to Nywald Cameron says, " My tent is over there, the hanging one. It might be snug with both you and the children, but it will be warmer and keep any rain off of you for the night. Go and get some rest. Your new and hopefully better life starts in the morning."
Cameron excuses himself from the proceedings. He will not interfere, even though the gnoll has now become the powerless one. Maybe losing his connection to his god will serve as his penance, though without gear or his god he will probably return to enslaving and murder to rebuild what he has lost. Cameron sighs. Always seeing the worst in people was not all it was cracked up to be. He settles a little ways off and meditates while Alleah's ritual goes on, communing with Jancassis and changing his prayers to suit the now sleepless night he will endure.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
2 charges used on Scorching Ray wand this combat 47 remaining

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 7:59:59 AM
Wondering if they are ever going to get any sleep tonight or if they are going to be exhausted wen they try to rescue the mages from the necromancer, Trillia ponders the controversy the party is dealing with and doesn't seem to be able to reconcile the two sides in her own mind.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 9:46:30 AM
"I don't think you were wrong to make the offer. My grapple could stop a knife but not a fireball. You made the hard choice. But apparently not everyone agrees that you can make it, leader or member.

"But I think the trial was an error. Chasing him down, especially after we let him run, also proved the old adage. A leader can be right or wrong but he can't be inconclusive, even if he has no clue. And Cameron isn't the only problem. I will talk with the others and see if we can smooth these problems.

"And as for cameron, his problem is simple. He's stubborn, rigid, angry and unable to appreciate what cannot be seen. Sounds like anyone you know? At any rate, I will try to smooth things over, but he may need to hear from you as well. "

As they walked, Pressi thought about how she wound up being part of the group.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 12:29:22 PM

At the talk of the trial, Mookie caws out a laugh.

"He got his trial. Trial by Flight. If he got caught he was guilty. And it turns out he was."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 1:00:38 PM
"Sorry, Murph, I was distracted, though maybe you might want someone else for that job. Securing baddies isn't exactly my skillset if they resist."

OOC: Kezzem has a +5 on grapple, which is probably 50/50 at best against any medium-sized creature.

"We need to figure a quicker way to resolve disagreements so this don't happen again."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday April 22nd, 2016 10:10:35 PM
Shel thanked Alleah for the healing, and stood by as the others brought the gnoll back. She was interested to see if Alleah was able to heal his contagion or not, as that was completely out of Shel's area of expertise. Once the gnoll was secured, Shel tucked back in for a rest, hoping she would be able to get a full night's sleep and all her powers tomorrow.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+10=26 ;
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 4:47:40 AM
With the gnolls treatment under way, Alleah will also once again conduct a spot check on those who pursued the fleeing gnoll. She wants to look for any signs that they may have contracted the disease - whatever it may be...

Perception: 34 (Take 20) - to scan people for signs of the illness
Heal check: 26 - to ID what this mystery disease is

Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn 
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 10:09:33 AM
A big wad of spit is how the gnoll replies to Murphy. Right on the bridge of his nose. " Spare me the you're trying to help me facade. You just want to appease to your own conscience because you saw in your own heart and know you are evil. "

The gnoll doesn't resist the rest of the way as he is bound, hobbled and gagged.

Cameron sees a symbol of Marteus around his.neck. but his questions are unanswered.

The witch Alleah tries her best, but the legions and tumors don't go away. Her knowledge and a better look let's her know the diseas is not debilitating or fatal, but does look hideous. No one else looks to have the disease.

Anyone with comes within 5' of the gnoll needs a will save DC 15 or become shaken.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+4=17 ;
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 12:59:20 PM
Kezzem SV Will: 17. Made.

"Man, and I bet he was ugly before he got sick," says Kezzem.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Persistent Pursuit  d20+3=19 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=27 ;
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 8:50:41 PM

"Perhaps you're right. What I am doing might be counted evil," Murphy says, as he removes one of his gloves and takes out a clean, empty bag with which he wipes the spittle off his face. "Apparently going back on my word to you, as far as you can tell. Yep, that could be considered as evil. Though, had I let you walk, at least one among us planned to hunt you down and kill you. I thought if I let that stand, he would be nullifying my word. I am trying to keep my word to you on a longer term basis - and, perhaps that is equally evil, or even more so," he continues as he sees the holy symbol around the gnoll's neck. "Letting someone such as you seem to be go on living, I mean."

"That looks like you are dedicated to someone special. Isn't that the symbol that represents Marteus?" On saying the second name, Murphy himself spits. He has not yet gagged the gnoll.

"So Alleah wants to try to heal you. And, we are going to take a look over the gear you carry. Maybe we will keep it all. Maybe we'll send you along with some of it. But some of whatever the proceeds may be will go to take care of those you captured for slavery or food. Need to consider. I do aim to let you go, skin intact, perhaps in better shape than you came here. By the way, if you so disdain what you think evil in me - why do you not disdain evil in yourself? If you despise evil, why do you walk in wickedness?"

He gives the gnoll a chance to reply, if he so chooses, and carry on a brief interchange, then does place the gag on as he and Pressi head back to the group. If the gnoll moves to spit again, though, he will intercept the missile of saliva with his glove, and wipe it on the chest of the bound gnoll, and immediately gag him.,

As they begin to escort the gnoll cleric back, he is suddenly struck with how deeply wicked this fellow is, as he considers what things followers of Marteus are capable of. Though initially calm, as he usually is even in the midst of crisis, suddenly he finds himself emotionally shaken [will save 11]. Pressi may detect a small trembling in his voice. He takes several deep breaths, and is able to regain a sense of calm - albeit in the back of his mind upset at how he felt himself losing control for a bit will save 25].

He appreciates Pressi's words.

He accepts what Kezzem has to say.

Murphy lays out Ashakan's possessions. He detects magic on the gear. Each item which detects as magic he focuses on for 3 rounds. [Knowledge Arcana: 18; 12; 13; 13; 17; 20; Spellcraft: 25; 24; 10; 21; 21; 16; 27].

[Knowledge Religion: 19 (to tell which deity the hold symbol represented). Realized I needed to roll Perception to notice the medallion first: 29.
Will save: 11, then, a bit later, 25.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 8:55:54 PM
OOC: Question to DM - Based on what Alleah knows of the disease, can she tell how contagious it is or how it is contracted? This will influence what she does next

Dm shawn: It takes continued exposure to a carrier.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+15=18 ; d100=1 ; d100=25 ; d100=31 ; d100=33 ;
Saturday April 23rd, 2016 11:49:42 PM
Will Save vs DC15: 18 = Pass

Alleah grimaces. "The good news is, it is neither fatal nor overly contagious. The bad news is that I couldn't remove his disease" she relays to the others.

"It will be a few hours until sunrise. Once everyone has had their rest we should get moving. I don't feel entirely comfortable releasing that gnoll completely free. He should be tried for his crimes"

If noone stops her, Alleah will cast a Lesser Geas upon the gnoll:
"You are to head directly to Angel Springs and confess all of your crimes to the city guard" If he resists her, she will try again and again until he succumbs.

-----------------
Leyline checks: Nat 1 = Spell lost! 25, 31 and 33 for a total of 3 castings of Lesser Geas. Gnoll to make a Will Save vs DC20 or spend the next 5 days trying to accomplish this task

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Sunday April 24th, 2016 7:01:47 PM
Cameron hears the good news/bad news report as he returns from his prayers. A small voice in the back of his head says, You have already angered them tonight, do not say anything . A louder, more insistent voice shouts down the smaller one. You said you would be my cleric and my Avenger. Forged from the nothing that you were when I recruited you, you claimed that you would become my instrument in the Wold. You said you would protect the powerless and answer those that called on me for revenge. The Gnoll is defeated, has been hunted, caught and subjected to an attempt to remove his religion from him. His gear has been forfeited and still he lies bound in your camp. Though you find him vile and not worth the flesh he is made of, he is now the oppressed. The very least you can be is his voice since he is gagged. I demand it!
Cameron sighs and begins to speak." You cannot remove his affliction because he does not wish you to. It is his connection to his god and it is the cause that makes him find what is truly important to him. The cure disease spell assumes that the recipient WANTS to be cured. If that desire does not exist, the spell will not cure them."
" Your proposal to send him to Angel Springs is just, but will almost certainly end in him being put to death, IF he regards the atrocities that we know hi to be guilty of as sins. To him they are a way of life. Gnolls do not prey upon sentient meat because it is what is available, they think meat tastes better when it struggles and begs for it's life. To us this is horrible and evil, a crime. To him it is a typical Tuesday. If he knows the laws of Angel Springs and the magic compels him, he will tell them of these things. But they were not committed in Angel Springs, but here in the wilds of the Red Hills. They are no less heinous here, and he should be put to death for them, but Angel Springs should have no say in it."
"Trust me, I am not faulting the decisions we are making. I would have done this differently, for sure, but would that have been any better? Even now, if I thought he would start a fight if I cut his bonds I would do it in the hopes that I could end this problem by killing him in a stand up fight. But now he is our prisoner, and to trat him less than humanely is wrong. We should ne be stealing his religion from him. If we take his gear he will most certainly fall back into his vicious habits just to survive."
"What then should we do? Honestly I don't know. This is why I seldom offer quarter in combat unless my opponent asks for it. In combat he is a foe, it is either my life or his. Out of combat I am now forced to think of him as a person. Forced to think how I would want to be treated if I were HIS captive. Soon I will show a tattoo that displays the favor of my goddess on me. What would I do if I were captured and my captors tried to remove it from me? His disease is the same symbol of favor from his god. Just because I do not worship his god, do I have the right to deprive him of it. I think the answer is no."
Yet had we not offered him quarter, then Nywald would almost certainly be dead, and the Wold a lesser place because of it. I think the fairest place to send him would be the walled town we left a few hours before nightfall. I am almost certain they will put him to death for his crimes, possibly before he can even confess them, but at least the crimes he is confessing will have been committed on their doorstep rather than miles and miles away. Other than that, I can think of nothing else. I have done as I promised my goddess I would, and looked out for the oppressed person in this situation. Beyond that I feel he has vengeance due to be taken on him, and will aid him no further."
Cameron has spoken his piece and goes silent for a moment. Then he steps over to the gnoll and speaks to him before Alleah sends him off.
" May the gods of Testing find that you have found your great need and done your part in the worship of your god. Though I despise him, you and every gnoll that walks the Wold bringing suffering to others, I hope your god can recognize the devotion you have shown him this night. May you come to feel the full reckoning that is due on your soul."
He makes the mark of the double helix on the gnoll's forehead and turns and walks back to his gear. He retrieves and loads his crossbow and then goes and sits by he fire pit, with his back to the coals, warming himself for the rest of the night as he watches.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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


Deal.with a Gnoll - Dm shawn  d20+10=21 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=17 ;
Monday April 25th, 2016 12:49:51 PM
Kezzem shares how he feels the gnoll was probably ugly to begin with.

"Spare me your dumb rhetoric halfling. You talk out both sides of your mouth and what kills you is I called you out on it. My gear won't end up going to anyone other then this group here. You and your friends will have my items on your belt before I leave the camp. I don't hate my wickedness, I find it perfect. You hide behind yours and make it like you are on the good side of the coin when in fact you are evil as I am, but at least I know where I stand. "

The gnoll just stares at Cameron. Not like he is not intrigued but more due to him being a bit taken back by this Holy man talking.

It takes three tries, but finally Alleah'S gaes spell takes.

Murphy tests the items and some glow with an aura..

wand of cure moderate wounds(7 charges) - passed knowledge and spellcraft
amulet (also holy symbol to Marteaus), - failed knowledge
masterwork breastplate, non magical
Great axe, failed knowledge
Belt, failed knowledge


Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=25 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=23 ;
Monday April 25th, 2016 3:57:20 PM

Bliss watches the proceedings and also takes a close look at the items, after casting Detect Magic. He also casts Guidance to help figure stuff out.

amulet (also holy symbol to Marteaus), Spellcraft roll 25!
Great axe, Spellcraft roll 25!
Belt, Spellcraft roll 23!

Wowsy! That's two 19s and a 17!

Bliss tells his friends what he figures out, if anything.

He listens when the gnoll says, "You and your friends will have my items on your belt before I leave the camp." Bliss answers, "You attacked us, you lost, so you lose your stuff. Fair's fair. Good-by!"

The tiny guy yawns.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Monday April 25th, 2016 6:24:34 PM
"Killing innocents is evil," says Kezzem. "Eating people is evil. Taking your stuff...not so much. There's a different, and the fact that you can't see that is exactly why some of us are having a hard time letting you go free."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+12=22 ; d20+5=10 ;
Monday April 25th, 2016 8:46:36 PM

(Will save 22)

Pressi stared at Cameron for a while before smiling. "The ability to see our prisoner as a man rather than a monster," she finally said. "You DO understand."

Pressi shook her head. "I think we do have some quibbles... and that's okay. In a situation like this with no easy solution, maybe it's okay to remember that what's really important is..."

Pressi fell silent as the gnoll says his piece. "Even on my worst day of the month, I don't get like that."

To the gnoll, "Ok, maybe this wasn't fully in the spirit of the agreement but I'd love to know what you thought this agreement was. Absolute adoration that you chose to let a prisoner go just because you were clearly outgunned. Absolute freedom to romp the countryside where you could sing death and destruction from the mountaintops. Is all this evil talk because we wouldn't buy your cousin's girl scout cookies?

"Look, this might not be in the spirit but you must have known that the point of the agreement is to stop you. Is it a little dishonorable? Probably. Evil. Eh. Do we not care because you've been a gigantic douche about it this entire time. There we go. Be thankful you surrendered to Murphy because my plan was to turn you into a giant floppy hat. And know this. You have no Domi marked clue what evil lurks in my heart. It would be wise not to push me and find out." With a deep kiss on the gnoll's lips, she was done with thinking about him,

Absentmindedly, Pressi further considers the holy symbol. (Know Religion 10). "I'm sensing this is a symbol of some sort...."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=11 ; d20+10=22 ;
Monday April 25th, 2016 9:54:16 PM
OOC: Spellcraft rolls for the greataxe 11 (Natural 1!), for the belt 22.

Shel takes a few moments to examine the unidentified items before she tucked in for her rest. The axe flummoxed her for sure, but she thought she had a basic idea of the belt's properties. She described any of her realizations to the group. While working, she stayed as far from the captured Gnoll as possible.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Persistent Pursuit 
Monday April 25th, 2016 10:37:06 PM

"I shall take your evaluation for what it seems to be worth," Murphy replies to Ashakan. "What items you take with you will shortly be determined."

He concurs with Cameron that the local town a bit north or northwest of here might be a better destination. "It's taken us more than five days to get here from Angel Springs, Alleah."

He lets others know what he has discerned about the items of the gnoll cleric that reflected magic, or was of high quality - and is happy to have others, such as Bliss, see if they can figure out more about them.

1. Wand of CLW - 7 charges left [to Nywald?]
2. Masterwork breastplate (but what sort of materials?) [let Ashakan keep?]
3. Amulet (holy symbol to Marteaus) - (not certain of properties) [let Ashakan keep?]
4. Great axe (not certain of properties) [let Ashakan keep?]
5. Belt (not certain of properties) [retain for party? Give Nywald coins for a portion of its worth?]
"My thought is to let him keep his breastplate - it's too big for us. Instruct Nywald in the usage of the wand, and, if he can properly understand, then let him keep it to heal himself and his charges as need arises, or sell it for some funds. The amulet? I do not know of anyone in our group who cherishes devotion to Marteaus, whose realm some of us recently passed through. Perhaps let him keep it.

"The great axe - again, too big for us. The belt - let's find out more about it before deciding."

He takes Cameron aside for a moment. Any others who would like to join are welcome - he just wants to be out of earshot of the gnolls. "What you said just a bit earlier tonight about hunting down the gnoll - or, as there are two of them still alive - gnolls, and killing them, seemed to be contradicting the promise I gave to release him in exchange for his not killing Nyland. For you to declare that after you found out the agreement he and I made seemed to be pulling the rug out from under me, Cameron - showing a want of unity among the party. Well, we're all halflings, and each has his and her own mind. But in a situation like this, I was taken aback. I had not planned on having a trial, until you made your declaration to pursue them. Thinking it over, that was a convoluted way of dealing with your oppositional stance.

"The sneering attitude of Ashakan as I sat in the tree talking with him further turned my heart against him. I still would have let him walk away, had Bliss not shot him, and had Alleah not petitioned to see about healing his disease. Yep, I stung him with lightning to slow him down, but knew that he was a fairly tough character, having absorbed Bliss's attacks already, and I was watching hard to ensure I did not end his life - which would have made of me a liar.

"Now, this next part may not make sense to you. But I also, once Bliss took his actions, thought that bringing the gnoll back might make it possible that you would not choose to leave our group. Because, all said, I would like you to remain with us. Yep, there are plenty of issues to work through. But I value that you are a principled halfling - despite that there may not be full concurrence between you and me on which principles we share. I love how you have readily attended to the needs of the three rescued.

"And, until you and Pressi started going at it, you had said earlier you would help us rescue the wizards - the whole point of this journey through the Red Hills. Our purpose was not to hunt gnolls, but to rescue Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen from the necromancer.

"Now, once that is accomplished, if you want to go gnoll hunting - and you've explained a bit more clearly why you feel the way you do tonight - which perspective I appreciate..." he says, not quite finishing his sentenace. He takes a breath, then continues, "I think you likely are right about them. Also, I picked up that you'll hunt Ashakan and whatever the name of that other gnoll we have only if you find evidence that they have returned to eating intelligent critters. If you will promise me that you will not hunt him for anything he may have done up through this evening, but only for any future wrongdoing, then that will not be gainsaying the promise I made to him, and I'm fine with that. I don't know, maybe the lot of us will do some gnoll hunting together down the road - though, for me, defense of Crescent Valley is my overriding concern.

"But, Cameron, please. Stay with us. We can bring Nyland and the goblin children along - there's room on the ponies, and I can dump some additional gear to keep things light. Will you consider coming with us to rescue Veseley and Tiana? I would be most grateful."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Perhaps to dream  d20+10=21 ;
Monday April 25th, 2016 11:45:32 PM
Roundup

"There are still many hours left before it is time for us to go. It will be important that all of the spell casters be able to recoup their spells in the morning. Therefore - and feel free to complain about this if you wish - I think we should allow an extra hour and a half or so of rest for those who need it, then be on our way. On my watch, the last one, I can make as many things ready for an efficient departure once all have taken care of their morning needs. Breakfast will be ready.

"The gnolls we will send northward to do as Alleah has directed - but will not leave until we do - they one way, we the other. Each gnoll will be bound to a different tree, with plenty of crunchy things to step on surrounding them. Each watch is responsible for checking their bindings.

"During last watch, I will discard a few remaining excess items to further lighten the ponies' loads. Nyland will have a pony for himself, and I'll use a knife and a blanket and a mending spell to modify a saddle for his comfort.

"So, Shel and Cameron, your watch is complete. Bliss, Kezzem and Alleah - you're on. After that Pressi, Trill - Alleah, you sure you don't want to catch some real sleep for a few hours? Then I'll be on last watch, and Alleah is scheduled for that one, too.

"If we're going to have an extra hour and a half, who among us can get by without the extra, and who really needs it? Who can join in this one-time extended watch?"

Murphy adds, "You've all heard me talking enough tonight. Think about our goals. Think of ways for us to reach them. Pray for one another. And sleep."

His last general request begins, "Who is good with rope? Trill? Kezzem? any others? Let's ensure the gnoll 'guests' are well attended to before most of us go back to sleep in that regard. In the morning - and everyone gets breakfast - we will send them on their way. I don't want them gone from here until we are ready to ride out ourselves."

Murphy helps bind the gnolls to two separate trees. "We will free you for your journey once we are ready to leave," he tells them. Then, unless someone wants to talk with him further, he beds down until his watch.

[Will save: 21 - not further shaken as he secures Ashakan.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 12:17:51 AM
"Eh, I'm not bad with tying rope, but it's not my greatest strength either. Though have you heard about the amazing amazon who had a magic rope? Man, she could tie a fellow up and make him tell the truth!"

He pauses for a moment.

"Oh, I think Bliss might be best at is, actually. Those little fingers can get those knots nice and tight."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Perhaps to dream 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 12:18:45 AM

[Note: If Alleah thinks it's safe to send Ashakan on his way, considering the geas, and others concur, then Murphy is fine with that. However, the other gnoll is under no such compulsion.]

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 12:19:24 AM
Cameron listens, and is grateful that at least someone has heard and understood the things he has said tonight, but there is plenty Murphy isn't understanding. Cameron tries to explain further.
" They are not going to Bright Springs. Baby-eater said they bought them there, why would you haul them back there? The halflings are maybe a day there and back to here, less if I hustle the mount and go by myself , since I understand that the mounts don't need to be pampered. Since we have now spent a good part of the night talking to that festering pile of garbage you will all be exhausted in the morning. Sure Alleah can fix that, but other things still need to be figure out before we walk into a more than likely unfriendly town."
"You all need to sort yourselves out and decide when it is time to stop taking every MONSTER that attacks us and giving it the chance to kill someone weaker than us just because Bliss can't bring himself to kill something. Ringrot is currently happily recruiting another band of fodder to take the hits while he captures more people to sell into slavery, you can bank on that. Alleah's magic will make baby-eater go to a town and confess what he understands to be his crimes. Since nothing he has done is a crime to him, the spell may not even work. The other gnoll, who probably only speaks gnollish since it hasn't spoken a word yet will have no restraints on it when you let it go, so it will be killing and enslaving by nightfall tomorrow."
" I can't allow that. The blood of every person they have ever killed, enslaved or eaten calls to me and demands that they pay for the crimes they have committed. If I thought it possible I would find something larger than them to give them to so that it could eat them. Does it feel good? Does it make me proud that all I see is their evil and their crimes when I look at them? No it doesn't. I have done it before and it sickened me that I could stoop so low as to act like one of the very monsters I hunt. One day, someone may even need to hunt me down for the things I have done and will do in the name of Jancassis, trying to balance the scales with blood is a fools errand. But some creatures only understand blood. Anything that would creep into a camp and try to kill or capture the peaceful inhabitants while they sleep isn't going to reform just because a few halflings were nice to it when they beat it and let it live. I wish I could share your hope that it could be different, but war never changes. Someone is always hungry, always needs more room or always wants the things someone else has. When that happens and the claws come out, the one willing to spill the most blood is going to be the last one standing"
" I don't agree with your bargain, but it did save Nywald's life. Any play I would have tried would have had only a small chance of doing that. I will honor your bargain because it is the right thing to do. I will honor it because it will only matter to the innocent people that baby-eater kills that I didn't end his life tonight instead of a few weeks from now when I find him doing the same things."
" Tomorrow I will take Nywald and the babies to the halfling town and return by nightfall. If you and the others can decide what you are willing to do to save the wizards by then, I will go with you to Bright Springs and help free them. I will abide by the deal I made before the baby-eater ran and only kill people while I am in combat, not after, no matter how much they deserve it. When you talk to them you will have to make clear to them that if the Mayor of Bright Springs protects this necromancer, we may end up fighting the town guard while they do their job and try to stop us. If that happens I will do my level best to not kill them, they are only following the lawful orders of their corrupt Mayor."
" The issue will need to be solved, and I think you will have a better chance of working it out without me present. If we go into that town without resolving this, there is a good chance someone will die. I'll take care of Nywald and the babies/"
Cameron finishes and can tell by the look on Murphy's face that he was preaching again. He takes a deep breath and starts again.
" Look, Murphy. The fact that you even want to talk to me and want my help in Bright Springs means that you are starting to believe that all I am saying isn't just preaching from some evangelical soapbox. I saw you, you know that gnoll is a murderer and maybe regret that your bargain is what is going to allow him to leave here alive. Don't regret it, not for a second. Because of you defusing the situation, Nywald will live, and give those goblins a chance to grow up and not be monsters. Bliss's mother did the same thng with him and he isn't a murdering harpy. He is a sweet little halfling with a heart bigger than his brain. If he can turn out alright, then those goblins can too, because you made a deal for the person that cares about them to live and raise them right."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron  
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 12:30:11 AM
" I won't be sleeping tonight. Whether they are tied to a tree or let loose I won't be closing my eyes tonight with them still alive and a threat. As I said I will be headed North tomorrow too. If that lone gnoll thinks he can take me, he is welcome to try."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 1:51:43 AM
Holy walls of text Batman! :)

"Anything we can keep from the gnolls, we will. Leaving him with a holy symbol will allow him to continue casting spells. Best be safe and confiscate it all"

"The geas has already been cast. You can't restrain him overnight. But don't worry. The magic has taken hold and he will be making a bee-line towards the town to confess his crimes. He won't have time to stop and chat to anyone"

She bites her tongue as Cameron repeatedly refers to the gnoll as "baby-eater". It just feels antagonizing. Is there a need to provoke the prisoners? Probably not.

She sits quietly during her remaining watches.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Perhaps to dream 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 2:30:12 AM
"A good thought, Kezzem, but Bliss just fell back asleep. Guess we'll have to do it ourselves," he says with a smile. "But, there's only one gnoll to tie up."
------------
"All right, Cameron, then take them with our blessings to a safe refuge. As the wizards are waiting on our rescue, I do not think we can afford to await your return. Yet, who knows? We might be delayed again. We will mark a trail for you periodically - though with the map I've shown everyone, and updated with details along the way, you've already seen there where we are heading." He quickly fashions a few directional and time symbols that Cameron can read. "You'll find these here and there, and I'll mark either with black charcoal or white chalk low on buildings once we get in town. We're halflings - it's easy to reach there. If I wore shoes, I could pretend to tie my shoelaces as I make the marks," he comments as he wiggles his toes.
------------
"Alleah, that is fine with me regarding the medallion. Let him keep the breastplate, then. It's up to the rest of you whether he takes the axe. We keep the rest for now." He checks the gnoll's belt to see if it has any compartments for hiding things within.

[Alleah - did you change the wording of the geas to have the gnoll go to the human village we left yesterday, after Murphy mentioned Angel Springs is likely farther than 5 days away?]

"Cameron, take this wand of Cure Light Wounds." It has 7 charges. "It is for Nyland and the children's benefit." He takes from his bag a pouch with 100 gold pieces. "This is for them, too."

[Let us hope that among the spells that were cast we learn about the nature of the rest of the gnoll's items. Again - breastplate he keeps, perhaps axe, likely nothing more than those items and his clothes. The dagger he held at Nyland's throat he takes, as well, and substitutes a small dagger. I realize that Cameron disagrees on the medallion, but Alleah's concern seems valid, and Murphy will side with her on this decision.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 3:38:36 AM
Alleah would have absolutely changed the Geas to the nearby human village. She would certainly know more about distances than her dimwitted player :)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+9=19 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 10:26:34 AM
"Guess I'll do it then," says Kezzem.

OOC: Tying someone up is Escape Artist, correct?

Escape Artist: 19.

DM Mark - Escape artist checks for tied up folks are DC=20+CMB of the person with the rope. These Gnolls cannot escape.

All tied up and someplace to go - DM Mark 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 6:09:06 PM
The voices in Cameron’s head seem to get in an argument and tell him that the tied bound and gagged gnolls that were the oppressors are now the oppressed.

Bliss, untroubled by thoughts, takes a careful look at the items. He finds that:
- the holy symbol to Marteus is also an Amulet of Natural Armor +2
- the great axe is a +1 weapon
- the belt is a Belt of Giant Strength +2

There is more discussion of the nature of good and evil, and when you can kill things, and Geas and justice. The characters take turns lecturing each other, as well as the the bound and gagged Gnoll Cleric Ashakan who cannot respond.

Interrupting everyone, a voice suddenly comes from everywhere in the darkness. “OH, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!”

A lightning bolt splits the night, throwing those near Ashakan's tree to the ground, and leaving everyone temporarily blinded and deafened. As your sight and hearing return, you see that where Ashakan used to stand against the tree there is now nothing but a black scorch mark and a small pile of ashes. A quick look at the other gnoll will reveal that he seems to be whimpering, and there is a spreading wetness in his clothing below his belt. He slumps, bound against the tree as he looks fearfully into the night sky, then at the party, and back at the sky.

Nywald stares at you in wonder. Oddly, the goblin infants seem somewhat delighted with the noise and excitement. Nywald says, “Wow - you guys are powerful. You know, we can just take that remaining gnoll to my village for justice. It’s about half a day’s walk from here - less with those ponies of yours. You guys can even watch the execution if you want.”

Nywald then realizes that your destination is Bright Springs. “My village is generally in the direction of Bright Springs. Going there will only add about 2 hours to your travel time, and with the ponies, you should reach Bright Springs by nightfall. Bright Springs is a well ordered town. Not really the garden-spot it’s name might suggest, but a decent place to trade.”

The remainder of the night goes by rather uneventfully, punctured occasionally by some sort of chant by one remaining gnoll. If you speak Gnoll: Highlight to display spoiler: {OHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAPOHCRAP}

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Perhaps to dream  d20+4=7 ; d20+7=20 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 7:57:48 PM

"What - who was that? And, uh, thank you!" says Murphy. He detects magic on the area of effect to attempt to discern the source of the effects - plus, he knows at least a moderate amount about electrical discharges [Knowledge, Arcana: 7; Spellcraft: 20].

At learning that Nywald's home is roughly in their direction, he says, "Good. Let's get you and the children safely there. We can give a brief report to the authorities. You have your own testimony to offer. We may not have time to remain for sentencing."

Murphy suggests a party member who desires the belt of giant strength appropriate it. If none else want to, he will do so, and add 1900 gp to the pot besides the other 100 gp he gave Cameron to give to Nywald. If another wants it, he instead offers another 900 gp, and suggests the party come up with another 1,000. "Nywald and the children have suffered much from the recently fried and his gang. Let us provide them some funds to help them get well established, and, if they use it with care and caution, set themselves up for some time to come." He discusses this privately with the party members, apart from Nywald.

Then he goes to sleep until his watch. Then rises, and cares for the ponies, and prepares breakfast, and takes down the trip lines and early warning system around the campsite, spends a short time in prayer, and wakes people up at the appropriate time, offering them warm food and tea, then helps to saddle the ponies, and asks, "Shall we go? Nywald, you may ride Pippa - she's a tough and durable pony. I fixed the saddle for you. I can take a goblin child on another pony, and one of us can do likewise on a third."

"Trill - how do you fare this morning?"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 8:26:50 PM
As the voice come out of nowhere and the lightening bolt does its thing Trill looks around trying to decide if they are under attack and then notices that only the Gnoll is gone and fried and relaxes a bit.

At some point Trill when she is relieved from her watch/ guard duty, will find a comfortable spot to sleep.

Waking in the morning she rolls over and finds that Murphy is addressing her.

"I guess that depends on whether we are actually going to do what we came here to do for your mages, or if we are going to putz around some more and let them suffer more."

"I mean I understand the need to defend ourselves and others and I can see the occasional occurance where we end up with an injured captive, but I am don't really see a need for actually going out of our way to capture those that are trying to kill us and or others. They have made their choice. No one forced them to do what they do and they by needs must deal with the consequences of their actions."



AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron   d20+6=25 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 9:09:46 PM
Knowledge religion 25 Which God or Goddess did that?
"Amen"
This is Cameron's only response to the flash and bang that removes baby-eater from the Wold. He knows what they have done this night was watched by some in the Wold's Heavens and this is his proof. He looks at the other gnoll and can not help but smile. He stands watch for the night, refreshing himself in the morning as he had intended with a lesser restoration from his goddess. He helps Murphy prepare for the trip, now that he knows that Nywald will be going their way to his home. Cameron has some gifts and seed money for Nywald. He had been planning on giving these anyway, before Murphy tries to devide the gnolls kit evenly. To Nywald he gives a deck of playing cards. They are magical but will not detect as such. To the right person they could bring a nice sum since they allow all players except the dealer a +1 bonus to their profession gambler checks. He also gives the man a small neck pouch filled with black and red gems ( 50 small gems garnets, onyx, and hematite 10 gp each). They are small, and easily tradable, a good way to carry, or hide a fair sum of money.
For each of the goblins he has a small doll. One is a druid and the other a bear. They are meant to depict the heroes Peerimus and Yorrick. He also draws a small dagger from his pocket for each of the goblins. They are normal daggers, but dwarven forged. He hopes that they never need to use them, but knows the Wold is not a safe place, and wants them to be ready to face it.
He rides out in the morning, prepared to accompany the Sword on what is looking more and more like a doomed trip to what sounds like a nice place, but isn't.
He returns the gold to Murphy, but holds onto the wand for now, since he can use it if needed.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Lesser Restoration,

0/1 Goodberry used
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 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 9:11:09 PM
"Well, that was random," Pressi noted as the gnoll got zapped.

In response to the questions about watches, Pressi notes that she needs only eight hours of meditation to get her ki back, so she can skip the full night sleep. (The 1/day charge probably remains out until the next evening, though.) So she is able to participate in some morning activities.

In response to Murphy's... generosity... Pressi has to put her foot down. "What we're giving them is nothing less than a major fortune, and we aren't exactly raking in the dough ourselves. I'm all for charity and helping people get back on their feet but another... what are we giving them? 1000 total? 2000? Even if some of us have more than 10 gp to rub together, that's a lot of cash that's supposed to go into Humble's Ford defenses. Oh yeah, and to keep some of us gear dependent people who can't just cast spells from just dying. Though I'm beginning to understand how you all were so undergeared when we met."

Pressi does request the belt for herself, offering an IOU or her Kama of cold iron in exchange.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 9:11:52 PM

Bliss is dazzled by the lightning bolt, and decides to hold his tongue. Honestly, that voice reminded him of his old drill serjant in the Fist, when the man got tired of Bliss dancing or asking quesitons or just talking out loud. Now, as then, he figures the best thing to do is to pretend to be a shadow in the dark. But now he is a lot better at pretending that.

Mookie is nowhere to be found either!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 11:14:20 PM
Alleah joins Pressi and Murphy in a quiet discussion, out of earshot of Nywald

"I'm all for generosity, Murph, but I think Pressi has the right of it. We've only just met these people and you're about to gift them with 20 years worth of wages*. That seems a tad excessive. 10 gold to each of them would still be generous without stripping our own pockets"

------------------------
OOC: A trained hireling earns 3sp a day. 2000gp works out to be around 18years income. If they are untrained and thus earn 1sp a day, then 2000gp works out to be 54 years income!

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Perhaps to dream 
Tuesday April 26th, 2016 11:52:06 PM

"All right. The 100 gp, and Cameron's gifts should do, then. Thanks for the sound counsel," Murphy responds.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 1:59:03 AM
Shel agrees with the others. "Good job, everyone. We are giving them gold for their trouble, but I don't plan on giving them my entire gold pouch. We did save them after all. That's worth something in and of itself.". She then tucks back in for a nice snooze, trying to ignore any strange bolts of lightning, and giggling a bit thinking Murphy might be trying to subdue something else.

Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 8:25:13 AM

Bliss smells ozone and feels a crackling run through his bah. A detect magic confirms it: the weapon is now a +1 shocking crossbow.

"You know what I think, Mookie?"

"What's that, Kid?"

"I think that was Lord Gargul! I think he wants to be the one to decide on Life and Death, not me."

"Hmmm," is all Mookie has to say to that.

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 4:06:02 PM
Ok all let's get a move on we have some mages to hopefully still rescue.....


AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 4:38:26 PM
Cameron smiles at Bliss's idea of 'who' threw the lightning. Since it did change his bah, Cameron seems to think that might have been the truth of it.

OOC updated header with name, sorry it took me awhile Kim.

All tied up and someplace to go - DM Mark 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 4:44:29 PM
Everyone is startled by the sudden end to the gnoll cleric. But no one is particularly sad.

The party discusses who can use what items of treasure.

Trill suggests that those that attack the halfling party earn the death that may result from such actions.

Murphy proposes giving Nywald 1,000 GP.

Cameron adds 500 GP in gems to that, along with some magical cards. He gives the goblin babies dolls and knives.

Pressi, Aleah and Shel object - to the amount for Nywald, not giving knives to babies.

Bliss thinks it was Gargul that sent the lightning bolt in the night. He is surprised and delighted to find that the lightning bolt that destroyed the gnoll also seems to have electrified his Bah. Mookie remains concerned that Bliss may one day shoot his eye out, but stays silent on the matter.

------------------------------------
The party sleeps, and wakes with no event.

The Goblin babies gleefully take the small dolls, and promptly bite and tear them to shreds with much joy. As they reach for Camerons proffered daggers, Nywald snatches them away before the infants can grab them. “Are you insane? They may be goblins, but those are hardly children’s toys. Sorry about your dolls, but the kids seem to like them.”

Nywald is a bit stunned at being offered so tidy a sum of 100 GP and 500 GP in gems. “Oh no, you owe me nothing. It is I that owe you for saving my life and treating me kindly. That is not usual here in the Red Hills. And thank you for letting me keep these goblin babies. I was an orphan, and I know what it’s like to be unwanted. My wife and I have no children, and I’m sure we can raise these two up to be better than their goblin heritage.” He looks at the shredded dolls, and for a moment he seems less certain.

The party mounts their ponies and proceeds to Nywald’s village. The one remaining gnoll is tied up and in tow. He generally seems to keep up well, but seems very fearful, constantly looking around - often at the sky. After a few hours in a southerly direction, you reach a stone and wooden pallisade around a village. The humans at the gate are armed, but recognize Nywald and greet him, lowering their weapons. They tell him someone names Gallia was worried, and will be glad to seem him back. Suddenly a woman runs through the gate, dropping a basket she was carryuing, bursting into tears and throwing her arms around Nywald. As Nywald and the woman talk and look at the goblin babies, the guards ask you, “Hey, who are you kids and what’s up with the gnoll?”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=18 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 6:59:04 PM
"He fell in with some bad company, but he's seen the errors of his ways, right gnollie? You wouldn't want a bolt of lightning to come down and smite you like it did you former boss. The gods apparently don't take kindly to what he was doing."

OOC: Bluff 18 on the remaining to gnoll to convince him that the gods will smite him if continues his evil ways.



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 8:52:53 PM
"Let's just say we are friends. None of us trying anything sneaky, like going invisible. We wanted to be sure they made it to safety before we continue on down the road." Shel smiles at the scene of Nywald and presumably his wife greeting each other.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 9:19:07 PM
Cameron wouldn't have handed the daggers TO the babies, but since it worked out...
Cameron says to Nywald." Keep the daggers for them when they have grown some and are less, spirited. The Wold can be a dangerous place, and should be treated as such. Take the gems too. Goblins are notorious for their appetites and I think you may need the gems to help keep them fed. You can also consider the gems as a fund to get them whatever they need, you and your wife too, since you will be taking on the possibly daunting task of raising them."
" Stay safe and raise them well. If you ever need help, pray to my Lady for it and more than likely, I will be the one she sends to your aid."
To the guards Cameron replies, "We are Humble's Sword out of the Crescent Valley. This gnoll and four others attacked us last night. They had Nywald and the babes as prisoners, and snacks. The others got what they deserved for eating babies. This one, through a miracle, survived the fight. He should be tried for attacking a sleeping campsite and eating sentient folk and justice should be done to him under the laws of your Village. Will you take charge of our prisoner?"
Cameron used the lingo he had heard and been taught in the Fist for delivering a prisoner. The same lingo he heard used when he was tried for abandoning his Fist to save the circus caravan, for that matter. He holds the lead rope out to the guard that asked the questions.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Lesser Restoration,

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 10:02:19 PM

Before the village
Listening to Trill, and hearing Bliss's comments on the transformation of his bah, Murphy says to her, "Well, that may be a less common occurrence from here on out, I'd wager. Excess prisoners, I mean."

Regarding the belt of giant strength (+2) that Pressi requests, Murphy says, "Well, I don't know that we need anything like an IOU from you, Press. I mean, the belt helping you will be helping us all, right? Unless someone else speaks up, as far as I'm concerned, the belt is yours now. Use your muscles wisely, though, right?" he suggests with a wink and a smile.

At the village walls
Touched by the joy of reunion of husband and wife, Murphy finds he needs to wipe something from his eye. He does not envy them the task of raising such children, but decides he will pray for them regularly. He doesn't even know what gender either one is. He is not planning to check.

He smiles as Kezzem speaks, and nods in agreement with Shel.

"Yes, as Cameron said, we are out of Crescent Valley," Murphy confirms to the guard. "Full grown halflings we are, though we may seem as children to you biguns. My name is Murphy. Nywald here can give you more background on the comportment of this particular gnoll, who struck my good friend Shel with his javelin, trying to kill her as best as we could tell.

"Also, as my friend here indicated," as he nods in Cameron's direction, "we will leave it to your discretion as to how to deal with the gnoll. I will say I think that the fear of the divine may have recently entered his miserable soul."

"One favor would we ask of you. Do you have a few folk among you who could meet with us, briefly, just for a few minutes? We need some wise counsel regarding a situation in the nearby city. It's not something we want to be talking about openly, though, for reasons of security."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 10:59:06 PM

"Oh! Oh! I'll wear the amulet!" says Bliss. "That's the kind of thing a witch would do, right? And I *AM* a witch!"

"HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE!"

"See, I can even cackle like a witch!"

Bliss puts on the amulet and stuffs it down his shirt -- his new hunter green shirt he recently acquired.

He is ready to go!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday April 27th, 2016 11:08:56 PM
Alleah stays silent, oblivious to the questions of the guard. She is too entranced by Nywald's reunion. She smiles and feels her eyes start to get a little teary.

This is what being a hero was all about.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d8=7 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2016 1:37:31 AM

Backstep

"Uh, Bliss, that is the holy symbol of Marteaus, you know?" Murphy tells the wee halfling. "The evil ruler of Koche-Marr? I do not mind the raw benefit of the item, but would not likely put anything like that on until the holy symbol were removed, assuming such can be done without ruining the magical effect. Natural armor is nice. Marteaus is not. Maybe wearing that amulet could carry some sort of curse, as well."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday April 28th, 2016 2:30:47 AM

In the interest of helping to keep things moving - should the people provide someone to discuss things in private, the party will ask if any know of Uthvas, a necromancer and a taxidermist in Bright Springs. Murphy will await their response before mentioning, "The gnolls had planned on selling Nywald to Uthvas for some sort of experimentation. Two of our friends are now undergoing some weird process, and we wish to rescue them. Do you think Uthvas' operations should be shut down? Regardless, if any of you might help us, or know information useful for aiding us in effecting such a rescue, we would be most grateful."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday April 28th, 2016 6:49:08 AM

"It's okay, Mister Murphy," explains Bliss. "If it is cursed, I'm affected already, and if I am, I'll just hop in Miss Alleah's pot and she'll Purify me back to normal!"

Mookie cocks his head. "Wouldn't that remove your Reduce magic?"

"Um. Uh ... Well ... probably not?"

Bliss looks worried now.

"I'm probably not cursed," he decides. "I feel fine!"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Thursday April 28th, 2016 5:51:40 PM
Trill looks a bit affronted at being called a kid but but doesn't seem to be about to kill anyone over it.

All tied up and someplace to go - DM Mark 
Thursday April 28th, 2016 6:05:27 PM
(Sorry Cameron - Nywald doesn’t question Cameron’s sanity, and will keep the daggers for the goblins when they are grown.)

Kezzem attempts to convince the gnoll that gods want him to change his ways. The gnoll does not seem to understand.

Cameron tells the guard, who are little more than armed villagers, that you are Humbles’s Sword out of the Crescent Valley - this means little to them. Then he says the gnolls attacked them as they slept, and this remaining one should be tried for his crimes, and give the gnoll to these armed villagers. This they understand, and take charge of the gnoll.

Murphy explains that you are not children, but halflings. He asks to meet privately with any in the town that could give them information.

Bliss attempts to wear the amulet the gnoll cleric had. The circular holy symbol to Marteus is about like a small breastplate on the tiny halfling. The chain it hangs from will have to be dramatically shortened, and he cannot seem to button his shirt over it. Murphy warns against it’s use.

Trill doesn’t appreciate being called a kid, but says nothing.

Alleah, along with the rest of Humble’s Sword and even some of the villagers seem touched by the reunion of Nywald and his wife. This is indeed what being a hero is all about.
------------------------------------------------

Nywald introduces her as Gallia Highbranch, and says he is Nywald Highbranch. Gallia says, “You little men and women have turned my fear and sorrow into joy this day! And on top of that you offer him a princely sum. This is a happy day! There is no way for me to repay you for returning my husband to me. Will you stay with us? You would be most welcome.”

The Goblin babies are pretty squirmy, and tend to put just about anything into their mouths and bite it. As Nywald puts them down they begin chewing on rocks and dirt, and seem to enjoy it. Nywald and his wife scoop them up. They gleefully squirm as mud oozes out of their mouths. Cameron appears to be right - they are indeed going to be a handful.

With the armed villagers holding the bound gnoll, one in charge says, “Nywald, is this true? Was this creature holding you as a prisoner and as food?”

Nywald replies, “Yes. I was to be sold in Bright Springs, and the babies were to be eaten. Gallia and I will raise these babies as our own.”

“Well, you do what you want with those things. This gnoll’d have to be be pretty desperate to eat goblins, but we can’t have this kind of threat running around.” Without further discussion, the villager raises a cocked crossbow and puts a bolt through the gnoll’s eye socket. With a brief spurt of blood, the bound gnoll falls to the ground dead. Two men drag it away. A few turn away from the gore, but most seem rather satisfied. Nywald pulls Gallia and the babies away from the scene.

In response to Murphy’s request, they are brought to a barn to meet with some of the town elders comprised of men and women, including Nywald. Gallia and a couple stable hands bring in food and drink.

You are given stools to sit. You tell them what happened with the gnoll attack (no need to recount that). “Gnolls eh? Bad business. But you seem pretty tough from the tale of what happened. What questions do you have for us?”

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d100=6 ; d100=28 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2016 6:41:57 PM

Bliss says, "Huh! Usually these things resize to fit!" He tugs on the amulet, trying to resize it. Failing that, he ties a knot in the loop so that it is shorter by enough to be wearable.

In town, he casts Disguise Self. (Ley Check 6 fails!) "Huh!" he says. He tries again. this time it works. He uses the spell to create the disguise of a halfling who looks exactly like him, but with an Amulet of Gargul instead of one of Marteaus.

He watches the pretty non-controversial execution of the gnoll and ponders a bit about that.

Meeting with the elders, Bliss hops up on a table and asks, "It's a long shot, I guess, but is there any chance you good folks have anything that was touched by Uthvas the necromancer, or carried by him, or worn by him? That would be super useful to us, I think. Maybe."

(DM Mark - My bad - the amulet will resize to fit.)

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+7=22 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2016 8:06:34 PM
Before the meeting, Cameron thanks Gallia for her offer, but explains that lives are on the line, and time is very important to them in getting to Bright Springs.
Cameron paces for a few moments while Bliss asks the assembled elders if they have anything that belongs to Uthvas. He goes over what little they know. He decides what to say and is ready when Bliss is done. When the little guys enthusiasm wears down, Cameron explains their mission. Both his Holy symbol and his WLA pin are obvious . The one lies around his neck, the other prominantly pinned to his greatcoat.
" The Crescent Valley has been protected for years from the raids of the Giants by several towers that keep the giants out. Recently, one of those towers collapsed. The wizards charged with maintaining the towers were lost. Two of them have been taken to Bright Springs and are being subjected to some kind of tortuous experiments. We believe the taxidermist and reputed Necromancer Uthvas is behind the experiments. We have never been to Bright Springs. We don't know the town. We don't know the layout, the social climate or who is supposedly in charge, and who is really in charge. If you can tell us anything that will make rescuing the wizards easier then we would be very grateful. As my little friend here has said, if you have any belonging of Uthvas's, we could probably use it to answer some of the questions we have through magics we posses. In lieu of that, any information that helps us understand what goes on in the town would be helpful."
Diplomacy 22
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Lesser Restoration,

0/1 Goodberry used
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 April 28th, 2016 8:50:09 PM
"Cameron is right! Anything you could tell us would be great! We have to figure a way to get to them without him getting warning and the guard's stopping us, if they are in his pocket. We need a plan, and helping us out with the town could be great."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday April 28th, 2016 9:22:53 PM
Alleah stays silent as the execution takes place. It would have been decent to have allowed the gnoll some last words though. Clutching her holy symbol she says some very brief rites: "Gargul, Lord of life and death. Judge this creature fairly on his deeds - whether good or evil. I pray you forgive us this day that we sent him to you."

At the meeting, the others have asked some good questions. Alleah graciously accepts any food or drink offered and does her best to remember her manners.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday April 29th, 2016 3:30:41 AM

"Mister and Missus Highbranch, thank you kindly for your offer of hospitality. Perhaps we may be able to take you up on your invitation some other day. For now, though, as others mentioned, for us - no, for our captured friends, time is of the essence."

Murphy nods in support of what his friends have to say. He adds a comment, "Perhaps when we get into town, we might take rooms, get the lay of things, and discretely learn what we may, and make a plan for what to do next." Addressing the elders directly, he asks, "Is there someone among you who may know Bright Springs, and provide us guidance within the town?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=24 ; d20+5=15 ;
Friday April 29th, 2016 9:52:34 AM
Pressi had been quiet for a while. She didn't really want to get into the issue of how overprotective their parents were of knives when she was rappelling with knives much younger than that. She also didn't want to get into how they didn't really need to do that with the gnoll. Not her place to take on a town when everyone was chomping at the bit to get on with it.

She did think it rather odd how cavalierly Bliss was willing to wear some other god's symbol, especially since we was really sure that his god transformed his weapon and killed the gnoll. Pressi didn't know much about Gargul, but he seemed the type of guy who would turn Bliss into a ring tailed lemur given half the chance.

Murphy and Cameron seemed to have the questioning well in hand, so Pressi took some time to look around (Perception 24, Know Local 15). She tried to get an idea of what these people might be like, and their relationship with the necromancer or Bright Springs. She didn't think anything was out of place, but it never hurt to be sure - who knew how much influence Uthvas had in a region so economically devastated.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday April 29th, 2016 12:22:42 PM
"Sorry Murph," says Kezzem. "Know you wanted to give the gnoll a shot at redemption, but at least now we don't have to worry about him enslaving and/or eating people."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday April 29th, 2016 1:09:27 PM

Mookie watches Bliss stiff struggling to fit into the amulet. He cocks his head.

"Kid," he says. "Kid. KID!"

"Oh, yeah, Mookie?"

Why are you fiddling with that filthy thing? First you're shooting people in the back, then you are trying to wear THAT!"

"What would your mother say?"

Bliss stares at Mookie. "Uh ... um ..."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday April 29th, 2016 1:35:40 PM

The druid responds, "Right you are, Kezzem, on all counts."

Eeek! A Ghost! - DM Mark 
Friday April 29th, 2016 4:29:34 PM
As Bliss tries on the Holy Symbol to Marteus/Amulet of Natural Armor, it will shrink to his tiny size (Edit from previous post.) Mookie admonishes him.

Alleah says a short prayer for the dead gnoll. Bliss ponders the execution. Pressi thought it unnecessary. Kezzem notes that the gnoll will no longer pose a threat, and Murphy reluctantly agrees.

The party thanks Gallia Highbranch for her offer, but says they cannot stay. She brings fresh cheese, bread, beer and pickles. The food is pretty good. In addition, you'll see a couple packages of food packed up and ready to go.

With the Village Council assembled, Bliss asks if they have anything that was previously touched by Uthvas the Necromancer.

Cameron explains that the group is in a hurry, and explains what they are after. He says they believe Uthvas is a taxidermist and reputed necromancer. He asks what information they may have about Bright Springs. Murphy says that anything they know maybe helpful. Others concur.

Pressi looks around. Seems like average human villagers. Nothing looks out of the ordinary to her. She concludes that this stable you are meeting is belongs to Nywald and Gallia.

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

The Village Council listens and is concerned by the information you bring to them. No one there has anything that was used or touched by Uthvas.

“Uthvas is a taxidermist of some skill. At least he was - don’t hear much about him no more. He no longer does taxidermy work, least not that we hear about. He always brought in money for the town. They’re pretty proud of him there.

“As for Bright Springs, it is about a day’s walk from here, less on a mount. It sits on the shore of Dour Lake. It used to be called Bright Lake and once thrived with fish and wildlife. But years ago, with the growth of the iron mines, pollution from the mining and smelting activities destroyed the the lake. We tried to warn ‘em about this, but they wanted none of that when there was money to be made. Now look at ‘em. The mines have declined some, and the lake’s still dead. Heh, they kept the name of Bright Springs thinkin’ they could return the town to it’s former glory. It’s not a bad town, but not great neither. No what it was. Still pretty big though - lots of folks there. Folks there are alright, and the brothels are a draw. There are a couple inns.

“The town’s pretty safe. There’s a wall around the town, but they don’t need it much. Nothing attacks them. Ore ain't worth much, and most goods go out by ship. People, orcs and gnolls trade there from time to time. The mayor is a half-orc named Hammish Iron Fist. He’s a tough one - you don’t want to cross him. He controls the town guard, and he provides security and patrols for some of the mine owners and the iron works. The town does OK, if you don’t mind a lot of taxes and a lot of rules.”

Just then, everyone in the stable is startled by a ghostly apparition that appears before Shel!

Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The figure seems a bit weak and unsteady. His eyes don’t seem to focus or stay on anything for very long.}

“Oh, oh yes, there you are, there you are, there you are. Can’t hear you though. Oooh, it’s very bad here - smells bad, yes, needs to be cleaned. Everything needs to be cleaned. Even the giant. Oh, but the hill giant seems nice, yes, very nice. He’s nice. Who knew hill giants could be nice, eh? Yes. The other giants are not nice. There are dogs here. Dogs. And a cat. And bats and spiders. I think Uthvas is a bat. Do you think he’s a bat? So is Tiana. So am I. So is everyone. I like bats. Do you like bats? Can you eat bats? I could eat a bat. A spider could eat a bat, if it’s big enough. Ooof, I’m tired. Going to go nighty night. Is it night where you are? It’s always night here. Good night.”

The vision ends. Shell gets a generally southward sense of direction for a while.

The men and women in the stable stare at you and say, “What the heck was that?”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+11=26 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+13=30 ;
Friday April 29th, 2016 4:44:34 PM
Sense Motive: 26.

"Iron fist you say? I knew an Iron Fist once. He punched a dragon...IN THE FACE! Unfortunately, the dragon was not fond of that, and he was tasty and went good with ketchup."

Perform (oratory): 16.

"Oh, and don't mind the ghost-thing. That's our friend from the Second Dinner Club. See, they wanted to form a dinner club, but were disappointed because Shel here had already had done so, so they had to a form a second club. He's quite sore about it, hence the haunting. Nothing you need to worry about though. All he does is complain."

Bluff: 30.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+8=18 ; d20+6=16 ;
Friday April 29th, 2016 7:49:37 PM
Sense Motive 18.

Pressi eyes the ghastly apparition carefully. "Yep, as Kezzem said, nothing at all to worry about (Bluff 16)." She leaned over to Nywald. "Get the rest of this town someplace safe and hunkered down," she whispered. "Whatever defenses or soldiers you have, you may want them ready for the next couple of days. I don't actually think you're in danger, but... Better to be ready and not panicked."

"At any rate," Pressi addressed the group again. "That would be our cue to get prepared for our trading, but... we've kind of had a disagreement about the best way to go about trading, especially with Uthvas. Have you heard anything about what kinds of goods need to be traded. And if we need to go to this Hammish guy or one of his guards next?

"One other question, kind of off topic. What is the giant situation around here?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday April 29th, 2016 11:50:56 PM
Shel was struck silent by the vision. Had the torture caused the wizard to finally lose his mind? The thought was too terrible to imagine.

"Um, guys, did he seem a bit different to you? Maybe a touch wonky? I'm really worried about him. Poor Vesely had never went on like that before..."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday April 30th, 2016 9:06:40 PM

My. Veseley really needs a rescue, right away. Speaking of bats... is there something vampiric going on with Uthvas? Hmmm... perhaps the hill giant might help in the rescue - and be worthwhile rescuing himself. Essence of giant, eh?

"Don't mind Kezzem. His head is filled with amazing stories. I don't even know what ketchup might be."

He observes Pressi, thinks her questions are good.

"Yes, Shel. He needs our help. Likely he and Tiana will be in such a state that it will be hard for them to assist in the matter."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+13=33 ;
Saturday April 30th, 2016 9:24:14 PM
"His mind is beginning to come unstuck" Alleah surmises. It is enoguh to put her off any more food or drink.

-----------------------
Sense Motive: 33

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Sunday May 1st, 2016 12:22:38 AM
" If there are spiders, leave them to me.Their venom will not affect me, and without it, they will be much less dangerous. I have met good hill giants. I owe my very life to one in fact. I wonder what Krog is doing these days."
" Thank you all for yor hospitality and all of the information, but I believe that was our cue to hit the road."
Cameron heads for the door and for Cudgel. They need to make Bright Springs tonight.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday May 1st, 2016 2:19:32 AM

Murphy waves to Cameron's back, as he does not think that the elders have said all they may have to say.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday May 1st, 2016 3:17:54 AM
Alleah puts her thumb and fingers to her chin in contemplation.

"I wonder if they are being held in the mines. Even a very small amount of lead in those mines could explain why we have been unable to scry the location of the Second Dinner Club" she says quietly to noone in particular.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Sunday May 1st, 2016 12:05:31 PM

Bliss races after Cam and throws his arms around him. Okay, around his leg.

"Cam, are you leaving leaving? I'm so confused. You would not leave without saying goodby to your old pal, right?"

"Or are you just saying we have to get to the rescue right away? I kind of agree with that! That ghostly guy we're trying to rescue seems in a pretty bad way."

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Sunday May 1st, 2016 10:04:59 PM
Trill watches and listens to the apparition and shake her head. We may already be too late for a full recovery for the mages.

"Did you all note that he mentioned multiple giants, not to mention dogs..."

Eeek! A Ghost! - DM Mark 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 3:49:49 PM
(Ugh - Work is interfering with my fantasy life. Will post later today. Sorry.)

Two Dinner Clubs - DM Mark  d20=1 ; d20=12 ; d20=6 ;
Monday May 2nd, 2016 7:38:18 PM
Several there notice that Veseley seems a bit unsteady.

Kezzem manages to convince the Village Council that Shel is with the First Dinner Club, and the apparition is just a ghost whose anger about being in the Second Dinner Club causes him to haunt her. The Village Council looks a bit confused.

Pressi supports Kezzem’s story, and whispers something to Nywald that the others are unable to overhear. This draws a few concerned looks. She then asks about what kind of goods are traded in Bright Springs, and if they have information about Mayor Hammish. Then she asks about giants in the area.

Shel says Veseley is loosing it. Alleah agrees, and thinks perhaps he’s being held in the mines, and that it may be affecting his sanity.

Murphy agrees with Pressi and Shel, and says to never mind Kezzem’s stories. He says that Veseley and Tiana need rescuing. The Village Council looks more confused.

Cameron says he’ll take care of the spiders, and turn to head out. He suddenly finds he has a Bliss attached to his leg.

Bliss points out that Veseley mentioned giants and dogs.

------------------------------------------------
The Village Council agrees that something must be done, but they are not sure what. They also seem pretty glad that they do not have to do it. Whatever it is.

They will say that there are giants in the area from time to time. They generally cause problems, but usually don’t stay long. They are not aware of any giants living nearby. As for Hammish, he is pretty harsh and unyielding. He controls most things in the town, and works with most of the local business and mines. He’s fair - well, mostly fair. He can probably be bribed, but no one here has tried, and it would be pretty expensive. The guards can probably be bribed to look the other way for between 10 and 100 GP. As for trading, the town needs the usual goods any community may need. There is a central square where goods are often sold by local farmers and traders. A member of the guard will usually assess the value of what they have and what they have left, and expect about a 10% tax on anything sold.

Nywald will respond to Pressi out loud that they do not think their village need fear anything from Bright Springs. They can defend themselves well enough, and have no quarrel with the town. You may certainly say that you came from there, but if you decide to pick a fight with Hammish, you’re on your own there. Should you retreat back to this village, they will certainly defend you as friends, but if Bright Springs said you broke their laws, they would need to reevaluate that.

There is food packed up and ready to go. Do you stay longer, or do you follow Cam out?



AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 8:45:11 PM
Cameron looks down at Bliss and says, " Silly, I am going to help Vesely and Tiana, not leave, not yet. They need help and it needs to be on it's way as soon as possible."
At the mention of causing trouble and bringing it to their door Cameron replies to the elders." We may indeed take you up on the need for refuge, especially if the two wizards are as bad off as it sounds like they are. Moving them much further than here until they have time to recuperate might be too much for them. If I cause any trouble in Bright Springs, and I have to admit that is a possibility, I will not bring it to your doorstep. If guards were to come looking for me, I would be happy to surrender to them. Mostly it is about rescuing those wizards. If feelings get hurt doing so then yeah, someone may come looking for me, or all of us. I know I am not the only hot head here, just the most obvious one." Cameron smiles at the last statement. " Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst,
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Lesser Restoration,

0/1 Goodberry used
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 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 9:51:09 PM
"Cameron's exactly right that we might not be able to move the Wizards very far. This has clearly taken a horrible toll on them, and they might have to rest before they are capable of a longer journey. But that's putting the cart before the horse. We need to get them out in one piece, and we can figure out the convelasence plans later. Thanks for the food and the advice. I'm ready to go, when everyone else is."

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 10:24:24 PM
Trill looks around at the villagers and then at the group of adventurers and then goes and joins Cameron to get back on the road.

You know I don't really mind a ginat or two but dogs.... Trill looks a bit "green around the gills" so to speak as she thinks about them.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 10:44:26 PM

Bliss looks up at Cam and smiles. "Whew! That's good news! That's what I want to do too!"

He looks around as he lets go of his friend's leg. "Is everyone else coming?"

He calls out, "Come on, guys! We gotta go do a rescue!"

[OOC: I'm really at sea here regarding fatigue, time, spell recovery, etc! What time is it? How long does it take to get to the town? Do we have spells back?]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Monday May 2nd, 2016 11:05:22 PM
Alleah will enquire as to whether the party could stay in the barn to rest and recover spells. If they are going to be facing a necromancer, some giants and some dogs, they will probably need to be at full strength. Further, the ponies will need a rest

---------------------------------------------
OOC: As to time of day, we arrived around lunch-time I *think*. Assuming a few hours to meet with the townsfolk and council, we'd be getting into the afternoon now.

The townsfolk have said Bright Springs "is about a day's walk from here". So around 30 miles. The way we are pushing the mounts we can achieve that in just 4 hours of travel.

Timing - DM Mark 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 1:32:55 AM
You arrived in Nywald's village late morning. It's earely afternoon now. Bright Springs is about 20 miles away.

You would have recovered spells normally, assuming the arcane casters did not stay up all night. You slept a little late to make sure the arcane casters had time to recover.

There may be some question about divine casters having some limitations depending on spells cast during the night and when they received their spells, but I'm now worried about that today. Assume divine caster have their spells as well.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 2:19:11 AM
In that case...

"Thankyou very much for your hospitality, but as you can see, our friends are in some distress. We need to seek them out as quickly as we can" Alleah will shake the hands of each member of council and then join the others in the preparations to depart.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 6:10:21 AM

"Folks, I wish to add my thanks to you for your time and counsel. The long and short of it is our friends need our help, so we go to help them. The apparition you saw was simply a sending from one of those friends - whose mind has evidently been severely compromised by the ungodly treatment he is receiving at the hands of Uthvas. Please pray for them, and that we be granted wisdom. Whether subtlety, boldness, or craft are required, may we choose well. Thank you for the food."

He comes to Nywald and Gallia. "May heaven help you two with your new charges." He gives them a bow, and extends it to the elders. "Again, pray for us."

He turns and joins the others in departure.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+6=8 ;
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 9:42:13 AM
"My deepest apologies for the fear," Pressi said to the townsmen. "But you should know that our very arrival in this town may have put you in danger, and I would be remiss in not warning you of the danger. There are people in Bright Springs that may not turn out to be as good as you think. I'm fairly familiar with what necessity can do to a person myself. The point is that, though I think an attack on your town is unlikely, and while we will do what we can to keep you from being involved, you should be prepared for the worst.

"As for doing anything illegal or horrible, might I remind you that I personally am a lawful good monk of Domi himself. We will do whatever it takes to free our people and stop the bad guys, but we take being good guys very seriously. Do we LOOK like the kind of people who would get in trouble with the light?" (Bluff 8; she's still pretty upset over the events before).

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

As they begin to depart for the city, Pressi began to speak out loud. "We have to assume that Vessley did not send this without Uthvas' approval. I mean, lets be honest. He seemed as constitutionally capable of magic as I am of giving compliments. And don't forget he's already been caught once. Whatever happens, we have to assume they are waiting for us, and a plan to bluff our way in may not work.

"But whatever happens, I think it's clear that we are going to have to go through Hammish first."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 11:25:37 AM
"Okay, Pres, let's go find this Ham Fist guy then."

The Taxidermist of Bright Springs


Bright Springs - DM Mark  d20=12 ; d20=7 ; d20=18 ;
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 1:20:39 PM
Cameron assures Bliss that he’s not leaving yet. He thanks the assembled village leaders for offering hospitality and refuge, but assures them he will not bring ruin on them from Bright Springs. Bliss is relieved heads out with Cameron.

Shel thanks the villagers and is ready to go. So is Trill. While not put off by giants, Trill would prefer not to face any dogs.

Alleah and Murphy thank them for their help, and prepare to leave. Murphy adds that that vision they all saw was the person they seek to rescue, and he asks for their prayers.

Pressi acknowledges that your arrival and eventual conflict may place Nywald’s village in danger. She assures them that, as a follower of Domi, she would not do anything wrong while in Bright Springs. The villagers look a bit doubtful.

Pressi later notes that it is likely that Uthvas is expecting them. Kezzem agrees and expects trouble.

-------------------------------------------------
Nywald realizes that the vision of Veseley was likely in the same place that he would have wound up. “Friends, I can never repay you for rescuing me. Let me go with you. I can help you fight the menace that holds your friend - even if it is this Uthvas, and even if he has the support of the entire town!”

“Absolutely not!” says Gallia. “I almost lost you, and you need to get our strength back before you go anywhere!”

Three of the villagers, two men and a woman confer for a moment. “Gallia is right Nywald. You should not go anywhere right now. I will go with these kids - er, halflngs, begging your pardon. Yevas and Rowena will come too. There may not be much more that we can do if they were powerful enough to take on the gnolls as Nywald described, but we would not send them out alone.”

Some of the others suggest this is a bad idea. “Look, I agree that their cause is just and their friend is in need. But our village is not strong enough to stand against the Bright Springs’ guard if they decide we broke their laws or violated their authority. At the very least, you’ll wind up in their jail. No, we cannot allow this.”

“They could post as mushroom buyers. They grow a lot of mushrooms in some of the old mines. Or as emissaries from a far off land seeking to negotiate an iron deal. Perhaps a travelling group of entertainers, or a group of Domi missionaries seeking to set up an orphanage.”

Sense Motive DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: { All the villagers are concerned about a conflict with Bright Springs. The three that want to go are committed, but scared.}

Three seem to want to go with you, regardless of the risk. What do you tell them? Do you allow them to go with you?
-------------------------------------------------

Regardless of who may accompany the party, you all set out. The road is dusty and quiet. After a couple hours, you travel on a road next to a large lake. There is some ragged brush near the shore, but not nearly as much or as healthy as you’d expect. There is less wildlife and fewer birds than you would expect. The air smells a bit sour and seem “heavy”. The lake is still and quiet.

As you approach, you see a walled town in the distance. You pass a couple farms with fortified houses/stables. You get some curious looks, but none come close.

The wall is made of stone, but you can see where some missing areas have been filled in with wooden timbers. There is a portcullis at the gate tower.

Knowledge engineering DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The walls seem to be in a bit of disrepair and would not withstand a serious assault.}

Knowledge engineering DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The walls would not withstand a serious assault. That portcullis is stuck in place and will not work.}

As you approach the town gate, you see a couple guards standing lazily about. There is also a fully armored guard standing still against the wall in the entryway, it’s face covered in a full helm. It is over 8 feet tall. Though it towers over the others, it moves little and does not speak.

A normal looking guard stops you. He looks up wearily, and seems a bit wary. “Hey, some of the little people. We don’t see you much here. What brings you to Bright Springs. What business do you have?”

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+8=15 ; d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 4:25:58 PM
Cameron looks the three over with a soldier's eye. (Sense motive 15 exactly) They are scared, and well they should be. This is their home, and if things go wrong while they are with the group, then it may come to ruin. They are also determined to help. He tries to choose his words carefully.
" Look, We are trained adventurers and Bliss and I served in the Mailed Fist. This isn't our first rodeo. I can see that you are committed to help, and that fills me with hope that there are still good people here in the Red Hills. But I think you are better served making ready for our return and staying here. Make sure that you have things ready to treat two very drained and probably malnourished halflings, and quite possibly a hill giant. If Veseley is right and the one that is with them is good, he won't be left there by me. That feat alone, filling all those bellies and healing those hurts is more than we need in the way of help, and we would be glad to have it."
Diplomacy 14
On the ride there Cameron asks his companions, " So what exactly is our plan? We need to have one or I will just try and find some way into the place and start looking for this necromancer. The folks back there gave us plenty of plausible cover stories, but I don't think the Wizards have alot of time, so whatever story we go with it need to put us with Uthvas, preferably tonight. I'll throw another possibility out there for a plan. Before we reach the walls you guys give me a few minutes to empty out my camping gear from my pockets and replace it with more lethal problem solving gear. Then you tie me up and say you caught this halfling worshiper of Jancassis sneaking into your camp. You don't know which one of you I was after but you hear that this guy Uthvas is paying for test subjects. You want me taken care of and don't want my blood on your hands, and coin is always a nice bonus, so you came to sell me to him. That'll get me inside, with most of my gear, and you guys can pursue whatever other plan you have from there. The 'I'm an evil dirt bag' plan can work more than one way. Instead of me turning all of you in, you turn me in. If I'm lucky I can look at the wizards and maybe get their strength up for a rescue tomorrow or something."
If that is how this goes down, Cameron tries to get something, a scrap of cloth, tuft of hair, anything he can off of Uthvas if he sees the necromancer. Aslo, when they stop to swap his gear, Cameron will ask for a fire to be built. He will use some of the wire he has to make a crude holly symbol of Jancassis, and the fire to brand it on his forearm. He will then hide the crude holy symbol under his skin, making a slit to get it in there, and then casting CLW to close the wound.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
If you are willing to give me back that Lesser restoration spell I'll take it. But I specifically memorized it so that I wouldn't slow us down after standing watch all night over the gnoll. Of course after watching him pee himself and almost pass out when his buddy got cooked you could say I was OK with sleeping and din't need it.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 7:39:01 PM

Bliss likes Cam's plan. "And I can be hiding in plain sight and walk in right next to you Cam! I can carry some of your gear if it is not too heavy, and when it is time for your escape, I can break you out before you get hooked up to the torture machine." Bliss ponders. "Then you can cast Invisibility and sneak out with me!"

"I'll leave Mookie with you guys so he can at least give you a hint about what's going on!"

Bliss has the very strong intuition that what is happening to Veseley and the others is something very much like this. After all, his name is Wesley -- I mean Veseley!

"Miss Alleah and I could both cast Message on Mookie, and then maybe we can communicate for a while, depending on how far away we get from each other."

"If we arrive later in the day, there should be lots of shadows around, if we are lucky!"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=21 ; d20+4=21 ;
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 8:52:36 PM

"Cameron, you are not the final arbiter on this matter. While your perspective is welcome, these three could be of significant help to us. They know the lay of the town, we do not. I think we should accept their offer of help, but also work to ensure that none of them is put on the front line."

He turns to the three. "I think the mushroom buyers idea is great. We halflings love good cooking, and our valley is looking for additional trade opportunities. Now, I know a little about mushrooms. Perhaps you all know more. As we travel the way to Bright Springs, let's work on that story. Who knows, perhaps we will be able to effect a rescue, as well as to get more trade going." He glances at Cameron, and wonders how many seconds it would take him to quash any trade negotiations by brusque behavior, and unilateral actions. He needs to talk with him on the topic along the way.

"If not, at least it can serve as a plausible reason to be there. Please, get whatever you think you will need for the journey, and let us be on our way. What are your names, by the way?" The druid will make certain that they know the names of all the members of the group, and the two dogs, and the ponies as they get underway.

[will post 'along the way' comments later tonight - have a class starting in a few minutes
Sense motive: 21
Knowledge: Engineering: 21 - Murphy will comment in halfling about the run-down nature of the walls, and that the portcullis appears stuck open, before they draw too close to the guard]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 8:59:51 PM

"I can transform into a bat, and find a way to get within, so you do not go alone, Cameron," Murphy suggests, as he hears Cameron's brave plan for infiltration.

[more coming later]

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 9:14:23 PM
"Yeah! This is great," says Bliss.

"We are looking for mushrooms! I love mushrooms! These fellows are helping us to find some to buy. We enter the town as merchant-adventurers, with me in shadows and Mister Murphy as a little bat! On our way, we captured Cam, here, clearly a shady character, and we want to turn him in for the reward."

"We hand Cam over, and then me and Mister Murphy sneak in with him. Maybe Miss Alleah can help us with some Misdirection, in case they Detect Magic! Then either both halves attack at the same time, one team in and the other out, or we sneak Cam out and report what we learn!"

"Maybe we'll find our prisoners and break them out of there!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 11:19:20 PM
"If you three think that plan is the wisest, I'd just try to find out any information you could, then get right out to the rest of us. Together we are a lot stronger than just half of us," Shel advises, proving she was studied at mathematics. "But seriously, there's no telling what might be waiting for you all there. Please be careful if this is what you think is best."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016 11:34:07 PM
At Murphy's retort, Cameron switches to giantish. " Look Murphy, they are committed to help but they are scared senseless. You can pretend that there will be a place that isn't 'in harm's way' but I hold no such illusions. They aren't trained like we are and they aren't ready to spill blood if needed like we are...well like I am. I want to try and keep the casualties here to a minimum. Heck I even used the soft pitch to get them to stay behind and still feel good about it. Cat's out of the bag now though. Cameron your humble servant has been reprimanded and told to be quiet. Goddess I hope you have a plan that doesn't get us all killed. And don't worry about me. I'll just play dumb and do as I'm told until it's too late to keep bluffing. Then, when it is harder than ever to get out clean without a fight I'll make something work. I'm an Avenger. I always think on my feet because I know no one is coming to save me."

In light of Murphy taking charge of the situation, Cameron makes absolutely no offer to be turned in as an inside man. He waits to see what the plan is and how many more days it will take to rescue the Wizards. He DOES makes the swap of gear, now before they get underway. He removes his breastplate and visible weapons and holy symbol, putting them in his pockets in place of the tent. He also brands the holy symbol into his forearm and places the wire one under his skin, healing himself afterwards

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+13=17 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+5=19 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 12:53:20 AM
Speaking to the three townsfolk, Alleah agrees with Cameron. She tries to find a tactful way to allow the volunteers to save face.
"I agree with Cameron's perspective on this Murphy. If they were found to be aiding us it could lead to an invasion from Bright Springs. When it comes to matters of vengeance, we should heed his counsel. This is a situation we should try and resolve on our own and spare them if we can"

She then addresses the volunteers "The consequences are far too dire for you to aid us any further. The information you have already provided us will prove invaluable, I'm sure. If you are steadfast on wanting to aid us, perhaps you could set to preparing for our return? It looks like our friends are injured. Could you prepare some medical aid to treat him as soon as we return? Every day could be important and we may not be able to get him home in time for aid."

She smiles "I can sense the fear in you all. But being willing to face that fear is the essence of courage. You bring honor to your town, and give us hope that 'good' still lives strong in the Wold"

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

As they approach the town, Alleah covers her mouth as if to cough and whispers to the others "Those walls would easily come down it attacked. And that portcullis is stuck firmly in place. It won't open. I was expecting Bright Springs to be in a better state"

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

Since the guards have already greeted the party - and noone has adressed them yet - Alleah quickly goes with the Mushroom plan. Plus, she has a little something that might help with the plan...

"Whoa! Whoa!" she brings Thistle to a stop before the guards "Well met! We are here to trade. I'm sure you have heard of us. Fantastic Fungi? No? Hmm, that's alright. We sell the best of mushrooms. Plucked from the base of trees in the Culverwood itself."

If the guard still seems disinterested, Alleah leans closer "Look, allow me to drop the salesman gimmick. I can see you're a smart guy. You probably get all sorts of traders coming and going. Truth is, we have a special little product we have been unable to find a buyer for. We've heard we might find such a buyer here. Allow me to show you" Alleah slowly and carefully reaches into her kit, and pulls out a purple mushroom*

She speaks quietly with the guard "Mushrooms from Koshe Marr itself. Many of our usual buyers shun such things."

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

Sense Motive: 17
Diplomacy to talk with townsfolk: 13

Knowledge Engineering: 21
Diplomacy to talk with the guards: 24
Bluff if needed: 19 (+up to +10 if the mushroom is considered convincing proof)
*From DM Post April 7th 2015 - Alleah plucked a mushroom from a field in Koshe Marr. This is the real deal!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=33 ; d20+13=24 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 4:56:28 AM
OOC... also:

Perception: 33!
Sense Motive on the guards: 24

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+25=38 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 9:40:09 AM

Well, whatever we are doing, as the party approaches the town, Bliss is hiding in plain sight if possible.

Stealth 38

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 11:47:21 AM
"We seek the Holey Grail," says Kezzem. "That's Holey, as in with holes, not Holy meaning divine."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=20 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 1:54:37 PM
Pressi remains torn between Cameron and Murphy, seeing their value at least as guides and maybe even diplomats, but not wanted to put civilians - or their town - in danger.

But before she makes a decision, she decides to at least try to determine how much damage they can handle, looking them over carefully (Perception 20, Diplomacy 9). "So, what exactly do you three do around here? Been in many battles? Have any fighting skills?" (Sense motive 22).

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

Pressi frowns at Cameron's... at this point, she's pretty sure it's his time of the month. Seriously, Pressi wondered, how did SHE wind up the flexible, easy-going party member of the group?

She shrugs. "If we are going to try to bluff and bribe our way in as mushroom dealers, we don't really need anyone to also be a captive. I mean, I'd be glad to volunteer in Cameron's place because I'm not scared, but I'm not sure what it adds to having yet another dimension, and it raises issues of how a bunch of lowly mushroom traders took down a big bad avenger."

After a pause, she takes out a pair of silver nunchucks. "I figured this might be a better bribe than simple gold. Tell them we took it off a halfling body nearby and ask them why so many halflings are sneaking about."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=9 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 2:03:45 PM
(Oh, and diplo roll to aid Alleah 9).

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 3:03:58 PM
Murphys post 20160504
"Go ahead and treat them as children, with condescension, Cameron," Murphy responds in the tongue of giants. "Make certain they have no opportunity to stand up for themselves, to grow in courage, in self-determination, in knowledge. Let your own fear compound theirs. So much you do is fear-based. They offer us a clear advantage, and you turn it down. You walk out of this meeting before it is over. 'Cameron hath spoken. There is no more to be said.' And, despite that I had asked them whether one or more might help us out there, you chose to shut down that notion.

"And you dare suggest we would put them in a position where they might need to 'spill blood'?? I thought you are smarter than that.

"Your judgment is wanting at times. I have a measure of respect for your capabilities, but do not appreciate your disrespect of people. I do not ask you to be quiet. I do ask, in a situation that does not demand one person make an immediate decision, that you not make it for the group. Let us know your thoughts - I do not ask you to remain quiet, nor to play dumb. I also encourage you not to run roughshod over the rest of the group, or assume you are fully in charge of all decisions." Switching to the common tongue, he asks him, "Have you never heard the proverb, 'in the abundance of counselors there is wisdom'?

"We present it like this," Murphy begins, intending to lay out a way that the three can reasonably help without being placed in harm's way, when Alleah speaks up, siding with Cameron.

He responds in the common tongue, "What, you, too, Alleah? You also choose to acquiesce to fear? These three offer a great opportunity. But how many opportunities will we squander by yielding to fear? If we plan wisely and execute well, any risk to them can surely be minimized, likely eliminated."

Then Pressi asks her question of the three (whose names we have not yet been given).

Murphy puts his hand on Pressi's forearm. "Good questions, those," he says to her. He faces the three volunteers. "Nevertheless, it appears some of my friends are fearful on your behalf. I'm of the opinion that there could be a way for you to help us in Bright Springs at very low risk, but will not carry on now that two have expressed their anxieties. Yes, please remain here. Perhaps we will seek your aid after the rescue. Know that you have our sincere appreciation for your courageous offer."

....

As four people already have responded to Cameron's plan, I do not think his proposal gets dropped. It's already on the table. Along the way, in any event, Murphy asks about the notion of one of them standing as a subject as a way to get in to Uthvas' place. If Cameron is willing, he will go along with this plan. "Cameron, you have the set of skills to do as you suggest. Bliss has a fair shot at getting in, and I in bat form. The message spell can help. I don't know how exactly I can communicate to you all as a bat, but at least I could hear what you all are saying, I think."

"We can do both - mushrooms and captive - and kill two birds with one stone."

If Cameron is willing to go along with the prisoner idea, then he will ask if Kezzem might have him on a lead rope as they enter the city.

If Cameron is not willing, and he thinks Pressi might do well as she suggested, but thinks him the more plausible candidate, then they will have to figure another way. "I want us to figure out how to quickly get in, and get our wizards out. I can do so - get in, that is, likely, in bat form, since we already know there are plenty of them there. It would be good to be acquainted with the form of the local bats, so that I can fit in. And don't worry, Mookie, we will not suggest you for taxidermy."

[Am thinking we need to settle a few things within the group before walking right up to the guard - DM Mark's post perhaps concatenated a bit more than we can handle in one day of posting. However, if greet the guard at this point we must...]

"And, we may be looking to buy some of the local mushrooms," Murphy adds to Alleah's spiel.

"Most of all, though, where is a place in town where we might stay? Are there inns to choose among?"

IF Cameron agrees to the plan he earlier proposed (and only if) then he will also ask, "Isn't there someone in town looking for people to turn in?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 3:20:56 PM
Pressi boggled at Murphy. Ok, seriously, how did I wind up the calm voice of reason?

After telling both Murphy and Cameron to calm down, Pressi approached a different tack. "Maybe the rest of our team - and our volunteers - would be more at ease if you told us what you had in mind. If we knew how you were thinking of using them, we could get a better idea of the danger they'd be facing."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 6:25:13 PM
"Sure," Murphy responds to Pressi. "I was thinking, as some of them have been in Bright Springs before, that they might know where we can stay. They may know a few of the locals who could help us find our way to Uthvas' laboratory. They may be able to help in the background, with contacts, and information. If they are willing to associate with us more directly, they could help on the cover story, as well, helping to negotiate on mushroom acquisition. If we can rescue or ransom two halflings, and maybe a good giant in the process, that is the baseline. If we wind up with a new trade agreement, or steps toward such, that would be a bonus.

"They could travel a bit ahead of us, arriving separately, and thereby not be perceived as being directly associated with us. Say they arrive, then we show up an hour later? They could use the time to do some legwork, such as I just suggested. It may be that they could return home after that, to further limit their association with us. Unless they see additional ways they might be willing to provide peripheral support once we are there. I do want to minimize any possible risk to them.

"With that in mind, let's forget looking to them for help on the mushroom side of things. Keep a low profile, with direct contact between us kept to a minimum. Perhaps Bliss and Mookie could serve as go-betweens, as Bliss can be so inconspicuous, and Mookie - he looks like a crow. Who will be overly concerned over a crow flying about?"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 6:48:35 PM
Ok I too might be a good candidate for the captive, though I might be better as part of the sneak or attack crew.

If we go with mushroom traders then we better have a whole lot of them on us we can truly be Fun guys and gals.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 7:02:43 PM
OOC
Captive is off the table for Cameron.
We wasted a bunch of time on side encounters that should have taken days not weeks, and now we are rushing into the main module with absolutely no planning. That's crazy. I completely agree that way too much was jammed into the last DM post, but I also understand why. The DM's probably want to finish this module before they collect social security and rushing us is the only way that will happen.

Oops - Too Soon - DM Mark 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 7:42:42 PM
(It appears that I was a bit premature to advance the scene to Bright Springs. This post will only address the discussion there at Nywald’s village.)

Back at the village, Cam suggests that the three volunteering villagers remain in the village and diplomatically provides them a graceful way out, asking that they be ready to provide aid in their return. Murphy, says not so fast - they may yet be a help as mushroom buyers, proposing that the party effect a rescue and start a mushroom trading business. Cam replies in giantish that these poor villagers are scared, but trying to do the right thing. He wants no part of putting them in harm’s way, and walks away. Alleah agrees it is best to effect the rescue without endangering the villagers. She tells the three volunteers that their offer is appreciated, but that they cannot let them go. Pressi tries to size them up and see if they can take a few hits.

The three villagers (Timeon, Yevas and Rowena) reluctantly agree to stay behind. Sense Motive DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {They’re not that reluctant, and are actually a bit relieved. So it the rest of the village council there.}

Then Murphy goes off in giantish on Cameron, and responds to Alleah and Pressi in common.

It is clear to the Village Council that the group has begun to argue, but mostly in a language they do not understand. (They don’t really need much of a Sense Motive check to see that things are not alright.

Iosar, the leader of the Village Council says, “Hey, hey, hey now. I’m not sure what you folks are fighting over. You needn’t talk in another language to spare our feelings - whatever the issue is, perhaps we can help. Rowena here is a skilled negotiator.”

Nywald tells them, “No, I think this is fine. They seem to disagree a lot.”

“Oh, well, that’s fine then. And don’t worry about us being afraid. We’re not afraid. Nope.”

“As for posing as mushroom traders, we meant buyers, not sellers.. They may be interested in a rare mushroom or two, but the town produces a lot of mushrooms in some of the old mines. We have a saying, ‘It’s like bringing mushrooms to Bright Springs,’ which means it’s kind of a pointless task. But none of this is really the point. Unless you want to really settle down and become local mushroom traders. I thought you had a friend to rescue.”

Then there is more party discussion that I will not recap here.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 8:30:39 PM
"We can be mushroom buyers, alright. That's a good idea. Alleah has a funky one to sell, but the rest of us are empty handed. Put me on that crew, as I don't fancy being a captive. And honestly, it might be better for all of us to go in as buyers. 'Never split the group, so they say!' Anyone else ever heard that? I'd hate for either half of us to get swarmed...and since we don't know the town, that could easily happen."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d8=8 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 9:38:52 PM
" Indeed it could Shel, a point someone was blissfully overlooking. I am however intrigued. What kind of funky mushroom do you have?"
(Assuming that he is told of the mushroom from Koshe Marr)
" My, what a mushroom that must be. From a place renowned for it's undead. MAYBE a necromancer would be interested in such a mushroom. Perhaps he would invite the one who possessed such a fungus to come and see him to buy it. That shockingly sounds like a plan that could get us inside Uthvas's defenses.Maybe if some of the folk went into that meeting invisible or hidden in the shadows they could snoop around while Alleah spoke to Uthvas about the mushroom. Possibly they could get a line on anyone that Uthvas was holding captive, whether it be there or in a mine somewhere."
" I mean, I would suggest that as a plan, but I am only a sidekick here. I'll leave the planning and scheming to my betters. Goddess knows that a follower of Jancassis has no notion of how to plot something. I wouldn't want to speak out of turn."
Cameron awaits the inevitable storm that will follow his brash action of concocting a plan without permission.
While he waits, Cameron starts to make his own preparations. He removes the tent, but not the rope from his pockets and replaces it with his crossbow, the goblin short bow and arrows. He fashions a crude but acceptable holy symbol of his goddess from the wire he carries for small snares and finds a source of flame (cook fire, candle, torch, lantern, whatever is handy) to heat it and marks his forearm, so that he has a symbol to cast with that cannot be taken from him easily. He then removes his breastplate and slits his abdomen to hide the wire symbol there. He then recites a prayer to Jancassis to heal the damage. He shows no fear, no emotion no acknowledgment of the pain He replaces his breastplate and straightens his whip on his belt. It would seem he plans to play some of the muscle of the group if a plan of playing merchants is adopted.
CLW for 13 healing. Apparently the goddess does favor this tactic.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 9:59:16 PM
Sense motive 22 for catching the sigh of relief from the townsfolk.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 12:04:30 AM
"I know quite a bit about mushrooms!" pipes in Kezzem. "Mushrooms are the fruit of the forest. You can barbecue them, boil them, broil them, bake them, saute them. There's mushroom-kabobs, mushroom creole, mushroom gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple mushrooms, lemon mushrooms, coconut mushrooms, pepper mushrooms, mushroom soup, mushroom stew, mushroom salad, mushrooms and potatoes, mushroom burgers, mushroom sandwiches. That- that's about it."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 12:34:15 AM
With Shel, Cameron and Kezzem aboard, Alleah speaks up "I agree. Mushroom buyers and sellers sounds like a good cover.

How about we all stick together as traders to get in the front door. Once done, then as Cameron suggested we could split if need be in to two groups. The talker-traders and the sleathy-sneakers? Bliss and Murphy are really good at hiding and going places they shouldn't" She says that last bit as a smile towards the pair. It was intended as a compliment

"Kezzem knows a heck of a lot about mushroom recipes. I'd feel better having him by my side if people asked mushroom related questions"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=26 ;
Thursday May 5th, 2016 12:52:49 AM

Murphy laughs with a measure of chagrin at the circus he and Cameron have portrayed, with a bit of help here and there.

Hearing Shel's comment [and, for the sake of repairing a bit of continuity, may I suggest that Alleah mentioned the mushroom here at the village as a possible ploy to gain entrance], then Cameron's thoughts, Murphy says, "More of a side ache, than sidekick. That is a brilliant notion, though. Let's see if we can try that tack, and work out the details."

To the council, the druid says, "That is settled, then. Whether we do so in person, or by letter, we will let you know how things come out. Thank you for your forbearance with us, Nyland, Gallia, Timeon, Yevas, Rowena, and Iosar. My apologies for speaking in another tongue before you. We should be on our way, then, unless any think of a sound reason to remain longer."

If none suggest any other urgencies to remain, then Murphy will head out with the group to attend to the urgency in Bright Springs.

Once they are out of sight of the village, Murphy asks, "Now, what consequences might there be to offering the Kochemarian mushroom in exchange for something else of worth? What items of worth? We might ask what wares he offered. How dangerous or foolish would it be to ask after 'essence of giants'? Or, the lives of two inmates? Please, punch holes in these notions, and let's all come up with refinements, wild ideas, creative approaches, destructive approaches, and what have you. We can while away the time, thus, on our travels, and perhaps work out any differences before we end up wrangling in front of Uthvas."

[Now, as some of the villagers with whom we spoke have been to Bright Springs before, might the fact that the walls are in bad shape, and the portcullis stuck open, have been mentioned by any of them before we left?]

[i][Sense motive, villagers' response: 26]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 12:54:41 AM
[I wrote the above and posted without first seeing Kezzem's post and Alleah's 2nd post.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 1:52:44 PM
"All right, you know what," Pressi said to Cameron. "Since you love throwing things back in our faces so much, here's something to get thrown in yours. When we first met, you took one look at Shel and I fighting like dogs and you said... what was it you said again? Oh right, you said it was time for us to stop antagonizing each other and grow up or you were going to lock the two of us in a room.

"So here's my advice to both Cameron and Murphy. It's time for the two of you to grow up and start talking to each other, or we are going to lock you in a room together. Because when your relationship goes south of my relationship with Shel? That's the time to take a step back and really consider your life choices. In fact, maybe it's time you two got locked in a room with me, too."

Grumbling, Pressi returned to Nywald. "I want to apologize for the way all of us acted here. We repayed your hospitality with drama."

To the rest of the group, "It's too late to deal with it now, but I think when this is over we need to sit down and really have a talk about leadership and about what everyone wants in this group, before it completely dissolved. Not that I'd ever make a good leader, or that I have any idea of what to do about it, but our home depends on us finding some way, even if it means having a thought unspoken every once in a while. Come on, Shel. Let's load up the horses."

"Oh, and I think the idea of mushroom buyers who happen to have a strange mushroom to sell is a good idea. And I'm fine doing stealth or talking, wherever you wish to put me."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 6:33:45 PM
On the road, Cameron listens to what Murphy is asking for, and after Pressi and Shel are getting along so well, decides to try a little civility.
" I don't know if we want to ask anything 'for' the mushroom right off. Rather, use it as a conversation piece about the necromantic value of a mushroom from Koshe Marr. If he admits to knowing a thing or two about necromancy, maybe ask to see his workshop. If you guys are uncomfortable asking those kinds of questions, I could stick by in a bodyguard kind of role and ask them. I think that might get us more answers than a straight up bargain. If things do go wrong, having Kezzem and I in the same place to flank for each other couldn't hurt either. Are there other ideas?"
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+18=22 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=26 ;
Thursday May 5th, 2016 7:02:46 PM
Taking the lead Trill scouts the way, a wand in hand and wonders if her mother ever had the issues this group seem to be having with each other.

Perception rolls DCs 22, 37, 26

Oops - Too Soon - DM Mark 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 7:40:42 PM
There is much discussion about posing as mushroom buyers. Some suggest that Alleah’s mushroom from Koshe Marr may interest Uthvas, or at least buy them some information.

Kezzem has the Gumption to share his Forrest lore about mushrooms.

There is talk about the group splitting up for reconnaissance and infiltration, but not all are in favor of dividing the party.

There is some discussion of party cooperation and leadership.

Trill and others keep a sharp eye out on the way. Nothing seems amiss on the trip.

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

(I’ll let you finalize any plans on your trip there before reaching the town. Please let me know when you approach the town.)

None of the villagers mention the potential condition of the fortifications at Bright Springs. As you leave, the hope that you fare well, and will stand ready to receive you on your return. They wave as you go.

“You kids have fun stormin’ the town, and that Uthvas guy!”

DC 20 perception to over hear as you leave - Highlight to display spoiler: {
“Think it’ll work?”
“It would take a miracle.”}

The road to Bright Springs is dusty and quiet. After a couple hours, you travel on a road next to a large lake. There is some ragged brush near the shore, but not nearly as much or as healthy as you’d expect. There is less wildlife and fewer birds than you would expect. The air smells a bit sour and seems “heavy”. The lake is still and quiet.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday May 5th, 2016 10:47:57 PM
Shel nods at Pressi's words. "I'd be happy to help you, Pressi. Those two need to get things together, a little bit, at least."

During the trip, she adds more to the mushroom sellers routine. "Maybe we make it seem like we have access to many more of those Koshe Marr mushrooms. To see exactly what it would be worth to him in either gold or information. I'd wager he's not seen many people claiming such a connection. That was really smart of you to take one of those mushrooms, Alleah."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday May 6th, 2016 12:49:10 AM
"Hey Shel, you want to be my partner in the mushroom business? We could call it...the Kezzem-Shel Mushroom Company."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 6th, 2016 2:07:16 AM

Bliss still plans to walk in with stealth. He asks Murphy if he plans to be a bat. "Are we doing the prisoner idea? I'm good either way."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=15 ;
Friday May 6th, 2016 3:06:00 AM
"I have a few other souvenirs from Koshe Marr, but I'd really not want to part with any of them. I have some crystal leaves from an actual crystal forest and I, uh, kinda took one of the candlesticks from the room of Fidelia. Also an arrow fired by the hunstman. It's broken though. But as with the mushroom, you never know when any of it will come in handy"

Alleah rides atop Thistle, not trying at all to be stealthy.

--------------------
Perception: 15. Good, let's get all the Nat 1s out now :)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday May 6th, 2016 3:50:13 PM
"See, there just comes a time and a place where you need to just let things go and focus on the mission," Pressi said. "Like I could continue to harp on how everything seems to be handed to you and how you keep sniping at me. But instead I prefer to focus on the mission at hand. So I just take the fact that you called me an ugly whore, which not only insults me but basically all women, well all women who want to be defined by more than her looks and sleeping arrangements, and I just push it all the way down...."

Pressi smiled at Shel as she finished loading up her gear. "Where I can focus on it whenever I think of you. Forever and ever and ever.... Oh shoot, I forgot to ask the people in this town if they know anything about this "B." I mean it's a long shot that B is even connected to Uthvas or the tower, let alone that anyone in this town knows anything, but I should have asked." Pressi began to back away from Shel to ask the town members real quick. ".... And ever and ever and ever..."

"... Ok, I can't leave it like that, but in all serious, just what is the deal with you anyway? Because I've been pretty clear and open about what the deal is with me. More to the point, I was wondering why you're an adventurer if you hate it so much."

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

Pressi decides that she will play it by ear but probably will sit in the back for this one. Not too stealthy, not trying diplomacy. Sometimes you just need to stop planning and start doing, never knowing when any stray fact will suddenly help you be flexible.

Pressi does agree with Alleah that you never know when something will come in handy.


Dour Lake - DM Mark 
Friday May 6th, 2016 4:51:50 PM
The intrepid group continues south to Bright Springs, the road running along the shore of Dour Lake, putting the lake on your left.

The road is dusty, and even those in the front feel the effects now and then as the sour breeze near the shores of Dour Lake occasionally shifts direction. The ponies plod forward, oblivious to their environment, seemingly content just to be here. Thistle occasionally looks back at Alleah, almost as if she is checking on her to make sure she’s still there.

The group discusses their plans on the way.

(Please let me know when your party approaches the town.)


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday May 6th, 2016 7:18:40 PM

"I am fine with working things out with you Cameron, as Pressi suggests, so long as you are willing," Murphy says. "For now, I think it most profitable that we focus on planning the rescue, and perhaps a two-part solution to the Giant Tower problem.

"The two parts being first the remaining members of the Second Dinner Club, and second the so-called essence of giants. With those two items, and a rebuilding of the tower, perhaps the protective wall of defense might be restored.

"Your idea of using the mushroom Alleah has as a conversation starter sounds reasonable.

"Trill, have you any lock-picking skills? Kezzem, you also have, no? Such may be useful.

"Along with locks, a necromancer may have magical defenses. Considering the range of subjects he is experimenting with, he has some strong means of keeping them under a fair degree of control. He has wizards and several giants under his roof, as subjects of his research. Likely he has a number of soporific items - those put people to sleep - as well as toxins, poisons, to weaken, perhaps to affect the will. If so, he may have antidotes. There also may be runes, anti-magic barriers, and so forth. He probably has some people working for him who provide a measure of security. We just do not know.

"We could somewhat blunder along and hope for luck. But things likely will go better for us if we take at least a little time to gain information.

"Let's go there. If an opportunity arises on first visit to get in and rescue our friends, then let us do so. If we need to build such an opportunity, let us do so.

"As much as I would like to waltz into the town, and get Veseley and Tiana out thirty minutes after our arrival, we are likely to face enough obstacles to doing so that we'll do better if we find out at least some of what we are facing before we face it.

"There is also the matter of getting away. It's one thing to get in and get our friends out. But with the reputed strong rule of Hammish," which Murphy pronounces 'hay-mish' - the standard pronunciation of that name, "there is little doubt that he has at least a somewhat competent constabulary. Do we have a get-away plan? Who among us can figure that one out?

"Also - as there have been issues among us as to who will call the shots in the thick of things - how shall we set that up? Will one or two of us be in charge, or will we get in fights and arguments about who decides, when decision points are reached? Or will we operate in total randomness? I mean, that's an option. The wisest option? Hmmm...

"Can we have some code words? All of us except for Mookie and Bliss speak the halfling tongue, so that may afford us the means to communicate semi-privately. But code words and physical signals might serve us well in circumstances where subtlety is useful."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday May 6th, 2016 8:29:26 PM
Cameron is puzzled. He is pretty sure he would remember calling Pressi an ugly whore, and he has no recollection of it. Is she maybe talking to Shel? He ignores that bit for now
" I don't want to be combative about this, but I would bring this up if only to make you think about it. If this guy is a necromancer, experimenting with essence of Giants, and that is compounded by draining the will, or life force from a giant, do you really want to use that as a basis to keep the valley safe? I am no white knight, to be sure, but draining the soul from a intelligent creature to make a barrier against them is pretty dark. Please consider alternatives, at least think about them."
"To your other points I don't know about escape. My half baked plan probably would be to lay traps behind us to kill or maim anyone that follows us. We are doing the right thing, rescuing unwilling test subjects. Anyone trying to stop us is wrong, right? As to how he controls his subjects, all the stuff you suggest sounds right, but also consider how compliant Ringrot was after Alleah charmed him. Uthvas is a wizard, couldn't he do the same thing? To be safe though, I would suggest letting me look at any fluids we find there that might be poison, I can check and poison is not very effective against me, I've quite a tolerance. It might be smart to let me look over food and drink too. If I am posing as the seller's guard, it wouldn't even look out of place."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 6th, 2016 9:25:25 PM

Bliss agrees with Pressi. "Nobody should be sniping at anybody else around here. Except me. Because I'm a sniper! That's what I do. Get it?"

"We got it five minutes ago, Kid," says Mookie.

Ignoring this, Bliss continues. "So we go to the town. We say we are merchants looking to buy mushrooms, and maybe to sell. We go to an inn. We gather information in the common room. Some of us go out into the night and scout around. That's me."

"The next day, we try to get in to see the necromancer. We have the excuse that we have some Kosh Marr stuff to show him. Once we're in there, we ... what?"

"Plan A: Look around and do recon? Mention the giant towers and ask if he has any Essence of Giants that we can use to restore them? Later we come back and sneak in and break out our pals?"

"Or plan B: Fight our way to the prisoners? Buff up, get in, and just brute force it?"

Bliss says to Cam, "Well, if the towers were made of Giant Essence in the first place, would you tear them down? Do you know it is soul stuff? Lord Gargul has not sent anyone to rip them down yet. I think it is OK."

Bliss likes this part of the planning.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday May 6th, 2016 10:09:08 PM
Shel isn't sure how she can speak to Pressi calmly without obviously bringing up some wounds the other woman still felt. She chose to ignore the constant mischaracterization that she has built up in her mind. she tried to only address the question, to keep the sort of peaceful conversation going. "I started doing this to help the town and my friends there. Some of my friends came along and helped for a time. Then all of my friends left except for Murphy, and we had to leave the town and get sucked into all these awful places. I know the only reason I'm here is to still help the town. Somehow in the last few months, my job has become protecting the town no matter how it is threatened or by who. It'd be nice if people would just leave he Ford alone and all of us could enjoy living there again. I love it there and I miss it."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday May 6th, 2016 10:42:57 PM
"I like that plan, Bliss. It keeps things nice and simple. The first step, like you said, is getting inside and gathering more information."

Alleah is prepared to approach the town now

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Saturday May 7th, 2016 1:26:51 AM
"That sounds like an aweful lot of work," says Kezzem. "Since we're doing the whole Kezzem-Shel Mushroom Company thing and all, maybe we could sell him some funky mushrooms and sneak in while he's having visions."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Saturday May 7th, 2016 9:02:44 AM
(OOC: making it clear now that the whole last post of mine was between Pressi and Shel.)

"I don't know if it's the only reason," Pressi said. "You still haven't told me what you get out of it and you don't exactly strike me as the martyr type. To be fair, I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for or getting out of this, either. I mean I know I'm looking desperately for something, but I just can't quite figure out what it is. I just knew I wasn't going to find it as a thief."

Pressi shook her head. "You must get a lot out of spending time with Murphy, though. Look, you don't have to like that I've become his counsel or his girlfriend. But I'm asking you, as politely as I can, to get over it. Or at least try not to interfere with it too much."

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

"Yeah, I guess I didn't think too much about escape," Pressi said. "I kind of figured that once Uthvas was taken care of, the rest of the forces would fall away. Especially since I'm less convinced that Hammish is loyal to Uthvas than before. Of course, we could always look for weaknesses in the wall if we need to. As for traps behind us, I guess if we have the time, it's hardly a bad idea. I wouldn't put it in quite "kill and maim" terms but anything that could give us some room to run isn't a bad idea.

"And I also agree with Bliss. If we are going to plan out our entrance and escape, we have to put in the recon, ticking clock or no. And if we can't handle that the club is continuously tortured in the meantime... well, than we'll have to do this the fun way, won't we.

"As for how to handle shot calling, I don't think we'll ever be the team that works well with a single official leader, but we kind of need some core that can make the tough decisions on his own. Maybe a quasi leader and a couple of front line deputies. But what I think we need most is trust and communication - the idea that we'll have each other's backs whenever any of us makes a decision even if we don't agree with it."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Saturday May 7th, 2016 4:28:17 PM
" No Bliss, I don't mean the other towers should be taken down, just think about what you are prepared to do to defend the valley. Revenge is always on my mind, so I have become pretty good at seeing things that would make the common person say, ' That's wrong and I really wish someone would stop them from doing that' . This could be one of those things. "
"I'm not going to say giants are nice people, but maybe an agreement with them would be better than them always wanting to raid, or holding a grudge because you used the essence of cousin Ned to keep them from raiding. Again, It is something to think about, not a do or don't make or break point."
"Another thing that occurs to me while we discuss recon, which will be important, is ol' Veseley showing up while we recon. Did you see the looks on the faces of the elders back there when he showed up? What if Uthvas IS holding them and while we are talking to him and getting the info we need, Veseley shows up again?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=40 ;
Sunday May 8th, 2016 5:53:45 AM

"Most of the giants, says Veseley, are evil. Am I all right with what Uthvas is doing?" Murphy begins after Cameron expresses his thoughts. "Nope. If there is some essence of giant available, am I going to have some sort of huge crisis of conscience about us taking it, and letting the wizards eventually use it to rebuild our proven defenses? Nope. If you want to invoke vengeance upon me for even daring to consider such, let me know. If some member of our party deliberately destroyed such a substance because he or she did not want us halflings to use it in defense of our valley, what would I think? I might think that vengeance against such a person might be called for. Shafbaffum used 'essence of giants' to make the towers, and to bind them together. He was not an evil person. If you wish to imply he was, then there is a huge disagreement here. You can take it up with our ancestors on through to the current generation who have been blessed by what he did with the essence.

"Besides, having revenge always upon one's mind seems like it would get very old, and would be a very embittering thing. Not for me. My brother and sister were among those who voted for Eberyon to die for the great harm he brought for a time to the Wold. Adventurers Woldwide cast their votes - live, die, or reform. Reform just barely won - I think there were less than a handful of votes that separated the votes. But reform He did. In time, my siblings and cousins got over it - and Kendry even acknowledged that he was glad it did not go the way he voted. So, if you and I do not see eye to eye on the topic - My Lord repented. His presence has enhanced the flora and fauna of the Wold. No longer does He seek vengeance upon those against whom he earlier held a huge grudge. I admire His strength, His power, and His heart which has become, um, perhaps a bit more tender than it was at one time.

"Am I opposed to an agreement with giants? Depends upon which giants we're discussing. There are good giants, and some more neutral. I could see the possibility of us or someone else negotiating with them. Perhaps we will have opportunity over time. Agreements with evil giants? I am not optimistic about them keeping their end of whatever such an agreement might entail.

"Concerning Veseley showing up at an apparently inopportune time... Well, if anyone has an idea on that, let us know. I think we'll just have to roll with it if it happens. Wish we could talk so he could hear. Say - He seems to be able to see us. What if we have something written on paper to hold up for him to read if he starts talking with us again?

"Like, 'Tell us about the guards,' or, 'Help is on the way,' or, I don't know - what should we tell him or ask him via writing?"

Addressing Bliss's thoughts, Murphy responds, "You are definitely the sniping sniper, Bliss. Your ideas sound pretty sound. I don't know that we want to mention the giant towers, though, to Uthvas, that is. Maybe so, maybe not.

"More ideas may occur to us after taking a look about this evening, as you suggest. And, going to see Uthvas sometime in the morning? Yes."

He adds a few more thoughts. "It may be that, in addition to finding and retrieving Veseley and Tiana, and likely the good hill giant, that, in order to help cover our escape, letting some of the other giants and creatures go may be a possibility. There is a danger that they could go forth and harm innocent citizens of the town - unless we make it extremely clear to them that if we release their bonds, their job is to do what they need to get out of the prison, and help a few others out, then to leave the city, and not harm people outside of the building. 'Get out, and get going.' Please, anyone, let me know your thoughts on that. We may want to decide how to deal with that option before we come to it."

Returning to something Cameron mentioned, "Your ability to detect and deal with poisons likely will be very helpful, Cam. I certainly trust you to do whatever seems appropriate with those things.

"Trill, I'll try to deal with any dogs we may find. I know they are not your favorite animals. I value your keen eyes and ears, and ability to fight, and willingness to offer yourself as a potential prisoner to get us inside - though it seems that approach has been abandoned for now. Let us know if you have some notion of how we might refine our plans.

"Alleah - Any other insights or thoughts? By the way, despite that I did not necessarily like exactly how things went in Nywald's village - having had a chance to think it over a bit more, you and Cameron may have been right. By the way, I don't think of any of my friends as cowards, at all. But I still think that fear does not have to win out in our hearts, nor in the hearts of others. That said, you are right that, without the villagers here, there is little chance that they will suffer repercussions from whatever we are about to do. So, thank you.

"Kezzem - likely you and I know most about mushrooms. You take the lead on those discussions. Shel - do you have some ideas on how to talk about fungoids? Perhaps you're wanting to get into the business, and are trying to soak up as much information as possible. And our halfling community is looking for trade opportunities. We have, um, pipeweed?"

"Maybe I'll just hang around as a bat, hoping to find a way in at some point. Maybe Bliss and I can figure some way inside. Anyone else?"

"Pressi - What you said about having each other's backs is key. Let's do what we can as a group to support each other, and the goals of Humble's Sword. As Shel has said, we are here to help the town. And I'll add to help the whole of Crescent Valley, as we are able. I miss it, too. I hope and pray that what we do these next couple of days will bring great benefit to the home of Humble's Ford.

"By the way, not all of us are from there - but you all know, I trust, that you have a home there - even though for some of you it may just be a home away from home.

"We are on our way to save the lives of two who long have protected our home, and who have traveled with some of us. If we can also do something to help them, when rescued, to rebuild the valley's defenses against the former annual incursions from the giants of the north, then so be it.

"Meanwhile, it looks like the walls of the town are drawing near. Our ponies need rest and stabling. Anything else anyone needs to say before we enter Bright Springs?" Murphy asks.

[Perception: 40]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday May 8th, 2016 12:17:29 PM

"Ah, another item:" Murphy thinks to add. "Books, scrolls, notes. Whatever we might find by way of writing, of documentation, let us consider taking. Alleah, might you have room in your bag of holding for such, if we either find a library, or documentation scattered about?"

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday May 9th, 2016 12:39:38 PM

Bliss blushes, and hides in plain sight.

"Gosh," he says from the shadows, "That's nice of you to say, Mister Murphy. We don't even need giant essence. We just have to save our friends."

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Monday May 9th, 2016 3:01:28 PM
Well, As for plans and ideas, I guess that will have to wait and see when we are a bit closer and can see what the set up is like. If there seem to be ways of sneaking in and regular entry is no confrontational then perhaps we split the party a bit so they don't exactly know how many of us there are....


Dour Lake - DM Mark 
Monday May 9th, 2016 3:52:44 PM
The group continues to discuss plans and strategies. There is talk about trying to sneak past the guards. Cameron and Murphy have a philosophical discussion about the use of giant essence for the towers that guard the Crescent Valley.

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

The sun will soon set, as your shadows grow long on the ground.

The town of Bright Springs appears in the distance, and at one point the road rises, giving you a look above the town walls. The town abuts the lake, and there there are several docks, but only a few boats rest at one of them. The town rises as it move away from the lake, built on a slight hill. You can see some buildings, and folks moving around. There seem to be a couple “industrial” sites in town, one belching out smoke, and another that seems to be some large yard of some sort. There may also be a town square in the middle, but buildings obscure this a bit.. A few mine entrances dot the hillside outside of town as well.

There are some small farms outside the town walls, with small, fortified farmhouses. You get some curious looks, neither friendly nor unfriendly, but none come close.

As you approach the town from it’s north side, the town’s walls seem fairly thick, and they look old and lean a bit here and there. In some areas, the stone has crumbled, replaced by timbers to fill the gaps. There is a portcullis at a gate tower where your road meets the town..

Knowledge engineering DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The walls seem to be in a bit of disrepair..}

Knowledge engineering DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The walls would not withstand a serious assault. That portcullis is stuck in place and will not work.}

As you approach the town gate, you see a couple guards standing lazily about, leaning on their polearms. One is a human, and the other appears to be a half-orc. There is also a fully armored guard standing still against the wall in the entryway, it’s face covered in a full helm. It is over 8 feet tall. Though it towers over the others, it moves little and does not speak.

The human guard stops you at the gate. He looks up wearily, and seems a bit wary. “Hey, some of the little people. We don’t see you kids much here. What brings you to Bright Springs? What business do you have in our fair town?”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=25 ;
Monday May 9th, 2016 6:48:12 PM
"Greatings, sir. We Kezzem-Murph Mushroom Company. Mushrooms are our trade. We are mushroom traders. My name is Kezzem the mushroom trader. We arrange, prepare, and sell mushrooms."

Bluff: 25.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=26 ;
Monday May 9th, 2016 7:47:32 PM
Shel nodded and told Kezzem what a good idea she thought he had with the mushroom company. Murphy was right though, her fungi knowledge was less than zero. Her pleasant way of dealing with people when it situation called for it would assist both Kezzem and Murphy as they got into the deep discussions about the mushrooms.

"Our organization has an opportunity that will truly surprise interested parties in the town. Obviously we can't discuss it here, but trust me, it'll be good!"

OOC. Bluff aid another totals 28, for a success. And sorry Kezzem, I missed your prior post about the Kezzem Shel Mushroom Compajy! Hat would be been neat, but I think Murphy is better served in the role.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=24 ;
Monday May 9th, 2016 8:11:57 PM
Cameron just smiles as Murphy goes into detail about Cameron's ideas. He simply says, " Sorry, those are my insights. Do with them what you will I'm certainly not here to sabotage anyone."
Cameron takes a page out of Bliss's normally wide eyed demeanor at the gate as he waits for the guards to approve or disapprove their entrance to the city. He rides Cudgel right up in front of the huge armored figure and, while standing in the stirrups, asks the other guard, the half orc, a bunch of questions. While appearing to have ADD he is really taking a close look at the armored giant in front of him. Does it breathe? Does it smell alive, or vaguely rotten?
Perception 24
" Is that a giant? Is it alive? Is it magical? Does it watch the road for invisible people like witches and sorcerers so that they can't sneak into your city? What's your name? How long do you stand out here every day? Is it boring? Does it rain much here? Does the rain look as nasty as the water in the puddles and lake? Why is the vegetation so stunted? What happened to the wall over there where the logs are? Did a giant do that? Maybe a dragon? Where is a good place to eat in this town? What tavern sells the best drinks? Are there many halflings in town? Do the mines produce anything other than iron? How deep are the mines? Do monsters come out of the mine shafts at night?"
Once he has conveyed the idea that he is just a nosy but dimwitted halfling that can't concentrate on anything for more than a moment at a time Cameron notes the scowl on the half orcs face. Who could blame him really. He was a guard, not the ambassador of tourism for Bright Springs. Once Cameron has left that kind of impression he quiets down.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 12:18:25 AM

Murphy nods in Shel's direction, and adds, "Yes, we have heard that people of this town cultivate and harvest some very fine fungoid specialties." He does not allow to rise to his face the amusement he feels at Kezzem's on the fly decision to rename the mushroom company, and Cameron's excellent interrogation. "Oh, and, might you direct us to an establishment where we might stable our mounts, and rest for the night? That is, an inn or the like?"

[what time of day or evening is it?]
[earlier rolls already established that Murphy is cognizant of the condition of the walls and gateway]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+5=24 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+7=12 ;
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 2:04:19 AM
"The Kezzem-Murph Mushroom Company?!? Way to keep everyone equally included" Alleah doesn't like the thought of once again being a second-class citizen and decides to speak up.

"Now boys, you know full well that we bought your company out just a few months ago. Remember? We had such a good crop of chanterelles that you just couldn't compete" Alleah then turns her attention to the guard "It's a funny story. We had our crops planted right near this creek. I could have sworn they were too close. Wouldn't you know it, turns out to have just the right amount of moisture for our crop. Not all mushrooms are the same, let me tell you. Some types absolutely blossomed, whereas others just rotted away into nothing. The pigs got a good feed though. Ever eaten a pig that has grazed on nothing but mushrooms? Doesn't agree with me, but the boys tend to like it." Convinced that she has bored the poor guard enough she wraps up her story "Anyway, we're called 'Magnificent Mushies' now. We're here to see how many we can buy from your town that we can then take back and hopefully grow for ourselves"

Alleah recalls well the advice that Bright Springs are sellers - not buyers - of mushrooms.

"Now, if you'd be so kind as to point us towards the tavern we'd very much appreciate it"

Alleah takes something from her pocket and tries to shake the guards hand

----------------------------------
Perception: 27
Bluff: 24
Sleight of Hand: Try and slip a gold coin to the guard as part of her handshake vs DC10: 12 = Pass

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 1:31:30 PM
"So, seriously, what's up with mister big up there?" Pressi asked. "I'd ask him but I'd have to account for the time zone. I think what we most want to know is his free throw percentage."

Time Zones and Free Throws - DM Mark  d20=4 ; d20=13 ; d20=17 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d20=4 ;
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 2:48:48 PM
The party approaches the town gate, seeking entrance to Bright Springs just past sunset. In the slowly fading twilight, the guard has asked them their business.

Kezzem, Shel, and Murphy tell him that they are mushroom traders. Not one to be cut out of an imaginary business, Alleah clarifies that their mushroom company was recently bought out by hers, and is now called Magnificent Mushies.

Murphy and Alleah ask where they might stay in town.

Cameron rides up to the large armored figure, and then launches into a stream of consciousness series of questions about everything. The guard quickly loses track of what Cameron is asking. Pressi, however, focuses the questions on the large figure, but then starts spouting nonsense as well. “I’m not sure about your time zones an’ free throws.”

The guard looks a bit confused, but his countenance brightens some as he glances at the gold coin his his hand.

“Well, mushroom traders. That’s a new one for me. The town sells plenty of mushrooms, but folks don't usually come here to trade - they just buy them for food and such. Seems some of the minerals and moisture in the old mines works well for mushrooms. Just as well, as the ore supplies have declined. In the morning, there will be sellers in the town square. You can buy - or trade - as you see fit there." Addressing Kezzem, he says, "Glad to hear you're not 'shrubbers' though. We don't take kindly to shrubbers.

“As for a place to stay, well, there’s the Ore Cart. More of a tavern, really, but they do have some rooms. Most well-to-do visitors like yourselves stay in the Emporium. It’s also a brothel, if you like that sort of thing. But it’s a nice place, and they have rooms with or without the companionship. They’re both on the town square, and both can stable your horses.. There’s also Miss Prim’s place, if she has any vacancies. But you might be too big a group for her place.”

He become serious as he addresses Cameron, stepping over to his riding dog and carefully pulling the dog’s harness away from the large armored figure. The guard seems to know enough about dogs to not antagonize Cudgel in the process.

“Here now, step away from that guard. You don’t want to be antagonizing Rupert.” The large figure lerches forward at the mention of the name. “No, fer crying out loud, I’m not callin’ you Rupert! Just go back to your post!” The figure returns to it’s position by the wall of the tower.

“Don’t mind him. He’s just here for back up." He looks at your all sternly, but fails to intimidate you. "I’m not gonna need any back up from the lot of you, am I?”


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 4:05:43 PM
Murphy looks behind him, seeing if someone else has joined the group. He shrugs his shoulders. "Don't think so." He brushes his sandy hair back, thinking it'S about time to get a haircut. "Say, is there a barber in town?"

If so, or if not, he's ready to head on in.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+25=41 ; d20+17=25 ;
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 4:36:58 PM

Bliss is quiet, hiding in plain sight. Stealth 41.

Mookie perches on the back of Alleah's horse and is still.

Bliss looks around. Perception 25.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 5:09:17 PM
to repeat my questions from yesterday. Does Rupert seem to be breathing? Does he smell 'alive' or sort of rotted, like a zombie might smell.
rolled a Perception of 24 for that

" So HE is backup? Do awful things that require someone that big to stop actually try to get into town?" Cameron goggles at the figure as it starts forward. ( You said it was large? about Ogre sized then?)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 8:26:19 PM

"Oh, and what's a 'shrubber'? I'm not acquainted with that term. And why are they despised?" Murphy thinks to inquire.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday May 10th, 2016 9:24:47 PM
Shel looked up at that bigun, and also wants to know the answer to Cameron's question. She hadn't been a fan of most of the biguns she had encountered and she doubted this one would be any different.

She smiled at Alleah's clever suggestion as to the team name. That Alleah is always coming up with clever things!

"Sounds like the Emporium might be the place to go before market tomorrow," she says with feigned enthusiasm.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 12:09:34 AM
"Why did it have to be shrubbers," says Kezzem.

Time Zones and Free Throws - DM Mark 
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 2:09:19 AM
(Sorry David)

With his perception check, Cameron can see that the armored figure is breathing. It does not smell of death or decay. As for size, it is about 8 feet tall and is a large sized creature. You can see some skin here and there between the armor pieces. Will do full post later.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 11:56:20 AM

"Oh, wait - yeah - those are the people who make shrubberies. Ah. No, we are more into mushroomeries," clarified Murphy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+6=15 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 5:38:05 PM
"Forgive our curiosity," Pressi began to smooth things over with the guard. "It's rather unusual for us to see something so big that isn't in advertising. But as for needing backup to handle me, the answer is probably yes. But you have to buy me dinner first."

Laughing, Pressi "punched" the guard in the side. Making a big show of wincing (Bluff 15), she complained about her pinky.

"Ok, who had Shel being the one who'd first state she wanted to go to the brothel. You know what, I think that deserves a fist bump."

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) 
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 6:47:44 PM
Trill tries to stay in the background trying to portray the role of a guard.

Time for a Haircut? - DM Mark  d20=11 ; d20=11 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 7:19:22 PM
Murphy decides his hair is getting a bit long, and asks if there is a good haircutter in town.

Bliss hides and is unnoticed so far as he can tell.

Shel responds that the Emporium might be a good place to stay the night before going to the market tomorrow.

Cameron asks what kind of things require that large armored guard to serve as backup.

Kezzem grows concerned at the mention of shrubbers in the area. “Shrubbers? Well we don’t need them much around here. Seems like it’s mostly knights that seek them out.”

Pressi flirts with the guard. In response, “Well, you little folk would be popular in the ‘service’ side of things at the Emporium, if that’s where you’re headed. You should try your luck there, little girl.”

Trill stands as a silent guard, in her cloak and loose, baggy outfit. Her hand rests upon one of her daggers as her violet eyes scan the area.

In response to Murphy’s question, the guard removes his helmet as a second guard (a half-orc) steps over. You see perhaps the worst haircut you’ve ever seen - choppy, uneven. "Haircut, oh I just have Lakor here cut my hair. Does a good enough job, don’t you think?” The half-orc Lakor speaks up in a gruff voice, “Heh - I can do ya a good one for a silver!” The Large guard just stands there.

“Backup? Well, you never can be too careful. We do get some drunks and some rough characters through here. Most of the gnolls and orcs steer clear though, unless they’re really looking for trouble. Hammish don’t put up with problems near the town or the mine.”

“But looks like you folks are set. Carry on.” To Shel, “You mentioned the Emporium. It’s straight up this road, on the right at the town square. If ya change yer mind, the Ore Cart is near there too. Can’t miss it - just listen for the noise.”

-------------------------------------
As you leave the gate tower and head into town, it’s a dusty town. There is a dank smell that permeates the town, the same you encountered on the road near the lake shore. The people here are mostly human and half-orc, with an occasional dwarf here and there. Wherever you go, your group gets some strange looks from folks, and some point and either laugh or look at you with disapproval. Some seem to guard their purses and pouches as you pass.

As the twilight fades, lanterns are being lit. From the gate, the road continues south into town toward the docks, and you soon come to a thoroughfare that heads west where you were directed. Headed that way, you come to a large town square. There are carts and stalls being closed up, with a few guards walking around. There on the right is a large, white building with “EMPORIUM” in large letters. There are a number of people going in and out - mostly in.

Also at this square, you see a church to Ffloy. Near the front of this church are open, unattended shrines to Gargul, Wardd, and Jancasis. There is a large building that is closing up with a sign that reads, “WEMBY’S MERCANTILE”. There seem to be some other businesses closing up as well - an herbalist, a candle and lamp shop, a metal and leather goods shop, a bakery and a butcher.

But even amidst the busyness, the loudest noise seems to be coming from a rowdy place across the square, and you can see a large, metal ore cart hanging precariously over the front door of the place as folks come and go.


Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+2=9 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+29=40 ; d20+29=32 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 7:59:23 PM

Bliss whispers to Mookie, "Ima go a-scouting and spying. I'll join you all at the Emporeum after I do some listening around."

Bliss strikes out on his own, keeping to the shadows. He tries to overhear people talking, especially anything he might hear about this Uthvas fellow. He sticks to streets and common rooms of inns and such like. He keeps on the move so if anybody is detecting magic, he'll be in and out of the area of the spell before the caster has time to pinpoint him. He stays away from dogs, cats, and orcs who might smell him.

Here are some skill checks that may help:

Untrained Diplomacy to Gather Info: 9, 22
Perception to listen in and eavesdrop: 36, 29
Stealth for sneaking around: 40, 32

Bliss sneaks back to the Emporium after an hour or two, hoping to meet up with his friends and tell them anything he has discovered.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 8:50:22 PM
Upon seeing the church and shrines, Cameron is a bit put out that the shrine of his goddess has no following. " You can go on in, there is something I must do first."He says to the others.
He steps into the candle shop before it can be closed up for the night. He slips the owner a few gold to remain open long enough to sell him some devotional candles. He rushes across the square and does the same in the wine shop, buying a few bottles of a wine that would go well with a nice plot of revenge (wink).
Once he has these items he goes to the shrine of Jancassis and cleans it and makes it presentable. He lights the candles and leaves the wine as an offering. He prays that the wizards will be found in good health and that the group's planning will make the rescue go smoothly. If any others stop by and wish to pray with him, he will pray to the goddess on their behalf.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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  d20+9=10 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 10:18:26 PM
"Come on, Pressi, you know I didn't mean it like that...," Shel stammers, red faced. "We need to find a place to stay tonight and getting rooms first is probably a good idea. Even if they are at that sort of place!"

If the others agree, Shel will head in with them and secure rooms for the team. After, she suggests they have a go around town, seeing if their culprit has any sorts of schedule he sticks to, or if any townsfolk knows much about him. "The Ore Cart seems like it is hopping. That might be the place to talk to a few locals..."

If the group agrees to go in, she starts asking around.

Natural one in Diplomacy gives a total of 10. Not a great start.



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=9 ; d20+14=24 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2016 10:50:26 PM
"I'm with you Shel, The Ore Cart certainly looks the most lively place." Alleah keeps her eyes and ears open as she heads in that direction

---------------------------------
Perception: 24
Diplomacy to gather info: 9. Ugh!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+5=18 ; d20+5=22 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2016 12:00:00 AM
Kezzem finds a card game to earn a few coins while trying to learn the local gossip.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 18
Profession (Gambler): 22.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 12th, 2016 2:21:07 AM
Before everyone scatters to the winds, Murphy asks, "Can someone quickly stop at the Mercantile and ask about mushrooms? I'll check with the herbalist." Discretely, he quietly says, repeating here and there among his friends, "We need to establish why we're here, before we go about doing what we're here for."

Sure, that may be inscrutable.

He hastens over to the herbalist as they move to close up the shop. "Um, excuse me. New in town. Is this a good place to buy mushrooms? Or do you know some other place I should go in order to get a good variety of such?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=14 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+6=7 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2016 11:09:07 AM
While Pressi would ordinarily follow Shel and Alleah to the Emporium and to the Ore Cart - any excuse to bar hop, and to use that courtesan background to her advantage - she figures someone ought to check out the metal ore cart, and offers to help out if needed.

If she has time, she also hits the leather goods store to determine what they sell and if they are interested in buying anything. (Yeah, we're here to buy up mushrooms but we may want to pay with goods and might want some help selling to the public if we do.) After some looking around (Perception Nat 1, Diplomacy 12, Bluff Nat 1), Pressi eventually makes her way towards asking about Uthvas, claiming to have done some business in the past and trying to figure out the general view of Uthvas by the public.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday May 12th, 2016 12:32:15 PM
While Cameron tidys up the shrine and sits a vigil in it, waiting for any who wish to pray, he settles on asking them why they come to pray and who they seek vengeance against. If he is able to do this a few times, he expects he misght be able to note a pattern and gain some infprmation from them.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+9=12 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+22=30 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+22=31 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2016 1:06:49 PM
If time remains after making a quick inquiry with the herbalist, Murphy will repeat his information gathering over at the Mercantile. If a gold piece at each place would help, Murphy discreetly offers said coin.

After that he takes pon(y/ies), makes arrangements for lodging and stabling at the Emporium, as others scatter abroad. He asks about safe storage for bulk items / saddle bags. If Shel and or Alleah are at the Emporium when he gets there, he works with them.

[Diplomacy - 12 at each shop, 23 at stables, 11 at Emporium
Perception - 30 at mercantile, 41 at stables, 31 at Emporium
Sense Motive - 15 at herbalist, 13 at mercantile, 9 at stables, 23 with proprietor of Emporium]


Investigations - DM Mark  d20=16 ; d20=6 ; d20=11 ; d20=3 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2016 7:29:59 PM
Bliss disappears for a couple hours, though he and Mookie are the only ones aware of this since he never really appeared in the first place. As he move about town, he listens in on conversations seeking to glean some information about the town. For Bliss:Highlight to display spoiler: { There seem to be two common ways to scare children in town - being taken by Uthvas, or by a creature called Mr. Knuckles. Uthvas lives in a house in town. The taxes in town are high, and Hammish lives pretty well as a result. Taxes in town are not very high because of Uthvas. Mortas Umbra beats his wife Yeva. A couple women seems to be propositioning men as they go by, describing things Bliss has never heard of. The high priest of Ffloy is not well liked. Some dogs and cats have gone missing. Someone named Jaavis has really bad body odor. Hammish is feared in town. A dwarf named Belfor ran off with his neighbor’s money and hasn’t been seen for some time. There are no beggars in town. }

For the rest of you, Bliss is nowhere to be seen.

Cameon is praying at the shrine to Jancasis. A few folks come by, but hurry away. One man stops by, “Ach, hurry up. Ya gonna be there all day?” As Cameron gestures his to come pray with him, he learns the man wants revenge on his brother for cheating him out of some of his inheritance, and learning that Cameron is a cleric of Jancasis, he demands that Cameron help him visit justice on this brother.

Murphy checks with the herbalist, asking about mushrooms. She says, “I have some dried and powdered mushrooms for sale for their medicinal value. But most of the mushrooms in town are sold for food, in either the mercantile, or in the town square during the day. What do you want the mushrooms for, young master?”

At various stages, the group arrives at the Emporium. At first you are turned away because kids are not allowed, but they accept that you are halflings and let you in. The ponies and dogs can be stabled around back, once they determine the dogs are trained and safe. Stabling is 5 SP per animal per night. Entering the emporium, you will learn that rooms here go for 2 GP per night. Food is extra. “Companionship” in the rooms is extra. There are a number what seem to be very friendly folks in the lobby of this place. Aside from the party, there are no halflings, but a very comely dwarf will approach the women in your group asking if they have a date for the night. Shel is very popular with several men - both “customers” and “employees.” There is even a female gnoll here, her hair well groomed and coiffed - she seems pretty popular.

Someone says, “You seem pretty interested in Uthvas. Why?”

You proceed to the ore cart, and the scene is quite different. Again, at first you are turned away because kids are not allowed, but you explain. Rooms, meals and ale are available here. The music here is lively. Kezzem gambles, winning about 20 GP, and the ire of many.

(I made note of your rolls.) You observe most folks are trying to forget their dreary lives. Most seem fairly honest, though some do try to take advantage of others in various sorts of ways. Most of merchants and such you interact with see you as wealthy and want your money.

With diplomacy and observation, you learn the following:

Uthvas lives in Bright Springs.
Uthvas is rarely seen.
Bright Springs is governed by a half-orc names Hammish. He is brutal but lawful.
Uthvas is a taxidermist, and will work on humanoids as well as animals.
That large creature at the front gate is a mute ogre.
Strange sounds and smells come from Uthvas house.
Uthvas’ house is up in the east of town, and is haunted by ghosts.
That large creature at the front gate is undead.
Uthvas has put out a bounty on freshly dead bodies. However, he accept no bodies from those within Bright Springs.
Uthvas is a necromancer.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday May 12th, 2016 9:56:40 PM
Shel will purchase a room for the night for 2 gold. She politely declined offers of companionship. "Maybe the next visit I'm here," she answers with a smile.

Once everyone gathers back together, she whispers to the group. "Perhaps this evening we all meet in a room and discuss what we've learned about the best way to sell mushrooms here. After all we want to do as well as possible."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+25=35 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2016 10:35:11 PM

Bliss makes his way to the Emporium and sneaks inside. Stealth 35. He follows his sense of Mookie to find the party. He slips in and tells his friends what he has discovered.

"Okay, there was this guy who was really smelly named Jarvis. The Mayor is named Hammish and he charges a lot for taxes and he is a jerk that people are afraid of. There's a boogie-man named Mister Knuckles around town. There's a dwarf thief named Belfast who went missing. Maybe Mister Knuckles got him!"

"And I found out where this Urthvas felllow lives! He has a house over thataway! He likes dead things but he won't buy dead people from town."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+15=16 ;
Friday May 13th, 2016 12:56:53 AM
Kezzem buys the room a round of drinks with his winnings.

Perception: 16 Kezzem discretely dispenses the rest of his winnings to orphans and beggars as he walks about town.

----

Once he meets with the others and they compare notes, Kezzem says, "How much you want to bent that mute ogre is a taxizombie?"



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday May 13th, 2016 4:19:45 AM
"Yes, an early night might be best. We have travelled far, and tomorrow we will be busy buying lots and lots of mushrooms" Alleah keeps the act going, and casually makes for the groups room at Shel's suggestion.

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

Once safely in the room (and with the door shut) Alleah shares what she learned. "You could be right, Kezzem. I overheard someone say that that big guy was undead. Doesn't say much that the town allows something undead to act as a guard."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+6=9 ;
Friday May 13th, 2016 10:25:49 AM
Cameron listens to the man's tale, and thinks how petty this request for revenge is. Is this what all of the prayers to his Lady are like? To the man he says, " First, no one takes revenge for you while you still draw breath. I may advise you, but revenge is personal and if you desire it, you must carry it out. How did your brother cheat you? Out of how mush money? What do you consider a fitting revenge? All of these things need to be considered. Jancassis preaches an equal act of vengeance, and usually a fitting one, based on the act committed. Tell me your thoughts on these questions."

Later, when they meet up in the Emporium and have retired to their rooms...
" Kezzem I would take your bet, but I would be robbing you. I checked the big guy while I was close to him. He was breathing, and zombies don't do that. I will admit that it was my first thought too upon seeing him, but after confirming that he breathes I think the other rumor that he is a big mute ogre is the truer one."
" Among the other things we seem to have heard there are some that worry me. Hammish is apparently a tyrant, not much loved by the people, but he is an apt administrator and Lawful. He keeps order in town and if he has an agreement with Uthvas it will take quite a bit of convincing to make him break it. Therefore we need to proceed with caution. If we were not up against a hard deadline, I would think that winning the populace would be our best course of action. Through trade, and Murphy's ability to make this place fertile and not so dreary again, I think that would make us quite popular. Already Shel has seemed to pique the interest of several of the people in town just due to her personality, which I have to say, even with me in tow, we are the happiest people in town, hands down."
" With those problems outlined let me suggest what I think can work for us, along with the reasons why. Uthvas is not liked from what we have heard. His house is feared, he is considered a Necromancer, and people generally fear him. I would not discount the rumor that says his house is haunted. If he is a necromancer, which plenty of evidence is pointing to, he likely has animated undead inside. SO those are the things we have heard and can assume. If we are careful and quiet, I think we can get into his home and look for our wizards. If we find them we get them loose and get the heck out of town. If confronted by Hammish we bargain with him using the items from the gnoll and some of the cash we have lying around and make our own deal. If he is lawful and smart, which he seems to be, he would rather have a deal than a fight where we end up besting alot of his guards, because that would show weakness."
"Did either Veseley or Tiana have any items that we might be able to try and locate to find them? Anything you guys can remember, because I have never met them, so it might be hard for me to pull that kind of magic off. That might be our best way to locate them."
" What do you guys think? Are any of my ideas usable to find our people and get them out of here?"

Questions we didn't ask but might have found answers to.
How many town guards are there?
How are they armed and equipped?
How many are in town at any time? I am assuming some are at the mines.
What type of man is Hammish? Former adventurer? Fighter? Spellcaster? knowing this would help us know what to use to bribe him if it comes to that. We have a few fighter items, the amulet and the great axe, and at least one spellcaster item in the rod of silent spells.

Craft alchemy 9
Probably not a good enough roll, but does Cameron recall any uses for Koshe Marr Mushrooms? Also would they grow here? I assume the one we have has spores that could be used to cultivate more of it's kind...

Once a plan is concocted, Cameron will return to the shrine at midnight to pray to his goddess for guidance and the spells to make their plan work.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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


Investigations - DM Mark 
Friday May 13th, 2016 12:28:26 PM
(Travelling today, so full posting will be late. Sorry)

For Bliss - Diplomacy (gather information) requires some interaction. You cannot use Diplomacy and Stealth at the same time. Remaining hidden, Bliss was only able to pick up what he over heard.

For Kezzem - there are no beggars here. None. But there really seems to be a desire and expectation to be paid for every act of work or help done here.

For all - Gathering information through diplomacy, while it assume perhaps some prompting questions during the conversation, only goes so far. It is not always a substitute for direct questions. Of course, direct questions also telegraphs your interest, so there can be a trade off.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday May 13th, 2016 12:44:31 PM
"I still think we have to go through Hamish, or at least have someone occupy him. But yeah, searching that home is probably what we have to do. I'd just rather bluff in and break in. As for locating, we have to assume that's being blocked.

Problem with talking in is we still don't know why uthvas would meet with us. Maybe he'd meet someone of janascis or gargul, but mushrooms. ...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday May 13th, 2016 12:53:39 PM
"Hey, there's something off about this town," says Kezzem. "Maybe we should have a talk with Iron Hamfist."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday May 13th, 2016 1:57:15 PM
"Ah, if you have mushrooms with medicinal value," Murphy responds to her - the herbalist, "and you would not mind remaining open a moment longer, I may be interested in making a purchase. IF you would be so kind as to let me know what varieties you have, and how they may help in curing or healing, you have a customer in me. I'm with a group hoping to enlarge trade with various places, and Bright Springs is noted for the many varieties of good and unusual fungi. Per your recommendation, I intend to inquire at the Mercantile.

"Oh, and speaking of medicinal value - whether of mushroom origin or otherwise - have you any concoctions which may make one resistent to poisons, to toxins, or even to help overcome exposure to such? When one travels widely, one from time to time encounters substances which harm the flesh, or nerves, or bone. Bites of spiders and serpents, handling unawares something that poisons. Even, and may such be far from us - others who may for whatever nefarious reasons seek to harm others with nasty potions. If you have herbal or alchemical remedies, or even magical, I may be interested.

"I know you are closing up, and hate to presume upon your time - but if I could purchase a few things now, I should be most appreciative."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday May 13th, 2016 3:35:08 PM
To Pressi's points Cameron has a few answers, probably none that help though. He does get a small bit of a plan though.
" I had a man come to the shrine this evening seeking justice for a wrong done to him. I counseled him and we spoke for a time. Why don't the rest of you pursue the mercantile route. If you think it best, speak to Hammish as well, but I fear that would alert Uthvas. If by tomorrow night you have still not gotten a good idea of how to approach Uthvas, I can go to see him as the priest of Jancassis. Since everything seems to have a price here, maybe if I speak to him and tell him that many do not like him and that they are looking for a reason to get him out of town, I can gain his confidence. Or maybe he will just kill me. Either way, if you have something of mine that can be located, and Bliss puts a message spell on me, maybe I can find you a reason to speak to him, or at least get a look into his house and see if I spot anything 'odd'."
"Oh, and while you are most likely right about divination being blocked, locating an object has not been tried yet, and we are significantly closer than we were the last time we tried to scry. There might be some hope. I hate to be the optimist here, but we have to try everything we can."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday May 13th, 2016 9:38:11 PM
"We do need to try to find a way into his house tomorrow. Poor Vesely and Tiana are probably barely holding on. We don't have too much time to wait around, I'm afraid. Whatever we decide, I vote we make a move tomorrow," Shel adds to the clandestine discussion.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 13th, 2016 11:40:47 PM

Bliss hears that that big guard may be undead, or not. "You never know what is true and what isn't," he says to Alleah.

Investigations - DM Mark  d8=4 ; d100=22 ; d20=7 ; d20=4 ; d20=11 ; d4=1 ;
Friday May 13th, 2016 11:41:47 PM
Cameron attends Jancasis’ shrine, and speaks with a man seeking revenge against his brother. He tells the man that he must exact his own revenge, and asks him some questions about his situation. It seems the man is very angry, and glad to find someone that understands. He says that his brother was always favored by their father. He was always given money and things by his father. He also borrowed a good deal of money from their father. The man brought this to the priest of Ffloy, since it violated the prohibition against receiving money or goods without having worked for them, but the priests refused to prosecute. He brought his concerns to their father, and both his father and brother agreed that these amounts would eventually be resolved when his estate was divided between the two. One day their father died, and left what he had to both of them without regard to what his brother owed. This was not what was agreed to, but it was just like his brother to not keep his agreement. He also suspects his brother may have killed their father, or at least hastened his death. The man says he’s owned over a thousand gold, but even more importantly he seeks revenge for the favoritism, the debt and for his father’s death. He recognizes that you bear the holy symbol of Jancasis, and demands that Cameron help him in his desire for revenge!

-----------------------------------------
Murphy goes to the mushroom shop, and asks what goods she may have that have medicinal value. Delighted to have someone interested in mushroom lore and her goods, she stays open. After about an hour of discussion regarding a great deal of minutiae of the medicinal and health benefits of mushrooms, Murphy learns that she has 4 vials of Antitoxin for 70 GP each. She also has 7 bandages impregnated with healing mushroom spores - these cost 60 GP each and will heal 1d8+1 HP. Murphy barely manages to escape the discussion. The Mercantile has closed by the time he is done there.

-----------------------------------------
Shel gets a room for one night at the Emporium. She suggests you all meet later to discuss plans. In response to Shel buying a room at the Emporium, the hostess says, “You’ll only be staying with us one night then? Travelling through? Where are you headed? What about your friends?”

Shel, Kezzem, Pressi, and Alleah proceed to the Ore Cart, and work the room for information. Murphy and Cam join them after a bit. Kezzem buys a round of drinks with his winnings, mitigating the resentment of those that lost money to him. Shel is asked by a large man, “Someone says, “You seem pretty interested in Uthvas. Why?”

Cameron will observe and hear that guards patrol the town in groups of 2-8. Partols are infrequent and irregular. They provide security at the mines, at the iron smelting facility in town, and at a “work camp” in town that helps process ore. They are dressed in chain shirts and carry a variety of melee and ranged weapons. Nothing more than you already know about Hammish.

They later return to the Emporium, and meet up with Bliss. Bliss relates the information he’s found to the group. Information is exchanged and options are considered.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Saturday May 14th, 2016 1:41:36 PM
"So what's the plan?" asks Kezzem, "Or are we just going to do what we always do and charge in shouting or names. Alleahhhhhhhhh Kezzem!"

Trill (AC: 23/18/23, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent)  d20+7=8 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+18=31 ;
Saturday May 14th, 2016 3:43:06 PM
Tril wamders into town with the others but with an ey eo other things. As she makes her way to the mercintinle shop to inquire about muchrooms, (variety and cost) she keeps an eye out for obvious guards, or constabkle types, where they are located if they seem to be on any ind of timed patrol, stationed or just meandering here and there. She also just keeps an ear out for any tidbits that might aid their search mysterious screams, odd people at odd hours at placwe they shouldnt't be, etc.

Diplomacy dc 8, knowlwdge local DC 18, perception DC 31

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Saturday May 14th, 2016 8:29:24 PM
Earlier, at the shrine...
Cameron's eyebrows shot up, this had suddenly become much less petty.
" Wait, you think he killed your father?"
Cameron stroked his clansman's beard, braided in the black and red double helix of his goddess.
"How do you think your brother might have hastened his death? Did you mention this to the priest of Gargul that laid your father to rest? Surely he would have performed a detection ritual to look for something like poison, or a visual inspection for wounds. I see a shrine to Gargul here, who is the priest responsible for it?"
Cameron sees he might have struck a nerve, so he changes his line of questioning.
" You haven't said what you think is proportionate revenge. I would think finding evidence and presenting it to your local magistrate would land him in alot of hot water, based on what I have heard about the mayor here. He sounds tough."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday May 15th, 2016 3:05:15 AM
In the room, Alleah speaks with Kezzem

"Well there is no such thing as 'good' undead. They are abominations that Gargul wishes to see destroyed. If we face any - and it sounds like we will - at least we won't have to debate taking prisoners" she grins "Uthvas' house is at the east end of town and apparently has strange noises coming from it. I think we should check that out first thing in the morning"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+6=26 ;
Sunday May 15th, 2016 7:10:19 PM
It occurred to me that I should have made a diplomacy check while talking to the person at the shrine.
Diplomacy 26


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+9=11 ; d20+9=22 ;
Monday May 16th, 2016 4:04:20 AM
"My, those sound lovely. I also can craft antitoxin, but have not done so as of late. And healing, in this world of the unexpected, can come in handy. If I were to purchase only one of your items, I would not quibble the pricing. However, if I were to purchase several - say, all four of the antitoxin, and six of the mushroom spore bandages, how about 500 gold for the ten items?" Murphy is willing to compromise at a price as high as 560 for the lot, but if she insists on the higher rate, then he will humbly apologize, and walk away from the opportunity. [diplomacy: 11 - he might end up missing out on this opportunity, unless she is fairly motivated to sell.]

Back with his friends at the Emporium, should Murphy be present when the large man queries Shel about her interest with the question, "You seem pretty interested in Uthvas. Why?" - Murphy interjects, "Oh, is the the animal stuffer fellow?" He asks the man. "Do you know his rates? For, like, a pony-sized creature? We heard there's a man who is good at that sort of thing. Is that - what, Udvaz? Do you know him? Also, who in town knows much about mushroom harvests? Do you know someone who - oh, by the way, this seems a pretty good town. Did you grow up here?" He wants to draw attention away from Shel, and to learn something about the person who seems to take interest in her questions. [diplomacy: 22]

Once together in a private spot, Murphy jots on a piece of paper, showing it silently to his friends in turn, his finger held vertically in front of his lips to urge silence as they read it:
"Do we have means to ensure solid privacy as we discuss things?"
Meanwhile, he begins to carry out his plan to have sheets of paper ready with messages to hold out should Veseley scry upon them again.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+15=28 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=26 ;
Monday May 16th, 2016 12:17:38 PM
Sorry I forgot about the questioner in the Ore Cart.
As the man starts asking Shel questions, Cameron fades back away from the group. Once he has ebtered the crowd and broken the man's line of sight with him, he heads toward the door and outside.( I assume there is but one door?) Once outside he blends in with the shadows.
Stealth 28
When the man leaves for the night, Cameron will follow him to see where he goes. He uses Stealthy hunter to aid him in remaining undetected. (The bonus only applies if the man does not know Cameron is there. I will roll normal checks, the ability adds +1 and the DM can add it if it applies)
Stealth to follow him 19, 18, 26

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday May 16th, 2016 4:45:46 PM

Alleah says, "Well there is no such thing as 'good' undead." ... and it makes Bliss wonder. Pretty soon he's going to ask Lord Gargul for a shadow friend. But is that even a kind of undead? Bliss puzzles about it but does not say anything to anybody. He does add a plea to his divine patron to the assortment of prayers he says each night, asking the god of life and death for help understanding things.

Then Mister Murphy says that we should be quiet, and Bliss is happy he has not said much yet, just mentioned a few rumors he heard when he was out and about.

Bliss wonders about the plan. Are he and Murphy still thinking of sneaking in? Are we going in as merchants? Trying to be stealthy? Fighting our way in?

Bliss considers that when you fight a necromancer, you have to expect undead.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Monday May 16th, 2016 5:17:30 PM
To Murphy, "I've been telling people that I worked with Uthvas in the past. Frankly, getting some 'why do you ask?' questions is the price of admission. As for a more private place, we're going to have to rely on our hotel rooms... and hope Uthvas isn't spying too much on us."

If Cameron brings up the guy who wanted revenge, Pressi gets an idea that THIS might be a way to contact Uthvas. Ask him to look at the body as a consultant, maybe. It would be a way to get him out of the house, at least.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=17 ;
Monday May 16th, 2016 5:30:17 PM

"Ah, I agree with you in general, Alleah, about the undead. But not fully," Murphy comments after Bliss reiterates her statement. "I was told that a whole group of adventurers many years ago voluntarily underwent a process to become undead so that they could go... to somewhere in other, what, realms? Planes? ... in order to help save the Wold. Then, hmmm, that brought the end of one Woldian age and the beginning of another. I sometimes get the ages mixed up. I think Kendry knows more about that sort of thing. And Uncle Orby. But, yeah. Almost never good. And, as it is unlikely we are on the cusp of a new age, or, even if we were, that the same remedy would need apply, your general principle is sound."

[Knowledge: History: 17]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday May 16th, 2016 5:41:17 PM

[Just saw Pressi's post after mine.] "Oh, I see," Murphy says after she mentions telling people she worked with Uthvas. "Yet if that fails to correspond to reality, might such an assertion not cause more problems than it solves?" He pauses, then adds, "Of course, I do not have at hand a pony I want stuffed, either."

Regarding privacy, he comments, "As far as the latter spying upon us - I know the theory put forward, since Veseley apparently was caught trying to communicate with us, that his captor now knows how to scry upon us. I am not persuaded. However, if we are indiscreet in our inquiries, then he very well may be motivated to do so, or, more lprobably, some of his friends or associates may use more mundane ways of keeping their eyes upon us."



Investigations - DM Mark 
Monday May 16th, 2016 7:38:38 PM
(This is all a bit disjointed because some split up to do different things. If you guys split up in the future, I will need to slow the posting to avoid this confusion.)

Kezzem asks what the plan is.

Trill keeps a sharp eye out as she travels with the others through town. She notices occasional that the guard patrol, generally in groups of 2-8. These patrols are infrequent and irregular. The seem reasonably well armed and armored. They seem as dreary as the townsfolk, and are generally given a wide berth.

Alleah mentions that any undead are abominations to Gargul and must be destroyed.

Cameron is interested when the man seeking revenge mentions that his brother either killed their father or hastened his death. He has questions for the man who grows impatient with all the questions. The man says he has no proof of his brother’s misdeeds, but he’s sure he had a hand in his father’s death! There is not priest of Gargul in town, only clergy loyal to Ffloy. They see to the religious needs in town, including marriages and burials. As for a proportionate response, “C’mon. Are you going to help me or not? You know, if you help me exact revenge on my brother, I’ll make it worth your while. After all, Ffloy tells us the worker is worth his wages.” With regard to Hammish, “Hammish? Why would he care? He might just seize some of the funds for himself as a fee. If you’re really in helping me with my revenge, we’ll have to avoid the guards in this.”

The herbalist/mushroomist agrees to Murphy’s offer of 500 gold for the ten items. When Murphy returns to the others in the Ore Cart, he tells the man asking why they want to know about Uthvast that they need a good taxidermist. He then peppers the man with questions: The man did grow up here; he does not know Uthvas, but everyone knows of him; he recommends some names to follow up with for mushrooms. By the time Murphy recommends caution, the group has already been discussing things for a while in one of your rooms at the Emporuim.

Bliss ponders the nature of undead and shadows.

Murphy relates some history in response to Alleah and Bliss.

Pressi ads her 2 cents.

The party continues to discuss and plot in one of their rooms.


AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday May 16th, 2016 8:17:59 PM
At the shrine...
Cameron begins to smell a buyer of sell swords, not a true worshiper of the Goddess of Vengeance.
" You seek her holy hand in your plot, but can produce no proof. You originally asked me to help you gain 'justice' for you in this matter, yet you choose not to include what is by all accounts a lawful mayor in your plans. You want someone else to not help you, but take revenge FOR you. My lady teaches me that revenge is personal and when at all possible is to be taken by the wronged party. She teaches me planning and preparation are key to success. It sounds to me like you want to hire an idealistic outsider to come in and take all of your risks for a promise of compensation. My good man, my goddess compensates me with the knowledge that I have helped another truly in need, perform a task they are not capable of doing themselves. What you seem incapable of accomplishing is getting your hands dirty and doing your own work, not in standing up for yourself and your father and taking what is rightfully yours, or addressing you brother's hastening of your father's death. I will not be party to such a plan. May the goddess grant you the insight I have been unable to grant you and the intestinal fortitude with which to do what you think is right. Have a good night and walk with the shadows."
With this dismissive blessing Cameron allows the man to take his leave. In case the man has other plans, Cameron's hand drops below the altar and his whip's handle slides into his grasp. It feels cool and perfect in his hand.

In the planning room...
"So we agree speed is key, what is to be our plan?"
He has heard several fragments of a plan, and has put forth a few ideas, he just wants to know what the group wants to peruse so that he can set his magic with hs goddess at the midnight hour.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Bless, Magic Stone, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse

Spells cast
Magic Stone converted to CLW

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Monday May 16th, 2016 8:56:56 PM

"Let's visit the taxidermist in the morning for starters," Murphy suggests.

[gotta run, more later]

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=16 ;
Monday May 16th, 2016 9:23:48 PM
+Cameron closely observes Veseley's next appearance, looking for an object to try and locate, either on the wizard or in the near background.
perception 16

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday May 16th, 2016 9:55:47 PM
"Thanks Murphy, that guy didn't trust me at all," Shel whispers to her friend when they all took To their room. "I wonder if he was in cahoots with the necromancer? If he has eyes and ears throughout the town, we need to be even more careful. This is time to make our final decision on our plan. Let's lay out all the possibile suggestions and just have a nice old fashioned vote. I agree to be bound by the will of the group. Does everyone else?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 4:34:54 AM
"Ok, well, based on what we've learned Uthas' house looks to be stop number one. We should absolutely check that place out. I'm happy to be part of a group to try entering via the front door, and seeing if we can talk our way inside. Another group might want to try sneaking unseen into the basement. Being a taxidermist he would surely have some way to enter his basement from the street level.

They says it's haunted by ghosts, and there's a good chance there will be some undead around. That's why it would be best that we wait until tomorrow morning - when there will be daylight. Lots of undead struggle when there's daylight."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 8:36:18 AM
"So does my grandpappy, Alleah," jokes Kezzem.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 11:15:43 AM
Alleah grins. Even with the party in a foreign town and with the possibility of undead all around, the group could always find the lighter side of things.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 3:12:53 PM
"So I think we've settled on the idea that we need to break into Uthvas' home, either by bluffing our way in or by trying to pick the lock. And lets say, for the sake of argument, that we've settled on the second," Pressi thought out loud.

"There's still an issue about what to do with Uthvas, and about what to do with Hammish's guards. Because if we insist on doing this in the day, well, that's basically us doing it out in the open in bright light while Uthvas is probably awake but still home. That's why most people break in at night. So if we engage any of these people, we need to decide what type of engagement. Are we just being a distraction, trying to pump for information, or trying to get half the group to bluff their way in. For that matter, would we want to talk to Uthvas before trying to break in, just so we get a better read on this guy?"

"It really comes down to what you think you can get out of talking to any person, including Hammish himself. If you think there's no good that comes with it, we can just break in and let the chips fall where they may."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 4:08:54 PM

Bliss says, "Why don't we just knock on his door, ask for an interview. If he needs a reason, tell him we went to Kosh Marr recently and we want to talk to him about it. That is true, even, mostly. When we meet him, tell him we are here for our friends who got lost on the way back from Kosh Marr, ask him nicely to give them back, and if he says no, we fight him?"

"We could sneak in, but who is good at picking locks? Anyone?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 4:52:55 PM
" Bliss makes an excellent point. If we just talk to him, we are not breaking any laws in this ultra lawful town and the town guard has no reason to have anything to do to with us. As a wise man once said, 'don't start nothin' won't be nothin''. So we talk to him, ask him for our friends, if he refuses our offers we, um, charm him. I Know, I know. I hate the idea of using charm. I feel it is just another way that someones will can be forced. But by the Lady's barbed whip, if we want to break as few laws as possible and get out of here without the entire town guard having reason to try to stop us, then charming him is a good way to do that, probably the best way.. If doing things the nice way doesn't work, we can always resort to violence. Difference is, if we start with violence, we can't back down from it."

Plans - DM Mark 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 5:29:13 PM
Cameron can see that the man at the shrine bears murder in his heart born more of past wrongs and slights than of a true injustice done. The poor soul has fed his hatred so long that he has distorted his own sense of justice. This is why the path of the Avenger is so narrow and perilous - it is often difficult to determine when the desire for revenge is just, and when it is merely the child of bitterness and self-deceit. Cameron takes his leave of the man and rejoins the party back at the Emporium.

The group continues to discuss plans in what they think is a private room. Shel worries that Uthvas may have eyes and ears throughout the town.

Alleah suggests the group split up, with some approaching the door while others break into the basement.

Kezzem tries to lighten the mood.

Pressi wonders about the wisdom of knocking on the front door vs. breaking in, and if a daytime assult is better than at night. Bliss suggest knocking on the door and just asking Uthvas return their Second Dinner Club members. Cameron like that idea, followed with violence as a back up plan.

Trill remains unusually silent, probably thinking deep thoughts. In fact, it’s almost like she’s not even there.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 7:20:35 PM

"I like that thought, too, Bliss," also agreeing with Cameron. "Now, when we meet with him, I could already be in bat form - which reminds me - I need to find some local bats tonight, so I know how to fit in with the local breed. Some of you talk with him. Bliss - you can be as hard to observe as you like, and also perhaps figure out a way to squeeze in, should the opportunity present itself. Also, we can request the hill giant's release, and the purchase of the essence."

He pauses, giving others a chance to pitch in with their ideas. "He may have extra security with him - especially if someone who heard some of us asking about him lets him know some little people are asking a lot of questions about him."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 7:36:28 PM
" His security measures don't really worry me. If he forces a violent confrontation, he will not beat us. We can barely agree what day of the week it is, but if you threaten any one of us the others will put you down. Hard. I wouldn't believe it if I had not already seen it, but there it is. Odd, but comfortingly true. When I speak to th goddess tonight I will pray for the means to swiftly end any conflict he may decide to start."
" What else will I need to be prepared for? The Wizards will likely be in rough shape. Can any of the rest of you cure fatigue or ability damage? I can prepare for some, but curing them all might be beyond me."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 9:15:53 PM
"As soon as things start getting bad with him, I can try to enchant him. While he's distracted, assuming it works, the rest of you can, well, knock him out. Then we could move inside and no one would be the wiser"

Shel sighed for a second. "The only thing is, it's probably better if Murphy took his bat form and Bliss hid and watched the place for a couple hours to see if there are any guards or anything suspicious going on in the area. If so, that might have to change our plans."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Tuesday May 17th, 2016 11:24:34 PM
"Er, I'm not sure going out in the night here is a good idea, Murphy. Undead things, remember? I highly doubt Uthvas would have the knowledge to distinguish between a local bat and a non-local bat. I think we should all stay in this room together, and probably put a small barricade on the door.

But yes, I like Bliss' plan too. Direct and lawful."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=38 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 2:46:41 AM

The druid responds, "Well, Alleah - bats are creatures of the night - and I have traveled at night in such a form. Perhaps - say, Trill, would you mind carrying me out to, say, the stables, and I should be able to wend my way from there. You wouldn't mind bearing me as a bat under your cloak, would you, just that far? I won't plan to be out more than an hour or so."

He listens to what the others have said about where Uthvas' place is located, that he might reasonably navigate in that direction at the right time.

Murphy adds, "I'll make sure that whatever style of bat I may be, I'll have a dark blue patch on one wing, and a dark red patch on the other, that you all, should you see me up close, will be able to tell it is I. Anyway, I'll see what, if anything, I can learn, then let you know what I can."

If Trill will not take him, then perhaps another may do so. If none will, then Murphy will walk out past the stables, find a suitable spot - perhaps in an alleyway with no discernible folks looking about, and transform into a bat, fly up above the rooftop, and away, in search of others of his ilk. Murphy will cast speak with animals while in bat form once he comes upon some.

If he finds bats in the vicinity of Uthvas' place, he will adapt his form to that of the local species. If he sees they have ingress to or egress from Uthvas' abode, he may take a peek inside, to see what he may gather. [Perception: 38]

[Note: I tried to roll perception once, but got a red-highlighted error code and no roll results. So I reloaded the page, and tried again, succeeding.]

On returning, he will find a place where he can transform, concealed, then walk a short distance back to the inn.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 2:59:52 AM

One thing, however, just before he goes on his chiropteric reconnaissance, he says, "I almost forgot. I came upon this today, and thought that one of our group might be able to benefit from it." He describes it, and how it works:
Pouch of Shadows - This appears to be a normal looking, leather belt pouch. However, reaching into the pouch, the wearer may draw out a handful of shadow stuff. By tossing it forward, the wearer can create the effect of the spell Silent Image, creating an illusion of anything with a volume no more than 2 10-ft cubes (10x10x20). As the spell it creates an image only, lasts as long as you concentrate, and allows a DC 13 will save to disbelieve if interacted with. This may be used only once.
"I forgot to mention, it was handed to me by an undead ogre, who said he was really a leprechaun," Murphy thinks to add. "Who would like to have it?" [Actually, I just won it in the Loot n Booty].

[If no one else offers to take it, he hands it to Bliss, who seems to do well with shadows - but wants others to have a chance to put in a word for taking it. Only if none do does he suggest their tiny companion receive it.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 4:02:58 AM
Alleah takes a deep, cleansing breath and tries to get Murphy to see reason - or at least explain the risk vs reward to her

"Listen, we know there are undead about. The guard at the front was rumored to be one, Uthvas is a necromancer so that likely means he's raised a few, and there are also rumours of ghosts. Going out - partnered or alone - in the night just seems foolhardy. It unnecessarily splits the group, and thereby weakens us as a whole. As Cameron rightfully said, we strike solidly as a group. It also risks blowing our cover when we are so close to our goal, it risks you not being here should we receive another vision, and it risks lives! Help me understand why knowing the specific flight patterns of bats within this specific town is so incredibly important as to risk all of this. Did someone in town tell you Uthvas is fond of bats, or a bat expert?

It just strikes me as a foolhardy act to split the group at night in an unfamiliar town rumored to be inhabited by undead creatures. That said, if the group supports your decision, I shall speak no more about it"

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 10:42:37 AM

"Mister Murphy, it is dangerous out there. And besides, the whole reason to be a bat is to be sneaky, right? No one will see the details you are worried about."

[OOC: A bat is dimunutive, so that's a +12 on stealth checks. And BSII gives a +6 to Dex, so that's an extra +3 on stealth checks. At +15 on top of your normal +2 is a +17, which is pretty respectable. I mean, that's not up to Bliss levels, but getting there!]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 12:02:02 PM

"You are right, Alleah, that undead are fairly certain to be about. Now, how many of them do you figure will be targeting bats? I think there may be a slight chance that some bats, not recognizing me, may take offense - or not.

"Our friends are in jeopardy - if I can take a risk which will help us more quickly, more effectively bring them to safety and freedom, I am willing to do so. Might I die trying? Well, anything is possible. I do not, though, wish to live my life ruled by fear of what might happen. We are adventurers. We take risks. We have scouts to look ahead, to make the way easier or safer for the rest of us. Unless the whole group opposes me on this, I will go out as I have said."

"Bliss, I know there are dangers about. I shall be careful. Say - might someone here cast a message spell on me before I leave? Probably all you'll hear me whispering are bat sounds, but, it might be handy to have the spell active, just in case."

Barring wholesale opposition, Murphy will head out, one way or another. He will wait a moment in case someone can cast a message spell, and any other supplementary buff spells they may wish to. [Invisibility, anyone?]

[Thanks for skills info, Cayzle!]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 12:31:01 PM

"Shel, could you cast invisibility on me before I leave?" Murphy asks his good friend. "I would need someone to go with me out the front door, at least, though, so that my opening of doors while invisible does not raise apprehension or suspicion on the part of observers. Maybe someone can check on our mounts in the stable."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 12:35:13 PM
"I'm confused. How exactly will you be helping us move more quickly and effectively? Hadn't we agreed that we would approach Uthvas's house and ask him questions outright? How as a bat will you make your way into his basement of all places? The undead might not be seeking a bat, but first you need to sneak out don't you? And then there is the sneaking back in. We would need to lower our defenses - that is open and close the door to whatever is out there. Your actions would put us all at risk"

"You need to be sure that your willingness to 'confront fear' isn't being foolhardy"

"And now you want one of us to accompany you to go outside and check on the mounts?!? So you'd be off on your own, Shel would be on her own, and the rest of us would be here. Is placing us all at risk worth what you hope to gain?"

Alleah's mind drifts back to when she warned Murphy about bringing so many mounts with him. She warned him that he was making himself a target for a fireball, and look what happened to them! If he proceeds with this course and something happens, he will be in for the mother-of-all "told you so's".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 12:59:04 PM
OOC: I will post more later, but a quick response to Bliss - Pressi's Disable Skill is +8. I'm sure Kezzem's is higher, but if we really do need to split the party....

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 4:14:41 PM
Cameron is beside himself with glee that he is not the target of this particular argument. Then he realizes he has to tell them he will be leaving soon to pray, at the shrine, outside. Much as he wants to continue to watch Murphy try to dig himself out of this particular hole, he does not do so.
Cameron stands up and clears his throat.
" It is getting late. I will need to pray soon, and I wish to do so at the first shrine to my goddess I have ever seen. This will mean I will be just on the other side of the very public town square. I do not NEED to pray there, but I want to all the same. Murphy does not NEED to do recon, but he is stubborn like me and will do so unless you bash him in the back of the head and tie him up. Similar to how you would need to stop me."
Cameron pauses to look over his shoulder, to make sure no one is actually sneaking up behind him to knock him out. Then he realizes that Bliss could be standing there, thumbing his nose at Cameron, and Cameron wouldn't notice. He sighs.
" I will be back at one hour past midnight. Murphy, can you agree to do the same? If one of us, or both do not return when expected to, then you can fire up the whole 'i told you so' tongue lashing. Transform yourself and I will carry you out under my coat. Then we secret and silly men can be about our secret and silly missions, whilst the sensible ladies take their rest. I again promise not to initiate any combat, but if one should happen..."
Cameron smiles. He hasn't done that in awhile. Being in a place where they are the minority and vulnerable seems to agree with him, and make him more agreeable with the others. Funny how danger makes things easier. While Murphy makes ready, Cameron reaches into his pack and pulls out a jar with something fleshy and probably awful in it, suspended in liquid. He slips it into his pocket and is ready to leave with Murphy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=7 ; d20+5=19 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 4:16:51 PM
Pressi tries to remember if the animals (bats, specifically) here are vastly different from others (Know Local 7) or if there are scores of bats nearby (Know Local 19).

"Yeah, I get what you are going for," Pressi said to Murphy. "But you seem to be stuck on a minor potential problem of what Uthvas might do rather than what he is doing. I mean, unless the bats here look like flying kangaroos, and I apologize in advance if they do, we're looking not only that he will see you and know what you should look like but that he will figure out that a different looking bat MUST be a shape changer. Instead of wondering what a bat, regardless of what it looks like, is flying around his home. And if you're that worried, you can always forget about changing altogether.

"In the meantime, we still haven't settled on our backstories or what exactly we will tell this guy so he will let us in to what we are pretty sure is a building where he's holding hostages so it's not like he's giving out tours. We still haven't fully decided whether any of us is sneaking towards the back or standing guard in the road. But I'm guessing if five or six halflings are talking to him at once, he isn't going to care what a bat looks like. Once four are done talking with him, he'll be lucky to remember he has a house."

"At any event, I'm not really expecting the ruse to last for long before we have to start taking people down. But as Cameron said, as sure as today is Tuesday... as sure as today is Wednesday... we should be fine."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 4:21:02 PM
OOC: Posted at same time as Cameron.

"Wait, maybe I will keep an eye on you," Pressi says to Cameron.

Once outside of the room, Pressi shifts to a human adult form. Using her hat, her clothes shift to that of the locals and stays a decent distance from Cameron.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 4:21:52 PM

Bliss is happy to cast Message on Cam and Murphy and Pressi, though the range is limited.

He is totally not making faces at Cam, probably because he did not think of it.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 5:14:44 PM
Cameron either stops Bliss or resists the Message spell.
Will save 23
" I know you mean to keep me safe, and if someone steals me I will feel stupid, but my prayers are between me and my goddess Bliss."
"If you want to come downstairs and keep an eye on me, that's fine Pressi. I couldn't stop you and I won't, just respect my space, OK?"

Plans - DM Mark 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 6:49:03 PM
The group continues to discuss plans in a room in the Emporium. Perception 10:Highlight to display spoiler: { You occasionally hear people out in the hallway.}

Cameron says they have nothing to fear - their group can beat anything Uthvas or this town may have. Shel is sure her charming personality will win the day, and then they can knock him out. (Hmmm. More prisoners.)

Murphy wants to hone his chiropteric skill by flying around the town at night. Alleah and Bliss advise against this. He also wants to make sure he’s the right bat species in this town so that the bat with a blue patch and a red patch on it’s wings will blend in better.

Alleah suggests they all stay in her room for the night. As she looks around, she can see it will be crowded and uncomfortable, with only a few of you on the bed.

Trill begins to pick her nose. Suddenly noticing everyone looking at her, she stops.

Murphy asks if someone will accompany him to the stables to allow him to fly into the night from there. He asks Pressi if she will cast Invisibility on him before he goes.

Cameron tells everyone that he will carry Batmurphy outside when he goes to pray at midnight.

Pressi decides to shift her form into a human from this town, and go out to keep an eye on Cameron. Bliss attempts to cast Message on Cameron, knowing that the distance and barriers prevent it’s use beyond the inn. Cameron stops him to maintain his privacy with his goddess.

-------------------------------------------
It is near midnight. Murphy shifts into a bat with a dark blue patch on one wing and a dark red patch on the other, and hides under Cameron’s Cloak. Cameron and Pressi exit the room. The hallway looks empty, so Pressi shifts into human form and walks out with Cameron. There are a few folks in the common room of the inn as they exit. The pair gets some curious looks.

Once outside, all is still and dark, though a few laterns burn in the square providing dim illumination on the stalls in the square. Batmurphy flies off into the night to see if he is the right species. The night is dark, and little is lit outside the town square. He can rise up and see the lights in the square even from a distance, but his blindesense is much less than sight and only extends 20’. (Correct me if I’m wrong here.) Exactly where does he go and how does he navigate?

Cameron goes to the Shrine to Jancasis to pray, as Pressi lingers near the inn entrance where he can see Cameron.

After about 20 minutes, 4 guards patrol the stalls in the square. They walk over to Cameron. “Hey kid - what are you doing out this late? Get yourself home before I send you home with with a swat.”

Pressi sees this, and overhears the exchange.

-------------------------------------------
Back inside the inn, there is a knock at Alleah’s door where the rest of you are. A voice says, “Hey man. It's me, Dave, open up.”

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+6=7 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 8:15:48 PM
OOC
Dave's not here man.
IC
Cameron walks to the shrine and lights a single candle, allowing him to see only a little and preserving the darkness in which Jancassis plys her stealthy trade. He reaches into his pocket and produces the jar he took out of his pack earlier. Inside the jar is a bit of flesh, preserved in liquid. A label on the jar read "If found please return to Jancassis".
He goes silent, gathering his thoughts and soaking in the night in a strange town. Danger lurks in the shadows, and Cameron has not felt this alive in a long time Not since he foolishly, brazenly, heroically, defended those performers from the gnolls. Then he was not the prey he seemed, but the predator, luring in the gnolls so that he could teach them what fear was. She had extended him her blessing then, even though he didn't know it. Hopefully she would do the same now.
Quietly, his voice a faint whisper in the dim light, Cameron prayed.
" Lady, you have taught your humble tool many tricks. You drew him, unformed from the death and destruction where you founf him, and began the slow, meticulous project of forming him into the perfect instrument of Vengence. You plied him with the taunts and jibes of those who were larger and stronger than he was, you taught him the best way to avoid a beating was to not be there for it. You taught him that it was easy to hide, to sneak and to observe from the shadows. And you showed him that pain is a tool that can teach volumes in an instant. You quenched this tool in a bath of poison, pain and deceit. You waited to see if your work stayed true, held it's edge, and he did not disappoint, emerging from the trial an Avenger."
"This very evening you homed the edge of his blade and taught him the difference between a petty disagreement and true revenge. All these things you have done to make him ready. Tonight, your tool offers you thanks. wine is a poor poison, but it is a poison nonetheless. It weakens the mind and loosens the lips. It gives the foolish courage and the hardened solace. I offer you this questionable vintage, purchased this evening with devotion in mind."
Cameron produces one of the bottles of wine he purchased earlier that evening. He pulls the cork and leaves the bottle open, next to the jar. Cameron remains silent for another moment, then launches into his next prayer.
" The group I travel with seeks to rescue two of their kin. Friends, well associates who can unite the Crescent Valley and help safeguard it from the Giants of the Scab. Their methods are strange, but their cause is just. They want to seek justice for the wrongs done to these halflings, yet they lack the knowledge and conviction of an Avenger. If the wizards have called out in your name for aid, it is coming. If they have cried out in pain for the blood of their tormentor, tell me, and his blood will be spilt. If they simply want to go home, and end their trial, it will be done. I come tonight to ask you aid in this mission. I offer something I found, that you may have lost. Please, accept this humble offering, and aid my..." Cameron pauses, then continues,"...my friends in getting their wizards back safe."
Cameron hears the guards before he sees them. They move like they have never walked a perimeter in their lives. Sloppy, loud, possibly drunk, and sure that because they are bigger than he is, they will cow him with their sheer size and numbers. Sergeant Helmbane would have laughed at mere four to one odds, Cameron had survived nearly a score of gnolls with only a lion and an untrained giant for backup. But blood did not need to be spilt here. In fact he had sworn he would not START a fight.
“Hey kid - what are you doing out this late? Get yourself home before I send you home with with a swat.”
" Me sir? I am no child. I am an ordained priest of Jancassis and one of her chosen Avengers. I have come to her shrine to offer my prayers to her, during this holiest hour of her day. I have laid my sacrifices out to her, offered my thanks to her for her gifts and was just about to finish my devotions to her. All the juicy bits are over with I am afraid, but the final prayer is still to be said, would you care to join me?"
Cameron looks up from his supplicant's position on his knees. His voice is even and matter of fact as he describes his credentials to the guards. He does not wish to frighten them (so no intimidate roll) merely to let them allow him to finish his devotions in peace. Granted he relies on the mystery and famed brutality of the church to give them the willies, but he does not threaten them. He strokes his double helix holy symbol with one hand and the dwarven war beard, braided into a helix and stained in the church's colors with the other as he speaks to them.
Diplomacy 7
Feeling that this conversation may not be going his way, Cameron quickly finishes his prayer. " Jancassis, please accept you servant's offerings, in the light in which they are presented." He then blows out the candle, plunging the area into darkness. Cameron continues to kneel, offering the guards no resistance.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 9:58:41 PM
Shel casts Invisibility on Murphy as he had clearly decided what course of action he was going to take, and there would be no talking him out of it. Shel knew she wasn't heading out there in an unfamiliar town in the darkness, that much was for sure.

At the knock at the door, Shel answered sweetly, she hoped. "Who is it? I'm not expecting anyone and a girl can't just be opening up for door for strangers, you know."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday May 18th, 2016 10:49:36 PM
OOC: Cam beat me to it, but I'm doing it anyway! :)

Alleah throws her hands in the air, exasperated. They had gone from not one, not two, but now three people leaving the room.

She settles in to meditate on the days activites and to recover her spells. By midnight she is fully rested and on watch. At the knock on the door she politely responds "Dave's not here, man."

Alleah gets to her feet, facing the door.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 1:00:53 AM

Murphy answers Alleah's questions.
1. If we know more about what is there, we will be able to move more quickly and effectively.
2. Yes, we agreed to do so. We did not limit ourselves fully to that action alone.
3. I don't know whether I can make my way into his basement as a bat. Veseley simply reported there are a lot of bats. They had to come from somewhere. Front door? Through a pipe? I will try to learn. Maybe I won't be able to figure it out.
4. If I go in as a bat, I likely will exit as a bat.
5. We will determine what additional things to do after I learn what I learn, and pass it on to you. I hope.
6. Actions can cause risk. Inaction can increase risk.
7. Perhaps it is foolhardy. Perhaps it is strategically wise.
8. I just need a way to get outside in the form of a bat. You don't have to go to the stables. You can just catch a breath of fresh air.
9. I thought Shel was staying here. I am just asking her for invisibility before I go.
10. I'm hoping to place only myself at risk - and I like to live, so will do what I am able to remain alive, and continue helping all of you - in the rescue of our friends, and in getting us all back, I hope, in good health.

Murphy answers Cameron's questions, and thanks him.
1. I will do what I can to meet you at one hour past midnight. If I do not show up within a minute or two of your arrival, go ahead and go inside without me. I may already have... I know - I'll make a little chalk mark on the lower mid right side of the outside door if I already have gone inside.

Murphy answers Pressi.
1. There are reports of bats here. I expect our friends' 'host' is used to bats flying around. Unless there are no bats, and Veseley is totally imagining them. I will adapt myself to move and look like the local species.
2. You all work on the backstory side of things while Cam and I are out. Let us know what you come up with when we come back, or in the morning.
3. Yes, people around here seem somewhat confused about halflings. Especially multitudes of us.
4. Ah, good idea, to give Cam some cover, Press. He gives her hand a squeeze.

Murphy blesses Bliss for message spell
1. Bless you, Bliss, for casting message upon us!

Murphy thanks Shel.
1. Ah, thank you, Shel. I'd squeeze your hand in gratitude, but don't want to remove the spell if the spell thing thinks that's some sort of attack.

Just before he changes into his bat form, he says, "I covet your prayers and support, friends - even though we share differences here and there. Love you all. See you back here in a bit, I hope. And thank you, Cam, for agreeing to ferry me outside."

The druid shapechanges into a little bat, and gives a squeak so that Cameron knows where he is to pick him up.

As Cameron opens his cloak in the night air, Murphy takes the cue and flies up and away.

[more in next post shortly]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Venturing forth on bat reconnaissance  d20+22=24 ; d20+22=31 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2016 1:52:09 AM
As the night sky (unless there be thick enough clouds) is typically lit at least somewhat by Kerracles and/or Wardd, the two moons, as well as the two large nearby planets, Urdjian (Urdiian) and Golumbec (Goliumbec), it seems it would be a rarity for the night sky to be totally dark. Stars also dot the sky above.

Since the eyes of bats generally see rather well, and they have the further benefits both of blindsense and low-light vision... Murphy should not be 'flying blind' at the moment. That all lights, save those of the central plaza, would be totally extinguished throughout the city also sounds unlikely (though illumination may be scattered hit-and miss) - the bat-druid will ascend to a greater height, look about, and listening, to see what he sees, hear what he can hear, and discern what is discernible.

He got his bearings somewhat when they first arrived - first looking down on the city from slightly above, then passing through the gates, taking the directions of the guard who offered his orcish friend's barber service.

In discussions with his friends, he was able to get the general area [I believe - correct me please, if mistaken] where Uthvas resides, Murphy heads in that direction, flying down to about 20' above rooftops. He has seen cats jump as high as ten feet, and wants to remain at least slightly above their reach.

Bats like swarms of insects - their most common meal. Murphy looks for such.

He also looks specifically, and carefully, for other bats. If there sees a few, good. He watches their movements, observes their shapes, their patterns of flight. If there are many, better.

As he draws near to where he thinks Uthvas has his place, he will pay the greater attention to see if bats seem to be entering or exiting the building, or nearby dwellings. If possible, he will find a perch - perhaps upon the edge of a chimney, from which to watch.

Ah, a chimney. Does Uthvas' dwelling (assuming he has found such) have one?

[Perception: early look from up on high over city: 24
Perception: flying at 20' above rooftops on way to Uthvas' place: 31]

After the druid has had enough time to observe the bats, if they are much different from him, he will change to their form. If there is little discernible difference, he will remain as he is for the time being.

He keeps in mind the speak with animals spell, but waits until he feels he has gathered enough information before casting it. There are a few other spells he may consider, too.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 8:19:41 AM
Bliss loves his gift from Murphy, and starts playing with the shadow stuff like silly putty -- but not activating it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+26=31 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+5=14 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2016 1:33:02 PM
As Murphy flew around who knows where - she stopped trying to stop him because he'd never learn anything if she did - and as Cameron continued to pray, Pressi hung around the inn and square, trying to look as though she weren't just keeping watch (Disguise 31, Perception 27). She kept out of earshot from Cameron, trying to respect his privacy.

She looked through the other shrines, noting that no Domi shrine seemed to be nearby. It was hardly unusual. Even Domi monks and clerics prefer prayer through battle and arts to traditional prayer in front of a shrine, and Domi himself had rejected temples as a sign of humility. She did find herself humming, a little bit of worship to join Cameron.

Eventually, she found her way to the shrine of Waard. A rather commonplace shrine, especially when she was growing up. If she says anything, or even reacts upon coming across it, it isn't noticeable to anyone who watches.

Pressi looks up at the four guards approaching Cameron. Although an argument seems imminent, Cameron does seem to be quite composed as she approaches the group. "Is there a problem, officers? Oh, are you one of the halfling traders that they have been talking about? Kind of strange to see one out and about, but I'm not sure if it's worth interrupting your prayers. I should leave you be." (Bluff 21, Diplomacy 14 - enough for a +2 to aid another).

Plans - DM Mark  d100=12 ; d100=81 ; d20=7 ; d20=19 ; d20=18 ; d8=1 ; d4=3 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2016 4:22:43 PM
Correction For All - In looking at my map, the town is on the western side of the lake, not the east as I told you before. So the information you had about Uthvas house being on the east side of town should have been the west side of town. This is just a clarification, and will not change anything.

Shel respond to the person at the door, asking who it is. Alleah tells him, “Dave’s not here man.” The voice responds, “No, man. It’s Dave, man. Lemme in!” This goes on for a bit until the person stops, and you hear him walking away.

Bliss, always easily entertained, plays with some odd shadow stuff Murphy gave him.

Kezzem and Trill practice standing on their heads, but remain silent.

Outside, Pressi wanders near the square, keeping an eye on Cameron and visiting the shrine to Wardd. She can see a few copper pieces lying about, likely flipped there and left in an attempt to discern the God’s will in one matter or another. She witnesses the exchange between Cameron and the guards. One sees Cameron’s beard, “Yeah yer no kid. That’s for sure.” The turn away to leave him to his prayers.

Pressi surprises the guards, which sets them on edge. “Hey girl! What are you doing sneakin’ around?” Another replies, “They’re the ones that came into town tonight. Brill thought they was kids too.” The first guard continues, “Well, you just you get yourself back to wherever you’re staying. Unless you want to stay the night in the work camp. We don’t allow no loiterin’ at night. This Jancassian says he has some business here, but you need to get yourself back to where you belong - ‘cause it ain’t out here in the dead of night.”

For Murphy - Batmurphy flies high above the Bright Springs. It squats like a large toad on the eastern shore of Dour Lake spreading from its low point near the shoreline and rising westward toward the hills beyond the town walls. There is a main road that runs north-south through the town with gates at each end, coming near the dock area at its midpoint. An east-west road roughly bifurcates the town, touching the north-south road, and connecting the dock area with a west gate.

From his vantage point, Batmurphy can see that there are a few hundred buildings in Bright Springs. His low-light vision is able to make out the buildings and rooftops (sorry - I missed his low-light vision) but it cannot pierce the shadows between the buildings very well.

It is near midnight, and very few buildings have any lights on, mostly near the town square. Likewise, there are a few buildings here and there that have smoke coming from a chimney. Lanterns light an active mine entrance in town. The smelting facility glows with a few small fires here and there. He can see occasional groups of what he suspects are guards patrolling mostly near the walls, the town square and the old dock area. A few ark boats rest in the water near the one functional dock. Darks spots mark some mines and hollows outside the walls.

As Murphy is a very detail oriented person, he will recall that all he knows about the actual location of that Uthvas’ house is that it is on the west side of town. His invisibility is gone within minutes of him taking to the air. He is able to determine the species of a couple bats he sees, and shifts his form to match one of them, albeit with odd red and blue patches. He checks several houses in the west of town where he is able to find an entrance in a wall, roof or a cold chimney. Many seem abandoned and uninhabited. Some dwellings house sleeping inhabitants, and a few have someone awake. He is attacked by a cat and a woman with a broom, making a hasty escape in both cases. The cat actually hits Batmurphy for 1 point of damage. He sees no nefarious activity to speak of - ‘cept for that bad ol’ puddy tat.

Batmurphy returns to Cameon after about an hour to see him exit the shrine to Jancasis as four nearby guards are watching him. It is about 1 AM.

I presume that shortly after, Pressi, Cam and Murphy are back in the Emporium with everyone else. (Murphy still has about 8 hours of rest ahead of him and an hour of praying for spells.)

My intent is to reunite the party as soon as possible.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Venturing forth on bat reconnaissance  d20+22=39 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2016 7:27:39 PM

Having seen a few bats, he shifts more into their form, casts speak with animals, and approaches them. After a small amount of customary bat greetings, trying to establish a conversation, he gets to the point. "I look for where the bats go into the man house, with tiny people and giant people inside. Do you know where that is?" If they do, and can take him there, he goes to see, asking if they know a way in. If so, he tries it out, to see what he can see. [Perception: 39]

If not...

Assuming Pressi heeded the constabulary, Murphy waits until Cameron leaves the presence of the guards. As the cleric approaches the inn, he flies toward him, approaching his right side, and brakes himself just before landing on his shoulder. If Cameron allows him, he crawls down the front of his chest, and attempts to nuzzle under the fold of the cloak.

Once back in the room, he hops off to the floor, and transforms back into his own halfling self.

"Saw a few bats. No great collection of them, though. How did things go with you?" He awaits hearing whatever Cameron may tell him. He thanks Pressi for going out to keep an eye on things, if she is up.

After a few minutes, he says, "I'll sleep, we can talk in the morning. Someone wake me at about 9."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 10:38:01 PM
"Alleah, who do you think was that knocking at the door? That worries me." Despite her unease, Shel sleeps relatively well, waking early the next morning ready to go save the mages.

"So we are knocking on his door? I suppose the mushroom trading guise will be gone, then?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 10:49:14 PM
"We need to knock on his door first thing in the morning. Firstly, to stop any more torture or experiments on our friends. Every hour we sit around is another hour they are in pain. Secondly, we need to get there before anyone tips him off that we are here. We arrived fairly late yesterday so there is a chance he doesn't even know yet who we are or why we're here"

Alleah fully intends to be having breakfast at 7am and knocking on Uthvas' door at 8am.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 10:54:32 PM
Cameron waits for Murphy outside the inn, smoking his pipe and generally enjoying the night. With Batmurphy under his coat he returns to the room.
" How did it go? Well, if the guards are as disciplined as I now think they might be, the Mayor will know in the morning that there is an Avenger in town. The guards came by and, thinking I was a child, warned me to go home. I established my right to be there and in doing so mentioned who I am. The mayor is thought to be a hard case, and as such may be insecure that an Avenger is in town. Or I could be totally wrong."
"Pressi stepped in to back me up, nice work there, and the guards will completely associate me with the group of halflings in the city."
"Either way, Murphy is right. Let's get some rest and finalize out plans in the morning."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 19th, 2016 10:56:19 PM

Murphy inquires of Alleah, "Well, if we are to arrive that early, any chance you can use one of your spells that will allow me to get adequate rest in a shorter amount of time, that I can get up earlier, say, 5 or 6am, and still take care of the rest of the prep?" He asks with a fair measure of humility, knowing that she was opposed to his late night foray.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=31 ;
Friday May 20th, 2016 12:47:27 AM
"Well if you're Dave, and Dave's not here, then obviously your supposed to be somewhere else," says Kezzem. "You better get there before it's too late!"

Bluff: 31

OOC: Sorry, I tried posting yesterday, but kept getting an error message.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday May 20th, 2016 1:35:28 AM
Alleah gives a friendly smile to Murphy. She wall all prepared to let him have it, and she desperately wanted to let loose with a "told you so". But the party were a team. That was first and foremost.

"Murphy, Cam - you guys should take the time to prepare your spells and abilities for tomorrow. Do that first. Then get some rest. Come 7am I'll wake everyone up, and anyone who didn't get sufficient sleep I can treat with a calming touch. After that we should have a quick breakfast, get some directions, and confront Uthvas"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 4:32:59 AM

"Sounds good, thank you, Alleah." Murphy looks relieved. He takes some time to pray, and make a few adjustments to his spells (will modify on sheet Friday or Saturday), then retires, his eyes closing and body relaxing into the comfortable bed very quickly. He dreams about fighting cats wielding brooms, batting them away with his paper-thin wings.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 9:20:15 AM

As Pressi. Murphy, and Cam return, Bliss fills them in on the plan. He seems very excited about it.

"Okay, so I'll be sneaky like. Everybody else is in their merchant disguise. We go knock on the door. We say we recently travelled in Kosh Marr, and we have some items from there to sell. We hear the master is interested in "unusual" items."

"We enter, get an audience, and also mention that we lost a couple friends on the way home, And we think they are hear. And we ask for them back."

"If he says sure, then we are happy and we can go home. If he says no, then we fight. Okay?"

Bliss checks to see that everybody is on board with this plan.

Mookie just perches on a pallid bust he finds above the door.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+6=18 ; d20+16=20 ;
Friday May 20th, 2016 10:41:00 AM
If Pressi had any desire to snark at the guards, that went away as they mentioned what time it was. And as she remembered that her disguise only lasted an hour even.

"Uh, yes of course," Pressi said as her feet began to widen. "I was just taking a walk, but I certainly wouldn't want to be here wide footed, I mean flat footed, I mean I'm going back to my room now bye.

"Yep, heading right back to my room, can't hear you." Pressi clasped her hands above her ever pointier ears. "Not doing anything suspicious. Just heading back. La la la..." (Bluff 18, stealth when possible 20).

Pressi runs back to the room with Cameron and Murphy just as she shifts back into a halfling. "Well, that was a close one. But I think we all learned a valuable lesson that we've already forgotten. Good night all."

Pressi is up early, not needing to recharge anything but her cloak (which operates on a timer).

"Ok, so Murphy and Bliss are sneaking in, Kezzem, Alleah and Shel are bluffing in, and... did you want the rest of the group to be bluffing in or are we splitting off to do a third thing like watch the alleyways? Also, it can be hard to say, but I don't think any of us have done anything that would kill our mushroom story."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday May 20th, 2016 11:24:14 AM
"Just to be clear, are buying or selling mushrooms to the taxizombie guy?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+8=11 ;
Friday May 20th, 2016 12:20:44 PM

"I think we're seeing if he'd be interested in buying Alleah's mushroom, Kezzem," Murphy says.

"Sounds like a plan, Bliss. And, when I switch to bat form, I'll just go with one dark blue spot on my left wing. Having a red spot as well is too obvious. I at least got to know the local bats a little - no help getting into the place, though. I thought I had a clearer idea of its location before I headed out."

He takes a few minutes to describe the layout of the city he gained, the location of mines and activity, the location of the guard in town late at night, the night time lighting patterns, the chimneys, the cat and the broom lady. Basically, everything that DM Mark outlined for BatMurphy under his Plans post yesterday. He does add, "Likely would have met more bats if I'd gone out closer to dusk."

[Did he get back the 1 hp from the cat scratch after resting? With a full night's rest, he would get back 7 hp. With... 4-1/2 hours rest, and Alleah's calming touch, would he get back at least 1 hp? If not, he will attempt to use the heal skill on himself - 11 - not quite enough. So, if not, he's still down 1 hp from that territorial cat.]

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 12:37:10 PM
" I have already prayed to my goddess for my spells, like I do every night at midnight. This was why I asked if I was going to have any help getting the wizards up and moving in the healing and unfatiging department, but you all were too busy scratching each others eyes out. Now they are stuck with whatever I have prepared, which is mostly anti undead spells."
" I won't be telling Uthvas any of those things, because for me they are bald faced lies.I will go in with the traders and provide some measure of security.I would think that charming him into giving us the wizards back would be a preferable second step after asking, but I will follow whatever you folks want."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 1:04:20 PM
"Oh! Yeah! Charm, then fight!" agrees Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday May 20th, 2016 1:12:49 PM
"I think the idea is this," Pressi fleshed out. "We are mushroom middlemen. We're here in town to buy a bunch of mushrooms and then ship them to stores back home in time for the mushroom festival. These people can't tell a halfling from a human kid so there's no way they know this is actually the year of squash.

"That's the background. The foreground is that during our travels through the culverwood, we went through this weird energy field (because what do we know of planes or how to fight our way through one) to some field with a bunch of these mushrooms that nobody can identify what they are or what they are used for. So we're doing some out of the box thinking and asking a taxidermist and can we please come in. One of us may even fake an illness or something if we have to. But the bottom line is that once inside we start peppering him with questions.

"And maybe we branch off from there. Like if we can get him to slip up about being a necromancer, Cameron can strike up a conversation with the guy about god stuff or particular murder-revenge cases or something. But the thing is that, once we gain access, at least half of us are going to have to start looking for secret doors or rifling through papers, while the other half starts asking more pointed questions, so I'm not expecting the ruse to last too long. Oh, and we don't even know if we have the right guy, or who/what is with him, so it's going to be flexible."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 1:56:06 PM

"Yeah, yeah! Talk his ear off! Mister Murphy is good at that! And I can look for clues and spy around his office while you guys are distracting him!"

Plans - DM Mark  d100=68 ; d100=5 ; d100=98 ;
Friday May 20th, 2016 4:30:53 PM
Shel worries about that Dave person at the door. Kezzem tells him to go find himself.

Batmurphy asks the bats about “a man house, with tiny people and giant people inside.” The response he gets is that they are not aware of any tiny people. But there are lots of giant people! The confusing answers from the bats led him to check out a few houses (He quickly realizes all people are giant fom a bat’s perspective.) They do direct him to a house with smaller and larger people, only to find that they spoke of children.

Pressi and Cam address the guards without incident. They seem to accept both their stories.

It is past 1 AM by the time Pressi, Cameron and Murphy return and share their information. The note that there are some late night patrons in the common room of this place, as well as some of the “workers.”

There is some discussion when they return. Cameron is all for getting some rest and finalizing plans in the morning. Cameron mentions the guards, and believes they would alert the mayor to an Avenger in town. Bliss goes over the plan, with input from the others. Trill remains quiet, but does offer to keep an eye outside Uthvas place for his escape if they can find a way in. Mookie perched and sat, and nothing more.

Murphy says to wake him about 9. (Divine casters get their spell at a specific time of day, which does not change from day to day. Does he usually pray for spells at 1 AM? What time of day does Murphy regain his spells?) Alleah wants to get a jump on things much earlier.

[Note: Arcane casters require 8 hours of rest (not necessarily all sleep) and 1 hour of study/meditation to regain spells. Each interruption adds an hour to this required rest. Divine casters regain spells at a specific time of day, and must spend 1 hour in prayer/meditation to regain spells. Any spells cast by arcane or divine casters in the previous 8 hours cannot be regained.]

Alleah rises and rouses everyone before 7 AM. After a late night, everyone awakes a bit bleary eyed, but awake. (Murphy will not regain the 1 hit point the lost without 8 hours rest.)

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday May 20th, 2016 5:37:47 PM
Murphy usually regains his spells between 6-7.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday May 20th, 2016 10:35:36 PM
Shel was good with the plan. She rested and prepared to go take on the necromancer. Mushrooms weren't her specialty, but she had a general way with people, and hoped she could at least get their foot in the door. She was quiet as she had some fruit for breakfast. "So, everyone... are we ready to do this? If anyone wants to turn back, now would be the time," she whispers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Sunday May 22nd, 2016 3:25:52 PM
Pressi stiffled a yawn and prepared her materials. "Just point me where you need me to go. As I said earlier, I'm probably going to be a quiet one this time around, unless otherwise needed."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Monday May 23rd, 2016 2:04:46 AM
"Ok, sounds like we have a plan to follow. Let's head downstairs, grab some breakfast, talk a LOT about mushrooms for the benefit of anyone listening in, and try to subtly gain directions to Uthvas' house"

Alleah uses her Calming Touches to ensure everyone is sufficiently rested. A quick casting of Prestidigitation has her hair and clothes in order, and she's ready to go.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Monday May 23rd, 2016 7:31:28 AM
Kezzem starts singing to himself.

"Badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger...MUSHROOM MUSHROOM!"

Badgers and mushrooms - DM Mark 
Monday May 23rd, 2016 4:19:27 PM
Everyone awakes, and some prepare spells as needed. Alleah makes sure all are in top shape with her Calming Touch ability. They head down to the common room for breakfast.

Once there, they find that folk here at the Emporium seem to be late risers. Breakfast consists of hot tea, cheese, cold sausages, bread and fruit. There is a human, male server who brings you food, apologizing for the meager fare this early in the morning. You can hear noise in the kitchen suggesting they are getting ready for the day, but are clearly not ready for business at this early hour. Occasionally, there will be a nervous look from the cook out to the common room. There is an elf in the corner sitting by himself, a two humans at another table, a female gnoll in a somewhat revealing robe and slippers, and a well-dressed half-orc sitting alone near the stairs where you enter the room. The half-orc wears a chain shirt beneath his leather surcoat, and wears a longsword.

Casual attempts to greet or make eye contact with the elf result in haughty rebuffs.

The humans will greet you. They wear travelling clothes, different from the locals you have seen.

The gnoll will return glances in a very friendly fashion. Sense Motive DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { She occasionally glances at the half-orc in a manner that suggests more curiosity than an attempt to engage him. She clearly ignores the elf.}

Upon greeting the half-orc, he introduce himself as Hammish Ironfist. He looks at your group thoughtfully from where he sits, “I had heard that a group of halflings had come into town. We do not get many halflings here. Travel through the Red Hills can be dangerous. What brings you to Bright Springs?”

Male Server - Sense Motive DC 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {His behavior is deferential to the half-orc.}

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=13 ; d20+7=9 ;
Monday May 23rd, 2016 5:03:52 PM

"Ah, your honor, are you not mayor of Bright Springs? Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir," Murphy says, as he stands, says "I am Murphy," and he gives a little bow towards the half orc. "Our town up north looks for trading opportunities. It specializes in various commodities - pipeweed, and an amazing array of flowers - though, as most are perishable once plucked, are more for local trade, other than among herbalists. Our community also produces a variety of musical instruments and toys, and we have a good carriage maker nearby. On the gathering side, we are hoping to expand our offerings of edible fungus - mushrooms of various sorts, of which we heard that your city may provide a number of interesting varieties. Have we heard correctly? Oh, I am Murphy," he says.

[Sense motive regarding gnoll: 13; regarding male server: 9 (both barely fail)]

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+8=25 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=32 ;
Monday May 23rd, 2016 5:06:51 PM
Sense Motive 25 gnoll
Sense Motive 23 server
Cameron is only slightly surprised to see the mayor of the town here. He is 90% certain that is who the man is before even talking to him, after watching the server and the gnoll. When the server takes their order Cameron orders an omelet with cheese and mushrooms in it and a mug of dark ale. No reason to not start the morning off dwarven style, though the ale here was less than adequate as a morning meal.
" Well met mister Ironfist. It is a fine morning and a welcome sight to have the mayor of such a fine and industrious city take the time to meet us in person, and so early in the morning. I must say I have heard a good deal about you and your city as I sat vigil at the shrine outside last night. Very interesting were the tales I heard. I hoped we might meet. I must say it cannot be easy to keep a city such as this going. I think maybe we would like to do some business with you. To all of out mutual benefit."
Sense Motive 12
Diplomacy 7 Yup, that went well
Cameron suspects that the mayor knows a good deal about why they are here. He doubts that they were the only ones gathering information last night. He hopes to remain vague and allow the others to guide the conversation where they want it to go. Personally, Cameron would prefer to dispense with the charade and just ask the mayor how much to get their friends back from the necromancer, but he doubts that would go over well, so, he just drops the vague hint about 'business'. He does watch the mayor's response, the gnoll's and the server's response as well. Cameron will also not allow ANY of the group to eat before he says a blessing over the food, and checks it magically for poison.
Perception 29 Hammish, 20 the gnoll, 32 the server.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Detect poison

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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  d20+1=9 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+9=15 ;
Monday May 23rd, 2016 8:57:54 PM
OOC: Sense Motive half orc 9, server 20. I'm on my phone so I can't read the spoiler for the server for the time being. Diplomacy Mayor 15.

Shel grins broadly at the mayor. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mayor. Murphy has the right of it. We've heard about some interesting fungi in the area. I'm Shel, by the way. So nice to make your acquaintance."

Shel looks around and grabs some bread, cheese, and fruit. She pours herself a cup of the hot tea and adds just a bit of honey to round out the flavor. She waits to see if the Mator has any questions for the group, not wanting to reveal too much too early.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+11=18 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+1=13 ;
Monday May 23rd, 2016 10:11:21 PM
Sense Motive: 18, 14.

"So how did you get the name Ironfist?"

Diplomacy: 13



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+13=26 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+14=17 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 1:41:05 AM
Alleah stays silent, but smiles and nods to the mayor. The rest of the party have asked the poignant questions and she doesn't want to crowd the man with any more. She keeps her eyes open however and looks about the room. She's curious to see if the mayor is alone, or whether he has any guards with him.

She will happily pick at the bread, cheese and fruit but stays well clear of the sausages. What goes into them at the best of times is a mystery to her, but when you're in a town that harbours a necromancer taxidermist and undead, well, you don't eat the meat.

Alleah looks at the elf with curiosity, and then gives a smile and a nod to the gnoll. She approaches the table where the gnoll woman sits, and then leans in close and whispers something to the gnoll Highlight to display spoiler: {"Do you know why elves have pointy ears? Well obviously there's got to be some point to elves!"} Alleah giggles, and with the ice hopefully broken she straightens and asks politely "The name's Alleah. Mind if I join you?"

-------------------------
Sense Motive vs DC15: 26
Sense Motive vs DC10: 31
Perception: 17

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+9=24 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+17=25 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 7:57:32 AM
Sense Motive checks: 24, 15.

Stealth 34.

Before setting foot in this town, Bliss has been as super-sneaky as can be. He has kept to the shadows, ducked under cover, and spoken only to his friends. That's still the case. Coming down to breakfast, Bliss continues to stay as out of sight as possible.

However, he listens and watches! He realizes that this half-orc is a Person Of Importance. And the words of his friends reinforce that. He listens to what they say, and keeps his low profile.

Bliss tries to keep alert, in case there are any sneaky things going on. Perception 25

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+8=12 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+5=12 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 9:43:02 AM
(Sense motives 12 and 15. Pressi only catches the server.)

With the rest of the group occupied, Pressi piles on the food and makes her way to the elf. "Mind if I join you? If not, you have to tell me what race you really are." (Perception 31, Diplomacy 12). Pressi tries to keep her response to the inevitable rebuffs clean, but she can't promise anything.

"Yeah, I don't care about your discomfort," Pressi said, sitting down. "Hi, I'm Pressi. Courtesan to the trading group over there. And you might be?" In Elven, she adds "Highlight to display spoiler: {I just ask out of curiosity and security, as things aren't always what they seem, wouldn't you agree.}"

Pressi inevitably introduces herself to the human group as well, bringing her usual diplomacy flair to the table.

Is it Really Iron? - DM Mark  d20=19 ; d20=7 ; d20=19 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 12:21:50 PM
Murphy responds to this new visitor, indicating they are traders interested in establishing commerce, importing goods and buying mushrooms here in Bright Springs. He asks if they do sell mushrooms and introduces himself.

Cameron says he is impressed the Mayor chose to meet them, and so very early in the morning as well. Suggesting that they might do business with the town, he is not able to get much a read on this man. For anyone, Sense Motive DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {He seems to accept Cameron’s words as they are said. He notices Cameron casting a spell, but says nothing.}

Cameron’s sharp eye will note that the Mayor seems to look at each of your group individually, and at Cameron a bit longer than the others.

Shel introduces herself, and takes some food.

Kezzem asks how he got the name Ironfist.

Bliss remains hidden, and his sharp eyes will note an armored shoulder at the edge of the window, and the scuff of a boot outside the door. He does not see anyone looking in the window. Nothing else seems amiss.

Pressi grabs some food, and goes to sit with the elf in the corner. As she sits, the elf will say in common, “What are you doing?” As Pressi continues, he replies in elvish, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Ugh, you halflings are all the same - no manners or sense of boundaries. I have no desire to make a new friend today, nor do I want to play your little games. Go. Away. Shoo."}

Alleah moves past the group, and over to where the gnoll sits. She makes a whispered joke, and she and the gnoll laugh as the gnoll looks at the elf. He gives the two a sharp glance, and turns back to Pressi. The woman seems glad for the company, and begins to talk with Alleah, introducing herself as Yousessa. She is nicely dressed, the hair covering her body looks clean and groomed. She wears little more than bedclothes under the robe. She says that she works here in the Emporium, and asks where Alleah is from and what brings her to Bright Springs? She also keeps an eye on the Mayor and Humble’s Sword.

Mayor Hammish Ironfist is sitting at a small table by himself as you come downstairs, and I assume the group is at the next closest table. The server sets out hot tea, cheese, cold sausages, bread and fruit. He apologizes for the meager fare this early in the morning, but the stove is just getting started and will not be warm for a while yet. Cam asks for a beer, which is brought and offered to others.

In response to Kezzem’s question, the Mayor removes his gauntlets revealing large, scarred hands. “You can see the reference is not literal, but I have found that an iron grip and a firm hand keep order in a town. We do not take kindly to disruption here in Bright Springs, but we welcome visitors and traders such as yourselves.” In doing so, he looks at the two humans and the elf. The humans return a nod. The elf seems distracted by Pressi.

As you greet the Mayor, he responds, “We are not a charity, and beggars in town are put to work. But you do not look like any sort of beggars or ne'er-do-wells. Interested in mushrooms? Well, there seem to be a lot for sale here. What the town trades in mostly is iron, both ingots and manufactured goods. I do not know if the town you hail from has need of such - what town is that, but the way?”

If you are evasive about the town you are from: Highlight to display spoiler: { He will press the point, and if you still will not say, he will say that it is hard to do business with a place that does not exist.}. If you mention Humble’s Ford or the Crescent Valley: Highlight to display spoiler: { he will say that he has heard of the place but has never been there, and that you are a long, long way from home}.

The Mayor will get up from the table, grab a couple sausages and an apple, and say, "Welcome to Bright Springs." His tone is flat - neither welcoming nor hostile. "I trust you will be respectful of our laws and enjoy your time here. If you run into trouble, alert the guard. They will see that I am informed. Good day." And with that, looks ready to leave.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+8=11 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 2:02:22 PM
Sense Motive on Hammish 11 no good
Cameron notes how the mayor looks at each of them, including how long he looks at Cameron.The man is trying to reach some sort of decision. Cameron's palms are itching to just ask him about the necromancer, and the wizards, but still he holds his tongue as his eyes plead with the others to open the subject. Instead he presses on following the Mayor's own line of speech.
" That was one of the tales I heard last night. You may not be loved as a mayor for your soft heart and kind ways, but you are at the very least well respected for the order you keep here. You mention the city's laws. Are there any that are different from other towns? I heard last night that everything here has a cost, even praying with a follower when you are a priest is cause for payment. I found that a bit odd. Is there no room for any charity here?"
He does not say it accusingly, but more of an incredulous question. Everyone had room in their hearts for charity, even if only a little.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Detect poison

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+9=25 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 7:17:13 PM

Murphy nods politely as Cameron speaks of respect and order.

Responding to the Mayor's question, he says, "Oh, we hail from Crescent Valley, just north of the Red Hills, sir." Then he adds, "And, before you leave, your honor, two quick things. Who would be the best person in town to discuss mushroom acquistion, and also, might you direct us to the establishment of the taxidermist, Mister Uthvas, I think it is? We heard he may have something of interest to us, and we perhaps for him. We would like to speak with him briefly, if it would be convenient."

[Diplomacy: 25]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=10 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+8=20 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 8:40:05 PM
Pressi stares at the rude elf in horror. "Highlight to display spoiler: {How DARE you accuse me of being a stereotypical halfling devoid of manners and boundaries. I have put my heart and soul in the removal of manners and boundaries. I have raised my lack of manners and boundaries to heights that you cannot even comprehend.}."

Pressi began to settle in, trying to determine something about the elf - his dialect perhaps? (Know Local 10). "I have to admit that its so interesting to find elven traders this far south. Our competition perhaps? I just can't help but be curious as to what brings you all this way from... My apologies, I'm not even sure where you must be from. But as I said, we are looking to expand trade routes in all directions, so perhaps you may not want to simply brush us off." (Diplomacy 10)

As Hammish speaks, Pressi listens (Sense motive 20 - whew). She decides that he seems to be buying their activities well enough.

Pressi inevitably finds her way to the human table, and asks to sit down. "So, are you two visitors or traders? Because it doesn't seem like we're in the center of the tourism industry here. I'm sure you've already heard our deal, but we are rather interested in hearing where you are from."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+13=15 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+5=16 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 10:17:40 PM
Alleah is glad the gnoll seems friendly. She sits down and has a quiet chat with her.

"Nice to meet you, Yousessa. We've actually travelled quite some way. More than we planned in fact. Do you know Crescent Valley? Us halflings are thriving there. So much so that we need to expand our mushroom crops. That's why we're here. To buy more.

I also found something very unusual, and was told to seek out a man named Uthvas here. Do you know him? Is he friendly too?"

-----------------------------------------
Sense Motive: 15
Perception: 27
Diplomacy: 24
Bluff: 16

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 11:34:49 PM
Shel waited until the mayor left before addressing the others. "What was all that about? I wonder if he personally addresses each group of merchants who come to town? He must not have any time to govern if he's out meeting and greeting all the time. Well, when everyone gets finished, I say we go do some 'mushrooming...'l

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday May 24th, 2016 11:53:36 PM

Did the mayor look at Bliss when he looked at everybody?

Bliss stays still and quiet and keeps a low profile.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 12:35:18 AM
"Don't worry, Mister Mayor Sir, there's not 'mushroom' in this town for us to get in any trouble."


Putting the Press in Pressi - DM Mark 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 10:53:25 AM
Cameron tells the Mayor he is respected in his town, and that he was told that everything has a cost here. He honestly asks, “is there is no room for any charity here?

Murphy says the group is from the Crescent Valley, north of the Red Hills. He asks whom he should contact about mushrooms, and where they might find Uthvas the taxidermist. Murphy says Uthvas may have something of interest to the party, and the party something for him. “We would like to speak with him briefly, if it would be convenient,” he says.

In response to the elf’s rude demeanor and request that he be left alone, Pressi decides to press the issue and goad him a bit more. She asks some more questions, which the elf ignores. She listens to the Mayor as he speaks with the others. For Pressi: Highlight to display spoiler: { The Mayor seems to be evaluating the group and their responses}. Then she leaves the elf to ask the pair of human men what they’re about, and where they are from. “Well, well. A little woman. We don’t often see halflings hereabouts. I am Clegas and this is my son Ham. I am a blacksmith by trade, and we’re here to buy quality iron. We bring back more than we need to sell and earn a bit for our troubles. Our town, Frog Hollow, is a day or so south of here.” She seems to make a good impression on the men, who are polite. She can see that they wear quality clothes and carry blacksmith’s hammers on their belts, which likely serve as weapons as well.

Alleah talks with Yousessa. She tells the gnoll the group is from the Crescent Valley, and that they came all this way to buy more mushrooms. “The Crescent Valley. I’ve never heard of that place. How far away is that?” After Alleah answers, she looks at Alleah slyly, “Mushrooms? That seems like an awfully long way to travel for mushrooms. But whatever reason you are here is your secret to tell.” When Alleah asks about Uthvas, Yousessa glances at Hammish, and says in a low voice, “Not now.” And a bit louder, “Well, Bright Springs can be a bit dreary, but it’s the travellers that brighten things up.” She continues with small talk for a bit. Alleah does not believe she’s being lied to by this gnoll, though this is still a gnoll. Her sharp eyes reveal nothing more about the woman, nor does she detect any threats in the room. At least none beyond the occasional icy stares from the elf in the corner.

Bliss keeps a low profile, and remains unnoticed by the Mayor and others. At least as far as he knows.

Kezzem makes a pun, and received a droll look from the Mayor, and a rather alarmed look from their server, who glances between them and the Mayor.

The Mayor, having already risen from his seat to leave, looks down at Cameron, “Laws? The laws here are about what you would expect - don’t cause a problem and you won’t have an issue. Charity? Kevas, the high priest of Ffloy, tells us that ‘the worker is worth his wages,’ and ‘there is no need for charity when there is work to be done.’ You will find no beggars here in Bright Springs. Ffloy forbids it. Kevas sees to the spiritual well being of the town, and I handle keeping the peace. It’s a good partnership. Respect our citizens and our rules and you’ll have no problems.”

To Murphy, “Mushrooms. I care not for the mushroom trade. Seek the information you want in the town square, or at Wemby’s Mercantile. As for Uthvas, you’ll have to work out what is convenient with him. But as I said, respect our citizens and you won’t have any trouble.”

Without further word, he makes for the door leading out of the inn. As he opens the door, bright sunlight streams in for a moment, and you can see through the window that he picks up a couple guards as he continues away from the inn.

The server and and the gnoll courtesan stare at your group for a moment, and then look away. The humans look a bit puzzled. The Elf has a sour look on his face.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 12:47:45 PM
Kezzem sticks his tongue out at the elf.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 9:59:26 PM
"Alright, breakfast is over. We have our business to attend to," Shel says as she claps her hands and stands up. "Is everyone else ready to go to work?"

"That mayor is certainly big on respect, isn't he? Makes me wonder if he's had some rows in town in the past. Thankfully, we aren't looking for any trouble," she says, hoping the others nearby hear her words.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 10:25:27 PM

Murphy finishes his last morsel. "Yep. First stop: The Mercantile. Oh, I'll be right back." He races up the stairs, back to the room. In about two and a half minutes, he is back with the group, and heads out the door.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 11:28:25 PM
Alleah grins to Yousessa. Obviously the bluff about mushroom traders didn't convince her. With the mayor gone and Murphy headed upstairs Alleah takes a moment to say farewell to Yousessa, but also to get a few last bits of information.

"You wouldn't happen to know which house is Uthvas' would you? We could use the directions"

After that, Alleah will stand and thank Yousessa for the chat, ready to depart with the party.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday May 25th, 2016 11:35:50 PM

Bliss tags along with the group. Mookie too, but trying to keep a low profile for once.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 8:26:06 AM
Cameron frowns. This had been the perfect opportunity to be up front with the mayor and find out what his price for a clean conscience was. Now they ran the risk of breaking the laws of the town and running afoul of the mayor and his guards.
" I'll be outside in the square."
He says simply. He steps outside and walks to the shrine to see whether or not the offerings he made were accepted last night by Jancassis.

Out on the Town - DM Mark  d20=4 ; d20=6 ;
Thursday May 26th, 2016 1:28:16 PM
Kezzem, seeing that Pressi’s has already antagonized this elf, decides to cement the creature’s opinion of halflings by sticking his tongue out at the elf. The elf stares at Kezzem in disgust and says, “children” before looking away.

Shel indicates she’s ready to go. She says that this Mayor is big on respect, and is glad this group is not looking for trouble.

Murphy also is ready to go, and says their first stop will be the mercantile.

Bliss and Mookie follow along, keeping a low profile.

Once the Mayor has left, Alleah asks Yousessa for directions to Uthvas’ house.

Yousessa says in a low voice, “Ugh, Uthvas - that fat pig. He’s been in here before, but I refuse to be his companion - I don’t care how much gold he has. He stinks of rot and solvents and other weird smells. But some of the workers here don’t care - girls and boys. Uthvas isn’t picky. We haven’t seen him in a while though, which is fine with me.”

“His house, well, it’s a low, squat structure built into the hillside.” She will describe it’s location upland on the West side of town, away from the lake. “I understand he has visitors from time to time. Some come in through the town, others just appear outside his house. They knock on the door and either go in or go away. Used to be he did taxidermy, but he turns that business away these days. Not sure what he does, but it must be profitable. He still supports the town, Hammish in particular. He’s another one I’ll not spend time with. He’s rough, if you know what I mean. I have enough standing that I can be a bit choosy in my clients.”

Cameron, laments that they were not up front with the Mayor about their business with Uthvas. He steps outside to check on the shrine to Jancasis. Cameron will find that his offerings are still there. He would find it unusual in an unattended shrine for them to be gone. In fact, having his offerings there serve as a reminder that the shrine has been visited and is in use.

The others follow soon. The elf in the corner of the inn mutters something. Perception DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { “and good riddance.”}

As you all step out into the town square, you see that it is just beginning to come to life. Carts are moving, chimney’s begin to emit smoke. There is still something of a sour smell to the air - probably from the smelting works. Stalls are being uncovered. Foods are laid out - vegetables, breads, and mushrooms. Lots of mushrooms, both fresh and dried. There are also some dried meats. Cameron gets a few curious stares, but as they see him enter the shrine they tend to look away.

Assuming you all go to Wemby’s Mercantile, you draw a lot of attention as you cross the square to what looks to be one of the better kept buildings in town. The paint looks to be in good shape and there are a few patrons. As you enter, you see an spectacled, elderly man behind the counter. He has a pinched expression on his face. There is no one else in the store at the moment. The store holds a variety of hard goods and foodstuffs.

“What? Hey, you need to come back with your parents. Go on!” Then he adjusts his spectacles, “Oh, halflings. You must be new here. How can I help you?” His tone is brusk and businesslike.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=16 ; d20+13=22 ;
Thursday May 26th, 2016 1:58:30 PM
Perception: 16

"Never trust an Elf," mutters Kezzem as they leave.

----

"We represent the Kezzem-Murph Mushroom Company, and we are here to purchase some mushrooms for the coming festival in the Crescent Valley. Show me the mushrooms!"

Bluff: 22

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=28 ;
Thursday May 26th, 2016 2:52:23 PM

Murphy has no trouble hearing the elf's muttered dismissal of the group. He's met nicer ones. "Wonder what got into his porridge?" Murphy asks cheerfully as he steps out onto the street.

At Kezzem's introduction, Murphy smiles and looks to Alleah to see whether she will again offer her correction for the name of their trading company. Rather than totally gainsay either friend, he adds, "We also go by the name Magnificent Mushies - though our own supplies are pretty near all ate up, which is why we're stopping by. Tell me, is the proprietor of the Mercantile available?"

[Perception: 28]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 2:56:08 PM

Then, realizing that this elderly man is the only one in the store, Murphy quickly thinks to add, "Of course, then, likely you are the owner here, if I'm not mistaken. We are exploring establishing trade between this town and yours, with us getting mushrooms from here, and exporting some of our assets - like good pipeweed - to you all here. Is that anything you might have an interest in?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 6:40:21 PM
As he awaits a reply, Murphy pulls out a piece of paper, and jots down a few notes, awaiting a response. At the bottom, he writes, "We need to find a lawyer - for contracts. And to inquire a bit into the local laws on a few matters." He makes the note visible to his nearby friends, not to anyone else. He is not passing it around, just holding it so someone at his side can see what he wrote.

He is thinking to himself that if there are laws against necromantic activities, or enslavement, or the slow killing of innocents, that he wants to have something on their side should their near future activities bring them again into contact with Hammish Ironfist.

He also hopes someone in the party is a better mushroom negotiator than he is. How inadequate a tactic it is to let someone know your aims before gaining more information.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 7:40:15 PM
"I really have no idea what that elf's deal is," Pressi remarked to Murphy. "We had a quite nice conversation, a lot of laughs, some sharing of travel tips... Well, I've already forgotten him."

"Frankly, I'm getting a little worried that nobody is buying this cover story. Oh, if only we thought to bring more carts and horses."

With everyone else heading to the merchantile, Pressi takes some time to stop off at the metal and leather goods shop to get some idea about their wares and prices. Eventually, she begins to ask about the general economy and trade aspects, eventually asking about their fellow traders they met this morning. (Diplomacy Take 10 for 15).

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 9:12:52 PM
Alleah isn't really interested in going to the Mercantile shop, but follows along. Now that they were in the town she thinks they should just head straight to Uthvas' house before word reaches him that they are here. Especially now since they had that unexpected meeting with the Mayor.

"I'm with Pressi. Our cover story is wearing thin. Let's get to Uthvas. And quickly"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 9:37:02 PM

"Sure." In halfling, Murphy replies to Alleah, [i]"Say, Trill - would you check on an attorney in town? Find out who represents the law here. We may need to consult with such fairly soon. Then join us at the planned destination once you know that."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday May 26th, 2016 10:20:46 PM
Shel was with Alleah on this one. The two mages were no doubt on their last legs, if they were even still alive. As soon as they made a scene at the Mercantile, they needed to be on their way to the former necromancer's. "I agree, Alleah. As soon as we finish up here, I think we should be on our way quickly."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday May 27th, 2016 3:29:47 AM
Alleah responds to Murphy in Halfling "We don't have time for this or for seeking legal aid. Let's just get to our destination before its too late"

She heads to the door and steps outside.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=17 ;
Friday May 27th, 2016 3:53:04 AM
Perception check: 17 to see if anyone is paying the party undue attention / following us.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=13 ;
Friday May 27th, 2016 8:49:22 AM
Cameron believed that they should have abandoned the ruse as soon as the mayor seemed to not buy it and ask the real questions, like how much would be required for them to get their friends and leave quietly. But this wasn't his lead, so he kept quiet.
Murphy was right that they would need a lawyer if they were to proceed with caution and not step on any toes. Cameron thought that ship had sailed too. Anything they did now was most likely going to upset somebody's apple cart, and they needed to get it done as soon as possible. There was still the possibility of negotiating with the necromancer, but that window seemed to be closing. They needed to go, now, before the necromancer did something to hide his involvement in this or summoned the guard to turn them away, or created a horde of undead to eat them when they arrived.
" Murphy, time is wasting, we need to go."
Perception looking for people watching them 13
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday May 27th, 2016 2:47:34 PM

Murphy agrees with his friends. He does ask Trill to find an attorney, then meet up with the rest of the group at Uthvas' place. He will wait briefly for the merchant's reply, thank him, then say, "Would you be so kind as to put together pouches with each mushroom type, and a note with the name of the mushroom, any notes regarding how they are used for cooking and such. I expect to be back later. Here are ten gold pieces, and, if there is more to pay when picking them up, please let me know."

Then he heads off with his friends.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday May 27th, 2016 5:04:00 PM
"Let's go, Murph, we're off to see the wizard."

The first thing we do, let's get a lawyer - DM Mark  d20=9 ; d20=8 ; d20=7 ;
Friday May 27th, 2016 7:15:46 PM
The party, now that they believe they know the location of Uthvas’ house, visits Wemby’s Mercantile.

Kezzem says, “Show me the mushrooms!”

Murphy asks the venerable shopkeeper, who is alone behind the counter, if the proprietor of the mercantile is available. Realizing this likely the proprietor, he says the group is interested in establishing trade between their town and Bright Springs, perhaps trading pipeweed for mushrooms. Then he begins to take notes, writing a message on paper in a way that only to his friends can see, and suggests they get a lawyer. Murphy asks Trill to go check into a lawyer, and then meet them at “the planned destination” once he finds a lawyer.

The shopkeeper says, “I am Wembly. You kids, er, folks are an odd bunch. Seems like you’re new to this business.” He gets a hungry look in his eye. “Hmmmm. Establish trade you say? I’m sure we can do business, but where are you from? Do you have established trade routes? Where is this pipeweed from, and how do I know it’s any good? How much did you bring, and where is it now? What sort of terms are you offering? If you’re not sure, I can guide you through this process.”

Pressi is concerned their ruse of being mushroom traders is wearing thin. Alleah agrees, as does Shel, and they suggest haste. Alleah speaks in halfling.

Cameron also voices his concerns that time is wasting and they need to go. He and the rest of the party notices that there are no other halflings in town, and they are certainly draw attention wherever they go.

Alleah does not see anyone following them.

Pressi decides to visit the metal and leather goods shop to see if the humans in the inn are legit. The shopkeeper there will confirm that they have been in to look at his goods, but they didn’t buy anything. They seemed to just be looking at the workmanship of his goods. “So, little lady, are you also just here to browse and check up on my his craft, or are you actually going to buy something?” His prices are fair, and there are a few masterwork items here along with those of average quality.

Meanwhile, back at the store, with everyone pushing for haste, Murphy asks Wemby to just package up some mushrooms with information for each. “Now look here,”he begins, but then he sees the the gold. “Very well. When will you be back?”

The party sets off for Uhtvas’ house. They arrive across the street from a squat structure is built partially into the hillside. On the left is a single door with a string to a bell out front. The windows are shuttered with metal shutters. On the far right are great stone doors built into the hillside.

There are a few people a small ways away, townsfolk going about their daily chores. A couple seem to duck behind buildings and peer out at the group, seemingly interested in what will happen next.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday May 27th, 2016 7:43:08 PM
Skulking about with townsfolk watching would not do. Time to move like they had a purpose. "Ok, just like we planned"

Alleah walks right up to the door and boldly rings the bell.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=35 ; d20+22=37 ;
Friday May 27th, 2016 9:16:43 PM

Before Trish leaves, he adds in halfling, "After the lawyer, could you make sure our mounts are being well attended to, as well? As maybe ask the stable hands how long it would take to saddle them up. Shoot, just have them saddle them up. Sorry to have you doing the outside work, Trish, but we don't really have anyone with us in town who can handle that sort of thing. Oh, you might make discreet inquiries as to the best way to Dourscale, as well."

Murphy quickly answers the man's questions. He gives him a few pinches of his remaining pipeweed. "This is far from our best, but does smoke smooth." He lays it on whatever clean surface he can find for Wembly to gather up. "We're from way up north, in Crescent Valley. Our valley used to have heavy trade routes into the Red Hills, and we would like to see that sort of thing again. I hope we can discuss things more, perhaps late this afternoon. I look forward to seeing what we can work out. I'm Murphy."

He waves a friendly farewell, and heads off with the group. If someone saw where Pressi went, he pokes his head in the shop. "We're heading over. Buy something if you want, then run to catch up." He then continues on.

As they walk, in halfling he says, "As usual, I suppose we'll play it by ear, then enjoy multiple recriminations afterwards. Good luck, all!" In common, he says to Bliss (if he can see him - Perception 35), "I just wished us all good luck. You've got to listen better as I try to teach you our language, friend."

When they arrive at Uthvas' place, he looks about with an appraising eye, gathering the layout, noting the stone doors in the hillside, and looking upwards to see if there may be any venting or openings in the hillside above.

After that, he joins Alleah at the door.

[Perception for scan of Uthvas' place: 37]

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday May 27th, 2016 11:34:37 PM
Bliss keeps to the shadows, as close to the party as his ability will allow.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday May 27th, 2016 11:38:34 PM
This was the part of the plan that worried Shel. She took a deep breath and joined the others at the door. She briefly considered making herself Invisible, but in the event of legitimate negotiations, she didn't want to mess things up. "Easy peasy, right guys?"

In the few seconds before the door was opened, she did quickly cast Protection from Evil in herself. Just to be safe m

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=23 ;
Saturday May 28th, 2016 12:34:33 AM
Kezzem looks around and prepares to Bluff.

Perception: 23

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Saturday May 28th, 2016 10:18:53 AM
Cameron tried to ignore Murphy's recriminations as they walked to the house. Being the party downer was his job, and Murphy was no where near as good at it. When Alleah does not even hesitate, he smiles and falls in a step behind her. Quietly he asks." Hard or soft? Are we going in questions flying or are we staying with the ruse we are pretty sure has been blown?"
Based on her answer he prepares...
If she says hard, he whispers to the air around him. " Bliss, make me big please. Keep me that size for as long as you can."
Cameron has no more prepared spells that will help them right away, so he holds onto them. He will attempt to get a boot in the doorway as soon as it opens and get them in the front door, forcibly if necessary, hopefully it will not be needed.
If she says soft, Cameron remains by her side, a silent guardian devoted to his goddess and to protecting their speaker, whom he assumes will be Alleah since she is out in front on this one.
Once inside he attempts to find a personal item of Uthvas's, a bit of hair, a nail clipping, anything he can use to cast detect victim.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

Spells and effects on Cameron
Enlarge person, maybe

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 53, CMD 22 
Saturday May 28th, 2016 10:48:35 AM
Pressi kind of shrugged at the trader. "I guess I'm just looking. Don't really have a lot of need for weapons and armor as a mo... shroom dealer. But maybe some of our trader's guards like Cameron and Trill would like to upgrade their weapons." If available, she does buy a flint and steel for 1 gp. If they have masterwork shuriken, she keeps that in mind in case she gets a chance to buy later. (She asks if they are looking to buy any metal or leather items, i.e. as part of a trade.)

As Murphy sticks his head in, she wraps up the trade.

In response to the worries of Murphy and Cameron, she shrugs. Sometimes, you have to play it by ear, and they are good at it. "I think we stay with the ruse, even just to see what happens. Besides, it's not like pretending to be mushroom dealers is illegal. If you will excuse me, though...."

Pressi breaks off to address the crowd. "I don't know what you all are expecting to see. Halfling or not, we basically buy and sell stuff just like you. But just so we're clear, it's five gold a picture."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday May 28th, 2016 4:01:00 PM

[Murphy was not offering recriminations. He was simply forecasting the possibility of them. It was a light attempt at humor.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Saturday May 28th, 2016 8:20:03 PM
[I don't think anyone was insulted. I think characters like Cameron and Pressi were just reacting the way they would - and agreeing by the way. But it was never like we were going to play this like a Le Carre novel. It was always going to be play it by ear and hope for the best. At any rate, I don't think anyone thought Murphy was offering recriminations or otherwise attacking him.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday May 28th, 2016 11:25:45 PM
Alleah whispers back to Cameron "I think we go with Bliss' plan. I wouldn't call it hard or soft - rather 'direct'. We ask him outright and then act accordingly."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday May 29th, 2016 2:10:12 PM

Ah - I had meant to pass these out earlier this morning. Three vials of antotoxin, three mushroom-spore infused bandages (cure light wounds1d8+1). Just mention if you took one, and add it to your sheet.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David) 
Sunday May 29th, 2016 11:57:10 PM
I'll be filling in Dave, he's having a medical issue.
John C

DM Mark - Thanks John.

The first thing we do, let's get a lawyer - DM Mark 
Monday May 30th, 2016 10:45:29 AM
(Today's post will be a bit late. Returning from vacation.)

Knock, Knock - DM Mark 
Monday May 30th, 2016 7:52:14 PM
Murphy and Pressi abruptly wrap up their trade. (Pressi purchase what she wants - mundane goods, standard prices.)

The party has arrived at what they were told was likely Uthvas’ house. A couple of townsfolk seem to be watching with some sort of anticipation, muttering to each other as they do so.

Murphy’s practiced eye scans the dwelling that back up to the hillside. He can see it has a stout front door on the left, and stout shutters cover windows in the middle. The great stone doors on the right are built into a wall that fronts the hillside there. The stone doors look little used, though he can see that there are scrape marks before them on the ground indicating they open out. Murphy passes out some goods he bought.

Bliss stays to the shadows as they approach. (Stealth roll please.)

Shel casts Protetion from Evil on herself, just to be safe.

Kezzem prepares to bluff.

Cameron asks about their approach here, and asks Bliss to make him big. Trouble is, it’s hard to know where that little guy is.

Alleah walks up to the door and rings the bell.

After a few moments, you hear the sound of a couple locks being opened. A small, grey, winged imp-like creature flaps it’s bat-like wings as it pulls the door open about 1 foot. This creature has a slightly bulbous nose. It’s about the size of Bliss, maybe about 16” tall. It flaps it’s wings, settling to the ground at the edge of the door as it glares up at you.

“Who's there? State your business!”

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+6=25 ; d20+12=21 ;
Monday May 30th, 2016 9:36:37 PM
Cameron raises an eyebrow, still unsure if they are doing this the hard or the soft way as no one had answered him. He eyes up the creature, trying to decide what it is...
He also continues to look around for a small piece of Uthvas that he can use....

Know Planes 25
Perception 21

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday May 30th, 2016 11:44:19 PM
"Yes, we are here to see Uthvas.". Shel didn't want to add any more, waiting to see if any of the others had a preferred plan and whether or not they wanted to stick to their cover story.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=22 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 12:11:46 AM
Bluff: 22

"We are here to consult with Uthvas," says Kezzem.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+7=14 ; d20+22=27 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 12:38:36 AM

"We have something which may be of interest to him," Murphy adds.

Sense motive: 14
Perception: 27

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20=18 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+13=15 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 2:35:55 AM
Alleah stands with her nose raised and her arms crossed, trying to put on a show of being 'high and mighty'.

"Hurry up now. One does not wish to be standing on the doorstep all day"

-----------------------------------
Intimidate check if required: 18 + 4 for being larger than the target = 22
Perception: 16
Sense Motive: 15

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 6:10:48 AM

[Alleah did respond to Cameron - see her post Saturday May 28th, 2016 11:25:45 PM]

Knock, Knock - DM Mark  d20=3 ; d20=17 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 11:06:21 AM
(This is an additional post to facilitate the conversation.)

Cameron and Murphy can see that this is a small foyer - he can see about 10’ or so. There is a good deal of clutter beyond this creature. A musty smell emanates from the open doorway. You can see what may be a cat in the shadows inside, but it’s hard to tell from here.

Cameron is not sure what this creature is, but it does not match any extra-planar creatures he had heard of. It lacks some of the telltale aspects of demons and devils.

The creature seems unfazed by Alleah’s attempts at bravado. His only motive seems to be getting an answer to his question.

The creature pauses for a moment and then responds to the group, “I will ask you but once more. What is your business with Uthvas?”

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=27 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 12:51:10 PM
Bluff: 27

"Are you deaf? We already said we wish to consult with him on something he may find of interest," says Kezzem. Now be a pretty little bird-thing and go fetch your master. He would not want us to be kept waiting."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 1:28:50 PM

"We'd like to buy something unusual, and we have something unusual," adds Murphy. "The details we would be happy to discuss with him directly."

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+6=23 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 1:46:00 PM
Cameron takes a step forward and sticks his foot inside the door jam. (question is Cameron Enlarged Bliss?)
He looks at the little creature and says, "We understand Uthvas has recently come to be caring for two of our friends, a couple halfling wizards and we are here to escort them back to their homes. Now run along and please get your master so we can discuss this matter with him personally."

Diplomacy 23

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 2:30:21 PM

And... at that point Murphy pushes past the door's guardian, since Cameron has single-handedly provided the information to fully alert and arm Uthvas against the party's aims. "Excuse me," he says as he goes into the room.

Yes, thanks to Cameron's foolishness, there likely will be recriminations. Always acting against the will of the others. His growing fondness for the avenger has suddenly diminished.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+3=22 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+5=21 ;
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 3:36:15 PM
Pressi watched in horror from the street as Cameron and Murphy rushed through the doors before turning to the onlookers. "The price of photos just went up to 8 gp."

They had actually gone over the plan several times, but it would appear nobody could take notes on the situation. We are mushroom traders. We found a weird mushroom in a strange plane. We are looking to see if we can trade information that could help his necromancy stuff. How is half of us not getting this? Yes, hinting at this out in the open is a bit tricky, but it's doable.

"Gentlemen," Pressi began with a staccato accent, as she began to consider ways they might salvage diplomacy. She walked towards the door with as much purpose as she could muster, and recognized the irony that the LG has to lie them out of trouble. (OOC: I might have to replace Pressi with a face character if this keeps up.) "Gentlemen, surely we have not forgotten our manners, or the mission that we have undertaken."

If it becomes clear that the group or the imp is done with diplomacy, she helps keep the door open, with a strength check of 22. Otherwise, if the group lets her try and the imp is willing to listen, she continues to walk towards the group.

"You must forgive our quite rambunctious entry and this unprofessional intrusion. It would appear that some of our "talented" apprentices (Pressi slaps Shel on the back of the head at talented.) are completely incapable of controlling their men. It will not happen a second time.

"Who we are... well, I am sure that you have heard rumors of us "ordinary" mushroom traders. And we, of course, have heard of the illustrious and fascinating studies done by your "just as ordinary" taxidermist." Pressi finally took out her hidden hand, surreptitiously disguised under the "Hat of Disguise" and some clown makeup, to look suspiciously withered and ghostlike. "We wish to discuss matters your boss might have of market. As in "Koshe Maar" Ket? A little out of the way place on one of our plains? We found a little planar activity that might be of some concern. And of course, we wish to discuss a couple of our mutual... playthings, I mean friends.

"Obviously, we have much to discuss that are not for prying eyes. Surely, we could find a more private area to discuss these matters without violating your security. Though I do find your master's fear in facing us to be... perplexing."

(Disguise 29. I'm hoping this grants a circumstance bonus. Non-circumstance bonus rolls - Bluff 18, Diplomacy 21).

Home Invasion!


Ready Or Not, Here We Come - DM Mark 
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 9:24:57 PM
The creature asks the group their business with Uthvas.

Kezzem tells the creature they wish to consult with Uthvas on something he may find of interest.

Murphy says they would like to buy something unusual, and have something unusual for Uthvas.

Cameron says he seeks a a couple halfling wizards Uthvas is caring for. He puts his foot in the doorway for emphasis. He is sincere in his forcefulness.

Murphy says, “Excuse me,” and pushes his way into a jumbled room. As he does so, the door swings open, the small, winged creature being no match for Murphy in his haste. As he does so, he sees that the creature holds a brass key in the hand he had on the door.

Pressi addresses the onlookers. As Cameron and then Murphy move beyond talking, the spectators seem very interested, almost gleeful at this diversion from their usual tasks. A crowd starts to gather, but they stay generally hidden behind nearby dwellings. They speak in loud whispers, easy for Pressi to hear.

“Oooo, trouble at Uthvas’ house!”
“Hey, there are some folks pushing into that creepy house.”
“Uthvas is not gonna like that.”
“They’re going into that dark place, and that weird critter seems upset!”
“Fun! Go tell Henras - he’s not gonna want to miss this.”
“Neither will Gesla. She watches this place all the time, and when something finally happens, she’s nowhere to be seen. She’s gonna be mad if she misses this.”

Pressi moves up to the doorway, pushing the door further open and moving past Cameron. She apologizes to the creature, and while her apology seems sincere, it is at odds with her behavior. Then she shows her “undead” arm, and refers to their travels in Koshe Maar.

The good sized room is dark, but light spills in from the doorway. This area is a jumbled mess of boxes and broken equipment. In addition, along the walls appear to be several motionless creatures: a bear, a puma, a boar, several birds mounted on the wall, and a very strange creature about the size of a badger, but with no head and a lumpy body. Sitting quietly in the corner with a tail occasionally twitching is what looks like a cat. The light in here is a bit dim, and it’s hard to see much detail in the ends of the room.

The tiny creature concentrates for a moment and then says, “This is most inappropriate! I don’t care who you are or what you have, you have not been invited in! You are to leave at once! You will be in a great deal of trouble!”

Here is your map.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday May 31st, 2016 9:48:16 PM
"Hey, no hitting! Cameron was clearly joking, hahahaha see?". Obviously, no one saw. Shel cast her Haste magic to make it easier for the group to move inside out of public view.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+6=19 ; d20+6=21 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 12:08:16 AM
Note: Cameron never stepped inside the door, he only put his foot in the doorway so it couldn't be closed easily.

Cameron gasps as several of the others barge into the room and start yelling at the servant. Hadn't the Mayor just told them to respect the citizens of the city and thusly nothing bad would happen to them.
Cameron bows to the servant and says, 'Please inform your master that I am here, my name is Cameron, an Avenger of Jancassais. I wish to discuss the topics I have previously informed you of. I will respectfully await for him right here."

Diplomacy 19
Know Religion 21 (to see if it's undead)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+6=23 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 12:27:41 AM
"Here we go again!"

Alleah turns her back to the door and the creature and looks to the crowd that is gathering. Guess this puts her on crowd control.

She raises her hands calling for calm "It's ok. Just a minor misunderstanding. Nothing to be concerned about. I do apologise for the disruption"

Diplomacy: 23

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=20 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 12:57:31 AM
"I'd go home and gather your nicest clothes and letters of reference," says Kezzem to the crowd. "There will be a new job opening soon. Utvas will be in the market for a new butler when he hears how rude this one is being."

Bluff: 20.

Bliss - DM Mark 
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 1:07:51 AM
Bliss, all sneaky-like, casts Enlarge Person on Cameron and fades back into the shadows.

Mookie perches on the roof.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+6=8 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+13=29 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 3:36:09 PM
*You know,* Pressi tried to message to the group with her own thoughts. *It would be nice if someone besides me stopped worrying about what the plan is and actually said more than two sentences to this guy, preferrably sentences that are contextually appropriate and try to shape a narrative so we can jump on it. I shouldn't have to hand out a word for word script to each person. Except Cameron. If you're that absolutely unsure what the rest of us are trying to do, silence is an acceptable option.*

Pressi collected her thoughts, trying to stay in character. Trying to bond with the character over sorcery, Pressi attempted to channel the thoughts of an old roommate, Qijia. What would she do, besides declare war on the chore chart?

"My apologies for insulting you so very easily. You seem quite busy with your door standing duties so I shall be brief and to the point. About a month ago, we seized one of the rather uninspired towers in the Crescent Valley, near a place called Humble's Ford. We slaughtered the citizens so that we may borrow their identities, and then began the process of collapsing the tower to temporarily open a portal in time and space. I believe my underling Nightshade... excuse me, "Alleah"... has particular proof of our travels in the form of a mushroom - now, now give him the mushroom please - of which your boss Uthvas might identify.

"The thing is that as part of our seizing of the tower, we also seized a group known as the second dinner club. Powerful mages that would complete our knowledge of the planar system and allow us entry to the darkest areas of the multiverse. Unfortunately, our entry into the other planes came to an end when you quite carelessly TOOK OUR RIGHTFUL PRIZE FOR YOURSELVES, SO DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT RUDENESS YOU LITTLE...

"Sorry, sorry, that was unprofessional of me. The point is that we have been quite interested in your work with the experiments on the second dinner club, and with your work with giant essences, with all sorts of work really. And so we have come to offer you a chance at a shared partnership. Together, Uthvas and I ... and us... will bring the necromatic arts to untold heights and you personally shall be rewarded with whatever your heart desires. Or if you're that uninterested and insulted, we can level this ridiculous hovel to the ground and leave. It is your choice, but I believe your master should be the one to make it, wouldn't you agree?

"We will gladly wait while you consult with him, but we will need his presence or an answer shortly. And I would prefer not to wait outside, as it is difficult for me to remain in my present form. Of course, Uthvas would be able to decide better if he could look me in the eye, would he not?"

(Bluff 8. Hero point spent to reroll Bluff 17. I'm hoping for a +5 circumstance bonus from the mushroom and if he can verify the tower collapse. Diplomacy 23.)

As Pressi spins her tale, unsure of how she is coming across to the creature, she looks around the room, taking some study at the door to the other room. She looks to see its sturdyness and its DC if locked (Perception 29).

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+9=11 ; d20+9=26 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 7:22:08 PM

At Pressi's outburst of increased vocal projection, Murphy elbowed her lightly. "Take it down a notch, dear." As she quickly dropped back to a more conversational level, he let her continue on. [Diplomacy, aid another, not too great - 11]

Following her "So, please pardon the lack of decorum," Murphy says, addressing the cat. "It seemed to me the door fellow was anxious to close the door. I may have misunderstood a bit." He turns to the little guy with the key. "However, we believe it would accrue to our mutual benefit if we were able to have an exchange with the master of this house." [Diplomacy 26]

A Proposal - DM Mark 
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 7:31:22 PM
Shel casts Haste on everyone.

Cameron is upset at the aggressive behavior of his friends. He asks the creature to tell his master that Cameron, an Avenger of Jancassis, will wait for his master here. Then Bliss casts Enlarge Person on him and he doubles in size - clearly now the largest person there. Cameron does not think this creature is undead.

Alleah address the handful of folks peeking out from windows and behind houses, apologizing for the minor disturbance. They shrink back at being addressed, seemingly not wanting to get involved. However, they remain quite interested, and if anything are a bit annoyed that there this may come to nothing.

Kezzem advises the crowd that there may be a job opening soon, given how rude this servant creature is.

Knowledge Arcana DC 16: Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a homunculus - it is a magical construct made to serve a mage.}
Knowledge Arcana DC 21: Highlight to display spoiler: {A homunculus is able to communicate telepathically with it’s master, but they usually cannot speak. It is immune to certain effects like poison, disease, and mind-affecting effects.}

The creature shouts, “Now you’ve done it. Now you’ve done it!”

It attempts to fly out of the door, past Murphy, Pressi and Cameron. “I would leave if I were you. Hammish does not take kindly to this kind of behavior in his town, but he’s really the least or your worries. A month or two in a work camp will be pleasure compared to what Uthvas will do to you.”

Then Pressi makes the case that they are fellow necromancers with Uthvas. The creature stops and pauses for a moment. Then he says, “Hmmm. Uthvas is not interested in any mushrooms, but he is interested in what you propose.” Speaking to Pressi, “Uthvas will meet with you. Alone. The rest of you wait outside.” The creature comes back in the room.

The cat seems to watch all of this lazily from his dark perch in the corner.

Here is your map.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 7:46:08 PM

[DM Mark - I think I posted just before you did - and you may have missed what Murphy said. I was about to add that he took a 5 foot step to T8, when I saw your post.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=24 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 8:37:42 PM
"Drat," says Kezzem, "And I had a breathable about us greeting attacked by snakes when we found those mushrooms in that extraplanar space. Enough is enough! I had not talking about these mother-pussbucket snakes and that mother pussbucket plane."

Bluff: 24 to distract the birdman thing.



Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=36 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+29=44 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 9:52:28 PM
[OOC: Thanks for doing Bliss. Yes, he is happy to cast Enlarge on anyone who wants it, and to recast as needed, every 3 minutes. And he has been renewing his Message, but not around strangers who might see/hear him cast his spells. Not bothering for ley line checks since these are cantrips and he'll just try again the next round.]

Stealth check for Bliss: 36.

Bliss keeps his eye and ears open: Perception 31.

Bliss whispers via Message to Pressi, "I'll go in if you do!"

He sneaks in with Pressi, if she enters. If you need a new stealth check, it is a 44.

A Proposal - DM Mark 
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 10:05:20 PM
The cat regards Murphy quietly. Up close, Murphy can see that this is a disturbing thing, actually made up from pieces of several different cats stitched together. It does not react to what he says.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Wednesday June 1st, 2016 10:18:39 PM
"I will not leave my mistress unattended" Alleah says quite firmly. If she was to play Pressi's underling, then might as well make the show worth it "Do you not recall the trouble we had in Amalee's room in Koshe Marr? No, I will not abandon my mistress again. Where she goes, so will I. Our other guards may wait"

"Your master may not be interested in mushrooms, but that is not all we managed to obtain from the land of nightmares. Amongst other things, m'lady also managed to acquire an arrow from the Hunstman himself, and a certain something from the room of Amalee too. Your master might see the value of such things"

Technically, nothing Alleah has said is a lie. The party did have trouble in Amalee's room in Koshe Marr, and she does have both an arrow from the Hunstman (despite being broken and with Bazeck's blood on it) and something from Amalee's room (a mundane candle). If Uthvas is a necromancer then Alleah is confident that these names will mean something to him.

Alleah takes a holy symbol from her pack and clutches it tightly.

Knowl Religion DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a wooden holy symbol for Marteus!}

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+9=13 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 1:31:21 AM
Shel waits, mouth agape that the story just might have worked. She didn't dare say anything in front of that awful cat construction. It might be undead if a necromancer made it![i]. She stayed far away from it, just in case.

[i]OOC: diplomacy aid another 13

Upon hearing that Pressi was to be interviewed one on one, Shel flatly argued against it. "Sorry, we are a group effort here. We don't know your master and he doesn't know us. We meet on equal footing, I must insist."


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+8=21 ; d20+5=14 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 9:49:37 AM
Pressi's relief that this worked turned to dread upon hearing the word "alone." To be honest, she didn't really have a plan even if Uthvas agreed to meet with the entire group. To meet alone with a potentially dangerous foe in his house, while pretending to have knowledge and abilities that she didn't...

But as Alleah and Shel stepped forward, Pressi had a different sort of panic. While they would definitely be welcome, pushing on it might make her look weak (blowing her cover) or upset their hosts (making him chase them all out - or worse). Even having Bliss sneak in was a risk; who knew what detections he had. For the first time in a while, Pressi couldn't even pretend to know what to do, but she realized the ultimate decision had to be hers.

Pressi couldn't help but think of that time, all those months ago, when the leaders of the city sent her on the mission. How she tried to tell them what to do, and got "unfairly" admonished. How making decisions seemed so easy. How they warned her that she needed to shut up and start listening, because she couldn't do this... alone...

Pressi walked to the window absentmindedly while babbling about how while "in this together" was a bit of a stretch for a group of necromancers, she did consider her group more coven than minions, and Shel and Alleah (Darkmatter and Nightshade) in particular had proven their worth as her trusted advisors and her strongest underlings. Though she recognized how much she was asking of Uthvas by bargaining for more people to show up. She forgot what she said as soon as she said it, but she made sure to look forlornly out the shutters, absentmindedly fiddling with the mechanism.

(Slight of Hand check 21 to try and open the window a crack. If caught, she plays like she wasn't even aware of her hands.)

Pressi calls into Bliss (using message) to come on in. She also messages that the window is open.

Pressi makes one final push to get Alleah to stay in (she doesn't think she'll get Shel in too, let alone the entire group) but does not press the issue. If the creature persists, Pressi will agree to meet with Uthvas alone. (Diplomacy 14.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 9:50:40 AM
One last thing. Building on Shel's statement, Pressi pushes that if she meets with Uthvas alone, then Uthvas should be alone as well.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+12=21
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 2:55:06 PM
Cameron sighs, apparently following the town's laws, the plan that Bliss came up with and was agreed upon by everyone wasn't what was going to be done. Now they were just going to make up stuff as they went along, where they could get caught in a lie and leave themselves with no option except to fight or steal there way to the people they came for. This would result in the entire town angry at them rather than just having a necromancer angry at them all.

Cameron draws himself up to his new full height, turns and walks himself a few feet away from the door. He will wait outside, pretending to be one of the Guardians. While doing so he examines the House much more closely.

Is there a Chimney?
How far back does the hillside that the house seems to be built into go?
Do the stone doors seem to have any type of lock on them?

Perception 21

Spells and effects on Cameron
Enlarge person, maybe

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 3:53:48 PM
Bliss sneaks in whichever way seems least likely to be noticed ... door or window.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+4=18 ; d20+22=34 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 6:40:24 PM

"I, too, must attend my mistress," Murphy says. "But I will try to stay out of the way." With no attempt to conceal it, he transforms into a bat, flutters to Pressi's shoulder, and sits, firmly grasping a bit of cloth thereon.

He recalls from having read his older brother's adventuring accounts that this creature is a homunculus. The necromancer Bella sent the earlier adventuring group after also had such a construct. Huh. The Red Hills certainly seems to favor necromancers with homunculi. he thinks to himself.

As he settles in, he remembers to forgot to mention to Kezzem that the little doorkeeper has a key. If Kezzem got a glance at it, it might help him pick the lock, should the need arise.

He wonders what all might be in store for them. He wonders at the welfare of the wizards, and the good hill giant. He wonders... is that dandruff? Oh, no, it's not. Just a fleck of dust.

[Knowledge: Arcana: 18
Perception: 34]

A Proposal - DM Mark  d20+3=13 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=21 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 7:32:31 PM
(As a point of clarification, my understanding of the Message spell is the caster may communicate with multiple recipients, but they can only communicate directly with the caster - he must then relay any messages back out to others if needed. Communication happens by whispers, which may also be overheard with a Perception DC of 15 plus 1 for each 10’ distance.)

The small, winged creature says that Uthvas will meet only if Pressi is alone.

Kezzem attempts to distract the creature (not quite sure what this means in this context.)

Bliss whispers to Pressi and moves into the room.

Alleah says they have some other things from Kosh Marr, and that she will not leave Pressi’s side. (I assume that she move in near Pressi.) She clutches a holy symbol of Marteus.

Shel likewise refuses to allow Pressi to meet with this Uthvas alone, demanding that they meet on equal footing.

Pressi is conflicted. She fiddles with the window and notices that the shutters are locked with a padlock. Muttering to herself, she whispers to Bliss. Pressi looks down at the creature in the corner next to her. It’s an unsettling thing - it looks like a brain with four clawed legs. She’s never seen anything like this.

Murphy also says he will not leave Pressi, and he transforms into a bat and settles down on her shoulder. His sharp eye notes that there is a good deal of dust in here, and there is dust on the motionless creatures in this room as well. In fact, with all this dust, he thinks he can see Bliss footprints appear as he moves.

Cameron steps outside away from the door and looks at the house. He cannot see a chimney from where he stands, nor can he see the roof. He has not seen a lock on the stone doors, but they are difficult to see from where he stands now.

In response to the others’ assertions that they will not leave Pressi, the winged creature says, “Well, you seem to want to place conditions on a meeting you asked for. If you all wish to wait, come in and I will check with Master Uthvas.” He steps outside the door now, standing on the porch waiting to see if Cameron and Shel will go in as well. “Come along then. I’m going to shut the door. No need to draw a bunch of gawkers.”

Here is your map.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 7:43:26 PM
(I was thinking Kezzem would draw its attention in case anyone else wanted to sneak in).

Kezzem offers a mushroom to the winged creature. "Here, try this. They say you are what you eat, so maybe it will make you a more fun guy."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=40 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 8:43:25 PM

Murphy takes the opportunity to closely observe each of the taxidermist's stuffed critters, looking for clues, considering whether he may be able at time to transform into some of their shapes. The brain on legs has him puzzled. The bear, puma, and boar are much more familiar. He does not think he even wants to attempt the homunculus form.

He tracks Bliss, if he is in line of sight, but only peripherally and as his batty gaze flits from one spot to another, so as not to give away the position of his friend who makes tiny footprints in the dust.

Dust. His mother and more than one of his sisters would be scandalized. His grandma Eglatine would grab a broom and shove it in the nearest hand. "Clean that up, and use spit and polish where needed." The presence of dust under the circumstances would not bother Selithe one whit, though she would use prestidigitation after leaving such a spot to clean up.

Perception: 40

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=18 ; d100=91 ; d100=62 ;
Thursday June 2nd, 2016 10:43:35 PM
Alleah maintains her position immediately inside the doorway. She will wait until the little-monstrous-humanoid-thing has left the room, and then cast a spell on Pressi and then herself.

"Allow me to get you ready for your meeting, mistress" she says aloud, trying to keep up the act for any eavesdroppers.

---------------------
Perception: 18

Leyline check: 91 = Freebie!
Cast "Misdirection" on Pressi. For the next 5hrs, divination spells that reveal auras (such as 'Detect Good') will treat her as if she was a wooden holy symbol: not good, not evil, not lying, not magical, neutral in alignment, and so forth.

Leyline check: 62 = Pass.
Cast "Like Calls to Like". For the next 50mins, Alleah will have a +10 insight bonus to Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Intimidation and Bluff checks in dealings with hermits, witches, outcasts, recluses, and monstrologers; as well with all members of the Teucri race; and with all creatures with the aberration type

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+12=31 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=22 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 12:09:29 AM
"Too late for not drawing the gawkers." Cameron says as he steps inside. He takes in room more closely as he looks around casually. He attempts to figure out what the brain thingy is.

Perception 31
Know Religion 17
Know Planes 22

Spells and effects on Cameron
Enlarge person, maybe

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 7:14:59 AM
Shel moves inside as well, pulling the door behind her. "Guess this town isn't quite used to a bunch of halflings walking around, huh? It's almost rude of them," she mutters.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=16 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 10:26:05 AM
Pressi nodded. "Your flexibility in this manner is noted and appreciated," she said to the creature. "I assure you it will not be forgotten."

Pressi wondered how long she would have to keep talking like this. It was giving her a headache. She also noted that negotiations were going far better than expected - almost too well. Or maybe it was the brain and all that was coloring her opinion.

Pressi took one last careful look at the various creatures, and at the locks on the shutters and door, (Perception 16) but probably saw nothing new.

"I look forward to meeting Uthvas and showing him the benefits of partnership. But before we meet, I may want to change into something more... comfortable."

(Pressi robe - Alter self into drow. Pressi hat - disguise robe and boots to purple and red colors more suited for a sorcerer.)

Between a rock and a hard place - DM Mark  d20=4 ; d20=18 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 11:23:15 AM
Kezzem offers a mushroom to the winged creature. It curls it’s lip. “Ugh. Mushrooms. I hate mushrooms.”

Murphy looks around in his bat form. He’s pretty sure where Bliss is. Well, mostly sure.

Alleah waits for the winged creature to leave, and then casts spells on both Pressi and herself. Then she makes an overt fuss about preparing Pressi for her meeting with Uthvas.

Cameron takes a look at the weird brain thing. He recalls tales of an extraplanar creature like this called an Intellect Devourer. It is known to somehow take over the bodies of other creatures.

Shel also moves inside.

Pressi thanks the winged creature and says that she looks forward to meeting Uthvas. As she does so, she transforms into a drow, and then alters her clothing. The winged creature gives her an appraising look as she does this.

With everyone inside, the winged creature says, “Now just wait right here. I’m sure Uthvas will come through the far door in a minute.” Then he closes the front door you entered, and you can hear the lock turn. Then silence. And darkness. Even once your eyes adjust the faint light that leaks around the window does not provide any illumination in here.

Attempts to open the doors from this room reveal that both are locked, as is the window. If you create any light, you will see that the creatures here appear to be well prepared and preserved specimens, lifeless as far as you know. That brain creature is certainly odd looking relative to the rest of the things in this room. Much of the room here is filled with boxes and broken equipment, most of which you’d rather not touch - moldering bags and rags, papers that appear to be some sort of old receipts for mundane gear and taxidermy work, a broken dagger, some old clothing of various sizes. There are even a few dead and desiccated rats, a couple of live rats, and some bugs and spiders.

It is musty smelling in here.

What do you do for the next 10 minutes? There is not really any comfortable place to sit.

Perception DC 10:Highlight to display spoiler: { You can smell the faint smell of rot from the far door you have not been through.}
Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { Eventually you hear some commotion outside the heavy front door - perhaps some townsfolk are out there, or went past, but you hear no voices.}
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear the clank and creak of people in armor.}
Perception DC 27: Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear a whispered comment, “So we arrest them when they come out? How long do we have to wait?”}

Here is your map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=29 ; d20+19=38 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 12:27:56 PM
Perception: 29.

"Stupid anti-bluffing laws!" Kezzem stands up and draws his daggers. "They're coming for us, so get ready!"

Kezzem will take a position beside the door and attempts to remain hidden.

Stealth: 38.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=24 ; d20+22=32 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 1:34:35 PM

Murphy-bat, with darkvision and low-light vision, flies over to land upon the leg-brain. He digs in his claws here and there to get a feel for the substance - and prepares quickly to fly away should it move. He then lands on each of the other preserved creatures - the bear, the puma, the boar, checking for signs of warmth, of life.

After a couple minutes of this exploration, he then flies over to Kezzem. He tugs at his arm, indicating he should go over to the opposite door. He tugs several times, hoping his friend will take the hint. The inner door is far more promising than the outer one.

He then thinks to look more closely at the interior door. If there is the slightest gap which would allow even a tiny bit of air to go through, he realizes he may be able to get to the other side. He gets Pressi's attention. If someone has produced a light source, she will see him resting on her wrist, making some quick motions, then dissolving into mist. He heads to the door, and passes through the gap - likely at the bottom of the door, or elsewhere if he has discerned a good spot.

Once through, he floats up toward the ceiling, taking a look around in his misty little bat form.

Within the outer room (checking out stuffed creatures): Perception 24
On the other side of the inner door: Perception: 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 2:24:54 PM
"What's that, Murph? Pressi fell down the well?"

Kezzem will follow Bat-Murph into the other room.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 5:09:00 PM

Murphy gave a little bat-laugh at Kezzem's remark. After landing on Pressi's drow arm, and turning misty, he will attempt to pass through the keyhole of the inner door - if he can see anything whatsoever relating to the locking mechanism, he'll take that glance. Otherwise, he goes through, and begins to explore the other side - seeing if it is another room, or hallway. He will explore for a few minutes, passing through other doors if possible.

He hopes that Kezzem realizes he will need to figure out how to unlock the inner door himself.

Question: Did the outer door open inward, or outward? If the former, perhaps it can be blocked. If outward toward the street, then... never mind.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=22 ; d100=87 ; d100=20 ; d100=50 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 5:13:14 PM

Bliss looks around with his darkvision and tells everyone what he sees.

He keeps alert ... Perception 22. He whispers that he hears people outside the front door.

He thinks about looking for a box to hide in and snipe from ... but what does Mister Murphy find out?

While he waits, Bliss casts Deathwatch, Detect Poison, and Detect Magic. Ley checks all A-OK. He's looking for undead in the room, live and dead things, magic, etc.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted?  d20+13=18 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 5:16:13 PM
(Perception 18)

Pressi frowns, far more concerned about the smell on the other side of the door than on the commotion outside - until Kezzem begins to talk about laws and coming for us.

Her mind scrambled. Was this a trap? A call from the onlookers? Crap, what if it was a test to see if she can cast spells? CRAP, what if the test is whether she would kill a cop who hadn't done anything wrong?

Watching Murphy through her darkvision, she saw that he had some of the same thoughts. Stay in character. Test out the objects in this room. See if someone can peak through the door, say by that gas spell he used on her way back when.

She ran through some of the spells she had heard of, thinking of things she could replicate. She supposed she wasn't entirely out of skills to "levitate" or bring objects out of nowhere. But already rather jealous of what Shel could do without strain, she was doubly so now. Well, it was her idea to pretend to be the necromancer rather than claim Shel was the necromancer, so its on her.

Also making her nervous was the clock counting down 10 minutes. Her robe emblazoned with a 50, she hoped that this drow form wouldn't just fall.

Moving into the center, where she figured her character would be, she tried to look as regal as possible, sometimes cackling that they should just show themselves. She wondered if she could pass off her shuriken as some "magic stone" spell.

Between a rock and a hard place - DM Mark 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 6:11:03 PM
A point of clarification - without light, the only people that can see in here are Pressi and Bliss.

Perception DC 10 for Pressi and Bliss - Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice that patchwork cat seems to be able to see in the dark.}

Sense Motive DC 15 for Pressi and Bliss - Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice that patchwork cat seems to be able to see in the dark.}

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 6:28:11 PM
Bliss whispers to his friends, "That funky cat is looking at Pressi!"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 7:23:25 PM

Murphy, who for whatever reason cannot see, though his current form has blindsense and low light vision, wonders why someone in the room who can do so has not yet thought to cast a spell or light a torch. But he cannot say anything, or ask this obvious question, as he is a bat.

(DM Mark - as I noted in my email, Murphy will not get blindsense as a bat until 8th level. Low light vision does not let you see in darkness. Please let me know by email if you disagree.)

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 7:25:44 PM

This also means he would not yet turn into gaseous form, being essentially blind. If someone were to hand him a coin with light cast upon it, then perhaps he might then go gaseous, and perform the exploration mentioned already. Has no one thought to toss a bag over the head of the cat? No.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=27 ; d20+7=27 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 9:27:07 PM
"Oh for Wardd's sake" Alleah, once again frustrated, casts a light cantrip. "We had a plan. We were going to be direct and ask questions. No bluffs. No forcing ourselves inside unless we had to. Now there are guards outside ready to arrest us. Well, at least arrest those of you who entered uninvited. We can't afford to sit here twiddling our thumbs. We're already in for it, so may as well make it worth it"

Alleah casts a guidance cantrip on herself and attempts to pick the lock of the door to the next room.

---------------------------------------
Perception: 27
Disable Device: 27 (with Guidance & Masterwork Thieves Tools)

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 9:31:36 PM

Mookie chuckles from his perch above the chamber door. "You comedians really are the keystone cops and the time bandits of adventurers, you know."

Bliss asks, "Is that good?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 9:44:01 PM
Shel also cast a Light cantrip, joining Alleah. "We can't do anything if we can't see," she grumbles as between the two of them they illuminate the small area.

"He knows we are here. We know that he knows that we are here. Let's go get him and find our friends while they might still be alive."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Friday June 3rd, 2016 11:22:14 PM
"While I'm trying the lock, is anyone able to cast Detect Magic and look about? I'm also wary of that cat. On the offchance it's his familiar, does someone want to bag it?"

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (JCC for David)  d20+12=18 ; d20+12=26 ;
Friday June 3rd, 2016 11:49:34 PM
Perception check 18, clueless to the voices outside...
Alleah's comment, "Exactly"
Glad he wasn't the one not to follow directions, having not barged in, but olny sticking hit toe in the doorway so they could converse.
Since Murphy wants to explore, he casts light on a copper coin and holds it in front of Bat-Murphy. How he's going to carry it, well that's whole nother question.
As the others scamper about doing various things, he stands about quietly taking in the room. (Perception 26) He knew exactly why they were here. To test to become an Avenger had been very similar. It was all about what they did next. According to the others, the cat thing was able to see in the dark and was watching them. Likely it was a scrying tool being used by Uthvas, or maybe was even Uthvas himself.
He would be assessing the partys reactions and would decide if he wanted to introduce himself or not. If he decided that he did indeed want to speak to them, the inner door would unlock so they could proceed inside. If they did things that were not in character for what was claimed, falsely perchance, the outer door would open leaving the group to deal with the townsfolk. An likely from the sound of it, these fools would end up causing yet another scene by fighting with them.
Either way, a fairly good chunk of any spells durations would be used up before he would decide one way or the other.

OOC: If you are plotting via Email, add jowie@roadrunner.com to your list please, Dave may be getting paroled for the hospital this Sunday, but not for certain.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday June 4th, 2016 11:26:12 AM
Bliss whispers: "I already AM detecting magic."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Saturday June 4th, 2016 7:23:37 PM

Giving a little bob of the head in gratitude for Cameron's gift of light, Murphy-bat now wonders how it might work once he does what he plans next. He grasps the coin in one claw. He looks up at Pressi, sets the coin carefully for a moment on a flat place along her wrist of hand if she will let him, casts delay poison, casts longstrider, takes up the coin, casts gaseous form, keeping the lighted copper with him to transform into mist with him. Will it still offer any sort of misty light? Whether or no, he floats to the door, and, whether beneath the door, or through the keyhole, he seeks to pass to the other side.

Once there, he explores what he may find [earlier Perception roll of 32 should obtain on the other side of the door].

Like as not, the cat is reporting telepathically on all their activities.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Saturday June 4th, 2016 11:08:34 PM
"Murphy, so help me, if you abandon us all again I will not be happy" Alleah says through gritted teeth as she works at the lock "Let's try sticking together for a change"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 
Sunday June 5th, 2016 2:16:54 AM

In his present form and semi-formlessness, Murphy really cannot talk! If he could though, he would say he's never abandoned them yet - going scouting is not abandonment.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 
Sunday June 5th, 2016 4:28:40 AM
Fortunately, Alleah should have the door picked long before Murphy gets up to his escapades, and intentions of leaving the rest of the party in a locked room. He would probably still be perched on top of the brain thing or the puma in the 10 seconds it takes her to pick the lock.

---------------
OOC: Based on Murphy's post of "After a couple minutes of this exploration". Alleah has no intention of sitting still and waiting for "a couple of minutes". They're in someone's house with guards outside. No time to waste patting stuffed animals!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted? 
Sunday June 5th, 2016 9:59:10 AM
"Yes, yes, the cat," Pressi responded, approaching it cautiously. "We need not fear Uthvas' spying on us using such a common method. After all, we are all friends here."

Pressi picked up the cat gingerly. "Such a beauty you are. So very soft, yes you are, yes you...."

With a single move, Pressi drops the cat in one of the boxes and kicks the box closed. "Now, where were we?"

(OOC: a second post to respond to Alleah shortly)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted?  d20+8=19 ; d20+13=15 ;
Sunday June 5th, 2016 2:04:15 PM
Pressi frowned as she considered how to talk to Alleah. Even with the cat in the box, they couldn't risk breaking character - as she made sure to state in her message on her fan while holding the coin (Bluff message 19).

"I believe you had concerns regarding our cover," she began. "Let me assure you that unless Uthvas betrayed us like a coward, that there has been nothing the people outside have seen that cannot be solved with simple diplomacy. There is no power, after all, that is stronger than patience and commitment. So long as we don't PANIC, and remember that the point is sometimes to see if we will break, we should be fine.

"Oh, and the reason that Murphy is so interested in petting everything in here, is to make sure nothing in here moves or sprays acid. You know, like those suspicious statues in the front of our castle?

"As for Murphy leaving, I have no idea what you are talking about." Pressi doesn't mind Alleah picking the lock, though she was surprised Alleah could do that. But she didn't want anyone going through the door yet. Murphy was basically just going to peak on the other side, so he wasn't leaving us.

While waiting, Pressi does look at the other door to see if it is locked (Perception 15). She wants to see how easy it is for anyone on either side to open it.

"What's that, Murph? Pressi fell down the well?" - DM Mark  d6=4 ; d20=15 ; d20=14 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Monday June 6th, 2016 2:06:50 AM
After waiting 5 minutes, the group became a bit impatient. After 10 minutes, they decide things are not going as planned.

Kezzem, hearing noise and voices outside the door, prepares to ambush anyone coming in.

At first, Batmurphy attempts to communicate in the dark. Realizing he cannot see anything and that no one can likely see him, he asks for someone to cast a light spell (even though he cannot speak.) Then, thinking about the cat he cannot see he suggests that someone should put that cat in a bag (again, somehow without speaking.). Murphy recalls that the outer door opened into the room you are in.

Able to see in the dark, Bliss looks around and informs everyone what he sees. Of note is that this patchwork cat seems able to see in the dark. Bliss will note that the cat is not undead, not alive and not dead. There is a good deal of magic here, but it’s all on party members. He sees nothing poisonous.

Pressi moves to the center of the room to look as regal as possible.

Alleah casts light cantrip. She says that the group had a plan, but things are not going as they planned. She says they need to move. Then she gets to work on the lock to the inner door. Her skills prove to be enough for this average quality lock (DC 25,) and it opens.

Shel also casts a light cantrip, and suggests they get moving.

Alleah asks if someone can cast Detect Magic, and says someone needs to bag that cat.

Cameron responds to Batmurphy’s silent inquiry and casts light on coin for him. He looks around, noticing this place is a mess! What appear to be stuffed creatures stand as silent sentries amidst this mess. Only the patchwork cat seems to move.

Batmurphy, grateful for the coin with light on it, then tries to hold it. He finds he will need to use both claws to hold the coin that is nearly half his size. He manages to cast delay poison, longstrider, and gaseous form. A misty form of a bat with a glowing ball of light moves slowly toward the door, just about the time that Alleah gets it unlocked.

Alleah threatens Murphy to not leave them. Batmurphy again responds eventhough he is now in gaseous form and cannot speak for two reasons.

Pressi attempts to pick up the cat, but the cat wants none of this. If Pressi persists, she will get a nasty clawmark for her trouble. The cat suddenly sees a rat moving amidst the trash, and pounces on it, killing it. Once the rat is dead, the cat leave it where it died and sits watching Pressi warily.

Pressi stays in character, attempting to keep up her necromantic cover. She looks at the lock on the front door, and sees that is has a lock in the door, accessed by a key they do not have. While she cannot see if it is locked, in the previous 10 minutes (I presume) the group tested both doors and determined they were locked.

With a click, Alleah opens the lock and then the door. The area beyond is dark, but your light streams in to illuminate a disgusting kitchen. This large kitchen contains many pots, pans, and utensils scattered about. There is a large fireplace. There are some food stuffs here, but most are spoiled or soon will be. The large wooden table looks like it has had meat chopped on it recently. It smells badly here, and there is quite a bit of debris and refuse strewn about. There are a number of dead rats here and there.

A rat can be seen moving in the mess. Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { This rat is stitched together.}

Here is your map.

(Please mind interparty communication via “thought bubbles” if you either cannot speak or are trying to avoid speaking so as not be overheard.)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+14=21 ;
Monday June 6th, 2016 2:39:31 AM
Alleah was hoping Murphy wouldn't go into gaseous form but sees it is too late. "This is what I meant by abandoning" she whispers at the vapours "As a mist, you can't dismiss the spell on yourself as you lack the ability to do the somatic gestures to do so*. You're stuck as a mist, with a 10ft speed, can't cast spells, can't manipulate anything, and can't speak to us for the next 14 minutes. One of these days maybe you'll listen to my warnings"

Alleah puts her tools away and turns to everyone else "Let's make this quick." She moves into the next room, and not seeing anything but a rat, goes to try the next door (At Y5)
-------------------
Perception: 21

-------------------
*Note: On dismissing spells: "If the spell has no verbal component, you can dismiss the effect with a gesture" and from Gaseous Form, you can't make somatic gestures. Natural Spell doesn't apply either since it's not a Wild Shape or even polymorph spell. Longstrider also doesn't apply since "It has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim." and you can't even Wild Shape into something else as "The subject also loses supernatural abilities while in gaseous form" and Wildshape is a Supernatural ability

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim)  d20+22=34 ;
Monday June 6th, 2016 3:09:04 AM
Murphy-mist smiles as Alleah upbraids him, but is not really able to reply. He slips under the door (or through the keyhole, whichever seems most convenient) to see what is on the other side of the nearby door, misting through to X5, once again 'abandoning' the party.

Perception: 34

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Monday June 6th, 2016 12:34:24 PM
OOC: Where's Kezzem on the map?

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat 
Monday June 6th, 2016 2:46:52 PM

[Brian: Kezzem is somewhere in the 'reception' room - go ahead and indicate where you want him to go on the map now.]

After there is a post for Kezzem, someone please delete this post.

(DM Mark - Thanks Kim, you are correct. Kezzem said he moved by the door, preparing to ambush anyone that came in. But as Kim noted, please place Kezzem where you wish now that the door is open.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted? 
Monday June 6th, 2016 5:30:27 PM
Pressi frowned, unsure what to think of this unusual wait. She also tried to decide whether to press her luck and go through with throwing this cat in a box. On the one hand, she was bored and that seemed funny to her. On the other hand, her cover as a low level mage would be imperiled if she survived the attack of a housecat.

She also wondered if she could use it to impart messages. Worst case scenario: she's talking to something that stares at them because he wants treats. Not really having treats, or knowing what cats eat, she decides to try feeding it a ration pack and seeing what happens.

"This does not bode well, kind sirs," Pressi shouted at the cat or whatever else might be listening in. "Test us, attack us, deal with us - or just have the courage to look me in the eye. But if it takes you this long to truly decide what to do about us, perhaps we have made an error in your usefulness and abilities. Patience is a virtue but it is not unlimited. While you twiddle your thumbs trying to understand us, we are trying to understand you.

"In fact, you have one more minute or we are raiding your kitchen. And killing you all, burning your house to the ground, watching you beg for your miserable life. But first, the kitchen thing. You are about to learn a painful lesson about not leaving appetizers."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Monday June 6th, 2016 5:47:14 PM
"Uthvas house," yelps Kezzem. "Hospitality severely lacking. Staff was rude and left us waiting, and then send guards to arrest us when we complained. Do not recommend. One star."



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday June 6th, 2016 7:43:15 PM
Shel follows Alleah, wanting to provide support if any necromancer happened to jump out and surprise her. "Perhaps if he doesn't seem it necessary to visit with us, we show his cat what happens when you cross our little group? That might teach them some respect, ma'am," Shel falls out trying to help Pressi continue with her ruse.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=31 ;
Monday June 6th, 2016 7:56:28 PM
Cameron folds his arms and continues to eaxmine the room. Now he looks to the rafters.
Perception 31
Are there rafters or is the ceiling "flat" and parallel to the floor?
How hard would it be to wrap a whip around the rafters and disappear into them should the guard barge in and try to arrest them?
Cameron will not fight the guards. He has broken no laws and was actually invited inside. What he will do is scamper into the rafters if the door to the outside is opened and cast invisibility on himself. He will play the rest by ear.
----------------------------------------------------

Spells and effects on Cameron
Enlarge person, maybe

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=23 ; d20+29=42 ;
Monday June 6th, 2016 9:59:31 PM
Bliss sneaks over to AC6 and looks around.

Perception 23

Stealth 42

“You are about to learn a painful lesson about not leaving appetizers.” - DM Mark  d20=8 ; d20=1 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 12:11:53 PM
Alleah lectures Batmurphy about the folly of being locked in Gaseous Form. She moves into this kitchen/common area, and opens a door to the left (Y5). Yuk - this place smells. This is a garderrobe with a deep hole for, er, refuse. There are a couple empty chamber pots here, along with a washbasin - all look to be unused recently. Except for that hole - the smell indicates it is still used from time to time.

Murphy proves immune to Alleah’s tongue lashing, and drifts to the first door on the left. This door remains unopened. For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {This looks to be a large bedroom of sorts. Or at least it once was. There is a good deal of dust in this room, and it smells as though it has been closed up for some time. There appears to be a large bed and a small desk in the corner, but everything is covered in a jumbled mess of boxes, unused material, broken equipment, and books and scrolls that look to be cast off and in very poor shape.}

Pressi thinks twice about putting the cat in the box, and lectures it on hospitality instead. She also threatens to burn the place down. It seems to simply stare at Pressi as she does so. It shows no interest in the food he offers, not even sniffing it.

Kezzem prepares a scathing, one-star review of the accommodations and service here.

Shel follows Alleah.

Cameron looks at the ceiling. It appears to be open construction with a beam ceiling. There are no rafters to wrap a whip around. He stand next to an unopened door.

That weird rat disappears into the debris in the kitchen.

Bliss moves unseen to the entrance to another area. He sees a large room is lined with motionless creatures. There is a large door in the far wall. Seemingly frozen in time are two humans and an elf, in a combat stance. In two of the corners, are two large orcs. Two wolves are here, symbolically guarding the entrance to this room, somewhat covered with debris. Hung about are various birds and small animals. There is also one creature very odd creature here, also partly covered in debris:
Kn:Dungeoneering DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a Rust Monster}

Here is your map.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted?  d20+13=24 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 1:34:57 PM
Pressi, tired of performing to the void, silently moved out to follow everyone else to the kitchen. A single glance and she knew that even "raiding the fridge" was an idle threat.

She glanced at her watch. The minute was up, and literally nothing indicating they were ever coming back. Pressi remembered a time when evil actually had standards. 45 minutes remained on her robe.

"I did have a thought," Pressi finally began. "It occurred to me that if this were a test, he might be looking for signs of necromancy. Reanimating some corpses, controlling the rats, making the food better... You know, things we can all do." Pressi wasn't even sure if Alleah and Shel could do any of that. "Oh, will someone be a dear and lock the door behind us. I'm sure Uthvas wouldn't want cop blood messing up his pristine floors."

Moving to the wolves, and then to the fireplace, Pressi peered using her darkvision, unsure of what she was looking for. Traps, secret passages, or just signs that people actually lived here. (Perception 24, +1 for traps.)

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat 
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 2:46:26 PM

Murphy decides not to explore the disordered bedroom further, though he would love to explore the books and scrolls, so passes again through the door. He heads down the hallway to where Bliss is [move 10, so let me know when he gets there. It seems we are not going quite round by round at the moment]. He then goes to the door at AE8, where he pauses for a moment, waiting for others to catch up. He surmises it most likely the victims are kept behind the large stone doors.

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=28 ; d20+12=32 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 4:21:11 PM
Hmm, Cameron had not moved a muscle, yet found himself being swept along with the group. Dropped off in front of a door that has yet to be opened, and with the others breaking and entering at an amazing clip, he sighed and went with the flow. He examined the door and if nothing looked wrong with it he opens the door (provided it is unlocked).
If it opens he goes in and examines the room on the other side. If needed he casts another light spell, meaning Murphy's will go out. (sorry)
Perception to look at the lock 28
Perception to look at the room on the other side 32
He continues to wait for some lucky searcher to activate the thing that animates all of these animals. He is certain it is going to happen, just not sure when.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=33 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 6:14:23 PM

Bliss is not sure how wolves' senses of smells might interact with his own ability to blend with the shadows. Plus, they might be stitched wolves, and who nose if that would make a difference. He struggles a moment to suppress his giggles. "Who NOSE!?! Hee hee," he thinks to himself.

Back in the safety of the rear of the party, Mookie feels Bliss's sudden amusement, and thinks that it is not a good sign. The bird finds a high spot on which to perch, if possible.

Bliss thinks about rolling in the smelly muck in this room, to cover his scent, but then he would just smell bad, not smell less. Well, in for a penny ... the little guy takes a step into the room, and then walks over to the shutters at AC10. He listens for sounds of armed guards outside.

Perception 33

Of course, he is being as sneaky as possible.

Stealth 39

And he climbs up to the shuttered window to peek out.

Climb 13, hopefully good enough.

All that is just a move action. Then with his standard action, he tries to pick the human's pocket in AC10.

Sleight of Hand 16

[OOC to the DMs: Have you been reading Wildbow's excellent webnovel, Twig? Great flavor there, reminds me a lot of this adventure. Bliss is totally like Sly, by the way! ;-) ]



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 10:01:49 PM
"If we need to get his attention, I could always burn one of his creations. I'd hate to start afire and all, but I bet he'd come to see us then," Shel threatened, more puffery than serious, as she waits for the others to lead the way deeper into the mansion.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d4=4 ; d20+14=26 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 10:08:22 PM
Alleah heads over to the door Bliss opened. The poor guy didn't have a light source and would need her help to see. Then again, would too much light make it difficult for him to hide? "No, as long as there are shadows he will be ok"

There is a lot to see in this room, and at first glance Alleah fears that Bliss may have wandered into a fight. She looks about to see if anything is alive (or patched together to 'become alive') or moving.

Move Action: Move to AC6. Alleah has a 40ft base speed so can make the distance.
Standard Action: Ready action to move back to AA6 if anything in the room moves toward her
Perception: 26.

OOC: Please ignore the d4 roll. I accidentally clicked it when doing the drop down for the perception roll.
I'm also assuming round based movement now while we explore

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+16=36 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday June 7th, 2016 11:52:45 PM
Kezzem inspects the door south of Cameron.

Search for Traps: Perception 36.
Disarm Traps if applicable): Disable Device 24.
Listen at Door: Perception 32.
Unlock Door (if applicable): 22.


AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 7:17:16 AM
" Thanks Kezzem. I was just going to open it."

Ugh - What a Mess - DM Mark  d20=7 ; d20=1 ; d100=50 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 11:09:17 AM
(While we are not in combat, I do intend to keep everyone synchronized. The simplest approach will be to go round by round as you explore. Bear in mind that a Perception check to check an area or look for traps is a move action. It is a free action when it is done in response to a stimulus.)

(Where did Pressi get a watch? If you do not have one, please don’t refer to it in your posts.)

Pressi asks for someone to re-lock the door behind them (this will require a disable device check.) Then she moves to check the wolves, and moves over to the fireplace (move action) and checks for traps there (move action.) The kitchen she is in does seem to have had some activity - food was prepared here, but nothing Pressi would want to eat from the disgusting state here.

Mistbatmurphy decides to not explore the cluttered room he has entered further, and moves back out. The others see his tiny, mist illuminated float across the space (double move, 20’). He does not see any traps.

Cameron move to open the door he is beside, but Kezzem intervenes. He checks for traps, but finds none. The door is not locked, so Kezzem opens it. There is a shuttered window on the far wall, but it does not let any light in. The room is dark so Cameron creates light, and Mistbatmurphy’s light goes out. Cameron’s sharp eye scans the room. Before him he sees a stained and dirty bed. The depression in the bed is rather large. There is an open wardrobe with very large clothing, most if it looks dirty. Clothing, underclothing, papers, debris and such creates a carpet of sorts. There is also a chair and a chest in this room. (Sorry I moved Cameron if that was not your intent. I will stop doing that.)

Bliss moves unseen, his location only given away by his giggling. He climbs the window and peeks out, but can see almost nothing but catches a glimpse of a guard about 20’ away near another building. He reaches into the pocket of the unmoving elf, but there is nothing there. He does see that the elf is armed with a dagger, and the humans have short swords. (FYI - Between the move and the climb, Bliss moved at normal speed this round.)

Shel considers starting a fire in here to get Uthvas attention, but things better of it.

Alleah moves (move action) to look into the room Bliss has entered, and then she looks carefully at what she sees there (move action). They see a large room is lined with motionless creatures. Much of the floor is a mess of trash and debris. There is a large door in the far wall. Seemingly frozen in time are two humans and an elf, in a combat stance. In two of the corners, are two large orcs. Two wolves are here, symbolically guarding the entrance to this room, somewhat covered with cast off matierial. Hung about are various birds and small animals. There is also one creature very odd creature here, also partly covered in debris:
Kn:Dungeoneering DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a Rust Monster}

Here is your map.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat  d20+22=40 ; d20+3=18 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 12:17:34 PM

With the double move, Murphy would have ended last round at AA6. He continues traveling to end the round at AE8 (or would he have to end at AD7, above the guardian wolf to the left of Pressi?).

Huh. Why did my light go out? Murphy-bat wonders to himself. Don't people have torches? He thinks of the few coins in his haversack which have permanent light on them, and his sunrods. It will certainly be challenging now to see where he goes if he returns to the dark in his gaseous form - or even as just a bat, if there is no ambient light whatsoever. He does recall that Veseley Vortence was visible when he spoke through the aid of magic, and he was able to see and report on what he was seeing to the group. So there had to be light in the prison area. Regardless, he gives a little misty bat sigh, but does take a look about the room he is in.

Hey, is that one of those rust monsters that Aunt Nilli told me about? he further wonders at the dusted stuffed critter to the right of the next door.

Perception: 40; Knowledge Dungeoneering: 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; hasted?  d20+13=21 ; d20+8=16 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 3:26:10 PM
Pressi shrugged. She figured that if Uthvas hadn't shown up by now, he wasn't showing up anytime soon, even if they did burn down the house. Still, she had wondered what would happen if they set something on fire or otherwise struck it.

With nothing out of the ordinary with the stuffed wolves, Pressi looked again at her hourglass and the markings on her robe. Time was running out before her disguise dropped.

Slowly, she made her way towards the next door by the rust monster, making sure to look for traps and anything else suspicious on the floor or doors (Perception 21 + 1 for traps). If nothing tries to eat her or set her on fire, she takes a stab at unlocking the door (Disable 16).

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=18 ; d20+12=14 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 5:30:07 PM
(No problem moving me Mark, It all worked out fine)
Cameron tries to gauge the size of the clothes as he moves in and searches the room. He has met and seen close up Ogres and Hill Giants, do these look to be THAT big or are we talking more big human clothes?
Cameron sorts through the debris and clothes and points the chest out to Kezzem. He knows he would have no hope of finding traps or opening it if it were locked, so Kezzem is the natural choice. Cameron looks in the less desirable and less secure places of the closet and under the bed (probably on different rounds, DM's choice which is first)

Perception 18 and 14 if he can look in both this round. Awful rolls, but you get what you pay for.

When someone mentions orc statues (what does one call stuffed things?) Cameron recalls that the wizards were supposedly captured by orcs and taken somewhere. Could these be the orcs?
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 June 8th, 2016 9:03:05 PM
Shel had the good sense about her to keep the chit chat to a minimum in this place. There was no telling what might be creeping up on any direction from them. Keeping silent would allow the ones with better ears to hear their environment and any possible ambushes that might be on the way, or any cries that might come from the captive wizards. She made sure the Light cantrip stayed active on her Wardd stone pendant while the others looked for any traps they might be wandering into.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45  d20+7=14 ; d20+14=34 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 10:07:50 PM
The dead creatures in this place just get weirder and weirder. It's gotten to the point that Alleah doesn't recognise them anymore. She involuntarily shudders at the sight.

Having already moved to stand in the doorway and not seeing anything moving, she now carefully makes her way across the room to open the door on the other side.

-----------------
Knowl Dungeoneering vs DC15: 14 = Fail. Ooooh, so close!
Move action: Move to AE8. In the previous round Alleah moved to AC6 but it wasn't updated on the map
Move action: Open door
Perception if required: 34

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday June 8th, 2016 10:32:06 PM
OOC
We have edit privileges, you can move yourself. 8)

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=22 ; d20+29=42 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 8:19:30 AM

Bliss is confused, and whispers to his friends, "Why is this place so run down and broken like?"

He continues to move with the group, near the front, keeping alert.

Perception 22

Stealth 42

Ugh - What a Mess - DM Mark  d20+6=16 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d8+7=18 ; d100=62 ; d100=93 ; d100=22 ; d20=19 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 12:08:05 PM
Murphy floats in mist form toward the far door. As Cameron creates another light where he is, Murphy’s light goes out. Fortunately, a number of his comrades have also created light so the area remains lit. With a sharp eye he looks around. The room is a mess.

Cameron move into the bedroom near him, looking around. The clothes seem to be those of a large human. Most are soiled, and it smells of body odor in here. He calls for Kezzem to check and unlock the chest in this room.

Shel keeps quiet, hoping to hear anyone sneaking up on the group.

Bliss wonder aloud why the place is such a mess, and moves up carefully with the others to be near the front. He finds himself in the midst of this combat diorama between the Humans and ht elf. (Moved Bliss because he said he moved up front.)

Pressi moves to the far door and attempts to unlock it. Alleah moves over to the door Pressi is trying to unlock. She has a sharp eye, but it reveals nothing more than has been described.

As Alleah moves up and Pressi begins to work on the lock in the far door, some of the things here spring to life. The rust monster near the door reacts, touching it’s feathery antennae against Pressi’s cold iron sword she wears on her belt. However, the Rust Monster did not anticipate attacking a monk, and its touch attack misses.

About the same time, the two wolves attack! One bites at Alleah, it’s jaws snapping only air as she twists out of the way. The other wolf moves up through the misty form of Batmurphy and attacks Pressi, its teeth sinking into her side for 18 points of damage.

Sense Motive 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {These creatures attack, but seem to lack any real intelligence or assessment of their situation.}

Rust Monster - AC ?, Dam 0
Wolf1 - AC ?, Dam 0
Wolf1 - AC ?, Dam 0

Here is your map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Thursday June 9th, 2016 12:32:02 PM
"Daggers are coming!"

Kezzem draws his dagger as he double moves to flank a wolf with Alleah.



AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+10=30 ; d20+10=20 ; 4d6=17 ; 4d6=13 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 2:12:47 PM
Cameron moves as he hears combat begin and a wolf bite down hard on flesh and bone. As he goes he draws his wand of Scorching ray. As he reaches the combat he sees the wolves and the rust monster ( Do we out loud know it is one yet?) Having a clean shot at only the rust monster he aims and fires.
Hit AC 30 touch, possible critical AC 20 to confirm for 17 fire damage if not critical, 30 fire damage if it is critical
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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 18, HP 35/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+8=13 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+4=13 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=6 ; d8+4=5 ; d8+4=10 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 8:31:46 PM
Sense Motive 13

Pressi began to talk regally about how instead of killing them with spells, she would kill them with some dragon claw fighting... things. You know what, she thought to herself. If there was any chance of this cover working, picking the lock would have broken it.

Reacting quickly (but unhasted), Pressi began to swing her arms at the two creatures, spending a ki point for an extra attack.

(Attack rolls 17, 21, nat 20, crit confirm 15, 13)

(damage rolls 9, 6, 5x2, 10)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday June 9th, 2016 8:46:31 PM
Shel moves just to the left of Cameron's current position and casts Haste on the group, catching as many members as possible in the effects.

OOC: please remember your Haste bonuses!

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 20*/13/18* -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 -- Hastened  d20+11=30 ; d100=37 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 10:44:19 PM
Alleah's adrenaline kicks in. She reaches for a leyline and casts a spell on the Wolf snapping at her.

"If this wolf freezes do you want to do the honour of delivering the coup de grace?" she calls out to Cam

-------------------------
Cast 'Hold Animal' defensively. Concentration check to avoid AoO DC19: 30 = Pass. Leyline check: 37 = Pass. Wolf at AD7 to make a Will Save vs DC20 or be paralysed

Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

AC 23 (T 15, FF 18) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday June 9th, 2016 11:15:24 PM
" Nope, I'm good. Besides I don't think that thing has a soul to hold in it. Bliss may have something to say about that because just about everything in this place is violating one law or another of Gargul's. I'm thinking we put everything we find here down and score some brownie points with the big guy. He is so serious I bet he would enjoy someone taking a little work off his plate."
" Oh and there is a chest back in the bedroom I was searching. Could be nothing, could be all the research note you are looking for to save the valley. I give it fifty-fifty odds. Otherwise it is just dirty clothes. Oh, and Uthvas is a big dude for a human."

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=38 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2016 11:47:42 PM
Bliss gets out his bah and loads a clip, staying hidden under the furniture in the space to his right.

Stealth 38

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat,   d20+22=28 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 3:21:11 AM

Not able in present form to engage directly in the present battle, Murphy silently sends a quick prayer heavenward for his friends as he decides to see what may be on the other side of the guarded door. If the keyhole is not filled with picking instruments, he passes through them. Otherwise, along the bottom, or hinges, or top of the doorway he goes, to learn what he might on the other side.

Perception 28

(From DM Mark - As noted in the Rules Forum, I have determined that I will allow Murphy to dismiss his Gaseous Form with a gesture. I am not suggesting you do so, but your post implied you were stuck in your present form. If I do not see another post from you by the morning, I will assume you continue with your present action.)

Ugh - What a Mess - DM Mark  d100=92 ; d100=23 ; d100=83 ; d100=4 ; d20+13=24 ; 2d8+5=14 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 10:20:53 AM
HF-M7-Scene 5.5-Moves

6/10/16

(Not sure what happened, but my rolls disappeared. You’ll have to trust me.)

Kezzem announces the arrival of his daggers and moves to flank the wolf attacking Alleah.

Cameron takes careful aim at the Rust Monster with his wand and hits the creature with a Scorching Ray. As solid hit, but as he sees the fire wash over the creature it seems to have little effect. The creature does seem to be moving more slowly though.

Pressi speaks regally, but snaps into action against the Rust Monster. Two of her blows seem o land, but do little damage as the creatures hide seems to give way and bounce back from her blows. It doesn’t feel like hitting a living creature.

Shell moves up a bit, and casts Haste. The rest of the party feels a surge of energy from her spell.

Alleah reaches for power from the Wold, and casts Hold Animal on the Wolf. The Wolf seem unaware she even cast a spell.

Bliss stays hidden and loads his Bah. No One seems to notice him. Highlight to display spoiler: { With Deathwatch, he can see that the wolves and the rust monster are not alive, and they are not undead. Weird. }

In his misty form, Batmurphy prays for his friends and proceeds to seep through the keyhole of the locked door. The rest of the party can hear a very loud WHUMP! against the door just after Murphy disappears through the door. For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { It is dark beyond the door. Almost immediately after he moves into the darkness, Murphy is slammed against the door by something big. Even in his misty form he still takes 4 damage from the blow (damage was 14.)}

Right next to Bliss and Pressi, the Rust Monster’s feathery antennae again reach her direction, this time hitting the cold iron kama at her belt. (Make a DC 15 reflex save or the kama rusts.)

The wolf that attacked Pressi previously attacks her again, and it sinks its teeth deeply into her shoulder as blood runs down the side of her drow form. She takes 22 points of damage and looks badly hurt.

The other wolf attacks Alleah, biting her for for 19 damage as pain shoots through her side.

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 40
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 19
Murphy - Dam. 4
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, Dam 1, moving slowly
Wolf1 - AC ?, Dam 0
Wolf1 - AC ?, Dam 0

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 20*/13/18* -- CMD 13 -- HP 26/45 -- Hastened  d20+10=22 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 11:25:39 AM
Alleah watches as Murphy mist floats right by the wolves and unknown monster. He must have been very lucky as they could have lashed out at him as he moved past. That he was leaving her and Pressi surrounded and hurt would no doubt be a topic of discussion later.

She winces at the wolf's bite. But Pressi's wound looks far worse.

Alleah reaches her bloodied hand out to touch Pressi's shoulder, forgoing healing herself to instead keep her friend breathing a little longer. "C'mon Press. You can do this"

"Kezzem! Can you flank the wolf attacking Pressi? Give her a chance to deliver a sneak attack on it"

---------------------------
Standard Action: Cast Cure Moderate Wounds defensively. Concentration check vs DC19: 22 = Pass. Clerical spell so no leyline check needed. Lose Summon Monster II spell. Pressi is healed for 15pts damage

Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+14=15 ; d20+14=32 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=4 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=19 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 12:50:15 PM
Kezzem moves down 5 ft. and stabby-stabs the wolf.

Attack #1: 15.
Damage: 3 + 14 (SA) = 17.

Attack #2: 32.
Damage: 4 + 19 (SA) = 23.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 2:30:35 PM
Huh, weird. Thinks Cameron. I have seen Prudence hit things squarely like that and they turn into charcoal briquettes. Is this thing broken? He then notices how much DAMAGE those wolves are doing.
" OK, news flash, they really don't get hurt by fire. I hit that bug thing hard and it just kinda chttered at me and shrugged it off. The way they are all rubbery like I doubt hitting the places they used to have vitals will work either. THIS IS A JOB FOR RAW DAMAGE! Boy I kinda wish we had a big barbarian type that would shmush these guys, but since we don't I need to keep y'all alive long enough to nickel and dime them to death."
(OK so Kezzem moved... to where? I kinda need to know so I can move effectively. I am assuming 'down' puts him in AC/8? That'll work fine. I adjusted the map to show what I think was Kezzem's move and mine. If it isn't right we will need to fix it, I have plenty of movement left)
Cameron focuses his goddess's power and channels it through his holy symbol, healing his friends (Murphy is in range, but I am not sure I can affect him. DM Mark?) This heals all of his friends, and anything else that benefits from positive energy healing within 30 feet, for 11 damage. He then drops his wand and steps into Kezzem's vacated spot. He draws one (both if allowed) of his short swords as he moves.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 1/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement
Anger at his single best hit not frying that bug. Stupid constructs with no critable areas

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 39/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+12=32 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+5=15 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 3:10:01 PM
Between Alleah and Cameron, Pressi regains some strength from the last attack, and even that from the previous attack. She even managed to save her sword from the rust monster (Reflex Natural 20). But she still isn't sure how much she can act as a tank.

"Regarding Cameron's comment about needing a barbarian to deal melee damage, first of all, HEY! Second of all, it seems to have shrugged off my melee damage, too, and I got a pretty good shot too. Not entirely sure normal weapons are working. Standby."

Pressi arms herself with her cold iron sword (first two attacks) and her silver nunchucks (last two attacks), and notes that she is now flanking Kezzem (+2 to attack rolls, sneak damage) and hasted (+1 attack). (So her attacks are 12, 12, 12, 7). With a last breath, she makes all of her ki strikes "magic" typed.

Attack rolls on the wolf: 17, nat 1, 29, 22.

Know Religion (undead): 15.

Damage Rolls 7, 5, 8, 8

Sneak Attack 4, 1, 4, 4

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat,   d20+22=37 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 7:11:36 PM
Murphy-bat feels more spread out for an instant as he gets whapped against the door. He wastes no time and moves swiftly to the left. If he comes to a wall or obstacle, he conforms to the surface he moves along, moving left and down, right when forced to, then left again at the earliest opportunity. With the haste, and full round move, I think he can cover up to 50' - but adjust that as may be needed. He wonders whether it was a trap which struck him, or the club of a giant, or something else, and, if it was a giant or something of the like, will it follow him about? He also listens to hear what he might hear. Where are the halflings? Can he hear any bats?

For clarity, he aims to conform to the juncture of walls and floors, or stairs. If he sees a glimmer of light anywhere, he will use that to guide him. If he hears someone or something moving, he will see about evading - unless he hears the voice of halfling wizards.

Perception: 37

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=17 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 7:21:00 PM
Shel moves to the blue space just left of Cameron's current position and targets the strange creature with a Magic Missile.

17 points of magical force damage

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat,   d20+3=14 ; d20+4=13 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 7:55:15 PM

[Ah, and should Cameron's positive energy burst benefit him, Murphy is back up to full hit points, rather than being down by 5.]

[adding Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 14
Knowledge, Engineering: 13]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=17 ;
Friday June 10th, 2016 8:20:57 PM
Shel moves to the blue space just left of Cameron's current position and targets the strange creature with a Magic Missile.

17 points of magical force damage

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday June 10th, 2016 8:25:40 PM
" Pressi, Pressi, Pressi, I know you can fight better than me, but the problem here is that I think these souless animal puppets are constructs. Uthvas is a taxidermist, so it makes sense and they are shrugging off perfectly good damage like rainwater. My best guess is that they have no vitals for you, me or Kezzem to hit, and a thick hide that just soaks up damage, like a wererat when you hit it with nonsilver weapons. What this means is that we are going to do little or no damage on every hit because as a group we lack significant physical strength. A hulking barbarian , all muscle and anger in here swinging a honking big axe would chop right through most of that resistance and put them away in short order. Pride aside, that is what we need right now, and it is also what we don't have. So buckle up buttercup, this is going to be an endurance match to see who lasts longer while getting the snot beat out of them. Provided I can start touching people that might work out better. No promises though."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d4=2 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=33 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=15 ;
Saturday June 11th, 2016 5:02:28 PM
Forgot the haste.

Attack: 35 (nat 20)
Confirm: 33.
Damage: 5
Crit Damage: 5
Sneak Damage: 15.



Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+7=14 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+29=30 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 12:45:49 AM

Bliss lies down on the floor and shoots a wolf. He takes a -4 for shooting into combat. He hits AC14 for 7 hp regular damage and 5 hp electrical damage.

He is sniping, so he tries to stay hidden after this shot. Stealth 30.

Play Misty for Me - DM Mark  d20+6=12 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=30 ; 2d8+7=18 ; 2d8+7=16 ; d20+10=21 ; 2d8+11=23 ; d20+13=28 ; 2d8+5=11 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+7=9 ; d8+3=4 ; 5d4+5=19 ; d100=35 ; d100=84 ; d100=10 ; d100=22 ; d100=78 ; d100=56 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 1:24:26 AM
(I will try to check after this, but as I am camping and my internet is limited I may not respond until Tuesday. I did forget a couple of AOOs on Murphy, but I’ll let those go.)

Alleah fumes as she watches Murphy drift away from the group. She heals Pressi, keeping a wary eye on the wolves as does so. She calls out to Kezzem for help.

Kezzem responds, steping to the side and attacking one of the wolves. His first attack misses, but hit second attatck hits!

Cameron shouts out some warnings, and then channels his god’s energy to heal his friends for 11 points. He realizes his healing will likely not affect Murphy on the otherside of the door.

Pressi, grateful for the healing, decides to draw weapons to attack her foes. She draws her sword as a move action and then attacks the wolf, but misses.

Shel moves and casts Magic Missle at the strange creature. The creature does not seem to even flinch as the missiles vanish into it.

Bliss shoots the wolf, but misses.

The antennae of the rust monster again brush toward Pressi’s sword, but she deftly moves out of the way.

Then the wolf that attacked her before again bites her for 18 damage.

The other wolf attacks Alleah, it’s teeth sinking into her thigh for 16 damage.

_____________________
(all damage below for Murphy is after 10 DR)
Murphy moves 5’ to his left (west) and encounters a wall. In doing so, he is again slammed (AOO) by what he would guess is a fist which hits him for 7 damage. He moves slowly along the wall, trying to sink into the wall. Moving north along a wall he goes forward until the wall ends in 10 feet. He then tries to follow the wall to where it seems to turn west and pushes into a large creature he did not know was there. In doing so he provokes an AOO and is slammed again for 1 damage after damage reduction. He is able to move another 5’ west.

A low voice says, “kill it.”

Murphy can hear his friends in combat. But he also hears things moving his way in the darkness. Murphy is attacked twice by a creature - both hit for another 10 damage. Another creature hits him with two blows causing another 10 damage from the two blows.

He hears something else shuffle his direction and it strikes him, but his damage reduction prevents any actual damage.

Then he hears someone muttering arcane syllables and darts of force lance into hims doing 19 damage.

(Murphy is in darkness and cannot see. His hasted speed is 20’. He must make a DC 10 acrobatics check to move more than half this speed when blind, which I rolled for him and he made. It sounded like he was moving along the wall slowly to blend in and/or feel for stairs or for cracks or doors to seep into, which would be at half speed, but that issue is academic as if he was a full speed of 20’+20’ he would not have found a crack and would take the same attacks.)

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26
Murphy - Dam. 51
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, Dam 1, moving slowly
Wolf1 - AC 20, DR 5, Dam 0
Wolf2 - AC 20, DR 5, Dam 32

Play Misty for Me - DM Mark  2d8+5=13 ; 2d8+5=17 ; 2d8+5=15 ; 2d8+5=15 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 2:21:22 AM
(Rolling to correct some errors in my post above - done. I mistakenly applied power attack to their attacks.)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 28*/20*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/45 -- Hastened  d20+11=30 ; d100=86 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 2:36:24 AM
Cam's channel hits Alleah just in time for the wolf to sink its teeth into her once more.

"Don't worry about the wolf by me. Get the one attacking Pressi!" she calls out. Alleah and Pressi were fighting a losing battle. They were cornered. She considers tumbling past the wolf, but doing so would leave Pressi on her own.

They needed to make an opening, and the wolf attacking Pressi looked to be the weak spot.

Alleah curses to herself. Once again she forgot to stock up on tanglefoot bags. "Ugh! Better go defensive"

---------------------------
Standard Action: Cast Barkskin defensively. Concentration check vs DC19: 30 = Pass. Leyline check: 86 = Freebie!
Use Hero Point for Extra Action: Use Total Defense. With 3 ranks in Acrobatics this gives Alleah a +6 dodge bonus for 1 round
Move action: Retrieve Wand of CLW from Handy Haversack. No AoO

Alleah's AC for this round is now 28/20/19

Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Haste, Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+8=15 ; d20+29=41 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 8:53:25 AM

Bliss shoots from hiding at the wounded wolf. This time he adds in the +1 to hit bonus from being hasted. "We are still hasted?" he wonders to himself.

He hits AC15, a miss.

He stays hidden: Stealth 41

Used 2 of current clip

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=25 ; d20+13=25 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 10:23:44 AM
The wolves are medium? They fit in 1 square on the map so that is the plan I am going with. Is Cameron still enlarges? I took the spell off my list because time passed while we searched, so I am going to assume a no on that, which actually saves me alot of math.
Cameron steps back again and while doing so pulls his whip. He could see that the wolves were shrugging off some of the damage Kezzem and Pressi were doing, and he couldn't hope to match them for sheer damage. So, he would have to make up in brains what he lacked in brawn. Snapping out the whip he tried to trip the wolf on Pressi. Because he knows he can not heal faster than the wolves are dishing punishment to his friends, so making it harder for the wolves to do that has to be his goal.
Trip combat maneuver on the wolf attacking Pressi beats CMD of 25 and will trip the wolf if his CMD is lower than that, making him prone. Please remember that wolves are 4 legged and get a bonus vs trip.
Hasted, Cameron makes another trip attempt, vs the same wolf if it is still standing, vs the one on Alleah if the first one is already tripped.
Second trip combat Maneuver beats CDM of 25 as well.
Cameron has a short sword in his off hand so he can still make AoO if needed. Both attacks were made after he stepped back and should not provoke any AoOs.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 1/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement
Anger at his single best hit not frying that bug. Stupid constructs with no critable areas

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+15=28 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=29 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=15 ; 4d6=16 ; 4d6=14 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 11:49:52 AM
"Dagger, dagger, dagger," says Kezzem as he announces his attacks.

Attack #1: 28.
Damage: 5 +15 = 20.

Attack #2: 20.
Damage: 3 + 16 = 19.

Attack #3: 29.
Damage: 5 + 14 = 19.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday June 13th, 2016 4:54:29 PM
Fixing the haste part of my status, sorry I missed that this morning. Yes Bliss, we are still hasted.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 2/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=13 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 10:20:06 PM
shel had no idea how that strange construct shook off her spells. She turned and didn't have to move, So Shel casts an Empowered Magic Missile at the wolf biting Pressi.

OOC: 19 force damage to the wolf.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 21/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+12=27 ;
Monday June 13th, 2016 10:28:24 PM
Pressi frowned, rather wishing she were a barbarian - or maybe a paladin - herself.

Her mind raced, as it became rather clear that she couldn't be the tank for this. But she needed to do something, even if it was lock the dogs in their room.

Pressi (standard action) began to grab the wolf that was threatening Alleah (Grapple check 27). Succeeding, she began to move back towards the kitchen (half speed of 40+haste), looking for a room or container she could lock the wolf in.

As a swift action, she boosts her AC to 21.

She hopes Murphy comes back soon. Surely, he is fairing better than they are.


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Misty bat,   d20+22=25 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 11:25:10 AM

Murphy decides that Alleah was right.

Trying to retreat back will simply get him killed. Likewise continuing forward. He drops the gaseous form, drops the wild shape, and, back as his own now bloodied halfling self, leaning against the wall, he says in the giant tongue, "Stop hitting me. I need to talk with Uthvas." He then says the same thing in the common tongue.

Then he adds, "And call off your stuffed monsters in the other room. We came here to talk with you, not to kill or be killed."

Perception 25

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 9/60 - (Kim) - hasted, longstrider  
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 8:08:16 PM
Fixing hit points.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 8:19:31 PM
Shel waits with baited breath hoping her magic would affect the super strong wolf. Neither she nor any of the others seemed to be having any luck. If the situation didn't change, they'd be joining their friends in the dungeon of this place.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=29 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 10:05:23 PM

Bliss looks around and tries to figure out what is going on with Murphy. Does he hear his friend's voice?

Perception 29

Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat - DM Mark  d20+11=27 ; 2d8+7=11 ; d100=50 ; d100=82 ; d20=9 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 11:10:39 PM
The battle continues. Alleah tells the others to ignore the wolf on her and slay the one attacking Pressi! She is also able to deftly cast Barkskin on herself in the midst of the fight.

Bliss hides between the feet of the motionless elf, who is locked in eternal combat with two human brigands. He shoots at the wolf attacking Pressi, but misses. The others see a tiny bolt wiz past the wolf and stick in the far wall above the second wolf, but they cannot see the tiny shooter.

Cameron steps back (west, because south be in encumbered terrain.) Doing so, he pulls out a whip and attempts to trip the beast. Twice his whip snakes around the wolf’s legs, and twice it is able to unentangle itself before Cameron can tighten the coils. (Cameron is not subject to an AOO from the remaining wolf because of the wall there - it is around the corner from him.)

Kezzem moves swiftly, sinking his daggers into the wolf. He can tell his weapons do a bit less damage than they should - the blows don’t feel right and there is no blood. However, his blows strike true and his skill with the dagger lets him push the blades where they do more damage than a mere fighter could. He is able to separate a hip and the creature’s neck. The wolf falls motionless at his feet.

Shell is puzzled why her spell had no effect on the strange construct, so she casts the same spell again, this time on the remaining wolf. She watches in despair as her Magic Missiles vanish into the wolf seeming to have no effect.

Pressi sees one wolf fall from Kezzem’s blows and decides to grapple the other wolf to move it back. She drops her two weapons on the floor and grabs the wolf - it is successfully grappled! (Grapple does not let you move your foe back until the following round. If you use a feat like Improved Grapple, please let me know so your DM does not have to search your character sheet.)

In response, the wolf sinks its teeth into the neck of Pressi’s drow form, her bright blood a contrast against her white hair and dark skin. She takes 11 damage.

The Rust Monster brushes it’s feathery antennae against Pressi’s sword where it lays on the ground. A thick coat of rust covers the weapon.
_____________________
Murphy concludes that he is surrounded in the darkness by opponents. He stays where he is and dismisses his Gaseous Form. (Dismissing a spell and wild shape are both standard actions.) The tiny bat sits against the wall, looking bloodied and helpless. As his sense of smell returns, he is overpowered by the smell of decaying flesh (Fort DC 12 or be nauseated.)

Murphy hears a voice in the darkness. It is very near him. It begins as a laugh that devolves into a hacking cough, and then a phlegmy bass voice.

“Heh, heh-heh-heh, heh-heh” *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*.

“They come to save their friends, and they send in a blind wizard. Whatever they’re doing, they are not very good at it. Let us see what this creature has to say. Kill it if it moves or takes any action, and be ready to kill it on my command.”

“ ‘Twinkle, twinkle little bat, how I wonder where you’re at.’ Are you a wizard or some sort of familiar? Your friends are dying, or will soon be dead. Will you precede them - let us see?” *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*

“Are you afraid of the dark?” Something touches Murphy, and he is now shaken.

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32, grappled
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26
Murphy - Dam. 51, shaken
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, Dam 1, moving slowly
Wolf1 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dam 0, grappled
Wolf2 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 21*/13*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/45 -- Hastened  d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2016 11:28:07 PM
Alleah does what she can to treat Pressi's wounds. Her healing power is restricted somehow, and doesn't treat as much damage as it normally would.

---------------------------
Standard Action: Lose Summon Monster II to cast Cure Moderate Wounds. Pressi is cured for 10pts

Spells & Effects
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Haste, Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 12:11:05 AM
Cameron moves into the room stepping into the debris that slows him down. His whip snakes out again, this time going for the little beetle thing that just rusted up Pressi's sword.
Whip attack beats CMD of 17, probably not enough to trip the creature
Acting heroically Cameron then concentrates on his holy symbol and channels positive energy to heal his friends. Channel energy to heal 8 damage to everyone within 30 feet.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 3/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand
1 hero point used

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 21*/13*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/45 -- Hastened  d20+10=25 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 1:37:22 AM
Forgot to make this check:

Concentration check for Alleah to cast CMW defensively vs DC19: 25 = Pass

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 9/60 - (Kim) - bat, hasted, longstrider, not stirred  d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 5:10:52 AM

Murphy chitters as well as he can, trying to say, "Well, how in Kashmar am I going to talk to you as a bat? Let me change to a form that allows me to talk with you, without one of your giants bashing me for moving. However, if you can understand what I am saying, then I'll be fine chatting with you as is. If you can understand me, tell me the names of one of the halflings you have here."

If Uthvas does not seem to understand him, then he holds up a wing (not too abruptly), as if making a petition. For some reason, he considers that he is sitting on a formerly well-lit copper coin. And with Uthvas' murderous intentions clear, he somehow feels less conciliatory than he might have a moment before.

Is that a nervous twitch in his wings? Why is he feeling nervous? That fellow sounds really sick. And stinks badly.

It would have been far better had he pulled back into the stuffed animals and elf room to help his companions there. He wishes he could see in the dark. He wishes that Cameron had not given then taken away. He wishes he had paid better mind to Alleah's counsel. He wishes he knew how to dimension door away from here. He could go earth elemental and sink into the ground, but they might hit him before he made his escape. But as an elemental of any sort he could see in the darkness.

At least, in bat form, they won't be trying to go through his stuff. Why can't I think of anything useful to do at the moment? flashes through his mind. Why are so many thoughts filling my head in so little time? Does this sort of thing happen right before you die? he wonders.

As a bat he does have decent ears. Shoot, as a halfling he has decent ears. He listens to the sounds of breathing, of movement. He - pyoo, what a stench - focuses as well on the nearby smells. He has been around different giants before. He tries to gauge how many - two? three? more? - are in this chamber along with the necromancer, as he has no doubt of the identity of him who would be his tormentor. He begins to form a mental map of the room, get a feeling for the height of the ceiling, how far it might be across, and so forth. At least as well as he may under the circumstances.

Perception: 28

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 28/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+10=23 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+5=16 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=12 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 3:09:46 PM
(OOC: I do have improved grapple, sorry I didn't mention it earlier. Of course, mentioning I have quickdraw also gets ignored, so...)

Watching Kezzem manage a couple of shots into the other wolf, she decides that she can still try and rip apart this wolf.

(Attack rolls 23, 15, 25, 16)

(Damage 11, 8, 11, 12)

(Sneak 2, 2, 5, 3)

She grumbles that of course the rust monster has expensive taste.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 8:17:11 PM
Not having any good ideas, so to speak, Shel casts Grease underfoot the wolf, trying to knock it off balance, or maybe if she got lucky, it might even fall.

OOC: DC 16 Reflex save for super wolf.

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+7=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20+29=38 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 9:11:32 PM
Bliss shoots at Pressi's Wolf: He hits AC23 for 10 hp bolt damage and an extra 2 hp electrical damage.

Sniping while prone, he rolls back into the shadow that seems to cling to him. Stealth 38.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 9/60 - (Kim) - bat, hasted, longstrider, not stirred 
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 10:40:04 PM

Question: Is the floor made of stone, or some other material? Are the walls the same?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+15=33 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=28 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=8 ; 4d6=17 ; 4d6=20 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2016 10:47:03 PM
Kezzem moves to flank the other wolf with Alleah and attacks.

Attack: 33.
Damage: 5 + 8 = 13.

Attack: 19.
Damage: 3 + 17 = 20.

Attack: 28.
Damage: 4 + 20 = 24.

Up above the world you fly, like a tea-tray in the sky - DM Mark  d20+13=24 ; d4=2 ; 2d8+7=13 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+2=17 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 12:39:51 AM
Alleah heals Pressi for 10 points.

As Cameron moves into the room the grappled wolf snaps at him, but is unable to attack Cameron. He attempts to use the whip on the Rust Monster, but is too far away. (10’ reach, correct?) He then uses a hero point to heal all there, though the wolf and the rust monster show no sign of having been affected.

Pressi releases the wolf from her grapple and becomes a dervish of death. Her first blow to the side of the wolf’s head is a hard hit, rattling it’s teeth. Blows two and four glance off it’s tough hide, but with the third blow she feels a rib snap in the creature. It actually sounds a bit hollow as she does this. First she grapples a wolf and then starts cracking bones - Pressi feels a little badass right now.

Annoyed that her spell seemingly had no effect, Shel tries a different tactic. She casts Grease beneath the wolf. While grease coats the floor beneath the wolf, it also coats the floor beneath Kezzem. (Grease covers a 10’ x 10’ area.) The wolf’s feet skitter on the grease floor, and it falls prone.

Bliss levels his crossbow at the wolf and hits. The bolt hits home, but as the electricity dances across the wolf’s skin, the beast seems momentarily energized.

Kezzem intended to move 5’ to flank the wolf, but the Grease spell on the floor makes him think twice (it essentially creates difficult terrain - DM call.) Kezzem managed ts to stay on his feet (I rolled his reflex save,) and attacks the prone wolf three times from where he is. His first attack creates a gash in the side of the wolf. His second and third attacks would eviscerate another creature, but his attacks rip open a gash showing where bones have been wired together with wood within the construct. The wolf ceases moving. (Kezzem needs to make a DC 10 Acrobatics check to move at half speed into a greased square. Kindly read the grease spell for the rest of the rules on this.)

The rust monster again touches the rusted sword, and it disintegrates into rusty flakes. Oddly, it does not remain to consume the flakes. It turns it’s eyes slowly toward Kezzem, but does not yet move.

Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear a low voice speaking beyond the door, punctuated by an occasional coughing bout. You are unable hear what is said though.}
_____________________
Murphy tries to sense his environs, but without some way to see or sense in the dark he can tell little about what is around him. For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { As a bat, everything in here seems huge - he would guess there are two or three opponents here, all much, much larger than him. He feels stone against his back and at his feet. The terrible stench in here is strong enough to mask any other smells.} Batmurphy chitters in the dark, and raises a wing. He also wishes he’d done things differently.

The deep, phlegmy voice speaks again.

“Your friends are dying even as we speak, and you are alone. In the dark. With me. How sad that must be for you. What must that feel like, to lose all hope? What must it be like to be so small and helpless, to know your end is at hand? Heh, ha-ha-ha, heh-heh.” *cough* *cough* *cough*

“Up above the world you fly, like a tea-tray in the sky.”

*cough* *cough*
*cough* *cough* *cough*.

“If all you are is a bat, if this is all you can show me, you are of no use to me. Perhaps your parts would prove interesting. Perhaps you can be reanimated to serve my needs. Is this all there is to you little bat?”

Murphy feels the darkness seem to close in on him, and he senses that the end is near...

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32, grappled
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26
Murphy - Dam. 51, shaken
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, CMD 16 (20 vs. trip), Dam 1, moving slowly
Wolf1 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead
Wolf2 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - bat to earth elemental ape, hasted, longstrider, not stirred  d8+5=7 ; d20+20=33 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 2:10:13 AM

Murphy arrives at yet another moment of decision. The giant was told to kill him if he moved. But Uthvas has just condemned him if he remains as he is. So, with a hasty thought prayer to Eberyon, himself born of the four elements, and maker of the fae, and to Gargul, that neither he nor his friends need visit him too soon, he pantomimes understanding to the necromancer, nodding his wee bat head.

He wild shapes (standard action, no AoO) into an earth elemental - looking rather like a sitting ape of dirt and stone, and immediately sinks full fast into the stone below as a five foot 'step' downward. His eyes of dark blue crystal have less than an instant to see (darkvision 60') Uthvas and perhaps one or two giants, and if lucky, to get a better feel for the lay of the room (Perception 33). With that said, escape is his first priority.

As his full height is 4' in his current form, and he was sitting down at the time of transformation, my thought with the 5' movement directly downward is that his head will be at least 2' or a tad more below the surface of the stone floor at the end of that first movement [if not caved in by fast-twitch muscles belonging to the giant].

Spending a hero point for an extra action, he casts cure light wounds upon himself, regaining 7 hp.

Having sunk thus far, is he wholly encased in stone - or is he dangling over the open space of a floor beneath the one above? If the former, he will use the extra movement (hasted) to travel AD6 - although that may be adjusted should open space be found in his subfloor pathway. If the flooring is not very thick, and he needs to drop to the ground below, he has tried to orient himself so as to be able to land on all fours.

If there is open space beneath him, but he has not gone far enough through the flooring to need to drop, then he looks to see what is below, and will need to determine what to do at that point.

Uthvas, or the giant, may notice a bloody copper coin resting upon the stone where sat a moment before a hapless, wounded bat.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 21*/13*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 29/45 -- Hastened  d8=8 ; d20+8=26 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 4:21:24 AM
Working on the assumption that the wolf is dead...

Alleah gives Pressi a tap of the Cure Light Wounds wand she retrieved earlier. The wand seems to work well here. Alleah determines it might be wise to keep the wand out for the time being. The battle isn't over yet.

She carefully makes her way to the other corner of the room to stand near Cameron. "Want me to make you bigger?"

She then addresses everyone else "Are we able to make a hole in those shutters? It's possible that natural daylight might be our ally in this fight"

-----------------------------
Standard Action: Use CLW Wand on Pressi. Pressi is healed for 8 + 1 = 9pts
Move Action: Move at half speed through the grease to AB7. Acrobatics check vs DC10 to avoid falling: 26 = Pass

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - bat to earth elemental ape, hasted, longstrider, not stirred 
Thursday June 16th, 2016 5:20:45 AM

For reference - Links to small earth elemental and beast shape I for Murphy.

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday June 16th, 2016 6:28:26 AM
15 foot reach

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=28 ; d20+7=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+29=47
Thursday June 16th, 2016 7:50:09 AM

Perception 28

Bliss shoots his bah at the wierd monster. If it is engaged in combat, he has a -4 to hit. Bliss rolls a 23 or a 27, so either way that seems like a hit. He watches to see if his attack also "energizes" this monster.

Damage is 8 plus 6 electrical.

If you snipe within 5 ft of someone, do you provoke an AoO? Dunno, but if Bliss is attacked, he is prone.

And stealth check 47

bolt 4 of 5 used

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=15 ; d20+13=22 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 8:18:54 AM
The reach on a whip is 15 feet, but my roll wasn't high enough to trip it, so same net effect.
Having failed to trip the creature on his first try, Cameron tries again, hoping to keep it down so that Kezzem and Pressi can kill it. Having seen what he has and having fought automatons before, he is pretty sure he can not hurt it without his spells, and those seem to have no effect.
trip attempt beats CMD of 15, fail
Haste trip attack beats CMD of 22, should trip the beast.
Answering Alleah, " Daylight? I dunno. All of the constructs I have fought were able to shrug off some forms of damage, and these seem no different. They also seem resistant to magic, fire slows them and lightning speeds them."
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 4/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand


Clarifying Kezzem's Save - DM Mark 
Thursday June 16th, 2016 12:15:39 PM
(For clarity, I rolled Kezzem's save. He saved on the Grease spell, so I adjusted my post above. The wolf construct is no longer functioning.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+17=30 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+15=31 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=14 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 12:39:59 PM
Acrobatics: 30.
Perception: 25.

Kezzem moves to the space just south of Cameron and throws one of his magical returning daggers at the rust monster.

Attack: 31.
Damage: 5.
Sneak Attack (if the RM is flat-footed for some reason): 14.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 37/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+13=32 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+8=25 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 1:00:02 PM
As Kezzem finishes off the wolf, Pressi does begin to feel - maybe not badass, but at least no longer helpless. She does try not to let the loss of her DR breaking sword get the best of her, reminding herself that she uses her hands far more. She supposes she still has some screwed up ideas about people taking her stuff.

Perception 32

Pressi, closest to the door, pauses as the action winds down, at least for now. Among the strange wiring and the curiosity over whether any of the other statues would stop moving, and among the revulsion Pressi feels at the rust monster's being. She hears murmurs and coughing, but cannot determine what is going on. Did Murphy really decide now was the best time for a chat? Where on earth is he?

She mentions that she does have a sunrod, but is loathe to use it against something that is clearly not undead and that clearly has some strange reactions against things tried.

With the rust monster under control, Pressi takes another look at the door behind her. (Perception for traps 21, Disable 25).

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday June 16th, 2016 6:16:43 PM
Shel grinned ear to ear after making the wolf slide to the ground. It was too crowded to use another Grease spell on the rust monster, and her other magic wouldn't work, so she held her action this round, hoping the others could simply beat it to death.

Uthvas is a Bad Man - DM Mark  d20+4=21 ; d20+3=6 ; d20=5 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 6:58:30 PM
Alleah heals Pressi and then moves carefully through the grease on the floor. She offers to make Cameron bigger, and suggests that someone open the shutters.

Bliss shoots the Rust Monster near the door. His bolt hits, and he sees that the creature is no longer slowed. The bolt now protrudes from the creature’s side. Bliss - Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {His shot pierced the creature, but does no net damage.}

(Bliss would only provoke an AOO from a creature that threatens him. Since this creature cannot see Bliss or the action that would provoke an AOO, I do not think it could threaten him. This is also not a very bright creature.)

Cameron’s whip snakes forward. The Rust Monster is not actually in combat right now, and Cameron manages to trip the creature. It then struggles to rise and stands up (provoking an AOO from Pressi,) and then moves into the grease (move action into encumbered terrain, provoking another AOO from Pressi if possible.) It’s feet seem very unsteady on this grease, and it only moves 5’. It sets its sights on Kezzem’s daggers.

Kezzem is all too happy to introduce this creature to his daggers, and he throws one. It hits, but seems to bounce off the creatures tough hide before it returns.

Sense Motive DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This Rust Monster is not behaving intelligently, but it is behaving with purpose. It destroyed one of Pressi’s weapons. She has others and she is using metal picks to unlock the door, but it seems to now ignore her now. It is focused on Kezzem. There are weapons held by the human and elf figures, but it is not pursuing those.}

Pressi laments the loss of her cold iron sword. Thinking about weapons, she does notice that none of the weapons the humans and elf hold are cold iron. She turns her attention to the door and an audible *click* tells her it is unlocked (full round action).

Shel is quite pleased with herself for causing the wolf to fall.

Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear muted voices outside the shuttered window, and the occasional clink of metal.}

Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear laughter beyond the door, followed by coughing. You are unable hear what is said though.}
_____________________
Murphy, still with a feeling of dread in this dark place, says a quick prayer to Eberyon and Gargul. His bat form enlarges and morphs into a small earth elemental. He then attempts to earthglide into the floor. But before he is able to leave, he is struck by two blows and is dead (readied actions, 33 damage total - my rolls actually disappeared when I posted an edit to my last move).

For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy’s sense of dread suddenly vanishes, and he feels a sort of lightness as he drifts upward. This is a large room. Looking down, he sees things in an an odd sort of twilight - everything is grey and washed out but evenly lit. He can also see the area is shot through with red rivulets here and there, almost like small veins of some vast organism. The first “creatures” he notices are many dark, swirling forms in the air about him. There is a malevolence in their eyes, but it is not directed at Murphy. Rather, he feels an acceptance by them. He looks down, and sees two 8’ tall, muscled human forms hunched over where a little sandy haired halfling lays, battered and unmoving. They wear little more than swimming trunks. He can see it is his small, broken body lying there on the cold stone floor. He knows this is Murphy - yet somehow it is no longer Murphy. He is struck by a deep sadness for this small being - so helpless against this force.

And he sees a very fat, very pale man behind these behemoths laughing with glee. The figure looks to be dressed in a woman’s robe and sports a pearl necklace and red lipstick. “He-he, heh heh heh, yes yes, oh yes. Oooo. Looks like we’ll soon have company boys. Get ready. Heh-he,he.”

*cough* *cough*
*cough* *cough* *cough*
(I will describe the room more later - this is all Murphy takes in right now.)}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32, grappled
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26
Murphy - Dead
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, CMD 16 (20 vs. trip), Dam 1
Wolf1 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead
Wolf2 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=33 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+29=34 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 7:09:06 PM

Bliss takes a standard action to turn off the shocking ability of his bah. He gets out a new clip of bolts as a move action.

Perception checks 33, 33, 27

Stealth 34

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 37/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+10=29 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+5=16 ; d8+4=6 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=7 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=24 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 8:19:16 PM
Pressi hesitates before opening the door, deciding that she has to take down the rust monster after all. "Honestly, it worries me what would happen to you if I weren't there." Noting no flanking, she just decided to take it on.

Attack Rolls: 29; 29; 21; 16

Damage Rolls: 6, 10, 7

As she fights, she tries to hear through the door, and not imagine the worst. (Perception 30, 24). More worrisome than outside the door is the banging outside the window. "Yeah, let's not open up those shutters if we can."

AC 24 (T 16, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=18 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+12=16 ; d4=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+8=23 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2016 8:32:34 PM
" Wearing all metal armor and weapons like I am, I'd sure appreciate it if we were to deal with this threat and heal before going into another room full of fun. Murphy went through and is either dead, captured or doing just fine as a silent fart cloud in there. From the laughing and other sounds I hear he has either made a jolly friend, or someone is laughing at his expense. Either way, rushing in there will just get us all killed if there are opponents. So kill this god forsaken bug and lets get prepared for what is beyond the door rather than going in half cocked. Watching you guys hit it and bounce off, I have no way to damage it, so I'll just keep it prone."
Perception 18
Perception 27

Trip 1 beats CMD 21
Trip 2 beats CMD 24
AoO hits AC 16 for 4+5 sneak attack damage if the rust monster is flanked or otherwise allows sneak attacks ( like flat footed) AoO provided in case it is needed from short sword in Cam's off hand
Sense Motive 23
" Is it just me, or is this critter acting weird? It doesn't seem to move very naturally. Almost like itt's moves are predetermined."
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Haste 5/7 rounds used +1 dodge AC, +1 reflex save +20' movement

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
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
1 charge used for Scorching Ray wand

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Thursday June 16th, 2016 11:44:36 PM
Too fast they were, too slow he. It is amazing how competent they are at their work of death. Uthvas' own name - does it not have something to do with the 'charm of death'?

And now this perverse mangler of flesh rejoices over the new death he has caused. The mangling of my own body. Ah, Mother, I pray you never have to see me this way.

The story that Narmy told him years ago about what it was like to die for a bit passed through his mind. He had mentioned the little red streams in the air.

"Greetings," he says to the spirits and souls who dance about him. He looks down, seeing one arm holding on loosely to a thread of a shoulder, and the back of his head indented. "That is me."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 29/45 -- Hastened  d100=45 ; d20+13=20 d20+14=34
Friday June 17th, 2016 2:26:50 AM
Alleah casts Cat's Grace on herself to further boost her defensive capabilites. In doing so, the cold iron gauntlet that she wears moves about as she makes the somatic gestures.

"Maybe I can lure it towards me?" she wonders aloud

-------------------------------
Standard Action: Cast Cat's Grace. Leyline check: 45 = Pass.
Sense Motive: 20
Perception: 34

Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Haste, Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+11=23 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+15=26 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=23 ; 4d6=17 ; 4d6=10 ;
Friday June 17th, 2016 5:58:11 PM
Sense Motive: 23
Perception: 27
Perception: 15

"I'm going to regret this," says Kezzem. He braces the grease to get into flanking position with Pressi.

OOC: It's a 5 ft. step, but I am not sure if because of the grease this will be considered a move action instead. If it is, ignore the second and third attacks.

Acrobatics: 20.

Attack #1: 29.
Damage: 5.
Sneak Attack: 23.

Attack #2: 26.
Damage: 4.
Sneak Attack: 17.

Attack #3: 26.
Damage: 4.
Sneak Attack: 10.

No Rust for the Weary - DM Mark  d100=91 ; d20=6 ; d20=12 ;
Friday June 17th, 2016 6:33:57 PM
Bliss preps his bah and the crackling energy no longer dances on the weapon.

Pressi decided to not open the door just yet. She fights on, attacking the Rust Monster, though she doesn’t do as much damage as she would have thought.

Cameron echos Pressi’s thoughts about not opening the door yet, and advises not opening the window at all. His whip snakes out and wraps around neck of the creature. With a quick jerk he brings the thing down in the grease.

Alleah casts Cat’s Grace, and then attempts to lure the rust monster towards her.

Kezzem steps out onto the grease. With his skill in Acrobatics, he thinks he could almost skate around on this stuff. But it’s the rust monster’s ability to destroy his weapons that worries him. He attacks the prone rust monster. With one blow he makes a gash across the creature's head and neck as a bit of stuffing come out. The creature lays still on the greased floor.

Perception DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear a bit of rattling of the window shutter. }
Perception DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: {From outside the window you hear a couple voices.
“What the heck is going on in there? I can hear noise, but I can’t see anything.”
“Hey, knock it off! We were told not to interfere unless they come out. Den, you better get away from there - here he comes now!”}
_____________________

For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy looks around as he floats in the air. The spirits around him seem to be whispering something just beyond his hearing, yet he still understands them. They crowd around him, obscuring all else, beckoning him to join them. It seems to easy, east to join them in their hate, their thirst for revenge, their desire to inflict pain. Join them….

Does Murphy resist this call?}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32, grappled
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26
Murphy - Dead
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Rust Monster - AC 18, DR 5, CMD 16 (20 vs. trip), Dead
Wolf1 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead
Wolf2 - AC 20, DR 5, CMD 23 (27 vs Trip), Dead

AC 27 (T 19, FF 22) CMD 18 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=27 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ;
Friday June 17th, 2016 8:47:36 PM
OK, you two, over here. Kezzem, Shel, Bliss watch the door. Prep if you think it prudent." Cameron whispers to the group as he hears the commotion outside.
Perception 27
Cameron becomes a blur of motion as his whip and short sword are put away and the wand, taken from the gnoll comes out. First he touches Pressi with it, healing 16 points of damage. He will touch her again healing another 10 damage. Then he touches Alleah, healing 14 damage (if she is still wounded, she mentioned a CLW wand last round, and I doubt she is just going to stand there...)
He then retrieves the wand he dropped earlier and hands Alleah the CMW wand, it has 4 remaining charges, (It had 7 when we got it from the gnoll, yes?) " I know you strive not to hurt things, so this will probably be best used in your hands, because I was being brave for you all before. I don't think Murphy going silent after going in there bodes well for him. If that is the case, there will most likely be alot of killing needed in there. And here I prepared for undead. This goofball is making constructs. Who knew?"
Cameron prepares to use the shield wand on himself and anyone else that wants the protection, then he is ready for the door to get opened. Wand of scorching ray in one hand, short sword in the other.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2, Shield of Faith
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday June 17th, 2016 9:50:46 PM
Shel takes a deep breath. She casts Shield on herself,knowing it didn't have a long duration, but thinking it might be most useful if they find more trouble.

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy) 
Friday June 17th, 2016 10:00:46 PM
"So, hatred is the call?" Murphy's disembodied spirit asks the other spirits. "Justice I can support. The thwarting of the wicked I can support. I should rather choose love of the good to be my guiding light.

"Yet I will hate wicked deeds myself. I must therefore not allow myself to be wicked, and in the end hate myself.

"Join you?

"You - join me. There are three I know of - two halflings, and a hill giant, said to be good, enslaved here. Can we help save them? Do you know where they are?

"Perhaps our purposes can meld together. But tell me further, what do you have in mind?"

So, no, Murphy does not yet join himself with these spirits of ill will, but will see if he might sway them toward redemption, towards justice and the thwarting of Uthvas' aims, yes, and mercy upon the still-able-to-be-rescued victims of the gross taxidermist.

And the halfling really does not know exactly how they might affect the land of the living at the moment, if at all.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 43/45 -- Hastened  d20+14=31 ;
Friday June 17th, 2016 10:57:45 PM
Alleah whispers to the group "There are voices outside. Apparently they've been told not to come in but to wait for us to come out.

That rust monster looked programmed to go after the cold iron weapons. It's possible that was deliberate and that whoever is in charge here has a weakness to cold iron."

She kneels to take a souveneir from the - now dead - rust monster. It's antennae likely no longer function, but they would still make a good token of the battle.

She puts her CLW wand away, and nods to Cameron as he passes her the almost depleted CMW wand.

Finally, she casts Enlarge Person on Cameron. "Ok, let's do this"

-------------------------
Perception: 31

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d100=2 ; d100=14 ;
Saturday June 18th, 2016 7:18:33 AM
[OOC: How many rounds are going by? That's three cures Cam did from his wand, so three rounds? Here are three rounds of action from Bliss ... if we only have one round, then use the first; if two, then the first and the second. Thanks!]

Bliss sighs with relief and whispers, "Good work everybody. But I have a bad feeling about Mister Murphy!"

He reloads his bah with a fresh clip of cold iron bolts (first round action).

He casts Cat's Grace on himself - Ley check 2 is a failure! Spell fails. (second round action)

He casts Divine Favor on himself - Ley check 14 is barely a success, but it works! (third round action)

Bliss takes cover behind the furniture in AE-10. "Open the door, Cam," he whispers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 53/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; shield; haste 
Saturday June 18th, 2016 3:09:01 PM
Pressi takes the shield spell, raising her AC considerably. It means that she does not have to drop her current form.

She almost refused to take it out of pride. There Cameron stood, talking about how we had to prepare for the worst for the person she loved, and how prudence and preparation were necessary now. It was a speech that she gave a million times and would give a million times more. She never had to listen to it.

"This doorway is a choke point," she stated instead. "Assuming none of the other statues come to life, this room should provide us cover as we drag the enemies here. Range attackers may want to stay on the sides of the doors where their range attackers cannot reach. We may also want to unlock the shutters so we have a retreat route, though I'd prefer to fall back to the kitchen. Cameron and I will hold the door."

Pressi made one last preparation as she moved back to the doors, the removal of her only sunrod. "As soon as the doors open, I am tossing this at the center of the room, hopefully towards Uthvas."

Timing - DM Mark  d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=19 ;
Monday June 20th, 2016 1:47:46 AM
(We have been acting round by round. You do not know what is happening with Murphy. Some people are posting multiple rounds of actions. I need party consensus on how many rounds you take in this room so that I know what is happening elsewhere. If you need to coordinate via email, please do but I will not advance the scene until this group reaches consensus on timing.)

Cameron busies himself with several actions - stowing items, pulling out items, activating items, all while moving through the room.
(I see 6 rounds of action:
Stowe weapons while moving to Pressi,
Retrieve wand, heal Pressi,
Heal Pressi, move to Alleah,
Heal Alleah, recover dropped wand,
give wand to Alleah, use Shield wand on himself,
Draws scorching ray wand, draws shorts sword)

Shel casts Shield on herself. (1 round)

Alleah whispers to the group. The she cuts an antennae off the rust monster. She finds it’s rather tough to remove, but she gets it off. Then she accepts the wand from Cameron and casts Enlarge Person on Cameron. (2 rounds.)

Bliss expresses concern for Murphy, and then beings casting spells. Finally he hides and whispers for Cam to open the door (3 rounds.)

Pressi takes a Shield spell from someone (from whom - if it’s Cam it will be in round 7! Does she actually delay helping “the perons she loved” for 7 rounds?) Then she readies an action to throw a sunrond once the door is opened.

_____________________

For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy is surrounded by spirits. They beckonMurphy to join them. Murphy says that they should join him instead, and asks if they know of two halflings and a giant. These spirits do not respond to his offer or his questions.

“Join us” they wordlessly whisper. “Give in to the hate, Embrace vengeance. Join us…”

He can see nothing of the room as they surround him.

(I really need to know how long the others take before I can advance Murphy.)}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 32, 16, 6?
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 26, 12?
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy) 
Monday June 20th, 2016 2:08:48 AM

"No, I will not embrace hatred. I will embrace justice," the spirit of Murphy replies to the dark gathering. "I will embrace just retribution. I will not join you in your hatred. I will not join you in vengeance. I follow Eberyon, not Jancassis. I look to Alemi, to Flower, to Gargul, not to Marteus.

"Join me - let love of good infuse your souls, and let us do good. It would be good to stop the evil man, Uthvas. It would be good to rescue those he torments. Can we rescue? Can we stop the evil, without ourselves joining with evil?

"Have you known love in life, at any time? Call now upon that love. Have you spoken truth? Call now upon truth. Have you sought justice? Call now upon justice. But leave hatred out of it. Cast hatred aside. Love is stronger than hate. Uthvas wants you to hate. Do not let Uthvas win. Do not let hatred win. Let love of life win, love of goodness win, love of truth win, love of justice win - and even love of mercy win.

"Let light come into your souls. Let love enter your tormented minds. And if not, then we cannot join. I go now to help my friends. Will you help me help my friends? For they oppose Uthvas. Shall we oppose Uthvas, and help those he harms?"

If they will not come to his side, he cannot not go to theirs. If they try to keep him surrounded, he petitions boldly, "GOOD LORDS AND POWERS ABOVE, COME TO MINE AID. LET LIGHT SHINE INTO DARKNESS, THAT DARKNESS BE OVERCOME BY LIGHT."



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 13 -- HP 43/45 -- Hastened 
Monday June 20th, 2016 2:24:22 AM
Alleah is happy to go with the pace of the group. If it takes 30 seconds for the group to prepare for a fight, then so be it. She certainly doesn't want to go off unprepared.

She moves to stand near the door and holds her position. Alleah nods her head to Cameron and reaches out to touch the door. When she receives a nod back from him, she will push on the door whilst staying clear of its path

--------------------------
Round 3:
Move action: Move to AE7.
Standard action: Readied action to push open the door when Cameron nods his head

Round 4 onwards...
Standard action: Readied action to push open the door when Cameron nods his head

AC 29 (T 21, FF 24) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday June 20th, 2016 8:46:32 AM
By your count it is 7 rounds. If Cam is tanking, like it sounds he also casts Shield of Faith before the two shield spells. That will make it 8 rounds.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 10/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 49/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+13=30 ;
Monday June 20th, 2016 12:47:21 PM
Kezzem sticks with the group, keeping an eye out for trouble.

Perception: 30



Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d100=5
Monday June 20th, 2016 1:51:38 PM

Bliss stands by his three rounds of action, then urges his friends in a whisper to open the door.

If he ends up with 4 or 5 rounds, then in round 4 he casts Cat's Grace with a second level slot (Ley check 5 fails!) and then Longstrider in Round 5 (no fail check on domain spells).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 53/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; shield; haste 
Monday June 20th, 2016 3:05:12 PM
Pressi is, above all, a soldier and tactician. That is what she tells herself, to be steady even when the stakes are personal to her.

As the seconds go by, Pressi becomes more and more sure that she needs to steel herself against what has happened to the man she loves - to the first man she has opened herself up to in years. She continues to bark orders and strategies, pausing to let people position themselves on occassion. As Cameron heals her the first time, she accepts the heal graciously. Her denial of the second heal, and withdrawal of the shield request, is far more curt.

(It is also not necessary, since the DM's counter was off, missing a heal. Pressi started at 37/53, got healed for 16 on Cameron's first pass, and that brings her to full. You can tell, because that counter also lists her as grappled after the DM made a big deal about dropping the grapple.)

"Ok, we want to take them on one at a time. Kezzem, I'm thinking of grappling them and spinning them so their back is to you. Alleah, Shel, now would be a good time to get some summons and environmental stuff ready for casts. Cameron... You really are going to have to speed it up. And remember, if those statues do move or if this door gets breached, everyone falls back to the kitchen, no matter what. We do not cross this door until the threat is contained.

"And if Murphy..." Pressi closed her eyes for a second. "I want everyone to promise that whatever happens, you will not kill Uthvas. That little toad is mine. Shall we?"

Pressi kicks open the door.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday June 20th, 2016 3:07:42 PM
Shel, too is ready to proceed after three rounds.

In round one, she casts Shield on herself. In round two, she casts Invisibility. In the third round, she is ready to follow the others through the door.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 52/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; shield; haste  d8+1=6 ; d20+13=22 ;
Monday June 20th, 2016 3:12:31 PM
OOC: Sorry again. Pressi was down 23 thanks to Alleah's heal when the rust monster ended. Cameron heals her for 16. So she's currently down 7.)

Pressi quickly drinks her CLW potion, gaining 6 HP (1 action). She continues to ready an action to throw the sunrod. She also readies a perception check (22, darkvision).

AC 29 (T 21, FF 24) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday June 20th, 2016 9:55:17 PM
Least I am willing to do is heal, heal, shield of faith, and shield. The DM can add as many rounds as he needs to make all the wand and weapon swaps. If that door is opened before I am ready I drop everything, go invisible and silent as a mouse. Poor planning on your parts does not mean I have to die too.
Plus this is a second post which is taboo so the DM can ignore it if he wants.
"Pushing us to move faster does not make time stand still Pressi. Murphy is a grown halfling. He went off by himself foolishly during a fight. Us rushing in half prepared to save him if he is in trouble just means we are about to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Rushing is dumb and irresponsible. I know you know that so just hush a minute and let me finish preparing."
Cameron's voice is emotionless, as he has been trained to be. Either Murphy is fine and flitting around in gaseous form next to the Mages waiting for them, or, somehow, amazingly since the gaseous form should absorb alot of damage, he has been killed, and rushing makes them vulnerable. He knows ddep inside Pressi knows this, but on the outside she deeply cares about Murphy and not knowing is killing her, possibly literaly if they go in unprepared. Cameron leave off of a second heal on Pressi and makes himself ready to fight with his goddess's shield and his wand of shields. He then draws his wand of Scorching Ray and his short sword and nods to let them know he is ready.
So heal, heal, shield of faith, and shield, whatever weapon swaps are needed and then he's ready.

Pressi Kicks Open the Door - DM Mark  d20+12=28 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 12:22:12 AM
(Haste expired some time ago.)

Through careful coordination, the party only takes 5 rounds to prepare before opening the door.

Alleah helps with the healing wand, and moves toward the door.

Cam takes another moment to ensure both Shield of Faith and Shield protect him.

Kezzem stays where he is, ready for action. His sharp eye sees nothing more that what was before him all along. The limited light in the room glints off the weapons the Humans and the Elf hold. The orcs seem less realistic, less well prepared.

Bliss remains hidden where he is under one of the orcs and whispers for his friends to open the door.

Shel readies herself, casting Shield and Invisibility. She has not moved from her location outside this trophy room.

Though worried about Murphy, Pressi remains focused on their task and necessary preparations. She barks order and strategies from her place at the door. Once everyone is ready, she kicks the door open.

All she sees is a white mist at the door like a plane of fog. She thinks she can see some blood smears through the mist on the floor in front of her. All is quiet and dark.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy can see that he has an amorphous form like these spirits, grey where they appear a filmy black. This seems to go on for a while as these spirits press in on Murphy - sometimes closer, sometimes pulling away from him a bit, but always enticing and tempting him to give into a hatred of the one that killed him.

Murphy refuses. He tries to tell these spirits that this is not the way. Instead, he offers them a path of love and truth and justice. Not a vengeful justice that seeks to repay pain with more pain, because such justice is usually rooted in bitterness and is rarely satisfied. Murphy speaks to them of a justice born of love and even mercy, a justice that promises light and hope and peace. Then he prays to the Gods of the Wold for a light that will shine in this darkness. It is at that moment that he can see his form transform from grey to white gossamer.

The dark forms recoil from Murphy, and he senses a revulsion from them. But not all of them remain dark. As the forms pull away from him, a few transform as Murphy did. Perhaps they listened.

As they pull back, he again sees the grey and washed out image of cavernous room, though the details are hazy. He can also see the area is shot through with red rivulets here and there, some running through the air. Almost immediately, the spirits that turned from black to white move toward the nearest red vein and are whisked out of sight as if entering a fast flowing river. The dark forms seem to avoid these red areas, continuing to fly about the room in a random fashion, their hate still palpable.

He can sense forms below, most standing, one prone. There is the door he entered, and another door around the corner. Then half the room goes white.

Murphy feels drawn to the red rivulets. They offer release. Touch one and be at peace. Touch one and rest...
}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 1
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 12
Bliss - Dam. 0
Mookie - Dam. 0


AC 29 (T 21, FF 24) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+16=30 ; d20+10=27 ; 4d6=7 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 6:11:09 AM
"Well, that can't be good" Says Cameron as they face a wall of mist.
"That means someone in there wants to hide and ambush us, would be my guess. Any ideas for breaking that stuff up?
Cameron readies an action to incinerate the first thing to come at them through the door.
UMD 30
Touch attack with the wand of Scorching Rays hits AC 27 for 7(AWESOME)
From the change of plans it sounded as if Cameron was not enlarged. At this point he doesn't want to be so that is just fine with him.(enlarge only really helps me trip larger people and it changes all of my to hits, not for the better.)
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 9/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 48/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d100=82 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+29=44 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 7:36:08 AM
Bliss tries to cast a Message spell -- ley check 82 A-OK -- and succeeds. He uses the spell to let Alleah, Cam, and Pressi hear his whispers. [OOC: I'm using the action to do that because I have no idea when the last time was Bliss cast a Message and want to make sure it is all copacetic.]

Then Bliss whispers, "I am so NOT going in that mist, no way, no how." In fact, he is trying to relay a secret message to his friends -- Bluff check to pass a simple secret message ... roll is a 15 so A-OK -- people who know him will understand that in fact he is totes going in!

Bliss creeps into the mist while hiding in shadows. He is small enough to be able to enter spaces occupied by bigger folk, so no worries there. He tries to scout out the place and see what he can see.

Perception 28, listening and looking.

Stealth 44 woo hoo.

Bliss has 40 ft of move. He moves to AE8 (10 ft) then to AG8 (tot 20 ft) then to AG10 (30 ft) then to AI10 (40 ft and done).

Clarification to kindly DM ... Bliss can whisper as a free action, then move, without breaking stealth, right? What's the enemy's perception DC to pinpoint Bliss when he whispers, and does Bliss still have stealth if moves afterward, hiding in plain sight? Also, is there any light source? Bliss has darkvision.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 29*/21*/19* -- CMD 19* -- HP 43/45  d20+9=24 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+10=15 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 8:39:41 AM
"Murphy? You in there?" Alleah calls out towards the mist. There is no point in whispering to conceal her presence. The battle that just ended would no doubt serve to highlight that the party were in the room.

She suspects that the mist is an Obscuring Mist spell - something she is prone to casting quite regularly - but that is just conjecture. "I suppose it could also be Murphy in gaseous form. But that much mist?"

What she wouldn't give to be able to summon an air elemental to disperse the mist. Unfortunately Alleah used up both her summons spells to spontaneously heal Pressi and herself in combat. Wardd must be laughing right about now.

She stealthily moves away from the doorway and holds her shield up in preparation of an attack

-------------------------------------
Knowl Arcana on the mist to "identify a spell effect in place": 24 (DC = 20 + Spell lvl)
Perception if needed: 27
Move action: Stealth move to AD9. Stealth check: 15
Standard action: Use Total Defense giving a +6 dodge bonus for 1 round

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 52/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+13=17 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 10:00:12 AM
Pressi frowned. She wasn't happy about the way that Bliss had decided to scout. She wasn't happy about her inquiry to Alleah regarding summons. She definitely was not okay about that redness in front of her, but she decided to stomp on those feelings long ago.

"I don't suppose anyone has fire or wind?" she asked.

She suggests tossing her sunrod anyway, remembering some difficulty in driving a carriage with lamps through a foggy day. She wasn't sure how much she could blind whatever was inside.

She also suggests tossing a flurry of stars into the room at random. But it's clear that she's stumped.

Pressi takes a step forward, entering the room. "Your little freak show is at an end," she shouts into the void. "You should have met us when you had the chance. But I guess that would have required ingredients like orbs."

(Perception 17)

Pressi Kicks Open the Door - DM Mark 
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 10:25:50 AM
I forgot to mention that it smells really, really bad when you open the door.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 52/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+19=26 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 10:31:22 AM
I forgot to mention I can take an acrobatics roll to avoid AoOs when moving through a threatened square. Acro 26.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+7=23 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 10:41:19 AM
Shel tries to dispel the magical mist, to give the group a chance to actually see what was going on in front of them.

OOC: targeted Dispel Magic on the mist. 23 on my check versus 11+ the spell caster's level to see if the Dispel actually worked.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20 
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 12:26:58 PM
"Oh, yuck, that's smells worst than my grandpappy's place after he ate a pot full of beans!" says Kezzem.

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 3:16:00 PM

"Long lasting blessings be yours, brothers and sisters," amorphous Murphy says to those who have changed from darkness to light, "and fare well."

Seeing the red rivulets, and sensing their attraction, and the appeal of peace and release - the halfling's spirit will not take this easy way out, so he does not give in to that opportunity at this moment. His friends are in danger, the wizards are in doubt.

So, he draws his attention to the room he was just passing through, ignoring the dark spirits as he may. He tries to see if he can pass through the wall to find his friends - when part of the room goes white. [Uh, which half?] He looks to see the tall figures he glanced up at just before they bashed in his head, and the fellow in the dress and garish lipstick who coughed and harried him.

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy) 
Tuesday June 21st, 2016 11:31:12 PM

To DM Highlight to display spoiler: {If Murphy cannot see whom he thinks of as Uthvas, he goes looking for him.}

So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab - DM Mark  d4=3 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=18 ; 2d8+5=16 ; 2d8+5=8 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=10 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 12:56:38 AM
Cameron peers into the mist and readies an action to blast anything that comes through. He suggests that someone must be hiding in there and asks if anyone can remove the mist. (Please let me know if I have Cam in the wrong square.)

Bliss wastes no time. He whispers a message to his comrades, and moves in. Passing into the misty room, he notices that the bloody floor is slippery but maintains his footing. He can now see the remains of Murphy and horrified as he realizes someone took the time use Murphy’s remains to make the footing in front of the door treacherous. Super gross. Bliss is initially overcome by the smell, but heroically overcomes his nausea and is able to continue moving in the mist. He bumps into a large, hulking man with tan skin on the mist. The man does not seem to see Bliss, striking at him blindly and missing. He moves through, unable to see beyond 5 feet and finds himself standing in the fog, barely able to make out the creature next to him. It’s almost as horrible as the dead Murphy he just walked through, and is clearly the source of the odor. The man sized creature is composed of rotting flesh, jagged bone, and coarse hair. It does not appear to see Bliss, but it does look down in his direction.

Alleah calls out to Murphy in the mist, and then move stealthily away from the door and readys her shield.

Pressi takes a step forward with her lit sunrod, and stops in the bloody square (you indicated she only stepped into the room.) As she does so, her heart sinks as she comes upon the remains of Murphy’s body, suddenly realizing why the floor is slippery here. But not just because he died here - something spread Murphy around here. At the same instant, she is assailed by a horrible carrion stench (but she makes her save.) Anger wells up in her as she shouts, "Your little freak show is at an end!"

Even from where he is, Kezzem comments on the smell, but does not enter the room. It somehow reminds him from home.

Shel focuses on the mist, and with a gesture and a word she dispels the effect, revealing a horrific scene. (I moved Shel 5’ so she can even see the mist, but she is very far from the door. If you do not indicate where you move, I will assume you do not move.)

With the mist gone, before you is a large room. Pressi’s sunrod provides illumination in here, and just beyond her is what is left of Murphy’s poor, broken body. As she looks into the room, there is a large man to her right, and one ahead and to her left - they are both muscular and tan and we’re little more than a loincloth. They would be considered attractive by human standards. The perimeter of the room contains the same mess of trash and debris as the rest of the house, but here there are body parts and fur scattered about. Further to her right is what seems to be the a main source of the stench in here - a medium creature that seems to be composed of rotting flesh, jagged bone, and coarse hair.

What were great stone doors from the street, seem to be covered by some heavy drapery here on the inside of the room.

Deeper in the room to the north, in the dim light, is a large, wooden table with the form of a giant strapped to it. There is a structure over the table and the giant. Partially visible behind this table is a very fat, very pale man. The figure looks to be dressed in a woman’s robe and sports a white beaded necklace and red lipstick, and he smiles broadly. “Oh, heh, didn’t like my mist? Unfortunate what happened to your friend - I thought he was a wizard’s familiar. Ah well. Watch your step. Heh, heh-heh”

*cough* *cough*
*cough* *cough* *cough*

“Now you break into my home and break my things. What do you think the authorities in town would have to say about that? But they’re really the least of your worries now. You see, I’ve been making a man with blonde hair and a tan. Well, two of them actually. I’ve been researching how to make them more ... alive. Not much success yet, but perhaps you will help me with my research.”

“Reggie, Rocky - kill these intruders!”

The two large creatures strike at Pressi. Of the four, only two hit, causing 24 total damage.

As the mist vanishes, Bliss no longer has access to dim light, cover or concealment. The carrion creature turns it eyes on Bliss. It strikes at him and misses twice.

(DC 10 acrobatics to move through the first red 5’ square. Failure halts progress, and requires a DC 12 Reflex save or fall prone.)
(DC 14 Fort save for anyone first entering the room or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy looks below him. He sees the large room, seemingly lit by an even light, though everything is muted and grey. In contrast, the rivulets in the room are a bright red. Of the creatures below, the fat man, the party members, and the giant on the table are brighter in the scene. Also bright are a few jars on the shelf behind Uthvas and a jar connected to the wooden table and frame that holds the giant. The rest of the creatures here have the same washed out look as the furnishings in the room. The voices are a distant murmur, and he cannot make out words.

Murphy floats with these spirits. They seem to move, but he’s not sure how. They beckon him to give in to his desire to hate the fat man. Surely he is evil and deserve the hate. Join us...
(Make a DC 20 Will save to be able to move each round move. It will be DC 19 the following round and so on. If he does move, he will find that he cannot seem to leave this room where he died.)

The red rivulets in this room are a strong siren call on his soul. Having rejected the power of hatred that would keep him here, he longs for the release they offer. It is an act of will to stay with his friends.
(Make a DC 1 Will save to resist being drawn to the Woldsblood rivulets. It will be DC 2 the next round, and so on.)}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 1
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 12
Bliss - Dam. 0
Murphy - Will save DC 20 to move, DC 1 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Tan Guy 1 - AC ?, Dam. 0
Tan Guy 2 - AC ?, Dam. 0
Stinky Guy AC ?, Dam. 0
Fat Guy- AC ?, Dam. 0

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 1:16:28 AM
Alleah can only see a small portion of the room, but she can hear quite well. Her first instinct is to cast a Hold spell on the big tanned guy she can see through the doorway. But did the other one just say that he made this guy? And that they're not really alive? "Hmm.. I guess a hold spell wouldn't work after all. Perhaps I can stop the guy from giving orders though?"

Alleah takes a 5ft step south. She was all ready to cast a spell but the sight of Murphy's body and blood causes her to pause. This guy was going to pay.

She casts a Silence spell - targetted at the desk on the other side of the room.

-------------------------------
Free Action: 5ft step to AE8
Standard Action: Cast Silence at square AN7. No leyline check as it's a clerical spell. No save as it's cast on an object. 20ft radius silence for 4 rounds.

Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Silence

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste), HP 55/56, CMD 20  d20+14=26 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=15 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 1:55:41 AM
Kezzem moves up next to Pressi and attacks one of the Big Tan Guys.

Attack: 26.
Damage: 3.
Sneak Attack (if applicable): 15.

OOC: I assume the haste expired?

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=12 ; d20+10=14 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 2:30:03 AM

Finding himself unable to move as freely as he would like, Murphy looks about. He notes the jars on the shelf which seems to have life in them. Like as not the essence of giants - at least the one attached to the table on which is bound the giant. That must be the good giant, of whom Veseley spoke.

He answers again those who beckon. "Well, I heard once a cleric say that Domi hates haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, and... I cannot remember the rest. But it looks like Uthvas has enough body parts so described as to be worthy of hatred," Murphy allows. "Still, I will leave it to the Powers that be to hate him with a perfect hatred. I still will not become like this hateful man, and learn hatred myself. Are not his acts wicked beyond imaging? Of course. But I will act, if act I can, out of love for my friends, and for the victims of Uthvas, and not for hatred's sake. Will not more of you join me, for your own redemption?"

He wonders where Veseley and Tiana are. And prays inwardly for Pressi, Bliss, Shel, Alleah, Cameron, and Kezzem. He so wishes he could help them directly.

Will save to move: 12 (needed 20 this round)
Will save to resist going with the Wold's Blood: 14 (needed 1 this round)

AC 29 (T 21, FF 24) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=23 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+10=16 ; 4d6=12 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 6:21:20 AM
OOC
Cameron is by the door, where I put him because we can edit the map. If you would prefer we leave our characters in their starting spot and give you coordinates as to how we move I car certainly do that instead. Just let me know what you want 8).
IC
Cameron wishes the rest of them had stuck to the plan. But Bliss went in almost before the plan was finished being discussed and Kezzem was now in the room as well, typical for this group. He looks around the door frame and sees the remains of Murphy. He was not close to the halfling, in most cases they didn't see eye to eye, but this was unacceptable. He was an intruder, fine, so kill him. but decorate your place with him, oh that was not going unpunished. Cameron move through the door, sliding through Murphy's remains but keeping his feet ( Acrobatics auto succeed 23 rolled) keeps heading for Uthvas. What this dudes thing was with the constructs and the dress and the makeup was unclear, but really disturbing, and so was the smell. (Fortitude save 27 vs DC 14 passed) Cameron though had smelled, heck eaten, worse things. The big dudes worried him, but he relied on his goddess's protection and his training to keep him safe. (Acrobatics to avoid AoOs 22 and 14) He wished he had been able to prep better, Longstrider surely would have made this easier, but it was what it was. He needed some of Uthvas's blood or hair for the insight spell, so for now he would just light the man on fire. Maybe his attacking the boss would make the constructs go for him rather than the unprotected Pressi. ( Cameron moves to AI/8 from AE/9)
He does call out in giantish to the thing on the table," Are you alive giant? If you seek vengeance on the man that has hurt you, grab and hold him, Vengeance is here!"

UMD 27 pass Ranged touch attack with scorching ray wand hits touch AC 16 for 12 damage.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 8/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 47/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
2/5 channel energy used for today
-1 charge to scorching ray wand

Bliss (AC22, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+13=26 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=21 ; d6+6=12 ; d6+6=9 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 7:54:30 AM

Bliss attempts to tumble away from the enemies near him, with an Acrobatics check of 26. Hopefully that's enough ... if not, he may provoke some AoOs from his movement. He hustles under that big table. Hopefully that provides him with some cover. If so, then his AC goes up, and generally you cannot make AoOs against targets with cover, right? Bliss is hoping for that sweet +4 AC bonus and the freedom to fire his bah without provoking AoOs. If he has cover, he heads for AN6, from which spot he fires a bolt into Uthvas's calf.

(If the table does not provide cover, Bliss ends his move in AM6 instead of AN6. That's out of Uthvas's reach, so even if shooting provokes an AoO, Bliss should be ok.)

Attack (at +1 dam and to hit with divine favor) hits AC31 with a natural 19. That's a crit threat for a bah. Bliss confirms his crit vs an AC of 21. That's 12 damage if it is not a crit, and 9 more, 21 total, if it is a crit.

PC STATUS

Active spells: Longstrider, Divine Favor (round 3 of 10)
Used 1 bolt of current clip
Used 1 hero point

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18 (21), HP 28/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+5=20 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+4=20 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=12 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 1:14:48 PM
Pressi almost rushed forward to Murphy's side. She was saved from doing so only by the two giant men swinging at her. (Even in her medium form, they towered above her.)

"Is this because I kept insinuating that you didn't have balls?" she asked Uthvas. "Because I can actually see now how that might have been inappropriate. Also, I probably should specify that by freak I don't mean anything to do with your lifestyle... I mean, not lifestyle, but... although, can we talk about consent here?"

She quickly made some mental kicks to herself. She realized she should have taken the time to swap her hat of disguise for her tear (not that she had the HP left for vicious). She could drop her form as a free action, but she needed the extra damage even if not the grapple.

Most of all, she kicks herself for taking a step forward, at least without stressing that she intended to take a step back. As Bliss and Cameron rush to the other side of the room and Kezzem slides beside them, she realizes she cannot simply fall back, even though only one giant could fit in the door at a time.

Ok, enough thought. Time to act.

She takes some time to try to figure out what the creatures are. (Know Religion 20). But she worries that they might have the DR the other creatures had.

Targeting the giant within her reach (the same one that Kezzem struck), she swings with a number of flurries, the sunrod dropped to her feet (free action).

(Attack Rolls 21, 25, 20). (Damage Rolls 12 for all three.) (Stunning blow on second hit, DC 15).

Stuck in reach of the two creatures, Pressi swiftly boosts her AC to 21.

(Oh, no acro rolls for Pressi. Her acro skill is 19.)

---------

used 3/4 ki points, 1/5 stunning fists, 1/day robe action

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday June 22nd, 2016 7:37:44 PM
Shel moves to AD 8 and casts Haste yet again, catching as many of her squad as possible.

So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab - DM Mark  d20+5=21 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d8+5=12 ; d4=2 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=32 ; 2d8+5=16 ; 2d8+5=10 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=31 ; 2d8+5=18 ; d100=5 ; d100=50 ; d100=25 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=16 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 12:45:26 AM
Alleah decides not to attack the large creatures near the door, but instead focuses on Uthvas at the far end of the room. Though Uthvas is difficult for her to see behind the table, she can easilly see the table near him and casts Silence on it (outlined in red on the map.)

Kezzem moves up next to Pressi to attack one of the large humanoids. He keeps his footing through the Murphy near the door, and as the odor hits him, he also manages to not throw up (Kezzem rolled 21 on his Fort save.) Moving through, the door provokes two attacks of opportunity, but only one hits for 12 points of damage. Kezzem stabs the creature in return, but his attack fails to pierce it’s skin (DR 5.)

Cameron laments that they had a plan that was not followed. Then he adapts. He move forward, sliding through Murphy’s remains. He tries to avoid attacks from the creatures. As he approaches the table with the giant, he notes an unnatural silence in front of him. He levels his wand and shoots a beam, narrowly hitting the fat man (+2 for cover from the table and the superstructure.) He flinches from the flame, but it has no effect. (Sorry for the confusion on the movement.)

Bliss tumbles away from his enemy to avoid a hit. While he manages to escape, it limits his movement (half move to use Acrobatics to avoid an AOO) and he does not go as far as he hoped. Still, he shoots at Uthvas and hits (though not a crit, AC for improved cover increases to +4 given Bliss’ location and small size.)

Pressi says some things to Uthvas, but he cannot hear her. She tries to figure out what these creatures are, but Knowledge Religion yields nothing. Then she drops the sunrod and lashes out at the creature next to her, damaging it, though not as much as she hoped.

Shel moves into the greased area she created earlier, and manages to stay on her feet. She then casts Haste, affecting all the party except for Shel.

One of the large men strikes at Kezzem, hitting him for 26 damage. The other strikes at Cameron, hitting him once for 18 damage.

The mobile mound of rotting flesh charges over to where Bliss is and strikes at him, but his stinking swing goes wide and he misses the tiny hero.

Uthvas seems thoroughly annoyed that his banter has been stopped by the Silence spell. As Bliss’ Bolt sticks in his side, he glares at Bliss and mouths words not fit for Bliss’ tender ears. He seems to cough as he plunges a syringe into his thigh. And then he vanishes.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy struggles to move, but resists the temptation to touch the veins of Woldsblood. He attempts to engage with the spirits, but they do not respond.

Below him, he can see his friends and Uthvas, brighter to him than the rest there. Uthvas plunges a syringe into his thigh and moves. (The DM declines to say where at this time.)
}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 26
Cameron - Dam. 18
Pressi - Dam. 1
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 12
Bliss - Dam. 0
Murphy - Will save DC 19 to move, DC 2 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5, Dam. 21
Rocky - AC ?, Dam. 0
Stinky Guy AC ?, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 12

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d100=48 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 1:01:05 AM
"Yeah, you'd better run"

Alleah reaches for a leyline in order to cast See Invisibility. If that guy was still around here, she wanted to know where.

If she spots him, she will call out coordinates to the rest of the party.

-------------------------------
Standard Action: Cast See Invisibility. Leyline check: 48 = Ok. See Invisibility: "You can see any objects or beings that are invisible within your range of vision, as well as any that are ethereal"

Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Silence, See Invisibility

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-3 = 1
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=17 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+22=33 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 2:03:11 AM

Murphy still has not figured out locomotion in his new form [17/19] and has no strong desire to join with a rivulet [21/2]. He begins a visual search for any evidence of the halflings. As Uthvas had been told in advance it was them we sought, Murphy speculates he may have moved them elsewhere.

There is a door near AH4. Perhaps in there?

"Guide my friends, Eberyon, against this corrupter of flesh." Murphy prays.

Perception 33

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 50/61 Cameron (David)  d20+14=26 ; d20+14=22 ; d4=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d4=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 4:03:07 AM

Kezzem - Dam. 38
Cameron - Dam. 18
Pressi - Dam. 25
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 2
Bliss - Dam. 0
Murphy - Will save DC 19 to move, DC 2 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0
This is the actual damage table, amended for the healing done previously and the damage this round, including the AoOs up until now. Healing Cameron does this round is NOT added to this table.

Cameron swears as the necromancer goes invisible, but there was nothing he could do about it. The group was bleeding, badly, again and they needed to eliminate some of these foes. He steps backwards, between the pile of yuckiness and the giantish thing and provides Kezzem the edge the rogue needs, flanking the big guy. Hasted by shel his sword darts in once, then again trying to level the field.
First attack hits AC 26 for 1 damage + 3 sneak attack
Haste attack hits AC 22 for 3 damage +7 sneak attack
Sensing that the others might not last the round without healing, Cameron heroically channels energy healing 7 damage on his friends.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 7/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 46/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 7/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day.
0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day
3/5 channel energy used for today
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-1 hero point

Bliss (AC23, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=36 ; d100=69 ; d100=69 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=18 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 7:23:53 AM

Bliss, watching carefully, notes whether Uthvas already had that syringe in his hand, or if he drew it.

[OOC: If he drew it and then used it, that's a move action and a standard action, which leaves him only a five ft step, so Bliss has a better idea of where he is. If he had already had that syringe out, then he could be a lot farther away!]

Bliss looks at the floor for spots of blood. He looks for a shimmer where the invisibility might be a little revealed. His Perception check is a 36.

Assuming Bliss has an idea of Uthvas's square -- and firing at his prior location if not -- he takes a five ft step to AL7 and fires twice with haste. His miss chances (miss on a 01-50) are 69 and 69! His attack rolls are 18 and 18 -- both miss.

Used 4 rounds of 10 divine favor.
Used 3 bolts of 5 in the current clip.
Used a hero point.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste) + 4 (Total Defense) = 27, HP 29/56, CMD 20 
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 12:29:22 PM
"Hey, you hit me," remarks Kezzem. "That's my job!"

Not seeing any better options at the moment, Kezzem focuses on making himself harder to hit.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 35/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+10=13 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+5=12 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=11 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 12:48:13 PM
Pressi frowned as Uthvas dared to disappear before her. Looking around, she decides to split her flurry between the two giants (taking a five foot step forward, acro roll 19 if needed).

Attack Rolls 13, 20, Nat 20, confirm 20 (confirmed on AC 20), 12. She hits twice, one crit.

Damage rolls 12, 11x2.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday June 23rd, 2016 8:19:45 PM
Shel delays to see if Alleah can give her directions to the evil necromancer. If not, she will take a total defense action, knowing her spells wouldn't work on those big clods in front of her.

So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab - DM Mark  d20=17 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=16 ; 2d8+5=10 ; 2d8+5=15 ; d20=17 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 2:37:02 AM
(There are some odd artifacts with this shared map, including minor cell outlines and reordered tabs. Weird. Be sure to look for the highest numbered tab.)

Aleah casts See Invisibility. She will tell the others that she can see Uthvas in AL4. Except for Bliss who cannot hear her.

Cameron is frustrated that Uthvas has disappeared. He moves to flank one of the large creature and strikes, doing a total of 5 damage. He then calls on his heroic reserves to heal his friends. (Thanks for the correction on the hit points.)

Bliss was unable to see Uthvas’ hands before he vanished (he kept them hidden,) but he did not see Uthvas reach into anything or grab anything before he plunged the syringe into his leg. He is able to determine where Uthvas is (+5 circumstance bonus due to the silence with the added invisibility.) Two bolts fail to hit him. This provokes an attack against Bliss, which misses.

Kezzem reprimands the creature for hitting him, and makes sure he is not hit again.

Pressi attacks both creatures, doing 6 damage to one and 17 to the other.

Shel delays her action.

The large creatures attack Kezzem, Cameron, Pressi and Bliss, but only Bliss is hit for 10 points. Then the meat pile attacks Cameron twice and misses both times.

You hear Uthvas’ voice from the far end of the room, “So you can see me? Don’t get strung out by the way I look. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” You hear him casting a spell: Spellcraft DC 20 (DC 18 for Alleah): Highlight to display spoiler: { He cast Blink} Alleah will tell people that he moved to South (left on the map) out of her line of sight. Perception DC 38 (43 for Bliss) Highlight to display spoiler: { He is in AH4}

_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy still struggles to move, but resists the temptation to touch the veins of Woldsblood. He prays to Eberyon. Eberyon tells him that since his is he’s unable to communicate with his friends, he should kindly refrain from trying to direct their activities through his posts. :)

Below him, he can see his friends and Uthvas. He gets a warm feeling from Cameron. He sees Uthvas cast a spell, and then seems to be in slightly sharper focus some of the time.
}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 31
Cameron - Dam. 11
Pressi - Dam. 18
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam.
Bliss - Dam. 0
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 38
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 6
Stinky Guy AC ?, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 12

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=23 ; d20+10=22 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 4:43:50 AM

Murphy now finally figures out how to propel himself along in this new form. He just now notices what the constructs, or Uthvas, did with his body. He is tempted to let his ire rise. 'Be angry, son, but don't let your anger win over everything else, was something his father told him more than once.

He mentally, spiritually, sucks it up, and goes in search of any evidence of the halfling wizards.

Will saves: 23, 22

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+12=32 ; d20+14=22 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 6:34:07 AM
"He's gone around the corner!" Alleah calls out to the group.

Her magic has proven to be quite ineffective against constructs. The least she can do is help the others though. She calls on Wardd to bless her allies in this fight.

-------------------------------
Spellcraft vs DC18: 32 = Pass
Perception: 22

Standard Action: Cast Bless. All allies gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls

Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Silence, See Invisibility

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-3 = 1
Lvl 3 : 2
}

Bliss (AC23, HP37of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+14=28 ; d20+14=18 ; d6+6=12 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 7:31:05 AM

Mookie feels Bliss get hurt, sighs, and flies to AD9.

Bliss yelps silently, takes another five ft step to AL7, out of reach of that big tan guy. He empties his clip into the fellow, ignoring the penalty for firing into melee seeing as Bliss can aim at the part of the enemy that is 10 ft away from the battle.

Two attacks, normally at +11, now at +14 with haste, bless, and divine favor ... hits ACs 28 and 18, so one hits for 12, or 7 after DR.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 35/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+13=30 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+6=7 ; d8+4=6 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 9:19:12 AM
(OOC to Cayzle - Divine Favor is personal to Cameron, sorry. On the plus side, don't forget that haste grants an extra attack.)

(Perception 30)

Pressi tries to figure out just how many hits these creatures can take - and begins to worry about whether the large creatures swinging away. Still, in for a penny....

(Attack rolls: 21, Nat 1, 18, Nat 1)

Pressi strikes Reggie once for 6 damage (1 after DR).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste) + 4 (Total Defense) = 27, HP 25/56, CMD 20; Bless 
Friday June 24th, 2016 12:06:28 PM
Kezzem moves 5 ft. south of his position.

"Press, let's flank this guy!"

OOC: Total Defense again

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=12 ;
Friday June 24th, 2016 9:39:00 PM
Shel moves to AF 8, and readies an action to cast a spell at Uthvas, if he reappears.

Readies action Magic Missile damage 12 points, if he triggers it.

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Saturday June 25th, 2016 8:20:39 PM
Things were falling apart. They only had a liitle time to beat these guys before the spells keeping them alive wore off. Alleah had the most useful wand to get Kezzem's HP back up, but was afraid of these things beating her to death when she tried to use it. triggering a wand in and of itself did not provoke an attack, but getting into the room to use it might. Kezzem had to dodge like crazy to keep from getting killed, and if he fell it would be really hard to kill these resistant giants. Cameron had to stabilize the situaation, and fast, because a couple of hits would kill him too.
" Kezzem!, I'm right here buddy, flanking with you! I'm gonna heal again and hope it's enough, we gtta put these things down and follow that loony bird. There's a door over there and that nutjob is headed for it, and probably the mages. That can NOT be good."
Cameron steps south and drops the wand, drawing his other sword. That was the easy part, now to heal. Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes for a second to focus, Cameron internally calls on his goddess for all she can give him. Jancassis, there have to be like a hundred creatures and people that this crazy guy has killed. Help me get revenge FOR them. I NEED these guys to do that. Help me heal them.
Cameron channels energy for 9 points of healing
"That;s it? I said I needed them, that means standing and unafraid of being killed by the next hit. By the gods! I've stood for all your tests!, Now HEAL THEM!"
He heroically channels for the last time today. He heals everyone again for another 10 healing
Cameron is now armed with 2 short swords.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 6/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 45/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 6/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-2 hero points Cam is officially out

I THINK(hope) I moved far enough away to miss healing Uthvas.

So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab - DM Mark  d20+13=28 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=23 ; 2d8+5=12 ; d100=14 ; d100=81 ; d100=56 ; 2d8+5=20 ; 9d6=37 ; d100=65 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 1:58:43 AM
Alleah calls out that Uthvas has gone around the corner, and casts Bless on her allies.

Mookie senses Bliss’ damage and comes closer, but remains the the safety of the trophy room with Shel and Aleah. Mookie is next to the Elf figure, and his raven eyes notice that the Elf holds two daggers.

Bliss moves and then fires at the large tan guy nearest him, hitting him. (Should Bliss decide to move into the dim light beneath the table, he is actually small enough to do so as a 5’ move. The structure of the table will give him improved cover +4 to his AC.)

Pressi wonders how much damage it takes to kill these guys, She swings and hits, wishing her blows could affect these creatures more.

Kezzem uses his blows to fend off any attacks that may come his way, moving a bit it the room. He calls out to Pressi to flank the creature before him.

Shel bravely move into the room, and provokes an attack from the large construct before her. She is hit for 12 damage. She manages to stay on her feet, and notices that the floor beneath her is slippery from Murphy’s entrails (Eww - DC 10 Acrobatics to stay on her feet.) Standing before this handsome, hulking beast she readies an action to cast a spell on Uthvas should he reappear.

Cameron worries that they group’s spells will soon expire. He reminds Kezzems that he is already flanking Kezzem’s opponent. Cameron drops his wand, drawing his sword. He then heroically heals the group for a total of 19 damage each, hoping he was able to exclude Uthvas whom he cannot see. Everyone feels the warm, healing energies wash over them. (Cameron will recall from the earlier fight that his scorching ray did not harm the Rust Monster construct, but did cause it to be slowed. If this recollection would change his dropping the wand, let me know.)

These large creatures lash out. The large figure near Kezzem and Cameron strikes out at both of them and misses both. The other figure moves 5 feet and strikes twice at Bliss, hitting him once for 20 damage!

Uthvas calls the Carrion creature towards him. “Oh boo. Don’t hurt my beautiful creations.Cairn come over here.” Then he moves and says, “Here my lovelies - this is for you!”

A lightning bolt cracks through the room, catching both the large creature and Kezzem. The creatures are healed a bit, but otherwise unaffected. Kezzem is hit. (37 damage, DC 20 Reflex save for half.)

The carrion creature moves, provoking an AOO from Camon. Uthvas suddenly appears in the room, though he is blinking in and out of existance now. This will trigger Shel’s readied action if she wishes, but doing so will provoke an AOO.

(DC 10 acrobatics to move through AF 8 square. Failure halts progress, and requires a DC 12 Reflex save or fall prone.)
(DC 14 Fort save for anyone first entering the room or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)

_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy continues to refuse to let his anger control his actions, and he also avoid the siren call of the Woldsblood ley lines in this area. He finds that he can focus his will in such a way that seems to give him control over moving his spirit (No need for movement saves, 30’ flying movement rate.) He looks for a way to find the Second Dinner Club members. Did they suffer the same fate that Murphy did?

As he drifts down toward the door near Uthvas, he finds that he cannot pass through the walls or the door. Uthvas is there - does Murphy attempt to pass through or touch him?
}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 12
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 27
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 1
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 12

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20=18 ; d20=11 ; d20=5 ; d100=95 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 2:11:38 AM

Murphy's spirit draws near Uthvas, and he speaks, "Repent Uthvas, free the halflings. Repent. Repent. Repent." As he utters the last three words, he sees if he can pass down through Uthvas head and into his heart, and to come out the chest of the necro-taxidermist, then up to where he can see his face. "Free the halflings."

DM Mark: I have no idea what would need to be rolled to do this, so here are three d20 rolls and a percentile die for you to assign whatever values you wish.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d100=48 ; d100=52 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 3:00:58 AM
Alleah suddenly realizes just how hurt Kezzem is. And Bliss too! She can't heal everyone, and she's almost sure that noone in the party could withstand another one of those lightning bolts.

The only chance for the party is to stop Uthvas from casting another spell. She draws on the full power of a nearby leyline and targets him with the only spell she is capable of casting that could cause him any pain.

She then clears the doorway to allow others to fall back if necessary.

---------------------------------
Standard Action: Cast Pain Strike!. APG Approval for Alleah to use this spell was received in April 2015. Leyline check: 48 = Pass! Alleah can see invisible/ethereal so no miss chance due to blinking. Uthvas to make a Fort Save vs DC19 or take 1d6 nonlethal damage each round for the next 5 rounds, in addition to being sickened

IF Uthvas PASSES his save...
Hero Point for 2nd Action: Cast Pain Strike!. APG Approval for Alleah to use this spell was received in April 2015. Leyline check: 52 = Pass! Alleah can see invisible/ethereal so no miss chance due to blinking. Uthvas to make a Fort Save vs DC19 or take 1d6 nonlethal damage each round for the next 5 rounds, in addition to being sickened

IF Uthvas FAILS his save...
Hero Point for 2nd Action: Cast Hold Person. Leyline check: 52 = Pass! Alleah can see invisible/ethereal so no miss chance due to blinking. Uthvas to make a Will Save vs DC21 or be paralyzed

Free Action: 5ft step to AE7. Alleah has the Agile Feet ability of the Travel domain and can use it to ignore difficult terrain as a free action

---------------------------------
Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Silence, See Invisibility

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-1 = 1
Lvl 3 : 2-2 = 0
}

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d20+11=24 ; d4=2 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=16 ; d4=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d4=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 4:17:22 AM
AoO hits AC 24 for 2 damage
Cameron lashes out as the stinky pile of flesh moves past him, striking it with his sword.
He then turns his attention to the giant things.
"Jancassis has granted you the chance to make your own destiny Kezzem. Her healing energy has closed the worst of your wounds and her smallest and most precise tool of vengeance worries your foe from the other side. Avenge Murphy, rip this thing open so that that wierdo can't fix it with his spells."
Attack 1 hits AC 28 for 1 damage +9 sneak attack damage
Haste Attack hits AC 25 2 damage + 9 sneak attack damage
Off hand Attack hits AC 16, miss
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 5/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 44/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 5/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-2 hero points Cam is officially out

Bliss (AC23, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+29=33 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 7:16:21 AM

Bliss takes a five ft step under the table, into the dim light, and hides in plain sight. He spends the entire round reloading his bah. With cover, his AC rises to 27, and a person with cover does not provoke AoOs.

Stealth 33

Bliss (AC23, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday June 27th, 2016 9:54:11 AM

Bliss figures, what the heck, he'll try his cold iron clip of bolts. He has four more after this one. If this does not work, maybe the silver bolts he has will.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=22 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=13 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 10:57:35 AM
OOC: Acrobatics check 22. Shel wants to cast her spell defensively to avoid another attack from the giant. She needs a 17 to cast Magic Missile as stated, and got a 25, so the spell casting should have been a success.

Shel also decides the time is now to be a hero and expends a hero point and tries to cast a second spell this round. [i]OOC: she again needs a 25 for a Magic Missile, but rolls a natural one and her spell fizzles. She takes a 5' step away from the creature brough the doorway.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday June 27th, 2016 10:58:44 AM
OOC: forgot to add to last post that Shel's current HP is 34/46.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22+1 (Haste) + 4 (Total Defense) = 27, HP -12/56, CMD 20; Bless  d20+11=17 ; d20-10=-7 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 12:45:46 PM
SV Ref: 17. Ouchie!

'That was...shocking," says Kezzem as he falls limp.

Stability: -7.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 35/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+20=40 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+13=25 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 2:26:20 PM
Pressi frowns as Kezzem falls before her. The last of her CLW potions feels heavy in her pocket, and she knows that she could stabilize him. But all around her, screams continued to pour, and she knew something had to be done.

Move action: hand the CLW (CL1) potion to Shel. 5 foot step towards Reggie to keep up.

Standard Action: Pressi began to grapple the giant creature, and began to feel the energy of inspiration come through her. (Hero Point spent for +8 luck bonus, included in roll. CMB = 8 + 2 for medium +2 for improved grapple +8 luck bonus). She grapples on a Natural 20.

(If the DM is so kind as to let me take back my hero point, she uses it for a second action to try pinning Reggie. This one is less impressive, grapple 14).

Hoping that this turns the time, she shouts towards Uthvas. "How do you not understand that we don't give a crap about any of this! All this death and damage you wail about could have been avoided. You could have talked to us. You could have ended this, but instead you killed the man I love.

"And now, unless you finally drop this circus act and finally dare to even look me in the eye, I am going to take something you love. I won't just kill you. I will break you. I've already thought of fifty ways to torture you with objects in this room. And when you are done, sobbing, helpless, begging for mercy that won't arrive? You will remember that you gave up every ounce of mercy I offered you, as I slowly kill that creature over there, right in front of you.

"Or you can let us go, make a deal about the halflings in the basement, and never see any of us again."

(Diplomacy 20, Intimidate 15).

She also takes a better look at the giant and the table, attempting to determine if the giant is still alive, if there are straps, if there is a lock mechanism, etc. (Perception 25, darkvision).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 35/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind 
Monday June 27th, 2016 2:29:08 PM
One last swift action, Pressi uses her last ki point to boost AC to 21.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 7/56, CMD 20; Bless 
Monday June 27th, 2016 6:15:06 PM
Updating header

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 7/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless  d20+16=25 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=17 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=18 ; 4d6=17 ; d20+16=23 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=16 ;
Monday June 27th, 2016 6:23:59 PM
Kezzem stabs at the nearest taxazombie (sorry, I was reading it as 4 medium creatures, not 1 large creature)

Attack Bonus: 14 (base) + 2 (flanking) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Two-Weapon Fighting) = 16.

Attack #1: 25
Damage: 4
Sneak Attack: 18
Total: 22.

Attack #2: 35 (natural 19)
Crit Threat: 25.
Damage: 3.
Crit Damage: 3.
Sneak Attack: 17.
Total: 23.

Attack #3: 17 (natural 1)
Auto-Miss. Using a Hero Point to re-roll.
Attack #3: 23.
Damage: 3.
Sneak Attack: 16.
Total: 19.


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 44/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday June 27th, 2016 6:28:18 PM
If not too late, Kezzem uses a hero point to boost his Ref save. I also forgot the Haste bonus.

SV Ref: 17 + 1 (Haste) + 2 (Hero Point) = 20.
This would negate 37 points of lightning damage with evasion.

Cayzle Comments: Note that the Wold House Rules on Hero Points allows all the PF uses of hero points EXCEPT for 'Act out of Turn' -- and thus retroactive use of a hero point is good for a +4 on a die to self. Note that we can also use hero points to help friends, though with only half the bonus. If you happen to have two hero points available, there is also the Cheat Death option.

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy) 
Monday June 27th, 2016 10:21:16 PM
[An addendum, based upon emails with DM Mark]
Murphy's chill touch of Uthvas managed to cause him to have a -2 on his saves this round (should apply to his saves for the posts between this and Murphy's earlier post, and any legal action posts until DM Mark's next post).

Heroic Efforts - DM Mark  d20+10=22; d20+10=16 ; d20+13=14 ; d100=60 ; d8=2 ; d100=58 ; d100=79 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=25 ; d100=49 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=17 ; 2d8+5=13 ; d8+3=10 ; d100=3 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 1:49:44 AM
(All characters except Murphy are granted one hero point for efforts in this combat.)

Alleah begins casting spells to stop Uthvas. She can see him even when he blinks out, and after her second attempt he looks shaken, taking 1 point of non-lethal damage. Then she moves.

Cameron strikes at the carrion creature as it moves past him. He hits, but his weapon sinks into the stinking mass without really striking anything substantive. Now his sword stinks. Yuk. By contrast, he lays into the creature in front of him doing a total of total of 11 damage due to the handsome humanoid’s toughened skin.

Bliss scurries under the table into the welcoming shadows. He reloads his little friend.

Shel casts a spell, but curiously the spell does not damage because she did not specify any damage. :)

Pressi hands a wand to Shel, and then bravely move 5’ even though this puts her between two enemies. She then calls on her heroic reserves to try to grapple the large creature and succeeds despite it’s size. In her drow form, she grapples the creature. Then she berates Uthvas, attempts to use diplomacy, and then tries to intimidate him? (Diplomacy and intimidate to change attitude each take 1 minute and are not complementary efforts.) Then she her ki to boost her AC. Her grapple provokes an attack from the large creature, but she twists at the last moment and his fist strikes the stone floor. (You cannot use a hero point for +8 and then take it back if the roll succeeds.)

Kezzem heroically bends back at the last second, avoiding the bolt of lightning. Then he goes to work on the construct with a vengeance. His daggers flicker in and out. When he is done the construct is a shadow of it’s former self, it’s toughened skin in tatters and with bones and wire showing through as it grapples with Pressi. (You cannot use more than one hero point in a round.)

The tattered construct held by Pressi attempts to break free, but Kezzem’s damage seems to have been too much for the creature. Though still "alive" it fails to break the grapple.

The other one moves forward and strikes a blow at both Pressi and Kezzem. It manages to hit Pressi for 13 damage.

The carrion mound of rotting flesh strikes Pressi twice, hitting her once for 10 more damage.

Uthvas moves forward a bit as his ruby lips break into a broad smile. “You think these creatures matter to me? I can make all I want. Oh yes my pretty ones, I will make splendid use of all of you, alive or dead, very splendid use indeed. You may take comfort in knowing that you will live on here in my home.”

As he begins to cast a spell he blinks out for a moment and you hear a faint crackle seemingly just beyond your hearing. When he reappears a moment later he is no longer smiling. He also takes one more point of non-lethal damage.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy tries to speak to Uthvas to get him to repent. He sees no response. However, as he moves through the necromancer, Uthvas shudders and looks around nervously. This causes Uthvas to have a -2 to his saves for 1 round.

Murphy sees Uthvas grow suddenly brighter as he casts a lightning bolt that dazzles Murphy’s spirit sight. The bolt arches out through the constructs and through Pressi and Kezzem, but miraculously it seems to have no effect.

(Murphy has made his will save to now be able to move. He must make a will save to be able to stay each round or be whisked off to the shadowlands. When he eventually fails this, I am inclined to let him use a hero point to stay.

From a game mechanics standpoint, Murphy finds that he can move through anything in this room as if he were ethereal. His soul is trapped here where he died, though there may be an exception if Uthvas is defeated and the party leaves.

As a spirit that did not give into his hate, moving through living creatures will allow Murphy to have a very limited effect on them. He can use his spirit to cause them to experience either a chilling or a warming effect, causing them to experience a -1 or a +1 for one round. Murphy must decide if this should apply to their ability hit, AC, skill checks or saves for 1 round. However, in Uthvas' case, since he cast Blink he is partly on the ethereal plane and you can affect him more, so you have a 50% chance to increase this from -1 to -2.)

}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 12
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 23
Shel - Dam. 0
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam.68
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 1
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 12, non-lethal 2 (2/5)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+14=29 ; d100=29 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 3:42:21 AM
"Yeah, I've had just about enough of this guy"

Alleah steps back to the doorway and glares directly at Uthvas. Her hands are clutched tightly by her sides and her breathing has quickened. She musters all of her anger and lets rip: "I am the light that shines in the dark. I am the one who brings comfort to those in need. I am the one who heals the sick and cares for the dying. But you. You! YOU WILL FEEL MY DARK SIDE!"

She can sense the power of a leyline fueling her rage, and uses it to try and blind Uthvas.

---------------------------------
Free Action: 5ft step to AE8

Standard Action: Use Intimidate as standard action to demoralize Uthvas. DC = 10 + the target's Hit Dice + the target's Wisdom modifier. Alleah has a +10 insight bonus from Like Calls to Like and a +4 circ bonus from Pain Strike. She rolls 29 - 4 (for being smaller) = 25. If she succeeds, then Uthvas will likely be both Shaken and Sickened and taking a -4 penalty to his saving throws.

Hero Point for 2nd Action: Cast Blindness/Deafness. Leyline check: 29 = Pass. Uthvas to make a Fort save vs DC18 or be Blinded

---------------------------------
Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Silence, See Invisibility

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-1 = 3
Lvl 2 : 4-4 = 0
Lvl 3 : 2-2 = 0
}

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=12 ; d100=34 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 3:44:23 AM

"Change your heart, or be long lost. Turn about. Turn about. Turn about, Uthvas." Murphy murmurs these words as he passes again through Uthvas.

Uthvas: -1 on all saving throws this round.

Save vs. Woldsblood draw: 12/5

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 7:20:38 AM
OOC: Sorry, DM. I made my magic missile damage post on Friday as part of my readied action. It does 12 points of damage per that roll.

(DM Mark - thanks)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 44/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+16=22 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=25 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=11 ; 4d6=17 ; 4d6=18 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 12:21:03 PM
"Hey look, there are strings on you!" shouts Kezzem. "I wonder what happens when I cut them?"

Attack #1: 22.
Damage: 4 + 11 (Sneak Attack) = 15.

Attack #2: 32.
Damage: 5 + 17 (Sneak Attack) = 23.

Attack #3: 25.
Damage: 4 + 18 (Sneak Attack) = 22.

If the taxizombie goes down, Kezzem will throw any additional attack at Uthvas (reduce each attack by 1 since he is not flanking but has PBS and increase damage by 1. Naturally, unless Uthvas is flat-footed for some reason, sneak damage will not apply).



AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=27 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=23 ; d4=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=14 ; d4=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d4=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d4=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 4:00:35 PM
If the giant thing Kezzem and Cam are flanking is still up, Cameron machine guns 3 more attacks into it.
Attack 1 hits AC 27 for 2 damage +5 sneak attack damage
Haste attack hits AC 16 for 1 damage +3 sneak attack damage
Off hand Attack hits AC 14 for 3 damage +2 sneak attack damage
(yay dice)
If the giant guy is down, Cameron does this instead.
Cameron listens to Alleah and smiles. When he speaks it is the cold even voice of an executioner
" Thing is, we wanted to talk to you. We were prepared to negotiate, well, they were. She's the nice one. My goddess just wants the pound of flesh that most of the people you have killed here begged be taken from you with their dying breaths. I aim to please. This means you're done."
Cameron takes off with the haste powering his steps. He move between the huge thing and the table. He didn't prepare most of the spells he would have brought to a vengeance fight today, because he foolishly expected to be fighting undead. He did prepare one of the spells that Jancassis grants her Avengers to get her point across in the Wold. As he passes Uthvas he lashes out once with his sword, trying to draw the required blood to powe the spell.
(Cameron will tumble to avoid AoOs as he skirts the crowd and comes up behind/above Uthvas. As far as I can see, all 5 squares could provoke AoOs)
Acrobatics 27, 24, 24, 20, 25
Attack when he gets behind Uthvas hits AC 23 for 1 damage plus 8 sneak attack if Uthvas is somehow flat footed.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 4/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 43/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 4/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),Searing Light

Spells cast
Shield of Faith

0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-2 hero points Cam is officially out

Bliss (AC23/27 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+10=21 ; d20+10=27 ; d6+6=8 ; d6+6=12 ; d100=75 ; d100=87 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 5:17:13 PM

Bliss shoots twice at Uthvas, taking the -4 to hit for shooting into melee. He is +1 from Bless, Divine Favor, and Haste, so he is attacking at +10. He hits ACs 21 and 27 for 8 and 12 ... but did the fellow blink away from those shots? Roll 1-50 says yes ... 75 and 87 -- both bolts slam true, hopefully inflicting total 20 damage to Uthvas.

Bliss takes a five ft step back to AN7.

Bliss is not hiding or sniping.

=====

Meanwhile, Mookie peeks at the fight from his perch outside the room. He looks at the smear on the floor that was Murphy. He cocks his head and looks at an eyeball.

"Nah ..." he mutters, fighting his crowish instinct.

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d100=50 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 5:56:13 PM
I neglected to roll a miss chance for the attack on Uthvas should that come to pass. Cameron rolls a 50 so it would be a miss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+17=36 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 7:36:55 PM
Pressi continues to hold on to her grapple on Reggie, noting that it seems to keep him from swinging his weapon (Check 36).

"Ok, fine, you can give us shelter and comfort," she spat out. "But what do you want with us? What, pray tell, is the grand end game for 'Uthvas the Sorta Pretty from a Distance'? Money? Power? Respect? Do you seek love, Uthvas? Do these creations you won't even defend love you?"

As strange events continue around them, Pressi eyes the other giant behind her, waiting for this giant to fall. With her free hand, she brushes her hat of disguise onto the ground, replaced with a single stone tear (move action+free drop). Her dress fades to the simple monk robes that she usually wears. "Murphy, I don't know if you are still with us. But if you can hear me, I could really use your help right now. Some inspiration for my next flurry, perhaps. And I want you to know I won't forget you, even in death.

"Shel, that potion I just handed to you? I'm counting on you to shove it down my throat. As soon as this guy goes down, I am going to vicious that guy behind me."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+12=29 ; 4d4+4=11 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 8:34:50 PM
"Ive got it, Pressi. I just wish I could help you with these damned constructs! My magic won't affect them, unfortunately. Doesn't mean I can't blast the heck out of their maker, though!". Shel again bravely stands her ground, readying an action to magic missile the necromancer when he pops back into view.

OOC: cast defensively for Magic Missile. Need a 17 to cast a first level spell safely. Got a 29, so I made it safely. Magic missile does 11 damage to the necromancer!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+18=36 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 10:20:43 PM
(OOC: Just told that I can take another standard action.)

With Kezzem killing the giant once and for all, Pressi does much of the above (the instructions, the vicious stone) but drops the giant to the floor.

Quickly, she begins to zip around the other giant (Acro Roll 36 to avoid AoOs) at half speed (35 feet) to the other side of the giant (to AK7). She now flanks Uthvas (if Cameron moves) and the giant (if Kezzem, Shel, etc. move).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+18=36 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2016 10:20:43 PM
(OOC: Just told that I can take another standard action.)

With Kezzem killing the giant once and for all, Pressi does much of the above (the instructions, the vicious stone) but drops the giant to the floor.

Quickly, she begins to zip around the other giant (Acro Roll 36 to avoid AoOs) at half speed (35 feet) to the other side of the giant (to AK7). She now flanks Uthvas (if Cameron moves) and the giant (if Kezzem, Shel, etc. move).

Gone! - DM Mark  d100=50 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+13=25 ; d100=1 ; d100=81 ; d100=32 ; d100=23 ; d20+13=20 ; d3=2 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=18 ; d8+3=8 ; d6=5 ; d8+3=6 ; 2d8+5=11 ; d8+13=14 ; d20+13=22 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 12:29:53 AM
Alleah tries to demoralize Uthvas and succeeds. Then she heroically casts Blindness on him. Unfortunately, he blinks out just before her spell goes off (50% miss chance).

Kezzem attacks the construct, killing it. It stops moving in Pressi’s embrace. He decides to throw his remaining daggers at Uthvas, but there are two large creatures between him and his target. It’s also beyond normal dagger range. And Uthvas is blinking - still one hits him for 4 damage.

Cameron sees the construct near him stop moving, and speeds toward Uthvas. Though he moves deftly, the second construct strikes at him but cannot hit him. He now finds himself behind Uthvas. (no attack - too far - 40’. See Acrobatics and Haste.)

Bliss continues to shoot at Uthvas, hitting him twice. He then moves back 5’ (I’m imposing a -2 circumstance minus due to moving further back under a table while trying to hit Uthvas.)

Shel shoots a Magic Missle at Uthvas, and even though he blinks out as she casts it, as a force effect it still affects him!

Pressi drops the dead construct and then removes her Hat of Disguise and equips a different magic item (standard action). Then she moves. Her initial move avoids an attacks from carrion creature, and the large one has already made such an attack.

Uthvas grimaces. “You speak of light and dark and vengeance. Your small stature suites your limited view. My research could extend life! It could offer immortality! But I wouldn’t expect children to understand.” Then he withdraws toward the wall, and vanishes into the wall near the door!

Once he does so, the large creature attempts to hit Cameron and Pressi, connecting with Pressi for 11 damage. Then the Carrion creature moves 5’ and strikes twice at Shel, hitting her twice for 14 damage. (Shel - make a Fort Save DC 16.)

Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { You have noticed that these large, handsome humanoids breathe, but their breathing is very even and does not seem to change with physical activity.}

_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { Murphy tries to speak to Uthvas to get him to repent. He sees no response. He resists the peace that the ley lines of Woldsblood offers and moves through the necromancer, causing him to have a -1 to his saves for 1 round.
}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 12
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 34
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 1
Carrion Creature - AC 17, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 49, non-lethal 7 (3/5)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+14=27
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 3:12:36 AM
"Kezzem! Step up here and I can aid your attacks!"

Should Kezzem heed Alleah's advice and step to AF9, she will reach out to use her Bit of Luck ability on him.

----------------------
Standard action: Ready action to use Bit of Luck on Kezzem should he step to AF9. For the next round, any time Kezzem rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result.
Perception: 27

Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 3:52:54 AM

The ethereal halfling sees Uthvas blink through the wall. But Pressi and others are being struck over and over by the necro-taxidermist's constructs. The best way to stop them is to stop them. He passes through Pressi, seeking to aid her strikes, and she feels a touch of warmth. Pressi has +1 on attacks.

Save vs Woldsblood draw: 20/6

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+6=25 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 10:05:39 AM
Fort save 25.

OOC: holding off on the rest of my post, since I've got another construct in my face again, that my magic will do nothing against. I'm afraid fleeing is my only option unless the scene changes somewhat.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind 
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 10:18:58 AM
(OOC: Yeah, I'm holding off my next move (probably a flurry) until I see if anyone chooses to flank Pressi. But if Shel needs Pressi to come back and grapple that construct... I was going to say she could call out to Pressi, but Pressi is in the silence zone. No noise in or out.)

Bliss (AC23/27 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+10=30 ; d20+10=28 ; d6+6=12 ; d6+6=7 ; d20+10=14 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 10:26:27 AM

Bliss takes a five ft step to AM8 and shoots twice at the large guy at AI-AJ-7-8.

His first shot is a natural 20, and it follows up to confirm against AC28. That inflicts 12 base plus (if it is not immune to crits) 7 more for 19 total damage. That's cold iron, if it matters.

His second shot hits only AC14, a miss.

Bliss has just one bolt left in his current clip.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 44/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+17=23 ; d20+18=31 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=11 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 12:38:25 PM
Kezzem moves to AH8 to flank with both Shel AND Pressi. He tumbles to avoid AoO.

Acrobatics: 23.

"Sorry Alleah, but this dagger were made for stabbing, and stabbing is what they'll do."

Attack: 31.
Damage: 5 + 11 (SA) = 16.

OOC: BTW, Kezzem has Far Shot.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 44/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 12:38:53 PM
The attack is on the Carrion Creature.

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+13=26 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 3:24:02 PM
Cameron has listened enough to Pressi to have an idea what that tear she just put in her hair is. Looking at the damage she has already taken, that could end badly for her. And he is to close to that hulking critter to cast without getting whacked. This, was likely going to hurt. Swallowing hard Cameron called on Jancassis to convert the Searing light he had prayed for into a cure serious wounds spell. He then tumbled towards Pressi and touched her as he went by
Cure Serious Wounds will heal 26 points of damage if Cameron manages to cast it and touch Pressi. He probably can't make the concentration roll to do that without losing the spell, so he doesn't cast defensively.
His concentration roll in case he takes damage is 9, yeah lets hope that doesn't happen.
His Acrobatics check to avoid movement AoOs are 26
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 3/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 42/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 3/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-2 hero points Cam is officially out

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+14=19 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+9=15 ; d8+4=6 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=6 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+9=24 ; d8+4=6 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=8 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 3:59:42 PM
Pressi mouths something that cannot easily be heard within the silence spell bubble. But you can tell that it was biting, funny and inspirational. She was due, after all.

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

Spent: 1 hero point for extra action.

Flurry 1 (9+1 haste + 1 bless + 1 Murphy +2 flank --> flurry is 14/14/14/9)

Attack Rolls 19, 18, 20, 15. (one hit)

Damage: 6 + sneak damage 6 + vicious damage 9 - 5 DR, 16 total, damage to self 6.

Flurry 2

Attack Rolls 29, 18, 32, 24. (3 hits)
Damage 1: 6 + 2 - 5, 3 total

Damage 2: 8 + 6 - 5, 9 total

Damage 3: 8 + 6 - 5, 9 total

vicious 5, damage to self 1

Total Damage to Giant: 37. Damage to self 7.

Pressi uses stunning blow both rounds, DC 15 to resist

(All ki points used, 3/5 stunning blow used)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind 
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 4:01:45 PM
sorry, total damage to giant is 42 after DR.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind 
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 4:41:17 PM
(OOC: actually, can I take back the stunning blows? I forgot that constructs are immune.)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 9:04:57 PM
Seeing no other feasible option this round, all Shel can do is withdraw a spot on the other side of Alleah, AD 9, squeezing in with Mookie. She curses herself for being a coward, but getting her teeth rattled again wouldn't do anyone any good.

Gone! - DM Mark  d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d6=6 ; d10=6 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+13=22 ; d100=67 ; d8=2 ; d100=20 ; 2d8+5=16 ; 2d8+5=13 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2016 10:28:21 PM
Alleah shouts for Kezzem to come over to her. Kezzem has other plans and moves over to the large creature and attacks the stinking mound of flesh threatening Shel, doing 11 damage.

Bliss moves 5’ and shoots, inflicting 14 damage.

Cameron tumbles to get near Pressi. He attempts to heal her. The large creature reacts, but fails to connect with his attack. Pressi is healed for 26 points of damage! Cameron: Perception DC 20 or Healing DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {He did heal the giant on the table, but it does not stir. It does seem to be breathing.}

Pressi, feeling a warmth again and emboldened by Cameron healing her, unleashes a series of attacks. Even the tough skin of the construct is not enough to protect him against such an onslaught. She does 42 damage. (Pressi can take back the stunning blow - you posted the request during your turn, and it had no effect on your attack.)

Shel moves back near Mookie, next to the stuffed elf holding two daggers.

The carrion creature turns its attention to Kezzem but fails to hit him.

The large creature strikes at both Kezzem and Pressi. It hits Kezzem for 16 damage and Pressi for 13 damage.

Boy this room stinks.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy continues to aid Pressi.}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 28
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 21
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dam. 57
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dam. 11
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 41, non-lethal 0 (4/5)


Ghostly Murphy (Kim McCoy)  d20+10=29 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 2:30:24 AM

Murphy passes again through Pressi, wondering somewhat about the propriety of his actions, but wanting to help her as he may be able. He gears his thoughts toward helping her focus her blows on this monster (+1 on attack rolls).

Save vs Woldsblood draw: 29/7

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+14=17 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+9=15 ; d8+4=6 ; d6=1 ; d8=5 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+13=20 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 9:34:30 AM
Emboldened, Pressi fires off another flurry. But she also tries to see the door and wall in order to determine secret passageways, traps, and locks.

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

(Damage to Pressi is 20. 13+7.)

Attack Rolls 17, 21, 15, 15. Hits once.

Damage 6+1+6-5 = 8 after DR. Damage to self (included in header) is 3.

Perception 20, darkvision. +1 to see traps.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d8=6 ; d8=4 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 10:08:36 AM
Alleah puffs her chest out just a little bit. She had done her best to intimidate someone for the first time, and by the looks of it he has run off scared.

She gives Pressi a tap with the CMW wand "You took quite a beating. Are you ok?"

-------------------------
Standard action: Use CMW wand to heal Pressi for 13pts

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d20+6=7 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+15=18 ; d4=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 1:01:58 PM
Heal 7
Perception 28
Cameron notices that the giant is now breathing. His healing bursts must have helped somewhat. He throws caution to the wind and tries to give Kezzem the flanking he needs to drop Stinky.

Acrobatics 31, 27, 29, 29, 20, 21, 18, 27 Trying to avoid AoOs, Cameron moves around the bottom of the giant, and tumbles through Stinky's square to end in AF/8 (also known as the puddle of Murphy, auto make the acrobatics roll for being in that square) Not knowing Stinky's CMD I am not sure if I make it there, I will act as if I do, If I fail I end up in Kezzem's square ( yeah not ideal)
When he arrives behind Stinky je tries to stab him in the back.
Hit AC 18 for 3 damage + 10 sneak attack damage
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 2/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 41/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 2/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Consecrate, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain),

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
0/1 Goodberry used
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
-1 charge to scorching ray wand
-2 hero points Cam is officially out

Bliss (AC23/27 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+10=26 ; d6+6=12 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 6:10:24 PM

Bliss has one bolt in this clip and one last chance to make his divine favor spell count. He moves to AM4, then to AI4 (40 feet with longstrider and travel domain speed boost). From there, he tries to fire at the monster that is away from his friends. [OOC: hoping to avoid the -4 for firing into melee]

Bliss shoots, and hits AC26, or 30 without the penalty. His damage is 12.

"Lord Gargul really wants these things dead, I think," he says. "Seems like he's been blessing my bah."

In the other room, Mookie mutters, "Bah."

Status: Divine Favor is gone, Clip is empty.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+3=23 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2016 6:43:37 PM
Shel moves back up to AE 8, when Alleah presses into the room. She tries to look through the scrum to see if the necromancer is popping back into the room. If he does, she will cast a spell at him. If not, she will draw her dagger and try to move in next round to provide flanking for her friends, if nothing else.

OOC: Perception 23 with a natural 20, if there is anything to see with the baddie.

Kezzem (ADM Kim McCoy for BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 33/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+16=32 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=24 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=18 ; 4d6=9 ; 4d6=14 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 2:51:00 AM
"Another fellow stringing us along. It's time for a tendonectomy," Kezzem declares.

Attack #1: 32.
Damage: 3 + 18 (Sneak Attack) = 21.

Attack #2: 35.
Damage: 4 + 9 (Sneak Attack) = 13.

Attack #3: 24.
Damage: 4 + 14 (Sneak Attack) = 18.

If the taxizombie goes down, Kezzem redirects any remaining attacks at the carrion creature on the other side of him.

[Sorry for stepping in, Brian, but I think Mark has been holding his Thursday post for Kezzem. I know you could have done better than me and been more original, but, you get what you pay for :-) --Kim]

ADM Kim to Shel 
Friday July 1st, 2016 4:32:47 AM

[If Shel is going to cast a spell at the necromancer, she would be well advised to specify which spell, and its effects (even if the casting is conditioned on him showing up). --Kim

Gone! - DM Mark  2d10+3=19 ; 2d8+3=8 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=12 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 8:30:49 AM
Pressi, embolded by the warmth passing through her, attacks the creature. Though most of her blows glance off, one strikes true for 8 damage. In doing so, she feels the sting of her blow.

Alleah is pretty impressed that she was able to intimidate such a despicable creature as Uthvas. She can see that Shel is hurt and heals her for 13 points.

Cameron tumbles through the battle to arrive in the gore covered near the door. As he does so, the large construct strikes at him, barely missing. He then strikes the smaller construct for 8 damage.

Bliss moves and fires, hitting the large construct for 7 damage.

Shel tries to move forward, but sees that Cameron is blocking the doorway. She considers rushing in anyway, but thinks better of it with that carrion construct there.

Kezzem lashes out at the large construct, and his first blow drops it and it stops moving. His second and third blows sink into the carrion golem on the other side of him, inflicting 21 damage to the creature. It’s really hard to tell how badly this carrion construct is hurt as Kezzem sends bits of rotted flesh flying everywhere.

Even though it is badly damaged, the carrion golem strikes back at Kezzem, missing him twice.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy continues to aid Pressi.}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 28
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 11
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dam. 32
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 28 non-lethal 0 (5/5)


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 30/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind  d20+13=18 ; d20+13=24 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 10:15:28 AM
With the giant down, Pressi moves out of the silence zone to AH5. "... and that is why these things are like kumquats."

She looks down at the wall carefully, remembering that Uthvas disappeared through this section, looking to see if there is a concealed door (move action) or anything else unusual. (Perception 18, +1 for traps). She then takes a five foot step up to check the door's lock as well (Perception 24, +1 for traps).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) + 6 (Total Defense with Acrobatics bonus) = 29, HP 44/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+16=18 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=28 ; d6=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=10 ; 4d6=16 ; 4d6=16 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 12:19:59 PM
Kezzem unloads on the Carrion Golem.

OOC: Sorry, last post didn't go through for some reason. Using the same rolls.

Attack #1: 18. Hit!
Damage: 3 + 10 (SA) = 13.

Attack #2: 29. Hit!
Damage: 5 + 16 (SA) = 21.

Attack #3: 28. Hit!
Damage: 4 + 16 (SA) = 20.

Bliss (AC23/27 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday July 1st, 2016 12:51:52 PM

Bliss spends the entire round reloading his bah.

Mookie gathers his courage and flies into the main room, staying far from the carrion thing.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 28/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 1st, 2016 5:26:33 PM
Header updated

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+22=29 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 5:41:40 PM

Murphy follows Pressi to the door, again insubstantially passing through her body, now warmly aiding her skills as she examines the door and lock [Pressi: +1 skill checks].

Perception: 29

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday July 1st, 2016 7:36:51 PM
Assuming the others had taken the final construct out, Shel follows into the room, dagger in hand. She intended on handing Pressi her curative potion, as it looked like she, as well as most of the others could certainly use it.

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=28 ; d4=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d4=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d4=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Friday July 1st, 2016 8:04:12 PM
If Kezzem manages to kill that thing with Cameron acting as his flanker, then Cameron will move to AI/9 afterwards and Heal Kezzem, using one of the rather useless anti undead spells he prepared to fight a necromancer (lose Consecrate to gain CMW and heal Kezzem for a whopping 10 points)

If however those three substantial stabs from Kezzem fail to kill the thing, then Cameron will stab it some himself .
1st attack hits AC 18 for 1 damage + 6 sneak attack damage
Haste attack hits AC 22 for 3 damage + 7 sneak attack damage
Off hand attack hits AC 28 for 4 damage + 6 sneak attack damage
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 1/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles
Shield of Faith 40/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 1/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header)
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain),Nemesis Insight, Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d8=5 ; d8=4 ;
Saturday July 2nd, 2016 12:46:14 AM
Alleah will wait until the final construct is defeated before she enters the room.

Assuming it is defeated, she uses the CMW wand to heal Kezzem for a further 12pts.

Another One - DM Mark  d100=99 ; d20+7=22 ; d8+3=7 ;
Monday July 4th, 2016 9:28:59 AM
Pressi moves to the wall area that Uthvas moved through (those that could see him when he did this did not see him use any door. They will say that as he was blinking, he seemed to step through the wall itself.) She examines the wall and the door by it. The door is locked. He can hear some low muttering on the other side of the door. Pressi gets a now familiar warm feeling near the door (+1 on skill checks.)

Kezzem strikes the carrion golem several times, killing it. Boy, this things stinks.

Bliss gets his bah reloaded, and Mookie flies into the room. (Mookie - DC 14 Fort save for or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)

Shel proceeds cautiously into the room. (Shel - two saves: DC 10 acrobatics to move through the first red 5’ square. Failure halts progress, and requires a DC 12 Reflex save or fall prone. Also DC 14 Fort save or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)

Cameron sees the golem made of rotting flesh fall in a heap from Kezzem’s blows, and he moves to heal Kezzem for 10 points.

Alleah moves to heal Kezzem. (Alleah - two saves: DC 10 acrobatics to move through the first red 5’ square. Failure halts progress, and requires a DC 12 Reflex save or fall prone. Also DC 14 Fort save or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)

Suddenly the door near Pressi bursts open and another carrion golem emerges. It makes a 5’ move and attacks Pressi. She takes 7 damage. (Pressi - make a DC 12 Fortitude save.) As it does this, those near the this door Uthvas Swear. You also hear Veseley say, “Ugh, such rude manners. They match your personality Uthvas.”

(Pressi, Bliss, Mookie must make a DC 12 Fort save or be nauseated for 1 round. Poison bonuses or immunity apply to this save.)
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy continues to aid Pressi.}

Here is your map.

Kezzem - Dam. 18
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 11
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Blinking (50% miss chance), Dam. 28

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=13 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+10=19 ;
Monday July 4th, 2016 11:56:11 AM

Concerned about the golem, and, with the door open, the possibility that Uthvas may cast spells at her, Murphy passes through 'Diamond Dust,' aiding her with her saves (+1) this round.

Veseley's voice! They are within the next room!

Saves to resist allure of Woldsblood: 13/8 (for last round), 19/9
Perception: 19

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) +6 (TD) = 29, HP 38/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday July 4th, 2016 1:00:47 PM
"Press, fall back and make it follow. We can't flank it if it's stuck in the corner."

Kezzem will move to AJ6 and go total defense for now.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=13 ; d20+6=10 ;
Monday July 4th, 2016 2:31:39 PM
OOC: Reflex save 13 for a success. Fort save 10 for a Failure. Current HP 32/46.

Shel made it through the slippery area unimpeded, but the overwhelming scent of death made it so she was useless after that, only capable of retching. She had meant to hand Pressi her potion, but she couldn't seem to make her feet work as she heaved for a few precious seconds as the new creature bore down on them.

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David)  d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=33 ;
Monday July 4th, 2016 4:54:53 PM
Enough is enough. Having heard voices from the other side of the door that match those from the visions, Cameron takes matters into his own hands.
" Not true Kezzem, we just have to get through the door. Pressi, I got Stinky, you kill that jerk inside. No half measures. Do it or stay out of my way."
Cameron knows he can't hurt these things in a stand up fight, but if he keeps Kezzem upright and gets on the other side of them, the rogue will make short work of them. He loses another spell, forcing more healing energy into the rogue (Kezzem Heal 19 damage) before he takes off at a run for the door. He feels Shel's Haste drop away as he Heroically passes through the door, tumbling to avoid the carrion beast as he goes ending up on the other side of the door flanking the monster (AG/3)
Fort save 33
Acrobatics 19, 31, 23, 33
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield 0/10 rounds remaining +4 shield AC and absorbs Magic Missiles, ends this round!
Shield of Faith 39/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Haste 0/7 rounds remaining +1 to hit, reflex saves and Dodge AC (added to header) ends this round!
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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

Standard action to heal Kezzem, move action to get close to the door, Heroic move action to get through the door. Thanks for the bonus hero point, I use 'em when I have 'em! 8)

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday July 4th, 2016 4:57:10 PM
I made the fort save because I was headed into what I think is the stinky zone. If I didn't need it just ignore it 8).

Bliss (AC22/26 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+8=19 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+17=28 ;
Monday July 4th, 2016 10:50:18 PM

Bliss looks into the further room and tries to see if there are shadowy areas through which he can pass. Bliss ignores the nasty smells, but Mookie sniffs deep, delighting in the aroma, and revels in the carrion stench.

Bliss decides to go for it. He runs right through, dashing between legs, around feet, right through every occupied square. He can do this because he is tiny in size.

If he is near enough to dim lighting, he hopes his Hide in Plain Sight ability will keep him from being noticed. His stealth check is 32. If he is spotted, or if the light does not let him hide, then he will provoke AoOs as he dashes through the door and into the next room. Because of his Mobility feat, his AC vs AoOs provoked by his own movement is 26.

Once in the room, Bliss heads for cover or a corner, say AD3 for example. He looks around for dimlighting and a place to hide in plain sight. He keeps alert in case he sees something.

Perception 28.



Point of Clarification - DM Mark 
Monday July 4th, 2016 11:50:30 PM
The dotted line in this new room are prison bars. There are locked cell doors to each of these "prison" areas. The only light is that from the sunrod in the red "Murphy" square, so the dim light spills into this room about 10'. This means the left half of the room is in darkness. Please correct me if there is another light source I am not aware of.

I have placed Veseley, Tiana, and Uthvas on the map even though you cannot technically see them.

Sorry for any confusion.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+8=10 ; d20+8=23 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 12:09:20 AM
"More of them?!? This guy just doesn't give up!"

Alleah moves up behind Pressi and heals her once more.

-------------------
Acrobatics check vs DC10: 10 = Pass (just!)
Fort Save vs DC14: 23 = Pass

Free Action: Use Agile Feet ability to ignore difficult terrain
Move Action: Move to AH5
Standard Action: Use CMW want to heal Pressi for 15pts damage (and thanking Wardd we reroll 1s)

AC 30 (T 22, FF 24) CMD 21 HP 5061/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 1:12:53 AM
Cameron cast light on himself (unspecified where) when he searched the bedroom. That light will last for quite awhile yet.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 5:31:35 AM

Yeah - that's why Murphy was flying blind :-/

Point of Clarification - DM Mark  d20=16 ; d20=5 ; d100=100 ; d6=5 ; d100=69 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 11:56:00 AM
waiting for post from Pressi. Headed out, and may not post until later.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 38/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; bless  d20+8=18 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+9=10 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 2:08:49 PM
(OOC: Sorry, I was supposed to post this morning, got busy. Also, I'm not sure if this means the door to Uthvas is locked.)

(Fort Save 18+1 from Murphy.)(Perception 21, darkvision.)(Acro 37 to avoid AoO from the creature.)

Pressi says nothing in response to Cameron, but he could swear there was something in her eye. He wonders if all that talk of torture was a bluff. Of course it was a bluff. What could possibly get Pressi to break her ideals?

Pressi began to walk slowly, steadily towards Uthvas, never breaking eye contact. "You know, relationships don't come easy. Back in Plateau City, I worked with this one guy who... well, I won't bore you with the details of how I stopped feeling comfortable dancing in front on a man, let alone think I could ever have a relationship with one.

"But the real piece of work was his wife. This sorceress who never had to lift a finger to punish me for what she thought I did. When I finally ran, she followed me. She had this little trinket that I could never hope to afford, but that I always coveted. A simple robe. A robe that could let you take any form you want, even a bugbear or a drow. She wore it so that she could finally end my life. Looks good on me, wouldn't you agree?"

"Veseley, you are going to want to cover your eyes. What I'm about to do will indeed be quite rude."

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

If the door to Uthvas is locked, Pressi rolls to open it (Disable 23).

If the door isn't locked, she walks right up to Uthvas.

Attack (Natural 1). "Dangit. I really have to stop wasting my good speeches."

Join Me or Fear Me - DM Mark 
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 7:26:27 PM
Poor Shel. The thought of Murphy’s entrails on the floor combined with the stench in the room catches up with her and she is nauseated for 1 round. She moves forward even as she throws up.

Kezzem tells Pressi to fall back and let the carrion golem follow her so they can get a flanking position. Kezzem moves and takes a defensive position.

Cameron suggests they instead rush Uthvas. He heals Kezzem and then moves hasted into the door to a potential flanking position on the golem. (20’+20’ for haste, blue squares are encumbered terrain, so I presume his use of the term “heroically” means he used a hero point. Also, while Cameon would threaten the golem’s square, it will get cover against Cameron from the partial wall, so +4 AC.) The light cast on Cameron illuminates this room.

Bliss moves into the room. As he enters, he can see that there are barred cells in this room. He can see Uthvas in the far corner of one of the cells, and Veseley and Tiana are in here as well. The light emitting from Cameron prevents Bliss using shadows to hide in here.

Alleah moves up to heal Pressi.

Pressi moves slowly toward Uthvas. She finds the door to the cell he is in is locked. She begins to unlock it, but fails (DC 25.)

Uthvas stands there, behind the bars dressed in his flowered robe and lipstick. His image still blinks in and out, but he looks a little uncertain as Pressi walks in slowly and starts to unlock his cell. “You ignorant little brats. You have no idea what I am capable of. If you did, you would bow before me. You force me to take desperate measures when you should offer to help me in my work. Join me or fear me - your choice.”

He casts a spell affecting Pressi, Bliss, Cameron, (DC 21 Will Save vs Fear. Success means you are shaken for 1 round, failure means you are panicked for 9 rounds.)

Tiana begins to scream. You hear Velseley say, “No Tiana, not again. The screaming accomplishes nothing!”

Then Uthvas turns to the (left, South) wall attempting to step into it. With a small pop his blinking image shudders and he fails to move through the wall. He grimaces. “Arrrrrrr. Not again. This is really proving to be a vexing day.”
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy continues to aid Pressi, this time to resist anything bad.}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dam. 0
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Dam. 32


Bliss (AC22/26 with cover, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+8=28 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=21 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 7:50:02 PM

Bliss tries to fight down the rising fear that magically pushes at his mind. His natural 20 and his halfling fearlessness easily wins the day.

Not able to hide, he sees no reason to be quiet. "You're a bad lady," says Bliss, possibly a bit confused by the nuances here. "I serve Lord Gargul, and he's not much of a one to like the things you do."

Bliss shoots at Uthvas. His attack still benefits from Bless and Divine Favor (the latter for only this round and the next), but being a bit shaken cancels those benefits out. The tiny crossbowman hits AC 18, a miss.

"Mookie!" Bliss messages in a whisper, "head him off at the pass in case he tries to blip through a wall."

Mookie caws back, "Okay, Kid." The bird double-move-flies to AC9 and perches on a piece of taxidermy.

Then Bliss tries to slip through the bars (Escape Artist check 21 -- no wait, 19 because he is shaken) and then walks into Uthvas's square if he gets through. If Uthvas is armed or has the unarmed strike feat, then Bliss's AC vs the provoked AoO is 26. Not that Bliss can attack if Uthvas provokes an AoO -- Bliss has no reach and no weapon at hand except his bah -- but he figures it might freak out the fellow, and make it hard to target him with area attacks. Bliss won't spend more than a move action to squeeze through; he'll stay out otherwise.

Used 1 bolt of current clip, divine favor 1 round left, bless, longstrider.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 10:29:53 PM
Shel finally got her composure about her, as the nausea faded. She could not enter the room as the carrion golem was in a quite tactical spot, whether it knew it or not. Shel decided to try her hand at sneaking by it magically. She casts Invisibility on herself and tries to move into the room outside of the golem's vision. Shel moves to AF3, assuming she gets by the golem.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=22 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 11:25:12 PM

Murphy again aids Pressi on her saves.

Save vs Woldsblood 22/10

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+18=23 ; d3+2=4 ; 4d6=17 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2016 11:55:49 PM
If Kezzem can flank with Cameron thru the doorway on the carrion creature, he moves to do so.

"Greetings and salutations, my name is Kezzem Blacklyng, from Humble's Ford!"

Kezzem then shakes the carrion creature's hand with his dagger.

Attack: 23.
Damage: 4 + 17 (SA) - 5 (DR) = 16.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+10=20
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 1:20:16 AM
There's something going on in the next room. Alleah can hear Uthvas' voice but can't see him from where she currently stands.

She steps up closer to Cam and blesses him with Wardd's luck

---------------------------------
Free Action: 5ft step to AH4

Standard Action: Use Touch of Luck ability on Cameron. For the next round (this round) any time Cam rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result. Concentration check to avoid AoO: 20

Join Me or Fear Me - DM Mark 
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 6:43:55 AM
Murphy needs to make a DC 17 Will save to move beyond the area where he died.

(DC is 20 minus the number of his party members in the area he wants to go. This reflects Murphy's strong tie to his friends. Once made this check he can remain there without a save, but moving back into the room where he died will reset this. The same check will need to be made for each new room or area he tries to move into.)

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+12=22 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=18 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 9:57:47 AM
Cameron smiles as Pressi passes him and calmly starts opening the lock. He had feared that herdesire for law and order would override her instinct for revenge.
He chuckles when the Necromancer tries to blink through the wall and is ejected, bleeding worse than he had been before.
The chuckle becomes a full throated laugh when the Necromancer's last ditch attempt to live is to try and instill fear.
" If you survive this Uthvas, you will need to learn to listen when people talk to you and tell you their intentions. I told you I was an Avenger, sent by Jancassis to settle a debt you have accumulated. Avengers know no fear. We, as you might have guessed are Halflings. Halflings are smaller than everyone and oppressed by those who prey on the weak. We learn to not fear what is to come but adapt to it and overcome it. You have lost. Your constructs are defeated and we are about to destroy you. Had you not defiled Murphy's body I would be able to guarantee yu that if you surrendered, they would let you live and present you to proper authorities who would try you and probably only imprison you for what you have done. But even these good natured souls can see that no such fairness exists in this place. So instead of just surrender, you need to make it worth our trip here. Teach these halflings the way to extract and use Giant Essence. Show them a way to save their homes. Beg for forgiveness and maybe, just maybe, they will let you live. I will still think it is wrong to steal someone's soul, but I will be the minority, and as they have many times already, they will stay my hand. This is your only hope, because she is angry, hurt and really upset about you ripping her boyfriend apart. Try as we might, she is stronger than any of us and if she wants it, she'll take your life before any of the others can stop her."
Cameron is immune to Fear due to the trials he survived to become an Avenger.
He states this all conversationally, he will try to maintain this for 10 rounds in order to TRY to influence his actions, but without a miracle, he isn't lasting that long. So long as this is just conversation, Cameron will continue to act. If it requires more concentration that that, he will just talk to taunt the man and act normally.(I am not sure how much of an action this is. If it is more than just free like talking, then he doesn't try to influence his at all, just act)
Cameron then sees Kezzem arrive and focuses on the beast before him.
Main hand attack misses (AC 22 is best roll)
Off hand attack misses (AC 18 is the best roll)
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield of Faith 38/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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

Haste and shield are gone, AC and attacks adjusted

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 38/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; bless; panicked  d20+13=16 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 10:32:16 AM
(OOC: Not sure if I have Murphy's help still. Roll is without, then with.)

Will save 16+1=17 vs 21.

Pressi's comment that they DID offer to help him in his work TWICE died in her throat as the spell took hold. Panic. The loss of her man. The stress of the battle. Her family's insistence that she would never amount to anything. The humiliation she felt on the streets. The failure of self control as Cameron's pleasure filled her ears. The inability to fight well enough, to need so much healing, to never be good enough.

Waard's voice continues to fill her ears as she flees. "You can run from the monsters. But where do you run from yourself? Your weakness, your stupidity, your belief that you will ever be the hero or be accepted. Where do you run, Diamond Dust the Rogue, when the monster is you?"

Pressi runs to Murphy's body (no acro checks), struggling the best she can to gather Murphy's body and belongings. She had to save him. No matter what, she had to save him.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=26 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 1:21:24 PM

Murphy senses a boundary at the doorway to the room wherein lie Vesseley and the now screaming Tiana. He manages to push through [Will save 26 vs 17], and is able to pass into the caged room.

He is so proud of his friends - and pleased to see that the two they came for yet live. May his friends prevail, and the rescue be performed - and Uthvas be put out of business.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 2:10:25 PM

Wait - where is Pressi going? Murphy wonders.

Join Me or Fear Me - DM Mark  d100=60 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=9 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 8:34:34 PM
Bliss mistakes Uthvas for a woman, but he can see the necromancer trying to blink through the back wall. He shoots the guy, but misses. Bliss sends Mookie to intercept Uthvas (brave Mookie.) Then he runs into the cell and between Uthvas’ legs to distract him.

Shel’s queasy stomach settles down, and she casts Invisibility on herself and moves past the remaining golem and into the room. (Her move is only 20’ and there is encumbered terrain, so I placed her as far as she could go.)

Kezzem introduces himself to the golem. Then he stabs it for 11 damage. (Technically, Cameron does threaten the golem, though the golem has cover against Cameron.)

Alleah steps closer to Cam and blesses him with Wardd's luck.

Cameron laughs at Uthvas, and then tells him that he needs to beg forgiveness and teach the halflings to extract giant essence. (The rules for Diplomacy to influence attitude are here. “Diplomacy is generally ineffective in combat and against creatures that intend to harm you or your allies in the immediate future.”) Cameron attacks the creature twice (but fails to specify any damage.)

Pressi is gripped by an intense fear. She drops her picks and tools in the room and bolts! She gets as far as Murphy’s remains (2 move actions) but in her panicked state she cannot pick up anything. This also provokes an attack from the carrion golem and it hits her for 9 damage.

Then the carrion golem turns its attention on Kezzem, but it misses him twice.

Uthvas stops blinking. He sneers at Cameron’s speech, “Beg forgiveness from such as you? It is you who should beg to aid me.” Then he moves 5’ away and casts a spell on Bliss. (DC 20 Fort save vs Baleful Polymorph. Failure means Bliss is turned into a sparrow.)
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy manages as an act of will to move from the room where he died to aid Pressi, only to see her bolt from the room.}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 25, Dam. 11
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Dam. 32


Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+8=14 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+9=22 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 9:07:34 PM
Bliss save vs poly 1: Fort save 14! Fails!
Bliss save vs poly 2: Will save 21! Passes!

Bliss's Permanent Reduce Person is not a polymorph spell, so a new polymorph spell does not dispel it (you can have only one polymorph spell affecting you at a time.) However, you cannot have more than one spell that changes your size in effect at a time; they overlap but do not stack. So I'm applying only the larger of the bonuses/penalties comparing Reduce Person and Baleful Polymorph.

Technically, you cannot use a polymorph spell to assume the form of a creature with a template, nor of a creature not in the rules. So I am not sure what to use for sparrow stats. I'll take a leap and assume the use of the PF stats for a Thrush. Thrush = Sparrow seems reasonable?

Reduce Person applies +2 Dex and -2 Str. Baleful Poly acts as BSIII and applies +6 Dex, -4 Str, and +1 nat AC. That puts Bliss's Str at 5 and his Dex at 26.

Sparrow Bliss tweets excitedly and tries to grapple Uthvas! He dive bombs the caster and tries to get tangled up in his hair!

Bliss's CMB is +4 BAB +8 dex -4 diminutive size +1 bless = +9. He rolls a 22 against Uthvas's unknown CMD. If it works, Uthvas is grappled -- and takes a point of nonlethal damage, I think -- with the standard penalties that come from that condition.

Mookie hears Bliss's tweets through the Message spell and ponders the feelings he is getting through his telempathic link. The raven says, "Huh? Kid?" But he stays put, in case Uthvas comes blinking through.

Note that Bliss's AC is now base 10 +8 dex +1 deflection +3 natural +4 size +1 dodge = 27. His CMD is base 10 +4 BAB -4 size +8 dex -2 str +1 deflection +1 dodge = 18.

Also note to would-be allied attackers: "There is no penalty for firing at a creature that is three size categories larger than the friendly characters it is engaged with."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  4d4+4=15 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 9:13:41 PM
Shel takes a 5' step to AF 3, still invisible. She again calls on her most powerful spell, exhausting her third level spells for the day. She fired an Empowered Magic Missile at the necromancer.

OOC: Empowered Magic Missile for 22 damage!


AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d4=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d4=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=17 ; d4=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d4=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 10:20:49 PM
The creature is listed as AC 25 plus 4 more AC for cover. I didn't Hit AC 29 so I didn't roll damage. Here it is though. Oddly enough I usually roll damage for everything that isn't a natural 1, cuz hey, you never know, but didn't this time around.
First Attack does 10 damage 3+7 sneak attack
Second Attack does 10 damage as well. 3+7 sneak attack

This round.
In Halfling,Cameron plans hastily with Kezzem...
"Kezzem, I'm gonna shank this thing, If it falls get that cell open ASAP! OK? If I don't Kill it, then you finish it and THEN open the cell."
Cameron puts his swords to work on the beast
First attack Hits AC 22 for 16 damage 4+12 Sneak Attack
Second Attack Hits AC 17 for 10 damage 4 +6 Sneak Attack.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield of Faith 37/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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


Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d100=59 ; d20+10=30 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 10:24:22 PM

Pressi has gone out, which concerns him greatly, but, as far as Murphy can tell, Uthvas is still the main threat. Murphy traverses the insides of the necro-taxidermist. You are wicked, and you hurt people. May just reciprocity come your way. -2 to Uthvas' AC.

He exits, looking down at the cross-dressed man from above. And he thinks, Well struck, Shel!

He does not even think about the Woldsblood this round (Save, nat 20: 30)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d100=28 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2016 11:49:52 PM
"Wha..? Where's Pressi going?"

Alleah moves away from the carrion creature, provoking an AoO from it if it is still 'alive'. The group shouldn't be splitting up again.

"Pressi! Stop!"

-------------------------
Move action: Move to AH7, provoking an AoO from the Carrion creature as she goes
Standard action: Cast Remove Fear on Pressi. Leyline check: 28 = Pass. Pressi's fear is suppressed for 10mins

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+16=33 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=33 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=12 ; 4d6=19 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2016 12:18:37 AM
"Don't worry, I'll kill it with daggers!"

Attack #1: 33. Hit!
Damage: 4 + 12 (SA) - 5 (DR) = 11.

Attack #2: 23. Miss.

Attack #3: 33. Hit!
Damage: 3 + 19 (SA) - 5 (DR) = 17.


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 38/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; bless; panicked  d20+13=26 ; d20+5=9 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2016 9:41:16 AM
Pressi slumped over Murphy's body as Alleah's spell hit her. "I'm sorry. I thought I could be better at this. I thought I was stronger. But there is no way that..."

Pressi stopped as she began to peer into Murphy's haversack. There were enough alchemical weapons to occupy New Elaana.

"Uthvas has to have stopped blinking at this point, right?" she began as she grabbed an alchemists fire (move action) and shoved the rest of the haversack into Alleah's hands (move action). "Tell the rest of the group to get the second dinner club and get out of that room. No matter what Uthvas does, we stop engaging and get out.

"If Uthvas wishes nothing more than to remain in his cell, let him. We are going to burn this Gargul forsaken building to the ground."

(Perception 26, Know Dungeon 9. Pressi tries to determine how well the grease, carrion creatures and statues burn. She also attempts to determine the sturdiness of the eastmost door and lock.)

Eeek, There's a Bird in my Hair - DM Mark  d20=10 ; d20+14=19 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2016 11:47:02 PM
(Grrrr. Not sure how this happened, but between 6/30 and 7/1 posts the AC for the Carrion Golem at the end of my posts changed from 17 to 25! That is incorrect - their AC is 17. In the posts, I look at each hit and have been applying damage if it beat AC 17. Please let me know if I may have missed one. And if that weird 25 AC was a deterrent to attacking, I apologize.)

Bliss is hit by the necromancer’s spell and changes into a thrush! He manages to keep control of his mind, and the first thing he does is to fly into Uthvas’ hair, which actually seems to bother him. Bliss finds that moving from beneath his robes to the top of his head is a vast improvement. (A Thrush can attempt to grapple, and in doing so can itself gain the grappled condition. However, I’m not in agreement that a thrush can effectively give a medium creature the “grappled” condition and all that that entails. Instead I will apply a -2 circumstance penalty to his ability to hit due to being a bit distracted. There is a point at which the rules break down - you have found one of them.)

Shel moves 5’ and then hits Uthvas with Magic Missiles for 22 points of damage.

Cameron, having damaged the carrion golem last round for 10 damage, does so again for another 16 damage. Then Kezzem strikes it, killing it with his first blow.

Alleah sees Pressi race past her in a panicked state, and casts Remove Fear on her which has an immediate effect.

Pressi stops near Murphy’s mutilated body and see’s his backpack. He grabs the bag (move action) and removes an Alchemist fire (move action). Then he states his intent to burn the place down. Looking around, Pressi looks to where the (easternmost) large stone doors should be and sees a thick, dark curtain there, presumably hiding them. She sees a good deal of debris in this room, as with the others - some flammable, some not. In here, there are some papers and books as well as vats, containers, body parts, and various chemicals. There is medical equipment, knives, syringes, jars with liquid, etc. Being unfamiliar with the Grease spell, she does not know that the grease on the floor is not flammable.

Uthvas seems irritated by the thrush entangled in his hair, but the stakes are a bit higher for him that mere irritation. He looks at Shel, “You, I’ve had about enough of…” He ignores the thrush as best he can and casts Blindness on Shel (DC 18 Will save.) (This will provoke an AOO against AC 19 from Bliss. If Bliss is able to damage him, his concentration check is 19 which should be success.)
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Shel’s Magic Missiles gleam brightly for Murphy in his current state. He can see that Uthvas is no longer blinking, and moves through him decreasing his AC by 1 (-2 was when he was blinking and more “available” to a spirit on the ethereal plane.)}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Dead
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Dam. 54

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=19 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2016 11:57:05 PM

Murphy repeats his ephemeral discipline of the wicked Uthvas.

Uthvas: -1 AC

Woldsblood save: 19/12

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+13=27 ; d2=2 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 12:31:21 AM
The threat from the stinking beast is done, and Cameron can do little to Uthvas while he is so far away behind a locked door. His heart grows conflicted though. He would like nothing more than to allow Pressi to burn down this house of horrors with the Necromancer inside. But he sees several flaws with this plan, the last one he notes, surprises even him.
" Pressi, Though burning the house down with Uthvas inside would delight me and I am sure Jancassis, I can't let you do it. Listen to me. Really hear me, because this is important. First off, he won't burn. I tried it already, and he is at least resistant to fire. Second, until we do a thorough search of the place we can't be sure there are not more victims here that need help. That will take clear heads, and time. Third, that isn't who you are. No matter how much you posture and want Uthvas and the rest of us to believe that you are so inconsolable over Murphy's death that you would do these things, deep down you are disgusted that you would even consider doing them. You care about life. You were making plans to live it with someone you cared about. Vengence is for those that have given up everything and committed themselves to it with all their being. I know these things, and you haven't stepped over that line."
" The last reason you can't do it, most surprising to me that I am saying this, Murphy wanted this idiot alive. He wanted him alive enough to want us to come here and try to talk to him, gain information that would save your homes and the homes of people that you all know and care about. Your jobs if he couldn't do it, were to keep me from killing him. Out of respect for Murphy I am going to do that. But by the lady's holy whip, I am going to hurt him really bad. You of course are welcome to watch, or even join in. But no burning down the house, not yet."
Changing to the halfling tongue he adds,
" Besides, if we keep him alive I have a feeling that we can get Murphy back. I think Gargul would be overjoyed to get his hands on this guy. Bliss has taken us to see Gargul before, and I have even managed to draw his attention to a fallen friend and get him back. All isn't lost, and with a sinner like him to hand over, I think Gargul will hear us out. I know you have heard this before, and never do, but trust me. Please this once, trust me."
Switching back to common,
" Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get around to that hurting him real bad part. Take him alive. I have plans for him. plans he will most certainly not like!"

Cameron drops one of his short swords and as he moves draws his whip. He moves right up to the bars and with a practiced hand, tries to stop Uthvas from casting by knocking him onto his kiester.

Whip attack beats a CMD of 27 to TRIP Uthvas. This may not stop his spell, but it should screw up his day. If Uthvas has less than 1 point of actual armor bonus, or less than 3 points of natural armor then Cameron also does 2 points of non lethal damage to him as he trips him.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield of Faith 36/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday July 8th, 2016 12:43:56 AM
Something occurred to me... did those big blond boys make a single verbal sound while we were fighting them DM Mark? Large armored Golem at the front gate boys and girls?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Friday July 8th, 2016 1:30:32 AM
Alleah moves up to the doorway to finally get a look at what is going on inside.

"If you say so Cam" Alleah responds in halfling "Is anyone able to ready damage to Uthvas should he start casting a spell again? If anyone can time an attack as he starts casting, we might be able to stop him from casting anything further"

She reverts back to the common tongue "Give it up, Uthvas! You're surrounded!"

---------------------------------
Move Action: Move to AH3

Standard Action: Cast Hold Person. Clerical spell so no ley check needed. Uthvas to make a Will save vs DC20 or be Paralyzed

---------------------------------
Magical Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
Spells In Effect: Endure Elements, Longstrider, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, See Invisibility

Spells Available
Cleric:
Lvl 0 : Create Water, Light, Purify Food & Drink, Toros Taur Try
Lvl 1 : Bane (+2 DC), Bless, Command (+2 DC), Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil
Lvl 2 : Hold Person (+2 DC), Silence, Summon Monster II, Summon Monster II

Blood Witch
Lvl 0 : Unlimited
Lvl 1 : 4-2 = 2
Lvl 2 : 4-4 = 0
Lvl 3 : 2-2 = 0
}

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=27 ; 4d4+4=12 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 7:09:37 AM
"Not again, you bastard! I'll Not be blinded by the likes of you, not again!". Shel hated to hear Cameron ask her to stay her hand. After he killed Murphy, all she could think of was to get vengeance against him, but she decided to hear out Cameron's plan.

She readied an action to cast Magic Missile to disrupt any spell casting that the necromancer might attempt.

OOC: will save 27. Readied action: 12 points of Magic Missile damage if he triggers the readied action.

Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=7 ; d20+14=16 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 7:23:50 AM

[OOC: Note that BirdBliss inflicts 1d2-3 hp damage per hit. That means 1 hp nonlethal damage, seeing as you cannot inflict 0 damage, if I recall the rules correctly. Last round Bliss inflicted 1 hp nonlethal with his grapple check.]

Bliss tries to sink his beak into Uthvas's cheek when he casts. He does not have Weapon Finesse, so he uses Str, not Dex, on the attempt. His attack roll is base 1d20 -3 str +4 size +4 BAB +1 Bless = 1d20+6. He rolls a natural 1, a failure.

However, he continues to grapple with his action! This time he gets to use his dex, per the rules. And he gets a +5 to continue an already established grapple! But his size counts against him now! So his roll is now 1d20 +8 dex -4 size +4 BAB +5 grapple bonus +1 bless = 1d20+14. BirdBliss rolls a 16! Is that enough to beat Uthvas's CMD? If so, he takes a point of nonlethal damage. If not, Uthvas is still "grappled," but does not take the damage!

Mookie hears an insane symphony of chirps through the Message spell, and he gives up on his current guard post in order to return to the melee. He double moves 80 ft back to the room.

"LEM'S LEFT LUNG!" he shouts profanely. "Kid, this is a bad idea! Why did you change into a bird! Bad idea!"

The chirps resolve somewhat, and Mookie finds that sparrows and ravens can understand each other a bit ... "What do you mean, 'This is great!' This is SO NOT GREAT! I don't *care* if you're flying! Change back right this instant, young man!"

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Friday July 8th, 2016 9:13:08 AM
I realized I moved into Kezzem's way to open the door. I have changed where I move to. It is still within the 15 foot reach of the whip.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 38/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; bless; panicked 
Friday July 8th, 2016 11:42:57 AM
Pressi stopped short at Cameron's admonitions, any sarcastic or angry response clearly not being of any help. Of particular note was Cameron's statement about whether she had given up. "How do I know I should still keep trying?" she asked.

He was right, though. She was ashamed of how far she had fallen - how close she had come to crossing the line, how she had dreamed of burning someone trapped and alive. (The building should probably be demolished, though. Who knew how much perversity and secrets were in these walls.)

Standing up, she ran back towards the final room (double move). "Ok, alive we shall take Uthvas. Someone should also wake up and rescue the giant over there; he may be an innocent prisoner too."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+17=31 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 12:38:24 PM
Kezzem moves into the room and heads towards Uthvas's cell.

"Hey buddy," says Kezzem to Uthvas, "what you doing in there?"

Disable Device: 31

Eeek, There's a Bird in my Hair - DM Mark  d20+14=25 ; d20+14=20
Friday July 8th, 2016 1:40:07 PM
(Good job on the quick posting everyone.)

Cameron hears Pressi’s threat to burn down the house, and notes the pain in her voice. He urges her to wait. He says they should keep the man alive so that Cameron can torture him instead. Cameron also believes he can bargain Uthvas soul to Gargul. Cameron steps back and uses his whip to trip the man (even at -4 because of the bars.) Uthvas falls prone. With a bird stuck in his hair.

Regarding the large flesh golems you killed here, they were tan, scantily clad, and did seem to breath. But their breathing never increased, even with the combat. They would occasionally grunt during combat, but you never heard them speak.

Alleah tells everyone to be ready to interrupt his spell casting with an attack, and then calls for Uthvas to surrender.

Shel resists Uthvas spell, and readies an action to cast a spell should he attempt to do so himslef.

Bliss exalts in his new bird form, and continues to grapple his hair. Bliss is able to affect the man with his attack. Barely. Mookie decides the boy has lost his mind.

Pressi rethinks her plan to burn Uthvas alive.

At that point, Kezzem opens the door to Uthvas’ cell.

Uthvas is getting worried - this is not going well. And he keeps feeling this cold chill run through him. “Now see here, I don’t want any more trouble with you folks. Just take your halfling friends and leave.” With that, he will cast a Wall of Ice, He’s still on his back when he does this. And he still has a stupid bird in his hair, which provokes an AOO. (His concentration check from Bliss’ 1 point of nonlethal damage is 25.) However, Shel's readied action also goes off inflicting 12 points of damage from a Magic Missle, and he does not make this concentration check. The Wall of Ice does not form, and his spell is lost.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy again passes through the fat necromancer’s body, and he notices a slight shiver from the man as he does so.}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Prone, Dam. 66, nonlethal Dam. 2

Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+11=16 ; d20+14=27 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 2:34:51 PM

Bliss peeps and chirps excitedly!

AoO vs Uthvas's spellcasting ... same numbers as last post ... attacks at +7 +4prone = +11. Grapples at +14 ... have no idea if grappling a prone person adds a +4? We'll see if it matters. What's his CMD?

AoO hits AC16 (rolled a nat 2!) miss.

Grapple check is either 27 or 31, so that's another point of nonlethal damage.

=====

Meanwhile, Mookie, located at around AF3, shouts, "How is this appropriate?!"

The raven cocks his head and listens to the chirping. "Flower's Farts! He says he's winning!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday July 8th, 2016 4:13:53 PM
OOC: DM, I don't see that you used Shel's action to try to disrupt his casting of the Wall of Ice. Remember my Magic Missile readied action above? I'll wait on you to resolve that before making an action post this round.

DM Mark - Excellent point. I will address this. Post amended - no wall of ice.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=27 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 6:10:24 PM
"Look at yourself, necromancer! Laying on your backside, surrounded by our entire group with no little constructs to save you. If you attempt to get up, the rest of us will finish you. It's bad of me, but I'd like to kill you here. But my friends, they are better than me. They want you taken alive, so I'll comply with their wishes. If you surrender, that is."

OOC: Intimidate check to Demoralize 27.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=23 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 8:32:58 PM

Murphy hits Uthvas' armor class again, giving him a -1 AC penalty, and chilling the mutilating killer once more. Pay them a heavy ransom for your life, and the lives of those you have destroyed, evil man, spirit Murphy whispers as he passes downward, then back up above him.

Woldsblood Will save: 23/13

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 16/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Friday July 8th, 2016 8:34:14 PM

P.S.: Murphy loves Bliss in his plucky sparrow form.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 8th, 2016 10:21:49 PM
"Well, this is awkward," says Kezzem. "Anyone want to try to break the ice?"


AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+15=16 ;
Friday July 8th, 2016 10:43:17 PM
Cameron smiles at Kezzem as the rogue finishes opening the cell.
" Free the wizards, in case this goes badly. Open Vesley's cage first OK? Sounds like Tiana might need to be calmed down by him."
To Pressi he replies," The giant was breathing and almost looked comfortable from all the positive energy we released back there. I can speak to him and will release him once we have this in hand."
He steps into the cell and stands over Uthvas. He drops the other sword and with his bare hand calls Jancassis's poison touch to his hand, enveloping it in noxious vapors.He stares down and explains Uthvas's position to the man.
" You are out of options. As Shel states, you are down, you are grappled by a tiny bird with a heart bigger than any of your constructs, and we now surround you, ready to drop the executioners axe on you should you flinch. It's over. Relent. You have little other choice. I have talked them out of ending your life, which is a real stretch for me, but I won't be able to keep them from it if you keep resisting. Your choice, relent and have hope, or resist and we end you."
Cameron readies an action to touch Uthvas with Touch of Poison if he tries to cast again.
Touch attack hits AC 16, natural 1 so miss.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield of Faith 35/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP -1024/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Saturday July 9th, 2016 12:28:46 AM

[Kezzem - there is no wall of ice. Uthvas' spell failed, due to Shel's well-timed magic missile. So, you can go in to Uthvas cage and reach him, if you decide to soften him up any more, or start taking things off of him, or go and open the halflings' cages, or find birdseed for Bliss. The possibilities are endless.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday July 9th, 2016 12:34:45 AM
"You see, Mookie? Birds can be helpful if they want to be" she says, shooting the raven a grin.

Things are busy enough in the small room that Alleah doubts she could fit. Besides, she had used up her spells and was left with a few low level spells and cantrips. If anyone needed healing they would need to leave the room and come to her.

She instead makes her way over to the strapped down creature on the table and looks to see if it is awake or in pain.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+16=35 ; d3+2=5 ; 4d6=18 ;
Saturday July 9th, 2016 12:16:32 PM
"So...will you talk to us about these mushrooms now?"

Kezzem readies a dagger should Uthvas attempt to cast a spell or do anything else hostile.

IF NEEDED:
Attack: 35
Damage: 5 + 18 (SA) = 23.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 18, HP 38/53, CMD 25; speed 40; darkvision; night blind; bless; panicked  d20+8=26 ;
Saturday July 9th, 2016 3:31:00 PM
Pressi, with nothing more to say, moved to Vessley's door and took a chance at unlocking it.

(Disable 26)

So...will you talk to us about these mushrooms now? - DM Mark  d100=13 ; d20=16 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ;
Monday July 11th, 2016 1:06:11 AM
Bliss, enjoying his new bird form, remains tangled in the necromancer’s hair. Super annoying for Uthvas. Mookie comes in and asks if this is all appropriate.

Shel taunts the man and says that if he moves, they’ll kill him. She says she’d like to kill him now, but her friends prefer to keep him alive. Uthvas looks a bit relieved at this, but is intimidated by Shel.

Cameron looks pleased. He asks others to release the two members of the Second Dinner Club, and tells Pressi that the giant on the machine is alive. He move over Uthvas, telling him to surrender and his life will be spared. “Your choice, relent and have hope, or resist and we end you.”

Alleah moves over to the giant. He smells as if he has not bathed in some time, and he look hurt and tired. He remains unconscious and breathing.

Kezzem says, "So...will you talk to us about these mushrooms now?" Then he holds a dagger on the man, ready to stab him if he moves.

Pressi moves to Veseley’s cell and unlocks his cell door.

Tiana’s screams have reduced to terrified whimpering as she huddles in the corner of her cell - she may have been affected by the Fear spell, and her eyes have a wild look. Veseley just looks a little loopy, “Oh look Tiana, I think these are friends. They’re our size and a couple of them look familiar. You really need to get a grip my dear.” To the party he says, “Do I know you?” To Pressi, “Well thank you my dear. I remember visiting you with this.” He holds up a pink, teardrop shaped stone about an inch long.

Uthvas lays on his back, and raises his hands in supplication, looking a bit odd in his lipstick and floral muumuu. “Well, I guess you win. You said you would spare me if I provoked you no further, and I’m not stupid. I accept your terms. Stand back and let me get up. And get this rotten bird out of my hair. It’s annoying.”

“If you were even capable of understanding the nature of my work you would find it quite fascinating. There is great potential here. Imagine that as you become old and feeble, that you could transfer yourself to a magically constructed creature, whatever kind of creature you like, and live forever! Think about that for a moment, to cheat death and have no need of Gargul and his afterlife! Think of what this could be worth!”

“I know you’re upset about the death of your friend out there. I have an an unguent in a clay pot on a shelf in my lab. You can spread on his remains and raise him from the dead. It smells bad and it was given to me some time ago, but I assure you that it will work. Let me go and it’s yours. Do we have a deal?”

Sense Motive DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { Uthvas’ sudden change in tone and seeming candor is born of desperation. He is genuinely afraid, but trying not to show it.}
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy again passes through the fat necromancer’s body, and he notices a slight shiver from the man as he does so.}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Reggie - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Rocky - AC 20, DR 5/adamantine, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Carrion Creature - AC 17, Dead
Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Prone, Dam. 66, nonlethal Dam. 2

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d100=63 ;
Monday July 11th, 2016 2:32:26 AM
With all the other things she has seen in the past few minutes, Alleah isn't willing to take any chances with the strapped down giant. She casts Death Watch and looks at him more closely. She's wanting to find out whether the giant thing is alive, or dead, or neither alive nor dead (ie: a construct).

She isn't in the room with Uthvas or the Second Dinner Club, and thus, doesn't know exactly what is going on in there. She calls out in halfling "By my reckoning we're still short one, er, person. Where's the winged thing that greeted us at the door?"

---------------------
Leyline check: 63 = Ok

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday July 11th, 2016 9:36:26 AM
"You know, you've got a little something..." Kezzem gestures in the area around his head.

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday July 11th, 2016 11:58:00 AM
Cameron binds the prisoner and calls to Alleah, in Halfling.
" Good call. I haven't seen that thing since it locked us up"
To Uthvas in common he asks " Where is your servant that met us at the door. I don't want him creeping around and surprising us. That would not be wise."
Cameron might take the unguent that Uthvas says will raise Murphy, but has no intention of using it. Too dangerous to trust this snake. Rather some of his team will turn the house upside down for valuables while the rest see to the captives and the fallen or ensorcelled. Then a prayer or two and by Gargul's good graces they will go see the god to bargain for Murphy's life the normal way. No more cheating on Gargul in this house. Not if he can help it.
----------------------------------------------------
Spells and effects on Cameron
Light
Shield of Faith 34/50 rounds remaining +2 deflection AC
Bless +1 Morale bonus to hit ?/? rounds remaining

Spells remaining
Create Water, Detect Poison, Detect Victim, Light
Longstrider (domain), Hide from Undead, Magic Weapon x2,
True Strike* (domain), Lesser Restoration
Invisibility (domain)

Spells cast
Shield of Faith
Searing Light lost to cast Cure Serious Wounds
Consecrate lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds
Nemesis Insight lost to cast Cure Moderate Wounds

0/1 Goodberry used
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 (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday July 11th, 2016 2:03:51 PM

Bliss untangles himself from the wizard and cheeps loudly at him. Mookie chuckles. "He says you better bring back Mister Murphy pretty fast! And it better include a visit to Lord Gargul, because he gets mad if you bring people back without permission."

Mookie cocks his head to listen. "Yeah, good idea, Kid. Hey toots!" (he is talking to Alleah) "How's about taking away that chick's crazy fears. She's getting on everybody's nerves."

Bliss cheeps at Mookie fiercely. "Okay, okay," says Mookie. "I got it. I mean, Miss Toots."

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP -3.1415926535/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=29 ;
Monday July 11th, 2016 2:39:39 PM

Murphy continues his light haunting of the nightmare maker, passing through head and down to the belly, then going through Uthvas' right hand and up and out the elbow. Saves -1 penalty.

He rises again above the man's head, and turns his attention to any dark spirits he may find in this room. "Tell me, spirits, what have you against Uthvas? Tell me what he has done to you. I may go soon before Lord Gargul, as well as others still among the living. Tell me your story, that I may tell them. It may be a small path to justice for the one who brought about your death. I am here to listen. I am Murphy, whom Uthvas just murdered. Who are you?"

Will Save vs Woldsblood draw: 29/14

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22  d20+8=25 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+8=21 ;
Monday July 11th, 2016 3:19:28 PM
Pressi finished dropping out of her drow form as Veseley addressed her. "Yes, you did visit us. Pretty nice device at that. How on earth did you manage to smuggle it in?" She also began to ask a number of questions as to how they were captured and what had been done to them and to the giants.

With other rogues apparently occupied, Pressi decided to try unlocking Tiana's door as well. (Disable 25.) "I am on fire," she said. With the room getting crowded, she directs the two towards the main room outside. She makes an attempt to determine whether they are all right (Perception 15).

Pressi was torn in regards to the... unguent? Raising of the dead? Much as she wanted to see Murphy again, she wasn't sure if she should trust it. (Sense Motive 21). While he seemed frightened enough to be legitimately cooperating, Pressi barely trusted cure spells, let alone something that seemed to warp the natural order. Still, they might need Murphy to move from his own power.

"Could someone explain to me how this Gargul stuff works?" she asked. "I mean, does anyone here even know how and where to do that?"

Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday July 11th, 2016 4:45:05 PM

Mookie explains it all to Pressi. "I seen it several times. You use the magic, and maybe it opens a door, or maybe it just takes you somewhere else. The place it takes you is usually in the Realm of Shadows. That's what the uneducated call 'the ethereal plain,' but it is not filled with laughing gas, so why they think there's any ether floating around I don't know."

Blissd peeps up with some cheeps.

"I know, I know, I was getting to it. The Shadows is where the Kid here died back in the day, victim of a burst bag of holding accident we won't get into." Bliss hides under Mookie.

"Anyway, sooner or later you meet Gargul, or at least his servant, this crazy imp. Usually Gargul. Sometimes he wants something from you before he gives you back the dead guy. Sometimes not. He does not much like the lip, so I mostly keep my beak shut in those situations. But play it respectful like and you'll be fine. Then he declares his decision and sends you back to the Wold. Unless he does not like you, and you end up taken away. He'll punish you if you disrespect him."

"I ain't never heard of no one taking an enemy to see him. Not sure how that will turn out."

"Oh, sometimes he has company. The Kid and I met Lady Flower with him once, trying to raise a cleric of Flower. That was almost an unhappy ending, seeing as the cleric was a bit hippy dippy, and Gargul didn't cotton to his "far out daddy-o" routine."

"If Uthvas's ointment works, we could be seeing him in a few minutes, I guess."

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday July 11th, 2016 5:39:19 PM
" No Ointment, just like Bliss said."
Cameron looks down at the necromancer, and checks his bonds, then stuffs a cloth in his mouth for good measure. His whip is still in his other hand. To the necromancer he whispers, " Try to run, try to cast, try anything I don't like and I will hurt you, badly. You can still get out of this if you have half a brain and an ounce of shame in you."
Cameron reaches down to where one of Bliss's bolts sticks out of the necromancer and collects a drop of blood, saving it for later. Then he turns to the others and explains his plan.
" I have been to Gargul's realm before, when Bliss opened a portal to raise a comrade, like Mookie said. I have also called Gargul's attention to another fallen comrade and helped him be restored even though I was not physically near him. That was tricky, and I think Gargul might have been a bit put out, but he never came after me to say so, and I get the feeling he would."
"Here is what I propose..."
At this point Cameron drops into the halfling tongue and asks Mookie to fill Bliss in in bird speak.
" Gargul HATES when folks go around his mastery over life and death. That is why there will e no ointment used. Correct me if I am mistaken Mookie, but you used to be the familiar of Bliss's mom, Vauhwyt, right? As I recall the story going, Lord Gargul was outraged that one of his Grims would go around his authority and use a which coven ressurection to restore Bliss to life. His mother did not deny it and only cited her grief about losing all her children as reason. Lord Gargul sentences her to some very long and hard labor to pay back the slight, and Bliss has not seen his mother since. That about right? In a moment, I am going to cast a spell taught to me by My Lady of Retribution to show me those that wish vengeance on Uthvas. I expect either Vesely or Tiana, maybe both, will show postive and possibly some lost souls we cannot see. We will do what we can here, free the giant and any other captives, loot Uthvas items and then I will call upon my lady to shift us into the Realm of Shadows. SHe will take us to Gargul's throne and we will hand him over Uthvas, allowing all those he has tortured and killed to rest. Gargul will judge him for his crimes and likely will be pleased with us. Pleased enough I am sure to restore Murphy to life. Hopefully, pleased enough that if we ask nicely he may allow Vauhwyt to at least see her Bliss, maybe even go free. We are going to do a very good thing, and satisfy both Gargul and Jancassis at the same time."
"Can you all wait that few more minutes to regain Murphy? I will have no part in using that salve on him. That too should be given to Gargul."
"Oh, and can someone dispel Bliss? The bird thing is cute, but he is like a thrush on speed and it is kinda giving me a headache."
Cameron smiles at Bliss as he says the last part.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=30 ;
Monday July 11th, 2016 8:22:08 PM
Shel looks at the ointment that he necromancer pointed out, and casts Detect Magic on it as she looks closely.

OOC: nautural 20 on Spellcraft for a 30!

"Hold on. Let me look this stuff over before we get hasty. We'll get Murphy back, I just know it.". After trying to determine its properties, Shel brings the vat in to the others.

All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go - DM Mark  d20=11 ; d20=6 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 12:55:01 AM
The party stands over a prone, surrendered necromancer.

Alleah casts Deathwatch to see if the giant strapped to the table is actually alive or some sort of construct. Deathwatch tells her this creature is alive and not near death.

Kezzem points out to Uthvas that he has a little something in his hair. He gets a flat look from the necromancer in response.

Cameron binds and gags the necromancer (hands only? Can he still walk?) Then he asks about the small, winged creature that answered the door when they arrived.

Blissparrow disentangles himself from the necromancer’s hair, and speaks through Mookie saying, “you better bring back Mister Murphy pretty fast! And it better include a visit to Lord Gargul, because he gets mad if you bring people back without permission.”

Pressi shifts back to her halfling form. She asks Veseley where he got the item he used to communicate with the party. She then asks how this whole Gargul thing works. Mookie fills her in.

Cameron declares they will not use this ointment that Uthvas has offered. He informs the gagged Uthvas that he will hurt him badly if he tries to move. He outlines past interractions with Gargul, including Bliss’ own experiences. He says that he will call upon Jancasis to transport them to the realm of shadows and that she will do so. Then he asks if someone can restore Bliss to his halfling form.

Shel tells them to wait a moment. She goes out to the lab, and after about a minute she finds a sealed clay pot. In it is a foul smelling greasy salve. Uthvas confirms it as the material he mentioned with a nervous nod. Shel’s spell reveals it as containing the effects of a Raise Dead spell.

Uthvas tries to speak, but he’s gagged. He’s also pretty beat up.
_____________________
For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy again passes through the fat necromancer’s body, and he notices a slight shiver from the man as he does so. There are no spirits in this room for him to speak to.}

Here is your map. Remember, there is a directional arrow on the map, and North is not up.

Kezzem - Dam. 0
Cameron - Dam. 0
Pressi - Dam. 0
Shel - Dam. 14
Alleah - Dam. 0
Bliss - Dam. 20
Murphy - Will save DC 18 to move, DC 3 to stay
Mookie - Dam. 0

Uthvas - AC 20, Touch 13, Prone, Dam. 66, nonlethal Dam. 2

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 2:07:49 AM
"Ok, everyone gather round" Alleah has 3 healing channels that she can release to heal the party, and wants to include everyone and everything possible. The party, the Second Dinner club, Uthvas and the creature tied to the table.

She's pleased to see Uthvas is gagged "Make sure his hands are bound behind his back as well, take his spell component pouch from him, and for extra safety, does anyone have a bag to put over his head?"

"I'm thinking we use the ointment on Murphy. What's the worst the could happen to him now?"

===============
[i]Use all 3 x Healing Channels healing everyone for 17pts

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP -3.1415926535/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=27 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=23 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 3:16:20 AM

Murphy hurries over to Alleah, as she suggests using the ointment on Murphy, and passes warmly through her heart, trying to bring some sort of blessing to her, as she seeks to heal, and to try to bring him back.

As Alleah describes three healing channels, he will be with her on the first surge (if he can aid her in her healing intent - perhaps in game mechanics a +1 on her roll? he tries that); then pass through Shel, who examined the unguent, and is his long-time good friend; and through Pressi, towards whom his affection grows.

If someone does go to place the unguent on Murphy, or moves his body- Highlight to display spoiler: {Among the druid's remains, just under his ripped coveralls, falls out a Rubber Stamp of Justice. This rubber stamp comes with a pad of bright red ink. When pressed against someone's forehead, it leaves the words 'Bad Guy' in big bold letters that won't wash off for a month (as per Arcane Mark.) (from June 24th LnB Lotto)}

As Alleah is in the room in which Murphy was slain, he will address the dark spirits as earlier described. "Tell me, spirits, what have you against Uthvas? Tell me what he has done to you. I may go soon before Lord Gargul, as well as others still among the living. Tell me your story, that I may tell them. It may be a small path to justice for the one who brought about your death. I am here to listen. I am Murphy, whom Uthvas just murdered. Who are you?"

[Will save vs Woldsblood draw: 27/15; 20/16; 23/17]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 7:04:47 AM
"I agree with Alleah. I've got a good feeling about this nasty stuff. I vote we use it. Think about it, we've got the necromancer surrounded and frapped. He knows what will happen if he double crosses us. I checked it and from what I can tell, it does exactly what he says. Let's use it and get Murphy back now."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 7:18:26 AM
Assuming a majority agrees to use the ungent, Shel will offer it to Pressi to do the honors. If Pressi declines, Shel will take a deep breath and apply it herself.

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David)  d20+6=14 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 7:55:27 AM
Yes, his hands are bound, his feet are hobbled. He can shuffle but not run.
" Fine. If it works like you say, then we will go and see Gargul when it is used. I can't detect magic, I made other choices today. There is a bloodthirsty mob outside waiting for us, do you really want Gargul to put us back here when we leave his court? We need to search the house, and I need a moment to try and connect with my Goddess to see that justice awaits when we get to Gagul's door. Plus we need to get the big guy up. If he stays here they'll kill him when they finally break in."
Using the vlood he collected earlier, Cameron casts Detect Victim and braces himself for what will be revealed. Once he knows the approximate number of people wronged he prays to Jancassis to help gather those wronged at Gargul's court do that they might see Uthvas punished for what he has done.
Also, Cameron takes out his own rubber stamp (from the same Loot n' Booty win) and uses his ink and Murphy's stamper so that both of them have a say in marking Uthvas.
Then he will see to the giant.
Heal 14
He examines the giant and tries to determine if a Lesser Restoration will be enough to wake the thing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 9:42:34 AM
(OOC: Something came up this morning so I will post later. Pressi will agree to do the salve. She will probably do it before the channeling so Murphy can get healing, too.)

Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 10:06:49 AM

Mookie says to Bliss, "Get up, Kid, and stop hiding. You cannot hide from your god. Be brave in the Shadows, like your mama was."

Bliss creeps out from under his familiar and stands up straight -- as straight as a sparrow can! "Chirp!"

"We're ready," says the raven. "Schmear the gunk, Prester."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 12:13:49 PM
"I guess, as long as we sure this stuff won't turn Murph into no taxizombie," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 12:45:25 PM
Pressi looks uncomfortable as she takes the salve from Shel, but less uncomfortable than some of the others. "You understand this means no more comments about my love life and relationship with Murphy, right Shel. Last chance to take over - or get them out now."

To Cameron, she adds "Yeah, I was kind of worried more about the idea of some sort of hideous twist where we have to put down monster Murphy." Shouting so Uthvas can hear, "If that happens, I can always tie him to a funeral pyre with a bunch of dragon eggs. Don't think I won't, especially if they are on sale.

"As for making Gargul mad... Well, we already had the impossible goal of the six of us somehow not angering him and showing proper respect. With the odds already against us, one more won't hurt."

Pressi stuck her fingers into the salve and began to rub it on Murphy's chest. "Honestly, we really should be doing this in candlelight."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 6:09:05 PM
Shel shakes her head at Pressi. Here she was offering the chance to possibly be the one to bring Murphy back and she was still griping about the past. Apparently, some things will never be resolved no matter how much you try, she thought as she watched the process.

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 1.6021765×10^−19/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 8:39:15 PM

Murphy ponders the question: How many things in life do we do from fear?

How can one not be victim to anxieties?

He is not considering this in reference to any one person, but rather, to many - both friends and foes. Why is fear so great a motivator? Can the right sort of love cast out fear?

"Fellow spirits - what do you fear? Can you not let love overcome your fears? Do you fear there will be no justice? Are you anxious that you will have no vengeance? Do not your fears and worries enslave you? Will not all - whether mortal or some great power - ultimately receive their portion of either ultimate justice, or of ultimate mercy? Now, quiet your anxieties, and tell me your stories. One at a time - you, there, first."

Then Murphy notices that Pressi is rubbing something on the chest of his carcass.

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 9:18:06 PM
"...Or we could not make any preparations and go and do the ointment rubbing now."
Cameron finishes out loud since he has clearly only been talking to himself. He does have the presence of mind to grab Uthvas's ropes before Pressi starts the sequence of events that will take them to see Gargul.
" Bye Mr giant. Good luck with those restraints and all. We don't make plans here, we just do stuff. Have a nice life!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22 
Tuesday July 12th, 2016 9:55:56 PM
"Well, if you want to go ahead and do other stuff while I do this, nobody's stopping you. My hands are fast, but they're not that fast."

Bliss (AC27, HP27of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 12:38:43 AM

Bliss suddenly is afraid that Uthvas will avoid his fate. He flies over to the bound necromancer and grips as hard as he can with claws and beak. He can only try to drag the necromancer into Gargul's Realm by holding on tight.

Gargul


Gargul - DM Mark 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 2:55:50 AM
Alleah stands strategically in the room and heals everyone for 17 points. Then she makes sure that Uthvas is tightly bound. She takes his spell component pouch for good measure and asks for someone to put a bag over his head. Finally, she suggests using the ointment on Uthvas. She feels a warmth fill her after this (+1 on her saves for the round.)

As Uthvas pouch is removed, the group also removes three large syringes full of magical liquids, a magic robe, a dagger, a magic amulet, a magic belt, a magic cloak, magic goggles, a magic headband, and a crystal. He looks sad. And mad. Definitely more mad than sad actually.

For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy passes through Aleah, attempting to bolster her healing. This has no effect on her healing, but she does gain +1 on her saves for a round. As he passes through the others it will have a similar effect, though in a moment that will not matter. He attempts to speak to the spirits in the larger room, but they seem to only beckon him to join them in their hate...hate...hate....}

Shel advocates for using the unguent to raise Murphy, having identified it’s magical properties. She offers it to Pressi.

Cameron agrees on the unguent. He casts detect victim and it points to Tiana (spell only reveals the nearest victim that wants revenge.) Camerons stamps Uthvas’ head, and in bright red letters it reads, “BAD GUY.” The giant is unconscious. Cameron is not sure why.

Bliss and Mookie indicate they’re ready.

Pressi rubs the greasy stuff on what is left of her boyfriend. This is now how she imagined this moment.

As she does so, the room fills with gray fog that billows out and blocks the view of everything except the party, Tiana, and Veseley. Neither Uthvas nor the giant are in sight. Veseley puts is arm around the cowering Tiana, “Oooo, look Tiana. It’s all foggy and stuff. I wonder what this means. At least that weird man is gone.”

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 1.6021765×10^−19/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+10=26 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 4:52:31 AM

To be judged. To be weighed. To be measured. To be tried. To undergo evaluation. To be questioned. To be confronted. To be considered. To find acceptance, or rejection. Found wanting? Found worthy?

Murphy chooses to ignore the calls of the blackened spirits who ignore his call. They have chosen their darkness.

The veins of Woldsblood pulse. Can he hear a heartbeat? He thinks to touch one of the rivulets, to learn what happens next. Yet he would not leave his friends, who have not left him. [Will save vs Woldsblood draw: 26/18]

He finds his spirit being drawn toward his body. As he comes close, there is Pressi. He tries to take her hand. Where is his own hand? It passes through what is solid still. Yet he senses a shifting as details of the room begin to vanish in a fog.

"We come, Lord Gargul."


In the Grey Mist [ACDM SteveK] 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 6:50:17 AM
Inside the fog, the scene changes. Instead of the room where the heroes are, they now see a realm of infinite darkness crisscrossed by glowing red lines, some as small as a thread and like raging rivers. They are all flowing to the same place, and the heroes find themselves floating along one of these red lines. (Knowledge Religion or Planes DC 10 or a Bloodwitch with no check Highlight to display spoiler: {can identify these red lines as 'Ley Lines' of Woldsblood!}). Know Religion or Planes DC 20; Highlight to display spoiler: { the hero knows touching Woldsblood is very, very dangerous!})

The thread joins a larger line, and another until the heroes hurtle over a wild river of glowing red; tossed about like a cork in a hurricane! Until finally, they are thrown to the shore of a black pool in front of a grey marble parthenon. in the center of the edifice is an enormous but empty grey marble throne. Ominously empty.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+7=14 ; d20+7=25 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 9:48:24 AM
Alleah's eyes go wide. "Leylines" she whispers "It's from them that I draw power to cast my spells. I always knew they were real but I've never actually SEEN them before"

She carefully starts to reach out to touch one of the threads, but stops just before her fingers reach them. "On second thoughts that might be a bad idea"

As the party are thrown to the ground of the marble parthenon, Alleah instinctively "tuck and rolls" to avoid getting hurt. She carefully gets to her feet and checks for any injuries. She feels ok, just a few slight bumps.

"Er, is that throne supposed to be empty?" she asks the others.

This is not what she expected the afterlife to be like. It felt so cold and lonely.

-----------------
First check: Autopass as a BW
Knowl Religion vs DC20: 14 = Fail
Knowl Planes vs DC20: 25 = Pass

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22  d20+5=6 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 10:19:01 AM
Knowledge Religion Natural 1.

"Someone has to tell Uthvas he needs to update his bathroom," Pressi remarked. "Get some sunnier tile in here. Maybe a picture with a boat. The whole 80s Tron thing is a nice touch.

"Oh, I guess my hands were that fast. Who knew I could flurry with animal grease?"

In response to the stares of everyone else, "I figured I'd get all these jokes out now, before anyone comes in."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 11:55:37 AM
"Usually girls charge extra to flurry with animal grease," says Kezzem.

"So, uh, what do we do now?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 1:08:42 PM

Mookie shushes Pressi and Kezzem severely, with none of his usual banter. "Hush, you fools! Do you think He cannot hear you?" the raven whispers. "Do you want your tongue to crawl out of your mouth -- and your penance will be to carry it around, voiceless, until it decides to crawl back in?"

Bliss gives a startled small PEEP at that.

"Yeah, Kid, it really happened," Mookie whispers. "I heard it from a guy who heard it from that guy's party member,"

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 1.6021765×10^19/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy  d20+22=26 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 2:59:14 PM

Murphy observes with a mixture of curiosity and awe. He wonders if his friends can see him yet here in this realm. He looks about. Is the Imp nearby? Lord Gargul himself? He takes a tentative two steps forward - if step he can.

[Perception: 26]

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 3:18:35 PM

Mookie is lost in thought, remembering stories of years and years gone by. How has he lived so long? "That was your Uncle Appolo who told me that story. What a rascal! Do you remember him teaching you girls how to pick pockets? When his group -- the Swords of Redemption, they were named -- when they met Gargul, Appolo got mad at what Gargul told him. He came to the meeting with weapon drawn. And he did not sheathe his weapon after Gargul told him to. He defied Gargul to his face, and Gargul just killed him flat out. His penance was hard in the Lands of Rest before Gargul let him return to his friends."

"And that was his friend Val, a girl, now that I remember better, who dared tell the god of death and life, to his face, that He did not understand mortality! Imagine! Her tongue fell out, and it didn't crawl back in for quite a while."

Bliss shivers and thinks about his mom, and the price she paid for bringing Bliss back to life without Gargul's blessing.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 6:57:42 PM
Shel remained silent in this new environment. She wasn't sure if this was an illusion, or if they were actually somewhere different, actually waiting for a god. Part of her wanted to use Spellcraft checks to determine the magical power of the necromancer' items the group had consficated, but she thought the better of it for the time being. She decided to just wait quietly.

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 8:18:39 PM
Cameron looks around at the throne room he had seen only once before. He was glad Mookie had shushed the others, he had work to do here and then mouthing off to Gargul and getting them expelled early was not part of that work.

He assumed the cross-legged sitting posture he used to pray to Jancassis, and did what he did mostly when he prayed to her. He allowed his mind to wander to wherever was important to him today. So much of her worship was spent in reflection on what had been seen, heard and done in the past that it was natural. He reflected on all those that had influenced him to this point.

There were his parents, whom he barely remembered. What he thought of most when he remembered them was how they had always held him and made him feel safe. He remembered the night they went out, 'just for a few hours to visit with their friends'. The night they never returned from. From that night on he thought he would never feel that safe feeling again.

Then Morgan rushed in, right ahead of those that wished him harm. He scooped the child Cameron up and fought off the attackers while holding Cameron in his arms, and Cameron felt that safe feeling again. It wasn't the same, Morgan smelled of blood and steel and sweat where his parents smelled of flowers, honey and sunshine, but it was close.

Then he saw himself in the Fist, and that feeling of safe was of his own making. His wits and his bow kept him and his friends safe. He passed the feeling on once, when he refused to follow orders and leave the traveling circus behind. He was small, and alone, and far less than what they had expected to come along as help. In the end though, his help was enough to keep them from filling the gnoll's bellys.

Then he learned that Morgan too had been taken from him, presumably killed by the same person or persons that had taken his parents from him. He felt small and alone as he knelt in prayer over Morgan's body. But what was he praying for? Morgan was gone, turned into a zombie as a warning not to keep digging into who was behind the murders. What could he possibly gain from prayer? When all seemed dark he learned what. A lone voice from the darkness that said 'follow me and I will teach you how to make them pay' 'follow me and you will always feel safe, because I will remove all fear from you' 'I will make YOU the one that the evil ones fear'

Jancassis had done that. She had taught him that planning the hunt was how the hunter survived and kept from being the hunted. She had shown him things that chilled him to the bone. Things that made him question whether or not he was really the one in control. The answer was always the same. You control the things you do. Your actions are your own, how others perceive them is how you are judged. Do not invite vengeance against yourself, be sure that there is no just reason. But had that been enough?

Priestess Liliput had made him ask questions about himself, hard questions. Did mercy still reside in his heart? How much revenge was enough? How could you always tell the guilty from the wrongly accused? Even with her questions, she stood by him at his trial. She stood and allowed him to subject himself to the stings and bites of thousands of venemous creatures. She watched as he wrestled with the questions put to him in the delirium brought on by so much poison and so much devotion. When it was over, when his ravaged body and tattered mind fell to the floor, she wrapped him in a blanket and held him until he was again able to stand on his own. To her it was the easiest thing in the world to give unconditional love to someone who did not appreciate it. She forgave him his thoughts of Vengeance and wished him only peace.

He thought about all of these things, and a single tear ran down his cheek. He didn't wipe it away, it showed him what he should do, if he had the courage. Decided, he stood back up, brushed off his coat and spoke in a clear, calm, respectful tone to the throne.
" Lord Gargul, we have come to beseech you to return our friend Murphy to the land of the living. He is a strong, maybe too willful friend to us. He died doing what he knew was right, trying to help others. Please allow us to share our memories of him with you and try in our own way to convince you that the Wold is a better place with him in it. Will you please hear us?"

In the Grey Mist [ACDM SteveK] 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 10:03:43 PM
Alleah wonder at the travel through the Shadow Lands and the final arrival. Is itbactually supposed to be empty.

Pressi makes a couple jokes to lighten the mood. You know, until the proprietor actually gets here...

Lessen wonders what should they do now.

Bliss and Mookie are unusually sober, both in thoughts, warnings, and stories from the past. The encounter of the Pirates of Jack and Gargul is one from childhood stories... And recent enough from dreams in the Giggling Ghost that one or more of the heroes would have heard the story directly from Ashira...

Shel's academic mind considers different possibilities that could bring this effect about, but decides to wait to see what may come.

Murphy considers the consequences of being judged. He considers the possibility of Gimp the Imp, that constant companion of Gargul may be about, and considers if his companions can see him? The last is obviously no, Murphy is still unnoticed to his friends, though he feels a pull toward his mangled body. (Murphy finds he can't fly more than 3 feet from his body). He is a s sharp-eyed as ever, but he can find no trace of the contrary Imp.

Cameron considers his actions in support of his goddess and begins to pray... The halfling does note that THIS throne and scene is NOT the same as what he experienced before. Is this a new throne? An illusion? Something else?

Tiana continues to huddle in a frightened, miserable ball with Veseley trying to comfort her with meaningless babble.
...
For a long moment nothing seems to happen. A gray cloud drifts across the horizon, the water lap gently, the throne stands.

A gray cloud? No. A striding figure against the sky, so huge that he blocks out the sky. Each stride covers leagues and as he gets closer, he seems to shrink until the Gray Wanderer is only Huge as he steps into the Pavilion and sits upon the throne. Clad all in gray, the wanderer holds a staff like a sceptre, his face covered by a cloak that no eye can penetrate.

(At this moment, Murphy becomes visible to his companions and he finds he can speak and interact, just not move from floating above his body.)

YOU COME TO ME TO SEEK A LIFE, THE FATE OF MORE THAN ONE LIFE. SPEAK YOUR QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS. FOR I AM GARGUL, AND HOLD THE GATES TO LIFE AND DEATH IN MY POWER.

The whole afterwold waits for the heroes...



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Wednesday July 13th, 2016 11:10:50 PM
At the first sign of Gargul, Alleah immediately drops to one knee and lowers her head. She doesn't dare look upon the approaching god.

She hadn't actually thought about what she was going to say. How could she make a good case for the return of Murphy's soul? She raises her head slightly to look upon the Lord of Life and Death as she speaks slowly and carefully.

"My lord, we are grateful for you granting us this audience. We have come to ask for the return of Murphy to the land of the living. I have only one answer to explain his death: that when he was born his heart was made three times bigger than his head" Alleah pauses a moment and then continues "In so desperately wanting to save others from pain and death, his zeal placed him in harm's way. For a person who values the lives of others so very much, I humbly ask that you consider allowing his soul to return to them."

She stops talking at that point, and waits to see what the others may say.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 7:42:23 AM

Bliss stands up straight and cocks his sparrow head, that being the best he can do at bowing his head humanoid-style to show respect. He peeps and trills for a while, in a complicated way that is not a song exactly.

If you are a god or a person who can understand the speech of animals -- or if you want to read Bliss's words and can keep them in YOUR head but out of your character's -- then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Master Gargul, Sir, it's like Miss Alleah said, Mister Murphy is a super good person and brave but maybe careless sometimes when he is worried about others and not exactly knowing all the details of his powers and stuff what he can do. But Miss Alleah left out something important! The whole reason Mister Murphy died was because we were fighting a necromancer and his lifeless corpse-golems! We captured the necromancer and tried to bring him here to you. [OOC: Not sure if Uthvas ended up with us in the Realm of Shadows or not ... we tried to bring him, bound, gagged, and blinded.] He is a gross monster who experiments on people and taxidermicizes dead people and creates wierd zombie things and says he wants to cheat death, beg pardon Master, and live forever! That's not good! Even I know you hate stuff like that! Right? And Mister Murphy was out ahead of all of us to fight this bad guy!" }

Bliss pauses a moment to catch his breath. Mookie, crouching down respectfully, tucks his head under his wing and is silent. Bliss, on the other hand, has some more cheeps and chirps in him.

Highlight to display spoiler: {"And, um, well, um, Master, sir, um, I do have a question and a petition, sir. I mean in addition to asking for Mister Murphy to come back to the Wold, forgive me, sir. Um, well, my question is about my mama, that's Vauhwyt the Grim, um, she's a liontaur, and I was just wondering if you could say how she is, that's all, thank you sir very very much! And uh, you know I am just a witch who serves you and a shadowdancer and I understand shadowdancers get a shadow friend and I'm worried you won't like that because it's a shadow or something but not a bad one and I'm not even sure if it's undead or just a living shadow whatever that is so I'm hoping you won't mind sir? That's my petition, Master Gargul sir."}

Frightened and getting a little more than somewhat flustered, Bliss ends up babbling a bit, realizes it, shuts up, crouches down low like Mookie, and peeps his best thank you.

Dead Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 1.6021765×10^19/60 - (Kim) - ghostly Murphy 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 11:17:55 AM
Not knowing whether he can do so effectively, Murphy tries quietly, respectfully to cast speak with animals that he might understand Bliss's chirping.

Aside from that, he remains silent, thinking it is time for his friends to speak, and him to listen, waiting until Lord Gargul himself requests it of him before he addresses the awe-full Gatekeeper.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 2:37:24 PM
"Interestingly, the person who would be best suited to explain why he should return is Murphy himself, sir. I'm sure he has a cousin or an in law who has made such a request before and he probably knows all the in's and outs. Or he would, if that nasty necromancer's goons hadnt mashed him. But, personally, Murphy is my oldest friend and a good soul. He cares about this group and his friends and family and his town more than anyone I could imagine. If anyone deserves a chance to go back and finish his life, it'd be Murphy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 3:04:49 PM
Pressi rushes to Murphy's side as soon as he appears but seems quite nervous about what to say or do next. Even reaching out to him fills her with fear. "Are you okay?" she finally gets out.

From behind her, Bliss starts chirping away. They really ought to do something about that, even if there isn't much difference. It slowly dawned on her that Gargul expected them all to speak. Pressi felt like she had done nothing but speak for a while now.

"Oh great and wonderous... Gargul? Is that formal enough? I'm admittedly a little out of my death... depth.," Pressi began. "I am Pressi Silverglove, humble monk and servant of Domi, come forward to... I'm sorry, I'm kind of used to more colorful services of singing and wrestling and all of this is throwing me off a bit. Some color would go a little further in... you know what, it's your show.

"If you are truly the god of life and death, then you already know this is not your ordinary plea to raise a fallen hero of worth, as much pain as his passing has caused us all. We come bearing witness and evidence to a necromancer who has struck three people before you. After the mysterious destruction of our defenses that led to some uncomfortable discoveries. After an incident where giants ritualistically murdered one of our clerics and claimed WE were the invaders. We come before you in search of guidance. To know if this is an unfortunate coincidence or the tip of an iceberg. And... and maybe to learn if it's true. If Humble's Ford really was built on sin. To know if our defenses really were built on the bodies of giants."

Pressi looks for Uthvas, motioning that they should untie him now. She also motions to Cameron to state his case.

Gargul in Judgement [ACDM SteveK] 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 8:04:17 PM
Alleah and Shel speak of Murphy's large heart.

Bliss and Pressi speak of the sick and twisted necromancer that was the object of their quest.

Murphy, Kezzem, and Cameron stay silent

Tiana and Veseley babble and comfort as is their way, broken by the horrors of Koshe Marr.
....

The Gray Wanderer reaches out a hand, he doesn't move from the throne, but seems to be able to touch Triana and then Veseley who both cease their actions and appear to fall asleep. MARTEUS. MY BEST AND WORST CREATION. HEROES OF HUMBLES FORD HEAR ME. I HAVE BEFOGGED THIER MEMORY AND RETURNED THIER SANITY. THEY WILL AWAKEN WHEN THEY ONCE MORE ARE RETURNED TO HUMBLES FORD. ONLY YOU WILL KNOW OF WHAT THE WOLD MAY FACE IF MARTEUS DETHRONES ALEMI.

He looks at Bliss, and his finger touches the small bird on the forehead. How the giant Gargul can do this is as strange as touching others without leaning forward. Obviously, time and space seem to hold no barrier to the god. On the touch of his finger, Bliss returns to his halfling self. YOU ARE NO LONGER A BIRD. I THOUGHT I DETERMINED THAT BEFORE? YOUNG ONE, I NEVER TELL SOMEONE ELSES STORY. LET THAT ONE BE.

SPEAK MURPHY, KEZZEM, AND CAMERON. WHY SHOULD THIS SOUL BE WORTHY WHEN THOUSANDS ARRIVE EVERY DAY? And he questions all the heroes. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP FOR A LIFE RETURNED?



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 38/53, CMD 22 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 8:37:50 PM
Pressi just stared at the giant figure. "I don't understand the question. What... what would you even want that I could give you?"

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 9:00:35 PM
OOC
Just got home, post will be before midnight.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 10:28:31 PM
"My lord. Matters of death are sacred to me. As your humble servant, I have prayed to ensure that every departed soul finds its way to you for judgement"

"If it would please you, I would gladly spend some of my morning rituals reflecting on your wisdom"

DM Highlight to display spoiler: {True story. Every time Alleah has been present when a living thing has been killed she has said a small prayer for them to find Gargul. Whether a giant spider, a goblin, or even a baker :) As for what she is offering now, I'm thinking of giving up 1 of her highest level spell slots every day for the next module?}

Gargul mentioning Marteus is enough to send a slight shiver down Alleah's spine. "Forgive my enquiring, my lord, but I also have a question. During our travels we reached Koshe Marr, and a boy died there. I tried to protect him, I truly did, but I failed him. His name was Rais, a goblin boy who had been snatched into a land he did not belong. Please, can you tell me if his soul found peace?" The memory of Koshe Marr and Rais' bloody death causes Alleah's eyes to well up. It takes all her strength to not openly weep in front of Gargul himself.

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Thursday July 14th, 2016 11:40:02 PM
WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP FOR A LIFE RETURNED?
Indeed, what was Cameron ready to give up? He had thought about how little of his life made others happy, how little of the gift Gargul gave him he had used to help others. Now the Lord of Life and Death asked the same question. He had made a plan before coming here, but being in the empty throne room had made him reflect on his past. Now his thoughts came spilling out.
Cameron takes a step forward and raises his eyes. He should feel fear, but the conviction that he is doing the right thing is the only emotion he can feel now. Fear has been taken from him and locked away.
" What would we give? An interesting thought. The others have spoken highly of Murphy, yet you know everything about us already. You know that Murphy and I were often at odds. You know that he tried to accept me and I made that a difficult task. You know that he wanted something more than to free the wizards who were captive. What he wanted was the secret the necromancer held close and experimented on even right up to our intrusion in his home. He wanted to learn how to use Giant Essence to make the Crescent Valley impregnable to giants. You know that I thought it a perversion to take the life of one to prevent others from trespassing."
"In short you know we disagreed. Why then am I here? Perhaps that is still a mystery to you because it hasn't happened yet. Maybe because the things I set out to do here have changed from when I spoke of them in the Necromancer's putrid home. Let the mystery be revealed, let me speak of what I have decided I need to ask of you, and what I am willing to give up."
" I wish Murphy to be restored to the Wold. I want it for what I think are good reasons, I hope you do as well. Murphy gives. He gives of himself, he shares the Power that he is given as a druid and he looks to help others. In short he gives and I do not. That I live and he dies is not the way it should be. There is a great deal more good in him that needs to be returned to the Wold so that he can spread it."
"I also wish for Bliss to have something I once had but he does not. I wish for him to be reunited with his mother. She was a hero, far greater than I. She was condemned fo her love for Bliss and her unwillingness to let him die. She defied you and rightly, you punished her. My mother was taken from me, and all I do is harbor thoughts of revenge. Bliss harbors thoughts of hope and an unwillingness to let his actions bring death."
" What do we bring as an offering? Bound and helpless lies Uthvas in his putrid home in Bright Springs, defeated by our tiny hands. His acts have made a mockery of your sacred place among the gods. He steals life from one creature to make another. In this way he hoped to cheat you when it was his turn to die. I thought that might be enough when we left the Wold to come here. As we waited in your chamber for your arrival, I reflected on the decisions made in my life and the consequences of those decisions. Do you know what I learned? I have squandered your gift of life and only once used it to bring hope to others. One time in thirty-three years. What I am saying is that in addition to Uthvas, ripe for you to take and discipline for his misdeeds, I offer myself if you will consider the petitions I have set before you. My family are all gone, and my friends would be better off with the barain laid out here than with me by their side."
Thank you for hearing me out."
Cameron lowers his gaze and steps back into the crowd.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 15th, 2016 12:15:26 AM
"Murphy is good people, and he was taken too soon" says Kezzem. "There are those far less deserving, those that seek to pervert life and death to live unnatural lives by practicing foul magics. It was fighting against one such man that Murphy gave his life. How many souls would have been lost or corrupted had Murphy and his friends not stopped the man called Uthvas? How many more souls could be allowed to live and die natural lives if Murphy was restored to continue fighting against such vile men?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP ??/60 - (Kim) - Before Gargul's Throne 
Friday July 15th, 2016 3:56:01 AM
Murphy to Gargul
"Though the last thing I prayed was that none of us should need to visit you too soon, Lord Gargul," [see post of Thursday June 16th, 2016 2:10:13 AM] "my own actions lead to my demise. As did those of a bad man."

Our Aim Against Evil Deeds, To Effect A Rescue, And Whom We Encountered
"We sought to rescue our town's kidnapped wizards, Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen," he says as he points his ghostly hand in their direction. "We are grateful you have touched them." He looks down at the ground, then off into the distance as he recalls, and tries to summarize - summarizing not being his strong suit. "We had asked for their return from Uthvas Bethud - who twists strangely life into a sort of breathing, putrescent animated living death. My friend Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper was the one who stated our desires clearly to the necro-taxidermist's familiar, a homonculus. But Uthvas had his familiar lock us away in a pitch-black room, rather than honoring us with a reply. After some time had passed, we managed to get out, and decided to go in search of Uthvas' victims, including our friends. A druid, I had changed into the form of a bat, then went into gaseous form so as to bypass doors behind which he locked his victims and the components of his dark arts.

"As we worked our way further in for the rescue, Uthvas' monsters attacked us. I was able to pass through a door into another darkened room, and was struck by a blow. Thinking to find a way to continue to find Tiana and Veseley, I continued as fast as I was able, going low along the walls, hoping to find another doorway, or further passage.

"The blows continued to rain down upon me, and a sickly voice spoke. It was Uthvas Bethud himself, telling his ... his rotted flesh giants to strike me. He gave me contradictory instructions. If I did not speak, he would kill me - though I was trying to speak with him in my bat form, he did not understand. If I moved, he would have his putrid giants kill me. I must transform, so I could speak. If I transformed, that would count as movement, and they would kill me.

"Soon likely to be dead one way or another, I thought there was at least a tiny chance of escape. I changed into an earth elemental, then tried immediately to sink into the stone floor. I thought that way I might further look for our wizards. Yet two large clubs struck my new form instantly, and my body was killed. Then Uthvas commanded his decaying abominations to smear my, my own halfling body all around the floor of the room as he cackled, wearing red lipstick and some sort of lady's dress, and coughing horribly.

After Dying...
"Within the room, as I looked down upon the necro-taxidermist and his abominations, there were a number of spirits - black in filmy substance. They counseled me towards bitterness and hatred and revenge. I challenged them toward love of good, of justice, of rescue, of mercy. I prayed to the good Lords and Powers above, to let light shine into darkness, and that darkness be overcome by light.

"Some of the dark spirits heeded my message. I saw my own insubstantial self change from grey to white - as did those who heard and accepted what I said. These now white souls touched Woldsblood, and entered into the afterlife, leaving behind bitterness, as best as I can tell. Others recoiled from me, choosing to dwell in hatred, seeking dark vengeance, remaining in the room, and loathing Uthvas.

"Now, I must say that my friend Alleah had earlier counseled me not to go off exploring on my own. Yet I thought that a bit of advanced scouting might allow us better to rescue the prisoners. But she was right in this case. I ought to have retreated when first struck on entering the room. Had I done so, I may have avoided disturbing you with our presence here." He thinks a bit, then adds, "But, then, I would likely have had no hand in easing some souls into a better direction."

Were he in his physical form, Murphy would now be taking a deep breath.

Murphy's Apologia
"Why should my soul be deemed worthy? I must leave it up to you as to whether that be the case or no. I can tell you only why I wish to be granted to live and serve in the Wold with my friends, and for my community. Halflings are small folk. Though we have many friends, also we have some foes. We strive to protect our community, to make it possible for normal folks to live, love, plant and grow, seek for peace and prosperity. I would live for that ongoing purpose.

"And I would live for love of my family, and love of my friends, who here surround me. Yes, I know, many who enter these realms have loved ones. I can claim nothing unique in that regard - other than each love adds its own spark to the light of life.

"What would I give for a life - my life - returned? I would give my ongoing devotion to the gods and powers of goodness in the Wold. Not give up, as in quitting, but give forth, as in deepening. You spoke, Lord Gargul, of Marteus," and he almost goes to spit, as is the custom of his family at mention of that name, but on this occasion merely purses his lips and briefly turns his head to the side, "and his aims. I serve most directly Lord Eberyon, yet also I honor Alemi, Domi, and Flower, and others, and you. Should the Lord of Kash Marre ever draw close to overcoming Good Alemi - I should do all in my tiny power to aid the latter. My own siblings helped draw down the power of Eberyon when first he was reborn in the Culverwood, after he showed his murderous wrath. I serve him now with joy, as he repented, and reformed, and now brings great blessing to the Wold, keeping large parts of it verdant, and brimming with life.

"I know not whether Marteaus ever would turn himself around from his dark purposes. You would ken such things with far clearer insight than I possess. I do believe in repentence, and redemption - though I am not so sanguine as to think all will avail themselves of such.

"I also will give myself to Crescent Valley, and its weal.

"Is there something more you would ask of me? Give me a righteous task, that brings benefit to the Wold, and lies within my small power, and I shall endeavor to carry it out." As a momentary afterthough, he thinks to inquire as a small aside, "Also, if you have any direction as to what to do with Uthvas, your counsel would be most welcome."

He appreciates all that his friends have said. But as it is their custom to disagree from time to time, he adds one thing. "Cameron here said we would be better off without him by our side. I must gainsay my friend on that count. He has shown his worth many times over. Total agreement with another may be pleasant, but I find disagreements to be enlightening, and strengthening. I have needed some knocking down. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. I value him." He looks at each of his friends. "I value greatly each of these my friends, whom I love." And, had a disembodied soul tears to shed, several would now be trickling down his cheeks.

Awaiting Judgment
He turns back to his Judge. "Lord Gargul, it lies in your hand whether I journey now to the lands of rest, or some other destination, or return to the fray of the Wold. Any counsel you give, I shall heed." He bows on both knees before him, looking at the foot of Gargul's throne, awaiting his decision.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP ??/60 - (Kim) - Kneeling Thoughts 
Friday July 15th, 2016 4:07:59 AM

As he kneels, awaiting Lord Gargul's decision, Murphy thinks he ought have addressed each of his friends individually. What if he is sent further on his journey now to the lands of rest? To not have spoken to each of his appreciation before such a parting? To... ah, Murphy, there is a time to stop. Now quiet your mind.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday July 15th, 2016 11:17:32 AM
Pressi begins to speak again about the dangers that their home and the world face from the undead - and that she is sure is interconnected, About how he has been the group's leader from the first day. About how he is needed to save the world.

It doesn't last. She begins to pour out how they met. How she was a woman struggling with her own identity and mistrust, and sure that anything she ever got could be taken in an instant. How she had been a monk for some time, but it was Murphy that taught her faith. How she wasn't sure she could ever find love or friendship before she met this group.

How she failed, leading to his death. How it was her change in plans that brought them inside. How Murphy went to the door because she approached it - but got distracted. How Alleah counseled against Murphy going forward, and she was the one who counseled for. How she let herself be filled with anger and vengeance and pride and so so many things to make up for.

But Pressi is not one to avoid swinging for the fences, so she requests more than Murphy's life. She asks for Bliss' question answered, for Cameron to finally receive what he wants (besides vengeance) and to know peace and hope (preferably while living), to know what Gargul knows about the gates and history of the valley, to know what Marteus has to do with anything.

And, in return, Pressi admits that Gargul can ask pretty much whatever he wants and she will say yes, so she is relying on his sense of fairness when he names his price. "I offer of you the one thing I most value, the one thing I guard above all else. I offer you... my very identity."

DM spoiler Highlight to display spoiler: {Gargul chooses one or more monk vows (Paizo --> Ultimate Magic --> Spellcasting Options --> Class Archetypes. This vow runs from level 8 to level 9, and she gets the benefits and the weaknesses. In the alternate (Gargul needs more, the PTB will not allow), Pressi will allow Gargul to make a single level up choice up to and including class if we really get a large chunk of exposition. (If the changes are outside of core or retroactive, they last a year. Otherwise, they are permanent.)}

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday July 15th, 2016 4:22:23 PM
The God speaks to the party and says, "WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP FOR A LIFE RETURNED?"

Bliss's first thought goes to his bah. "I made it myself! It's always in my hand or at my side, even when I'm sleeping. I use it in every fight. But I'd give it up for Mister Murphy." He opens his mouth to say this, but before he can, Bliss gasps to hear Miss Alleah ask about the goblin boy. Wasn't she listening? Master had just said, that he never tells someone else's story. Bliss hopes Gargul is not angry at her for asking.

And then Cam says he inspired hope only one time ever. "That's not true!" thinks Bliss. "I remember times ..." but before he can make a list in his head, Bliss struggle to understand what Cam says next. He would give up HIMSELF! What does that mean? He would go away, maybe die, like Bliss's mom did? That's not right! Bliss opens his mouth again to object ...

... when he feels a sharp beak poke him hard! Mookie felt his determination to say something, maybe something not so wise, and warns him, painfully. Bliss pauses ...

Then he thinks again. Is his bah really his most treasured thing? Well, honestly, what about that little statue he has of his mom in her adventurer pose? It is the only image he has of her. Once it was magical and even talked in her voice. Now it is silent, but Bliss wouldn't give it up for anything.

Or would he? Would he for Mister Murphy? Uh oh, Murphy has found his voice. He looks better as a ghost than as a schmeer on the floor, Bliss thinks, but he does talk so, going on and on, even in front of a god. Well, Murphy wouldn't be Murphy if he didn't! And anyway, it's a good story Murphy tells. Bliss thinks someone oughta write it down to tell again later and keep somewhere safe. And then Murphy starts talking about philosophy. He's going to reform Marteus? He will give up his devotion to all those gods? What the gosh golly is he offering for his own life? Bliss can't suss it out.

At least Pressi is to the point and pretty clear. She says she will give up her ... 'identity'? Wowsy, what does that mean? She would have a new personality? Or no personality, like a golem? Would Gargul even WANT someone's 'identity'? How funny is that? Bliss might giggle, just thinking about it, but in the front of his mind he knows that would not be wise.

Then, finally, there is a pause, and it is time for Bliss to open his mouth. He thinks for a second about offering his bah and his little statue, but those seem like pretty small change compared to offering his personality or his life or promising to try to reform Marteus. That last one still puzzles him. Well, here goes ...

Bliss bows to the god of life and death. "Master, I am already your servant. All you might claim of me is already yours to request. Ask, and it is yours, sir, for Mister Murphy's life or for any reason." The little halfling hopes that's good enough.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday July 15th, 2016 6:05:07 PM
"Well, I've always heard stories about you gods needing mortals to help you with things On the material plane that you don't have the time or the want to to handle. Of course, we'd be happy to help you with those tasks. We fight and argue a bit, but when chips are down, we are quite an effective little group. There's a lot of ways we could help you."

Gargul in Judgement [ACDM SteveK] 
Friday July 15th, 2016 9:37:40 PM
Alleah speaks of giving Gargul more prayers, then asks for the fate of the young goblin boy. The Gray Traveller shakes his head. I NEED NO GROVELLING. And maybe the eyes under the hood sparkle in sadness? NO ONE IS TOLD ANOTHER'S STORY. AND IN KOSHE MARR, NOT EVEN I AM LORD OF THE GATE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. EVEN THE DEAD OF THAT REALM BELONG TO MARTEUS.

Kezzem speaks of Murphy's noble sacrifice against a vile villain. THERE ARE ALWAYS VILLAINS AND HEROES. AND IT IS NOT NOBLE TO LEAVE YOUR FRIENDS INTO UNCERTTAIN DANGER.

Cameron tells Gargul what the God knows, asks for Murphy's life back and Bliss being able to see his foster mother, and then offers the bound Uthvas ready for Gargul's judgement in exchange. YOU PRESUME TOO MUCH. HUBRIS I NAME THEE TO SPEAK OF BARGAINS. YOU OFFER ANOTHERS LIFE BEFORE TIME? NO.

Murphy gives a dissertation, eventually offering his life to the gods, offering himself to the protection of Creseant Valley, and is willing to accept any task given by the Gray One. Finally, he accepts the advice of Gargul in his heart. The Gray One seems ready to chastise Murphy until the very last. I MEED NO OFFERING. BUT TO BRING ADVICE INTO YOUR HEART...

Pressi admits her failings of anger and the need for vengeance, and offers her very identity. She also requests more than Murphy's life. She asks for Bliss' question answered, for Cameron to finally receive what he wants (besides vengeance) and to know peace and hope (preferably while living), to know what Gargul knows about the gates and history of the valley, to know what Marteus has to do with anything! YOU OFFER THE BARGAIN OF GAAL, BEWARE LITTLE ONE.

Bliss states he already is the Gateway Lord's servant. The little sniper asks for Gargul to ask anything for Mister Murphy's life or for any reason! The Gray Wanderer merely states then looks on.

Shel suggests a task, but more like an agreement over an ale and a quid pro quo than talking to a diety of the Wold. Gargul puts up his hand. ENOUGH. And he momentarily rubs his temples. ONCE AGAIN I GET GROVELLING AND PLEDGES FOR EVERYTHING MIXED WITH BARGAINS AND FAVORS.
......

The Gray Lord straightens. I AM GARGUL. THERE IS NO TASK OR BARGAIN OR WORSHIP THAT I NEED. THERE IS NO GIFT I NEED FROM YOU. BUT LET IT BE KNOWN THAT SMALL BODIES MAY HOLD LARGE HEARTS. NOW LISTEN TO MY JUDGEMENT.

ALLEAH, DO NOT SPEND EXTRA TIME TO CONTEMPLATE ME BUT YOUR COMPANIONS. THEY ARE YOUR STRENGTH.

KEZZEM, SUPPORT EACH OTHER, WHERE LAY TRUE VALUE.

CAMERON, YOU WILL LEARN HUMILITY. YOU OFFER A LIFE AND I ACCEPT... YOURS. YOU WILL STAY HERE AS A LIVING BUT SILENT SERVANT.

MURPHY, RETURN TO YOUR BODY AND THE WOLD. REMEMBER YOUR STRENGTH IS NOT IN YOU, NOT IN YOUR FAMILY, BUT IN YOUR FRIENDS HERE. BEFORE YOU SEEK ASSISTANCE ELSEWHERE, SEEK IN THE HUMBLE'S SWORD.

PRESSI, YOUR INTENTIONS ARE GOOD BUT BEWARE OF OFFERINGS THAT ARE MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD. (Noticeably, the Gray Lord doesn't answer any of Pressi's other questions)

BLISS, THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN YOU CAN STAY SAFELY HIDDEN, BUT YOUR FRIENDS WILL NEED YOU SEEN. REMEMBER.

SHEL. NOT ALL PROBLEMS ARE NAILS. LEARN MORE THAN ONE WAY.

........



The Gray Fog. [ACDM SteveK] 
Friday July 15th, 2016 9:40:54 PM
As Gargul stops speaking the gray fog billows up and surrounds the heroes, Triana and Veseley

Murphy's poor mangled body knits together and Murphy himself feels drawn towards the still form until he takes a first shuddering breath!

But Cameron is gone.

(OOC: turning the Board back over to your DMs!)

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living 
Friday July 15th, 2016 10:41:57 PM

My Murphy thinks as he works initially to begin to breathe once again. He is braced by the foggy air, and cannot see more than a few feet about him.

Friends stand nearby. Can he see any longer the rivulets of Woldsblood? Are they still near the foot of Gargul's throne? Or are they returned to Uthvas' laboratory - or on the return journey for a spell?

Regardless where they are, he reaches out and gives Pressi a big hug, then brings in Shel and Kezzem, then Bliss and Alleah. And Mookie.

"Thank you, my friends." He faces back. "Thank you, Lord Gargul."

He sighs. "Cameron, though often a goad, I shall miss. I pray we travel together with him in due course."

He looks to the sleeping Tiana and Veseley. "It looks to be a long trip back. And some business to attend to before our trip." He sees the faces which have become so familiar. "Did that not fill you with awe? I must find words - though words be inadequate for some matters."

He pulls from his haversack a few pieces of paper, a bottle of ink, and a pen. He begins to write a very abbreviated version of what they just went through, and he went through, before details begin to fade from memory. Several times he just jots a quick word or phrase to serve as an anchor to his memory, to return to and fill out when circumstances allow him more time. He especially notes those things said by Gargul, and the things his friends said while before the august Gatekeeper.

Soon they must deal with Uthvas - and Hammish Iron Fist. Hope they can save and free the poor giant. And get the...

He stops, puts his paper and ink and pen back within his haversack. "I am sorry, Alleah."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday July 15th, 2016 11:39:39 PM

Bliss, wet-eyed, looks around without seeing anything. "Mookie, I think" -- sniff -- "I think that was bad."

Mookie flutters over to Bliss and looks him straight in the eye, "Kid, you need a reality check. Are you dead? Are you?!"

"No."

Are you maimed or mutilated in any way?"

"No."

"Did you lose anything or pay anything or promise to do anything?"

"No."

"Did you get your dead friend back?"

"Um, yes."

"Did a god pat you on the head and take away your curse?"

"Well, yes, but I liked being a bird."

"HUSH! Your god pat you on the head and took away your curse! You goose -- you can use your own spells to change into a bird. You don't need a necromancer to do it for you. You got off light! I think He likes you!"

"But! But ... Mookie!"

The little halfling starts to bawl.

"What about CAM?!"

Mookie puts his head under his wing.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday July 16th, 2016 12:47:05 AM
Alleah smiles and reaches out a hand to place on Murphy's shoulder "You're back in the land of the living now. That's all that matters to me"

She goes quiet for a moment. Gargul didn't directly answer he question, but he did nudge her towards the realisation that Rais' soul may never find peace. It is a sombre moment as she wonders what endless nightmare the boy might still be going through. All she can do now is make sure the same fate doesn't befall anyone else.

"I think I've had about enough of this place." Alleah says to the party. She then adds somewhat softly "I want to go home"

"Let's search this place as quickly as we can before the guards come in. The more proof we find of Uthvas' wrong-doings, the more likely the guards will let us off"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=26 ;
Saturday July 16th, 2016 1:48:00 AM
"I'll get on that," says Kezzem. "And also, if anyone happens to find an extra pair of pants, I could use a new pair."

Perception: 26

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Saturday July 16th, 2016 11:42:56 AM
Cameron raises his hand wand waves goodbye as the mist starts to rise. He does not dare to even try to say goodbye aloud after hearing Gargul's pronouncement that he need learn humility and serve as a Silent servant.


Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  11d20+10=141 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=29 ;
Saturday July 16th, 2016 11:49:32 PM
OOC: in the DM's Wednesday post there were eleven magical items taken from the necromancer. I'm going to give 11 Spellcraft rolls in order that the DM mentioned the items. Those will be listed above. Never mind the 141. I goofed on that one.

Shel smiled as she broke form the hug shared with now returned Murphy and everyone else. "I think going home is the best idea I've ever heard. I wonder if Alouryn would even believe all we went through here?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=21 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=25 ;
Sunday July 17th, 2016 9:35:37 AM

Mookie tries to distract Bliss from his grief. "Kid, dry your eyes. Your friends need you. Go help Shel with all that loot."

Bliss sighs and follows the command. He casts Guidance each time Shel looks at an item -- that's a +1 on each roll (added below). And he prays and lookshimself, too! Spellcraft checks 21, 7, 16, 19, 8, 7, 9, 25, 23, 8, and 25.

So for the 11 items, so far the best of two rolls are:

26 (Shel)
20 (Shel)
27 (Shel)
26 (Shel)
26 (Shel)
16 (Shel)
17 (Shel)
28 (Shel)
23 (Bliss!)
13 (Shel)
30 (Shel)

Maybe Alleah can study items 6, 7, and 10?

"I did it, Mookie!" declares Bliss.

The raven answers, "Good job, Kid."

Then Bliss says, "OH WAIT! There's this treasure too!" He pulls the Symbol of Marteus SLASH +2 amulet of natural armor out from under his shirt and adds it to the loot pile.



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Sunday July 17th, 2016 8:53:08 PM
"You seem to be getting much better at magic, Bliss. We've been so caught up with everything going crazy, I haven't had a chance to tell you. It's very impressive, though!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Sunday July 17th, 2016 11:07:41 PM
Alleah nods, and then wordlessly has a go at identifying the mystery items.

---------------------
Cast Detect Magic
Cast Guidance
Alleah will Take10 on her spellcraft checks, for a result of 23 on identifying everything

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living  d20+7=17 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=10 ; d8+1=8 ; d20+22=37 ;
Monday July 18th, 2016 2:39:52 AM

As Cameron waved goodbye in the rising mists, Murphy returned the wave. "Farewell, Cameron!" Amidst the rush of many emotions upon the return of his life and breath, a lump arises in his throat as he considers the offer that Cameron made, and the acceptance by Lord Gargul. After the Avenger disappears from sight, the druid shakes his head, knowing he will need to process that later.

===========

"Yes, I look forward to seeing again Alouryn and Hazel," he responds with warmth to Shel's comment as the group hug breaks apart.

Murphy next ensures that the necro-taxidermist is still bound and gagged, and tightens the bonds as necessary. If Uthvas is uncomfortable, this does not bother Murphy at all. He does smile at the stamped "Bad Guy" on his forehead.

"Sword - we have the following things to accomplish in a very short amount of time, besides figuring out magic items - though that is useful, too - but we should probably pack them away for the moment, lest someone barge in as we inspect them. In no particular order, they include:
- The search Alleah suggested, and Kezzem agreed to. More on that in a moment
- Wake up and ensure well-being of the giant - can Shel and I work on that?
- Ensure Uthvas is dealt with - and how?
- Gather materials for repair of the towers. [Murphy does not say this, but most should be able to figure out he means the essence of giants]
- Consider disposition of Uthvas' tools in the dark arts - books and scrolls and materials
- Prepare to deal wisely with those who wait outside

"Alleah and Kezzem - as part of your search, would you two care to deal with Uthvas? You two have proven skills. Learn where all of the essence is found here. Find out if he has kept a journal of his experiments - might be useful for prosecution - tuck such away in a good spot.
"Mookie - can you keep an ear out for noises from outside, and let Bliss know?
"Bliss, along with listening for Mookie's reports, feel free to help out wherever you want - whether helping us with the giant, or looking for books, or what have you.
"Shel - would you help me with the giant?" He suggests removing the tube, carefully carrying the receptacle to a safe corner, corking it or covering it as well as possible, using one of his herbal bandages to cure ... 8 hp for the giant, then seeing if he comes awake. Murphy can speak to him in the giant tongue.
"Oh, the possessions of Veseley and Tiana - let's see if we can find those. Maybe ask the guy with lipstick."
"And... the teardrop that Veseley used to communicate with us. Should one of us get in touch with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck to let him know we have those we sought, but still have obstacles?"

[The rolls were going to be for spellcraft to help with the three items, but with others working on them, feel free to skip the 17, 22, and 10. The d8+1=8 is for the giant healing. Perception: 37

[DM Mark (or, someone else?): With those things listed above, if Murphy has tried to swallow too much, just pull me back...]

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Monday July 18th, 2016 5:31:35 AM
The gray mists dissipate and leave the group with one less member, but an alive and aleft Murphy.

The first thing the group notices is no necromancer. Uthvas is nowhere to be seen and his bonds are torn to shreds and laying on the floor where the necromncer once was.

Shel, Alleah, Bliss and Murphy go through the magical items.the items are as follows:

Injectible potions of cure moderate wounds (2), Injectible potion of displacement,
Injectible potion of invisibility,
robe of blending
masterwork dagger
amulet of natural
armor +3
belt of mighty constitution +2
cloak of resistance +2
goggles of night
headband of vast intelligence +2
crystal for magic jar (worth 100 gp)

Outside some shouting is heard but becomes real quiet all of a sudden.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living  d20+22=25 ;
Monday July 18th, 2016 6:46:24 AM

Murphy hears the sudden quiet, then says, "Let us free the giant, get the essence, gather what evidence we may. Finding our wizards' gear would be a bonus, but I'm not holding my breath - though with the stench, holding one's breath might be advisable. Then see if giant is well enough to carry our two companions, and figure out how to face what is outside.

"I could change into an earth elemental, work my way up the rocks behind us, then peek out at who and what are outside, unless someone else has a suggestion. Or, maybe someone could attempt to peek through a window slat. However, unless there's an objection, I'm going to help the giant first."

Murphy takes out of his haversack a trio of sunrods, an everburning torch, and a bandage. He hands the sunrods to whoever wants one, "Strike the rod to get two hours of light," he says tersely, then goes to where the giant lies. He finds the tube, readies the bandage, with care removes the needle/tube from the arm or body of the giant (not sure where it was placed), and places a bandage on the spot (cure wounds 8 hp). He places the container in a safe corner. "Can someone cork or plug or cover this, and save it?" In giant he says, "It is time to wake up. We wish to rescue you, and can use your help."

"I wonder whether Trill was able to find us a lawyer," Murphy mumbles as he tries to revive the giant. He does not mumble as he comments, "Say, I have many thunderstones, acid, alchemists fire, oil, smokesticks, tanglefoot bags, holy water - five or more of each. They probably brought the front gate undead giant guard. If someone wants to dig through my bag, take what you want." He pushes on the giant's arm. "Wake up." To his friends he adds, "And pray!"

[Perception: 25]

[Welcome back, Shawn - am assuming we're not yet in combat rounds, thus Murphy's flurry of activity. Question: Does Murphy have the spells he has not cast today?]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living 
Monday July 18th, 2016 6:49:29 AM

"Ah, antitoxin!" Murphy adds, withdraws some from his haversack, and pours it down the giant's throat. "Maybe that will help."

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Monday July 18th, 2016 11:44:31 AM
Ooc: Yes. Not in combat, and you have your uncast spells.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=32 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=14 ;
Monday July 18th, 2016 2:32:08 PM
Pressi held on to Murphy tight during the hug, as teammate after teammate surrounded them. It had been tough. As joyful as she was that Murphy wasn't dead, she couldn't shake Bliss' feeling that they had somehow failed. Almost as if they had gotten the prize anyway.

She would have much to think about, in regards to how he had acted under pressure. Later. They weren't done yet.

"I think it goes without saying that I'd rather not fight the guards, even if they strike first," Pressi reminded them. "They are still the force of law in this town, and its not like they don't have a point. Personally, I'd love to just grab that teleport scroll and get us out of here."

She forced herself to consider their situation. Uthvas was gone, and it looked like Veseley and Tiana were unconscious, so no witnesses (unless they could get the giant to cooperate). "I think we're going to need an idea of whether we lie our way out. They may not have the view of constructs that we do."

Perception Rolls as Pressi walks through the house helping to find evidence: 32 for the statues to see if there is anything left that is evidence or treasure. 27 in Uthvas' bedroom with a focus on the documents. Natural 1 for the room with the chest in it.

She does also wonder about the unnatural quiet. She considers opening the shutters to peek out but thinks better of it.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday July 18th, 2016 3:36:36 PM
Shel moves over to assist Murphy with the bigun. "He's awful big, Murphy. What if he wakes up angry? I really don't want to try to get him back under control if he does," Shel worries, knowing most of her relations with biguns hasn't gone especially well.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living 
Monday July 18th, 2016 3:57:43 PM

"So, do we teleport back to the stables?" Murphy asks Pressi, only partially facetious.

"Hey, has anyone found any containers labeled with what we're looking for?" If the container that was attached to the giant can be covered, sealed well enough, he asks Alleah if she can put it in her bag of holding.

"It could happen, Shel. Duck under the table if need be," Murphy answers the beautiful sorcerer. "Hey, Big Guy - this is Shel and Murphy. We chased off the mean man who has been doing this to you. Wake up. Let's help each other out!"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=34 ;
Monday July 18th, 2016 5:00:25 PM

Bliss smiles and wipes his eyes on his sleeve. "Mister Murphy, I sure am glad to see you again!"

He listens to everything and then follows his orders. He starts backtracking through the mansion, looking for books. Looking for anything, honestly. He casts detect magic and tries to scan just about everywhere.

Mookie just follows along.

Perception 34

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=29 ;
Monday July 18th, 2016 5:42:55 PM
Kezzem looks around for any sign of Uthvas (tracks, etc.).

Perception: 29.

"That rapscallion gone and skedaddled! If you can't trust an evil necromancer who tortures your friends, who can you trust? Quite a bit of people I assume, come to think about it, but still!"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday July 18th, 2016 6:14:02 PM

Bliss says to Kezzem, in a whisper, "Um, uh, I don't think so! I think Master Gargul took care of him for us!"

AC 25 (T 17, FF 21) CMD 20 HP 61/61 Cameron (David) 
Monday July 18th, 2016 10:47:13 PM
Post

Aftermath -- Beating Feet Out Of Here!


Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 6:17:09 AM
Murphy decides to check on the giant and free the creature. The behemoth is beat up, but still able bodied. The giant puts a mammoth hand on Muprhys shoulder and squeezes out a thanks. The giant would easily be able to carry the entire party.

Pressi searches around the house, looking for anything but mostly the scroll. As if fate knew what she needed, the scroll is nowhers to be found. As if someone absconed with it.

Her searching yields some more finds.

Scroll

Locked chest

Garderobe -

Leather Cloak

Kitchen -

Spoon

Living Room -

Held by the stuffed Elf and Humans are
Adamantine Dagger
Short Sword.

Shel worries the giant will work angry, but the creature looks content. A little groggy but appreciative to live without being strapped to a table.

Mookie and Bliss also search around.. finding a book that appears to contain spells.

Kezzem looka for Uthvas.. but the necromancer is long gone.

Xxxxxxxxxxxz

Shouts from outside start up again....

" Get out here halflings....youre under arrest" can be heard over the shouting.

Outside Malcolm Greenbriare sees the townsfolks and guards in an uneven stand still. Some townsfolk are yelling at the guards and some are agreeing.

One female gnoll is jawing very furiously with a guard.

" We are the watchmen of Bright Springs" the guard yells.

"But who watches the watchmen?" The gnoll fires back. " These halflings saved us from that wretched man and him. "

With the last words she points at Hammish.



AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Malcolm Greenbriar (David)  d20+1=16 ; d20+11=21 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:31:29 AM
Knowledge engineering 16, beats the DC 15 established earlier to see that the town's walls are in disrepair, A sin to a paladin of Domi.
Malcolm had been in town only overnight, staying within the walls in this blighted landscape in order to get a good night's sleep. It had not gone his way. The town's debauchery and escapist attitude had been hard to miss. With his silve tongue and a few drinks he had managed to learn a few things (assuming for ease of use he knows what the party knows as far as the information they gathered). The place was a powder keg. The mayor ruled with an iron fist and kept the town mostly safe. An undisclosed person, a taxidermist, rumored to be a necromancer owned this house in question, and apparently had a great deal of influence over the mayor to summon this kind of response.
Mal took this all in. This was really none of his business. He was headed to Humble's Ford to try and help after the Giant Tower collapsed. The War Cathedral had heard about it the same day it happened, a cleric at the nearby Monastery had sent word. If the magic were broken, then the Cresent Valley lay open to giant predation from the Scab. Mal had convinced his elders that THIS was why he had become a paladin. His homeland was in need of a stout heart and a steady sword and he would leave immediately, should they approve. They did. The Monastery in Angel Springs needed defense and he was willing to go, plus the paladin had not been tried beyond the city yet, so this would be a good measure of his ability.
He had made great time while riding with a caravan headed that way, less so when he parted company with them to cross the Red Hills instead of skirt them. Stopping for this domestic squabble would delay him, yet he couldn't help but be drawn by the rabble. When the guardsman finishes yelling at the gnoll, he steps up to her and first in giant, then in common asks her if she can enlighten him as to what is happening here.
If she says yes he explains why he is traveling and where to ( did Alleah mention where the party was from?) He explains the situation as he sees it, cut and dried the folks in the building have violated the laws of the land and need to pay for their crimes. He then asks why the townsfolk dispute this and seems genuinely to care about the answer, as if trying to figure out a problem. His Elders had often put situations like this to the initiates to see their reactions. Invariably the priests sided with the courageous few who stood against authority and the paladins sided with the established government. This town though... It seemed to live under a cloud darker than the one thrown by the smelting furnaces. The laws seemed overly petty and geared toward making the rich wealthy and the commoner poor. The worship at the temple of Ffloy in town seemed to foster this. Law and uprightness do not seem to be the order of business in this town. Despair, revenge and death, all with an underlying tone of working hard seem to be what the churches around here espouse. Mal asks for a more commoner's point of view from the gnoll.
Diplomacy 21

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+8=26 ; d20+8=22 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 11:43:05 AM
Pressi takes a stab at opening the locked chest (Disable 26). She gathers whatever is in the chest, along with the stuff that was found earlier, and drops it in the loot pile. (If someone is keeping track of gear, be sure to include this stuff - and the belt of strength that Pressi received earlier.) If needed, she offers her bag of holding to store some of this stuff.

For now, she seems more concerned about whether any of this stuff will help prove their innocence... and trying to figure out what the commotion is outside.

She suggests that perhaps they pretend that Hammish was the one that hired them and given them information. Let him be the hero and maybe he will back down. She finally raises the courage to peek through a window, unlocking it if needed (Disable 22).

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 12:30:42 PM

Bliss does not see the problem. "We have rescued our friends AND a giant. Let's just walk out and leave. If they want to stop us, they'll be sorry!" He helps pile the loot all together, putting the +2 amulet of natural armor back on, and putting on the leather cloak unless someone else wants to wear it?

Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David)  d20+5=7 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+5=6 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 1:24:15 PM
Changing my header to conform with Woldian policy.
While I am at it....
Perception 18
How many guards are outside?
Is this Uthvas guy outside?
How many townsfolk seem to be 'with' the guards?
How many 'against'?
What does Hammish's attitude seem to be? Sense Motive 7 ( I think the dice roller actually hates ME, not just my characters)
How do the guards seem with this 'storm the building' vibe that it looks like they are being herded towards? Sense Motive 6 (SEE!!?)
Malcolm also starts the process of seeing who is evil and who is not as he looks over the crowd. General information is all he is after, unless someone seems to be code red evil*, then they get more concentration.

* Code red evil would be someone that despite a smite evil being thrown Malcolm has serious reservations about beating, and they show up as evil with a capital E when viewed.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 2:23:59 PM
Shel agrees with Bliss. "I don't see they have any way to get us in trouble. Put all the magic items in Pressi's Bag of Holding. The giant and Vesssly and Tiana can tell the others what happened, and we were their rescuers. We can't control how Lord Gargul hands out justice. He took the necromancer...not us. We are completely in the right here!"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 3:01:46 PM

Shel says, "He took the necromancer...not us."

So Mookie pipes up, "Yeah, well, He took Cam too, of course."

Bliss actually yells at Mookie! "YOU HUSH UP!"

Mookie, surprised, actually does.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living  d20+22=33 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 4:13:08 PM

When Bliss mentions how glad he is to see him, Murphy answers, "Oh, Bliss, you are a nonesuch. That means you are excellent, and unrivaled in your own dear way. It is good to see you, always."

A bit later...

"Uh, Shel, Vesseley and Tiana will not awaken, according to Lord Gargul," Murphy puts in, "until they return to Humble's Ford. Also - do we know for certain that Gargul took Uthvas? That may be the case, but he may have been freed by his homunculus familiar, who has keys to the place."

"Pressi - that may be a good notion you brought up there. Give the mayor a plausable way to save face, if he wants to take advantage of it."

He looks around. "Is everyone more or less healed up? Should we cast any defensive or preparatory spells before we go back to the streets? Would you mind if I spoke up, first, and that we take care what we say?"

He also asks the giant, "What is your name? I am Murphy. This is Shel. And Pressi. Bliss, and his raven friend, Mookie. Alleah. Kezzem. And..." he pauses, thinking of Cameron. "Well, those are our names. Veseley and Tiana here are asleep, and that for a long time to come. You have seen them here before, yes? Did you talk with them?

"We are going to go outside shortly. I may ask you to tell your story, at least a bit of it. Can you tell the people outside what Uthvas did to you, and what he did to others? Can you let people know what an evil man Uthvas is?"

If the giant (what kind of giant, by the way?) agrees, then Murphy says, "Fine. I will let you know when to speak up."

He finds one of the bloody clubs used by those who earlier had beat him to death. "I'm going to carry this big club outside. Then I'll hand it to you. Do you think you can throw it far away, when I ask you to? We want to show the people that you do not mean them harm."

As the group prepares to go outside, Murphy asks if anyone found any of the essence they sought. It may be that which was attached to the giant's arm is all there is, but, considering it took weeks to get here, and that there may have been further processing that Uthvas performed to the extractions before it was ready, he wants to ensure they have that substance. Assuming there is more, then there may be a way to take that which was drained most recently from the giant to help someone restore any of his sapped strength - Murphy does not know how these things work, despite that he has some alchemical training. But, unless someone else has come up with something, he makes one last dash through the dwelling to find any stores of giant essence. He hopes that Uthvas believes in some sort of labeling. Or, maybe his nose can help find it.

"Regarding the things we take from here, Uthvas' own actions render them forfeit, in my estimation. I do not think it would be politic to mention them when we go out. He took a great deal from our friends, from this giant, and from the souls of many others whom he tortured within. Guys, I spoke with the spirits of several people he had tortured and killed. Some of them seethed with hatred for the taxidermist, and wanted nothing but vengeance."

He rests his right hand on his cheek for a moment, looking down in thought. "If we can find any writings of Uthvas which declare any of his crimes in his own hand, that may improve our hand. Alleah, Pressi, Bliss, others - do we have anything like that? It may take too long to find such, though."

"So, will everyone feel ready to leave in, say, two minutes?"

And he asks the giant, "Would you mind if a few of us came out on your shoulders?"

[Perception: 33]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Knit Together, Among the Living 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 4:14:24 PM

Oh, and Murphy pulls out a fine pair of pants for Kezzem, who requested pants. "Put these on, if you'd like."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:29:13 PM
Alleah calls back "On what possible charge?"

In her mind, noone outside could possibly know what has happened inside.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:33:26 AM
"Thank Murph, but I don't think I've got time to change now."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=22 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:58:50 AM
"Look, this is all just a big misunderstanding," says Kezzem. "Apparently Uthvas doesn't like mushrooms very much."

Bluff: 22

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+31=39 ; d20+17=21 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 12:47:04 PM
Bliss has no more spells left for the day. He helps make sure all the loot is stowed away. He is wearing the amulet and the leather cape.

He suggests that the friendly giant just pick up everybody, maybe after everybody sits on that sofa over there. The giant can just pick up the sofa. Then the giant can kick open the door and we'll go out?

Just before the door opens, Bliss reads a scroll of Cat's Grace, applying the magic to himself. So long as he is near shadow, the tiny halfling stays hidden.

Stealth 39, Perception 21.

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 3:04:25 PM
Malcolm examines the town and gets a good read of the way of life here. He moves to the female gnoll, a little rough to push through the agitated group but manages to get close and ask her what is happening.

" They didssss nothing" the gnoll says. " Your kind. They didsss nothing wrong and made thissss fool( points to Hammish) look sssstupid."

Malcom sees about twenty guards, and one in particular stands about eight feet tall. Hammish looks calm and collected. He is obviously irked but is staying calm and the group looks split down the middle. Uthvas is nowhere to be seen but Malcolm hears people talking about him and his imp just being there.
With his power, Malcolm doesnt see anyone evil. Not even Hammish.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shel feels like the trio of prisoners can vouch for them, but two are comatosed and dont appear to be waking any time soon.

Bliss and Mookie are still upset about Cam being gone. But Bliss keeps Mookie calm.

" Jindrak..." the hill giant answers Murphy. The giant is easy going, and grateful for the release. He agrees to anything The Sword throws at him.(within reason). Searching around Murphy doesnt come across any more essense. Just the original ammount.

" You attacked one of our citizens, and damaged his home." Hammish yells back into the house. " If you come out we will not attack and we can discuss this like civilized folk."

" Mushrooms?" He calls in after Kezzem. " What do mushrooms have to do with this."

Pressi easily opens the chest when she hears an audible click that sends dread through any thieves heart. A trap was sprung... but lucky for her the trap wasn't upkept and the needle is broken off and does nothing. Inside the chest arw gold coins. (15,000gp)



Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 4:18:06 PM

Bliss is getting excited, and tries to take charge!

"Okay everybody! We can do it!"

"Pressi, please put that away safe in a magic bag or something!"

"Everybody, jump on this couch right here!"

"Mister Giant, I mean, Mister Jindrak, please pick up the couch after everybody settles down on it! Then kick open that door and let's go outside!"

Bliss hops on the couch and reads his scroll of Cat's Grace. Mookie hops on too. Once outside, he lets good talkers, like Murphy and Alleah, deal with the police and mayor. But he is not hiding after all, and he has his bah cocked and loaded.

Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David)  d20+5=7 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 4:34:17 PM
" My kind?" Malcolm asks, puzzled for a moment.
"Oh, you mean Halflings. Did they speak to you? Why would a group of halflings come here of all places?" Malcolm wonders aloud, then a thought seems to strike him and he blushes slightly.
" I am so sorry, I never introduced myself. My name is Malcolm Greenbriar. I am traveling from Plateau City to the Crescent Valley to a place called Humble's Ford. I spent my youth there and now it seems there might be trouble, so the church sent me back. What is your name? Do you know the halflings in there at all? Have you any idea why they would be out here in the Red Hills? Many consider this dangerous territory. From what I have heard as rumors, this is the necromancer Uthvas's house, right?"
Malcolm tries to puzzle out what is going on. He knew there was a local group, Humble's Sword he thought they were called, that were supposed to e heading up the effort to fix the tower and defend the valley, but why in Domi's name would they travel out here? How many armed groups of halflings could there be though? He must not know something. Something just didn't add up.
It looked like the gnoll knew what she was about though. This Hammish, the mayor of the city, looked calm, but his reputation was on display here. Malcolm noted his offer to talk, but was it genuine?
Sense Motive 7 yup, every word had to be true.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber  d20+22=40 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 5:18:11 PM

Murphy says, "Well met, Jindrak."

Then to all, "All right, I think now is the time to go. Any last moment things anyone needs to do? Use the guarderobe? Pressi - any room for that jug in your bag?" he asks, indicating the giant essence, making certain that goes with them.

He takes a last look around the room in which he died. "Spirits in this room, heed the words I spoke with you. There may be opportunity for redemption. Do not let that pass you by. Your happiness rests upon that, and not upon vengeance, even though vengeance be well deserved. Choose the light, follow the Woldsblood."

"If that sounds good to you, Jindrak, go ahead and do as Bliss suggested. Once we are all on the couch, go ahead and open the twin doors, and carry us out."

He nestles Vesseley and Tiana in one corner of the couch, ensuring they are well placed and secure. He himself then straddles the right arm of the couch (right side as determined by the perspective of those sitting on the couch), ready to hop off if need be. Once everyone is ready, the last moments before they go out the door include casting bear's endurance, followed by call lightning.

Murphy shouts so that those inside might hear, "Very well, we are coming out, and have good news. Please stand back from the doors, as they will open swiftly, and we want no one to be hurt. We come with peace and hope for the people of Bright Springs, and her Mayor. We and our giant friend are coming out. He will be kind to you, if you are kind to him." He then says, "All right, Jindrak, carry us out of this foul establishment. We move toward freedom."

Perception: 40
Bear's Endurance time left (as door opens): 67 rounds
Call Lightning time left: 68 rounds [please note that Murphy has to invoke a bolt for lightning to strike - he has not yet done so]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 7:53:38 PM
Shel considers casting Invisibility, but is afraid this place also has a way to see through the illusion. So; although she felt quite awkward, she too struck a pose on the coach, like an erstwhile saddle oh the giant they had rescued.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:30:28 PM
(OOC: A portable bag of holding I holds 30 cu feet or 250 lbs. I need a reminder for the jar's size and weight.)

Pressi gathers up the 13,000 gp and places all of them in the bag of holding (unless someone has another suggestion) for safe keeping. The remaining 2000 gp she places in a pouch on her belt along with her stars. "For insurance," she explains.

It takes some doing, but she manages to pack up the jug and some of the found items (none of the pointy ones), letting others pack the rest. She would prefer to walk, but gets on the couch with the group's insistence (if there is room and the giant can carry the weight). Out of ki and blending shifts, she doesn't have much prep left. She replaces her tear back with her hat of disguise and slings the bag of holding over her back.

As they move outside the house, Pressi waves to Hammish. "Hambone. Glad you could come to our block party. You were in charge of cups, right?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:45:26 PM

Bliss snickers out loud. "Cups!" he giggles.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d100=93 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2016 11:15:52 PM
Alleah hops on the couch. She isn't too happy with the plan, but hey, it was worth a shot. Her main concern is placing Tiana, Vesseley, and now this giant, in harms way.

Once they are outside she casts Enlarge Person on the giant. You know, so it's easier for him to carry the couch. Not so that he can squash people.

---------------------
Readied action: As soon as the giant has put a foot outside, cast Enlarge Person on him. Leyline check: 93 = Freebie, but its a cantrip anyway.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=33 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 12:51:32 PM
"Uthvas said he used to be a mushroom farmer, a successful one. He ruled over a mushroom kingdom, one might say. His neighbors were a pair of brothers who grew plumbs,or plumbers. Unfortunately, they liked the same girl, and the plumbers ate some his special mushrooms that made them as large as that guy," Kezzem points to the giant, "and they beat him up and drove him from his farm. Uthvas fled here, but because there were already plenty of mushroom farmers already, he became a taxizombist instead."

"This is where we came in, as we had some special mushrooms and wanted to get his expert advice, but this triggered some bad memories and he started attacking us! We also found out that he was not a nice guy overall and was torturing these fine folk here in some experiments."

"Say," Kezzem says to the giant, "you didn't get so big eating some of Uthvas's special mushrooms? Was he still experimenting with them?"

OOC

Bluff: 33 (natural 20)
:-D

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday July 21st, 2016 1:25:34 PM
Pressi stared at Kezzem. "I don't know which one of us needs to be discouraged more."

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1  d20+6=13 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 4:22:47 PM
Before the party makes their grand re-entrance.. there are many books and notes in the labratory that will require time to go through. Some can be grabbed on the way out, but it would take atleast an hour to catalouge and go through.

That being said...

The gnoll looks towards Malcom. " Yeasss.. I spoke with the one female. She was a wisssse one. Their business was with Uthvas.. and they wanted to know about him. "

Bliss gets excited and starts chearing on the group while stearing everyone for the couch. He then casts cat grace on himself.

Murphy aranges the unconscience halflings on the couch after talking to the spirits of the area. He then casts some spells on himself before heading out.

Shel makes her way onto the couch and strikes a pose.

Pressi gathers up the loot and also takes a spot on the couch. She cracks a joke at Hammishs' exspense.

Alleah also takes he spot on the crowded couch. She makes sure to make the giant a little bit bigger. as if the hill giant needed to be any bigger.

Kezzem goes off on a tirade of fibs when something unusual happens...

" Woh.. we dont want no problems with plummers. We dont need that problem here. If you and Uthvas had an issue then you guys can come out and we can discuss it. Just dont get any plummers involved."

As if on cue, the giant steps through the door and grows at a rapid pace. The guards instinctively cock spears, bows and crossbows. The starlted giant is spooked and raised the couch quickly over his head as if ready to throw. The quick motion rocks everyone on the couch. (DC 10 Reflex or fall off).

"Woh... woh... " Hammish calls to his guards. Stand down... only if they attack."



Malcolm Greenbriar AC 29 (T 15, FF 25) CMD 24 HP 82/82 Character Sheet (David) 
Thursday July 21st, 2016 5:43:56 PM
Malcolm just watches.
" I just don't know what to say."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+11=27 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+6=21 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 6:58:19 PM

Bliss and Mookie try to keep their seats.

Bliss only fails on a nat 1 ... and rolls a 27. He is hardly jostled.

Mookie, lacking Bliss's grace and his Grace, falls off the couch! But per the Fly Skill rules, he can make a DC 10 Fly check to negate falling damage. Mookie's Fly check is a 21, so he easily flaps back to his perch on the sofa, no harm done, except to his pride maybe. The raven perches imperiously and glares.

"You are the King of the Sofa!" Bliss tells him.

"Well, I'm done with this!" declares Mookie. "The King of the Sofa is completely DONE! I am Sofa K---"

Bliss grabs the bird and holds his beak shut. "Don't go there, old friend," he whispers, looking around and into the sky anxiously.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber  d20+5=22 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 7:14:08 PM

"Calm down, Jindrak. They won't hurt you. Lower us to chest level, please, gently," he says to the giant, in common.

Murphy keeps his seat (and hopes others keep theirs) (reflex save 22 v DC10). Why in the Lotophagi didn't Alleah warn their giant friend that she was going to cast that upon him?

Then he takes his turn in addressing the crowd.

"Yes, we all want to avoid problems with plumbers. And we are NOT here to harm any of you. We did not come here for harm, but for a rescue. Kezzem was not wholly accurate in his report.

"You may have heard me call out from within that we have good news. What is that news?

"Good people, who have been oppressed and tortured, have now been rescued. A wicked man, who has tortured and slain many, has been bested.

"And here, our friends Vessely and Tiana - who were mistreated and tortured and tormented by the wicked necromancer Uthvas Bethus, are now freed. They lie asleep upon this couch. More about them in a moment.

"The good giant here, who was enslaved by this town's taxidermist, is now free, and will come with us, for we would have him far from this place of torment," he says, moving his right arm back to indicate the necromancer's laboratory.

"Know this: We asked up front of Uthvas Bethud for the return of our friends. We also were willing to offer him something for their return. Yet he refused to meet with us, and his warped little homunculus familiar locked us up in that room over there.

"We feared for our friends, whom Uthvas kept within. We thought, what, is he going to harm them further now that we are here. So, we managed to get through the inner door, and sought to find them. I wanted to talk with Uthvas.

"Some of his weird stuffed monsters came awake and tried to kill us. I managed to get through another door. Uthvas had his putrid, dead-but-alive giants, clad only in loincloths, and him wearing a woman's dress, and lipstick, he had them beat me with large clubs. I tried to get past them, to find my friends, and tried to talk with him.

"Uthvas said to me, 'You are of no use to me. Perhaps your parts would prove interesting. Perhaps you can be reanimated to serve my needs.'

"Then, as my bleeding and battered body lie there, he told them to kill me.

"And they did."

He pauses for a moment to let that sink in.

[I am not done with this post, but have to leave to pick up my wife. This is part 1 of 2 for this post, if that's okay.]

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber  d20+9=15 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:39:32 PM

After the brief pause, Murphy continues. "Uthvas Bethud, whom I had not harmed, nor had my friends harmed, killed me.

"Now, I see on some of your faces a bit of confusion. How, if he killed me, am I now here talking before you? Give me a few moments, and I shall tell you.

"Strange thing is, my spirit remained within the room. Rivulets of Woldsblood crisscrossed the room. And there were other spirits. They were the souls of those whom Uthvas Bethud had slain. And their souls called out for vengeance upon the Wicked Uthvas.

"And I was still able to see Wicked Uthvas and his wicked monstrosities.

"For those who do not know, I will tell you what this, this, man who dresses as a woman, who is known to some others in this city for his varied perversities - this is what he does. He takes dead bodies, or takes living souls and turns them into dead bodies, then uses them to fashion his own twisted creations. He has a talking cat that was formed out of parts from several cats, plus who knows what other creatures. He boasts of improving upon life, but his bent mind has a very warped view of what 'improvement' means. His abominations perform according to his will.

"He is a deadly slaver - using dark and forbidden magics to make the sorts of beings that one might find in Koshe-Marr, the shadowy land of nightmares. They are bent creations, bent to a deformed and malign will.

"Uthvas Bethud is a BAD GUY. Do you agree with me? Uthvas bethud is a BAD GUY. I say it again. UTHVAS BETHUD IS A BAY GUY." Before his statement moves into a chant, he holds up his hand.

"I realize that many of you, most of you, have been unaware of the depth of his depravity. But now that you are made aware, you may understand why we speak against him.

"So, how can I, Murphy, whom Wicked Uthvas had slain, be here, raised up before you good citizens, and you, Mayor Hammish Iron Fist?

"Despite Uthvas' animated attempts to slay my friends after he slew me - after he took my poor bloody carcass and had his monsters smear it across the floor to make the floor slippery - despite that, and his ongoing attacks against him, they bested him, and put an end to Uthvas' monstrosities.

"He retreated into the room in which he had imprisoned our two halfling friends, sending out another monster against them. They still bested him, and his attempts to use magic to flee us failed. My friends tied him up, and spoke with him. He pled for his life.

"We do not like to take life, though we know how to do so when the necessity arises. And, after he offered a salve which may allow them to restore my life - not in the manner he warps life into false life - they applied it to my bloodied body." He gives a nod of gratitude to Pressi.

"My friends and I found ourselves in a rising mist," he says, and raises his arms, looking up to the left and the right.

In a loud stage whisper, he says, "We went to stand before Lord Gargul, wise Gatekeeper to the Lands of Rest. He looks about. In a more normal speaking voice, but loud enough to carry, he adds, "Yes, we stood before Lord Gargul, not more than a quarter hour ago.

"Think about how you will answer for your life. For it is likely that each of use will one day stand before him. It may help you better live this, your life in the Wold.

"I will not detail what all happened there. Only this. Lord Gargul showed me kindness and mercy, and allowed my smashed out life to be extended. He did speak well of my companions, and told me to trust in my friends here. We are Humble's Sword.

"As we returned to Uthvas' laboratory of torment and torture, we found that the bonds Uthvas has been in were torn to shreds. Likely Wicked Uthvas' winged, devilish homunculus familiar came in to free him as we stood before the Gatekeeper. Have any of you seen him come out since we went in? We did not kill him - in fact, after the combat was over, my friend here," and he nods toward Alleah, "helped to heal him.

"This giant, this good giant, for so Vesseley had told us, had been strapped to a large table, used by Wicked Uthvas for some other of his experiments. We were able to revive him.

"In a moment, if he wishes to do so, he may tell you how Wicked Uthvas treated him. We plan to take him with us, away from this uncharacteristically dark dwelling within Bright Springs."

He holds up a hand for patience. "I know I have spoken a long time. Please forgive me for being so long-winded.

"After I was killed, I called to the good powers above, that LIGHT MIGHT SHINE IN THIS PLACE OF DARKNESS. And they answered my prayers. My own soul brightened. Among the dark spirits within, some of them turned from dark thoughts of vengeance, toward the light of love and hope, and a few of them were drawn in peace to travel to the lands of rest.

"But that further LIGHT might shine in DARKNESS," and he motions to some of the citizens closest to the wide opened doors, "Go within, and see the warped and bloody heritage of WICKED UTHVAS. Jindrak, stand aside a bit so they can pass by. Go within, citizens of Bright Springs, and see my blood smeared upon his rancid floors.

"I invite you to look into his horror chambers, and witness the remains of the terrible and putrid constructs fashioned by this bent mind, and the bars behind which he kept his victims and his devilish zoo.
"See the table upon which this good-hearted giant lay, helpless.
"See the bloody clubs used to kill me.
"See the remains of those warped creatures Wicked Uthvas sent against us, we whose sole purpose was to set free those whom Uthvas had imprisoned and enslaved." He waves his arm again, motioning toward the doors. Be not afraid, for he is not there to harm you. BUT THIS MUST BE WITNESSED! Judge for yourselves! He hopes that some are emboldened enough to step within - though many many retch at the stench within.

He turns to face the Mayor. "I would be very surprised if you knew the full extent of the evil which lies within, for you seem to me a lawful ruler. As one who has shown himself able to rule, though, I expect now that you know, or shortly will, after you look inside to see the truth of what I report, you would agree with us that, if justice would continue to rule in Bright Springs, then may I ask that you consider the notion of bringing the necromancer to justice - or drive him out and away from your presence? I think the death penalty would not be excessive, but we declined, even seeing what he had done, and being his victims ourselves, to execute the pathetic man. We will leave it to the local authorities to make that determination. We did not come to kill, but to rescue. It was Uthvas who tried to kill, and we defended against the attacks of his abominations, and against Uthvas himself."

Murphy now closes his busy mouth.

[Diplomacy 15 - perhaps might add a bit more to it, based on the circumstances, but that is up to our DM, and whether others chip in]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+8=28 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2016 8:52:02 PM
OOC: natural 20 on reflex save.

Shel holds up her hands. "Whoa whoa, we aren't here to attack anyone. Murphy is right. We rescued our friends and his bigun that is carrying us right now. He was taking their very life force! He had his cronies kill Murphy, and that's only what he's done today! We mean no trouble to the town. We just mean to go home."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+6=11 ; d20+6=20 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2016 3:39:07 AM
"Murphy isn't the sort to use one word when one hundred would do, so let me summarize. We rescued our friends from the cells you will find in that house, Uthvas was last seen alive and at Gargul's mercy, and since we haven't done anything wrong, we're leaving"

She sees no point in trying to rally the town against the mayor. That was for the town to sort out in its own due course. Anything said against him now would likely just antagonize him.

--------------
Ref Save vs DC10: 11 = Pass
Diplomacy: 20 (30 against anyone - such as the mayor - who might be considered a hermit, witch, outcast or recluse)

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 4:54:45 AM

[I 'like' RobC's post]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+12=20 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:44:38 AM
(Reflex Save 20.)

Pressi takes a moment to stabilize the two unconscious wizards (not sure what kind of check that would be). She also takes a moment to squeeze Murphy's hand at the break point, telling him that he was doing fine.

Ok, it was a little long winded. But it never hurts to evoke emotion on your side in these kind of things. Painting a picture in the mind might save them.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:56:55 AM
(That said, Pressi might enforce a 100 word limit the next time Murphy decides to do exposition. She intends to raise that at their next meeting back home.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 1:18:42 PM
"Keep talking, Murph," says Kezzem, "Maybe if you talk long enough, they will all get bored and go away."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+2=20 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:46:17 PM

Bliss nods at Alleah's story and at Murphy's. Well, he kind of nods off at Murphy's! [Not really, although his attention wanders a bit.]

After they speak, he does what he can to help his friends. "That's right, Mister Mayor sir! That's how it happened, so please do not be mad. You see our friends here that were captives. We could not leave them prisoned in those nasty cells!"

"So please be nice and let us go home now. What's that saying you got, Mookie?"

Mookie cocks his head and is silent for a second as he tries to figure out what the heck Bliss is talking about. Then he gets it. "Don't hurt me, and I'll go away," says the bird. "No harm, no fowl."

"Yeah, that's the one," says Bliss. "Same dealio with all of us. Let us go, nobody needs to argue or fight, and thanks and goodby."

Aid Another Diplomacy: a 20 gives a +2 to another roll.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 9:19:43 PM
"I feel we should stress something before we continue. Murphy kind of hit rather hard the fact that Uthvas was 'a man dressed as a woman.' This is something I think we can agree as rather irrelevant to the question of her morality or worthiness of life, except as to the potential that she was creating sex slaves for her personal use."

She noted the crowd (and maybe some of her partners) staring at her. "We as a group try to be inclusive to all races, religions and sexual identities, and do not judge on some repressed standard of... But, I digress. Just wanted to get it out there that we didn't engage because she was in the wrong clothing."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 74/60 - (Kim) - To Exit The Chamber 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 9:52:05 PM

"No, we didn't go on the rescue or fight him because HE was wearing woman's clothing. Are you confused about something, Pressi?" Her comments seem to come out of the blue. "Uthvas is a man, not a woman. And, no, I'm not going to be inclusive of all races, religions, and sexual identities - what's a sexual identity, anyways? I'm not going to support followers of Marteaus, or say that 'whatever you believe is fine.' Regarding race - I will give folks a chance, even if they are of a race that normally doesn't get along with some others, right? You've seen me do that, lots - give people a chance. And, yes, I think that a guy dressing up in lipstick and a dress is rather weird. Not criminal itself, as far as I know but - what, you think that's normal? You think Uthvas is normal?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 10:25:22 PM

Bliss looks down at himself, half the size of any other halfling, dressed in leprechaun green. He thinks about how he was born in a different body -- a girl body, with wings. He thinks about how he wants to fly again. Like he did when he was a girl. "Is flying a girl thing?" he thinks to himself.

He thinks about how he is not exactly normal.

He thinks about girls and boys and goes over what he knows about that stuff. It takes about 10 seconds.

If there are enough shadows within 10 ft, Bliss hides in plain sight. If not, you may see he is blushing.

[OOC: Please forgive this second, illegal post for the day.]

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Friday July 22nd, 2016 11:33:37 PM
The crowd just stares at Murphy as he talks. If they are losing interest, no one shows it. All eyes are on him and hanging on every word. When he is done, there is just silence. Finally Kezzem's joke breaks the quiet, but no one laughs.

Finally, Hammish sheathes his sword.

"Weapons down Lads... they're free to go. "

Turning to Humbles Sword he adds... " Out of my town by sundown and take the giant with you. "

Ooc: Kim take a hero point forthe speech.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn  d20+22=38 ; d20+9=27 ;
Saturday July 23rd, 2016 1:24:55 AM

"Thank you, Lord Mayor," Murphy says. He thinks to add one thing. "Ah, there were a few of the necromancer's creatures which did not animate. It just occurred to me this moment that some of them might still be able to do so. Perhaps you would want some of your guards to deal with them, dismantle and destroy them, lest they animate at some point and attack. There are none in the room we came out of, or of the room with cells, but in the room behind the other door there are several. Perhaps they are harmless, but - please take pains to be certain. Electricity empowers them, fire burns them.

"If it were up to me, I might just put the whole thing to the flames. We did not wish to do so without your leave, though, and without taking precautions lest any surrounding places be harmed. Or perhaps just a thorough cleaning, and some exorcisms. Uh, you might want to make certain a number of those books of dark arts and scrolls be purged, too. It's all in your hands, though, sir."

He looks down at the halfling clad in beautiful armor. In the halfling tongue, he asks, "Hello. Do you speak halfling? If so, we'd love to hear your story - though I doubt you'll want to ride on this couch. If you'd care, feel free to walk with us back to our inn. If you'd not care to do so, then, have a great day, anyhow!" Then, in common, he adds. "But, if you'd like to come with us at this higher altitude, say, Jindrak, can you lower the couch so this well-armored halfling might settle in with us?"

After that, he looks to his friends. "Shall we go now? Bliss... wherever you are. How about if you give our friend Jindrak here directions back to our place? It's a good time for a ride on a stinky couch, wouldn't you say?"

He waves farewell to the citizens, and, when the mayor is not looking his direction, gives a little salute to the gnoll woman they saw this morning at the inn. He then takes time as they engage in communal couch surfing to engage in quiet, gratitude-filled conversation, a bit of teasing (both giving and receiving, for sure), and talk of what lies ahead - as well as getting to know the stranger, if he decided to join them. He feels the potency of the lightning bolt spell he had prepared dissipate from his fingers, and is glad he did not need to use it. As they draw close to the inn, Murphy announces, "I get first dibs on a bath. Normally, I'd offer to let the ladies go first, but," he leans his head down near his chest and takes a whiff, "I smell TERRIBLE!"

[Thank you, DM Shawn, for the hero point! Great job, everyone. Kezzem, I nearly fell off my chair after reading your story!]

[Perception: 38]

.......
After the bath and clean clothes, Murphy returns to the grocer. "Hi. Remember the money I paid you? Find us a high quality cart, and fill it with mushrooms. I want mainly dried mushrooms, but if you have containers that will preserve fresh ones for a while without them going rancid, include some of those, too. We don't want the cart reeking to high heaven halfway back home. I'll pay you for the cart, and the fungi. After our experts in our hometown have a chance to try them, and give their opinions, they may get back in touch with you. Now, that is not a promise, only a possibility. Also - label each batch, and jot down a quick description. We leave in two hours. That does not give you much time. Take advantage of what you have. Here's 50 gold. Be honest, and fair, and reasonable, and tell me once I come to pick this up if I owe you any more. Make sure the cart is solid. And, tell me your name again? I'm Murphy."

He goes to the woman who sold him the bandages and such. "Thank you, ma'am. We only needed to use one of those bandages, but it really helped in healing." He then tells her the details of the deal he made with the merchant, and asks her to keep an eye on him. "If he skimps or cheats, or does something shoddy, I want to know. Here is 25 gold. You keep your eye on him, and all is well, there's another 25 coming your way. If you have a few items you think might benefit us on a long journey, just let me know."

Murphy is certain that people will yell at him for getting a cart. As his father taught him to keep his word to the best of his ability, however, he feels that since they said they were looking into setting up trade with them, he'll do his best to make sure his inaction does not turn him into a liar.

[Diplomacy: 27 - negotiating with the merchant]

Last item: Murphy points out we can go back the way we came - or, we could travel more civilized routes, and go through Dourscale, then up the roads all the way back to Angel Springs and Crescent Valley.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday July 23rd, 2016 2:58:42 AM
"Sorry, Murph. No time for baths. I'm all for getting out of this town while we still can. We can rest and bathe outside the city limits. Perhaps back at Nywald's village? We did ask them to have a medic there ready for us. Let's get out of here before there's any more trouble"

Alleah has no intention of stopping or staying one minute more than necessary in this town. If need be she will escort Tiana and Vesseley by herself.

"Besides.. you've only been alive for one minute. How bad could you smell?"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday July 23rd, 2016 11:43:58 AM
Shel was definitely in agreement with Alleah. "There will be plenty of time to stop and smell the roses (and freshly bathed) halflings along the way. The mood has turned our way. I don't see any reason to stay here and test our luck. Never overstay your welcome and all that jazz."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Saturday July 23rd, 2016 8:40:17 PM
(OOC: Apologies for the delay. I have an easier time posting weekdays than weekends. Also, apologies if Pressi's comments re trans insulted anyone. Pressi will be moving on so we don't grind to a halt over this.)

Pressi stared at Murphy as HE screamed at her. Pressi dropped Murphy's hand quickly, her face no longer soft. For a moment, she stared at him, her lips pursed.

She remained quiet, straight seated, as the sentries told them to get out of there, and as they rode along on the couch of a giant. It wasn't until they were more private that she dared approach the subject.

"I'm sorry if you thought I was attacking you," Pressi said. "My intentions were not even to reproach you for including such a detail, and your feelings on the matter are your own. I had my own reasons for my speech, and I won't bore them with you now. I just wish you to know that if you are confused as to why I say or do things, you may actually try talking with me and react later.

"And Murphy. You will never talk to me that way again."

With that, Pressi was off to pack.

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

Pressi moved the coins from her belt pouch back to the shared treasure trove. "I had wanted some available in case we needed to bribe someone or throw them as a distraction," she explained. "For now, we seem to be okay. They gave us until sundown and I don't think they will go back on their word. That said... speed might be in our best interest."

She finished packing. "I don't think there's any reason why we have to contact anyone else. Purchase whatever we need for the trip back and lets get going." She tries to remember if she promised the leather people anything in particular. "We probably should hit the leather place on the way back, especially if we need more alchemical supplies or ammunition."

She wondered about the paladin halfling that they saw in the crowd, and whether they should have approached him. Maybe Trill could guide him back or something.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday July 25th, 2016 12:59:50 AM
"Let's get out of here, Humbles, before they start with the human sacrifices, cat's living with dogs, and/or mass hysteria."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday July 25th, 2016 12:25:30 PM

Bliss keeps a low profile after the mayor ushers the party out of the village. He is happy to be getting out of dodge. A bath sounds good, but Bliss thinks getting back home sounds better.

Dm Shawn - TPk coming in 5....4....3....2....1 
Monday July 25th, 2016 1:50:52 PM
Murphy shares info with the mayor who makes a note of it. He moves off...

Alleah tells Murphy they are not sticking around for him to sprea some coin. Shel agrees with it. Even KeZem.

But it is Pressi who is the most upset and lets Murphy know.

Bliss is fine with slinking away and getting out of town.

.........

"Arrest her" the mayor says as he points to the gnoll woman. " And Burn his house down. The creations, his books, and notes. Burn it all down."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn 
Monday July 25th, 2016 2:13:16 PM

[Please note, Melvin, there was NO screaming in Murphy's reply. He spoke far more quietly than when he was addressing the crowd. Neither did he whisper. I think you read in some things that were not there.]

"No, Press, I didn't think you were attacking me. I really don't agree, as I stated, on the religion thing - there are a few bads ones out there - and, with how everyone else seems to think that Uthvas is a man, well, putting lipstick on a guy doesn't change him into a woman. And I've never even heard before this, what, 'sexual identity' thing. Huh, though, I guess I did hear sometimes back about a belt that could change someone from a guy to a gal, or the other way around. Is that what you mean? Anyway, as far as 'You will never talk to me that way again' - so, how do I, or did I, talk to you? I just responded to what you said. You want me not to ever gainsay anything? Pressi - I have very high regard for you. I have great respect for you, and who you are. I admire your courage. I can't think of much at all that we'd disagree about. But you have every right to disagree with me if I'm in the wrong - or if you see it that way. But, just as I don't want to muzzle you, please don't think to do so with me.

"If I'm missing something though, please tell me. I really want to understand. And I'd be happy to listen, and talk with you about all this - maybe later, on the road. You are very precious to me, you know, and I hope we can figure this thing out."
.
Murphy responds to the others, who want to skedaddle as soon as possible. "All right, no baths here. Two things, though. We are getting a cart for the sake of our two sleeping wizards. And the merchant has something for me. How about if a few of you get the ponies ready, maybe one or two of you can come with me to buy a cart, Pressi, sure, go to the leather good place, then I'll swing by the merchant - grab what I ordered from him, grab some food, hook up the ponies, and hit the road. If we're lucky, we can be out of there in half an hour or close to it. Sound fair? And don't anyone tell me that a cart won't work - we've been over the whole path, and I can't think of one spot where it wouldn't work."

He feels sorry for the gnoll lady. And is glad that the mayor will cleanse the necromancer's place.

"Thanks, everyone, for everything you did, rescuing our friends, and... and for standing for me with Lord Gargul."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Monday July 25th, 2016 4:03:10 PM
[Kim and I have already discussed online how Murphy's statements with no context could be read in a couple of different ways and I did read them as an angry tirade. I should have taken it off line first, and I do wish I could go back and edit things.]

Pressi shakes her head as if trying to clear it loose. "I'm sorry, I just took things the wrong way. It's just... I feel a bit like a failure back there and with these crowds. Emotionally. Ethically. I guess its been tough for me to know how to deal with that... or with the emotions of just seeing you lying there. I don't want to get into what happened. I want to get back on the road and put what happened behind me."

She agrees with Murphy's assessment to get a cart, expressing a clear desire that she won't be the one carrying them. She agrees to stop by the leather goods place, grabbing some of Uthvas' coins and asking if anyone has specific orders. [She is thinking for the group a couple of CMW potions, a few alchemy items like sunrods and maybe some more ammo for Kezzem. Plus if there's anything Murphy wants her to do.]

As for the gnoll, Pressi can't help but insert herself into the conversation and at least ask for the charges.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday July 25th, 2016 9:29:05 PM
Shel rolled her eyes. It was impossible to get their group to leave quietly. Ever. If she ever learned how to Teleport, she swore she'd learn it as soon as possible to avert all this stuff in the future. Lets hurry to the store and get out of here. I'm afraid their patience is going to run out ever so quickly. Please, let's hurry!"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+17=21 ;
Monday July 25th, 2016 10:19:11 PM

Bliss, still shy after the "discussion" between Pressi and Murphy, keeps a low profile, stays hidden when there are sufficient shadows, and keeps alert to see what will happen next.

Perception 21

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d2=2 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:21:22 AM
Alleah takes her lucky coin from her pocket and flips it in the air. Tails. Wardds Wagers! She had been really hoping for a heads that time. The gnoll woman was a street walker, and had likely done something illegal at some point.

So while Murphy organises the cart, she hops down from the couch and tries to move closer to the mayor to speak privately. She approaches with her head bowed, trying to show utmost respect "Excuse me, Mr Mayor, Sir. Would a 175 gold piece donation to the town coffers be enough to make up for whatever offence the gnoll woman committed? "

Alleah only has 178 gold pieces on her, and all her equipment is small sized. She won't let the discussion stop the party from leaving as soon as the ponies and cart are ready however.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=15 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 12:40:57 PM
"'Wick'-less here did not just do that! Please tell that it just not true?" says Kezzem. "No, it's true all right. This man has no 'wick'."

Bluff: 15. (to convince the crowd that he does in fact have no "wick"

"Hey, not-so-good sir, I don't know what crimes she is accused of here, or whether or not she is even flatulent, but there's no good evidence against the gassy gnoll."


Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....   d20+4=5 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 4:29:01 PM
Murphy and Pressi hash out there mini argument. Cooler heads prevail when they talk it through. Murphy still wants a cart and to stop by the merchant.

Shel agrees they need to leave as soon as they are done with the merchant.

Bliss keeps hidden in the shadows of the couch.

Kezzem, who sounds insane talking to himself, confuses the people around him.. " who has no wick?"

Alleah moves towards the mayor about the gnoll woman..

" Prostitoution to start. But there will be others." He looks at the baggage of coin and turns to his captain. " My captain says that is enough for her crimes. She is free to go.. but if she doesnt conform to the law she will be dealt with again."

The gnoll steps away from the mayor... " Thanksss... again. "

A guard interupts and moves closer with a stack of papers. " What should I do with these?" "What are they?" "Private notes and letters to and from Uthvas." "Burn them you dolt..."

The man looks around and drops the notes on the ground. He takes a torch from another guard and starts the blaze on the ground before turning to the house and launching the torch onto the roof.



Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+13=22 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+29=38 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 6:08:41 PM

Why are they making a deal about those papers? Why destroy them? He wonders if those papers are important. Struck by whimsy or intuition, Bliss hops down from the couch. He thinks about that special book he salvaged from the necromancer's lair. He figures maybe he has a job to do.

So long as there are shadows, Bliss dances! Keeping stealthy, he hops down from the couch (Acrobatics check 24*). He sneaks over to the fellow with the papers (Stealth check 47). Just before they are torched, Bliss grabs up to three-quarters of them when no one is looking (Sleight of Hand check 22).

Then Bliss dashes off back into the necromancer's lair before it is burned. He relies on Mookie to tell him when to get out, via panic through the Telempathic Link. Inside, Bliss looks for papers and writings like the ones he saw in the special book and in the papers he hopes he rescued.

Perception 29 to search!

When the party is about to leave, Bliss dashes back out and follows the friendly giant.

Second Stealth check: Stealth 38.

[*Forgot to add +2 cat's grace with the die roller]

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 6:36:16 PM
Ooc: i am pretty sure it was daylight when you guys headed in. Add to that the fire and torches and there isnt many shadows.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn  d20+22=32 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 6:42:28 PM

Murphy says, "Right, Shel. Let's get going so we can ready to leave. It's, what, about 10am? Shall we all meet by the inn in about half an hour?" He looks up at the face of the hill giant, and asks politely, "Jindrak, please, set down the couch. Want to come with me? We need to pick up a few things. Since you'll be coming with us, at least for as long as you want, tell me, what kind of food do you like? You're hungry, right?" To as many of the gradually scattering group as he can see (he can't see Bliss at the moment, he says, "Come, let's head out." He looks to the gnoll whom Alleah just ransomed. "You want to help us find out where to buy a cart, lady?" He begins to walk at a normal pace down the street, back the direction they came.

Ah, resourceful Bliss. Some of the papers likely incriminate the mayor himself.

[Perception: 32]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 7:44:45 PM
Shel closes her eyes and concentrates. Teleport, teleport, teleport. men's opens her eyes and sighs to to they were all still in the village. It was clear the group wasn't terribly concerned, so she decided to do her best to try to join in. "Should we see if there is an extra pony for sale around town? Another pony pulling the cart might make even better time."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Thank you, and back to the Inn 
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 8:53:58 PM

"Good idea, Shel," Murphy responds to her suggestion for another pony. As many know, Murphy believes one can never have too many ponies.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:03:19 PM
Alleah approaches Yousessa to have a word with her "Things will likely not be safe for you here. It would probably be best if you were to leave with us. If you'd be interested in a life of farming, I know somewhere you could stay"

Yousessa clearly isn't evil, so wouldn't fit in with the local gnolls. Bright Springs isn't safe for her, and at Nywald's village they seem to shoot gnolls on sight. Unless she has somewhere else to go Alleah is thinking of inviting her back to the homestead in Humble's Ford. She'd probably fit in well with the farm hand Quotiln, the other person Alleah had rescued from a life of crime.

Alleah is ready to leave the town.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+13=17 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2016 10:39:03 PM
As nobody gives Pressi any idea of what to buy, and as Pressi has no money of her own (and wasn't stupid enough to promise to buy stuff in the future), she really just gives the items a last lookover and some vague waves. She's frankly more worried about what they might see on the trip back than on the town, but she decides against spending the group money before it's divided - not even on cure potions.

She does promise to pay Alleah some of the funds she had to spend to free the gnoll once they divvy up the funds from Uthvas. She also tries to convince the gnoll to come with them, drawing on her own history.

As for the pile, she does take one last look at the papers as they burn (Perception 17) but is pretty sure that she found anything and everything of note to them. As for incriminating Hammish, she really wasn't interested in inserting herself further in the politics or causing more trouble. She still felt a little guilty for the stuff they had to do - and that maybe the gnoll was arrested because of them.

"Ok, once Murphy comes by, we shall be off."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=14 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2016 12:33:14 PM
"Why are you trying to burn everything?" asks Kezzem. "Next thing you know you'll be finding witches and trying to see if they weigh as much as a duck or something."

Bluff: 14 (natural 1)

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Wednesday July 27th, 2016 5:25:11 PM
Ooc: Switched to night shift.. post will be around 1030-1100 est

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday July 27th, 2016 7:12:44 PM
If Shel notices Pressi was without any coin, she offers to float whatever she might need. She knew that rifling through Uthvas 's items would be a poor look, so she didn't want to get into divine intervention the items right there in front of the town. "Need a few gold, Pressi? I've got some coins I'd be happy to lend you, even after buying another pony!"

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Wednesday July 27th, 2016 11:15:44 PM
Bliss has an idea to grab the papers but due to the lack of shadows decides against it.

Murphy wants to meet up in a half hour at the inn. He asks Jindrak to lower the couch, to which the giant does. " Im hungry. Ill go with you." The gnoll woman shakes her head negatively to Murphy. " I am needed here."

Shel wants to purchase another pony. Doesnt seem like a bad idea and the town is easily big enough to supply one.

The gnoll smiles to Alleah. " I appreciate it, but I am needed here. Ive dealt with thisss fool before. He cannot harm me. " She leans in to Alleah... " Save those papers..."

Pressi takes a look at the papers and she can spot some scribbling. Mostly dates and names.. some others have sketches of golems.

Kezzem continues with the crazy, but this time he doesnt get the favorable reaction.

"Is your friend Drunk?" Hammish asks. " Public drunkeness is a crime."

Shel offers to give Pressi any money she needs.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree  d20+9=28 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2016 2:38:22 AM

Murphy and Jindrak have already headed off back into town (otherwise he may have taken Kezzem by the ear to drag him away from Hammish's ears) - quite a sight, they, a halfling and a hill giant. "I need to find out who sells carts, who sells ponies. I know some who sell food. Do you like meat? Like goat meat, or pig's flesh, or the like? How about fruits and vegetables, such as turnips, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes, apples and grapes, pomegranates and crepes. I know crepes are not fruits or vegetables, but I was having fun. Crepes are thin pancakes. You likely need something to drink, too. I'll pick up a few barrels, and can fill them with fresh water."

How is the giant clad? If he needs more or better clothing, Murphy will also try to find.

As mentioned in an earlier post, he does swing by the mercantile, picks up the mushrooms, and a fair quantity of other food good to travel - the items above, also flour, onions, garlic.

Along the way he asks, "Where can I buy a cart, a pony, and other traveling gear?" He will get more than one suggestion before he makes a decision as to where to go, to find out if more than one person suggests the same place, or places. Then he and the giant make haste toward whoever is reputed to have the best quality gear.

Talking with merchants and townspeople (to get directed to appropriate merchants) is Murphy's main initial activity, then actually making the purchases. In the midst of that, though, he does ask Jindrak to tell him, if he can remember, how it was he came under Uthvas' roof. If Jindrak is more comfortable speaking giant, he is happy to converse in that tongue.

[Diplomacy with townspeople, merchants: 28 (plus, perhaps any extra should word be getting around about the heroic halflings who rescued some prisoners?]

[Have a shopping list in the Catacombs, should have some help on that by tomorrow, am told.]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+7=14 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+10=25 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2016 3:21:21 AM

Alleah nods to the gnoll woman and whispers back "Any chance of distracting them for a moment?"

She casually steps forward towards the pile of fiery notes and rubs her hands, pretending to warm them up. How in Wardd's name was she supposed to save the papers AND avoid the possible wrath of the mayor and guards?

She looks to see if they are still paying attention to her, or are distracted by Kezzem or the gnoll woman.

When everyone appears distracted, she reaches into her haversack and ever so clumsily drops some sheets of paper to the ground (Highlight to display spoiler: {Alleah has/had 5 sheets of paper in her kit})

When she bends down to pick them up, she tries her best to pick up any papers from Uthvas' house that aren't currently alight and stuffs them into her haversack

----------------
Possible skill checks:
Bluff: 24
Sleight of Hand: 14
Stealth: 25

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste  d20+13=18 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2016 12:22:59 PM
"One has to wonder, what's in the papers that makes you so keen to burn them? What's in the papers? What's in the papers?"

Bluff: 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday July 28th, 2016 4:36:36 PM
"I appreciate that," Pressi replied. "But what I'm really interested in was buying for the group. See, I think there's only a small chance that the town will break their word and..."

Bliss, Alleah and Kezzem do things.

"I think there's only a moderately high chance we will anger the town until they hunt us with pitchforks. But I'm certain we will face dangers on the way back. Anyway, Murphy already bought stuff for the group and I'm sure he won't waste time.... Okay, so I don't see any cure potions, but I see a lot of chocolate and honey.

"Murphy, just because Tolkien invented a bunch of stereotypes about halflings doesn't mean we have to follow them."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+2=5 ; d20+17=21 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2016 5:13:22 PM

[OOC: I'm a bit confused. I hope this post makes sense!]

=====

Outside Uthvas's House, the Mayor tries to burn some papers, and Alleah saved some. Kezzem is still talking with the Mayor. Bliss hops off the couch and grabs Kezzem's hand. "Come on, we gotta go! Let's stop talking and let's get out of this town, please, Kezzem."

=====

Bliss is glad when the giant sets the couch down outside town! He goes over to the Gnoll Lady and says to her, "I'm worried about you! That mean mayor tried to kill you. I think you should stay with us, please."

Diplomacy (untrained) 5; Perception to sneak a peek at the Gnoll 21.

Bliss stays with Alleah at the couch. He urges everyone to stay here or to return soon.

"Mister Murphy, you just died!" he calls out when he sees Murphy moving back to town. "Please do not go off alone to die again!"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree 
Thursday July 28th, 2016 6:30:52 PM

Step back - have thought that Murphy already was gone from the group - but if he heard Bliss call out to him, he answers, "I'm not alone - Jindrak is with me. You can come, too, or anyone who wants to. I think we should all get away from that place of torture, not stand in front and jaw. C'mon and help, any and all!"

Regarding cure potions - no one responded to Murphy's post of weeks ago regarding the curative bandages he offered around. He has a wand of CLW, as does Alleah, I think. I think he told Pressi about the herbal shop that has them back a ways, if she wants more. "Tolkien who? And what's a stereotypes?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree 
Thursday July 28th, 2016 6:33:41 PM

P.S.: If anyone's gonna get us killed, it's Kezzem. Please place a sock in his mouth :-)

P.P.S.: Shopping now

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday July 28th, 2016 9:55:33 PM
Shel nodded at Pressi. She's right. THere's no way we can spend an hour in town without making someone angry!. And now that mean mayor was clearly trumping up charges to try to get them in trouble yet again. At least she still had some of her magic left for today. She couldn't help it...the situation made her start laughing just a bit.

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Friday July 29th, 2016 5:27:28 AM
Murphy makes the shopping list in his head, and heads off with the giant to make his preparations. The townsfolk and merchants he encounters are cordial and polite. Shooting a wave or, "how you doing..". He is pointed to the shop that has most of the items he is looking fof.

As for Jindrak... he shrugs " Was hunting.. and got hurt. Woke up here."

Alleah asks the gnoll for a distraction, and with her help is able to.swoop in and grab a good portion of papers.

Kezzem blurts out again... and everyone can tell the mayor is starting to get annoyed. " I dont know you fool.. we're burning everything of his."

Bliss hops off and grabs KeZem.by the hand and pulls him away from the mayor. He tries to.convince the gnoll to leave but she is steadfast. (I dont know what you mean by sneak a peak).

Shel understood the situation and realized this group was making some people angry.

...........

" I thought i told you all to leave the town. I see one of you has taken me for my word, while the rest just stand around. For the last time... leave and take your drunk friend with you."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 29th, 2016 6:47:30 AM
"I'm not out of sober," calls back Kezzem as they are leaving. "Your out of sober! This whole place is out of sober!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 29th, 2016 6:50:48 AM
Once away from the crowd, Kezzem adds,

"Am I the only one concerned about how keen El Chumpo was to burn all the evidence?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Friday July 29th, 2016 9:22:01 AM
"Don't worry. I snagged a few pages" Alleah whispers to Kezzem as she walks away with him "And nice job acting as a distraction by the way!". She is sincere in her praise, seeing the method to Kezzem's madness.

With Tiana and Vesseley in tow, Alleah will head towards the town gate.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday July 29th, 2016 12:20:47 PM

A Bliss walks away with Alleah and Kezzem, Bliss listens and then says, "What,. Kezzem, that was a ... a trick? Wowsy, good one!"

Anyhow, Bliss is happy to be going, and cannot get through the town gate soon enough!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday July 29th, 2016 3:42:53 PM
"That's right, there's madness to my method."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday July 29th, 2016 10:26:00 PM
Shel quickly follows the others out of the town as soon as possible. She knew they had worn out their welcome and lingering longer would only cause problems.

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Saturday July 30th, 2016 5:40:59 AM
Kezzem continues yelling gibberish and is getting more then a few looks from townsfolk.

Alleah lets Kezzem know she got some pages. She makes sure to get Vesely and Tiana and heads for the gates.

Bliss congradulates Kezzem on his "acting".

Shel follows the others out of town..

........

Murphy deals with the merchant, purchasing some items. Some are a little harder to procure.

Ooc: Didnt want.to miss a dm post... sorry about lateness.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday July 30th, 2016 9:18:40 AM

Bliss urges the party to wait outside town for Murphy and the giant to emerge. But he is nervous. "I just hope those guys get out of town okay."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday July 30th, 2016 11:23:02 PM
Alleah nods "Outside the gate is fine with me"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree  d20+6=17 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=14 ;
Sunday July 31st, 2016 4:53:12 AM

Murphy shows up about 5-10 minutes later than the half hour he predicted. "Sorry, lots to do."

Some may recognize the stablehand from the inn driving one two-pony cart, which is covered over with canvas, and pulling livestock behind - two bleating goats and a snuffling pig. Once about 100 yards outside the gates, the druid thanks the hand, and sends him back to the stables. Murphy drives a second cart. "The pig is to roast at Nywald's village. The goats are meals for Jindrak." Murphy supplies the animals carrots, and they quiet down.

He points to the back of the 5'x10' wagon bed, which has wooden side walls close to 4 feet above the floor. "Plenty of blankets back there for padding, and some bed rolls for our honored wizards. Let's get them aboard." He'll help his friends with that task. He asks Jindrak to lift out a barrel and place it on the ground. He casts create water and fills it full. "Drink, Jindrak, if you will."

As Jindrak drinks, he says, "Trill left a note. It reads, "Was talking to the lawyer. I learned something I need to take care of. Don't worry. I hope to see you back in Humble's Ford one of these days - Trillium."

He looks at his friends. "We've done half of this task. Let's get on the road and do the other half. We can talk on the way."

==========
As the last leg of our journey to Bright Springs appeared to take 3-5 hours, and now it's roughly 10:30 or so, we should get to Nywand's village by mid-afternoon, barring obstacles.

Above: Handle animal rolls (17, 25, 14). Who will drive the second cart?

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Monday August 1st, 2016 2:30:57 AM
While waiting for Murphy - and anyone else who had errands to run - Alleah will see if it is safe to read those papers she collected. She makes sure there are no nosy guards nearby. She would hate to see something important in the papers that would mean a return visit to this accursed town.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday August 1st, 2016 9:34:20 AM
"You find anything interesting in those pages, 'leah?" asks Kezzem.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday August 1st, 2016 9:36:44 PM
Shel wasnt really trained in driving a cart, but if nothing crazy happened, she was okay with puttering along slowly. She was glad to finally be rid of that awful town and even began humming a little tune as they hit the open road. •We need to remember to divide the loot from that nasty ole necromancer. He had collected strong magic over the years."

OOC: anyone want to be treasurer and give a breakdown of all the goodies and gold?

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree  d20+22=35 ;
Monday August 1st, 2016 10:04:18 PM

Murphy waits until they are half a mile past the gate before he begins talking much. "As I mentioned, the pig is for Nywald's village. I think a celebration of the rescue - thus far - is in order. When we get there, too, we will want to make a decision: Do we go back more or less the way we came, or do we go through Dourscale, and up the old Teucri roads to Angel Springs? Not that there are never problems along that road, but I've heard that travel there tends to be less eventful, and the road itself helps to speed travelers on their way."

Murphy really is open to either alternative, but would like the group to make a decision - perhaps after talking it over at least lightly with the villagers.

He pays attention as they travel along to the local flora, and may hop off the cart every once in a while to pluck a few flowers, or dig up a small clump of grass.

[Perception: 22]

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday August 1st, 2016 10:11:36 PM

When Murphy shows up, Bliss rushes up and then sticks out his hand.

"Mister Murphy, I sure am glad to see you. I was a little more than somewhat worried. Wowsy! Now let's head for home!"

Riding in the cart next to Shel, Bliss asks her, "Miss Shelly, yeah, I got lots of loot I just threw on, like this cloak and this nasty amulet. If nobody wants the amulet, and we can't sell it, does it count as worth zero gold? Cause I'm happy to hang onto it like that."

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Monday August 1st, 2016 11:02:15 PM
Bliss wants everyone to wait outside the town for Murphy. Alleah agrees that is a good idea. While waiting she scans through the papers. (It'll take an hour to go through.) She sees mentions of Marteus and a book of ultimate evil. Some ledgers showing deliveries of slaves and bodies to Uthvas.

Murphy is able to get his gear he needs and leaves town as soon as possible. He is greeted by the group, especially by Bliss.

The group sets off, and after a few hours comes across the village. No one on the way would dare bother a group of halflings with a giant in tow.

Once by the village.. the group sees Nywald and his wife both holding the goblin babies and waving to the halflings.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree  d20+22=38 ;
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 5:29:07 AM
"Ah, Bliss, thank you. Very happy to see you, and all my friends here." Murphy takes time to talk with each member of the party as they travel along about various things. Just before they come in sight of the village, he remarks, "You know, it might be nice to have a bard with us some time, who could write songs and poems. Or at least play good music to accompany us in our travels."

Murphy is interested in what Alleah learns from the scraps of papers some of the party were able to retrieve from Uthvas' place. When he has time - perhaps later in the day, he will read them, as well.

Upon seeing the folks they rescued earlier from the gnolls, Murphy rises to stand on the cart's driver's bench, still holding the reins. "Ho, Nyland and Gallia! How fare the wee biters?" he asks after the goblin babies they have chosen to care for. As greetings are exchanged, he says, "We have a fair sized pig here to roast. Can we provide that for the village and us to share together? We got what we came for, and there is cause to celebrate! And we have a Very Large Bigun with us - this here is Jindrak!"

Among their entourage are the eight halflings - Trillium and Cameron no longer travel with them, and Veseley Vortence and Tiana Taithen slumber in one of the two laden carts; eight ponies (Alleah's Thistle, Murphy's Pippa, Sugar and Nutmeg, the new ponies Cherry and Spike, also Bitey, and Kezzem's Rumpus); two riding dogs (Cudgel and Skipper); a pig which Murphy named Dinner, and two goats he calls Snack and Morsel. Not to mention a good-sized black crow.

[Murphy's traditional Perception check: 38]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 2:09:35 PM
"Huh, nothing about Mayor Hamfist in there? I thought for sure we'd fine something incriminating on him given how keen we was to burn them all."

"So...Book of Ultimate Evil. That sounds unpleasant. Ultimately unpleasant.

At Murphy's request for bard, Kezzem begins to tell a tale.

"A long time ago, on a continent far, far away..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 2:22:45 PM
"Yeah, well, lets not forget how close I came to burning it all for him," Pressi replied.

It had been a long ride back, and she had been unsettled by the surety that the rest of the group had about the townspeople - out of naivete, fear or the inability to see nuance in any activity. Or perhaps that was her. Having been smacked around by her own attitude made her wonder about some of her other times of surety.

She did miss Cameron in times like this. She wondered what things he would say about this that she would then argue against.

She does greet the people in the next town, and wonders just how fast rumor travels.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 7:00:50 PM

Bliss is glad to be going home, and pays little attention to the goblin folk on the ground. Instead, he is Enlarging Mookie and flying.

"This is great, Mookie old pal," he says, "but I want to fly with my own wings!"

"Sure thing, Kid," sighs Mookie.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Hyperdrive shopping spree 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 8:01:41 PM

"Just a thought on that, Kezzem. Mayor Hammish and the townspeople who showed up heard the story about what went on inside, and the, perhaps, more fully-revealed character of the taxidermist. I myself asked the mayor to consider putting the lot to the flames.

"Pressi - I'd understand it totally had you burned the place down - but, as Cameron pointed out, we still had a few things to take care of first.

"Anyway, that the Mayor did so with dispatch could - in fact did - rouse suspicions among some of us as to his motives. Did he do so out of fear of discovery? Perhaps so. With the papers we were able to recover, that is not evident. Nonetheless, maybe you were right. We already know from what others told us that those two seemed to get on well enough. Possibly, though, he realized, after hearing what we reported, that his city needed to be cleansed of the foul business of Uthvas. If there was a book of Ultimate Evil there, and it was burned, then, frankly, I am fine with that."

He pauses a moment, then adds, "On the third hand - I don't think I ever want to live in Bright Springs."

Later he laughs as Kezzem launches into a story. He asks, "Um, do plumbers figure into this tale at all?"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:29:53 PM
Alleah decides note to bring up the topic of the notes, or the contents she was able to briefly glean, in front of Nywald or anyone from this village. They had already risked enough by harboring the party in the past. She doesn't want to draw them into any "Evil". "Let's keep our find to ourselves" she whispers to those nearby "It's not really a pleasant topic to discuss. Best keep moods high"

She puts on a happy face and waves as the party approach the town.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:38:59 PM
Shel didn't hear the discussion about the book of evil, and she was quite glad she didn't. She waved to the townsfolk as the group drove their carts to the town. It seemed early in the day to take a break as they still had a long way to go to get home, and she wasn't sure if a delay would have an effect on the sleeping wizards or not. She went along wi the plan, hoping the break would be quick, at least.

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 12:42:27 AM
The village is a little taken back the giant shows up, but some kind words make things easier.

The pig is butchered, cleaned and spit roasted over a fire. Some side food is prepared and the ale begins to flow.

For one night there is no gnolls, or golems or necromancers. Just friends ands close allies, ale, food and good times.

Nyland, Gallia and the babies are good. Looking better then the last time you saw them.

The night goes on, but the fun doesnt stop.

If anyone wants to do anything in particular, post it, otherwise this will be a quick one.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 2:52:31 AM

Murphy asks Jindrak if he is hungry enough to have a roasted goat this evening, along with a small portion of pig (because, there's a whole village to feed, eh?). If so, he makes certain that Morsel is also prepared for the hill giant.

As people are gathered around the feast, Murphy, enjoying some medium-well done ham, along with crackled fat, and other goodies, asks some of those who have a decent knowledge outside the village about anything the party should know should they choose to go through Dourscale. "The Red Hills have their share of challenges. The old Teucri roads are still said to be mostly in good shape, and help speed travel. We're wondering whether heading back the way we came, or taking the low road from Dourscale northward might be the better choice. We're open to your counsel." He looks across to Alleah. "Or you could flip a coin, eh?" he teases her a bit - but he also does not gainsay her decision-making process. He also asks the others - Bliss, Kezzem, Pressi, Shel - and Mookie - their thoughts. Back the way we came, or another road?

He sits next to Pressi for a while. He takes her hand. "Pressi, thank you for caring. How it all works, I don't understand, but I could see the things you did after Uthvas' stopped my breathing." He pauses, just looking at her for a moment. He gently releases her hand with a squeeze, and talks, looking up at the stars. "I know you carry many things deep within you. It will take time for you to unfold them, if you choose to do so. But I want to know you better. To hear your stories. Whichever way we travel next, tell me a little more each day, if it please you."

Before retiring for the evening, Murphy says, "Though they sleep, we ought to attend to our friends - give them water each day. I don't know if we can get them to eat proper, but maybe some juices would help sustain them. Who would like to help them tonight?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 2:55:39 AM

Sorry - one more thing. Murphy took a little time along the road to jot notes, and he writes more fully as the meal is cooking about events of the past few days. Someone else can handle treasure apportionment. He doesn't even know everything we picked up.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 10:21:59 AM
Later he laughs as Kezzem launches into a story. He asks, "Um, do plumbers figure into this tale at all?"

"No plumbers, Murph, but is does have a garbage monster," says Kezzem.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 10:51:01 AM

That night, in private, after Bliss is asleep under a cauldron, Mookie wants a look at the notes that mention the evil book, and he looks at the book Bliss found in Uthvas's house.

"I remember when the Boss found an evil book back in Dirt City," he recalls, stretching his brain back many years. "It was bound in human skin. Cam shoulda detected evil on it. He was a paladin right? Or was that Carver ... " The old bird shakes his head to knock his memories into place.

"Can anyone tell if this book is EVIL evil? Hey, Murph, you're a druid, you would know if leather was made from people, right? Check out the cover on this book, just in case."

"Either way, we should probably touch this delightful tome as little as possible. Keep it locked away, and watch it. The book we found back in Dirt City got took by the Prince at the time, and he ended up nutso. Nutso and way evil."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:11:49 PM
Pressi smiled as Murphy took her hand, snuggling closer as they looked up to the stars.

"I do want to open up to you. Tell you more about what I've seen. Tell you what happened back there. Eventually.

"For now, I just want to sit back, forget what happened back there... and just enjoy the view."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:17:51 PM

"Uh, hi Mookie," Murphy rubs his eyes. "Leather from people?" The druid shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Well, in Koshe Marr there was that lampshade that looked to be made from human skin, yeah." He speaks very softly. "Now, to your question - we read about Uthvas' comments on the book. But - we don't actually have it with us, do we? Because, if so, we need to destroy it. I do not even want to open it."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 4:57:23 PM
(illegal short extra post, hope that's okay)

Mookie whispers back, "We GOT some book from that house, the Kid found it. But is it the SAME book??"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road?  d20+22=28 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 8:18:08 PM
(illegal multi-post conversation continued)

"Ah - well, I'll take a look, then, at least at the cover - and title, if any. Not gonna open it until circumstances are auspicious."

Murphy does give the book a cursory once-over - but he pulls out a couple of sacks so his skin does not touch the book physically - the sacks he double folds (so, 4 fabric thickness), and holds the book that way. Looks at front, back, binding (outside), and edges. [Perception: 28]

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 8:27:28 PM
Shel enjoyed the evening as much as possible with her friends. She had the best meal she had eaten in quite some time. The roasted animals were much better than trail rations, that much was very true. When the morning came, however, she was quite ready to get back on the road and to get the Wizards back to the Ford.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+7=25 ; d20+3=7 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 9:23:26 PM
"Nah, let's just head back the way we came. We know the roads and we know the time it will take. There shouldn't be anything unexpected along the way." she responds to Murphy.

When the party are alone, Alleah produces the papers she was able to retrieve from the fire. "The gnoll woman was very insistant that I save these papers, but wouldn't say so to anyone else. I'm very intrigued now..." She casts Comprehend Languages to help.

As to the topic of the evil book "IF that book is the same one described here, then just in case, can we not open it until we're away from here? I've heard tell of books that summon creatures before, and the last thing we want to do is summon some evil spirit into a town that has done nothing but help us" she pauses to look around "But absolutely inspect the outside of it"

She considers making a joke about judging it by its cover, but thinks better of it.

-------------------
Knowl check to understand the notes: 27 if Knowl Arcana or Knowl Nature, 25 if any other
Int check to understand the notes: 7. It must've been a long day :)

Dm Shawn - Burning down the house....  
Thursday August 4th, 2016 3:07:03 AM
Murphy sets up the food preparations and makes sure the giant is fed. When the book comes into disucssion he covers his hands with cloth and opens it expecting to release hell on the wold. Instead he finds it to be a combo of a diary and spellbook.

Pressi wants to relax and forget about the troubles for now.

Shel was content with the food.. but wanted to be back.

Alleah finishes going through the papers and comes across MUCH information..

Uthvas has been supporting Hammish and the town.

The 8’ tall guard at the front gate is actually a flesh golem under Hammish’s control.

Uthvas sells his flesh golems to wealthy buyers, usually mages.

There is reference to an evil artifact called The Book of All Evil.  It is or was in the possession of Marteaus, one of the Gods of Testing.  It is currently kept near someplace called Mount Bone.

Uthvas had found alternate ways to create flesh golems without all the requisite spells, though these notes do not provide enough info to replicate this process.  Some of this information has been revealed to him by Marteaus in dreams and sendings

Uthvas has created a machine that allows you to extract the essence of a person.  There are extensive drawings of this machine.

Knowledge of this machine came from the Book of All Evil provided in dreams by Marteus.

Uthvas placed a giant on this machine, and attempted to extract something called “Giant Essence”

Uthvas believed his machine could extract the essence of an arcane caster, that if injected, could give the recipient the ability to cast arcane spells for a time.

Attempts to capture any essence from an arcane caster have been futile - it seems to disappear as soon as it’s produced by the machine.  Uthvas continues to work on this.

The process of extracting the essence of someone eventually drives them insane, and the more intelligent the creature, the sooner they go insane.

Bliss wasnt sure if they had the book, but they had a book.

The rest of the night goes by uneventful.. and in the morning the Sword is sent off with goodbyes and waves from the villagers.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road?  d20+22=31 ; d20+7=17 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2016 3:35:29 AM

Murphy says, "Uh, I didn't mean to open it, Alleah. Really. It just kind of... fell open when I was looking at one edge. Probably should have ... hey, look - it's a journal. Doesn't look like an ultimate evil book, anyhow. Is that a spell? And - look at this drawing. Uh-oh. Remember when we were heading north through Izen? Bone Mountain. We passed a few miles from it. We might end up having to go there. You remember it, right, Mookie? At least, we might want to make a confidential report to the WLA."

Suddenly the druid comes to his senses and stops commenting out loud. He does say to Alleah. "Check it out yourself. This isn't the book we feared, but it sure tells us some things to beware of. Let's wait until we're on the road again before we talk about it further." Then, he kicks himself. Really. Once they are well under way, as they break for lunch, perhaps, he brings it up before the whole group, and relates what they discovered also asking Alleah and Mookie for their insights as to what they've seen.

He waves farewell to the villagers. Just before leaving, he casts the growth-enhancing version of plant growth, helping to ensure better harvests for them over the next year.

He himself attends to Veseley and Tiana, giving them sips of juice and water. "Now, listen. Yesterday I asked if someone would attend to our wizards. Who will make certain they are comfortable, get something to drink, and are cared for during our trip?"

"AND - which one of you is going to step forward and help us figure out the treasure division? Nobody seems to want a leader of this group, but am I the only one who sees what needs to be done around here?" - thus likely not ingratiating himself to his friends, and not really advancing his own case for the necessity of leadership, and not being entirely fair in his complaint. For some reason, he is feeling cranky at the moment, though.

[General perception check for now: 31. Animal handling, in case something arises out of the ordinary for the mounts: 17]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:31:48 AM
"So...Uthvas was supporting the town, and Hamfist was in control of the taxizombie thing out front," says Kezzem. "Not sure how damning that evidence is, but it sounds like he may have been taken bribes from Uthvas to leave him alone."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 11:09:49 AM
Pressi takes a first stab at the loot list, and asks for changes.

Goblins
Cloak of resistance +1
Ring of protection +1
Metamagic rod of silent spell
Gold?

Gnolls
Wand of CMW (given to Alleah?)
Masterwork breastplate
Marteus Amulet of Natural Armor +2 (given to Bliss)
+1 Great axe
Belt of giant strength +2

Uthvas Home

Injectible potions
2 cmw
1 displacement
1 invisibility
Robe of blending
Masterwork dagger
Amulet of natural armor +3
Belt of mighty con +2
Cloak of resistance +2
Goggles of night
Headband vast int +2
Crystal for magic jar (100 gp worth)
Scroll
Leather cloak
Spoon
Adamantine dagger
Adamantine short sword
spellbook
15,000 gp

Hammish

Bunch of almost burnt papers



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 7:56:04 PM
"Well, I suppose I could use the metamagic rod of silent spell, but I can already make most of my spells silent, if I want to, so maybe someone else should take it instead. I have a cloak of resistance, but it's not as good as the one we found, so maybe I could take the new one and give someone my current cloak?". Shel looked at the items closely, but none of them seemed quite the right fit for her abilities."[/b]

Are we close to hitting 8th level yet?



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 8:03:27 PM
I assume when we finish the module. In fact, I've already started working on the new sheet.

Pressi Level 8

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 8:54:17 PM
Alleah shakes her head "Attend to our wizards? They're not children nor invalids, Murphy. We've done what we can to treat their ailments. We are in a nice, safe village with plenty to eat and drink. If they need something, they only have to ask - or help themselves. If you wish to wait on them hand and foot, I won't stop you"

As for being "the only one that sees what needs to be done around here", Alleah just sighs and lets Murphy has his rant. Probably some built up stress over being killed yesterday.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - A feast, and - which road? 
Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:36:19 PM

"They are sleeping, until Humble's Ford, Alleah. How can they ask for help?" Murphy asks, double checking Veseley and Tiana to make sure they hadn't somehow gotten up and started walking around when he wasn't watching.

Alleah may or may not recall that Gargul told the group the wizards would sleep until they were returned to HF. [And, yeah, Murphy did overstate those other things. Sorry for his rant, but that's what he said.]

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=18 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=23 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2016 11:47:54 PM

Mookie is relieved to hear that the book Bliss found is a journal and not the TOME OF EVIL. However, when he hears that it is located near Mount Bone, he shakes his head. "I'm sure it's the same book," he says. "Dirt City is just a quick march south across an old battlefield from Mount Bone."

=====

The next day, Bliss is eager to fly some more. But Mookie urges him to look over the loot instead.

Bliss nods, casts guidance and detect magic, and does his best to figure out what is what.

Spellcraft checks ... 18, 13, 15, 12, 13, 25, 23. "How many things need to be checked?" he asks.

[OOC: I'm confused about leveling. Have we been awarded experience points? The last I award I have recorded was from back in January. Also, have we been awarded hero points? Sorry to be confused.]

Dm Shawn - Almost Home 
Friday August 5th, 2016 1:56:06 AM
Ooc: I, for some reason misplaced the email... so take the XP to level to 8.

The final good byes are said and away go the sword. They decided to take the same way back they came and for the most part it is smooth sailing. The weather seems nice for this time of the year, the flowers fully bloom, bugs and small birds skiiter scatter around everywhere.

The only evidence of enemies is a quick spotting of a small goblin war party, but if the halflings looked like easy prey, that all went away with a hill giant bouncing around behind them. For once a goblin made a smart decision and turned aroubd to live another day.

Finally, when only a few hours outside of Humbles Ford a voice calls out from the woods.. " Woh... Humble's sword.. " The woods part and a halfling in leather armor comes out. Behind him are two more. The group recalls the first ones name is Botta Birdskipper.. one of the advance scouts from towm. Behind him are two more of the advanced scouts.

Botta smiles as he moves in, but quickly jumps back pulling out his shorts sword...

"GIANT..... " he screams... " What in the wold are you doing with a giant Humble's Sword. "

He doesnt move in, but his face and body launguge shows he is a bit shaken, but reacting honestly.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 60/60 - (Kim) - Almost Home  d20+22=33 ; d20+10=30 ;
Friday August 5th, 2016 2:51:05 AM
The trip of a week or so
Along the way northward, seeing how relatively peaceful things were, he dropped off some of the extra food and supplies in the halfling village a ways back, lightening the carts some. If they were still having problems building a defensive wall, he would have asked the group if it was all right with them if Jindrak helped a bit with placing the timbers for them.

Also traveling northward, he had filled out his journal fairly well, relating all that had happened along the way. He has his own complete journal. He has another version, just focusing on pertinent details, for the Woldian League of Adventurers. And he has a much shorter version to provide to local Humble's Ford authorities. Know your audience, his brother Kendry always said.

Hello to the scouts
"Hello Botta Birdskipper and friends - don't worry, this is Jindrak," Murphy says, holding up a hand to forestall any offensive action. "We rescued him, along with some others. He is a friendly giant - you know, like Lomar the Friendly Ogre, over in Hovel." The druid lifts his hand toward the huge bigun, and as he says, "Jindrak, say hello to Botta and his friends," he sweeps his hand in the direction of the scouts.

He looks around at his friends. "We spent the last week or so coming up from the south in the Red Hills." He returns to the scouts. "One of you want to run on ahead, and let the Constable and the Mayor know that Humble's Sword has returned? We'll work our way up to town. Say, can one of you take the reins here - you know how to drive a cart for a bit? The ponies are easy - though sure eager to get home. Hold off before you run off though - hear first whatever my friends have to say."

If one does agree to drive one of the carts, he scoots to the back to look in on Veseley and Tiana. They are almost back in Humble's Ford. He makes sure they are clean and presentable. "Pressi, you want to help me get them out of these bedrolls? Can you brush Tiana's hair? They should wake up some time once we get back to the Ford."

[Perception: 33. Diplomacy with the scouts: 30 (nat 20)]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday August 5th, 2016 1:39:44 PM
"Please don't mind Jindrak, he's our big friendly giant," says Kezzem. "Our BFG, if you will. The 'F' stands for friendly."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Friday August 5th, 2016 1:47:22 PM
Pressi, having passed her admittedly incomplete notes to Alleah, moved to check on the two wizards. It had been a long journey, but they seemed fine and had most of their limbs still.

She supposed she could make them look a tad more presentable as well.

After the diificulties they faced on their travels, it was somewhat nice to have a quiet trip back. It didn't, however, distract her from what the group had lost or how far they had fallen.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+13=19 ;
Friday August 5th, 2016 8:20:10 PM
Alleah tries to get a gut feel about these halflings. Who knows, perhaps they are highway robbers? She smiles politely but doesn't engage with them just yet.

Sense Motive: 19

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39  d20+10=14 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=12 ;
Friday August 5th, 2016 9:39:05 PM
If any gear hasn't been properly identified, Shel takes the time to do that during breaks from her driving the second cart.

OOC: posted Spellcraft rolls above. It will take me a few days to get Shel leveled.

"Hey Botta! We sure are glad to almost be home! How have things been? Any trouble from the big...I mean, any trouble from any source," she asks, looking at Jindrak out of the corner of her eyes.



Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday August 5th, 2016 10:04:05 PM
On the trip home, Bliss works with Mookie on his flying, using BS1 every day to take the form of a tiny eagle.

One time, flying and looking down on the earth, he watches his own shadow below him. He plays shadow tag with Mookie's shadow. And he then he notices a third shadow flying next to his own and Mookie's -- also playing with the other two.

Bliss seems to have found his Shadow Companion!

Over the trip home, he gets to know his new pal, and chats with him and introduces him to all his friends ... his oldest friend still in the group first.

"Miss Alleah, this is my new friend ... um ... uh ..."

He whispers to the shadow, "What's your name?"

"got none"

Bliss turns back to Alleah as inspiration strikes.

"This is Pookie!"

Mookie falls off a branch. "oh no," the bird gasps.

Bliss looks very pleased with himself.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Saturday August 6th, 2016 12:10:41 AM

Bliss is such a good kid.

Dm Shawn - Almost Home 
Saturday August 6th, 2016 12:54:38 AM
"That don't mean nothing to us Murphy.. the giants are grouping in mass. Hill, Stone.. hell Jerol Grimgut said he saw some fire and frost when he was scouting. And then you come strolling in with a hilly in tow."

He snaps his finger and one of the other halflings moves up as Botta whispers in his ear. He reaches into his haversack and quoffs a potion. He then turns and begins running towards Humbles faster then any halfling should run.

" I don't know if you guys and gals are dumb or just dense. Since when has Humbles welcomed Giants... even if you do know their name. "

Alleah feels like they are honest. Theyre not robbers as she has seen Botta a few times going out scouting.

Pressi cleans up the two comatosed halflings.

Bliss finally finds his shadow companion... adding another friend.

Ooc: Gerald, I thought everything was identified but ill go back through and email everyone

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Saturday August 6th, 2016 2:01:43 AM

"They are gathering now, eh? Well, I assume you're talking about massing from the north, from the Scab, right?"

"Since when? Since Lomar came about, oh, seven years ago or so? Don't you ever get to Hovel, Botta? Yes, a real bigun lives here in the valley. And Jindrak is coming with us. He is here to help us with the northern problem, all right? You think we're dumb or dense, really?

"Now, what did you just whisper to that fella? You send the wrong message, and YOU are causing problems, mate. And we don't have TIME for problems." He hops down from the cart and walks up to Botta. "Now, what did you tell him? And where is he going? If you think we are enemies, mate, you may need reassignment. We're here to help the valley, and we have the solution for the north with us. Not just Jindrak."

Murphy rarely gets mad at fellow halflings, but his ears are burning red at the moment. And he is standing about three feet from the scout. His hands are at his side, he is not threatening him physically, but Botha, if perceptive at all, will get the idea that he has really ticked off the druid with his comments. If the halfling's sword is still out, Murphy pays it no mind. His eyes bore into those of Mister Birdskipper.

He takes a deep breath, and very quietly says, under tight control, and deliberately, "If you want to be a hero of Crescent Valley, you will help us get these people as quickly as possible to Humble's Ford. All of these people. Understand? We bring the Second Dinner Club."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+6=9 ;
Sunday August 7th, 2016 2:52:18 AM
Alleah looks to Bliss' shadow with a confused look. Perhaps the little guy had taken one too many blows to the head? "It's nice to meet you... Pookie"

As to the 'greeting' by the halfling ahead of the party "Now now, we're all friends here. Let's just relax a moment."

She turns to Jindrak "It's true. Giants have terrorised Humble's Ford for many many years. More than I can recall. It might be best if you were to wait here on the outskirts of the town until we explain the situation to them. Tell you what, what's your favorite meal? If we can find it in town I promise to bring some back to you". Halfling fear of giants was practically ingrained from birth. Even if the party could convince one scout to let them pass, the rest of the town might likely attack before the situation could be explained. "Huh. Who'd have thought I'd end up defending a giant from halflings" she grins.

As to the halfling scout "Master Birdskipper. Please. You know us to be friends of Humble's Ford. We would never do anything to intentionally cause fear or harm. Ride with us to the town and we can speak along the way. We have much to tell. If our friend Jindrak was to remain here of his free will, then I trust no harm would come to him"

-------------------------
Diplomacy: 9. Ouch

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22  d20+5=19 ;
Monday August 8th, 2016 10:12:50 AM
"Ok, look, we are all a little bit on the testy side, but you can clearly see that we also brought you the second dinner club and lots of information. So we will play it your way, but you can at least listen to what we have to say."

Diplomacy 19.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday August 8th, 2016 6:16:48 PM
"We've done quite a bit for this town over the last year or so. I'd think we've earned a bit of goodwill and trust from everyone. If we say the giant is a friendly sort, I'd hoped we've earned the opportunity to when that we have made the correct decision."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+2=11 ;
Monday August 8th, 2016 10:30:40 PM

" I don't know if you guys and gals are dumb or just dense. Since when has Humbles welcomed Giants... even if you do know their name. "

"Hey mister!" calls Bliss. "Down here!"

"Really, it is okay! This giant fellow is a friend. He even carried our couch. You got no reason to be mean or anything!"

Diplomacy (untrained) 11.

Dm Shawn - Almost Home 
Monday August 8th, 2016 10:48:59 PM
" Lomar isnt a giant. Not a hilly. And we arent preparing for an ogre attack. You can claim hes good all you want but your just blowing wind. You can back up too Murphy, I am a delegate of the town and work under that authority.

I said to my man, tell them the Sword just showed up with a giant. Thats it. Now if you want to press the issue, I'll knock you on your bum where you stand. Listen to Alleah.. leave the giant here and head into town on your own. "

Turning to Shel he adds. " Your good will got you here this far. If anyone else showed up with a hilly there would be a bigger problem."

To Pressi.. " That is great and everyone will be happy.. but that doesnt erase the giant you brought in."

He smiles to Bliss... " when nervous about war... I'll be as mean as I want."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 1:18:55 AM
Murphy has a thought. He really does not want to fight the guards of the Valley. Alleah seems eager quickly to acquiesce - but Gargul said he should trust his friends - the members of Humble's Sword.

Perhaps there is still room for benefit. He stands for a moment in front of Botta Birdskipper after being asked to step back. His serious face acquires a small grin, then he does step back.

Along the way north, Murphy had told Jindral several things about the valley, the giants from the north, and the towers. Last week, when he offered some pants to Kezzem, he was relieved that he was not taken up on the offer - as the finely made garment had developed some faults. Still, maybe it had a use.

"Jindrak, I have something for you." He jumps up in the cart, and takes a sack full of old things that once had a use. Out of it he pulls the outfit. With a dagger, he cuts it into broad strips. "Let me tie this about your head, Jindrak. It shall be your protection." Turning back to the scout, he says, "Jindrak may help us from outside. Tell your fellow guards, if they see a giant with a gold headband, not to harm him."

"Friend, will you watch out for us?" the druid asks the hill giant after tieing the headband firmly in place. "Keep an eye on what the other giants are doing, and planning? We shall see if after a bit permission may be granted for you to come in. My friends may give you additional ideas now. See what is happening. Come back to this spot as soon as you are able." He also hands him a sack of uneaten travel rations.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 3:54:08 AM
Alleah deliberately turns her back to Botta to speak to the rest of the party "We can't change a lifetime worth of prejudiced thinking with just one conversation. Not all halflings are as open minded as we are. It may take some time for them to be convinced that not all giants are out to eat them. Forcing our case now would just create more fear and tension within the town. Let's work within the system. We all calm down a touch and head happily in to town"

She nods and smiles at Murphy's suggestion at giving Jindrak a 'special task'. Hopefully it means he won't feel too excluded or insulted by Botta. "That's a nice touch" she whispers to Murph.

She then turns to face Botta again "As you see, the Humble's Sword are not above the law, and respect rightful authority. We have complied with your requests. May we pass now? As you can see, we have the Second Dinner club with us and they won't be fine until we get them home"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 7:02:10 AM

"Hey wait you guys! I got a great idea!" Bliss whispers his plan to his friends, so that only they can hear.

"What if we go over that hill, out of sight, disguise our friendly giant as a nice man, and then come around town from the other direction?"

Bliss giggles. "They won't mind if we bring a human-ish person into town, right?"

"Mister Jindrak, you won't mind if I cast a spell on you to make you smaller? Just so that we can visit in town."

He plans to casts Reduce Person on the giant, bringing him down to man-size. He would plan to stay close enough to recast as needed.

"If we had a hat of disguise, it would be perfect," he says. "I really want to get one of those."

Mookie harumphs.

"Oh, yeah, TWO of those," says Bliss. "One for me and one for Mookie."

"That's not why I was harumphing," says Mookie.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53, CMD 22 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 10:23:14 AM
"No, Murphy and Alleah are right," Pressi says to Bliss. "As satisfying as it would be to trick this guy - or take out our frustrations of Uthvas upon this guard - we aren't doing Jindrak or the town any favors if we don't let them come to us. Jindrak, this isn't right, but I hope that you can at least be patient with us, even if some of us won't give you that back. We will explain the situation, and I'm sure we can calm everyone down."

Pressi moved towards Botta. "There. You have succeeded in keeping out the big scary clearly injured and need of help being until you learn "what is going on" you big strong burly man you. He won't come in and do something scary like marry your daughter. I don't expect you to put out tea and cookies, but I do expect you to treat him like any other being in need of help. And if you think you can knock me on my bottom, you are certainly welcome to try. Where are our leaders and how do we report to them?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 10:33:33 AM
"Like the lady said, we got to get these folk home before Second Dinner. They're hungry, man, you want them to starve?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 6:40:02 PM
"Second Dinner! I haven't even had First Dinner yet!"

Bliss grins at his own joke.

"Don't worry, Mister Jindrak, we'll bring you some food."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 8:26:24 PM
If Jindrak was okay with the suggestion, Shel would not put up further fights. "Be good, Mr. Jindrak. We will be back soon," she has the others translate for her. Shel really wanted to get home to be honest. She had so much to gossip with Alouryn about and her new travels. Making sure the town was safe was very important to her.

Home as Heroes


Dm Shawn - Home 
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 9:33:55 PM
Botta nods to Jindrak. " I will tell the guards to not harm the giant with the head rag. " It is said sarcastically but he is also being truthful.

" You may pass Alleah. You and your friends are not enemies of the area. That was never an issue. "

Bliss' idea of the reduce person spell is quickly knocked down. It is probably for the better since a facade like that could be seemed as less then hoborable.

Pressi lays into Botta. But the Brash halfling just smiles. " Say what you want miss, but when you sleep at night know it is due to my men and I, and others like us. A few nights ago some halflings were killed by giants and others captured, but if you'd like to continue your stupid comments why not take it up with families of the slain and let them know you found the one good giant."

Kezzem cracks another joke, but gets no smile from Botta.

Shel waves good bye to Jindrak and sets off with the others.

The walk back is a little quick with the anticipation of getting home. Once another group of scouts is seen, but dont come close enough to speak.

When the town is in view, trumpets.. actuall trumpet fanfare plays for then incoming heroes. Closer to the gates, like clock work, the surviving members of the second dinner club wake up as if nothing happened.

A few ponies come forward, one carrying the burgomeister.

"Oh.. oh my stars and garters.. you succeeded. When Master Birdskippers' man got here we werent sure if it was all of you. ... Hold on.. I need to summon the mayors of the Ford, Angel Springs, and Hovel. Heck, I even need to get the Dwarf Representative. Master Brawnvil Blastmaster. They'll all want to hear this. "

He turns to move, but quickly stops.. " what is this about a hill giant. Your prisoner?"



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 2:42:37 AM
Alleah has never met a burgomeister before. "How are you supposed to refer to them? Your royal highness? Your majesty? Better err on the side of caution Alleah..."

"Your honor" she bows her head quickly "Not prisoner, per se. We rescued Jindrak - the hill giant - from the evil man that had also abducted the Second Dinner Club. He is quite friendly and grateful for his rescue. Murphy, here, even has an idea on how he might actually help Humble's Ford resolve conflicts with other giants"

She gestures to Murphy to explain further. It was his idea after all.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 3:03:09 AM
Murphy nods in acknowledgement of Alleah's words. That some halflings have died, or been kidnapped, hits him hard. He fills a sack with alchemical items (2 each of smokesticks, alchemist's fire, tanglefoot bags, acid, sunrods, and 4 thunderstones), and a healer's kit. He tells Botta what's inside, and thanks him & the others for their needed service to the Valley.

Besides the trail rations he already gave him, the druid loads another sack with vegetables, 2 pounds of honey, and a 10-lb round of cheese. "Hit my hand with your finger, Jindrak." "Now, take this sack. Any giant asks where you got it, say you hit a halfling and took it from him." He hands him a pouch with something small inside. "These 3 acorns - if some halfling is about to attack you, tell him you're Murphy's friend, and friend of Humble's Sword. Tell them I gave you this - and show them an acorn. I know you will harm no halflings." In the giant tongue, he adds, "Take care."

As the wizards awaken in the cart, Murphy asks, "Sleep well? How do you two feel?" He waits until they answer that question, then adds, "And, what's the last thing or two you remember?" If it seems appropriate, when he can catch a moment with them, he explains briefly and quietly what happened, skipping many of the gory details, except that Bazeck has died. "The giant tower fell. You and we went to a shadow land. Magic got us out, but misfortune separated us. You were captured, tortured. We learned where you were. We rescued you out of Bright Springs, along with a good hill giant. Lord Gargul healed you, and promised you would rest until returned to Humble's Ford. Do you feel rested enough to work on rebuilding the tower? We may know how to get what you need."

"Alleah is correct, your Honor," Murphy says to Burgomeister [What's-His-Name?]. "A friend. A rare friend, indeed, imprisoned with our wizards, as she said. Jindrak will be doing some 'looking about' among the giants for us. Wears a ragged golden headband. Perhaps we'll see him again in the near future with a report."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 2:15:41 PM

Bliss hops up and bows low before the official.

"Well hello Mister General Mayor Sir! We're back all right, and we rescued the wizards from the First Breakfast Club too! There they are! Waking up, I think, just like Master Gargul said they would."

The tiny halfling steps closer. "If I recall correctly, there was a mention that when we returned, if we were successful there would be ... pie?" Bliss looks very hopeful.

"Maybe we could bring a few pies to our friend the giant. He's been a good giant, like Miss Alleah says."

If the burgomeister looks hungry, Bliss says, "I would share my pie with you, if you like? I can't eat as much as I used to do back when I was big. And Mookie only likes worms. And Pookie doesn't even eat pie, do ya?"

The shadow bobs and weaves. Do you hear the faintest whisper of sound?

"eat shadow pie"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25  d20+5=21 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 3:03:05 PM
(New Header)

Pressi tries to remember how to address a burgeomeister and handles correctly (Know Local 21), but mostly keeps to herself as everyone else covers it.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 3:46:36 PM
OOC to Pressi ... what, you think "Mister General Mayor Sir" is not the correct form of address? :-)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 6:47:27 PM
Shel was more concerned with the health of the two wizards than talking to the town officials. She knew they'd want to debrief them before she'd be allowed to visit her old friends, so she mentally prepared herself. She waited for answers to Murphy's questions. "Do you feel okay? Any lasting effects you can tell? Can we make you more comfortable? Do you remember anything about your ordeal?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Wednesday August 10th, 2016 9:07:55 PM
"He is the very model of a Mister General Mayor Sir," hums Kezzem.

Dm Shawn - Home 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 9:01:56 AM
Ooc: Sorry about a late post. Fell asleel real early. If everyone posts, Ill put the next post up tonight.

The two surviving Second Dinner club members rub their groggy eyes. " Nothing really Murphy. I remember being chained to that contraption, I remember you floating or something, and then we were at the gates here. " Vesely says. Both become a little down when they are told Bazek died.

The other mayors and Master Blastmaster show up. The halfling mayors all have smiles on their faces while the dwarf is stone faced.

" Tell us of the giants" Master Blastmaster bellows " tell us of any you encountered. "

" What of this hill giant you came with. Is he from the tribes to the north? " the burgomester adds.

" Woh, woh... slow down. There is time for this but first we need to celebrate. We are honored to celebrate the return of the second dinner club as well as Humbles Sword. The Belly Buster and the Dancing pig have both stepped up and will split the meals. "

" Celebrating?... we won nothing and you want to celebrate Blastmaster yells. He hurumphs as he turns around and storms off.

" Uh.. sorry about that" the mayor continues. " anyway, why not get cleaned up and relax. You have a few hours to yourselves before we celebrate."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 10:41:23 AM

Relax?! Bliss hardly knows where to start. "Didn't we usually stay at Murphy's family's place when we were here?" he asks. "It seems like so long ago. Does your place have pie, Mister Murphy? I could 'relax' with a pie."

"The man also said 'clean up,' Kid," says Mookie.

"Oh yeah, and maybe a well? You need water to clean up, you know."

He looks closely at his new shadow companion. "How 'bout you, Pookie? Wanna relax?"

Does the shadow's whispering chuckle even sound like anything?

"can relax when dead"


Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 11:30:06 AM
Pressi stares at Bliss' new pet. "And Team Special Snowflake strikes again. Can we at least get him something for his throat?" (A new text color perhaps?)

Towards Blastmaster, "Hey, even I cut out the grumpy downer stuff once in a while. We got one of the bad guys that attacked us, saved the lives of a couple of leaders and have a better idea of what we are dealing with. I think that calls for a drink, or do dwarves no longer do that?

"Also, I do think we need to take care of the giant, first. Whatever his past or where he was born, and whoever was killed by things that look like him, we found him tied to a slab and almost dead for a while and he helped us get out of there so consider it a matter of honor. And also there's the possibility that the experiments on him are connected to what's going on here so maybe don't kill him on a whim."

Pressi realizes that she might have to head to the Dancing Pig a little earlier than everyone else.



Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 4:36:33 PM
"From the south, I believe," Murphy answers the burgomeister as to Jindrak's origin. Just after the Master Blastermaster huffs off, the towhead druid hands Mayor BumbleLuck the short (3 page) write-up he put together for the officials (see Aug 5 post), highlighting the journey and rescue, and a bit of political analysis concerning Bright Springs. He apologizes to the Burgomeister. "Perhaps I should have handed it to you, sir, as Burgomeister, but I wrote it for our town's good mayor to share with other leaders."

"Bliss," Murphy says with a smile, "Guess you forgot that Eldon and Cora TossCobble gave us their place up by the river. It's the Humble's Sword River Burrow. Hazel and Alouryn are there, and Quotiln, and my cat, Cora Calico, who has her own wee cat door. Any member of the Sword can stay there," he adds, glancing that welcome first at Pressi, then Alleah, and Kezzem for a moment. He knows Shel often stays with her folks. "But, yes, you're always welcome at the Leafwin-Pipewood burrow, as well. Mama - you can call her Bekka, or Aunt Bekka, if you'd like - says she likes cooking for you, and we have plenty of worms in our garden for Mookie. Maybe she even has some pie that casts a shadow!"

Murphy asks Shel if she will accompany him to take the Second Dinner Club to their home. She has a nice way with people, is a local, and the two mages have a lot to process. If able to do this, Murphy fills them in a bit more about what was learned from Botta of the encroaching giants from the north. "I know there is a good amount for you to think over. As you are thinking, consider this question: With essence of giant, and with the research you have compiled - can we rebuild the Giant Tower, or something equivalent? If so, how quickly?" He also asks along the way: "Do you have means to contact any fixers to help us?" - which question he also intends later to ask the Valley rulers. Last, he offers to have members of Humble's Ford escort them in honor to the celebration scheduled for a few hours hence.

He then visits, in order, the River burrow to check in, clean and change; his family's burrow to stable the animals and briefly catch up and share news; then joins with those who meet at the Second Dinner Club to escort the mages to the planned celebration. "I'm starting at the Belly Buster, then the Dancing Pig."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 10:13:51 PM
Shel quickly agrees to accompany Murphy and the Wizards. She listens intently to their conversations. "Nothing is more important than getting that guard tower back up. I've learned a little bit about magic in my travels. Obviously not as much as you two, but I'd be happy to help. I'm sure Murphy would, too. And we've made a friend named Alleah, who seems to have powerful clerical gifts. Could we combine with you two to help work the magic? I don't want the bad biguns to have free reign here. I'm sure Alouryn could help, if that would be enough.". She was all over the place when she jumped into the conversation, almost panicking at her racing thoughts,

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 11:21:46 PM
"We've, er, already met" Alleah shakes the hands of the remaining Second Dinner Club members. Seeing them up and about again brings back unpleasant memories of Koshe Marr.

Once she has had time to rest and clean up, she heads straight to the Dancing Pig. Alleah is a "Pit" through and through.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Thursday August 11th, 2016 11:25:54 PM
"Belly Buster and then Dancing Pig, Murph? Are you joining the Second Dinner Club?"

Dm Shawn - Home 
Friday August 12th, 2016 8:36:18 AM
" Well some of you are choosing the belly buster first and others the pig. We need a decisive answer because one inn gets the appatieser and first course while the other gets the main dish and dessert. Dong worry about pay, because both inns are doing phenominal with the influx of the troops and dwarven trainers. " the mayor steps in.

" One second dear mayor. Perhaps a challenge. Daggers, Darts, Rocks... anything. Winning member of the sword gets to pick which inn starts and which inn finishes. " the burgomeister adds.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Friday August 12th, 2016 9:05:49 AM
"I vote for Pig Belly!" shouts Kezzem unhelpfully.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Friday August 12th, 2016 10:14:21 AM
"Well, here's the thing," Pressi started. "I'm still technically an employee of the Dancing Pig, and still have a residence there. So..."

"Look, I don't care where everyone else goes, and don't want to tie the team one way or the other. I in fact withdraw my vote so there will be an odd number. And if the rest of the group wants to bar hop both places and some residences, well I wish I could join you. But I'm kind of tied to one place, and probably should be there already."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday August 12th, 2016 12:38:10 PM

"This is silly," says Bliss.

Mookie adds, "And he knows from silly!"

"Hey!" says Bliss. "Well, it IS silly. Who gets to which inn. Ugh."

He looks around. "I'm going to Murphy's mom's house to have a bath and some pie if she has any. After that, I'll wander around to these inns. Somebody in this place had better have pie! Come on, guys!"

He wanders off, followed by a raven and a shadow.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Friday August 12th, 2016 1:06:55 PM

"Pressi - you're part of Humble's Sword. Both inns have dropped the standard wall of rivalry to fête us. The Buster often has the better food; the Pig has the better beverages and dance floor. You CAN join us - and I hope you do. Let's start at the Belly Buster, and there is no place better to be, once the party has gotten rolling, than the Dancing Pig. Going will not make you a Pleaser - everybody is happy that our wizards are back - and that Humble's Sword once again served Humble's Ford. C'mon, girl! Let's party!

"Alleah - are you in for doing as the mayor asks? They want us at BOTH places. You want to finish the night at your favorite spot, right?"

He pauses, then says, "Yep, Kezzem, you're right - we go to both places!"

[Sheesh - can't believe this should be a major stumbling block. Religious pub affiliation and all that. The Mayoral Committee already told us twice now that they want us at both places, and that the pubs agreed to the split. What better time that this for ecumenism? And, for once, Murphy is arguing for not splitting the party... uh, by, splitting the party (which reminds me of discussions of 'level' in DnD). Let's make this easy on our DM.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Friday August 12th, 2016 1:30:09 PM
"Ok, why not," Pressi replied. "It's not like they were going to make me employee of the month."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday August 12th, 2016 9:20:38 PM
"Sounds like a plan to me!". Shel was ready for dinner at both places. Road food wasn't nearly as good as her home town's roasted veggies. If she had time, she would stop by her parents beforehand, and try to squeeze in a visit with Hazel and Alouryn. If not, she'd be willing to wait and see everyone during her stay.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d2=2 ;
Saturday August 13th, 2016 8:49:36 AM
"Sure, both places sounds fine to me. I wonder which one Wardd thinks we should start in? I'll flip a coin. The Dancing Pig is heads and the Belly Buster is tails"

Alleah flips her coin in the air. "Tails" she declares "Wardd agrees with your thinking Murphy. To the Buster!"

Dm Shawn - Home 
Saturday August 13th, 2016 10:11:51 AM
The Burgomeister looks downtrodden when no one wants to do a challenge and comes to a political decision on where to go.

" So be it.. the Belly Buster will be the start."

The crowd that is around cheers for the decision.. but some Pitters yell out how the pig should host the entire event. Some of the Busters fire back but Mayor Bumbleluck puts his hands up and calms everyone down.

" Both Inns are getting the benefit of the influx of men to the town so for one night lets not argue our opinions. Let us enjoy and celebrate the sword and the second dinner club. "

...... later.....

The sword gets cleaned up and rested to escort the remaining members of the second dinner club to the Belly Bustet. Both look different from when they were Uthvas' slaves. They are both cleaned up and wearing imaculate white robes.

The walk to the Belly Buster is full of men and women yelling to the Sword and Second dinner club. Cries of thanks and well wishes assault the group.

Inside, not a spot is wasted. Halflings and dwarves are everywhere. Some sitting on the bar even!

The group is ushered to open spots at a long table. Everyone had a spot marked with their name.

At the head of of the table Burgomeister Hornswaggle stands up.

" to our friends the second dinner club.. and the loss of Bazzek. To our friends the Humbles Sword.. this dinner is in honor of you. "

" Mayor Bumbleluck of Humbles Ford, Mayor Mauricio Mudflapper of Angels Springs, Mayor Max Middlesniper of Hovel, and Myself Burgomeister all welcome and thank you. This night is for you"

Close to the Burgomeister sits an older human with a gray long beard. Others in attendance are the local priest of flower... and even Botta Birdskipper managed to make it....

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+6=17 ;
Saturday August 13th, 2016 1:54:33 PM

Bliss whispers to his friends, "What's that mean, the night is Mudflapper?"

Knowledge Local 17

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Saturday August 13th, 2016 1:56:48 PM
"It means either that he's too drunk or I'm not drunk enough."

Dm Shawn - Home 
Saturday August 13th, 2016 2:56:06 PM
Ooc: oops

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Party Honoring Rescued and Rescuers  d20+8=23 ; d20+22=36 ;
Sunday August 14th, 2016 3:11:27 AM
"You two look marvelous," Murphy tells Tiana and Veseley. As they draw close to the Belly Buster, Murphy gives a friendly wave to the many well-wishers. He is happy his friends are being so honored. Some of the tasks at hand remain churning in the back of his mind, nonetheless.

Murphy greets the Burgomeister and the mayors each by name. Surprised, though, by the change in administration in Angel Springs, the druid looks for an opportune time to converse a bit with the new mayor of Angel Springs. "Mayor ... Mauricio Mudflapper? Pleased to meet you, your Honor. Why, only two, three months ago Rosco P. Hairfoot was Angel Springs' Lord Mayor. We've been on the road so much of late - can you bring me up to date on your election? I trust the former Mayor is doing well enough? Oh, and congratulations on your new position, your Honor. Any thoughts you may have which might involve us in the defense of Crescent Valley, I would be happy to hear."

Figuring that Alouryn or Hazel or Crystal BadApple would know the name of the local priest of Flower, he makes a discrete inquiry about him when he can, and makes a point to speak at least briefly with him. He is particularly interested in the progress of the temple for the Woldian deities, which the followers of Flower plan to share with others, now that Ffloy folk have taken over the original Temple of Flower.

Murphy takes the time to highlight one or two outstanding actions of each of the members of the Sword - including those who started with them, but who are not now with them (Trill and Cameron). He wonders privately if some of the leaders will be a tiny bit relieved that Trill is not there, considering how she spoke with them when they asked us to go on the rescue.

"A toast to those who defend our borders. I raise a glass to Botta Birdskipper, and the many who serve as he does." He raises his glass of kvass toward the scout with a solemn nod, then takes a good solid swallow in honor of the border guard.

Knowledge: Local: 23 - to attempt to identify the man with the long gray beard. If check does not succeed, then he will ask who might know him.
Perception: 36 (listening to snippets of multiple conversations, observing (sometimes directly, sometimes obliquely) those at the celebration

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+18=36 ;
Sunday August 14th, 2016 8:32:04 AM

Mookie whispers back to Bliss, "Wowsy, what are you talking about, Kid? No one said 'the night is Mudflapper.' He said the night is for us!"

Bliss shakes his head. "Huh, coulda swore ..."

"No swearing! What would your Aunt Priss say!"

"Sorry."

Bliss decides to shake it off, and looks aorund for pie.

Perception 36

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Sunday August 14th, 2016 10:06:14 AM
Alleah takes a moment to debrief Broker Iangold Laughshield, or "Ian" as he has permitted her to address him. Ever since the Temple of Flower was taken over by the followers of Ffloy, Alleah has had a special relationship with him. "Special" in that she sees him as an authority figure and wants his approval. Some may even see her actions as sucking up, but she takes no notice.

She hasn't been to the Belly Buster before, and is pleasantly surprised to see place cards indicating where to sit. Perhaps this establishment was more formal than she gave it credit for?

Like the others she has absolutely no idea who the human at the table may be. But there is one sure way to find out...

Alleah stands and approaches the man. She thrusts her hand out for him to shake "How do you do? The name's Alleah. I don't believe we've met before, Master ... ?"



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Sunday August 14th, 2016 12:07:12 PM
Pressi remembered the somewhat more mixed reception they got the last time. "Now, this is more like it," she said.

She began to take some drinks as if they were water, before remembering her white robes. "Better stick to the clear stuff and white wines," she told herself.

For the most part, Pressi avoided the town leadership. She hadn't been on her best behavior when they left herself, and wasn't looking forward to having them remind her how easy she thought leadership was.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday August 15th, 2016 3:33:42 PM


Shel wasn't as happy to be home as she normally would have been. She was troubled by the lack of answers from the Wizards. They werent saying much, and didn't comment on her offer to help.

She did the only hint she could think of, order dinner and try to put it out of her mind. She followed the group, and had several helpings of whatever she thought looked interesting

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday August 15th, 2016 4:21:18 PM
Kezzem tells the story of how brave Humble's Sword rescued the Second Dinner Club from the evil clutches of Uthvas.

"And after we exposed Uthvas and his taxizombie monster to the town, a mob formed and chased them to a mill. His monster hurled him from the mill to his death, and the townsfolk then burned down the mill with the monster still inside. We were unable to find the body of Uthvas. Some says the god of death personally took Uthvas to pay for his crimes. Others say the monster survived and escape with Uthvas. We may never know the truth."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Party Honoring Rescued and Rescuers 
Monday August 15th, 2016 5:00:03 PM

"Especially from your lips, friend Kezzem," Murphy whispers to the rogue.

Dm Shawn - Home 
Monday August 15th, 2016 5:48:09 PM
Mayor Mudflapper grasps the hand of Murpy. " I am one not to talk ill about a fellow halfling but the former mayor resigned when the giant army started. He was halfway to Dirt City by the time i was sworn in. As for defense I like Master Blastmasters idea. A solid attack to hurt and wound the giants is the best plan in my opinion. "

When Murphy toats to Scout Birdskipper he gets a nod, and raised glass returned.

The gray bearded mans name evades Murphy, and no one around recalls who he is.

Bliss could have sworn he heard something... but he is Mistaken!.

Alleah gets a chance to speak with Ian(or as the others know him Broker.

She walks over to the gray bearded man and introduces herself, and awaits a reply... " Oh no... no master. My name is Graeff.. just a druid from the woods who wants to make sure I am of some assistance to this battle. I hail from near Angel Springs and I am an inbetween with the elves of the area. "

Pressi makes sure to enjoy herself on the towns expense.

Shel is a little worries about the Second dinner club not being very helpful. They seem more preocupied with getting all the cobwebs out of their heads.

She enjoys her food.. the first course beinh scorched chick peas that are bathed in oil and salt.

Kezzem tells his story and most of the people shake their heads at his fabricated story.

After the first course is set.. Master Blastmaster walks in. Hes obviously agitated but still enjoys a few tankardss.

Ooc; Meant priest o Ffoy.. notFlower.



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Monday August 15th, 2016 9:15:05 PM
"A liar lives a thousand lives, Murphy, bit a square shooter live just the one."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Party Honoring Rescued and Rescuers  d20+22=31 ;
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 1:31:04 AM
"One lie has the power to tarnish a thousand truths, Kezzem," Murphy replies.

He lowers his voice again, and says to him, "If you were to stop telling lies for one week, I would give you everything that I customarily carry and wear while adventuring, except for normal, non-magical clothing, and my spell components, and journals. All else would be yours. Remaining totally silent during that amount of time does not count. This means you talk with people. You talk about things that have happened, and you describe them with truthful accuracy. You would not have to speak as much as I tend to. But, when you do speak, truth must be on your lips.

"Now, telling a tall tale for the fun of it, when those around you understand that is what you are doing - that's a style of storytelling, and I'm fine with that from time to time. But, during the week I propose, even tall tales would not pass your lips.

"That is an award I should love to pay, but do not think I'm in much danger of needing to do so. On the surface, at least, it appears you have let lies burrow so deeply into your soul, that they would be very hard ever to root out.

"However, just in case you feel up to the challenge, it's one you could start tonight. First, two simple definitions: To speak truth is to say about what is, that it is, and to say about what is not, that it is not. To lie is to say about what is, that it is not, and to say about what is not, that it is.

"And here is how you might start: Tell the people the truth of what happened in Bright Springs. You do not need to tell every detail, but that which you do say must be clear, with no prevarica... with no false twistings." He smiles at Kezzem, then steps away for a few minutes.

========
Now, while Alleah went to the gray-beard, he kept his ears open (perception 36). Graeff? Graeff! he thinks. He excuses himself for a moment and goes to where Alleah was. "Um, my cousins and sister and brother met you some years ago. I see you've met my friend, Alleah, here. And, my brother wrote a song about how you and Comey cared for the people at the Valley of the Four Peaks, and he still sings it, sometimes. My Aunt Nilli - Nilli Bramble Pastna Pipewood - a fellow druid, who trained me, she has spoken of you. It is so... so good to see you here. Oh, I am Murphy. Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood. My mother, and a sister, also are druids. And Alleah here is very talented - sorry for interrupting you," he says, nodding his head in a light apology for stepping in to her conversation. He does not go quite so far as to ask his autograph, but is clearly pleased that Graeff is among them.

Perception: 31

ADM Kim - Reward to Humble's Ford Players 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 2:32:54 AM

Gang: All of us may roll 1d100 plus 1d10 this week for Lotto - so - go post something about your real life, or something similar to it, and Roll!

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 7:14:36 AM

"A liar lives a thousand lives, Murphy, but a square shooter live just the one." says Kezzem.

"One lie has the power to tarnish a thousand truths, Kezzem," Murphy replies.

"Oh! Oh! I can play this game!" declares Bliss, forgetting his desire for pie for a moment (and oblivious to the underlying issues at work among his friends). "Here's a good one: 'A lie wears Boots of Speed, but the truth failed its save vs a Slow spell!' I think that's how Aunt Priss used to say it."

"Okay, Miss Alleah, Shel, Pressi! Your turn!"

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 8:50:40 AM
Alleah has never met Graeff before, but shakes his hand nonetheless. She does get a little concerned however "Did you say you were here for the battle? What battle?"

As to Bliss' request "Hmmm... 'A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.'"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 10:33:47 AM
To Kezzem's statement "So you already know a thousand people will kill you. Glad you're okay with that."

To Bliss "The truth may set you free but a good lie will set you up for life. That's how my mom used to say it."

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

Pressi can't help but slide up to Master Blastmaster. "So, to what shall we drink?" She does ask about some of the battles that happened while they were gone, but presses that things will be different now that they are back.

As Murphy starts challenging Kezzem to start telling the truth, she asks Blastmaster if he would like to meet their fearless leader. She can't help but smile at Murphy's frustration towards Kezzem's insistence on lying. Yeah, she remembered being in those shoes, trying to get Kezzem to stop lying all the time. Certainly, she would always strive for truth and seriousness.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22 +1 (Haste) = 23, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2; Bless, Haste 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 6:21:14 PM
"Murphy, Murphy, Murpy...I never lie except when playing cards or when the only alternative involves stabbing. Yes, I do tell stories, but stories contain hidden truths matter. The only lie a storyteller ever tells is when they claim their stories are true, which I did not do, but was my story really untrue? Uthvas was exposed to a town as bad man. His creations brought about his death, perhaps not directly, but had he not been experimenting on his taxizombie things and experimenting on our friends in the Second Breakfast club, he would be going about his business today. That's called a meteor. No wait, that's rock. Metaphor! We don't know for sure if the Gargul took Uthvas, not for certain. Own of his creations could have dragged him off while were distracted with Cameron. Was he even there, or did we all just image him in a combination of grief, mushrooms, and whatever chemicals Uthvas had bubbling about. And the townsfolk did try to burn his place down. Maybe not a mill, but that's what we call poetic licence. For dramatic effect, see? The only important thing I left out was that we suspect Hammish Ironfist was getting paid-off to turn a blind eye, and do we really want to tell people that? Yes, we have some evidence that may be the case, but we can't say for sure how much he knew about what Uthvas was up to in his shop. I am sure he has his own 'truth' about what happened, and one the people of Bright Springs will more ready accept. Maybe both are even true--he was being paid off AND didn't know what Uthvas was really up to. By telling our suspicions to the folk here, who knows what kind of hardship that would cause between the Ford and Bright Springs."

"So you see, Murphy, there is plenty of truth in a lie, and the truth is often a lie. Like the three blind men with the elephant. You know, where they touch the trunk, tusk, and ear and each thinks its a snake, a spear, and a blanket. They all think they know the truth, and that the others are all lying. But nobody knows the truth of things, not fully, and those that claim to are the biggest liars of all."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 6:21:37 PM
Header update

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 7:29:12 PM
Shel didn't see any purpose in trying to change Kezzem. So what if he tells stories? He kept his daggers flying for our side when Uthvas's constructs were almost overrunning us. He's fine the way he is

"How about, 'a lie is a truth that hasn't been discovered yet?' I think that means that lying isn't always a bad thing, so long as no one gets hurt from it. Or at least that's how I've always thought about it."

Shel wasn't comfortable around these officials that she didn't know very well. She stayed close with her friends and kept eating her vegetables.

Dm Shawn - Home 
Tuesday August 16th, 2016 11:45:12 PM
Murphy, Kezzem, Bliss and Shel all use sayings and quips to discuss Kezzem's story telling.

" The upcoming battle " Graeff says to Alleah. " The dwarves are itching, the elves to the north already saw skirmishes.. and I feel your halflings are one serious attack away from a full fledge offensive on the giants. "

To Murphy he adds.. " Oh yeah... I recall the name. I've been with the elves for so long that I havent gotten a chance to venture down here in a while. "

" Master Blastmaster looks Pressi up and down... " Ale... darker the better. You halflings know how to bake your pasteries but your choice of alchohol leaves something to be desired."

" Which ones the leader? " MBM asks.. " the liar, the one who wont shut up, the child, the bird, or the girl who ran to a priest before talking to her town leaders. Or is it you... the only one smart enough to talk to the only person here who has single handedly killed a giant. And i aint talking no ogre... im talking a hilly."



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+14=21 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+13=29 ;
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 5:20:00 AM
"You'll have to excuse me a moment" Alleah politely removes herself from Graeff. Seated around such a small table, it was relatively easy to overhear Master Blastmaster's comments.

Drawing herself up to her full 2ft 4in height, she raises her head to look up at the dwarf "Sir, if you are going to insult those here, then perhaps you should excuse yourself until you have had a chance to sober up. If you wish to have a civil discussion, then you should know we have no formal leader. We are a team, and we work as one. When you insult my friends, you insult me"

------------------
Perception: 21
Diplomacy: 19
Sense Motive: 29

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Party Honoring Rescued and Rescuers  d20+22=42 ;
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 6:52:00 AM
Backstep with Mayor Mudflapper: When the new Angel Springs' mayor told him what had happened with Rosco Hairfoot, his eyes grew wide with astonishment. "I... I did not think him to be of that sort when we last spoke with him, your Honor," Murphy replies with a halting voice. He recovers, though, then says, "I should like to gain what insight Master Blastmaster may have to offer."

Back to the mixed present: Murphy responds to Graeff, "Are the elves considering lending aid against the giants? You know of the towers - what might it take to give people cover to rebuild it with haste?" He holds up a finger - "Ah, excuse me - I'll await your reply at your convenience - a friend has more questions."

Returning to Kezzem, Murphy says, "You still say about what is, that it is not, and about what is not, that it is. Kezzem, I like you. Your loyalty to the group I do not question. You can be quite funny at times." As stated, Murphy's conversation with the Quickfoot continues in a very soft voice - so that it may be difficult for others to pick up what he is saying. He did listen to Pressi's, Shel's, Alleah's, and Bliss's interjections. He smiled at the boy's comment, and managed to avoid wincing at the others' defense of falsehood.

"Yet your mouth endangers us. That concerns me. Your lips can bring us, or others, harm, and at times, your mouth may invite a beating. No, I have no intention of assaulting you. But there are those who may. There have been times we have had to step in to repair damage your words have caused. Lies can turn potential friends into enemies. Your love for false reports may someday bring you, or those you care about, to ruin. We don't need to talk about this more at the moment - this is an occasion to celebrate. And your skill with blades provides one reason we have succeeded." He waits a beat, then adds in a normal voice, "Let me know if you ever decide to take me up on the challenge I laid out. The tongue has enormous power to heal, or to harm."

Somehow able to eavesdrop on other nearby conversations in the midst of this one, he picks up on the dwarf's words - not all that difficult, with the voice he has - as well as his friends' words with the warrior. He waits to see how Pressi handles this, now that Alleah has weighed in.

He asks a passing server if someone can bring a selection of pies for Bliss to sample.

Perception: 42 [Murphy's ears and eyes are pulling everying in that he can - nat 20]

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 7:35:42 AM

Bliss hears the remark insulting his friends and calling him a child. That gets him a little more than somewhat mad. But his long-ago training, come by the hard way in the Mailed Fist, kicks in to help him keep his temper.

Bliss glares at that fellow and is otherwise quiet.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 1:58:04 PM
"You would get along great with Hammish the Iron fist, Master Blastmaster. He is a jerk too."

Kezzem looks to Murphy. "What? I thought you wanted me always tell the truth."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25  d20+20=21 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+6=19 ;
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 3:28:45 PM
"Why, sir, you do know how to flatter a woman," Pressi replied. "But I fear I am no leader, and hardly deficient in the weakness department myself."

Alleah stormed in before Pressi could continue. Even with a low perception (18), she could tell that the rest of the team was kind of watching her and agitated. "So much for diffusing the situation," she said to herself.

"My apologies for the outburst of my friend," Pressi said. "Though perhaps you could get to know us a little better and see that we do have some strengths as well. As for leadership, we are a little bit more collectivist than you might be used to. And personally, I think you might find that I'm also a bit of a childish liar that won't shut up. And someone who needs to put god before country. It kind of comes with the robes. I also want to assure you that we do have an interest in what you have to say, and perhaps you could hear of how we killed a couple of giant constructs, even if we didn't do it alone.

"But in answer to your question, our leader nominally is the one who "talks too much" and I think you will find him quite the listener as well. Please let us join him... and Kezzem, if you come with me I have to absolutely right this second show you... hold on, let me think of something... this, this on the other side of the room..."

(Diplomacy 19)

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 8:04:27 PM
Kezzem's line about Hammish struck Shel as particularly funny. Despite herself, she couldn't stifle a giggle. Her temper was t nearly as quick when she was home. Ive got to tell Kezzem how funny that was after this is over.

She wasn't going to tonguelash the man after seeing the others beat her to the punch. She smiled at the dwarf. "Sorry for any offense. As soon as I return to the village, my first stop is always to see Alouryn. It's always been that way, and I suspect it will always be that way. But you have our full attention now, it seems. How can we help you? Please tell the lot of us."

Dm Shawn - Angry bird... I mean Dwarf 
Wednesday August 17th, 2016 9:57:12 PM
" No need to get sober, dwarves can handle their booze as good as you fat little halflings can handle your second dinner.

If you took my words as insult.. great, thats what they were meant for. You say you dont have a leader... perhaps thats why i was called in. The halfling "leaders" ( he does air quotes) have no clue or idea how to go about this upcoming conflict. They sit hear and celebrate and party when there are dead elves and dwarves out there and if any rumors are true some dead halflings too. The leaders wont know what to do until some stone giant throws a boulder and squashes the lot of them. (.He slams a fist down on the table getting looks from everyone in the area.)

" Ah the liar speaks another joke.. let me tell you how joking this matter is. I had a friend Bagnor Blandanvil.. a great fighter who used a chain as his weapon. Would tangle up the giants feet and trip them while others would smash their skulls in. Well me and Bagnor got stuck in the snow when what comes along but a dumb hilly. The problem was the snow made it harder to use our tactics and next thing I know I am waking up in the back of a cave. My buddy in front of me , half covered by some rags. He was whimpering. You ever here a dwarf whimper liar man? What about you tough girl? Child? Anyone... i doubt it because a dwarf doesnt whimper.. not even in the face of death. What Bagnor saw was much worse... he wanted death, he wanted to die. I weant to pull the rags up to cover him more and when I did I saw the worst site of my life. That hilly... that dumb sack of rocks began eating him legs first while he was still alive. He had no legs , the giant ate all the way to his belt strap. "

He takes a big gulp of his beer... " Bagnor is the only dwarf I ever killed... and I had to tell his wife when I saw her. "

Master Blastmaster nods to Pressi. " I understand god comes first. Belive me I get that.. I just dont like this celebration and partying much. "

Turning to Shel.. " I dont need your help. I am here to train the lot of these halfling settlements into some sort of fighters."

...........

Graef tells Murphy the elves have already attacked and killed some giants while taking some casualties.

As for the towers.. he is unsure. He hoped the Sword has a better answer.



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 12:15:50 AM
Alleah is far from impressed "Oh, I get it now. The reason you keep calling me girl? It's because as a dwarf you've never met a beardless woman before" she pauses a moment to let the barb dig in.

"Now listen. My friends here, they've earnt respect. You killed a giant and think that's impressive? This group has been to Koshe Marr and back. We've faced the Huntsman and lived. We've faced constructs, necromancers, goblins, giants and more. Now, you can say what you like about me. I don't care a copper coin. But you will refer to my friends by their names. Murphy, Bliss, Pressi, Kezzem, and Shel" Alleah gestures to each of the party as she says their names "If you insult them one more time, then Wardd help me, I will slap that beard clean off your face"

Diplomacy and tact are usually Alleah's tools in any discussion. She won't sit quietly and let a stranger insult her friends however. "No, they're not just my friends. They're my family".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 2:57:45 AM
"That wasn't a joke, just an observation," says Kezzem. "And just to clarify, what Alleah means she will slap you really hard, but your beard will still be on your face," says Kezzem. "I think. I mean, I suppose she might know a nifty new tricks. That would be something to see though, wouldn't it?"

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Party Honoring Rescued and Rescuers 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 5:37:45 AM
Pressi, Alleah, Shel and, ahem, Kezzem (whom Murphy believes is actually striving to be truthful!), are doing a fine job of interacting with Brawnvil Blastmaster, as he himself intends to do in due course. For now, though, something is pressing harder on his mind. He holds up a hand to indicate he may join them shortly.

"Veseley and Tiana, how is the food?" Murphy asks. He knows, despite the gracious erasure of their memories of the horrors of Koshe Marr, and apparently only spotty memories of their time under the mentally debilitating ministrations of Uthvas Bethud, that based upon the healing of soul and mind which Gargul provided them, they should be up to adding something to the conversation.

He pauses to await their reply, and engages in a few additional brief pleasantries. Then he gets into it. "Look, I know it is rough for you two, having just learned of the loss of your friend and partner in wizardry. Not to mention the loss of the giant tower which led to this whole mess. I take it you have been able to gather that giants now, well, gather against the valley. They have killed some halflings, dwarfs and elves.

"From our perspective - I speak of the members of Humble's Sword - we have been engaged in this whole thing now, including your rescue, for about six, maybe seven weeks. We have done what we have been able to help our community prepare for the gathering storm - and will do more. Though I would love to give you days, weeks, to recover from your ordeal, I fear we lack that luxury. Your week of Gargul-granted rest will have to suffice.

"Here is my question for you two. If you have the requisite materials, which I already mentioned we can access - can you enchant a rebuilt tower, in the same spot it was before? It is not your responsibility to worry about any other aspect of defending the valley. Just this one: If the physical rebuilding of the tower is handled by others, can you magic, can you enchant, can you cast so as to have a rebuilt tower rejoin the network to the north of Crescent Valley, and re-fortify the damaged defenses?"

Having been in the tower of The Second Dinner Club, he knows they have assembled a large amount of books and scrolls of magic which deal with metaphysical mechanics of the tower defense. IF they can do it, then that will seriously inform halflings, dwarfs, elves, and other allies as to what measures they need to take.

"I know of no one else who has at hand the skills you possess. Is what I ask possible for you? And, what sort of help will you need?"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+30=37 ;
Thursday August 18th, 2016 8:01:27 AM

If there is shadow enough nearby, Bliss just fades into them.

Stealth 37

He does not much like where this is going and wishes it would stop. He thinks about going to the other inn. Didn't someone mention dessert there? That means pie, right?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 11:24:27 AM
Pressi feels bad enough for Blastmaster, and horrified enough at Alleah's response, that she bites back several of her comments about how they were defeated by water and will you be able to train us to fight in inclement weather. She even manages to bite back comments about how they've proven to be far more adaptable so far.

Also, she isn't entirely sure if "tough girl" counts as an insult. Probably a tad sexist but she's pretty sure she's getting the least of it.

Pressi took a moment to choose her words carefully, waving off Alleah and Kezzem's attack.

"I'm not going to get into a contest of who's seen the worst or had the most hardship, except to reiterate that we've found ways to laugh rather than cry. I'm not going to get into whether he have much to learn from you. You don't need to berate us, and you don't need to break us.

"We just came back from our own journey of emotional and physical hardship, where we lost one of our own literally to Gargul. And we returned home to an area of much distress to do battle. So if we wish to let loose for a little bit, if we wish for one moment of respite, I think it's at least arguable that we earned it. And tomorrow morning, you will see that we fight as hard as we play, if you're just willing to give us a chance.

"I am sorry about your friend, though, and about what you had to do. I won't tell you how to grieve. But I've done the wallow in hardship always on alert thing myself, and it gets old fast.... Of course, if this isn't to your liking, perhaps you could suggest an alternative."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 1:33:28 PM
The fourth paragraph should read "'I'm not going to get into whether he have much to learn from you. Clearly we have much to learn, though we've learned quite a bit already. You don't need to berate us, and you don't need to break us."

Dm Shawn - Angry bird... I mean Dwarf 
Thursday August 18th, 2016 9:34:53 PM
" You know what. You're right. You guys killed a necromancer and his constructs. I applaud you guys. Its just this damned celebration.. and the way your flip floppy mayor had to host it at two inns. It just doesnt make sense. My people, your people, the elves.. we all lost something. This party is just a mockery of those we lost. Hold on.. "

He motions to a waiter who comes back with a tray of ales, one for Blastmaster and one for every member of the Sword. While he is grabbing the ales and passing them out the second course comes out. Thin, grilled elk steaks cooked in Garlic and Butter.

" a god burn me beard if me next words are lies.. but I am sorry. I just get mixed up feelings at times like this when I miss my friend . Now everyone take an ale, salute to those you lost. Even the little one... were did he go off to."

........

" Its a possibility " Vesely says to Murphy. " We are weakened down a member but I do recall some books and notes on the matter. I dont want to say yes though and let you down. We'll have to look into it."


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Friday August 19th, 2016 12:03:12 AM
Kezzem spit-takes when the dwarf apologies. He then raises his drink in toast.

"Um...to Cameron? We didn't always get along, but he was one of us."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Friends: Remember. Giants: Resist 
Friday August 19th, 2016 1:05:38 AM

"That is fair, Veseley," Murphy replies. "Say, I have a cousin, Grigory - his mother is my father's twin sister, my Aunt Shanzi. He is a potent wizard, but I haven't checked up on him lately. I'll ask my father whether he knows how to reach him. If he, or another wizard, were available to help, might that make a difference for you two? Anyway, thanks. I think I need to join the Dwarf - and you two, as well. We all have dear friends we have lost, no?"

He downs the last sip from his glass of kvass, and pours a third of the ale into that glass. Another third he pours into his 20 oz ceramic cup which he hands to Veseley. And the balance of the ale glass the waiter gave him he hands to Tiana. He then stands up upon his chair.

"Let's drink - to Bazeck Breezelee - Shel's uncle, and wizard of the Second Dinner Club." He raises his glass again, "And to Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper, who is under a god's tutelage." And, a third time, "To Bagnor Blandanvil, friend of Brawnvil Blastmaster, who was lost to a wicked fool of a giant."

With the waning contents of his glass, he steps atop the food-laden table, raising his glass to all around, "And to ELVES, DWARVES, and HALFLINGS - may those whom we recently lost, be remembered, and MAY WE BAND TOGETHER to RESIST THE GIANTS, that many more may not be lost to their depravities! Remember Our Friends. Resist The Giants!!"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday August 19th, 2016 6:25:21 AM

It has been a long day, and Bliss, who has found a place to hide behind an ale barrel, falls asleep.

Mookie, perched on a rafter, feels the little guy drift off through his telempathic link, and is quiet.

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Friday August 19th, 2016 6:43:47 AM
Shel nods at the dwarf and toasts along with all the others. She wasn't super close with her uncle Bazeck, as he was always busy on town business and seemed to spend most of his time in the tower, but she definitely wanted his memory honored. As soon as the gathering was over, she'd head to her old home and talk with her parents about her latest adventure and fill in all the blanks on questions she knew they had.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Friday August 19th, 2016 10:47:14 AM
Pressi, the fight over, begins to enjoy herself.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Friday August 19th, 2016 7:42:25 PM
Alleah smiles "In the spirit of building bridges, Master Blastmaster, allow me to fill your tankard" Alleah will try and find the best ale available in the tavern - some Lost Halls Porter if available. She'll even pay from her own purse if required.

"May Gargul guide our fallen to where the traveller never tires, the lover never leaves, and the hungry never starve"

Dm Shawn - Angry bird... I mean Dwarf 
Friday August 19th, 2016 11:59:54 PM
Various toasts and limericks are shared over a few ales... but before end the door kicks open. In walks a man, who residents of the town know as the owner and proprietor of the Pig.

"C'mon... third course is ready. lets show you why we were selected to end the party. Obviously, we were selected to solidify the night and make sure this dump didn't ruin the night."

Some people boo at the dump comment, but many others, including the mayors and the second dinner club get up to head out.

" You guys go ahead. I need some time to drink by meself. " Master Blastmaste whispers to the group.

"C'mon... we have stuffed Cornish hens... stuffed with bacon, shallots and some cheese brought in from Float City.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Friends: Remember. Giants: Resist  d20+22=36 ;
Saturday August 20th, 2016 4:49:17 AM
Murphy thanks the proprietor and staff of the Belly Buster for their good food and service. "Although, no one responded when I requested pies for my tiny friend Bliss." To his friends he says, "Can everyone else go on ahead, and save seats for Pressi and me? We'll be along shortly." He hands a short note to Tiana as she and Veseley go to join the others.

He remains behind, hopefully with Pressi, to sit with the dwarf for a few minutes once most others have cleared out. "Master Brawnvil Blastmaster, I am Murphy. If you can make it in the morning - would you care to breakfast at the Humble's Sword burrow over by the river?" He describes where it is. He also hands him four pieces of paper with a fair bit of writing, and some sketches, on each. They contain plans, layered defenses, strategems for defending Crescent Valley, centered upon the passage into Humble's Ford via the fallen tower, but considering other avenues as well. They mention rebuilding the tower as quickly as possible, hopefully with the help of a fixer - also ogre Lomar and hill giant Jindrak - both of good character - assisting the halflings with the lifting and laying of the heavy stones, at least in the early stages. A radiating defense, spying activity, and a few offensive thrusts are also laid out in the papers.

"I can talk later this evening, or tomorrow, if you wish."

He leaves some gold for the proprietor. "Take good care of him," he says of the dwarf.
==========
"Pressi - come with me to my family place for a few minutes, all right?" Just before leaving he spots Mookie in the rafters. "Hey, Mookie. Get Bliss to the Pig, would you? Pie there." Setting out from the Buster, he heads to the Leafwin-Pipewood burrow, talking with her on the way. Once there, he looks for his father and mother. Turns out they are both gone. "Didn't you see them tonight yet, Murth?" his youngest brother Billy asked. "They went to the celebrations thor you!" The boy's 'f's are 'th's.

From a back room comes a middle-aged halfling, about to light up a pipe. "Wot? Well, beekeeper. How fare? Got a friend, I see." Oh. "Oh, Uncle Orby! Yes, uh, this - this is Pressi. Uh, Silverglove. Pressi, my uncle. Orby Pastna Pipewood." "Hello, Miss Silverglove," he says, touching fingertips lightly to his forehead in a casual, polite salute. "Slippin' out of the spontaneous festival?" Orby asks Murphy, raising a somewhat bushy eyebrow.

"Well, I was going to ask if anyone has seen cousin Grigory." "Nope." "Oh, uh, all right. Well, see you later, Uncle!" "Enjoy." He lights his pipe, nods to Pressi, and watches the pair head out the door.

To the Pig they go, arriving about ten minutes after the others.

Perception: 36 - spotted Mookie

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday August 20th, 2016 7:58:16 AM
Shel had grown used to the bickering between the staffs of the two establishments. It had always been that way, so she did not take affront at one insulting the other. She was happy to head across town to sample their wares. She headed out with the main group, feeling the stress begin to leave her body the longer she was home.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Saturday August 20th, 2016 11:56:00 AM
"To the Pig!" shouts Kezzem,



Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Sunday August 21st, 2016 1:44:08 AM
The mood had certainly turned with the proprietor of the pig entering. Alleah smiles and thanks the staff for their hospitality, before heading straight for the door.

She fully expected to be served dessert at the Pig, and what honourable halfling could say no to dessert?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Sunday August 21st, 2016 9:10:47 AM
Pressi looked around at Murphy's family place. "I'm not entirely sure what you wanted to do here, but I was hoping it would take more than ten minutes."



Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Sunday August 21st, 2016 6:30:43 PM
Mookie wakes up Bliss and shoves him to the next party locale. Only the promise of pie keeps the tiny fellow on his feet.

Once there, Bliss rubs his eyes and loots for the dessert table.

Dm Shawn - new locale... same as the old locale 
Monday August 22nd, 2016 7:41:43 AM
The dwarf looks over the papers real quick. " looks good. Ill talk it over with you at breakfast... but just a warning. I dont work with hill giants. If i meet one, only one of us get to enjoy the next day."

Shel feels more relaxed around her hometown. She heads with the others to the second inn.

Kezzem too.

Alleah says her thanks as she also heads to the pig.

Pressi is unsure why she just made a stop at Murphy's home.

Bliss cant wait for pie.

..... At the Pig..

The guests of honor are ushered in and lead to a table. High back chairs look like thrones, and this time no place holders. You can sit wherever.

The third dish comes out. A soft, doughy cake drizzled with caramel and sugar. The pre dessert dessert. One bar maid walks up to bliss's spot and drops a whole pie in front of him. "Someone said this was what you were waiting for. "

Once everyone is seated.. the owner stands up and holds his ale up high... " To the second dinner club and Humbles Sword..." which is followed by some Huzzahs...

The music starts up and more celebrating.



Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Monday August 22nd, 2016 6:06:03 PM
"Ok, seriously, if this was your subtle way to get me to meet the family," Pressi said, "... I'd say it's too early but that ship sailed long ago. Meeting your family is kind of how we met."

Pressi had long ago passed anything reaching sobriety (though she is functioning enough that she offers to take a shift and is taken seriously). She had availed herself of some drink at the other bar. And now, here at the place where she worked on occassion, they had waiting for her something special....

"It's something we've been working on in the kitchens," she tells the rest of her group. "Based, as the dwarf said, on the principal that we are better at baking than alcohol. Behold." She holds up a small cup of what appears to be gelatin, the rim ringed with sugar. "A clear alcohol in place of water. We're calling it a Quivering Shot, because Jelly Shot was too on the nose."

Pressi takes a quick shot and immediately spits it out. "We're still tweaking the recipe."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday August 22nd, 2016 9:03:27 PM

Bliss offers those near him some pie ... and then, politesse satisfied, digs in!

"Mmmmmmmmmmmm"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday August 22nd, 2016 9:07:45 PM
Shel was trying to relax, so Pressi's Quicering Shot sounded like just the thing. She picked one of the red ones, and licked the sugary rim before throwing the Shot back. The confectionary sugar helped a bit, but the clear liquor had quite a bite to it. She coughed a bit as she choked it down.

"Bliss, I'd leave those Shots alone if I were you. They aren't the tastiest things I've ever had, but I'm sure they serve their purpose.". Shel tucks into her cake as soon as the toast was done. "Now, this is much more like it."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Friends: Remember. Giants: Resist  d20+22=34 ;
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 4:11:22 AM
Murphy takes in Brawnvil's comments, and chooses not to take up the dwarf's remark about the fate of himself and any hill giant he should come into contact with. The fellow lost his friend to an evil hill giant, and therefore, to his way of thinking, all hill giants are evil.
==========
Murphy laughs at Pressi's comments - and takes five more minutes at the burrow, picking up a couple of things, and dropping off a very short note for his father. "I know you know my family, Press. But I think this is the first time you met my Uncle Orby, right? Look, I have a cousin, Grigory - he's my Aunt Shanzi's oldest son - Shanzi is my father's twin sister. Well, see, he's a mage, and pretty potent. He's older than my oldest brother, too. But, if we can find him - well, maybe he can help the Second Breakfast Club. And, hey, I just wanted to be with you for a bit without the crowds - even if it's only for a short time at the moment."

At the Dancing Pig, he sits with his friends - then spies his folks, and goes to talk with them for a few minutes, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek, and shaking his father's hand before returning to his table. He is not very hungry for now, and takes only a few bites of his food - it tastes good, but he feels close to sated.

The quivering shot - he is not one given to strong alcohol, but thinks it might serve as an excellent astringent for certain wounds. He scoops a very small portion of the jellied alcohol, and rubs it on the inside of his wrist. Then he scoops a similarly small portion, and puts it on his tongue. He shudders a bit.

Then listens to conversations, and sees whom he can see, as he jots down some additional notes on plans and purposes.

[Perception: 34]

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 7:49:30 AM
Cake, caramel and sugar. Alleah's only weakness... at this particular moment.

She is torn between trying to act ladylike and just stuffing as much of the cake as she can into her salivating mouth.

What ends up is Alleah using a fork - rather than her hands - to break large chunks off and devour. She avoids any alcohol and just stays with water. Anything else would just ruin the taste of the delicious cake.

Dm Shawn - new locale... same as the old locale 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 9:41:01 AM
Pressi introduces the group and some others to a specialty drink. Its still under construction but some already love it.6

Murphy lets Pressi know about his cousin, a mage of some renown. He bumps into his parents at the party before trying Pressi's shot.

Shel needs to relax and what better way then a new drink. She warns Bliss about the potency. The little halfling is invested into his pie, and pays the new desert no mind.

Alleah combats the idea of devouring the pre desert and instead uses a fork to eat somewhat lady like.

After some small talk the final desert comes out.. slices of apple are drizzle with caramel and some broken up crumbles of bacon. Along side is some sweetened milk which was frozen while being churned. Anyone who knows food, knows this dish costs a handful of gold by itself.

The burgomeister approaches the table the group is at..

" Hope you are enjoying yourselves Tonight.. tommorow we have some business. In the morning Id like you to meet with myself, the mayors, dwarf leaders and others and discuss this whole mess. Then we'll have a funeral for Bazeck. Finally, after that, Id like you guys to swing by the orphanage. The young ones look up to you and it would be a nice change to the dour moods for them to see you."



Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 11:33:24 AM
"Don't worry, we'll cheer those kiddies up!" says Kezzem. "I know just the tale!"

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 6:53:20 PM
Shel excuses herself early from dinner and heads to her parents' burrow. She hugs both of them tightly nene knew she wouldn't see them at any of the celebrations as they were too private for all that. She filled them in on her recent experiences and how she had been able to save the two wizards. "I wish I could have saved Uncle Bazeck. You know I'd give anything to bring him back.". After several hours of catching up on her adventures and the state of things in the town since she's been gone, she curled up in her own bed and slept the best she had in ages.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 7:36:38 PM

Bliss has a great idea and puts a dollop of the iced milk onto his last piece of pie!

"Wowsy! That hits the spot!" he says with a yawn.

He hears that the kids at the orphanage need cheering up. "Hey! Me and Mookie will give them rides!" says Bliss. Right after the meeting.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+11=24 ; d20+11=19 ;
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 9:44:45 PM
Alleah continues to stuff her face with the delicious treats on offer. She pauses momentarily when the funeral for Bazeck is mentioned. What would the priest say to comfort everyone, knowing that his soul would never reach the Lands of Rest?*

The prospect of visiting the orphanage though is something that cheers her up.

She tries to find a waitress and whispers something to him/her Highlight to display spoiler: {"Any chance I could get some of that delicious cake to take away with me later?"}

-----------------------------
*Highlight to display spoiler: {Bazeck - much like Rais - died in Koshe Marr, where Marteus has claim over the souls of the dead - not Gargul :(}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 9:48:21 PM
"I can assure you that we will be up and ready tomorrow," Pressi replied.

"At any rate, I think I shall turn in for the evening. Good thing I have a room right upstairs." As Pressi began to leave, she touched Murphy on the arm. "Walk me home, sir."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Schedule; Recon Flight; Walk Home  d20+26=36 ;
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 1:36:56 AM
He hears the Burgomeister's plans for the morrow. All worthwhile things. Yet, will he keep them occupied with all sorts of matters until the giants strike, with no real preparations in the interim? Murphy is privately beginning to agree more with Brawnvil Blastmaster. All he says at the moment, though, is, "Very well, your honor, on the morrow, then."

As Pressi's invitation, Murphy looks a bit confused for a moment. "Uh, which home? River? Leafwin-Pipewood? Or up there?" he asks as he points up the stairs.

He then asks her, "How about taking a ride, first?" Regardless how that may be interpreted, he explains, "I was thinking about flying over the area of the fallen tower. Changing into a dire bat, and seeing what there is to see, hearing what there is to hear in the environs. Come fly with me?" He then adds, "And then I'll walk you home. Are you game for that?" he asks with a challenging grin on his face.

Should she take up on his offer, he prepares a loop and harness of silk rope to help her maintain her perch during the journey. In his overflight, Murphy goes up to about 500 yards north of the tower in a broad arc. After that... he walks her 'home.' "Your turn. What's up?" he asks innocently.

[Perception, night flight as dire bat: 36]

Dm Shawn - new locale... same as the old locale 
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 4:44:13 PM
Kezzem is all for meeting and greeting the kids. Maybe they'll appreiciate the jokes.

Shel leaves the party early to see her parents and sleep in her own bed. It is the best nights sleep she got in a long time.

Bliss puts the iced milk on the pie and it makes it that much better. He agrees him and Mookie will give the kids rides.

Alleah is succesful and a waitress does bring her over a container holding another order of the dessert.

Pressi decides to head upstairs asking Murphy to go with her. He agrees but asks her to take a ride first... if she accepts she journeys with him to the fallen tower. There is nothing else to see.. as no giants have made there way towards the tower yet. Nothing else sticks out.

Once back.. he goes to head upstairs but is stopped by the burgomeister.

" Master Blastmaster said you asked to see him for breakfast. I told him to cancel the plans and allow you all to spend some time together with your families for breakfast.

Once you are done. Come to the mayors place and we can discuss this mess. "

............

The next morning, The members of Humbles sword have a few hours for breakfast and to see their families. Those that have some in Humbles Ford.

Once on the way to mayors hovel, the sunny morning helps provide some comfort with the upcoming horrors. A pair lf guards walk the group into the mayors place.. inside all the mayors, the burgomeister, the druid and Master Blastmaster and another dwarf sit around discussing. On site of the group.. the burgomeister speaks up... " Humbles Sword. Before we begin, can you tell us what you came across before your trek home?"



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 5:17:23 PM
"You name it, we encountered it. We fought evil necromancers and their constructs, that tried to suck he life force out of our two remaining wizards. Oh, and Murphy died. We met with Gargul and after some touch and go moments, he brought Murphy back, pretty much no worse for wear. We made friends with a hill giant, too, because the necromancer was torturing him as well. If you see one with a gold headband on, don't attack him on sight. He's not all bad. We can reason with him."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Schedule; Recon Flight; Walk Home 
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 7:57:03 PM

"Yes, what Shel said is true," Murphy adds. "And I think, regarding Jindrak the hill giant, she may have meant to say, he is not at all bad. He may not be overly bright, but has demonstrated a good heart toward us, and treated us with kindness and gentleness.

"I gave to Mayor BumbleLuck my report," Murphy continues. It lists, in brief, the encounters the group had, beginning with Peremin Kalliwick on the outskirts of Hovel; the goblins lead by the fire-throwing Ringrot; the halfling village of Bombul's Hollow, lead by Henwi Greenfoot, learning of Greyson in Woodbridge; their very brief (due to prickly behavior), yet useful, conversation with Greyson; gnoll/hyena attack, and freeing of their captives; Nywald's village and the counsel they received from them; then details of the gate guard (including an undead giant, and decaying stonework); the merchants; the inn; Mayor Hammish Iron Fist; the entry to necromancer Uthvas Bethud's place; his homunculus familiar; the stuffed critters; the talking multi-part cat; the scattered scrolls and debris; more stuffed animals, elf and orc; the re-animated giants; Uthvas himself; the death of Murphy; the combat; the rescue; the raising from the dead and slumber-fed healing of the wizards, as well as Cameron's new tutelage; the apparent escape with the homunculus' help of Uthvas (evidenced by his ropes being shredded and his spellbook being missing, among other things); the rescue of the good half giant Jindrak; the conversation with Hammish and his people; Trillium's departure from the group; the depature of Humble's Ford from Bright Springs with Jindrak, Veseley, and Tiana - the latter two sleeping in the cart. Return to Nyland's village and a small celebratory feast. The relatively quiet return back up through the Red Hills - spotting only one distant group of goblins who made scarce upon spotting the hill giant; and coming into the south end of Crescent Valley - there meeting Botta Birdskipper, and sending Jindrak on a spy mission, wearing a golden headband.

At the end of the report is an addendum sketching a political and social analysis of the governance, business, environmental blight, some decay, religious milieu, and strict law of Bright Springs. And wonderful mushrooms.

"Were there segments of that report about which you desire greater detail? Did anyone have a chance to read it?" Murphy asks those assembled. "And, meanwhile, I have given you a few lists of actions that we of Crescent Valley might take to prepare for the defense of the valley - one given over two weeks ago, with a slightly expanded version given yesterday, plus some more notes to Master Brawnvil Blastmaster. Have any of those been enacted? The most important one, to my mind, is to rebuild the tower. We believe the means exist to do so. I am attempting to contact my cousin, a knowledgeable sage and potent mage, to assist the Second Dinner Club in their work. Finding a Fixer also would be a godsend. Know any of you where one might be found?"

He then closes his mouth, waiting to see what his friends might add, and hoping that Kezzem takes this morning to try to tell what is true, after his relative success at doing so last night, following his initial story.

By the way, Murphy had shown a copy of his mayoral report to his friends who were interested as he wrote it during the trip northward through the Red Hills - so they should be acquainted with it. He showed them, too, his more lengthy report for the WLA, which he hopes to get to that organization soon.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 58, CMD 25 
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 9:09:59 PM
Pressi smiled across the room at Murphy, thinking of the flight they took as a prelude to their nightcap, and not really listening otherwise.

She took some opportunity to fill in the gaps, particularly the battle with Uthvas. Of special mention, she chose to stress the giant's essence that Uthvas was trying to extract. That seemed important, as did some of the experiments he was working on with their wizards. That she almost broke every part of her code and needed Cameron to talk her out of revenge got glossed over.

She also chose to mention that she flubbed the bluff checks by assuming he was a normal necromancer. "He seemed to be working not only on issues of immortality but of what we consider identity. Not really concerned with power or infamy, to be honest." She took some time to show them the books and notes they retrieved, and the giants essence, wondering if the group could make heads or tails out of it.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Wednesday August 24th, 2016 9:56:27 PM
Alleah is a little caught off guard by the burgomeister. Rather than go through the courtesy of introducing everyone by name, welcoming the party, or even offering seats, he was interested in what they saw on the way back.

"Something's happened that they're not telling us" she surmises.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 7:28:44 AM

Bliss listens and stands at attention. The Mailed Fist taught him that much, anyway, and he's had to endure debriefings before.

But in his mind, he's wishing he could change into a medium bird to give the kiddies a ride. Well, he can enlarge Mookie, and shrink the kids, and then they can have a little flight. Everybody should get to have a taste of what it is like to fly, Bliss thinks.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 1:10:23 PM
Kezzem waves at Master Blastmaster.

"Back from Uthvas's taxizombie place? It was pretty quiet. But we had a BFG with us, so maybe that scared off the riffraff. Like those dumb Ringrot goblins we fought earlier. Stupid goblins hurt Rumpus!"

Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 8:35:56 PM
The group of powerful halflings, dwarves and a druid listen to the group tell them everything. They nod at Pressi not to attack the giant with the golden headband to which Master Blastmaster Harumphs. Their eyes go wide with shock at the mention of murphy dying and meeting Gargul.

They listen intently at Murphys wealth of info. They pass some of the drawings amongst them, pointing at different things. " It isnt that simple Murphy. We dont know how to repair the tower. Not yet anyway. We have some of our better students of Master Blastmaster headed out.to protect it for now. "

" We will send notice to the major cities and try to get a fixer, but it is not just a snap of the finger. As for your cousin.. we'll believe it when we see it. He hasn't been around in a while and no one is holding his breath for him to arrive. "

At Pressi's mention of Giant essense, she gets some gasps. " Hows that achieved? " Mayor Bumbleluck asks... almost afraid. " And is there a way to get more?"

Alleah suspects there is more to this then they are letting on. (Make any appropriate rolls you want).

Bliss looks like the soilder, but inside he is picturing flying with the kids.

Kezzem has another sudden outburst, but this one actually has info.

" This it? " the other dwarf asks. " more stories that dont need telling... me and me dwarves will teach your men how to chop them down like the Giggling Ghost Yuletide tree... Any Giant... " he adds looking to Murphy.

" Master Rockcracker. We get you are itching for a fight." The burgomeister says. " but we need all the facts before we can comtinue."

"Facts... " Rockcracker yells. " We should be training your soft men how to fight instead of hearing stories about these men and women playing pattcake with a wizard."



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 9:00:12 PM
"So let's have it then. Clearly you brought all of us here for a reason, not just to hear about our stories. What's going on? I love to come home and see everyone and spend time recharging my batteries. But, I know you all wouldn't have just invited us to answer all your questions without something more afoot. I love this town and will try to help, but just be upfront with us. Let's hear it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 9:15:29 PM
"Yeah... how to extract giant's essence is a bit above my pay grade," Pressi replied. "I don't exactly have a strong grasp of the arcane arts. What I do have is an observation that these giants essences are valuable and somehow connected to the tower. And too much cynicism to believe in coincidences. Have the giants even tried to contact us? Do we have any idea what they want?"

"And don't give me that 'to kill us all' line. We all know that's a means to an end."

"Come to think of it, I know nothing about your patty cake accomplishments except you've marked it with a B and an S. What is even your builds, if I might ask? Who exactly have you fought against? What great tactics would you use against a giant caster, that we haven't? Have you finally found a way to fight in Yuletide precipitation?" Pressi stood, her eyes locked on the dwarves. "Around these parts, we like to taste the honey before we buy the hive."

Pressi readies an action: +3 to AC.

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Schedule; Recon Flight; Walk Home 
Thursday August 25th, 2016 9:59:19 PM

At Rockcracker's comment of chopping down "Any Giant..." Murphy responds. "Most dwarfs, most halflings, tend towards the good. Most giants tend strongly toward the evil. But not all of our small size and race are good. Not all those of their large size and race are evil. Wisdom implies discernment. Size does not determine heart. If any here were to shed the blood of the hill giant Jindrak, who is our friend, and of whom wizard Veseley spoke well when they shared captivity, then that one might be an utter fool."

He listens to Pressi's words, then he turns to the rest of the room. "I gave to the Second Dinner Club the information which my friends took from Uthvas concerning extraction of essence. It was Jindrak, whom some in this room perhaps would see die, who provided this essence of giant - essential to the tower's rebuilding. Now, perhaps, they might be able to extract more. However, we may have to do with what we have. The wizards have the information they have gathered over the years regarding the towers - you will have to ask them whether the quantity we possess is adequate or not. However, if not, then another living giant would have to provide additional essence. Or Jindrak himself, if he chose to do so willingly - for him I would not coerce."

He pauses, then adds: "Training and arming our people to fight does show wisdom. But dwarfs and halflings have different ways of doing so - both can be effective. As for us," and he looks with a mixture of respect and warm affection on his friends, "though willing to learn more --" he begins, then returns his gaze to the dwarves and politicians, "we can fight. We have both tamed and taken down giants. Do not disrespect us. I respect your toughness and eagerness to take on the invaders - together with us. Let us together figure out how to mix and blend our approaches to warfare.

"So, teach us. Let us see how the honey tastes. And perhaps, learn a bit from us."
========
Murphy waits until the other members of the Sword have their say. After they have, he asks, "You, good Graeff. What counsel might you bring us?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Friday August 26th, 2016 12:14:36 PM
"It depends on the type of giant too,Murphy. Storm giants are nice fellahs, and stone giants tend to not be half bad either."

"Also, Master Rockcracker, we didn't play paddycake with a wizard, we stabbed him with daggers."

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday August 26th, 2016 5:21:20 PM

Bliss listens to the talk of war, and he remembers the grunts in the Mailed Fist who had that attitude. Kill them all and let Gargul sort them out, like that.

The little halfling is glad Gargul led him to be a hero instead of a mercenary.

Then he feels guilty for ignoring his WLA training, and he resolves to do that as soon as he can.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Friday August 26th, 2016 8:24:19 PM
Alleah stays silent. Anything she's says now would likely just add fuel to an already burning fire. No, best stay quiet this time around.

She gives a smile and nod of acknowledgement to Master Blastmanster. Any disagreement they may have had the previous night completely water under the bridge now.

Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Saturday August 27th, 2016 1:01:30 PM
Shel outright questions the leaders, but there looks let her know they are not hiding anything. " Thats the problem Miss Shel " the burgomiester says. "We aren't hiding anything. we genuinely don't know how to proceed from here. the training is the right start, but where to from there."

Pressi has a different tactic and goes right for Rockcracker's credentials. " Don't question me" the Dwarf bellows. " I was brought in to train your burrow mates. I was fighting wars before your mommy and poppy were old enough to order an ale. I was part of the giant breakers, while you were getting your behind wooped by one mage and his constructs."

Murphy adds the part about Jindrak... and Rockcracker laughs. "Good, if he provided the giant essence before, we know we can get more from him if we need. Good thing you brought him back to the area."

Graeff speaks up before it gets worse. " I am sorry to say Mister Murphy, that I am waiting for some of the creatures of the forest to relay a message to me. I was last told that the elves planned on an offensive strike to see what they could do versus some of the giants."

Kezzem shares the thought that storm giants tend to be nice... as do stone giants.

Blastmaster laughs at Kezzem. " Stone giants? they're setting to destroy you and you say they aren't half bad.."

Bliss remembers some time in the fist... and instead plans on visiting the wla.

Aleah decides to keep quiet in order to not make the situation more volitile.

Rockcracker throws his hands in the air, and turns to Blastmaster. " I told you this was all a waste... they don't wan our help. "

The Angel Spings mayor cuts him off. " Maybe it is your additude. We agreed to have you help train us, and instead you insult us every chance you get."

"Bah... now they complaining too. " he says as the points to the mayors. " Whats next the human?"



Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Saturday August 27th, 2016 1:57:08 PM
"I'm sorry if I came across as brusk. It's just that we've never been asked our thoughts before. Usually we are used to simply being given instructions, rather than asked our opinions. I think befor we do anything rash, we need to go scout the Giants. Find out their rough number and try to engage them a bit to take their mettle. We might just be able to scare a few off and help out our odds a bit. It's hard to plan without knowing exactly what we are planning against."

Murphy CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Schedule; Recon Flight; Walk Home 
Saturday August 27th, 2016 2:10:13 PM

Murphy nods in acknowledgement of Graeff's words, and in appreciation of Shel's.

After Rockcracker offers his final crack, Murphy says, "This reminds me of my visits to the burrow of some of my cousins in Hovel. They tended to bicker a good deal among themselves. But, let an outsider come against them, and they banded together. Well, let's say we're rather like those cousins," he says, keeping a light tone. "And the giants are the outsiders. So, cousin dwarves, we do welcome you, and are thankful you have agreed to train us and our folk here in town. Your insights are needed. But perhaps, now that the outsiders are so close at hand, we can set aside our bickering, and help each other out. We. Want. Your. Help. It's just, some of your manners are different from ours. Maybe we all need to adjust." He looks at the dwarfs. "Let us know how you suggest we start."

He adds that a few of the group need to spend one day with the WLA to receive some of their training and to report in. Aside from that, unless one person or another has some other priority, they are willing to work with them, and to help them work with other halflings in the community. "In training our community to fight the giants, perhaps you can serve as master sergeants, and we as corporals or sergeants assisting. As has been pointed out, we have fought the biguns, but you have fought the really biguns."

Murphy thinks to himself about the old spell he used to use to dig out five foot by five foot cubes from the earth, and imagines that might be useful for setting some terrain traps for the giants. Out loud he asks, "Is anyone working on terrain traps against incoming giants? Should some of us ready ourselves for incursions against them, before they come against us?" He turns to the mayors. "Has our militia taken any defensive measures or begun any fortifications either around the site of the fallen tower, or on either side of the river? Have people placed bracing timbers - some sharpened - inside their burrows against a foot stomp of a giant?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Saturday August 27th, 2016 4:52:40 PM
"Well, then color me impressed with my clearly dainty hands and inability to kill a dozen automatons and a blinking spell-caster with a thought," Pressi gasped. "How amazing you must be to have managed to kill the entire planet without stepping on your massive, swinging... axe handles. Please allow some room so I may faint at your presence.

"Sorry, Murphy, but I don't remember personally sending them an invitation for their help. And they sure as Domi's Delight don't want ours. In fact, one wonders what we're even doing here if we are so incapable. Let them fight the giants and get the next kidnapped wizards if we are so unimpressive. If I wanted to be called weak and take it, I would have stayed home. Sure, I've got plenty to learn and could use the help. But if you think I'm just some fragile flower, well, I'd be glad to leave and you can go make someone else your whipping girl."

"In fact," Pressi stood up and headed for the door. "I'm going to hit the gym. If they ever give us orders, you know where to find me."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday August 27th, 2016 9:30:11 PM
"People, people. Please. Let's all take a breath for a moment" Alleah speaks calmly as she raises her hands, trying to silence the room. "We're fighting amongst ourselves when it sounds like we should be fighting a common enemy. Let's stop bickering about our differences and instead focus on the issue at hand"

She deliberately pauses to allow everyone a chance to clear their heads.

"Now then, we have just returned from quite a journey and have yet had a chance to fully rest. How about we all sit down " - she gestures to the empty chairs that the party still have not been offered "- and talk about this like civilised people. No more insults. No more subtle jabs and barbs. Calm conversation."

Alleah steps forward and helps herself to a seat. She pulls it in close to the table and continues.

"You're talking about training. Shel has the right of it: Let's back up a step first. Why? What has happened in regards to the giants while we were away? Did they attack? I thought I heard last night that someone mentioned they attacked, but I don't recall the specifics. Let's start there. What village? Was it multiple villages? Were there many casualties? How many giants? What type? Were the attacks coordinated? All of this information would be useful to have before we get to the topic of training. I suspect you know the answers however we are coming in blind"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Sunday August 28th, 2016 9:02:49 PM

Bliss listens hard. Then he speaks up, though he still feels a little intimidated.

"Everybody should listen to Miss Alleah!"

"If there is about to be a battle, we can't run away. We have to protect people."

"If we have a little bit of time, we have to try to get the tower fixed. That's why we rescued whats-his-name, the second breakfast club guy, so he can help us fix it. So we gotta ask the second BF club how they intend to do the job. Then we gotta help them, whether with the giant essence or a Fixit guy."

Kezzem (by ADM Kim for Brian) 
Monday August 29th, 2016 4:47:12 AM

"All right - the stone giants that are planning to kill us are NOT our friends," Kezzem responds to Blastmaster. "I guess that's at least half bad, after all."

"Isn't it the Second Lunch Club?" Kezzem asks Bliss. "Yes, everyone listen to Alleah. Murphy, take notes. I won't be able to remember all the answers."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Monday August 29th, 2016 7:50:55 AM
To Pressi, Kezzem asks, "Who is Jim and why are you going to hit him?"

Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Monday August 29th, 2016 8:51:11 AM
Blastmaster pats his hand in the air. "OK.... everyone shut up for a second. Specially you Rockcracker. I will tell you all I know, and then Mister Graeff can tell you what he knows. You can reply to us, and ask questions... but you are all right. There is a war at your doorstep, and we need not start the fighting here. We were called by your mayors and the burgomiester to help. Halflings arent known to be the best fighters versus giants, and thats not mocking it is just a little bit of the truth. I am sorry we are brash and gruff. Both of us have history with these giants. Now our training doesn't mean you guys obviously... you seem to have been able to survive this long versus capable opponents so there is little in way of tactics we would train you on. One suggestion... Giants are dumb but they do have many tactics that make them look like military generals. Do yourselves a favor and have a set gameplan at all times. don't just go in and wing it. "

Turning at Alleah. "yes... the moved down closer to the borders in mass groups. Many scouts on all three of our fronts encountered them, and some didn't make it back. Tend to think they ended up on the wrong side of the dinner table."

"Shel is right. The best gameplan is to scout and see what you can find out. Most inportantly their numbers, and their leaders. What kind of giants we are talking about.. the individual classings inside their race. A thousand hillys is different then a thousand fire."

"Traps are a good idea Murphy. The giants aren't exactly known as the most nimble of creatures."

Graeff calls to Pressi. " I understand your annoyance at the moment. Trust me, it is a mutual feeling. But please, sit down, and as Miss Alleah says lets hash this out. It already sees to be going a little more civil. "

Turning to Murphy he adds, " Murphy, after your training I could use your knowledge of some things related to druidism. Sadly it would take you from your friends for a while. In fact, they might have to go out without you if you agree."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Monday August 29th, 2016 10:52:23 AM
She let's Blastmaster have his last little jab at halflings not being able to stand against giants. Finally everyone looked to be playing nice.

"Well, it sounds like scouting might the best plan" Alleah nods to Shel "Like Master Blastmaster said, there's a big difference between hill giants and fire giants. No point planning until we know what we are dealing with"

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday August 29th, 2016 1:59:26 PM

Bliss perks up at the word, "Scouting."

"Well, that's my specialty!" he says. "Just point me where you want scouted, and I'll tell you all about it faster than lickety-split!"

"What's the highest these giants can generally throw stuff? Mookie can fly around at that height and look around some."

Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 
Monday August 29th, 2016 7:31:31 PM
"Between Bliss, Mookie and Murphy in animal form, I'd bet we have the best scouting crew of anyone in the area. I don't know if the rest of us are able to scout that well, but maybe we could work helping with the tower while the scouting crew does their business. If they stay high in the sky, they should not encounter any trouble at all. Once we find out more about them, we can put together a proper plan on how to stop them!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Pre-war Council 
Monday August 29th, 2016 7:52:26 PM

"Mookie and I could fly together, if you're up for that, noble raven."

Murphy is rather taken aback at Graeff's suggestion. "My. Well, I am certainly willing to hear what you have in mind - though I am not certain I would want to be separated from my friends, Graeff." What the healer of man people asked does have him intrigued. He wonders what in the Wold he, Murphy, might know that Graeff or other outstanding druids would not.

Then, with an impish smile, he adds, "Though, maybe some of them would not mind having me out of their hair for a while." He then returns to a more serious vein. "Before I give an answer one way or another, though, if I were to leave the group for what you have in mind, we would need to find someone else who can join the group, who has a heart to work for the benefit of Humble's Ford, the Valley, and the team itself. Whether that is someone who has been with us before, or a new face."

He glances over at Pressi, then to Shel. He is about to say something more, but then withholds.

"As Alleah has said, we have been long on the road. The matters at hand are urgent, certainly. How about if we who are members of the Woldian League of Adventurers report in to them, and receive a bit of training, as well as any intelligence they may have to offer on the current situation. Graeff, you can brief me on what you have in mind. Those who do not need to train with the WLA, who are willing, can begin to work with our allies, the dwarfs," and he gives the latter two a respectful nod, "in helping to get our local citizenry prepared for what may be coming. Kezzem has some amazing moves - perhaps he can help a few of the more adept young adults pick up on some of those.

"I can be ready within half an hour of the close of this meeting to fly north on a few hour reconnaissance with Mookie, if he will. He can give me pointers on my still-junior avian skills. Bliss, can you find out
whether any WLA trainers are in town, or would we have to travel to Angel Springs for training?"

He mentions some of the former members of Humble's Sword who may be available to participate in helping to prepare the grounds and the people for potential conflict - in particular Hazel and Alouryn, who live in the group's burrow near the river, as well as some leading citizens who possess adventuring and crafting skills, such as Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf, and his own parents, some siblings, and cousins.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Monday August 29th, 2016 10:01:06 PM
Pressi shrugged as she sat back down. "If I had anywhere else to be... Ok, I'm willing to meet you halfway and concede that you shouldn't be attacking us.

"Ok, fine. I may have overreacted. It's true that halflings aren't well known for their melee fighting, so when you try to prove yourself a valiant melee fighter as a halfling - as a female halfling at that - you get a lot of people who tell you which end of the sword is right. I guess I figured a mage and a bunch of damage resistant constructs that were ready for us meant we at least earned the benefit of the doubt. But if we need to prove ourselves... again... then we are ready to do so."

Pressi sat on the whole taking her boyfriend away thing. Have to save the real crazy for when it counts.

"As for scouting and trapping, I'm no stranger. If you're looking for a scouting party, well, that's certainly what halflings are known for. But I don't like to try scouting giants from a distance." She brushed her fingers against her robe and hat. "I prefer a front row seat."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Monday August 29th, 2016 11:16:27 PM
"I think you mean giants are not good fighting halflings," says Kezzem. "We're small and quick, while they are big and slow. They have trouble hitting us. And my daggers may be small, but when you know where to put them like I do's, they can be even more deadly than a dwarven waraxe."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 5:39:03 AM
"How about we spend two days around here, resting, restocking and training? I think there was mention of an orphanage visit too. During the next few days I'll try a few spells to try and narrow the scouting area for us. After that, hopefully we'll have enough information that we'll be scouting the right places"

If asked, Alleah will outline her magical plans for helping with the scouting:
- Casting "Animal Messenger", and sending them to nearby towns, asking for reports
- Casting "Speak with Animals", to ask the local or migrating birds what they have seen
- Casting "Speak with Plants", to ask if the trees are talking to each other about things
- Casting "Call Spirit", to try and speak with one of the deceased scouts (*Note doing so will take a toll on Alleah to the tune of 3d4 temp Con damage)

"I don't suppose you have a big map of the area? We could leave it here and make notes on where we have heard giant sightings and see if there is any pattern"

Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 5:59:44 AM
" There will be time to scout in the near future but for now this town needs some morale boost. You still have the funeral as well as the visit to the orphanage. Both situations have a nees for Humbles Sword to be present." Mayor Bumbleluck says.

" Yes, leave the scouting to later. Your people need to see you. The giants havent advanced yet, atleast what our scouts tell us.

If nothing else is brought up the mayors and dwarves bid you farewell and you have an hour to kill before the funeral."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 11:01:25 AM
"Um, if we already have scouts telling us the giants have not advance yet, why do you need to us to scout? I'm asking for a friend. That is also me. I am friends with myself."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 1:29:42 PM
Pressi has many many questions, but she gets the feeling that they won't be answered at this time. Instead, she swallows her pride and asks about some of the allies and resources coming to the valley - other trainers or support troops, perhaps.

Maybe a temporary office of the mailed fist? (OOC: This is the IC movement of Pressi towards the mailed fist, as discussed OOC)

She also asks some questions about the specifics of training - where, when and how.

When the meeting is over, she decides that she does need to exercise and get some of these feelings out.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 4:27:42 PM
Why in the world did they bring us to meet with everyone right before a funeral? Especially if we weren't going to take action for a couple days? Very strange indeed, Shel thinks as they leave to get changed for the funeral. She runs home to gather up her parents, as she wants to accompany them to the event.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 9:40:38 PM
Alleah moves to shake hands with each of the representatives present, thanking them for their counsel and for inviting the group into the discussions.

"Right then. I have some shopping to do at the Catacombs. Shall we meet back at the house fifteen minutes before the funeral?"

-----------------------------------
OOC: Please advise when CC order #1512 will be available for Alleah to use, per email

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday August 30th, 2016 10:42:20 PM

Bliss listens to the news that there will be a funeral, and he offers to say a prayer. "I serve Master Gargul, you know, and I would be happy to say some words."

He spends his time washing up and getting spiffy for the ceremony.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) Pre-war Council 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 3:18:39 AM
Murphy thanks the dwarfs and multiple mayors and burgomeister for their counsel, and asks Graeff when they might discuss what he has in mind, before leaving with his friends.

With the reminder of the funeral, Murphy recalls how the wizard, Bazeck Breezelee, traveled with them in their first hour or so of their arrival in Koche Marr, but then had his life stolen by a deadly shaft from the bow of the Huntsman. And how John McGiven the innkeeper of The Harrowed Moon Inn let them know that if one dies in Koshe Marr, his soul does not go to Gargul like it would in other plains. "Here if you shuffle off your mortal coil, then it is Marteus's to keep." And Gargul himself said likewise. So, there seems no short-term hope for the soul of the potent mage. Oh, to bring that foul Lord to justice, and to remove the power he wields. Yet, Murphy knows that such a thing is wildly beyond his power.

He then gets to wondering, if justice is to prevail, whether there was anything in the character of Bazeck that might have somehow made him merit so dark a death. There was the salacious artwork in his chambers within the tower of the Second Dinner Club. How do the Powers decide on such matters?

So, he spends some of the little time before the funeral to discuss these matters with Pressi. She was not with them when they were with Bazeck, but he has recounted to her, and to others who have been with the group, what happened there. He tries some of her exercises as he talks with her, but is not as good at them as she is. He also broaches the subject of what Graeff suggested - that he do something apart from the Sword for - how long, he does not know. "I will not agree until I know more. I value your counsel, Pressi, before I decide, too. I will ask of the others, as well."

Twenty five minutes before the funeral, he heads to the river burrow, washes his face, and changes into a suitable set of clean clothing, to be ready at a quarter of an hour before the service, as Alleah had suggested. He knows that Hazel and Alouryn and Q know about the event, so walks with them, and any members of the Sword, to the place of the memorial service.

Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 9:14:41 AM
Mayor Bumbleluck relies to Kezzem. "Our scouts haven't advanced into their territory. They haven't been able to get close to any giant encampments. You men and women are more prepared for that,"

Blastmaster replies to Pressi. "one among us can help you. Reginald Longshield is part of the fist for a while now."

Shel is a little skeptical about all the info and the meeting. Afterwards she heads out and meets with her family to head to the funeral.

Alleah heads to the catacombs with the limited time between the meeting and the funeral.

Bliss informs the powers that he can say a word for the deceased for Gargul. " that would be fantastic." Mayor Bumbleluck says. " I am sure it would be appreciated."

Graeff replies to Murphy. "After the funeral, you and I can speak." Murphy also recalls how the soul of the departed is owned by Marteus due to him dying in Koche Marr. After the meeting he meets with his friends and accompanies them to the funeral.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At the church that is being used for the funeral, a shocking image is laid out before the group. The church is thin with patrons for the funeral. Maybe 15-20 halflings spread out among the seats. Some chatting amongst themselves, while others stare at their feet, silent as the night. In the front of the seats a hastily painted representation fo Bazeck sits next to an obviously empty casket.

Mayor Bumbleluck heads up to Shel. "No one else will do it, so would you mind saying some words for the deceased?"



Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 9:50:13 AM

When it is time, Bliss says his prayer:

The light is done, the sun has set.
For this poor soul we now are met.
Please Master, listen to our prayer.
And take this soul into your care.
Along the streams so red and strong.
Across the sea to sail so long.
Please guide him home to your embrace.
And bring him to a better place.

"Amen"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 5:28:49 PM
In the guild hall, Pressi had partially overcome one of the nearby barns. A cleared path circled the barn. Inside, small carpets mingled with dirt, crafted obstacles with old farm equipment. And there, in the center, Pressi had strung up a large boar, held in place vertically by a number of chains.

Pressi took a five foot step around the boar and flurried it. Dancing, she took another flurry. A quick block, and then another.

"I don't know if anyone ever told you the full story of that Uthvas battle," Pressi said. "Uthvas just kept coming at us and taunting us. Losing my 2000 gp sword wound up being the best part of that day."

Pressi continued to train as Murphy watched. "He took you, and then he took every part of my sanity, until I sat there, lost out of my mind, making a decision. I decided I wasn't just going to capture or even kill him. I was going to destroy him. I was going to burn him to death, trapped in a cell, his work destroyed all around him. I was going to get revenge, and it took Cameron to talk me out of it. Cameron.

"I talk a big talk about being a light upon the nations. About how we need to do the right things the right way. About how much I've learned as a disciple of Domi. One bad day and I'm back to following Waard. Back to starting from scratch.

Pressi fell back to catch her breath. "I don't have a good answer about life and death, much as I thought about it.... Cameron told me that I shouldn't take vengeance as long as I still had hope, as long as I still had other things to fight for. I hope he finds some hope of his own someday. But back to the point. I actually tried to avoid having hope and things to fight for, and it didn't work. I think even with the mourning and the problems, we still have both here. What matters is how we live in this plane, not which plane we wind up. That the universe doesn't have morality until we give it some. I don't know anything about Bazeck, but I think he did understand that."

Wiping off her brow, Pressi held Murphy's hand. "At the end of the day, we have to be the good soldiers, regardless of what we have to give up. Even if they don't give us the respect or the trust that they should. I hate that we have to be apart when we just started going out, but that was always the risk. Besides, I was always going to otherwise get on your nerves."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 8:57:38 PM
Shel steps forward to give a brief address. "Uncle Bazeck was very important in this town's history. He helped build the tower with his two friends. He selflessly sacrificed himself in Koshe Marr. He meant more to my mother and father than I can express. He was someone I looked up to as a small child, as everyone knew that Uncle Bazeck was a very powerful Mage. I always secretly wanted to be like him. He was a private sort, so I never got to know him as well as I could have liked...but, he proved in good heart in the short time we traveled together. I'm proud of him. He had a great life. I suspect he'd have wanted us to celebrate his life rather than dwell on his death. So without getting too maudlin, I just want to say, rest in peace Uncle. You'll be missed here."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45  d20+1=16 ;
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 10:48:54 PM
Alleah changes into her nicest clothes for the funeral. She doesn't like wearing dresses, and the stockings just plain feel weird.

She's a little disappointed by the turnout at the funeral. Humble's Ford was better than this. They're a community, and when one member falls all feel it.

After Shel and Bliss have said their piece, Alleah steps up in front of the 'crowd' to speak.

"I only knew Bazeck for a short time, but I would like to think he was the epitome of a halfling. First, he was brave. He tried to protect and comfort more than one of us from danger, even knowing it would place himself in harms way.

He was funny too. How many here could say he never made them laugh?

And he had an appetite as good as any of us. The cookies of Humble's Ford can breathe a sigh of relief now.

Yes, I'd like to think we are all better people for knowing Bazeck."

Seeing Shel as the only remaining relative, Alleah approaches her an gives her a small hug. It just felt like the thing to do at a funeral.

--------------------
Cast Guidance for a little bit of luck
Untrained Perform Oratory: 16

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) A life remembered  d20+5=16 ; d20+8=12 ;
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 11:30:24 PM

The gap-toothed towhead man-boy halfling listens to Pressi - along with enjoying watching what she is able to do in her workout. "Funny thing, Pressi - I was able to see pretty near everything that you and the rest of the team did, even after Uthvas' nearly-naked giants bashed my head in. It was like I was floating above the room. I watched you struggle, and mourn, and resolve what to do. I sorrowed for your loss, and was comforted by your concern. Cameron is a difficult fellow, but I'm fine with him not choosing summary execution. Morality? I think it exists apart from us, but we do not exist apart from it. I do believe in ultimate justice, but also think there will be a good deal of injustice in the interim. Our role? Strive for justice, love mercy, walk in humility before the great creator. Oppose evil oppressors. And love one another. That is what I choose."

He kisses Pressi's hand, and says, "Hey, feel free to get on my nerves any time you please. Time to go now."
=============
He listens to Bliss's fine prayer. He hears Shel's good words. To speak, or not? This is Murphy.
"Bazeck Breezelee worked with his two friends, here with us now, to defend Humble's Ford, and Crescent Valley," the druid says, with a deferential nod toward Veseley and Tiana. "I saw him about town from time to time, and at the games where our group first formed - then not much until the day the tower fell. He knew many things, and sought to extend that knowledge. As Alleah said, he was brave. We saw that, briefly, in his last hour of life. And saw one of Marteaus' evil servants steal away his life. I, too, wish for him to rest in peace. Yet, I think we shall need to maintain our prayers toward that end on Bazeck's behalf. Marteaus wants to keep under his control all who meet death while in his realm. I pray, in time, our wizard's soul may escape that dominion. I am no great expert in the afterlife, but do know that the soul's journey may vary for each person, and we may make choices even after our last breath."

He lifts his hands, clasps them before his chest. "I agree with Shel Breezelee Kromnite. Bazeck Breezelee will be missed, and we wish him peace. And with Bliss, I too, pray," and now he lifts up his arms toward the heavens, and recites,
'Please guide him home to your embrace,
And bring him to a better place.'"
Murphy sits down. Silently, he offers a similar prayer for Rais. After remarks by any others, he gives Shel a hug, and Tiana, and places his hand for a moment on Veseley's arm. He does mark all who came, wanting to remember who chose to honor the wizard.

Following the break up of the service, he plans to talk things over with Graeff. Just before that, though, he hands an item wrapped in a burlap bag to Kezzem. "You're making progress, from what I can see, friend."
=============
Perform oratory: 16
Knowledge, local (to identify locals who came to the service): 12

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Wednesday August 31st, 2016 11:36:24 PM

Note to DM: The item wrapped in burlap is an adamantine dagger, for Kezzem, from Murphy.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 12:00:33 AM
Kezzem is speechless at the funeral.

"Uh, thanks, I guess?" he says to Murphy.



Dm Shawn - The Meeting 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 8:55:52 AM
Bliss says some amazing words, that have the people in attendance say amen when finished.

Pressi let off some steam, both mentally and physically. She lays everything out to Murphy, letting him know how she felt inside when she knew he fell. She didn't want to capture or kill Uthvas, she wanted to destroy him.

Shel says some heartfelt words for her uncle, letting everyone know how he was close to some people and not always the loner that people knew him for.

Alleah gets in her best clothes, even if it makes her a little uncomfortable. Her speech is one of great wording, and keeps everyone engaged. She lets the people know little things that they might not know about their former neighbor.

Murphy's words are more in vein of telling how the man was corageous before he was taken. How Marteus had him, so he wasn't really at peace. Before he has a chance to meet and speak with Graeff he shares a present with Kezzem.

Kezzem accepts the gift, and says his thanks.

What started as people being stand offish and just being their to be seen has changed. Many people in the crowd have tears and and show genuine emotion when it comes to the departed halfling. Many of the people come up to the sword and give words of encouragement, a pat on the shoulder and in Shel's case a deep hug.

Graeff moves towards Murphy. "If you are ready to speak, we can do so now. "

OOC: Anyone who said any words or prayer take a hero point.


Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 12:26:39 PM

"Yes, Graeff, let us speak," Murphy replies. "Please, tell me what you have in mind."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 1:06:05 PM
"None of us have lost our voices from illness, so all of us are ready to speak," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 4:24:02 PM
Pressi had kept quiet during the funeral. Aside from some perfunctory duties as a monk, and a few words of kindness for the crowd, she saw no reason to change that now. Sometimes, you had to sit back and let them have their own moments.

As Graeff pulled Murphy aside, she separated to give them some space. If Graeff had wanted to tell the group, he would have spoken to them all. She kept an eye on the crowd, seeing if either of the dwarves had come to pay their respects.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 5:39:19 PM

Bliss shakes hands with anybody who comes up to say hi. He proudly displays his WLA badge. It occurs to him that he should probably have a symbol of Gargul, maybe on a chain, like an amulet. He wonders if maybe he should spend some of his gold on a magic amulet symbol of Gargul.

Maybe the 20K gold burning a hole unspent in Bliss's pocket -- okay, in his haversack -- wants to be spent!

[OOC: Bliss's PC sheet is up to date. Not spending money until house rule decisions are done!]

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Thursday September 1st, 2016 7:19:24 PM
Shel wasn't terribly happy to be receiving so many hugs. It was nice that everyone felt warmly toward her, but every time she was hugged, she felt like crying just a little bit. She welcomed a chance to get back to business and put the funeral behind her. I always want to come home, but this is the first time I've ever had to bury a relative here, she sullenly thought as she milled around, helping with her parents.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 6:38:42 AM
Like Pressi, Alleah gives Murphy and Graeff a chance to speak privately.

"I wonder if it would be wrong to cast a spell to calm everyone?" She considers it for a moment, but thinks better of it "No, numbing everyone to the pain would do nothing to help them overcome it"

She gives her skirt a yank to get it to sit properly, and starts the (uncomfortable) walk back to the house to change into something much more comfortable.

Dm Shawn - The Funeral/The Talk 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 11:31:00 AM
Murphy agrees to speak with Graeff and the two set out to a side hallway to speak briefly. "this is going to sound crazy but I need you to head west and speak with the Yoke of Culver. They aren't exactly on our side, but that is not to say they have any love of the giants either. Give them this letter, and return when you can. They aren't fond of halflings, but your love of the woods and the creatures within will help you get closer to them. Come back when you can."

Back out in the main chapel area, the crowd filters out and Pressi does catch the dwarf duo. Blastmaster nods his head as he passes, but Rockcracker keeps motionless and quiet.

The Burgomiester comes up to everyone. "The orphanage cant wait to see you guys. Why don't you grab a bite and then head over... the kids are going to love you. When your ready just head over, I think Mayor Bumbleluck will be there. "

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2  d20+5=6 ;
Friday September 2nd, 2016 12:24:16 PM
Kezzem tells the children a tale about a druid princess, Segue, that was kidnapped by an anti-paladin named Black Helm. She was rescued by a rogue named Stag Sunn and his were-dog sidekick, Puke. Stag Sunn was taught magic by a gnome wizard named Jello, and used it to defeat the evil Black Helm and sink his warship.

Perform (oratory): 6.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 8:16:08 PM
Shel was kind of numb by the time the group was sent to the orphanage. It would have been great if the funeral and the other mission would have been on different days, but she followed through with the request. She remained mostly on the outskirts of the group, allowing he others to do most of the storytelling for the young'uns. She'd already spoken today, and she just didn't seem to have enough words to try to entertain the kiddies. She tried to paint a smile on her face, though and carry through.

Bliss (AC27, HP44of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 9:40:33 PM

Bliss loves Kezzem's story, but finds it a little hard to follow. "His name was 'Puke'?! That's funny!"

After that, he enlarges Mookie and drafts him into giving short safe rides to the kids. He also has fun reducing and enlarging the kids (on the ground only). The raven is a bit grumpy, but secretly enjoys it.

Then Bliss gets the kids to laugh and sing, and he leads them in a dance. (Bliss is trained in Perform Dance.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 9:55:04 PM
Kezzem says to bliss, "It's short for Pucmalion."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Friday September 2nd, 2016 10:52:54 PM
As Pressi leaves the funeral, she tries to flag down the dwarves. "I know you probably didn't meet Bazeck personally, so thank you for paying your respects. I think I speak for the group when I say thank you for your support.

"And I know I didn't handle our interactions the best I could. For what it's worth, I'm actually glad to have another couple of martials to argue with. Around here, we don't get a lot of fighters. Just casters and more casters." She points to Kezzem. "And the occasional shmuck, I mean rogue."

Pressi for the kids decides to play to the crowd. Acrobatics. Fire. Breaking stone with her head. Close up slight of hand. More fire.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim)  d20+4=19 ;
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 2:37:29 AM

"Well, if there is no one else available -- it could be a fascinating journey, and, though I know some few members of the Sacred Circle, have not yet had the - pleasure? - of meeting any members of the Yoke of Culver. I understand, as you mentioned, Graeff, that they are not overly fond of halflings. Yet, as were many of my siblings, I was born in the Culverwood. Dwells there my Aunt Nilli, and she is well regarded by other druids in the forest, and some witches, and clerics of the woods." Murphy pulls his hair back from over his forehead, thinking it is time he gets his lengthening locks shorn more closely. He looks down at the ground for a moment. He decides not to speak of his reservations overmuch. Rather, he seeks additional information. "Please, if you, or the elves, or others in the area know aught more about the Yoke, or where to find them, and signs I may seek, I would know those things before I leave. And, I promised to meet with the orphans shortly. After I am done there, can you answer these few questions I have asked?" He listens to whatever Graeff may tell him, then begs leave to attend the orphanage.

He stops on his way, and picks up his youngest brother, Billy, of a similar age to some of the orphans, and instructs him on the way to see the children bereft of parents. He wonders to himself why some aunts, uncles, or other relatives could not care for them.

At the orphanage, he enjoys listening to and watching his friends. He is trained in perform, dance, but does not come close to matching the nimbleness of Bliss (P,D:19) - and encourages Billy to join in as he himself does so.

During Pressi's performance he shoots off a few small arcs of lightning to augment the ambiance and, if outdoors, places a sphere of water up high in the sky to cause a momentary fair quantity of rain over some of the area - trying to keep from drenching anyone directly.

He speaks toward the end. "Children, we pray heavenly blessings over you, despite any difficulties you may go through. We are Humble's Sword, and we seek to protect Humble's Ford, and the Valley. Perhaps one or more of you may one day, as well, serve as protectors of the halflings and their friends. You have heard a story from Kezzem, seen the lovely sorcerer, Shel, danced with Bliss - who also, like you, is an orphan, and seen the amazing Pressi, capable of many wonders. Over here also is Alleah, wise, and capable of many wonders. Some of you may know me, or some of my family. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood. Should heaven above grant me favor, I shall remember you and return someday. I have one small gift for each of you. Though small, it may become large, if planted carefully, and watched through coming years."

He reaches into his haversack and pulls out a few pouches. He hands one acorn to each of the children, including his brother. "Each of you holds in your hand a mighty oak tree. The great oak begins as a tiny acorn. So you, though young, though small, may grow into a person of greatness and strength. I shall ask those who care for you to meet with my Uncle Orby, who knows how to help trees grow. Each should be given a place to plant your acorn. It starts slowly. Give it time."
===========
After the orphanage, Murphy asks his friends to meet with him briefly. "I have no great hankering to leave you, my dear friends. Many of us will need to do things these days, I suppose, which will not be entirely to our liking. Graeff has asked me to take a message of some urgency into the Culverwood to someone who may be able to help us. Unless you can persuade me otherwise, I will accede to his request. And return as soon as I can. Before I speak with him again, please, tell me your mind."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 4:45:22 AM
Alleah takes some time to look over the children in the orphanage. Wardd knows she saw enough orphans in Dirt City. She's looking for the outcast. The one that either removes themselves from the group, or, has been exiled by the others.

It's with this child that she spends her time. Alleah reaches into her haversack and fusses around for a while before finding something safe to hand to a child: golden bootlaces*!

-----------------------
*Won in the GG Yuletide 2015: A pair of bootlaces entwined with gold thread. The perfect 'bling' for an adventurer on the go.

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 9:40:35 AM

Bliss's face falls when he realizes Murphy is headed off on his own. "But! But!" he objects. "But the first rule is 'Don't split up the party!' "

Then he shakes his head when he thinks about how adventurers come and go from the party. Heck, he himself split up from the Fist and his friends there. Cam just split, too. "Well," he mutters, "maybe it is less of a rule and more of a nice idea."

He impulsively gives Murphy a huge hug for such a tiny fellow.

"Well, Mister Murphy, you can't go on alone! You should have a companion to keep you company! And help protect you! If you were going to Blackbird Forest, I'd send Mookie with you. You need a black bird friend when you travel there! But since you are going into the Culverwood, I'll send Pookie with you."

Bliss turns to his shadow companion and says to it firmly, "Now Pookie, you follow Mister Murphy here and be his friend and protect him! Don't you come back without him! Keep him safe! Stay hidden around strangers!"

Bliss whispers to Murphy, "In a dream, Master Gargul told me no follower of his can have a shadow. So I have to send Pookie away anyway." Telling his friend this, Bliss definitely looks upset. "So really, you would be doing me a big favor if you took Pookie with you."

Bliss looks like he is barely holding it together. Please do not say no, is the underlying message, or he'll definitely start crying.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 1:55:50 PM
It should be noted that, timing issues aside, Pressi is reacting to Kezzem's story. Had to do it on the phone.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 2:13:38 PM
Pressi had sworn that she would not cry, much as she had suspected some mission of this type.

This time, however, she could not keep the heartbreak and anger out of her voice, even as she conceded that he had to go.

Pressi gives Murphy her hourglass with the sand that moves upwards. "Just think of our time apart in terms of time to look forward to. And you'd better hurry back."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Saturday September 3rd, 2016 3:17:51 PM
Kezzem waves when Pressi calls him a "schmuck."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Sunday September 4th, 2016 9:48:34 PM
"Be careful scouting, Murphy. Stay high in the sky. Giants can't see well you all the way up there. Hurry back. We and the village need you. And keep your eyes open for any more volumes of the "Journyes to the Moone" series. You know I want to read all of them!"

Shel tried to be brave, but she was scared this would be another situation like Hazel or Alyourn and they wouldn't see each other nearly as often. But it was a bit world, and she supposed that was meant to happen as she grew older.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood CMD 17 AC 16 HP 66/66 - (Kim) 
Monday September 5th, 2016 5:45:55 AM

"I know, Bliss, I know." He receives and reciprocates the tiny fellow's warm hug. At his suggestion to send his shadow along with him, Murphy replies, "Oh, Bliss, a shadow is a very personal thing. I am not even certain how or whether that can work." He pauses. "Yet, if there is a way, I should be honored to have Pookie with me. Two are better than one, I've heard." He addresses Bliss's shadow directly. "Pookie, are you both willing and able to do as Bliss suggests - that is, come along with me, though Bliss does not accompany you?" If so, he will joyfully accept the offer. If not, he will express his sincere regret that he cannot, though he wishes to, do as Bliss suggests. He does give his friend another hug of gratitude for his big heart, regardless.

Murphy takes the hourglass from Pressi, and kisses her on both cheeks, and the forehead. "I shall turn it right side up every day, then, that I can, Press.

"Yes, Shel, I shall be careful as you request. And I need you and the village. Oh, yes, I shall ever keep my eyes open for the books you mention - both of us want to read them!" He gives her a warm squeeze of her shoulders. "And, we'll get there someday!"

He tells Alleah, "You did so well with those children. They could tell your care for them is unfeigned."

Murphy punches Kezzem in the shoulder, not quite hard enough to bruise. "Cut down some giants for the valley, if necessary, Kez. See you later!"

Then he asks if he can have a lock of each person's hair. He even asks Mookie whether he might have the smallest of feathers - even a small scissors-snip of a feather. "Circumstances may call me to scry upon you, to try to communicate with you, at some point," is the reason he gives for his request. "Plus, it is a reminder of our friendship." He offers a small lock of his hair to each member of Humble's Sword. "I shall pray for each of you every day. Please keep me in your prayers, too."
===============

Murphy waits for answers to the questions he asked of Graeff (and any other well-traveled people who may have some clues). He also says he will read the letter that he will deliver, so that, should anything happen to the parchment, he still will be able to deliver the message. After changing some items he is carrying, then saying farewell to Hazel and Alouryn, and to his own immediate family, he is ready to go, unless any have anything further for him before he departs.

Dm Shawn - The Orphanage 
Monday September 5th, 2016 12:31:27 PM
The children sit and listen to Kezzem's story. Some of them look back and forth to each other, when finally a chubby little halfling stands up. " that story stinks..."

Shel fakes through a smile, too numb to care at the moment. The day was a rough one for her.

The children love the rides on Mookie, and secretly he does too. The children crack up at being enlarged and shrunk down. They are getting a kick out of Bliss' dancing and singing.

Before Murphy and his younger brother are able to spend time with the orphans, he speaks to Graeff. " Some of the druids, are monstrologers in ever sense. They feel as if nature needs to reclaim humanity and will eventually. they take druidism as literal as can be taken. You won't find them, they'll find you. Don't mention who you are related to, or how extensive your family is. The last thing these druids want to hear about it a big family as yours, to them it more trampled plant life under foot, or more animals hunted for food. "

Alleah gives her yuletide gift to one of the loner children. His smile brightens up everyone's day and he begins to tears... "me tanks you... me tanks you..."

Bliss is almost in tears when Murphy announces he is leaving. He gifts his shadow in an odd display, but it is still a generous gift.

Pressi gives her hourglass to Murphy. She tells him it is a countdown to they meet again. He returns to her a kiss on each cheek and forehead.

Shel gives some words of encouragement to Murphy and doesn't want it to turn into a previous situation of friends lost.

Murphy reciprocates his goodbyes and asks for a lock of hair from his friends. Either after receiving or not receiving the locks he heads back to his Burrow and says good bye to his family and friends before heading out.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After a few tears are shed and goodbyes are said, the children are what brings the gathering back to happy times. Seeing the kids jump around and dance, and play with mookie and the others is able to sedate some of the sadness of Murphy leaving.

One of the young halfling women working in the orphanage comes up to the group. " Uh... odd question... is the priest of Maab with you? He seems a bit lost. He's in the other room speaking to some of the children."

OOC: Goodbye Kim.. hello Robert.



Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Monday September 5th, 2016 8:37:24 PM
Shel turns and stares at the others. "A priest? No, I can't say he is, but maybe we'd best to check on him," she wondered, not having heard any rumors about other newcomers. She walked into the next room.

"Are you the cleric of Maab? I'd heard you were here. I'm Shel. Are you from around these parts?"

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday September 5th, 2016 10:22:42 PM

Bliss walks next to Shel to meet the priest.

"Hiya! I'm Bliss. I'm training to be a hero!" He shows off his Woldian League of Adventurers badge.

Bliss is half the size of a typical halfling, and he has a raven with him, as big as he is. Bliss is dressed in green pants and shirt, and carries a crossbow. The raven is black.

The raven caws, "Please ta meetcha!"

Tendel 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 2:22:20 AM
Tendel looks up from playing shopkeeper with a young hobbit when Shel speaks. Removing himself kindly from the game he says,
”Hold on a minute, kid. I’m going to talk to the grown-ups for a bit, okay.”

Tendel is dressed all in brown. His basic cleric vestments are stained and travel worn, bits of fallen leaves and twigs cling to the bottom of his robes. He is an old Halfling with a scraggly white beard, long white hair and deep laughter-lines around his eyes and mouth. His pet jaguar sits quietly in the corner beside a potted fern and canvas satchel.

”Hello!” he greets Shel enthusiastically as he shakes her hand. ”I am that indeed. Call me Tendel. Can I guess you are one of the Humble’s Sword? Maab has sent me from the Culverwood to work with you in protecting the halflings. As I understand it something big is on its way...”

”Hello Bliss, I’m Tendel. That’s a very nice badge you have there.” He releases a dep-felt, hearty chuckle. ”Been exploring the farthest corners of the Wold, have you? It’s very good to meet you. And you too, my feathered friend. Very nice to meet you as well.”

Again he chuckles to himself as he enjoys working with younger people.
”Ah, this is a good start. Today is a good day. Maab has truly blessed me with this charge.”


Tendel 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 2:23:29 AM
[ooc]...stupid autocorrect...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 1:03:35 PM
Tendel looks up from playing shopkeeper with a young hobbit when Shel speaks. Removing himself kindly from the game he says,
”Hold on a minute, kid. I’m going to talk to the grown-ups for a bit, okay.”

Kezzem continues telling stories to the orphans. :-)

Dm Shawn - The Orphanage 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 5:06:16 PM
Some of the group heads in to meet the new priest, who is busy playing with some of the orphans. A quick introduction is made,

Graeff comes into the room as well. After you guys head out, why not stop by tomorrow and I can check with some of my animal friends how Murphy is fairing? You guys had a long two days. I'll leave you be so you can relax and indoctrinate your new friend into your group. Until tomorrow have a good night. "

Graeff takes his leave. The orphans start to disipate and move away leaving the group to themselves. Time is yours.

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+30=35 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=23 ;
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 7:35:34 PM

Bliss says to his friends, "I really want to get my training done at the WLA outpost in Angel Springs. Is that okay? Who is that Graft fellow anyway?"

Mookie caws, "He's the big man who thinks he can boss little guys around. 'Until tomorrow have a good night,' he says! He can wipe his attitude on my beak! Maybe he can boss Murph around and treat him like a message boy, but can the rest of us puh-lease grow a spine? Until tomorow, ha! How about until we grant you an interview? How about until you can say please and thank you?"

Bliss says, "Don't let's fuss, old pal. Probably just his way. But if giants are not going to invade tomorrow, we should head over to Angel Springs."

"Hey, ARE giants going to invade tomorrow? Weren't we going to go scout around some? Mookie, you fly high, super high, like out of boulder range, and I'll run fast. We can cover a lot of ground and see what there is to see."

Bliss looks at his friends for approval, especially Alleah. if no one obbjects, he sets out for a recon, taking say 3-4 hours to scout the general area, moving at 40, ranging out, hiding when possible, hiding in plain sight when possible, taking cover when possible. (Bliss suffers no penalty for hustling while hiding.)

He's in favor of an overnight trip to Angel Springs if anyone else wants to go, or else going tomorrow. Unless there IS sign of a giant invasion.

Bliss's stealth mod is +30 ... 35, 42, 45
Bliss's perception mod is +18 ... 33, 24, 23
Mookie's perception mod is +13 ... 24, 32, 23

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 8:19:48 PM
"Pleasure to meet you, Tendel. It's not often we actually have someone who wants to help us! That's so nice of you. We can always use help. Tell me more about Maab...I don't know much about religion, to be honest.". Shel Introduces the rest of the group. "What exactly have you heard about us? But, it's right we need help. You ever tussled with any of those biguns? That looks like our future."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 8:28:29 PM
Pressi had been somewhat quiet at the introduction of Tendel, but she felt that she needed to say something in regards to how Graeff suddenly kept pushing this guy. "Oh, that's nice. Our other animal themed healer is barely out the door and so lets just replace him and go? I've decided to place my trust that you had to place my boyfriend in danger, because I believe in serving until the job is done. But anything happens to him or you push us? I'm taking your face.

"And just what makes you think that we will just take him. As Team Special Snowflake, we have a duty to make sure that he's Snowflakey enough. And what exactly did he mean by "Maab sent me" anyway? Did he send a scroll or is a burning bush more his thing?"

Pressi calmed down enough to look Tendel over carefully. "Ok, looks like you're coming along. So tell us about yourself. Any prior experience? Special skills? Hobbies? How long have you been in town?"

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

Pressi tells Bliss that she's been considering joining an organization, and might want to check out WLA headquarters herself. Though she had also been considering Mailed Fist, and figured Bliss would have some idea of what they were like, too. (She does take a moment to meet with the mailed fist local recruiter.)

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Tuesday September 6th, 2016 8:29:51 PM
Alleah very quickly speaks up to keep the mood light. "Wardd does love variety. Where else would you find clerics of Flower, Ffloy, Jancassis, Maab and Wardd in the same halfling village?" Alleah smiles to the new cleric "The name's Alleah. Pleased to meet you, Tendel."

Alleah notices the jaguar in the corner "Is she yours? She's magnificent! May I?" If given approval, Alleah will make her way to the jaguar and stroke it's head

-------------------
"I need to travel to Angel Springs for training as well Bliss. If you want to get some scouting done first, what say we meet back at the house in a few hours? I'll get the ponies ready and pack some food for the trip" Alleah looks to the newcomer "How 'bout it, Tendel? Want to come with us?"

Tendel 
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 7:03:44 AM
[ooc]Sorry for the wall of text - introductions and all that, you see.

"Ha! Mookie, you're a hoot. I think we are going to be friends, Mookie. I like your straight-talking." chuckling again he says to Bliss, "You know, Bliss, that you are his carer, not his master, right? This bird has more attitude and sass than the rest of us in this room. Ha-ha! You guys have really cheered me up today. This is a good day!"

As Shel introduces the rest of group Tendel is full of mirth and is genuinely happy to meet these new people:

"Pressi, amazingly blue eyes. Sorry, I mean no offence. I am not good with names so I say things like this to connect names with faces.

"Mookie and his pet, that's an easy one to remember. Ha-ha!

"Shel, brown eyes, impish grin - if you don't mind an old man's perspective.

"Alleah, green eyes, fair skin. Pleasure to meet you. Yes, Onalep enjoys company at times - she likes to be scratched behind the ears. Be careful of the fern though, Bill's his name, he needs a new home.

"Kazeem, red hair. Nice vest, where did you get it?"

The old halfling has another chuckle at his good fortune. "Very blessed, I am," he utters to himself with a wide grin.

Talking quietly and without humour to Pressi he tries to reassure her. "Pressi, I am not sure what has recently transpired but I can hear that you are hurt by recent events. It seems I have arrived just as your love is leaving. I'm sorry about that, it was unintended on my part. I have no thought of replacing anybody. Maab has directed me to the Humble's Sword to serve you, and in doing so, serve Her needs. I am sorry that I have upset you."

"Maab," Tendel says to Shel, "is the Queen of the Fey. Eberyon's wife, if you like, though this is the least flattering of Her titles - who wants to be judged entirely by their marriage? Ruler of the Vales of Twilight is another title." he inadvertently moves into preaching now, "Queen Maab has been known to appear as a silver dragon, from time to time, and many good dragons respect Her. Queen Maab is my Lady and I serve Her in all things. And by serving the Animals and the Plants of the Wold, I serve Her in kind. She seeks further knowledge of the people of the Wold and has sent me back to my people and to you wonderful halflings. Queen Maab, it seems, must have a kindness towards halflings, because it is to help you from a 'big danger coming soon' that I come to offer my aid, if you will accept it.

"I have a way with Plants and Animals, and with Healing. I like to think I am prepared for almost anything nowadays, mostly learned through doing things the wrong way, or not have the right thing to hand, with more than a few scares to show for it, many times over in my 80-something years. I was most recently in Plateau City for some time, though I prefer the natural spaces, and so spent six years wandering, which ultimately led me from there to here, at Queen Maab's direction no doubt. I came in to Humble's Ford only two days ago. You all created quite a stir, ha! And what a night of celebrations."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2  d20=7 ;
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 10:39:19 AM
With the orphans dispersing, Kezzem makes his way over to the grown-ups.

"Who's this?" he asks.

After introductions.

"I think I'm going to call you New Murphey."

In response to the question on the vest,

"I got it a store called the Vested Interest."

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 4:14:57 PM

Bliss tells Pressi all about the WLA and the Mailed Fist. He explains that the Fist is good for learning how to follow orders and be a part of a team. The WLA is good for learning how to be a hero! You can tell that the little guy is far more interested in the latter.

=====

Tendel's referring to Bliss as Mookie's "pet" prompts a guffaw -- or more like a guffCAW -- from Mookie. Bliss is a bit more indignant. "Hey!" he says. "I'm not a pet!"

"He's just pulling your chain, Kid," explains Mookie. "Oh, okay, ha!" says Bliss. "Good one!"

=====

Bliss listens carefully to Tendel's story. He is especially interested to hear that Maab cares for plants and animals. "Does that mean birds, too?" he asks.

Dm Shawn - The Orphanage 
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 6:27:04 PM
Bliss wants to do an overnight trek to Angel Springs or scout for giants. Mookie doesnt seem to care for Graeff.

Shel is a little warmer with her reactions to Tendel. A little get to know you ensues.

Pressi gives it to Graeff and the man sits there and takes it. After a few seconds he puts his hand up, one finger to his lips, sshhing her.

" Pressi.. you as I, both know this is right up Murphys alley. A chance to meet secluded Druids in the woods? Druids no one in his family have met before? Think of the bragging rights he will have. Now I know your upset and I wont hold it against you. Why this priest? Because you just lost a powerful ally and need another to help you. "

Alleah quickly difuses the situation. She also tells Bliss Angel Springs sounds like a good idea.

Tendel replies to the intoriductions and intorduces his cat. He shares about his god, Which entices Bliss when he mentions he is over the animals.

Kezzem introduces himself and shares the name of the store he got his vest at.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The workers finally usher you guys out as they want to set up dinner for the children. Three paths are known, but many more are possible. To Angel Springs for Wla training, to scout, and for Pressi the mailed first recruiter.



Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 8:17:31 PM
Shel hadn't noticed the cat in the corner. "Oooo," she practically squeals, "can I pet her? She looks so pretty and regal. Onalep? I'll try to remember that! Does she like sausages? I'll steal her s couple from the Pig tonight if that's okay."

She thinks over things. "Yeah, Tendel, would you like to accompany us? Im already in the WLA, but I don't have enough gold left over to pay all my dues right now, so I'll let the others handle all of that stuff. I suppose we could go scout. I'm not very sneaky, but I could turn us invisble and let us Fly away if things get sideways."

Tendel 
Wednesday September 7th, 2016 8:59:08 PM
Onalep is as playful as a kitten with all this sudden attention. "I think she will enjoy the sausages, Shel. Have you ever seen a trained hawk swoop down to catch food as its master swings it on a rope? Onalep enjoys that too. You're welcome to try it with her."

"I'm not particularly sneaky myself, I usually call on the assistance of an animal or bird to do that for me. However, I am aid you, especially with an escape route already planned," and he chuckles to acknowledge the good plan. He scoops up his cloak and pack, and carefully cradles the potted fern. "Off we go then...?"

[ooc]I've heard that the original word, something like yaguaro, meant "kills with one leap" (hence Oneleap contracted to Onalep) but I can't find that under Jaguar in wikipedia, only Trivia-based websites...

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 23*/15*/19* -- CMD 15 -- HP 43/45 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 4:12:00 AM
"I've got to pick up a few more things from the Catacombs. Shall we meet back at the house in a few hours? I'd really like to get some more WLA training under my belt before we come across any giants"

Alleah will politely excuse herself, and head to the CC for a few last minute items.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 10:01:38 AM
Pressi gives Graeff and Tendel the usual non-committal grunt that the rest of the team knows means "you win."

"Well, then it is a pleasure to meet you and your... friend, I suppose." Pressi replied to Tendel. She quickly briefs Tendel on the tower's fall, their last mission, and on how they seem to be in some sort of holding and training pattern for the moment.

As for what to do now, Pressi supposes that she can participate in the scouting as well, though she wants to get to bed early. Her plan is to try to meet the Mailed Fist recruiter before Bliss and Co leave, and otherwise meet everyone at Angel Springs.

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 10:51:32 AM

"Well, it is not very heroic to high-tail it off just before the invasion!" declares Bliss. "We just gotta know if the giants are coming anytime soon. We gotta scout before we take off."

Bliss proceeds with his scouting plan. He on the ground stealthy like, Mookie high in the air, both keeping their eyes open. He does not engage at all! His goal is to get information and to get back.

Bliss welcomes Pressi on the scouting trip. He is curious if she can keep up with his speed (40) and how sneaky she is. "Come on, Miss Pressi! Time's a-wastin' !"

He tells her more about the Mailed Fist, but once they get out past the broken tower, he keeps super quiet.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 2:09:01 PM
In answer to Bliss' question, Pressi responds that she normally has slightly lower speed (30). She can have speed (40) for an hour in elf form, trading some stealth for speed, darkvision, etc. and she has some ki to boost her speed for a couple of rounds. But for the most part, she admits to still being slower.

(Next level will be her monk level. She will have Bliss speed then.)

As to the Mailed Fist/WLA, she wonders if Bliss has a recommendation. More specifically, she wonders why Bliss left.

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 6:22:08 PM
"Oh no, Tendel. I couldnt feed her a live hawk on a rope! That'd be barbaric, I think. I'll stick with the sausages, I think."

Shel waits around while the others go through their training. She decided to go spend a bit of time with Hazel and Alouryn and see how they had been getting along. "Long time no see, guys," she says as she gives them great big hugs. She tells them everything about her recent travels, including those details hat the group might have excluded to the rest of the town to not worry them.

Dm Shawn - The Tussle 
Thursday September 8th, 2016 8:28:03 PM
Bliss and Pressi go on a scouting mission, but nothing comes of it. No sight of giants, not even a campfire. Every once in a while some tracks can be seen, but the giants must nlt be pushing this far down.

Alleah decides she needs to revisit the catacombs before heading out.

Shel visits Hazel and Alouryn with her time.

Tendel is still getting aclimated and his jaugar loves the attention.

Everyone scatters to different tasks.. and it is uneventful. Those who train.. train, scout.. scout and shop... shop. (Ooc: Dont want to get bogged down with training posts.. but take the appropriate time you need. In Pressis case she can still meet with the mailed fist representive if she doesnt go wla.)

One everyone makes it back to Humble's ford, and decides to relax... trouble finds them. A young halfling man comes running... mud covering his clothes. He finds you at the Burrow and yells... " Humbles sword... quick we need you. The mayors and burgomeister call for you... a problem with the dwarves. " he gives enough time for you to get your preparations before leading you back to the gate..

The shouting can be heard from down the block...

" You stupid fat halfling... if you listened to us you'd have your men. " Rockcracker yells at the Burgomeister.

"Shut your mouth you bearded gnome" the burgomeister yells back. " we lost ours.. not you."

Graeff, seeing you approach, clues you in. " Before you arrived in town a few days ago... a scouting party was attacked north of Humbles.. some halflings died, some were taken in nets. The dwarved managed to escape. "

" Its been simmering under the surface. The dwarves angry for being called cowards. The halflings angry for their losses.. it all came to a head when a scout didn't check in. The halflings are angry and aggresive the dwarves are threatening to leave."

"


Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20; Hero Points: 2  d20+5=22 ;
Friday September 9th, 2016 1:16:49 AM
"Dwarves, halflings, citizens, lend me your ears. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of halflings fails, when we forsake our dwarven friends, and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day! Now, you’ve seen how bad things can get and how quickly they can get that way. Well, they can get a whole lot worse. So, we’re not gonna fight anymore."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57  d20+9=16 ;
Friday September 9th, 2016 8:42:32 AM
Alleah completes her training at the WLA, incurring a few cuts and scrapes along the way. She wears thme proudly like a badge of honor. By the end she feels much stronger for it.

On seeing (and hearing) the arguments and insults flying, she shakes her head. "More infighting. These guys never learn"

She nods along to what Kezzem has said, and then tries to help "There are still halflings out there who have been captured. It's possible they might still be alive. Have any plans been made for a rescue, or should we keep fighting amongst ourselves for a little longer?"

------------------------
Aid another diplomacy: 16

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25  d20+6=20 ;
Friday September 9th, 2016 11:20:25 AM
Pressi comes back from the Mailed Fist representative, a Specialist 1 badge in hand (couldn't afford L2, maybe next level) when the commotion occurs.

Pressi shakes her head. "You know what we need. We need to find somehow a halfling that actually can act like a dwarf. Someone surly, stubborn, who appreciates melee fighting skills and grim determination in all tasks. Someone who will insult you upon first meeting you, because they will stand and fight to protect you no matter how much damage you're taking, and someone who drinks a lot at night probably too. What would a halfling like that even be like?"

"I think we need to separate them out and calm them down. I'll try to find something in common with the dwarves. Someone else should focus on burgeo man or Graeff."

"And I think it's time we started building defenses here if they are coming closer. Not just traps but tunnels, perches, ropes - anything that will let us attack from some defense and then retreat, and preferably anything that forces them to squeeze and move slowly. Like we were kobolds from that one town... Tucker, I think? I mean, with fewer casualties and less incapacitated killings, but still..."

Diplomacy to calm down the dwarves specifically: 20. She tells them that clearly nobody thinks they are cowards, points to how it's their home and people (how would dwarves feel in their shoes), and insists that they have to be the bigger people (yes, I went there).

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday September 9th, 2016 2:06:02 PM

In a free moment, Bliss explains to Pressi that he was happy in the Fist because he didn't know any better and because his friends were the best! But Lord Gargul asked him to go to Crescent Valley, and he met Alleah along the way, and then others, so maybe it is all for the best, despite Gargul's being a jerk and all.

And now he has heard of the WLA, and he wants to be a real hero, like his mom, who was also in the WLA. "They had different badges back then, though, right, Mookie?"

"Yeah, Kid, they looked like forks with the handles and some of the prongs busted off. I guess they figured they could make 'em cheap out of garbage cutlery."

"Mookie!" declares Bliss, "that's not true!"

"Okay, Kid, you got me." He winks at Pressi when Bliss is not looking.

===== =====

Once back from scouting and training and shopping, Bliss watches the unravelling scene with his mouth hanging open.

"YOU GUYS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE THAT!" he shouts.

Tendel 
Friday September 9th, 2016 5:58:46 PM
Tendel stays quiet for the moment, a little shocked by the commotion.

Dm Shawn - The Tussle 
Friday September 9th, 2016 9:14:36 PM
People in the vicinity turn to look at Kezzem. Visible scowls can be seen on a few. He is not helping the situation.

Alleah comes to his aid and helps a little but the situation is tense. One of the halfling scouts turns to Alleah. "They were taken before you came back from Bright Springs. "

Pressi's suggestion of trap building does calm the dwarves some. " yeah.. " rockcracker mumbles. " thats not a bad idea."

Bliss cuts some.more.of the tension when he shouts. Everyone turns and looks at him.

Tendel stays quiet.

The tension seems to quiet down... thw dwarves like the ideas of traps. The halflings like the idea of the swarves staying. Not everything is fixed.. but it seems less tense.

A young halfling girl comes up to the group.

" Humbles Swaard" she squeaks out. " I have a wettah for you. " she hands the rolled parchment to you and stands by waiting for a tip.

The letter is adressed to the Sword from Priest of Flower Sarabella Lovesong requesting your immediate presense at the temple.

Xp 200 each, except Tendel.



Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Friday September 9th, 2016 9:20:58 PM
Shel wanted to yell at everyone for continuing to argue amongst themselves. About the time she got rely to open her mouth, the letter showed up. "I've not seen Sarabella in quite a while. If she needs something, we should help her out. She's quite a wonderful lady."

She calls out over her shoulder at the bickering halflings and dwarves. "Put together a plan. We need to know where they were taken, what number of forces took them, and we will be back directly to figure out a way to go look for any survivors."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20  d8=7 ;
Saturday September 10th, 2016 1:54:56 AM
Header Update

----

Bardic Performance 5 rounds/day: 0 used
Bard Spells Known (1st level, 2/day): 0 used
Hero Points: 2



Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51 
Saturday September 10th, 2016 8:47:00 PM
Tendel is keen to meet the Priest of Flower, and says so openly. He cradles the potted fern under one arm and Onalep follows with her nose exploring everything along the way like a little puppy.

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 
Saturday September 10th, 2016 10:54:25 PM
Alleah has heard the others talk about the Priest of Flower on many occasion, but has never met her personally. It might have to do with the Temple of Ffloy taking over the Temple of Flower, and Alleah getting along with the Ffloy priests.

"Well, can't avoid this forever. Besides, everyone says she's nice. What's the worst that could happen?"

Alleah smiles politely to the dwarves and halfling committee, and silently makes for the door.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Sunday September 11th, 2016 1:18:59 PM
"Sarabella Lovesong..." Pressi whispered to herself. "Well, I certainly wouldn't wish to keep... why does that name seem so familiar."

Pressi flipped through the archives that Murphy had left her, trying to read through his copious notes. "I just feel like there's something... You know what. I'm sure if it was important, one of us would have remembered." (OOC: Kim emailed me to remind me that she is in the records. Vol. 4, Chapter 1.)

"Ok, off we go."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20  d20+5=12 ;
Sunday September 11th, 2016 2:26:52 PM
Kezzem holds is breath and thinks really hard about the name Sarabella Lovesong.

Knowledge (local): 12.

"Oooh, pretty lights," says Kezzem. "Can you see them?"

He casts dancing lights.

"How about now?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Monday September 12th, 2016 9:30:46 AM
"Wait, am I the only non-caster left?" Pressi asked.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20 
Monday September 12th, 2016 12:03:09 PM
Kezzem shrugs. "Just do what I did. I told the gods I could cast magic and they believed me."

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday September 12th, 2016 1:02:46 PM

When Pressi wonders if she is the only caster left, Bliss says to her, "It's okay, Miss Pressi! I've been training so I can be a 'front-line tank' just like you! Next time there's a fight, I'll come to battle 'toe-to-toe,' like heroes do!" He seems proud and pleased at learning 'hero lingo' at the WLA chapter house.

Mookie hides his head under his wing.

"Yeah, me and Mookie both," adds Bliss.

Is it possible that Bliss seems shorter than ever? Even with that new green hat he's wearing and those new green boots, he's definitely shorter than his former 1.5 ft height. If you can make a Perception check at DC27 -- with a +8 on your check because you are Bliss's close friend -- then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Yup! Bliss is using some kind of magical illusionary disguise to seem even shorter!}

=====

Bliss gives the halfling girl a handful of gold coins and says, "Thank you for delivering the message." [removing 5 gp from my sheet.]

He reads that all of us have been invited to a temple and awarded 200 xp, except for Tendel. "It is okay, Papa Tendel," says Bliss. "I'll share my xp with you. Whatever that is. And some for your kitty too."

===== ===== =====

Bliss makes sure his clothes are neat and clean when the party goes to visit the priestess. He puts his WLA badge on his left side, over his heart, and his Mailed Fist medal on the right. "Heroes are always neat and clean," he recites, as if from the Hero Code.

"And polite!" he adds as they begin their visit with the priestess of Flower.

Dm Shawn - The Tussle 
Monday September 12th, 2016 7:36:26 PM
The little girl goes light headed when handed in her eyes, all the money in the world.

Headed over to the temple is a quick treck and getting away from the bickering is a godsend.

The temple is light on people and a quick look lets Aleah know her gods holy symbol is still displayed.

A quiet voices calls to you from one of the pews.. " Friends, come sit..." the voice of Sarabella Lovesong.

" it is good to see you again.. it has been far too long. You know with my death and all. " she says the last part with a little snicker. " my death wasn't meant to be and Flower needed me. There is some real bad mojo out there. "

She looks around at the church as if just noticing. " i petitoned for our church to be represented here. "

She looks at her feet for a second before going on.... in the darkness I had a vision. I saw two wolves. And the two wolves tore at each others throats.. they ripped each other apart until there was one left. And then that wolf hunted and killed the animals in the forest. I don't know what it meant.. but when I woke up I saw your faces."


Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Monday September 12th, 2016 9:11:29 PM
"Hi again, Sara! It's good to see you got better! How long have you been better? Did it hurt, you know, the dying part? Anyway, I'm glad you are back to help the town. Of course we'd be happy to help investigate. Could you think of anything else you saw? Were the wolves in the forest, were they here in the Ford, or could you tell?"

Shel makes sure to introduce her friends to the priestess.

Tendel (Robert) AC 27, hp 65 & Onalep: AC 18, hp 51  d20+15=33 ;
Monday September 12th, 2016 9:38:54 PM
After introducing himself to Sarabella politely and respectfully Tendel listens carefully to the words and inflections of Sarabella's speech, and her reply to questions from the others, in an attempt to make further or deeper interpretation of her dream.

Sense Motive(?) 33

Onalep waits quietly outside, guarding the potted fern, Bill.


Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 6:24:29 AM
Alleah nods along, respectful of Sarabella.

Wolves hunt other animals. It's a part of nature. Maybe her dream was a good thing? A sign that nature will prevail?

"Knowing our luck that won't be the case though" Alleah laments.

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 8:36:24 AM

Bliss bows and introduces himself to the priestess. Then he hops up on a pew, as invited.

"Miss Sarabell," says Bliss, "I hope you are doing okay after, um, dying. I was awful sad and lonely for a long time, when I died, I mean. Then my mom saved me, and got in trouble with Master Gargul for it." Bliss tries to not let his anger show.

"Most dead people have an easier time of it, though, I hear."

Mookie nudges Bliss and whispers, "Kid! This is not a good way to make an introduction! Nobody wants to hear about the time you died."

Bliss looks a little more than somewhat embarrassed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 9:27:56 AM
"A rather disturbing image, I imagine," Pressi began slowly, "but I think we're taking things a bit too literally. It could be a metaphor for how halflings and dwarves are currently fighting for who gets to wage all out war against the giants. Or it could mean that it's time to lay off that last dessert.

"Most likely, it means sex. But that's true of all dreams, really."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 65/65, CMD 20 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 11:45:17 AM
"Yeah, howzabout we go back to the part where you're supposed to be dead," says Kezzem. "What's that all about?"

Dm Shawn - The Tussle 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 2:43:18 PM
To Shel the priestess replies. " Days.. only a few. The gate guards had a shock seeing me coming towards them.

As for the dream.. it was in the woods. The living wolf was the new ruler of the woods."

Tendel tries to help come up with a meeting but nothing comes to mind. The dream could have many interpretations."

Alleah hopes for a good outcome from the dream but she knows their luck.

Bliss hops up and talks to Sarabella about the time he died. If she should have been shocked it doesnt show. After all she just did the same thing herself.

" Your right, Master Gargul doesnt like it to much when it happens.. but maybe the gods need us to come back for the greater good. I respect Gargul, but he isnt the only corect option. "

" Pressi is right. It could mean anything really, but I dont believe that. The dream, me coming back and this whole situationwith the giants makes me feel it means something more."

" I dont know Kezzem, it is a mystery to me as much as you. I was killed by a murderer... an assassin actually. I dont know the reasons or the whys.. it just happened."

" Look, I have no idea what this is about. It literally could mean anything. Are you the wolf, am I, are the giants or the dwarves. Its a mystery. All i do know is this is going to get bad. What if the wolf killd some of you, or kills everyone.I dont know. Just please be safe. You might not be as lucky as Bliss and I."

Shel Gerald--AC 18/16/14--CMD 17--HP 51/51 
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 9:05:17 PM
Shel nods at the warning. "Much appreciated. We will definitely be careful. Or as careful as you can be when a mass of giants are headed to your town to try and destroy it. If you have any extra healing supplies, we could probably use them. Big'uns hit really hard, as we've found out."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 58, CMD 25  d20+5=21 ;
Tuesday September 13th, 2016 10:30:11 PM
Pressi frowned at the "ruler of the woods" part, trying to remember if childhood stories rang a bell (Know Religion or Local 21). "And you just... kind of knew? DId our wolf have a title? Any jewelry or followers?"

Pressi did have one more thought, her hand gliding towards her silver nunchaku. "We do appreciate the heads up, but honestly we came here because we thought you would have more answers than riddles. I'm not even sure what we're supposed to be doing anymore."

Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 57/57 
Wednesday September 14th, 2016 8:48:27 AM
Alleah glances about the temple, just checking if anyone else is paying attention to the discussion, before asking Sarabella a question...

"When did you have these visions? They may relate to events that have already transpired rather than events yet to occur.

Regardless, thankyou for the warning"

Bliss (AC27, HP47of47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday September 14th, 2016 12:57:41 PM

"Well," says Bliss confidently, "part of a heroes job is to figure out what needs to be done. So that means, well, here's a list!"

"First, talk to the second breakfast club and get a straight answer out of them: Can the Tower be fixed, and if so, how and by who? If so, do we need some giant essence, and do we have any, and can we get some from our pal the gold bandana giant?"

"Second, make sure that the town defenses are in place and the dwarves are not fighting the halflings."

"Third, keep scouting so we will not be surprised."

"Anyone else got any ideas?"

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